WO1990012752A1

WO1990012752A1 - Beverage dispenser with interconnected synthetic resin exterior panels

Info

Publication number: WO1990012752A1
Application number: PCT/US1990/002278
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Ebco Manufacturing Company
Priority date: 1989-04-25
Filing date: 1990-04-25
Publication date: 1990-11-01
Also published as: AU5644190A; EP0426811A4; EP0426811A1; CA2031533A1; KR920700160A

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.

Description

Title of Invention: Beverage Dispenser With Interconnected

Synthetic Resin Exterior Panels

Background of the Invention:

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 temperature and chilled water dispensers are adapted to support either a three, five or six gallon bottle of water in inverted fashion at the top thereof. Five gallons of water weigh slightly above 41.7 pounds. Frequently a full bottle is literally dropped into place on the dispenser/cooler because it weighs too much for the handler to hold it any longer. Thus, it is extremely important to provide a sturdy structure.

In the past, bottled water dispensers and coolers have been provided with relatively thin, sheet metal exterior vertical panels secured to a frame structure. Typically, the top panel has been molded or otherwise formed from synthetic resin material into a relatively thin cap which is supported by the frame, either directly or via upper portions of the vertical metal panels. 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 refrigerated and room temperature drinking water dispensers disclosed in the cited references has enjoyed substantial commercial success, there are limitations inherent in their construction. In particular, the sheet metal exterior panels effectively narrowed the range of cost effective exterior configurations for the dispensers, since the costs of purchasing the stock metal required for the support members and the exterior 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 return, to strip and repaint the exterior metal panels.

This process has become troublesome because of the sharply escalating costs of labor and compliance with environmental protection and worker safety laws. Finally, there was a desire to provide a new appearance to the older dispensers, as well as those newly manufactured. Accordingly, the possibility of substituting or using synthetic resin panels, instead of metal exterior panels, occurred to the inventors.

While the use of nonmetallic exterior panels on various other appliances unrelated to drinking water dispensers was generally known, these earlier plastic panels were considered to be too weak to permit elimination of the metal support members in at least a basic room temperature drinking water dispenser, too expensive to assemble into such a device, and impossible to retrofit onto existing 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 dispenser, 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.

Summary and Objects of the Invention:

The present invention represents an improvement in a free-standing beverage dispenser adapted to support a 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; and interlocking fasteners integrally formed on the vertical panels for releasably holding the panels in edgewise abutment with one another. Preferably, the fasteners are sufficiently strong to transfer a portion of the load between the panels.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a room temperature water dispenser capable of carrying a relatively heavy load of drinking water without employing a support frame or metal exterior panels. Another object is to 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 vertical 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 present invention may be more readily understood and appreciated in light of the following drawings and description of the preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a basic, room temperature bottled drinking water dispenser according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the subject water dispenser;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the same;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the subject bottled water dispenser;

Fig. 5 is a rear elevational view of the subject dispenser;

Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the same; Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view of a chilled water dispenser 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;

Fig. 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 shown in Figs. 1-6 and 9-11;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Fig. 4 and particularly illustrates a preferred manner in which the cooperative fasteners releasably hold the top panel and front panel together;

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of the present chilled water dispenser shown in Figs. 7 and 8;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the front panel taken along one side thereof and particularly illustrates the keyways and nub-receiving notches formed therein; Fig. 16 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of one of the rear corner panel members of the present chilled water dispenser;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary view which particularly illustrates the panel-positioning nub projecting laterally from one of the side panels;

Fig. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view which particularly illustrates the fastening prongs projecting from the drip pan.

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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment:

As best indicated in Figs. 1, 10 and 12, a basic, free-standing room temperature drinking water dispenser, generally designated 30, according to the present invention is adapted to receive a readily replaceable container 31 of drinking water. The present dispenser basically comprises an integrally formed, generally horizontally disposed top 32; a set of integrally formed, load-bearing, generally vertically disposed front, side and rear panels 33, 34, 35, respectively; and a plurality of cooperative, interlocking fasteners 32A, 33A-B, 34A and 35A-B integrally formed on the top 32, front 33, side 34 and rear 35 panels, respectively, for releasably holding the top and vertical panels in edgewise abutment with one another. An integrally formed reservoir 36 is housed within and supported by the panels 33-35. Preferably, no support frame is provided in the basic, room temperature water dispenser 30. An outlet valve or faucet 37 and a drip pan 38 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 NORYL brand polypropylene oxide 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 exterior wall 33C, 34C, 35C and an interior wall 33D, 34D, 35D 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 exterior 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.

With regard to specific features of the front wall 33, 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 for housing one or more of the outlet valves 37 and the drip pan 38. The interior wall 33D of the front panel 33 generally follows the contours of the outer wall 33C in variably spaced relation thereto. Advantageously, an upper portion of the inner wall 33D as it turns inwardly to define the recess also serves as a shelf or support for a front protuberance 36A on the water reservoir 36. In approximately the upper half of the relatively flat back portion of the recess 40, the interior and exterior walls are joined together 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 exterior walls are spaced slightly apart and are again joined together at the lower end of the recess adjacent to where the exterior wall 33C defines a shelf or support for the drip pan 38 (Fig. 15). Below the recess 40, the front panel is provided with a plurality of reinforcing pockets 39 formed in the interior wall 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 38 is integrally formed with two relatively spaced apart pairs of prongs 43 (Figs. 12, 18) which snap fit into openings 44 (Figs. 12, 15) formed at the base of the front panel recess 40 where the exterior and interior walls come together. Preferably, the drip pan may be formed from the same material as the top and vertical panels, although other plastics are acceptable. The drip pan includes a down-turned front lip 45 and a plurality of troughs or channels 46 for receiving excess or spilled water from the dispensing valve 37. The drip pan 38 is shaped to conform to the lower contours of the front panel recess 40 so that, upon installation, the lip 45 is substantially 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 formed on the upper perimeter front panel wall 33E, and a set of four 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. 15) may be integrally formed in the interior wall in vertical alignment with and between the intermediate keyways 33B on each side of the interior wall 33D. The functions of these cooperative fasteners are described in some detail in following portions of this description.

As indicated in Fig. 12, the relatively opposing, side vertical panels 34 are substantially identical to one another. Each is integrally formed with exterior and interior walls 34C, 34D, respectively, which are variably spaced from one another at predetermined intervals and are joined together by a plurality of reinforcing pockets 39 and by perimeter walls 34E. The pockets 39 are integrally formed in the interior wall 34D in a manner substantially similar to that described in connection with the front vertical 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 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 exterior side panel wall 34C is slightly recessed along its lower edge to form the base 41 which is sized and positioned for alignment with the base on the front panel 33, but preferably does not include a pair of laterally spaced apart feet. Accordingly, the side panels 34 are effectively carried by the front 33 and rear 35 panels, with the side panel fasteners 34B distributing the load, as described below in further detail.

As indicated in Figs. 11, 12 and 17 the cooperative fasteners integrally formed 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 vertically spaced apart and aligned keys 34B are integrally formed on each lateral perimeter side panel wall 34E. In addition, a relatively small nub or flange 34F projecting outwardly from each lateral perimeter wall 34 may be disposed advantageously between the intermediate keys 34B. Preferably, the interior walls 33D, 34D on the front and side panels, respectively, are formed with horizontally disposed channels 331, 341. Alternatively, each of these walls 33D, 34D may be provided with a slightly protruding rib or ridge (not shown). These channels 331, 341, 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 several of the figures, the interior 35D and exterior 35C walls of the back or rear panel are formed, at approximately the same height as the outlet opening on the front panel 33, with a shelf 47 (Figs. 6, 10) upon which the water reservoir 36 may be seated. Above the shelf 47, the interior back wall 35D is formed with a shallow recess 35H (Figs. 9, 12) which provides sufficient space for the reservoir to be lowered into the dispenser, once the vertical panels have been assembled together, as described in more detail below. The cooperative fasteners on the back panel include a pair of laterally spaced apart latches 35A (Fig. 12) integrally formed on and projecting upwardly from the top perimeter wall 35E adjacent opposite ends thereof. Four vertically aligned and spaced apart keyways 35B, substantially identical in configuration and position to the keyways on the front panel 33, are integrally formed in the interior rear panel wall 35D 12 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 e ^s Of the interior rear panel wall 35D between the intermediate keyways 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.

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 integrally formed with and projected downwardly from a generally horizontally disposed upper surface or table 32C. A circular collar 49 projects upwardly from approximately the middle of the table 32C, a circular shoulder 50 (Fig. 4) is disposed inwardly of the collar 49, a circular sleeve 51 projects downwardly from the collar 49 and defines an inlet opening, and four perimeter walls project downwardly from peripheral edges of the table 32C. The generally radially disposed reinforcing ribs 48 project inwardly from the perimeter walls to a downwardly projecting, integrally formed circular rim 52 spaced outwardly from and concentric with the sleeve 51.

The cooperative fasteners on the top 32 are preferably a set of four integrally formed catch members 32A (Fig. 4) depending from the table 32C adjacent to the front and rear perimeter walls. As 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 members 33A on the front panel, and the widely spaced 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 flexible stems. Accordingly, a frictional, rather than interlocking, connection is 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 off.

The water reservoir 36 is molded from synthetic resin material suitable for use with potable water. The reservoir 36 may be any of a variety of sizes. Frequently, a 5.5 gallon capacity reservoir is advantageous so that the entire contents of a conventional five gallon drinking water bottle 31 may be emptied into the reservoir and a second 5 gallon container mounted in the usual manner in inverted fashion on the top 32. The contours of the reservoir 36 are preferably those shown in Figs. 6, 9, 10 and 12. As previously noted, the reservoir is integrally formed with an upper, forwardly projecting portion 36A which is designed to be seated upon the upper interior shelf on the front wall recess 40, relatively shallow and elongated lateral projections 36D sized to fit into the upper interior side wall recesses 34H, a rearwardly projecting enlargement 36E which fits into the upper rear panel recess 35H, and a bottom wall 36F adapted to rest upon the rear panel shelf 47. In addition, the threaded stub 36C is integrally formed upon and projects forwardly from the tapered protuberance 36B extending downwardly from and substantially recessed from the upper forwardly projecting enlargement 36A. Preferably, the reservoir is a single walled structure, thereby maximizing .its internal volume. The upper surface of the reservoir is integrally formed generally centrally with a circular collar 36G which is sized and positioned 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 to the reservoir collar 36G. Suitable air inlets are either formed in the collar or are defined by spaces between the collar and the sleeve 51. In this manner, dust and other particulate material are prevented from entering the reservoir 36 as air enters to fill the vacuum created when water is removed via the dispensing valve 37. In addition, an imperforate, pliable bottle gasket or cushion 54 is preferably mounted upon the circular shoulder 49 formed on the top.

The above-described components of the water dispenser 30 are assembled in the following manner. Each of the side panels 34 is connected to the front panel 33 by aligning and inserting the keys 34B disposed along the forward perimeter side panel walls 34E into the relatively enlarged upper portions of the keyways 33B (Fig. 15) on opposite sides of the front panel interior wall 33D. Simultaneously, the nubs 34F disposed between and vertically aligned with the keys 34B 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 feet 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, respectively (Fig. 11).

Likewise, the nubs 34F move downwardly into the relatively smaller lower notches 33G, 35G in the front and rear panels, respectively. These connections between the side panel nubs

34F and lower front and rear panel notches 33G, 35G prevent inadvertent separation of the panels.

Next, the reservoir 36 is lowered into the previously assembled vertical panels. In order for the forwardly projecting stub 36C to clear the interior wall of the front panel recess 40, the reservoir is positioned as far rearwardly 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 rear panels, respectively, and the catches 32A on the top.

As indicated in Figs. 7, 8, 14, and 16, an alternative embodiment, generally designated 130, of the present invention is employed with refrigeration equipment for dispensing chilled drinking water. While said chilled drinking water dispenser 130 employs many of the components described in connection with the room temperature water dispenser 30, the components which are common to both forms of the present invention being numbered identically, there are some significant differences. First, an internal frame structure 131 is provided to support the refrigeration apparatus. Preferably, this frame is substantially the same as those employed on Ebco Manufacturing Company's bottled water coolers which have been sold for the past several years. In this manner, owners of such prior art coolers may substitute or retrofit the top and vertical panels described 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 forwardly 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. Water heating and carbonating equipment (not shown) may also be provided. Likewise, the water chilling reservoir 136 may be provided with a baffle defining an unrefrigerated bypass (not shown) so that water generally at room temperature may also be dispensed.

Instead of employing a single rear panel extending between the side panels 34, the chilled water dispenser 130 is equipped with a pair of rear corner panels 137, 138. Each corner panel

137, 138 is a relatively narrow, elongated structure integrally molded from synthetic resin material, preferably of the same composition as the top 32, front 33 and side 34 panels. Each is formed with an interior wall 139 and an exterior wall 140 (Fig. 16). The interior wall 139 is integrally formed with a set of four, vertically aligned and spaced apart keyways 141 which are sized and positioned to releasably engage the rearwardly projecting side panel keys 34B in the same manner as 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 integrally 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 frame base 132 and platform 135 by means of sheet metal screws or other fasteners. Advantageously, the corner panels are integrally formed with exterior wall recesses 145 and with fastener-receiving 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 are supported by the frame 131, with the feet of the corner panels disposed slightly above the ground-engaging feet

133 of the support frame base 132 (Fig. 7).

The chilled water dispenser 130 is assembled in the following manner. First, the support frame 132 and refrigeration equipment are assembled in a conventional manner well-known in the art. Optional water heating and/or carbonating equipment may also be installed on the frame at this time. The front panel 33 is then positioned in abutment with the support frame base 132 and with a forwardly disposed bulkhead on the shelf 135 through which a threaded stub 147 projects (Fig. 14). The externally threaded outlet stub 147 (Fig. 14) in fluid communication with the chilled water reservoir 136 and projecting forwardly from the frame platform 135, extends through the outlet opening 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 provided in the front panel recess. The side panels 34 are then mounted, via the forwardly projecting keys 34B, into the front panel keyways 33B 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 projecting side panel keys 34B engage the upper, enlarged portions of the corner panel keyways 141, and the fasteners are applied via the recesses and bores 144, 145 to secure the corner panels to the support frame 131. The side panels 34 are then lowered to that the keys 34B engage the lower tapered portions of the keyways in the front and rear corner panels, and the side panel nubs 34F engage the lower notches 33G, 143 on the front and rear corner panels, respectively. An annular, porous filter 53, substantially similar to the filter employed on the room temperature reservoir, is mounted on an upper exterior portion of the water chilling reservoir 136, and the top 32 is mounted on the panels. Advantageously, the top-engaging latches 144 projecting upwardly from the rear corner panels are positioned to engage the laterally spaced apart, rearwardly disposed 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 ground-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 various 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 extending through the rear corner members 137, 138 and the threaded outlet stub 147 projecting forwardly from the water chilling reservoir 136 through the frame platform 135 and the outlet opening in the front panel recess 40. The strength of the panels and their interconnecting keys and keyways distribute the load so that shear forces do not deform or otherwise impair the function of the threaded outlet stub 147. In addition, the top 32 is constructed as previously described so that, upon mounting a bottle of drinking water thereon, a relatively central portion of the table 32C surrounding the collar 49 flexes downwardly and engages the filter 53. In this manner, a substantial amount of the load is absorbed by the top 32 before it is transferred to the front, side and rear corner panels and hence, to the frame. Thus it may be seen that the vertical external panels and horizontal top of the present invention may be used with equal facility in room temperature and refrigerated drinking water dispensers simply by substituting the full rear panel 35 and rear corner panels 137, 138 for one another, depending upon the 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 present 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 providing beverages (including but not limited to water) generally at room temperature, unless a particular type of dispenser is expressly indicated.

Claims

We Claim:

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, 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, 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. 25

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; 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.

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.