CA2031533A1 - Beverage dispenser with interconnected synthetic resin exterior panels - Google Patents
Beverage dispenser with interconnected synthetic resin exterior panelsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2031533A1 CA2031533A1 CA002031533A CA2031533A CA2031533A1 CA 2031533 A1 CA2031533 A1 CA 2031533A1 CA 002031533 A CA002031533 A CA 002031533A CA 2031533 A CA2031533 A CA 2031533A CA 2031533 A1 CA2031533 A1 CA 2031533A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panels
- integrally formed
- water
- beverage dispenser
- vertical panels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
- B67B1/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying stoppers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/06—Mountings or arrangements of dispensing apparatus in or on shop or bar counters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
- B67D2210/00031—Housing
- B67D2210/00039—Panels
Abstract
The invention relates to beverage dispensing apparatus adapted to support a readily replacable drinking water container. The prior art dispensers, which were typically constructed of sheet metal, were limited in cost effective exterior configurations, expensive, and required maintenance. The invention solves these problems by providing a dispensing apparatus constructed of synthetic resin, load-bearing vertical panels that are readily assembled.
Load-bearing, synthetic resin vertical panels (33-35) and horizontal top (32) are integrally formed with cooperative, interlocking fasteners (34A-35G) which hold the panels and top in edgewise abutment with one another. The front (33) and opposing side (34) vertical panels are adapted for use on both room temperature and chilled water dispensers. The room temperature dispenser is additionally provided with a rear vertical panel (35), and the chilled water dispenser employs a pair of laterally spaced apart rear corner panels. The panels are molded to support a water reservoir (36) therein.
Load-bearing, synthetic resin vertical panels (33-35) and horizontal top (32) are integrally formed with cooperative, interlocking fasteners (34A-35G) which hold the panels and top in edgewise abutment with one another. The front (33) and opposing side (34) vertical panels are adapted for use on both room temperature and chilled water dispensers. The room temperature dispenser is additionally provided with a rear vertical panel (35), and the chilled water dispenser employs a pair of laterally spaced apart rear corner panels. The panels are molded to support a water reservoir (36) therein.
Description
( VO90/12752 ~- 2; 0 3L ., 5 PCT/USgo/02278 Tii~le of In~ention: Beverage Dispenser With Interconnected Synthetic Resin E~terior Panels Ba~kqrQun~ Qf the.InventiQn:
The,present invention relates to beverage dispensing - - . :
apparatus adapted to support a readily replaceable drinking water container, and more particularly to the construction of exterior portions of and internal water reservoirs for such apparatus.
Typically, room temp2rature and chilled water dispensers .
are adapted to support either a three, five or si~ gallon ~ : : . ~ - . .
bottle of water in inverted fashion at the top thereof. Five gallons of water wei~h slightly above 41.7 pounds. Fr~quently a full bottle is literally dropped into place on the - :
dispenser/cooler because it weighs too mluch ~or the handler to hold it any longer~ Thus, it is estremely important to;provide a sturdy structure. .
In the past, bottled water dispensers and coolers have been provided with relatiYely thin, sheet metal e~terior vertical panels secured to a fr~me,structure. Typically, the top panel ha~ been molded or okherwise formed from synthetie resin material i~to a relativ~ly thin,cap which is supported by the frame, either;directly,or via upper.portions o~ the vertical metal pansils.
.. .. .. .. .... . .. !
- ' ' ': " ' : ' :; ' , " ~ `, , : ~
WO9~ 752 2 0 3 1 5 3 3 PCT/US90/02278 ~
The closest prior art known to the inventors are U.S.
Patent Nos. Des. 228,684 and Des. 228,685 owned by the present inventors' assignee. While each of the r~frigerated and room temperature drinking water dispensers disclosed in the cited referencPs has enjoyed substantial commercial success, there are limitations inherent in their construction. In particular, the sheet metal e~terior panels effectively narrowefl the range :. .. ~ ... .
of cost effective e~terior configurations for the dispensers, since the costs of purchasing the stock metal required for the support members and the e~terior panels, forming the desired shapes, and finishing the metal members have increased drastically over the years. In addition, a common practice in the trade is to lease the dispensers to end users and, upon their retuxn, to strip and repaint the exterior metal panels.
This process has become troublesome because of the sharply escalating costs of labor and comp1iance with env?ironmental protection and worker safety laws. Finally, there was a desire to provide a new iàppearancè to thè olde`r dispengers, as wèli as , , ... ... ... . .. ~ -thosè newly manùfac~ured. Accordingly, the poss1bility of substituting or usin~ synthetic resin panels, instead of metal .. .. .... . .
é~terior panels, occurred to the inventors.
While the use of nonmetallic e~teriox panels on various ~ ? ~ ?~ ? ~?, , j .;~ , ?~? '~; . ? ~ . .~ t t~
other appli2n~es unrelated to drinking water dispensers was. -generally known, thes~ earlier plastic pan~ls were considered to be too weak to permit elimination of th~ metal support `
3; . J ._ ~ 3 li J , " ~ ~: jJ 't !,. . ~ , ; ? . ~ -f ~ ' ~
members in at least a basic room temperature drinking`water~
~ 3 :; ' ' ,, ' ' .,, . ,: " . : . , ' ~ '.
.: ~ . ~ ' : ,.. :.
,' 2~3~i33 -<!O90tl2752 3 PCT/US90/02278 dispenser, too expensi~e to assemble into such a device, and impossi~le to retrofit onto e~isting dispensers. Thus the present inventors were faced with the problems of creating sturdy, attractive and economical exterior panels, eliminating or at least reducing the amount of metal employed in the dispens~r, making such panels suitable for use either on a room temperature drinking water dispenser or on one equipped with water chilling equipment and other accessories, and designing panels that could be employed on earlier dispenser models.
Summar~ and Qbiects of_~he Inv~ntio~:
The present invention represents an improvement in a free-standing be~erage dispenser adapted to support ~ readily replaceable container of drinking water, which container and water define a load. The subject-improvement basically comprises an integrally formed, generally horizontal top; a set of integrally formed, generally vertical panels, each of which is capable of bearing at least a portion of the load: anas.~ m.
interlockin~ ~astenexs integrally formed on the vertical p`anels for releasably holding the panels in edgewise abutment with one another. Pre~erably, the fasteners~are-sufficiently strong to tra~sfer a~`portion ofithe load between the panels.
One of the objeGts of the present invention is to~provide.~a -room temperaturë^:water~dispénser capable of-carrying~a a.~
relati~ely heavy load o:^drinking wi~er wi~hou~-employing`a support frame or metal esterior panels. Another obj~ct is-to ..
: . . .. .. ,, . .. : , .. ,: ~ , 2~3:~533 ``
provide a beverage dispenser with attractive?, synthetic resin, load-bearing vertical panels that are readily assembled and integrally formed with interlocking, load-distributing fasteners. A further object is to provide a chilled water dispenser that employs the same top, front and side panels as are employed on the room temperature dispenser. Yet another object is to provide a top and a set of v~rtical panels that may be easily substituted for the metal panels on an older dispenser, thereby modernizing its appearance and substantially eliminating the need for stripping and repainting. Further objects and advantages of the pre~ent i~ve~tion may be more . .
readily understood and appreciated in light of the following drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.
: : ., ; , . .
~rief DesGrip~ion of_~hQ ~ win~
Fig. 1 is a perspectiv~e view of a basic, room temperature bottled drinking water dispenser according to the present i~vention;~
Fig., 2 is"a ~ront elevational view of-the subject water dispenser; ~-,,~: ,, , -. ,, ,;. , ~ ., ,-: Fig.-3 is,, a side eleYational ~view of the~same;
Fig. 4 is a top plan vi~w of the ~ubject.bot~led~,water,, disp~nse.r;;, ~ rr~ l ~5 - ~ J ~ i~' . i a '.; .~ 5 . ~ . .t ,~ r~' Fig.~S is .,a rear ,elev.atlonal !view;of,the ~sub ject,dispen,ser;
,Fig. 6~is.a bot~om plan,vl,ew of ~he-?same, ~tr ~
.....
" , :, , :. .-: :
`;
~3~ ~33 ,V~9Ot12752 ~5 '. .',.~ CT/US90/02278 Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of a chilled water dispPnser according to the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the subject chilled water dispenser;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged top plan view of the room temperature water dispenser shown in Figs. 1-6 with the top removed;
.Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken.along line 10-10 of Fig. 2 and particularly illustrates preferred configurations of the front and rear vertical panels, the horizontal top, and the reservoir of the present room :
temperature water dispenser;
Fis. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along.line 11-11 of Fig. 3 and.particularly illustrates a preferred manner,in which the interlocking fasteners releasably hold the vertical panels together;
Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the present room temperature water dispenser ~ho~n in Figs. 1-6 and 9-11;
~ .Fig.~13~is an enlarged, fragmentary ~Yertical sectional view taken along..line 13-13 of Fig. 4 and particularly il?ustrates a preferred manner in,which the cooperaStive fasteners releasably, hold the.top.panel;"and~front.panel together; , .,,~ .,'", ia Fi~.~14:,is an.e~ploded view.~of the,present chi,lled~water ~, dispenser~shown:~in Figs- 7 a~d 8;~ '`.?"`~ .`tO ~t Fig. 15-~ an,enlarged-vertical,sectional view,of ,the;.fr;ont panel takentalong one-side.thereof~and particularly~,,il;lustra,tes the keyways,and~nub-rec~iving notches formed therein; 7 ~ ~ , .
. : . . -- ' ' :: :
WO90/12752 2 ~ 3 ~ ~ ~3~'' ' "`' PCT/U~90/02278' Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertieal sect:ional view of one of the rear corner panel members of the present ehilled water dispenser;
Fig. 17 is an enlarged fraymentary view which particularly illustrates the panel-positioning nub projecting laterally from one of the sid~ panels;
Fig.`18 is an enlarged fragmentary view which particularly illustrates the fastening prongs projecting from the drip pan.
. .
De~aile~ ~escriP~iQn of ~he PrQf~r.red ~mbodiment: ' As best indicated in Figs. 1, 10 and'12, a basic,-free-standing room~température drinking water dispenser, ' ~' generally designated 30, according to the present invention is ada`pted to recèive a readily repia~eable container 31 of drinking water. The3 present dispenser basically comprises an integrally formed, generally horizontally disposed-top 32; a set of integrally formed, load-bearing, generally'vertically-dispQsed'front, side and''rea'r':"p'anels 33'`,~ 34~;35~, 'respëctively;
and a plurality of-cooperative,'interloeking fastener~ 32A, ~
33A-B', 34A and 35A-B'integrally'fo'rmed on the top'3~, front 33, side 34 and rear 35 panëls','resp'e~tively,:'~or-releasably ';~
~ r. ~
holding`the~top a~d'vertical p'anêls'i'n'edge'w`ise abutment~with one another. An integrally formé'd:'reservoir 36 i~ housed.~ 'f~
'wit~'in'and`'suppor~ed~by'~the pànels'~33-35~rl~Pre~eribl~,.no~ 3 'support"~frame i's`provided i~ ~è:bàsic,^room temperature water dlspenser'30.'~An oùtiët vàlve'`or~faùGet~37''~and~-a:drip~pan 38:;
. ., . . .. . ... . . . I
The,present invention relates to beverage dispensing - - . :
apparatus adapted to support a readily replaceable drinking water container, and more particularly to the construction of exterior portions of and internal water reservoirs for such apparatus.
Typically, room temp2rature and chilled water dispensers .
are adapted to support either a three, five or si~ gallon ~ : : . ~ - . .
bottle of water in inverted fashion at the top thereof. Five gallons of water wei~h slightly above 41.7 pounds. Fr~quently a full bottle is literally dropped into place on the - :
dispenser/cooler because it weighs too mluch ~or the handler to hold it any longer~ Thus, it is estremely important to;provide a sturdy structure. .
In the past, bottled water dispensers and coolers have been provided with relatiYely thin, sheet metal e~terior vertical panels secured to a fr~me,structure. Typically, the top panel ha~ been molded or okherwise formed from synthetie resin material i~to a relativ~ly thin,cap which is supported by the frame, either;directly,or via upper.portions o~ the vertical metal pansils.
.. .. .. .. .... . .. !
- ' ' ': " ' : ' :; ' , " ~ `, , : ~
WO9~ 752 2 0 3 1 5 3 3 PCT/US90/02278 ~
The closest prior art known to the inventors are U.S.
Patent Nos. Des. 228,684 and Des. 228,685 owned by the present inventors' assignee. While each of the r~frigerated and room temperature drinking water dispensers disclosed in the cited referencPs has enjoyed substantial commercial success, there are limitations inherent in their construction. In particular, the sheet metal e~terior panels effectively narrowefl the range :. .. ~ ... .
of cost effective e~terior configurations for the dispensers, since the costs of purchasing the stock metal required for the support members and the e~terior panels, forming the desired shapes, and finishing the metal members have increased drastically over the years. In addition, a common practice in the trade is to lease the dispensers to end users and, upon their retuxn, to strip and repaint the exterior metal panels.
This process has become troublesome because of the sharply escalating costs of labor and comp1iance with env?ironmental protection and worker safety laws. Finally, there was a desire to provide a new iàppearancè to thè olde`r dispengers, as wèli as , , ... ... ... . .. ~ -thosè newly manùfac~ured. Accordingly, the poss1bility of substituting or usin~ synthetic resin panels, instead of metal .. .. .... . .
é~terior panels, occurred to the inventors.
While the use of nonmetallic e~teriox panels on various ~ ? ~ ?~ ? ~?, , j .;~ , ?~? '~; . ? ~ . .~ t t~
other appli2n~es unrelated to drinking water dispensers was. -generally known, thes~ earlier plastic pan~ls were considered to be too weak to permit elimination of th~ metal support `
3; . J ._ ~ 3 li J , " ~ ~: jJ 't !,. . ~ , ; ? . ~ -f ~ ' ~
members in at least a basic room temperature drinking`water~
~ 3 :; ' ' ,, ' ' .,, . ,: " . : . , ' ~ '.
.: ~ . ~ ' : ,.. :.
,' 2~3~i33 -<!O90tl2752 3 PCT/US90/02278 dispenser, too expensi~e to assemble into such a device, and impossi~le to retrofit onto e~isting dispensers. Thus the present inventors were faced with the problems of creating sturdy, attractive and economical exterior panels, eliminating or at least reducing the amount of metal employed in the dispens~r, making such panels suitable for use either on a room temperature drinking water dispenser or on one equipped with water chilling equipment and other accessories, and designing panels that could be employed on earlier dispenser models.
Summar~ and Qbiects of_~he Inv~ntio~:
The present invention represents an improvement in a free-standing be~erage dispenser adapted to support ~ readily replaceable container of drinking water, which container and water define a load. The subject-improvement basically comprises an integrally formed, generally horizontal top; a set of integrally formed, generally vertical panels, each of which is capable of bearing at least a portion of the load: anas.~ m.
interlockin~ ~astenexs integrally formed on the vertical p`anels for releasably holding the panels in edgewise abutment with one another. Pre~erably, the fasteners~are-sufficiently strong to tra~sfer a~`portion ofithe load between the panels.
One of the objeGts of the present invention is to~provide.~a -room temperaturë^:water~dispénser capable of-carrying~a a.~
relati~ely heavy load o:^drinking wi~er wi~hou~-employing`a support frame or metal esterior panels. Another obj~ct is-to ..
: . . .. .. ,, . .. : , .. ,: ~ , 2~3:~533 ``
provide a beverage dispenser with attractive?, synthetic resin, load-bearing vertical panels that are readily assembled and integrally formed with interlocking, load-distributing fasteners. A further object is to provide a chilled water dispenser that employs the same top, front and side panels as are employed on the room temperature dispenser. Yet another object is to provide a top and a set of v~rtical panels that may be easily substituted for the metal panels on an older dispenser, thereby modernizing its appearance and substantially eliminating the need for stripping and repainting. Further objects and advantages of the pre~ent i~ve~tion may be more . .
readily understood and appreciated in light of the following drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.
: : ., ; , . .
~rief DesGrip~ion of_~hQ ~ win~
Fig. 1 is a perspectiv~e view of a basic, room temperature bottled drinking water dispenser according to the present i~vention;~
Fig., 2 is"a ~ront elevational view of-the subject water dispenser; ~-,,~: ,, , -. ,, ,;. , ~ ., ,-: Fig.-3 is,, a side eleYational ~view of the~same;
Fig. 4 is a top plan vi~w of the ~ubject.bot~led~,water,, disp~nse.r;;, ~ rr~ l ~5 - ~ J ~ i~' . i a '.; .~ 5 . ~ . .t ,~ r~' Fig.~S is .,a rear ,elev.atlonal !view;of,the ~sub ject,dispen,ser;
,Fig. 6~is.a bot~om plan,vl,ew of ~he-?same, ~tr ~
.....
" , :, , :. .-: :
`;
~3~ ~33 ,V~9Ot12752 ~5 '. .',.~ CT/US90/02278 Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of a chilled water dispPnser according to the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the subject chilled water dispenser;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged top plan view of the room temperature water dispenser shown in Figs. 1-6 with the top removed;
.Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken.along line 10-10 of Fig. 2 and particularly illustrates preferred configurations of the front and rear vertical panels, the horizontal top, and the reservoir of the present room :
temperature water dispenser;
Fis. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along.line 11-11 of Fig. 3 and.particularly illustrates a preferred manner,in which the interlocking fasteners releasably hold the vertical panels together;
Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the present room temperature water dispenser ~ho~n in Figs. 1-6 and 9-11;
~ .Fig.~13~is an enlarged, fragmentary ~Yertical sectional view taken along..line 13-13 of Fig. 4 and particularly il?ustrates a preferred manner in,which the cooperaStive fasteners releasably, hold the.top.panel;"and~front.panel together; , .,,~ .,'", ia Fi~.~14:,is an.e~ploded view.~of the,present chi,lled~water ~, dispenser~shown:~in Figs- 7 a~d 8;~ '`.?"`~ .`tO ~t Fig. 15-~ an,enlarged-vertical,sectional view,of ,the;.fr;ont panel takentalong one-side.thereof~and particularly~,,il;lustra,tes the keyways,and~nub-rec~iving notches formed therein; 7 ~ ~ , .
. : . . -- ' ' :: :
WO90/12752 2 ~ 3 ~ ~ ~3~'' ' "`' PCT/U~90/02278' Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertieal sect:ional view of one of the rear corner panel members of the present ehilled water dispenser;
Fig. 17 is an enlarged fraymentary view which particularly illustrates the panel-positioning nub projecting laterally from one of the sid~ panels;
Fig.`18 is an enlarged fragmentary view which particularly illustrates the fastening prongs projecting from the drip pan.
. .
De~aile~ ~escriP~iQn of ~he PrQf~r.red ~mbodiment: ' As best indicated in Figs. 1, 10 and'12, a basic,-free-standing room~température drinking water dispenser, ' ~' generally designated 30, according to the present invention is ada`pted to recèive a readily repia~eable container 31 of drinking water. The3 present dispenser basically comprises an integrally formed, generally horizontally disposed-top 32; a set of integrally formed, load-bearing, generally'vertically-dispQsed'front, side and''rea'r':"p'anels 33'`,~ 34~;35~, 'respëctively;
and a plurality of-cooperative,'interloeking fastener~ 32A, ~
33A-B', 34A and 35A-B'integrally'fo'rmed on the top'3~, front 33, side 34 and rear 35 panëls','resp'e~tively,:'~or-releasably ';~
~ r. ~
holding`the~top a~d'vertical p'anêls'i'n'edge'w`ise abutment~with one another. An integrally formé'd:'reservoir 36 i~ housed.~ 'f~
'wit~'in'and`'suppor~ed~by'~the pànels'~33-35~rl~Pre~eribl~,.no~ 3 'support"~frame i's`provided i~ ~è:bàsic,^room temperature water dlspenser'30.'~An oùtiët vàlve'`or~faùGet~37''~and~-a:drip~pan 38:;
. ., . . .. . ... . . . I
3 ~ ~
.`^VO90/~2752 ;i~ j PCT/~S9~/02278 are provided on the front panel 33. The top, front, side, and rear panels are formed substantially entirely from synthetic resin material, for instance the NORY~ brand polypropylene o~ide of General Electric Company's Plastics Division, by molding, sizing and finishing processes currently practiced in the art. The outlet valve 37 is of conventional design.
As best indicated in Figs. 10 and 12, each of the front, side and rear vertical panels is provided, respectively, with an e~terior wall 33C, 34C, 35C and an interior wall 33D, 34D, 3SD disposed in spaced relation to the exterior wall at predetermined intervals. A~substantial amount of strength is incorporated into each of the vertical panels by providing a plurality of regularly spaced-apart reinforcing pockets 39 on the interior walls, whereby the interior and e~terior walls are joined together. In addition, the interior and exterior walls on each of the panels 33-35 are joined together along their.~..
peripheral edges by perimeter walls 33E, 34E, 35E, respectively.
;i With regard to specific.features of t,he~front wall ~3,~it.
may be noted particularly~in Figs. 10 and 12 that a relatively large recess-40 is-integrally formed in the exterior..and interior walls 33C, 33D ~or housi~g one or more of the outlet..
valves 37..and the drip pan ~8. .The.. nterior wall 33D.of the .
~ront..panel,.33 generally follows the contours of.the outer wall 33C in:~..Yariably~spaced relation~thereto. .Adv,antageously,~an upper portion of-the:inner-wall,33D as.it...turns inwardly to .~...
..definesthe,recess also-;serves.as~a.~ishelf.or support for~a front : , "" ' '. ' , - ,. ' ; ~ ' , ................. .
,,,, :, ~, ,.. : , .. . . .
.. ...
W~90/12752 2 ~ 3 1 ~ 3 ~ P~T/US90/02278: ~
protuberance 36A on the water reservoir 36. In appro~imately the upper half of the relatively flat back portion of the r cess 40, the interior and e~terior walls are joined ~ogether so that adequate space is provided for a lower front portion 36B of the reservoir and for a threaded stub 36C (Fig. 12) thereon to project outwardly from the front panel 33 and engage the outlet valve 37. Below the stub-receiving opening in the front panel recess 40, the interior and e~terior walls are -spaced slightly apart and are again joined together at the lower end of the recess adjacent to where the e~terior wall 33C
defines .3 shelf or support for the drip pan 38 (Fig. 15).
~elow the recess 40, thé front panel is provided with a plurality of reinforcing pockets 39 formed in the interior wall .s~
33D, and the front panel 33 terminates at its lower edge in a slightly inset base portion 41 having laterally spaced apart, ground engaging feet 42.
` The drip pan or receptacle 3~ is integrally ~ormed with:two relativëly spacèd:apàrt pàirs of prongs:43 tFigs. 12,:1~) which snap fit into op~nings g~ (Fig~. 12, 15) formed at the base of the front panel recess 40 where`the esterior and interior walls come toqether. Preferàbly, the~drip pan mày be ormed from the same materiàl a~ the`top andiverkical-panels, although other--i--plastits-{ar~-accèptàble~`'Thë drip pan includ~s i down=turned.
front lip~~5~and à plurali`~ o~~~`roùgh`s or channels~6-.for~
receiving e~cess or7spilled wa~er~from the~dispensing:valve ,~
i7.^ The~drip pan 38~is shaped to~conform to the:lower.:contours - - . . - ~ ... ... : .~ . . .. .
~311 ~3~.
90/127~2 9 ~ !"~ PCT/US90/02278 of the front panel recess 40 so that, upon installation, the lip 45 is ~ubstantially flush with and seated upon lower front edge of the recess.
As indicated collectively in several of the figures, the cooperative, interlocking fasteners integrally formed on the front panel 33 include at least one top latch 33A (Figs. 9, 12) projecting upwardly from the upper perimeter wall 33E and at least one keyway 33B (Fig. 15) integrally formed adjacent to each of the opposing lateral edges of the interior wall 33D.
Preferably, a pair of slightly spaced apart, centrally located top latches 33A are ormed-on the upper perimeter front panel wall 33E, and a set of our keyways 33B are formed adjacent to each lateral perimeter wall 33E, as indicated. In addition, a pair of vertically spaced apart, relatively~shallow notches 33F, 33G (Fig. l5) may be integrally formed in the interior wall in vertical alignment with and betwe~en the intermediate keyways 33~ on each side of the interior wall 33D. The ~unctions'of these'cooperàtive f asteners:are described in some detail in following portions of this descriptio~
~ s indicated in Fig. 12, the relati~ely opposing, side~
vertical panels 34 are substantially identical to.one.another.
Each~is i~egrally ~ormed~with.~terior and~interior wallsn34 34D, respectively, which are variably spaced from.one another-.
at prede~ermi~ed interYals:an~ are joined-~.~ogether.by a ,!,`.;~'1~ ,',~';
plur`ali~y of reinforcing~pockets 39 and..by ~ perimPter ~walls~
34E. The pockets"39'Jare'~integrally.formed.~in the~interlor,wall : . . . -,. : . ., . . :
' : ,' .,' ' ~ ~ . , ..
.,. ~ ... : .. ..
. ::. : :.-, . ::, ~ : .::
, , WO9~/127~ 3 1 ~ 3 3 PCT/US90/02278 34D in a manner substantiallY similar to that described in connection with the front vt~rtical panel 33, but cover a. .
greater portion of the side panel. In addition, a recessed area 34H is integrally formed in an upper portion of the interior side panel wall 34D for receiving a lateral protuberance 36D integrally formed on each of the side walls of the water- reservoir 36. Advantageously, a lower horizontal 3 edge on each of the upper side panel interior recesses 34H
defines a shelf upon which the lower edge of one of the lateral reservoir protuberances 36D is seated. The esterior side panel wall 34C is slightly recessed along its lower edge to form the base 41 which i~ sized and positioned for alignment with the base on the front panel-3~, but preferabl~ does not include a pair of.laterally spaced apart~fPet. Accordin~ly, the side panels 34 are efectively carried by the front 33 and rear 35 panels, with the side panel fasteners 34~ distributing the-load, as described below in further detail.
::~As indicated in Figs. ll, 12:and 17 the cooperative ",::r; : !
fasteners ~ntegrally:formçd on each of:the side panels 34 comprise at least one tapered key 34B projecting;outwardly from each of-the lateral,perimeter walls:34E. Preferably, four --~ertically spaced apart and aligned keys 34B are integrally,~ ;-3 formed'ton eacih;lateral~perimeter side panel.wall 34E.?~In . -.
a~dition,- a:relatively':small nub or:flange 34F projecting ~
outwardly from each lateral perimeter wall 34 may be disposed, 7 adv~ntageous1y:between~the~intermed ate keys 34Bc~
, ,.
.: , ` `, ' ~ ,` : ~
'; . 2 ~ 3 ~
,Ç '~'~90/l27~2 '11 PCT/US90/02278 .;~ .
Preerably, the interior walls 33D, 34D on the front and side panels, respectively, are formed with horizontally disposed channels 33I, 34I. Alternatively, each of these walls 33D, 34D may be provided with,a slightly protruding rib or , ' ridge ~not shown). These channels 33I, 34I, or ribs are intended to support a shelf (not shown) upon which various items and accessories, such as a container of drinking water and a pump, may be supported. Another set of channels.or ribs may be provided either higher or lower on the panels for additional shelves.
As indicated in seYeral.of the figures, the interior 3SD
and exterior 35C walls of the ~ack or rear panel are formed, at approsimately the same height as the outlet.,openi~g on the front panel 33, with a shelf 47,(Figs. 6, 10) upon which the water reservoir 36 may be seated. ~bove the shelf 47, the interior.back wall 35D is.~.ormed with a shallow recess 3~H
~Figs.,9,:12) which provi~es sufficient space.for the reservoir to be lowered'into the dispenser, oncel,the vertical panels have;
been assembled together, as:des~ribed in more~detail below. ,.. ;
The cooperative~fasteners,.on:the:ba~k,.pane'l,include aipa~r~of.
laterally ,spaced~apart latche~-35A,,~Fig...-12) integrally.formed,.
on and project g~upwar~ly .~rom the topjperimeter wall 35E
adjacent opposite ends ~hereof. ~our ~ertically aligned and J _ spacedrapar.t keyway~:35s,~.substantially~identical; n =;~
configuration-and.:position.~ o,.,the keyway~on,the front panel ~.. , -33, are~integrally ormed in,~the in~erior.~rear,~pa~el-wall;-~35D,", .- . , ~ , , ., . ~ . : . -, .: :. : ,. . .
W ~ 90/12752 2`~ 3~ S 3 3` PC~r/US90/02278 adjacent opposite vertical edges thereof. Likewise, a pair of '~
vertically aligned and spaced apart notches 35F, 35G, substantially identical in configuration and position to the front panel notches 33F, 33G, are formed adjacent opposite .
lateral edges of the interior rear panel wall 35D between the intermediate ~eyways 35B. A recessed base 41 with laterally:
spaced apart feet 42 (Fig. 6), such as found:on the,front:panel 33, are also provided at the lower end of the back panel 35. - r As indicated in Figs. 10 and 13, the top 32, unlike the .
vertical panels 33~35, is not provided with an interior wall.
Instead, a plurality of generally radially disposed reinforcing ribs 48 are inte~rally formed with and psojected downwardly from a generally horizontally disposed upper surface or table 32C. A circular collar 49 proj@cts upwardly from appro~imately the middle of the table 32C, a circular shoulder 50 (Fig. 4) is disposed inwardly of ~he collar 49, a ~circular sleeYe 51 ;:
projects downwardly from the collar 49~and:defines an inlet opëning,~and foùr:perimèter`walls project downwardly-from ~ ;.
peripheral:-edges;of the table 32C. ;The g~nerally radially disposed reinforcing ribs'48 project inwardly from the --. 7..'-.
perimèter wall`s `to:a downwirdly projec~ing, integrally-formed'.~
circulàr-rim 52-spaced`~oùtwardly~-from and:iconc~ntric with~the ~o sleev~ 51. ~ ç~ -t~
The cooperitiv`e:fastenérs::on~the-top~32 are preferably~..a.;ri:
set~of'rfour~~integr`ally~forme~ ca`tch-:members~32~.(Fig.'..~) .?.~;~~
depending from~the~table'~32C'adja~ent to~the front..and rear ~m , . . . . . . .
~.i.090/12752 2 ~ 3 1 ~ 3 3 . PCT/US90,02278 perimeter walls. ~s may be noted by comparing Figs. 4 and 9, the closely spaced apart front catch members 32A on the top are aligned with the upper latch mem~ers 33A on the front panel, and the widely spàced apart rear catch members on the top are aligned with the upper latch members 35A on the rear vertical panel 35. As indicated in Fig. 13, the top catches 32A are formed with moderately thin `and fle~ible stems. Accordingly, a frictional, rather than interlocking, connection i5 established between the catch and latch member 33A. Thus,- the top 32 may.
be removed simply by lifting. Finger recesses ~Fig. 5) may be provided on the exterior rear panel wall 35C adjacent to each of the latches 35A and to the upper perimeter wall 35E so that the lower edge of the top may be grasped and the top lifted .
o ~
The water reservoir 36 is molded from synthetic resin materialisuitable for use with potable water. The reservoir 36 may ~e any of a~variety of sizes. Frequently, a 5.5 yallon-...
cayacity reser~oir is advantageous so that the entire contents.
of à conventional`five gallon drinking water bottle 31:may be emptied into the r~servoir and-a second 5 gallon container . ...
mounted~in~the usuai manner~in::inverted f ashion-on the top 32.-The contours`~of^-thë-res~rvoir~36 are'preferably::those~showniin Figs. 6, 9, 10 and 12. As~previously`noted,~the reservoir~is~
intégraiiy~j~orm~d'3with an upper';~ orwardly p'rojecting-porti'on 36Aii`hich is~~ësignëd to be~sëated ùpon the`upper interior .
shèif30ni-thé'friont wàll~recess~iO, rèlatively~shallow and elongated ~ateral projections 36D sized to fit into the upper WO90/12752 ! 14 PCT/US90/02278 interior side wall recesses ~4H, a rearwardly projecting enlargement 36E which fits into the upper rear panel recess -.. -~.
35H, and a bot om wall 36F adapted to rest upon the rear panel shelf ~7. In addition, the threaded stub 35C is integrally . ~-formed upon and projects orwardly from the tapered protuberance 36B e~tending downwardly from and substantially recessed from the upper forwardly pro~ecting enlar~ement 36A. .
Preferably, the reservoir is a single-walled structure, thereby ma~imizing its internal volume. The upper surface of the reservoir is integrally formed generally ~entrally with a circular collar 36G which is sized and po~itioned to be disposed in surrounding relation to the inner sleeve 51 projecting downwardly from the top 32.
Preferably, a generally ring-shaped filter 53 (Fig. 10) is disposed in closely surrounding relation ~o the reservoir collar 36GO Suitable air inlets are either formed in the . ..
collar or,are defined by spaces be.tween t:he collar and the sleeve .51. In~this manner, du~t and other particulate material are prevented rom entering the reservoir~36 as air enters to fill the vacuum created when water is removed;via..the ;~ ;
dispensing-yalve~37. In addition, an imperforate, pliable bottle,gasket.orYcushion~54~is preferablyjmounted,.jupon,the. ..
circ~lar~rshoulder)~9 ormed~on3the top. ~ }, ~ The~aboYe-d@sc~ibed-~eomponents.of the water d~spenserx30 are assembled ~nlthe~following,manner. .~Each of the side panels 34 is co~nec~ed to~the ~ron~ panel 33 by ,al~gning~and inserti~
't ~ t~ 3 ~ r J~ r. r~ r? .~ r -~
:: :::, ,: ;. : ~ - . ' :: :.
..'!~90/127~2 2 b 3 1 s 3 ~ P~T/~90~2278 the keys 34B disposed along the orward perimeter side panel walls 34E into the relatively enlarged upper portions of the keyways 33B ~Fig. 15) on opposit~ sides of the front panel interior wall 33D. Simultaneously, the nuhs 34F disposed between and vertically aligned with the keys 34~ enter the upper notches 33F disposed between and aligned with the keyways 33B. Advantageously, this-temporary connection between.the nubs 34F and upper notches 33F permit the side panels to remain in a relatively raised position with respect to the front panel, so that the rear panel 35 may be attached, via its keyways 35B and upper notches 35F to the rearwardly projecting side-panel keys 34B and nubs 34F. Advantageously, the fieet 42 formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels provide stability while downward pressure.is applied to the side panels, thereby forcing the side panel keys 34B into the lower, relatively restricted and tapered portions of the keyways 33B
in the front and rear panels, respecti~ely (Fig. 11~.
Likewise,.the~nubs 34F move~downwardly into the relatively smaller lower notches 33G~ 3~G in the fro~t and.rear panels, respectiv~ly. Th~se conneetions between the side panel nubs .
34F~and lower~front.and rear panel notches 33G, 35G prevent inadveEt~nt separation o,.the panels. ~ f Next,~he:reservoir 36j.is lowered i~to~th~pre~iously . ...
assembled..vertical.panels.~ n order,for the or~ardly.~;~ . r projecting stub 36C-to clear the i~terior~wall of~.the ront panel rece~s-~O,ithe-r~servoir ~is positioned asj~ar rearwardly 1, - ,,.. . , : .: : : . , : , , .
?~3~i33 WO90/12752 PCT/US90/02278 ~r 16 r as possible, with the rear reservoir enlargement 36E occupying the rear panel recess 35H. Once the reservoir bottom wall 36F
meets the rear panel shelf 47 and the stub 36C is aligned with the opening in the front panel recess 40, the reservoir is shifted forwardly, thereby projecting the stub outwardly from the recess. A gasket 55 (Fig. 12) may be inserted onto the stub, and the outlet valve 37 is threaded thereon for fluid-tight engagement. Next, the filter element 53 is mounted in surrounding relation to the reservoir collar 36G, and the top 32 is snap-fitted into place on the upper horizontal perimeter panel walls 33E, 34E, 35E by means of the latches 33A
and 35A on the front and r~ar panels, respectively, and the catches 32A on the top.
As indicated in Figs. 7, 8, 14, and 16, an alternative embodiment, generally desi~nated 130, of the present invention is employed with refrigeration equipment for dispensing chilled drinking water. While said chilled drinking water dispenser 130 employ~i many of the compon`ents~descr.ibed in.connection with the room temperature wa~er ~ispenser 30, the components which :
are common to both forms of the~present :invention being num~ered`identically, there are some ~ignificant differences.
First, an internal frame stru~ture 131:is provided to support the refrig~ràtion`-appàratus~'~Prè~erably,~this frame is o.;
~ubstantiaily^'~he same `as those employed;on Ebco ~anu~acturingi Company's bottled wa~er`coolers`whi~h have been sold or the past sëverai years.j';ln:this mannerj~^ow~ers of such prior.art--.
;
2~31~33 O90/12752 ~ ~ , PCT/US90/02~78 coolers may substitute or retrofit the top and vertical panels desrribed and claimed herein, for the metal panels originally provided. The frame structure preferably includes a rectangular base 132 provided with ground-engaging feet 133, an upright, relatively fo.rwardly disposed panel or column 134, and an upper, generally horizontally disposed shelf or platform 135. A conventional water chilling reservoir 136 is mounted upon the platform 135 in place of the molded water reservoir of the room temperature dispenser. The water chilling reservoir 136, as well as the rest of the elements of the refrigeration apparatus, are well known in the art. Watex heating and carbonating equipment (not shown~may also be provided.
Likewise, the water chillin~ reservoir 136 may be provided with a baffle defining an unrefrigerated bypass ~not show~3 so that water generally at room temperature may also be dispensed.
Instead-of employing a single rear panel e~tending between the side panels 34, the chilled water dispenser 130 is-equipped with a pair of`rear:corner panelsil37, 138. Each corner panel 137, 138 is a relatively~na~row, elongated:structure i~tegrally molded from synthetic~resin material;-pre~?2rably of the ~ame composition as the top 32,-:front 33;and~side 34 panels. ~Each is~formr7d with~an;-interior;wall;139 and-.ani.e~terior: wall~J 140.
~Fig, 16).'`'-The interior.wall 139 is integ~ally formedLwith a~
set ~ofifour,~rvertically-aligned and ~paced~^apart keyways 141 which'are? æized':and-positio~ed ~o`releasa~ly engage the~
re`irw~ardly p`roje`c~ingAsi`derpanel`k~ys 3~B in the~same manner~,as ~f (~ ? A ,? ~ r~ ,s.l~q ~,.. r r~ t7~,'..~iS~J .~!
, ~ ~ .. . .
W O 90/127~2 ~ o3L533 PC~r/US90/02278 the rear panel keyways on the room temperature dispenser. In addition, each rear corner panel interior wall 139 is integrally formed with a pair of,vertically aligned and spaced apart notches 142, 143 disposed between the intermediate keyways 141 for receiving the rearwardly projecting side panel nubs 34F in the same manner as previously described. A
top-engaging catch 144 is int~grally formed on and projects upwardly from the rear corner panel, and a finger recess (Fig.
7) is formed below the catch to assist in removing the top 32.
-Each corner panel 137, 138 is removably mounted on the support ~rame base 132 and platform 135 ~y means of sheet metal screws or other ~asteners. Advantageously, the corner panels ;
are integrally formed with exterior wall recesses 145 and with fastener-r~ceiving bores 146 appropriately located so that the fasteners may engage rearwardly disposed portions of the base 132 and platform 135. In this manner, the rear corner members -137, 138~sar~ supported by the frame 131, with the Çeet of,the, ~ , corner panels disposedOslightly,above the,ground-engaging feet 'i33~of~theisupport frame base 132--~Fig. 7)., i''The~chilled water.dispenser.-130 is assembled-in ,the - .
following manner. First,-the support frame 132 and, refrigeration equipmenthare~assembled-in :a,,conventlonal manner well~kno'wn~in the~art.u~Optional water,~heating,and/or~
~arbonating~equipmen~may also~be installed,o,n-r-the-frame at,~, ~his time. 5~-Th~-front panel:33 is.the~ positioned,in abutmen~
''wi'~hrthe~support'frame'~base5.132~and with~a,,,-forwardly disposed bulkhead on the shelf 135 through which a threaded stub 147 /l27s2 19 PCT/US90/02278 projects ~Fig. 143. The e~ternally threaded ~utlet stub 147 (Fig. 14) in fluid communication with the chilled water reservoir 136 and projecting forwardly from the frame platform 135, e~tends through the outlet openin~ in the front panel recess 40, and an outlet valve 37 is fastened thereon.
Additional openings and outlet valves for heated, room .
temperature,-and/or carbonated water may also be pro~ided in the front panel re~ess. The side pane`s 34 are then-mounted, ;~
via the forwardly projecting keys 34B, into the front panel keyways 33~ in the same manner as previously described for the room temperature dispenser. The rear corner panels 137, 138 are then positioned so that the rearwardly pro~ecting side panel keys 39~ engage the upper, enlarged ~ortions of the corn6r panel keyways 141, and the ~asteners are applied via the recess~s and bores 144, 145 to secure the corner panels to the support~frame 131. The~ide.panels 34 are then lowered to that the keys 34B engage the lower tapered portions of the keyways in the~-front~`and:rèar corner~panels, and the side panel nubs --34F engageithe~lower notches~33G, 143 on the front.and rear ?
corner pa~ëls,~respectively.---An~aAnular,~porous:.~filter 53, substa~tially similar:to~the~filtèr~employed on~t~e~room ~
tempe~ature~reservoix,~is~mounted on-an~upper esterior portion~
of ~hé~water chilling:reservoir~`l36~, a~d th~ top~32Lislmounted:
on~th^e?panèls.-~Advantayeously.,~he.top-engaging~;latches :1~4 r '~
proJècting"upwa~rdly:from~the;rear ~o`rner panels are positioned to-engà~e ~he~làtèrallyispaced apaxt, rearwardly disposed~
: : ~. ~, ,:.... , ~,~3~33 catches 32A projecting downwardly from the top 32. The forwardly and relatively centrally disposed top catches 32A
engage the cooperative front panel-latches 33A in the manner previously described. Preferably, once the chilled water dispenser is assembled, the front and rear corner panels are disposed slightly above the ~round-engaging feet 133 of the support frame base 132. In this manner, the support frame ..
eventually carries most of the load created when a water bottle is mounted on the top 32. However, the ~arious panel members 33, 34, 137 and 138, as well~as the top 32, initially absorb and distribute this load:between-them and, hence, to the frame.-~ Preferably,--the only support points between the vertical panels and the frame are the fasteners e~tending - .
through the rear Gorner-.members 137, l38 and the threaded outlet stub 147 proje~ting forwardly from the water chilling reservoir 136 through the frame platorm 135 and the outlet opening in..the:front.panel recess 40. The.strength of the panels:and their interconnecting keys.arld keyways distribute -~-the load so.that:shear Eorces do:not;def.orm or otherwise impair the unction:-of-.the:threaded outlet.stub 1~7. .In a~dition,-the top 32 .is~construc~ed,~as previously.~described so that,.upon.-mounting a.7bottle of-ldri~king~wa~er~,~hereon,~a .rela~ivelyI~?.~ ?.
central sportion- o the .table~32C-surrounding:the coll~ar..49;- .~.
fle~ès downwardl~and.~ngages..the filterj53!,f;,In this~manner, ~a substantial amount~.o~;thesload:as-absorbed by ~he;~top~.32.before it is~tran~ferred~-.to ~he.front,~side~-and-~rear3c~orner;,panels.and hence, ~o the fr~me.
20.3.L~.3~
¢~90112752 21 ~ PCT/US90/02278 Thus it may be seen that the vertical e~t~rnal panels and horizontal top of the present invention may be used with equal facility in room temperature and re~rigerated drinking water dispe~sers simply by substituting the full rear panel 35 and .. . .
rear corner panels 1~7, 138 for one another, depending upon th~ -type of dispenser to be provided. In addition, the top 32, front 33, side 34 and rear corner panels 144 may be used with equal facility on new coolers and, on those currently in use.
While alternative embodiments of the pres2nt invention have been shown and described in some detail, the foregoing material ~;~
is not intended to unduly limit the spirit or gist of the invention, nor restrict the scope of the following claims.
Accordingly, the term "beverage dispenser~, as used in the .. . . . , . ~ . , subject claims, is intended to be broadly interpreted to include those equipped with refrigerating, heating, carbonating and/or other apparatus or accessories, as well as those ... . . . . ... .. .
providin~ beverages ~including but not limi ed to water) generally at room, temparature, unless a particular type of ... . , . , ,. , j ~ . ~ , ,., ,, , ., .. ,,, ~, .... .. .
dispenser is e~pressly indicated.
.... .....
', i ~ '. ,'. ; ', . ; ,.' !
.`^VO90/~2752 ;i~ j PCT/~S9~/02278 are provided on the front panel 33. The top, front, side, and rear panels are formed substantially entirely from synthetic resin material, for instance the NORY~ brand polypropylene o~ide of General Electric Company's Plastics Division, by molding, sizing and finishing processes currently practiced in the art. The outlet valve 37 is of conventional design.
As best indicated in Figs. 10 and 12, each of the front, side and rear vertical panels is provided, respectively, with an e~terior wall 33C, 34C, 35C and an interior wall 33D, 34D, 3SD disposed in spaced relation to the exterior wall at predetermined intervals. A~substantial amount of strength is incorporated into each of the vertical panels by providing a plurality of regularly spaced-apart reinforcing pockets 39 on the interior walls, whereby the interior and e~terior walls are joined together. In addition, the interior and exterior walls on each of the panels 33-35 are joined together along their.~..
peripheral edges by perimeter walls 33E, 34E, 35E, respectively.
;i With regard to specific.features of t,he~front wall ~3,~it.
may be noted particularly~in Figs. 10 and 12 that a relatively large recess-40 is-integrally formed in the exterior..and interior walls 33C, 33D ~or housi~g one or more of the outlet..
valves 37..and the drip pan ~8. .The.. nterior wall 33D.of the .
~ront..panel,.33 generally follows the contours of.the outer wall 33C in:~..Yariably~spaced relation~thereto. .Adv,antageously,~an upper portion of-the:inner-wall,33D as.it...turns inwardly to .~...
..definesthe,recess also-;serves.as~a.~ishelf.or support for~a front : , "" ' '. ' , - ,. ' ; ~ ' , ................. .
,,,, :, ~, ,.. : , .. . . .
.. ...
W~90/12752 2 ~ 3 1 ~ 3 ~ P~T/US90/02278: ~
protuberance 36A on the water reservoir 36. In appro~imately the upper half of the relatively flat back portion of the r cess 40, the interior and e~terior walls are joined ~ogether so that adequate space is provided for a lower front portion 36B of the reservoir and for a threaded stub 36C (Fig. 12) thereon to project outwardly from the front panel 33 and engage the outlet valve 37. Below the stub-receiving opening in the front panel recess 40, the interior and e~terior walls are -spaced slightly apart and are again joined together at the lower end of the recess adjacent to where the e~terior wall 33C
defines .3 shelf or support for the drip pan 38 (Fig. 15).
~elow the recess 40, thé front panel is provided with a plurality of reinforcing pockets 39 formed in the interior wall .s~
33D, and the front panel 33 terminates at its lower edge in a slightly inset base portion 41 having laterally spaced apart, ground engaging feet 42.
` The drip pan or receptacle 3~ is integrally ~ormed with:two relativëly spacèd:apàrt pàirs of prongs:43 tFigs. 12,:1~) which snap fit into op~nings g~ (Fig~. 12, 15) formed at the base of the front panel recess 40 where`the esterior and interior walls come toqether. Preferàbly, the~drip pan mày be ormed from the same materiàl a~ the`top andiverkical-panels, although other--i--plastits-{ar~-accèptàble~`'Thë drip pan includ~s i down=turned.
front lip~~5~and à plurali`~ o~~~`roùgh`s or channels~6-.for~
receiving e~cess or7spilled wa~er~from the~dispensing:valve ,~
i7.^ The~drip pan 38~is shaped to~conform to the:lower.:contours - - . . - ~ ... ... : .~ . . .. .
~311 ~3~.
90/127~2 9 ~ !"~ PCT/US90/02278 of the front panel recess 40 so that, upon installation, the lip 45 is ~ubstantially flush with and seated upon lower front edge of the recess.
As indicated collectively in several of the figures, the cooperative, interlocking fasteners integrally formed on the front panel 33 include at least one top latch 33A (Figs. 9, 12) projecting upwardly from the upper perimeter wall 33E and at least one keyway 33B (Fig. 15) integrally formed adjacent to each of the opposing lateral edges of the interior wall 33D.
Preferably, a pair of slightly spaced apart, centrally located top latches 33A are ormed-on the upper perimeter front panel wall 33E, and a set of our keyways 33B are formed adjacent to each lateral perimeter wall 33E, as indicated. In addition, a pair of vertically spaced apart, relatively~shallow notches 33F, 33G (Fig. l5) may be integrally formed in the interior wall in vertical alignment with and betwe~en the intermediate keyways 33~ on each side of the interior wall 33D. The ~unctions'of these'cooperàtive f asteners:are described in some detail in following portions of this descriptio~
~ s indicated in Fig. 12, the relati~ely opposing, side~
vertical panels 34 are substantially identical to.one.another.
Each~is i~egrally ~ormed~with.~terior and~interior wallsn34 34D, respectively, which are variably spaced from.one another-.
at prede~ermi~ed interYals:an~ are joined-~.~ogether.by a ,!,`.;~'1~ ,',~';
plur`ali~y of reinforcing~pockets 39 and..by ~ perimPter ~walls~
34E. The pockets"39'Jare'~integrally.formed.~in the~interlor,wall : . . . -,. : . ., . . :
' : ,' .,' ' ~ ~ . , ..
.,. ~ ... : .. ..
. ::. : :.-, . ::, ~ : .::
, , WO9~/127~ 3 1 ~ 3 3 PCT/US90/02278 34D in a manner substantiallY similar to that described in connection with the front vt~rtical panel 33, but cover a. .
greater portion of the side panel. In addition, a recessed area 34H is integrally formed in an upper portion of the interior side panel wall 34D for receiving a lateral protuberance 36D integrally formed on each of the side walls of the water- reservoir 36. Advantageously, a lower horizontal 3 edge on each of the upper side panel interior recesses 34H
defines a shelf upon which the lower edge of one of the lateral reservoir protuberances 36D is seated. The esterior side panel wall 34C is slightly recessed along its lower edge to form the base 41 which i~ sized and positioned for alignment with the base on the front panel-3~, but preferabl~ does not include a pair of.laterally spaced apart~fPet. Accordin~ly, the side panels 34 are efectively carried by the front 33 and rear 35 panels, with the side panel fasteners 34~ distributing the-load, as described below in further detail.
::~As indicated in Figs. ll, 12:and 17 the cooperative ",::r; : !
fasteners ~ntegrally:formçd on each of:the side panels 34 comprise at least one tapered key 34B projecting;outwardly from each of-the lateral,perimeter walls:34E. Preferably, four --~ertically spaced apart and aligned keys 34B are integrally,~ ;-3 formed'ton eacih;lateral~perimeter side panel.wall 34E.?~In . -.
a~dition,- a:relatively':small nub or:flange 34F projecting ~
outwardly from each lateral perimeter wall 34 may be disposed, 7 adv~ntageous1y:between~the~intermed ate keys 34Bc~
, ,.
.: , ` `, ' ~ ,` : ~
'; . 2 ~ 3 ~
,Ç '~'~90/l27~2 '11 PCT/US90/02278 .;~ .
Preerably, the interior walls 33D, 34D on the front and side panels, respectively, are formed with horizontally disposed channels 33I, 34I. Alternatively, each of these walls 33D, 34D may be provided with,a slightly protruding rib or , ' ridge ~not shown). These channels 33I, 34I, or ribs are intended to support a shelf (not shown) upon which various items and accessories, such as a container of drinking water and a pump, may be supported. Another set of channels.or ribs may be provided either higher or lower on the panels for additional shelves.
As indicated in seYeral.of the figures, the interior 3SD
and exterior 35C walls of the ~ack or rear panel are formed, at approsimately the same height as the outlet.,openi~g on the front panel 33, with a shelf 47,(Figs. 6, 10) upon which the water reservoir 36 may be seated. ~bove the shelf 47, the interior.back wall 35D is.~.ormed with a shallow recess 3~H
~Figs.,9,:12) which provi~es sufficient space.for the reservoir to be lowered'into the dispenser, oncel,the vertical panels have;
been assembled together, as:des~ribed in more~detail below. ,.. ;
The cooperative~fasteners,.on:the:ba~k,.pane'l,include aipa~r~of.
laterally ,spaced~apart latche~-35A,,~Fig...-12) integrally.formed,.
on and project g~upwar~ly .~rom the topjperimeter wall 35E
adjacent opposite ends ~hereof. ~our ~ertically aligned and J _ spacedrapar.t keyway~:35s,~.substantially~identical; n =;~
configuration-and.:position.~ o,.,the keyway~on,the front panel ~.. , -33, are~integrally ormed in,~the in~erior.~rear,~pa~el-wall;-~35D,", .- . , ~ , , ., . ~ . : . -, .: :. : ,. . .
W ~ 90/12752 2`~ 3~ S 3 3` PC~r/US90/02278 adjacent opposite vertical edges thereof. Likewise, a pair of '~
vertically aligned and spaced apart notches 35F, 35G, substantially identical in configuration and position to the front panel notches 33F, 33G, are formed adjacent opposite .
lateral edges of the interior rear panel wall 35D between the intermediate ~eyways 35B. A recessed base 41 with laterally:
spaced apart feet 42 (Fig. 6), such as found:on the,front:panel 33, are also provided at the lower end of the back panel 35. - r As indicated in Figs. 10 and 13, the top 32, unlike the .
vertical panels 33~35, is not provided with an interior wall.
Instead, a plurality of generally radially disposed reinforcing ribs 48 are inte~rally formed with and psojected downwardly from a generally horizontally disposed upper surface or table 32C. A circular collar 49 proj@cts upwardly from appro~imately the middle of the table 32C, a circular shoulder 50 (Fig. 4) is disposed inwardly of ~he collar 49, a ~circular sleeYe 51 ;:
projects downwardly from the collar 49~and:defines an inlet opëning,~and foùr:perimèter`walls project downwardly-from ~ ;.
peripheral:-edges;of the table 32C. ;The g~nerally radially disposed reinforcing ribs'48 project inwardly from the --. 7..'-.
perimèter wall`s `to:a downwirdly projec~ing, integrally-formed'.~
circulàr-rim 52-spaced`~oùtwardly~-from and:iconc~ntric with~the ~o sleev~ 51. ~ ç~ -t~
The cooperitiv`e:fastenérs::on~the-top~32 are preferably~..a.;ri:
set~of'rfour~~integr`ally~forme~ ca`tch-:members~32~.(Fig.'..~) .?.~;~~
depending from~the~table'~32C'adja~ent to~the front..and rear ~m , . . . . . . .
~.i.090/12752 2 ~ 3 1 ~ 3 3 . PCT/US90,02278 perimeter walls. ~s may be noted by comparing Figs. 4 and 9, the closely spaced apart front catch members 32A on the top are aligned with the upper latch mem~ers 33A on the front panel, and the widely spàced apart rear catch members on the top are aligned with the upper latch members 35A on the rear vertical panel 35. As indicated in Fig. 13, the top catches 32A are formed with moderately thin `and fle~ible stems. Accordingly, a frictional, rather than interlocking, connection i5 established between the catch and latch member 33A. Thus,- the top 32 may.
be removed simply by lifting. Finger recesses ~Fig. 5) may be provided on the exterior rear panel wall 35C adjacent to each of the latches 35A and to the upper perimeter wall 35E so that the lower edge of the top may be grasped and the top lifted .
o ~
The water reservoir 36 is molded from synthetic resin materialisuitable for use with potable water. The reservoir 36 may ~e any of a~variety of sizes. Frequently, a 5.5 yallon-...
cayacity reser~oir is advantageous so that the entire contents.
of à conventional`five gallon drinking water bottle 31:may be emptied into the r~servoir and-a second 5 gallon container . ...
mounted~in~the usuai manner~in::inverted f ashion-on the top 32.-The contours`~of^-thë-res~rvoir~36 are'preferably::those~showniin Figs. 6, 9, 10 and 12. As~previously`noted,~the reservoir~is~
intégraiiy~j~orm~d'3with an upper';~ orwardly p'rojecting-porti'on 36Aii`hich is~~ësignëd to be~sëated ùpon the`upper interior .
shèif30ni-thé'friont wàll~recess~iO, rèlatively~shallow and elongated ~ateral projections 36D sized to fit into the upper WO90/12752 ! 14 PCT/US90/02278 interior side wall recesses ~4H, a rearwardly projecting enlargement 36E which fits into the upper rear panel recess -.. -~.
35H, and a bot om wall 36F adapted to rest upon the rear panel shelf ~7. In addition, the threaded stub 35C is integrally . ~-formed upon and projects orwardly from the tapered protuberance 36B e~tending downwardly from and substantially recessed from the upper forwardly pro~ecting enlar~ement 36A. .
Preferably, the reservoir is a single-walled structure, thereby ma~imizing its internal volume. The upper surface of the reservoir is integrally formed generally ~entrally with a circular collar 36G which is sized and po~itioned to be disposed in surrounding relation to the inner sleeve 51 projecting downwardly from the top 32.
Preferably, a generally ring-shaped filter 53 (Fig. 10) is disposed in closely surrounding relation ~o the reservoir collar 36GO Suitable air inlets are either formed in the . ..
collar or,are defined by spaces be.tween t:he collar and the sleeve .51. In~this manner, du~t and other particulate material are prevented rom entering the reservoir~36 as air enters to fill the vacuum created when water is removed;via..the ;~ ;
dispensing-yalve~37. In addition, an imperforate, pliable bottle,gasket.orYcushion~54~is preferablyjmounted,.jupon,the. ..
circ~lar~rshoulder)~9 ormed~on3the top. ~ }, ~ The~aboYe-d@sc~ibed-~eomponents.of the water d~spenserx30 are assembled ~nlthe~following,manner. .~Each of the side panels 34 is co~nec~ed to~the ~ron~ panel 33 by ,al~gning~and inserti~
't ~ t~ 3 ~ r J~ r. r~ r? .~ r -~
:: :::, ,: ;. : ~ - . ' :: :.
..'!~90/127~2 2 b 3 1 s 3 ~ P~T/~90~2278 the keys 34B disposed along the orward perimeter side panel walls 34E into the relatively enlarged upper portions of the keyways 33B ~Fig. 15) on opposit~ sides of the front panel interior wall 33D. Simultaneously, the nuhs 34F disposed between and vertically aligned with the keys 34~ enter the upper notches 33F disposed between and aligned with the keyways 33B. Advantageously, this-temporary connection between.the nubs 34F and upper notches 33F permit the side panels to remain in a relatively raised position with respect to the front panel, so that the rear panel 35 may be attached, via its keyways 35B and upper notches 35F to the rearwardly projecting side-panel keys 34B and nubs 34F. Advantageously, the fieet 42 formed at the bottom of the front and rear panels provide stability while downward pressure.is applied to the side panels, thereby forcing the side panel keys 34B into the lower, relatively restricted and tapered portions of the keyways 33B
in the front and rear panels, respecti~ely (Fig. 11~.
Likewise,.the~nubs 34F move~downwardly into the relatively smaller lower notches 33G~ 3~G in the fro~t and.rear panels, respectiv~ly. Th~se conneetions between the side panel nubs .
34F~and lower~front.and rear panel notches 33G, 35G prevent inadveEt~nt separation o,.the panels. ~ f Next,~he:reservoir 36j.is lowered i~to~th~pre~iously . ...
assembled..vertical.panels.~ n order,for the or~ardly.~;~ . r projecting stub 36C-to clear the i~terior~wall of~.the ront panel rece~s-~O,ithe-r~servoir ~is positioned asj~ar rearwardly 1, - ,,.. . , : .: : : . , : , , .
?~3~i33 WO90/12752 PCT/US90/02278 ~r 16 r as possible, with the rear reservoir enlargement 36E occupying the rear panel recess 35H. Once the reservoir bottom wall 36F
meets the rear panel shelf 47 and the stub 36C is aligned with the opening in the front panel recess 40, the reservoir is shifted forwardly, thereby projecting the stub outwardly from the recess. A gasket 55 (Fig. 12) may be inserted onto the stub, and the outlet valve 37 is threaded thereon for fluid-tight engagement. Next, the filter element 53 is mounted in surrounding relation to the reservoir collar 36G, and the top 32 is snap-fitted into place on the upper horizontal perimeter panel walls 33E, 34E, 35E by means of the latches 33A
and 35A on the front and r~ar panels, respectively, and the catches 32A on the top.
As indicated in Figs. 7, 8, 14, and 16, an alternative embodiment, generally desi~nated 130, of the present invention is employed with refrigeration equipment for dispensing chilled drinking water. While said chilled drinking water dispenser 130 employ~i many of the compon`ents~descr.ibed in.connection with the room temperature wa~er ~ispenser 30, the components which :
are common to both forms of the~present :invention being num~ered`identically, there are some ~ignificant differences.
First, an internal frame stru~ture 131:is provided to support the refrig~ràtion`-appàratus~'~Prè~erably,~this frame is o.;
~ubstantiaily^'~he same `as those employed;on Ebco ~anu~acturingi Company's bottled wa~er`coolers`whi~h have been sold or the past sëverai years.j';ln:this mannerj~^ow~ers of such prior.art--.
;
2~31~33 O90/12752 ~ ~ , PCT/US90/02~78 coolers may substitute or retrofit the top and vertical panels desrribed and claimed herein, for the metal panels originally provided. The frame structure preferably includes a rectangular base 132 provided with ground-engaging feet 133, an upright, relatively fo.rwardly disposed panel or column 134, and an upper, generally horizontally disposed shelf or platform 135. A conventional water chilling reservoir 136 is mounted upon the platform 135 in place of the molded water reservoir of the room temperature dispenser. The water chilling reservoir 136, as well as the rest of the elements of the refrigeration apparatus, are well known in the art. Watex heating and carbonating equipment (not shown~may also be provided.
Likewise, the water chillin~ reservoir 136 may be provided with a baffle defining an unrefrigerated bypass ~not show~3 so that water generally at room temperature may also be dispensed.
Instead-of employing a single rear panel e~tending between the side panels 34, the chilled water dispenser 130 is-equipped with a pair of`rear:corner panelsil37, 138. Each corner panel 137, 138 is a relatively~na~row, elongated:structure i~tegrally molded from synthetic~resin material;-pre~?2rably of the ~ame composition as the top 32,-:front 33;and~side 34 panels. ~Each is~formr7d with~an;-interior;wall;139 and-.ani.e~terior: wall~J 140.
~Fig, 16).'`'-The interior.wall 139 is integ~ally formedLwith a~
set ~ofifour,~rvertically-aligned and ~paced~^apart keyways 141 which'are? æized':and-positio~ed ~o`releasa~ly engage the~
re`irw~ardly p`roje`c~ingAsi`derpanel`k~ys 3~B in the~same manner~,as ~f (~ ? A ,? ~ r~ ,s.l~q ~,.. r r~ t7~,'..~iS~J .~!
, ~ ~ .. . .
W O 90/127~2 ~ o3L533 PC~r/US90/02278 the rear panel keyways on the room temperature dispenser. In addition, each rear corner panel interior wall 139 is integrally formed with a pair of,vertically aligned and spaced apart notches 142, 143 disposed between the intermediate keyways 141 for receiving the rearwardly projecting side panel nubs 34F in the same manner as previously described. A
top-engaging catch 144 is int~grally formed on and projects upwardly from the rear corner panel, and a finger recess (Fig.
7) is formed below the catch to assist in removing the top 32.
-Each corner panel 137, 138 is removably mounted on the support ~rame base 132 and platform 135 ~y means of sheet metal screws or other ~asteners. Advantageously, the corner panels ;
are integrally formed with exterior wall recesses 145 and with fastener-r~ceiving bores 146 appropriately located so that the fasteners may engage rearwardly disposed portions of the base 132 and platform 135. In this manner, the rear corner members -137, 138~sar~ supported by the frame 131, with the Çeet of,the, ~ , corner panels disposedOslightly,above the,ground-engaging feet 'i33~of~theisupport frame base 132--~Fig. 7)., i''The~chilled water.dispenser.-130 is assembled-in ,the - .
following manner. First,-the support frame 132 and, refrigeration equipmenthare~assembled-in :a,,conventlonal manner well~kno'wn~in the~art.u~Optional water,~heating,and/or~
~arbonating~equipmen~may also~be installed,o,n-r-the-frame at,~, ~his time. 5~-Th~-front panel:33 is.the~ positioned,in abutmen~
''wi'~hrthe~support'frame'~base5.132~and with~a,,,-forwardly disposed bulkhead on the shelf 135 through which a threaded stub 147 /l27s2 19 PCT/US90/02278 projects ~Fig. 143. The e~ternally threaded ~utlet stub 147 (Fig. 14) in fluid communication with the chilled water reservoir 136 and projecting forwardly from the frame platform 135, e~tends through the outlet openin~ in the front panel recess 40, and an outlet valve 37 is fastened thereon.
Additional openings and outlet valves for heated, room .
temperature,-and/or carbonated water may also be pro~ided in the front panel re~ess. The side pane`s 34 are then-mounted, ;~
via the forwardly projecting keys 34B, into the front panel keyways 33~ in the same manner as previously described for the room temperature dispenser. The rear corner panels 137, 138 are then positioned so that the rearwardly pro~ecting side panel keys 39~ engage the upper, enlarged ~ortions of the corn6r panel keyways 141, and the ~asteners are applied via the recess~s and bores 144, 145 to secure the corner panels to the support~frame 131. The~ide.panels 34 are then lowered to that the keys 34B engage the lower tapered portions of the keyways in the~-front~`and:rèar corner~panels, and the side panel nubs --34F engageithe~lower notches~33G, 143 on the front.and rear ?
corner pa~ëls,~respectively.---An~aAnular,~porous:.~filter 53, substa~tially similar:to~the~filtèr~employed on~t~e~room ~
tempe~ature~reservoix,~is~mounted on-an~upper esterior portion~
of ~hé~water chilling:reservoir~`l36~, a~d th~ top~32Lislmounted:
on~th^e?panèls.-~Advantayeously.,~he.top-engaging~;latches :1~4 r '~
proJècting"upwa~rdly:from~the;rear ~o`rner panels are positioned to-engà~e ~he~làtèrallyispaced apaxt, rearwardly disposed~
: : ~. ~, ,:.... , ~,~3~33 catches 32A projecting downwardly from the top 32. The forwardly and relatively centrally disposed top catches 32A
engage the cooperative front panel-latches 33A in the manner previously described. Preferably, once the chilled water dispenser is assembled, the front and rear corner panels are disposed slightly above the ~round-engaging feet 133 of the support frame base 132. In this manner, the support frame ..
eventually carries most of the load created when a water bottle is mounted on the top 32. However, the ~arious panel members 33, 34, 137 and 138, as well~as the top 32, initially absorb and distribute this load:between-them and, hence, to the frame.-~ Preferably,--the only support points between the vertical panels and the frame are the fasteners e~tending - .
through the rear Gorner-.members 137, l38 and the threaded outlet stub 147 proje~ting forwardly from the water chilling reservoir 136 through the frame platorm 135 and the outlet opening in..the:front.panel recess 40. The.strength of the panels:and their interconnecting keys.arld keyways distribute -~-the load so.that:shear Eorces do:not;def.orm or otherwise impair the unction:-of-.the:threaded outlet.stub 1~7. .In a~dition,-the top 32 .is~construc~ed,~as previously.~described so that,.upon.-mounting a.7bottle of-ldri~king~wa~er~,~hereon,~a .rela~ivelyI~?.~ ?.
central sportion- o the .table~32C-surrounding:the coll~ar..49;- .~.
fle~ès downwardl~and.~ngages..the filterj53!,f;,In this~manner, ~a substantial amount~.o~;thesload:as-absorbed by ~he;~top~.32.before it is~tran~ferred~-.to ~he.front,~side~-and-~rear3c~orner;,panels.and hence, ~o the fr~me.
20.3.L~.3~
¢~90112752 21 ~ PCT/US90/02278 Thus it may be seen that the vertical e~t~rnal panels and horizontal top of the present invention may be used with equal facility in room temperature and re~rigerated drinking water dispe~sers simply by substituting the full rear panel 35 and .. . .
rear corner panels 1~7, 138 for one another, depending upon th~ -type of dispenser to be provided. In addition, the top 32, front 33, side 34 and rear corner panels 144 may be used with equal facility on new coolers and, on those currently in use.
While alternative embodiments of the pres2nt invention have been shown and described in some detail, the foregoing material ~;~
is not intended to unduly limit the spirit or gist of the invention, nor restrict the scope of the following claims.
Accordingly, the term "beverage dispenser~, as used in the .. . . . , . ~ . , subject claims, is intended to be broadly interpreted to include those equipped with refrigerating, heating, carbonating and/or other apparatus or accessories, as well as those ... . . . . ... .. .
providin~ beverages ~including but not limi ed to water) generally at room, temparature, unless a particular type of ... . , . , ,. , j ~ . ~ , ,., ,, , ., .. ,,, ~, .... .. .
dispenser is e~pressly indicated.
.... .....
', i ~ '. ,'. ; ', . ; ,.' !
Claims (16)
[received by the International Bureau on 2 October 1990 (02.10.90);
original claims 1,9 and 12 amended;
other claims unchanged (3 pages)]
1. In a free standing beverage dispenser adapted to support a readily replaceable container of drinking water, said container and water defining a load, that improvement which comprises: an integrally formed, generally horizontal top; a set of integrally formed, generally vertical panels, each of said panels being formed with an interior wall and an exterior wall joined together at selected intervals intermediately of edge portions thereof, said panels and top being adapted to carry a substantial portion of the load; and cooperative fastening means integrally formed on each of the vertical panels for releasably holding said panels in edgewise abutment with one another.
2. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein the cooperative fastening means are adapted to distribute a portion of the load between the panels.
3. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein the vertical panels include a front panel integrally formed with a relatively recessed area in which at least one outlet valve and a drip pan are mounted.
4. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein each of the vertical panels and the horizontal top are integrally molded from synthetic resin material.
5. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein the cooperative fastening means include at least one pair of laterally spaced apart keys projecting from each of two of the vertical panels and at least one pair of laterally spaced apart keyways formed in each of at least another two of the vertical panels.
6. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein a pair of laterally spaced apart panel-locking nubs project from each of two of the vertical panels and at least one pair of laterally spaced apart nub-receiving notches are formed in each of at least another two of the vertical panels.
7. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein at least one integrally formed top-locking latch projects upwardly from each of at least two of the vertical panels and at least three integrally formed, latch-receiving catches project downwardly from the top.
8. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 1, wherein the top is integrally formed with a generally horizontally disposed table, a downturned perimeter wall, a downwardly projecting, generally circular ridge spaced, inwardly from the perimeter wall, a generally centrally disposed, bottle-receiving opening, and a plurality of downwardly projecting ribs extending generally radially from the perimeter wall to the circular ridge.
9. In a free standing beverage dispenser adapted to support a readily replaceable container of drinking water, said container and water defining a load, that improvement which comprises: an integrally formed, generally horizontal top; a set of integrally formed, generally vertical panels including a front panel, a pair of relatively opposing side panels, and a rear panel generally equal in width to the front panel, each of said front, side and rear panels being formed with an interior wall and an exterior wall joined together at selected intervals intermediately of edge portions thereof, said vertical panels and horizontal top being adapted and disposed to bear substantially the entire load; cooperative fastening means integrally formed on each of the vertical panels for releasably holding said panels in edgewise abutment with one another; and an integrally formed water reservoir disposed below said top and supported by at least two of said panels.
10. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 9, wherein each of at least three of the vertical panels is integrally formed with a reservoir-supporting ledge, and wherein the water reservoir is integrally formed with a set of protuberances, each of said protuberances engaging one of said reservoir-supporting ledges.
11. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 9, wherein at least three of the vertical panels are integrally formed with means disposed below the reservoir for supporting a drinking water container.
12. In a free standing beverage dispenser adapted to support a readily replaceable container of drinking water, said container and water defining a load, that improvement which comprises: an integrally formed, generally horizontal top; a set of integrally formed, generally vertical panels including a front panel, a pair of relatively opposing side panels, and a pair of laterally spaced apart rear corner panels each of said front and side panels being formed with an interior wall and an exterior wall joined together at selected intervals intermediately of edge portions thereof; cooperative fastening means integrally formed on each of said vertical panels for releasably holding said panels in edgewise abutment with one another; a support frame adapted to carry said vertical panels;
and refrigeration apparatus, including a water chilling reservoir, carried on the support frame.
and refrigeration apparatus, including a water chilling reservoir, carried on the support frame.
13. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 12, wherein the rear corner panels are the only vertical panels which are secured to the support frame.
14. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 12, wherein water carbonating apparatus are carried on the support frame and separate chilled water and carbonated water outlet valves project outwardly from the front panel.
15. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 12, wherein water heating apparatus are carried on the support frame and separate chilled water and heated water outlet valves project outwardly from the front panel.
16. The beverage dispenser according to Claim 12, wherein a baffle is provided in the water chilling reservoir to define a bypass for relatively unchilled water and separate chilled and unchilled outlet valves project outwardly from the front panel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US342,943 | 1982-01-26 | ||
| US34294389A | 1989-04-25 | 1989-04-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2031533A1 true CA2031533A1 (en) | 1990-10-26 |
Family
ID=23343970
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002031533A Abandoned CA2031533A1 (en) | 1989-04-25 | 1990-04-25 | Beverage dispenser with interconnected synthetic resin exterior panels |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0426811A4 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR920700160A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5644190A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2031533A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1990012752A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5192004A (en) * | 1991-04-22 | 1993-03-09 | Ebtech, Inc. | Bottled water station with removable reservoir |
| US5750123A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1998-05-12 | Chesebrough-Pond's Co., Division Of Conopco, Inc. | Vitamin C delivery system |
| JP6145357B2 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2017-06-07 | ホシザキ株式会社 | Beverage dispenser |
| WO2016074711A1 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2016-05-19 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Beverage preparation device |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA631376A (en) * | 1961-11-21 | R. Schultz Wilfred | Combined hot and cold fluid dispensing apparatus | |
| US228684A (en) * | 1880-06-08 | Thill-coupling | ||
| US228685A (en) * | 1880-06-08 | Washing-machine | ||
| CH38833A (en) * | 1907-01-10 | 1907-12-15 | Ludwig Loewy | Fitting for parts to be detachably connected to one another at an angle |
| FR1285569A (en) * | 1961-03-18 | 1962-02-23 | Leitz Fa Louis | Device for hanging files |
| US3360321A (en) * | 1966-02-01 | 1967-12-26 | Novarax Company | Knockdown locker structure |
| GB1280157A (en) * | 1968-07-18 | 1972-07-05 | Integrated Developments Ltd Fo | Improvements in storage rack structures |
| US3752553A (en) * | 1971-07-29 | 1973-08-14 | Amerock Corp | Drawer with snap-on front panel |
| US3868153A (en) * | 1973-01-05 | 1975-02-25 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Cabinet for a water cooler |
| US3811294A (en) * | 1973-02-23 | 1974-05-21 | Ebco Mfg Co | Cooler for faucet-equipped beverage containers |
| FR2384150A1 (en) * | 1976-11-03 | 1978-10-13 | Puyoles Casamian Victor | Joint for furniture panels - has U=shaped panel with wedging pieces and engaging lip which fits over base member, with no externally visible joint |
| US4629096A (en) * | 1984-12-27 | 1986-12-16 | Elkay Manufacturing Company | Liquid dispenser with readily removable liquid container |
| US4782972A (en) * | 1986-06-30 | 1988-11-08 | Traex Corporation | Collapsible file box |
| US4779426A (en) * | 1987-12-22 | 1988-10-25 | Les Produits Addico Inc. | Water cooler with one-piece removable well |
| US4836626A (en) * | 1988-04-15 | 1989-06-06 | Tennsco Corporation | Knock-down cabinet |
-
1990
- 1990-04-25 EP EP19900907867 patent/EP0426811A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-04-25 AU AU56441/90A patent/AU5644190A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-04-25 WO PCT/US1990/002278 patent/WO1990012752A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1990-04-25 CA CA002031533A patent/CA2031533A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-12-24 KR KR1019900702667A patent/KR920700160A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1990012752A1 (en) | 1990-11-01 |
| EP0426811A1 (en) | 1991-05-15 |
| AU5644190A (en) | 1990-11-16 |
| KR920700160A (en) | 1992-02-19 |
| EP0426811A4 (en) | 1992-06-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |