Flexible rubber retaining net for light-weight items

Abstract

A flexible, rubber-like restraining net ( 6 ) comprised of a plurality of communicating cords ( 8 ) spaced to form a plurality of apertures ( 10 ) to allow the passage of water or gas. Said cords ( 8 ) drape over and contact items ( 14, 16, 18 ) within a rack ( 12 ) so as to prevent dislocation during the application of force. In addition, said cords ( 8 ) may contain textures ( 20, 22, 24, 26 ) that increase friction with said restrained items ( 14, 16, 18 ).

1 . A device for restraining items within a dishwasher comprising a net of material having a plurality of communicating cords, the improvement wherein said net requires no attachment to said dishwasher.  
   
   
       2 . The net of  claim 1  wherein the apertures formed by said cords allows the passage of water and gas.  
   
   
       3 . The net of  claim 1  wherein the apertures formed by said cords permits the passage of components of said dishwasher.  
   
   
       4 . The net of  claim 1  wherein said cords are flexible.  
   
   
       5 . The net of  claim 1  wherein the said cords are composed of silicone.  
   
   
       6 . The net of  claim 1  wherein the said cords are composed of a plurality of materials.  
   
   
       7 . The net of  claim 1  wherein said cords have surface features that enhance friction.  
   
   
       8 . The net of  claim 1  wherein said cords have surface features that enhance water drainage.  
   
   
       9 . A method of restraining items, comprising: 
 (a) providing a net of communicating cords comprised of a flexible material, having said cords spaced to allow the passage of water and gas,    (b) placing said items into a rack,    (c) placing said net onto said items so that it drapes over and contacts said items,    whereby said net restrains the vertical displacement of said items upon exposure to forces imparted from liquid and/or gas.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said cords are composed of silicone.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the surface of said cords is textured to enhance friction.