US Patent 8347902 Lever handle mechanism for a dishwasher

A dishwasher includes a tub, a door coupled to the tub, and a hand lever coupled to the door. The tub has an access opening that permits access to a washing chamber defined therein. The door has a closed position in which access to the washing chamber is prevented. When the door is positioned in the closed position, the rotation of the lever in a first direction about a laterally extending axis advances the lever into contact with the tub such that the door is urged away from the tub.