WO2017189734A1

WO2017189734A1 - Water cooler base with connectivity

Info

Publication number: WO2017189734A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/029652
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louis M. Busick; Sacha POLAKOFF; Milind RANE
Original assignee: Lvd Acquisition, Llc
Priority date: 2016-04-26
Filing date: 2017-04-26
Publication date: 2017-11-02

Abstract

A base unit for providing a water cooler with connectivity is provided. The base unit fits to the bottom of a water cooler and has a lip which extends around the perimeter. The base may contain a number of sensors and a communications capable component. The sensor may include a leak sensor located in a depressed area, load cells located to detect the weight of the water cooler, and a location tracking device. The sensors may be connected to a processor, which generates status data and is connected to the communications capable component, which may be a wireless transmitter/receiver.

Description

WATER COOLER BASE WITH CONNECTIVITY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.: 62/327,574 filed on April 26, 2016. The disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to an apparatus and system for a water cooler base that preferably may be retrofitted to an existing water cooler said base comprising a housing which defines at least one cavity for receiving various electronics and said base being part of a communications network which permits for the monitoring of one or more features of the water cooler.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Bottled water and point of use water companies provide water delivery and water cooler rental service to home and office accounts. Generally, the coolers are owned by the water company and are provided for use in exchange for a small rental fee or sale of water or replacement filters in the case of point of use. Throughout the United States, these companies have placed millions of coolers in homes and offices. Over the past several decades, the industry has generally consolidated into fewer large water companies having hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of water cooler accounts with at least one water cooler each. To be successful, these companies need very efficient operations and management of assets.

[0004] For each bottled water cooler placed, there are two, three or more water bottles, such as five gallon bottles, on site to provide plenty for the cooler of water between scheduled periodic route deliveries. In order to maintain efficiency, it would be desirable to have just enough bottle(s) on site to provide just enough water between deliveries. It would be desirable to not deliver too much water and have an unused bottle left over by the time of the next scheduled delivery. On the other hand, running out of water before the next delivery is a lost sale and an unhappy customer. Therefore, it would be desirable to know what maximum percentage of the water company's assets can be rented out to its various customers while maintaining a sufficient supply for customers between regular deliveries. In order to accurately make such a determination, these water companies need to know and predict customer usage and current supply. Therefore, what is needed is a device capable of tracking average usage and current supply.

[0005] The bottled water market is very competitive, often having several large national and many small regional companies competing for business. Bottled water companies may offer promotions to provide smaller bottles, such as cases of ½ liter or 1 liter bottles at discounted prices, free cleaning or use of a cooler without any monthly lease payment as long as water is purchased for the cooler from the company. Most companies offer similar promotions such that there remains few, if any, new services to offer. Therefore, what is needed is a device with connectivity, such that the water company can offer various services as further described herein. [0006] First, water coolers are generally left on at all hours, including periods of non-use such as nights and weekends. This results in higher electric bills and unnecessary energy consumption. Therefore, what is needed is a service for remote and programmable operation of the cooler, such as the ability to turn the cooler on and off remotely as well as program on and off times for specific time periods or days to save energy.

[0007] Further, water coolers, such as but not limited to, bottle or point of use type water coolers, may leak water. These leaks are often too small to be noticed or are large enough to be noticed but occur when the owner/renter or user is not physically present to see the leak. This can result in wasted water in minor cases to water damage in severe cases. Therefore, what is needed is a water leak detection and notification system, particularly one able to alert the user or owner/renter remotely.

[0008] Finally, in the case of point of use type water coolers, these water coolers are equipped with a filter for filtering the water before dispensing. These filters, however, need replacing periodically. Manufactures or water companies recommend filter replacements periodically based on average use. However, in reality the filter life may be longer or shorter based on actual use. Therefore, the filter life may be extended or changed at more appropriate times by monitoring actual consumption and thus actual filter use. Additionally, it is difficult and time-consuming to monitor these periodic replacements. Therefore, what is needed is a device with filter life monitoring.

[0009] Water coolers are relatively portable and frequently stolen or otherwise go missing. This usually happens when an office closes down or the homeowner moves. For a water cooler company, this results in a loss of rental income and assets. Large companies have reported losses of 10,000 coolers per year. Considering coolers have an average cost of $130 each, this represents a $1 .3 million loss of assets annually. Therefore, what is needed is a device with connectivity and a location tracking device configured to track the location of the water cooler such that it can be recovered.

[0010] Water coolers with connectivity are known in the art. See for example U.S. Patent No. 6,636,151 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, many of the current bottled water companies have been in business for many years and already have large "fleets" of coolers. Replacing all existing assets with coolers having the capabilities described herein could require a large investment. Further, redesigning all coolers to have this capability could take years and represent significant costs, particularly as there are numerous styles and manufacturers. Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus and system for retro-fitting existing coolers with a device as described herein.

[0011] The present invention comprises a base for a water cooler said base capable of tracking average consumption and current supply and that has connectivity allowing a water company to offer various services such as remote operation of the cooler, programmable operation of the cooler, water leak detection and notification, filter life monitoring, and location tracking. In preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is a base which may be retro-fitted to an existing cooler. For example, the present invention may be a base which can be added to the bottom of a known water cooler. The base may comprise a housing that comprises tamper resistant features. The base may further comprise at least one load cell, a power receptacle and cord, a leak sensor, and various electronics such as a location tracking device, a modem, power relays, and a programmable logic controller.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, a system comprising at least one water cooler and/or at least one water cooler equipped with an exemplary base is connected to a database by way of a communications network. The database stores data transmitted by the water cooler and uses this data to implement a website or application that displays information such as, but not limited to, the cooler ID number, account name, current location, status, current consumption, historical consumption information, the filter life and the like. This information may be coded to be displayed in graphical representations. Remote operations and programming information may be transmitted by the user or owner/renter by way of the electronic device, database, and communications network to the water cooler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:

[0014] FIGURE 1 A is an exploded view of a water cooler base in accordance with the present invention also indicating detail A; and

[0015] FIGURE 1 B is a detailed view of Detail A shown in FIGURE 1 A where the base is installed;

[0016] FIGURE 1 C is a perspective view of several exemplary water coolers; [0017] FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the base of FIGURE 1 A;

[0018] FIGURE 3A is a top perspective view of the assembled base of FIGURE 2;

[0019] FIGURE 3B is a bottom perspective view of the assembled base of FIGURE

3A;

[0020] FIGURE 4 is a bottom view of the of the base of FIGURE 3B with a cover removed to better illustrate the components located thereabove;

[0021] FIGURE 5 is a plan view of an exemplary system in accordance with the present invention; and

[0022] FIGURE 6 is perspective view of an exemplary website or application display and interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

[0023] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details such as detailed configuration and components are merely provided to assist the overall understanding of these embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0024] FIGURE 1 A and FIGURE 1 B illustrate a water cooler 102 attached to a base 104. The water cooler 102 may be manufactured with the base 104 already installed. In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the base 104 may be installed separately at a later time such as, but not limited to, by replacing the existing cooler bottom, by fitting the new base 104 below the existing cooler bottom, or by otherwise attaching the new base to the existing water cooler.

[0025] FIGURE 1 C illustrates various styles and types of water coolers 102. This figure is intended to illustrate that various size and shape bases 104 are contemplated that are configured to be manufactured with or later installed on various size and shape water coolers 102. The types, sizes, and shapes of the water coolers 102 illustrated in FIGURE 1 C are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to be limiting.

[0026] FIGURE 2 illustrates an exploded view of the base 104 such that various parts and components may be seen. The base 104 may comprise a platform 110. The platform 110 may be molded or otherwise formed to fit to the water cooler 102 and the various components of the base 104 described herein. The base 104 may further comprise a power receptacle 106 and power cord 108. The power receptacle 106 may be configured to accept the water cooler's 102 power cord. This may be particularly helpful for retrofitting exiting water coolers 102. The power receptacle 106 may be in electrical communication with the power cord 108 such that the power cord 108 may be plugged into an electrical outlet and used to power the base 104 and the water cooler 102.

[0027] The power cord 108 may further provide power for various electronics 112. The various electronics 112 may include a printed circuit board, a programmable logic controller, and power relays. As will be explained in greater detail herein, the various electronics 112 may be configured to determine the current water consumption rate, consumption averages, predicted depletion time, water filter life, and the like. The various electronics 112 may be in electrical communication with load cells 114 and a leak sensor 116. The various electronics 112, the load cells 114, and the leak sensor 116 may be secured to the platform 110 by compartments formed in the platform 110 and a bottom cover 117. The platform 110 and/or the bottom cover 117 may comprise various molded cavities configured to secure the various electronics 112, the load cells 114, and the leak sensor 116 when the bottom cover 117 is in place. To secure the bottom cover 117 to the platform 110 and to the water cooler 102, the bottom covers 117 and the platform 110 may comprise various apertures and receptacles for receiving fasteners. The fasteners may extend between the bottom cover 117 and the platform 110 to secure each to one another. In other exemplary embodiments adhesives or the like may be used to bond the bottom cover 117 to the platform 110 and the base 104 to the water cooler 102.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the base 104 comprises four load cells 114, each of which may be positioned at substantially one corner of the base 104. The load cells 114 may be configured to detect the weight of the water cooler 102. In exemplary embodiments, the load cells 114 may have integrated feet such that they are also used to stabilize and uphold the water cooler 102. Specifically, the load cells 114 may communicate this information to the various electronics 112 which may subtract the known weight of the water cooler 102 to determine the remaining amount of water in the water cooler 102.

[0029] This information may be compared to previously recorded data and used to determine the current water consumption rate, consumption averages, predicted depletion time, and the like. Water filter life may be calculated by subtracting the historical consumption from the known maximum filtering capacity of the water filter. Further, this data may be extrapolated to determine projections regarding the above information. This information may be used by the owner/renter or user of the water cooler 102 to know when to re-order water, how often to request deliveries, monitor usage, monitor water filter life, and the like. Likewise, this information may be used by the water companies to determine how much water a customer needs, what type of water cooler 102 (including, for example without limitation, what capacity water cooler 102) best suits the renter/owner's needs, how often or when to re-deliver supplies, monitor water filter life, monitor usage, and the like.

[0030] The various electronics 112 may further comprise a modem, a wireless receiver/transmitter, or other components configured to provide a wired or wireless connection to a communications network 202. As will be described in greater detail herein, the user or owner/renter may use this connectivity to remotely operate the water cooler 102 including programming its operation and turning it on or off. In one example, the user or owner/renter may program the various electronics 112 to turn the water cooler 102 on or off at various days and times to reduce energy consumption. In another example, the owner/renter can turn the water cooler power off if the rental/water bill is not paid.

[0031 ] The various electronics 112 may further comprise a location tracking device 115, such as a GPS or the like. The location tracking device 115 may be configured to periodically determine and transmit the location of the water cooler 102. This may be particularly useful for tracking and recovering stolen or otherwise missing water coolers 102. [0032] FIGURE 3A and FIGURE 3B illustrate assembled views of the base 104. The platform 110 may comprise a lip 120 and a depressed section 122. The lip 120 may extend the perimeter of the platform 110 such that any leaking water will be accumulated in the depressed section 122. The leak detector 116 may be located in the depressed section 122 such that leaking water will accumulate on the leak detector 116. The leak detector 116 may be in electrical communication with the various electronics 112 such that when the leak detector 116 is activated, it may provide an alert to the user, owner, or water company by way of the communications network 202. Further, a visible or audible alert may be activated on the base 104 or the water cooler 102. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the cover 117 may comprise various tamper- resistant features such as non-standard fasteners that require a special tool to be unthreaded or otherwise removed or detached.

[0033] A number of screw bosses 118 may be located in the base 104 that permit the base 104 to be secured to the water cooler 102. Alternatively, apertures configured to permit a fastener to pass therethrough may be used in lieu or in addition to the screw bosses 118. The fastener may pass through the apertures and secure the base 104 to the water cooler 102.

[0034] FIGURE 4 illustrates a bottom view of the base 104 with the cover 117 removed to illustrate exemplary locations of the load cells 114, the various electronics 112, the power receptacle 106, and the power cord 108.

[0035] FIGURE 5 illustrates an exemplary system 200 in accordance with the present invention. The base 104 may be in communication with a communications network 202 by way of the modem, wireless transmitter/receivers, and the other various electronics 112. The communications network 202 may be a cellular network, a local network, intranet, internet, the world wide web, or the like. The base 104 may communicate various data by way of the communications network 202 to a database 204. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the database 204 is part of a computerized system and is in communication with a server and/or is housed in a server. The database 204 may be accessed by an electronic device 206 operated by the user, owner, or water company. Likewise, the user, owner, or water company may communicate various data and operations instructions to the base 104 by way of the electronic device 206, the database 204, and the communications network 202. The database 204 may store the data and relay operations instructions to and from the base 104. The database 204 may additionally comprise data and instructions for operation of a website, application, software tool, or the like that displays the data and permits remote operation and programming of the base 104 as explained in greater detail herein. This website, application, software tool, or the like may be accessed by way of the electronic device 206. The electronic device 206 may be a computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, or the like.

[0036] FIGURE 6 illustrates an exemplary informational display 300 for use with the website, application, software tool, or the like, as well as the types of information that may be displayed on the website, application, software tool, or the like. The illustrated informational display 300 is merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting. It is contemplated that the information displayed as well as the format of that information may be any kind of data in any format. Further, the layout and type of information displayed may be altered by user preference. For example, but not intended to be limiting, different information may be displayed to the water companies than is displayed to the user or renter/owner of the water cooler 102.

[0037] One such informational display 300 may be a water level graphic 302. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the water level graphic 302 may be illustrated as an outline of a water bottle with a water level corresponding to the current level of water in the water cooler 102. Another informational display 300 may be a filter life graphic 304. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the filter life graphic 304 may be shown as a gauge corresponding to the life remaining in the water filter.

[0038] Yet another informational display 300 may comprise a historic consumption graphic 308. The historical consumption graphic 308 may be a bar chart, line chart, scatter chart, or the like displaying consumption information over a time period. Finally, the informational display 300 may comprise a map graphic 306. In exemplary embodiments, the map graphic 306 is a map with indicia, such as pins, balloons, or the like, that denote the location of various water coolers 102. When selected, the indicia may display the corresponding water cooler's 102 information such as, but not limited to, the cooler ID number, the account name, the address, the cooler's status, historical water consumption information, the remaining filter life, and the like.

[0039] The availability of the data and access to the website or application by the owner/renter may be based on a service fee, such as but not limited to, a set fee or a subscription plan.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, a base 104 of the present invention may comprise or be in electronic communication with an electronic control system as shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 6,636,151 the disclosure of which has been incorporated herein by reference. The electronic control system may be part of the preexisting cooler. The electronic control system is preferably in electronic communication with a communication system housed in the base 104.

[0041 ] It is contemplated that the term water cooler is used herein to generally refer to all types, styles, shapes, and sizes of water coolers such as, but not limited to, bottle, direct line, point of use, free standing, wall mounted, fountains, and the like.

[0042] Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . An apparatus for providing a water cooler with connectivity comprising:

a base having a perimeter and configured to be fitted to the bottom of the water cooler;

a lip extending around the perimeter of said base;

a number of sensors;

a processor in electrical connection with said sensors; and

a communication capable component in electrical connection with said processor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said lip defines a depressed area; and

said sensors comprise a leak sensor located in said depressed area.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said sensors comprise a number of load cells positioned on the base to detect the weight of the water cooler.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said sensors comprise a location tracking device located in said base.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said communications capable component comprises a wireless transmitter/receiver.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the base is configured to be retrofitted to existing water coolers.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:

a power receptacle located in said base configured to receive the power cord from the existing water cooler to be retrofitted; and

a second power cord in electrical connection with said power receptacle for

providing power to said power receptacle.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:

a series of apertures located in said base configured to permit fasteners to extend therethrough to attach said base to said existing water cooler.

9. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising:

a series of feet located on the underside of said base, wherein said feet are

configured to hold said load cells.

10. A system for providing a water cooler with connectivity comprising:

a base unit configured to fit to the bottom of said water cooler comprising:

a leak sensor,

a number of load cells positioned to detect the weight of the water cooler, a location tracking device,

a processor in electrical connection with said load cells and said location tracking device, wherein said processor is configured to generate status data, and

a network connectivity device in electrical connection with said processor;

a database in communication with said network connectivity device; and an electronic device in communication with said database and configured to

display said status data.

1 1 . The system of claim 10 wherein:

said processor is configured to determine the current location of the base unit based on data received from the location tracking device; and

said status data comprises the current location of the base unit.

12. The system of claim 1 1 wherein:

said status data comprises an alert when the current location of the base unit is detected as being in a different position than previously determined.

13. The system of claim 1 1 wherein:

said status data comprises an alert when the current location of the base unit is detected as being outside a predetermined area.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein:

said processor is configured to determine the approximate water level of the cooler based on weight measurements taken by said load cells.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein:

said status data comprises the approximate water level of the cooler.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein:

said status data comprises the approximate amount of water consumed from

the water cooler.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein:

said water cooler comprises a filter; and

said processor is configured to determine the approximate remaining life of the filter based on said approximate consumption.

18. The system of claim 10 wherein:

said status data is displayed on an application installed on said electronic device.

19. The system of claim 10 wherein:

said status data comprises account information.

20. An apparatus for providing a water cooler with connectivity comprising: a platform having a perimeter and comprising:

a lip extending around the perimeter, and

a leak sensor located within the perimeter; and

a bottom cover configured to be fitted to and enclose the underside of said platform and comprising:

a location tracking device,

at least one load cell,

an electronic storage device,

a processor in electrical connection with said at least one load cell, said location tracking device, and said electronic storage device, and a wireless transmitter/receiver in connectivity with said electronic storage device;

wherein said processor is configured to determine the approximate water level of said cooler based on data received from said load cells.