US1946519A - Liquid dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 13, 1934. K. E. BEMIS 1199469559 LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 19, 1930 2 s ets-Sheet 1 Hllll/ j J -m 11 15 YJIKZO ATTORNEY.

Feb. 13, 1934. E, BEMIS 1,946,519

LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 19 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNE.

Patented Feb. 13, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Kenneth E. Bemis, Chicago, 111., assignor to Walgreen 00., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois This invention relates to merchandising devices and more particularly to refrigerated liquid venders, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for oth- 5 er purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of a simple and improved merchandising device for dispensing liquids to the trade in a refrigerated or cool state.

,In dispensing liquids, there is a requirement for refrigeration, together with adaptability of immediate liquid replenishment. As a conse quence, the provision of means for substituting refrigerated containers with liquids by mere re- .15 placement, constitutes a simple, readily operable and dependable device for constant dispensing of refrigerated liquids.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is the provision of an eflicient and novel refrigerated chamber in communication with liquid dispensing means to maintain the liquid at a refreshing temperature during summer heat for selective discharge.

Still another object is the provisionof combined display, extracting and dispensing devices of novel construction.

A further. object is to provide a liquid dispensing device having means associated therewith for the immediate replenishment of a refrigerated liquid supply.

A still further object is to provide simple, selfcontained liquid refrigerator compartments for dispensing apparatus.

Still a further object is the provision of dispensing means for combining various substances responsive to the vending discharge thereof.

An additional object is the provision of a combined extractor with a dispensing device for creating and mixing liquids during their discharge.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a rear view in elevation of a device embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along line II-II of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view in elevation of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the liquid confining container showing the refrigerant chamber disposed therein in assembled relation.

Figure 5 is a side view in elevation of the closure complementalto the liquid confiningcontainer and refrigerant chamber.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the interior surface of the closure employed in connection with the liquid confining container shown in Figure '4.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the-refrigerant chamber which is formed independent of 5 the liquid confining container for confinement therein.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the valve dispensing faucet taken substantially along line VIIIVIII of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line IX-:IX of Figure 2.

The structure selected for illustration comprises a chambered casing or base 10 preferably though not essentially of semi-cylindrical configuration elongated along the vertical for support on any suitable surface 11, it terminating in the rear edges thereof in laterallyrextending flanges 12 integrally or otherwise'joined thereto to laterally stabilize the base 10 as well asimpart a more impressive appearance thereto. As shown, the base 10 is provided with a bottom closure 13 adhesively or otherwise attached thereto, it confronting atop closure 14 joined thereto in a similar or any other suitable manner.

It is to be noted that the'base 10 terminates rearwardly in an open .face enabling complete andready access to the chambered interior 15 which extends to the rear of a vending counter for concealed view from the patrons who ap- 9Q proach the opposite side or front thereof. In order to enable the concealed confinement ofliquids such as orange juices within the casing 10, a liquid container 16, in this instance of cylindrical configuration, is shaped of somewhat smaller dimensions .than the interior casing chamber 15 for ready positioning thereinor-removal therefrom. As shown, the container 16 is provided with a valved dispensing faucet 17 in communication with the interior through the wall thereof proximate to the closed container bottom 18 so that the liquid 19 may be discharged therethrough responsive tothe influence of gravity. The dispensing faucet l7-is disposed-rearwardly for exterior extension beyondthe ledge or flange 20 which projects from the rear edgeof the casing bottom 13, thereby precluding the accidental removal or displacement of the container 16.

.Ingorder to refrigerate the liquid -19 as well n as maintain such at a decreased refreshing temperature, a refrigerant chamber 21 is disposed within the container 16 preferably in axial alignment therewith to define an annular liquid space 22 therein. In the present instance, the refrigerant chamber 21 is of rectangular cross section, it having ahollow interior for the reception of any suitable refrigerant such as ice or dry ice 23. Although the refrigerant chamber is independently constructed relative to the liquid container 16, it may be disposed therein for registry with depending flanges 24 integrally or otherwise formed or attached to the interior surface of a closure 25 which is complemental to the open mouthed container 16 for telescopic association therewith by means of a corrugated or plain flange 26.

A handle member 27 is attached to'the closure 25 for projection through the open rear face of the base or casting 10 to enable the attendant to effect the oscillation thereof for imparting similar movement to the refrigerant chamber 21 to effect the agitation of the liquid such as orange juice 19 confined in the annular chamber 22 of the container 16. It is worthy of note that the closure 25 maintains the refrigerant chamber 21 in spaced relation with the walls of the container 16 and, moreover, the cornered contour thereof presents pronounced agitation of the liquid 19 responsive to the oscillation of the closure 25 relative to the container 16. In consequence thereof, a homogenously and thoroughly mixed liquid drink 19 will issue through the faucet 1'7 which is provided with a valve 28 to control the discharge.

A cylindrical section 29 of somewhat smaller diameter than the base 10 is disposed thereon, it being provided with a telescopically associated end cover 30 which is disposed above radially extending interior ribs 31 supported by a vertical bearing 32 centrally or axially thereof for attachment to a shaft 33 to rotate in unison therewith. Theshaft 33 projects through the end cover 30 so that a display member 34 may be attached thereto for movement in unison therewith. In the present embodiment, the display member34 constitutes an enlarged spherical member shaped and ornamented to impart the appearance of an orange thereto, the top or pole thereof being provided with a dished plate 34 having a threaded bore for engagement with a correspondingly threaded extremity 36 of the shaft 33 to support fresh oranges 3'7 or the like for advertising attraction.

In order to impart rotation to the display member 34, the shaft 33 terminates in a beveled gear 38 which is designed to mesh with a beveled gear 39 carried by a stub shaft 40 for operative connectionto the armature shaft of an electrical motor 41 through the medium of reduction gearing confined in the extremity of the motor housing 41 confined in the cylindrical casing section 29 for support in any suitable manner. The front portion of the casing section 29 is provided with an elongated opening 42 which is enclosed by a cylindrical translucent or opaque rim 43 disposed interiorly thereof for support by the ribs or spiders 31.

Any suitable indicia 44 such as Fresh orange drin may be inscribed on the rim 43 either opaque or translucent in contrast with the remaining area thereof so that such will appear illuminated owing to a light source such as an electric bulb 45 which is supported in a standard socket 46 within the interior of the casing section 29. The bulb socket 46 is shunted to the electrical motor circuit 4'? so that the motor 41 and bulb 45 are simultaneously energized from the same electrical source. As a result, the structure not only serves as a dispensing unit, but also constitutes an attractive, instructive and sales inducing advertising medium.

In order that the customer may see the incorporation of fresh fruit juices in the dispensed liquid, an extractor is provided for operation responsive to the motor 41. The extractor constitutes, in this instance, a conical, ribbed burr 48 connected directly to the armature shaft 49 of the motor 41 for extension exteriorly of the casing section 29. This may be disposed in any suitable position, either rearwardly or laterally of the casing section 29 which is formed with a spout 50 in the vicinity thereof to accumulate the fresh fruit juices issuing responsive to the application of an orange or similar edible to the burr 48 which rotates responsive to the motor 41. As shown, the spout 50 has a depending nipple 51 in bored communication therewith for receiving a pipe or hose 52 thereon. The hose 52 extends downwardly for connected communication with a nipple 53 integrally or otherwise formed on the faucet valve body 17. The nipple 53 communicates with the interior of the faucet 17 through the valve 28 which is provided with ports 54 and 55. As a result, the valve 28 may be pivoted to open the faucet 17 so that the liquid 19 and fresh fruit juices confined in the tube 52 will be intermixed for discharge to a glass or other suitable receptacle, thereby effecting the selective dispensing of the liquids and fruit juices to meet merchandising requirements.

With the arrangement of parts above described, it will be apparent that a plurality or any number of liquid containers 16 may be charged with a supply of the desired liquid and refrigerated for storage proximate or removed from the merchandising counter. The containers are each provided with valve faucets 17, refrigerated chambers 21, and closures 25 so that the unit may be removably associated with the casing 10, thereby replenishing the supply by changing liquid containers rather than pouring liquids therein within view of the customers. Moreover, refrigerated liquids are immediately available for dispensing to meet continuous demands to the end that dispensing apparatus of this character may be rendered substantially limitless in its supply. This is effected without entailing any undue iabor, time, inconvenience and sales resistance, since a supply is availableat all times with the thought that the liquid or drink is prepared therein without artificial or synthetic substitution.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casing constituting a chambered enclosure, there being an opening in said casing, a liquid confining container removably associated with said casing for confinement in j the chambered interior thereof, valved dispensing means fixed to said container for exterior accessible liquid discharge control, a refrigerant chamber in said container for confinement therein, a closure engaging said container and refrigerant loo lie

chamber to maintain a spaced relation therebetween, and means on said closure engageable with said refrigerant chamber to effect the movement thereof with said closure relative to said container for the purpose set forth.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casing constituting a chambered enclosure, there being an opening in said casing, a liquid confining container removably associated with said casing for confinement in the chambered interior thereof, valved dispensing means fixed to said container for exterior accessible liquid discharge control, a refrigerant chamber in said container for confinement therein, a closure detachably engaging said container and refrigerant chamber to maintain a spaced relation therebetween, means on said closure engageable with said refrigerant chamber, and a handle fixed to said closure to effect movement of said refrigerant chamber relative to said container.

3. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell for confining liquids, a refrigerant chamber in said shell, and a closure telescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure for registry with said refrigerant chamber to effect liquid agitation in said shell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relative to said shell.

4. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell for confining liquids, a refrigerant chamber in said shell, a closure telescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure for registry with said refrigerant chamber,

and a handle fixed to said closure to effect liquid agitation in said shell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relative to said shell.

5. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell for confining liquids, valved dispensing means operatively associated with said container, a refrigerant chamber in said shell, and a closure telescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure for registry with said refrigerant chamber to effect liquid agitation in said shell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relative to said shell.

6. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell for confining liquids, valved dispensing means operatively associated with said container, a rectangular refrigerant chamber in said shell, and a closure telescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure for registry with said refrigerant chamber, and a handle fixed to said closure to effect liquid agitation in said shell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relative to said shell.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casing constituting a chambered enclosure, a display member rotatively associated with said casing, a liquid confining chamber in said casing, valved dispensing means on said container, a fresh fruit extractor journalled in said casing, motor power means for rotating said display member and extractor, and means for directing the fresh fruit juice from said extractor to said valved dispensing means to control a mixed discharge therefrom.

KENNETH E. BEMIS.

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