Title:
WATER COOLER
United States Patent 3824801
Abstract:
A water cooler is provided for use with bottled drinking water. Each bottle is provided with an inverted valve cap so that the water is released directly from the bottle to a cup or other container. The unit includes a housing having an upper chamber adapted to receive the bottle and support it in an inverted position. Cooling coils are mounted within the upper chamber for direct engagement with the bottle placed therein. A pressure-sensitive switch is located to engage the bottle and is kept closed by the weight of the filled bottle. When the bottle empties the switch opens to shut off the refrigeration system.
US Patent References:
/1125450.html
Bonnell - January 1915 - 1125450
Refrigerating apparatus
Hull - April 1933 - 1904980
Water cooler
Austin - January 1934 - 1942741
/1125450.html
Bonnell - January 1915 - 1125450
Refrigerating apparatus
Hull - April 1933 - 1904980
Water cooler
Austin - January 1934 - 1942741
Application Number:
05/331961
Publication Date:
07/23/1974
Filing Date:
02/12/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
62/395, 62/397, 62/399
International Classes:
F25D31/00; F25D17/02
Field of Search:
62/201,394,395,396,397,399
Primary Examiner:
Perlin, Meyer
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Morse, Altman, Oates & Bello
Claims:
Having thus described the invention what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent of the United States is
1. A water cooler, comprising
2. A water cooler according to claim 1 wherein said upper portion includes at least one hinged cover for at least partially enclosing said coil and bottle.
3. A water cooler according to claim 1 wherein said support means includes a horizontal annular wall between said upper and midportions to support said bottle and provide an opening for the neck of said bottle to extend into said mid-portion.
4. A water cooler according to claim 3, wherein said support means also includes an arcuate shoulder mounted to said upper portion and engageable with the inverted upper portion of said bottle.
1. A water cooler, comprising
2. A water cooler according to claim 1 wherein said upper portion includes at least one hinged cover for at least partially enclosing said coil and bottle.
3. A water cooler according to claim 1 wherein said support means includes a horizontal annular wall between said upper and midportions to support said bottle and provide an opening for the neck of said bottle to extend into said mid-portion.
4. A water cooler according to claim 3, wherein said support means also includes an arcuate shoulder mounted to said upper portion and engageable with the inverted upper portion of said bottle.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed towards water-cooling units and more particularly is directed towards a new and improved potable water cooler of compact construction and adapted to maintain bottled drinking water in a pure, clean condition for extended periods.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Water coolers that use bottled water normally comprise an upright housing in which the refrigeration equipment is enclosed in the base and the top is formed with a plenum chamber adapted to receive and support an inverted bottle of water. The plenum chamber is formed normally with a circular opening in its top wall to receive the neck of the bottle. Cooling coils are disposed in close proximity to the plenum chamber in order to refrigerate the water fed into the chamber from the bottle. A spigot or valve is attached to the front of the housing and connects to the plenum chamber to permit cooled water to be drawn from the unit.
While water coolers of the foregoing type have been in common use for many years they suffer from certain problems, particularly with respect to cleanliness. The plenum chamber for conventional water coolers requires periodic cleaning to remove sediment, scum and algae that may form within the chamber. The cleaning frequency is determined largely by the condition existing around the location of the unit. If the surrounding conditions are clean then the cleaning requirement will be relatively infrequent, whereas in other locations, such as on trains or the like where dust and dirt are normally present, very frequent cleanings may be required in order to maintain a proper level of sanitation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in water coolers. Another object of the invention is to provide a compact, efficient water cooler wherein the water is cooled directly and the water is drawn off directly from the bottle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention features a water cooler for use with bottled water, comprising a base, refrigeration equipment mounted within the base and an upper housing forming a chamber adapted to receive an inverted bottle of water. A valve cap is attached directly to the neck of the bottle and the cooling coils are mounted in the chamber for direct contact with the bottle. The refrigeration equipment is controlled by a pressure-sensitive switch mounted to a bottle support in the chamber and is adapted to turn off the refrigeration equipment when the bottle is empty. Stabilizing and cushioning means are provided within the housing to protect the bottle against vibration and support it in proper dispensing position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective, partially cut away, of a water cooler made according to the invention,
FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view in front elevation of the water cooler of FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail of the bottle support arrangement of FIG. 2, and,
FIG. 4 is a detailed side elevation of a valve cap employed in the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, the reference character 10 generally indicates a water-cooling unit generally organized about a cabinet housing 12 having a base portion 14, a mid-portion 16 and an upper portion 18. The base portion 14 is employed to house refrigeration equipment such as a motor and compressor generally indicated by the reference character 20. The refrigeration equipment 20 is connected to refrigerating coils 22 located in the upper portion 18 by conduits 24 and 26. The base portion 14 is provided with a horizontal upper wall 28 supporting a drain cup 30 mounted therein directly below a faucet 32 formed on a valve cap unit 34 for a water bottle 36 disposed in the upper portion 18. The drain cup 30 is provided with a tube 38 which may connect to a drain system or to a collection tank at the base to gather dripping, spillages and the like. If desired, the wall 28 may be slightly concave so as to guide any liquid falling on the wall 28 into the cup 30.
The mid-portion 16 is enclosed on four sides by vertical walls with the front wall thereof being formed with access opening 40 allowing the user to reach in to place the cup under the faucet 32 and draw off water.
Mounted across the upper part of the mid-portion 16 is a horizontal annular wall 42 formed with a circular opening 44 somewhat smaller than the diameter of the bottle 36 but large enough to allow the neck thereof to protrude therethrough when the bottle is placed in the inverted position shown in the drawings. Preferably, the wall 42 and opening 44 define a concave shoulder 46 contoured to mate with the rounded shoulder of the bottle 36. Preferably, the bottle is cushioned at its lower portion by means of a resilient annulus 48 mounted about the upper end of the wall 44. Additional cushioning means may be provided at the lower part of the opening to provide vertical cushioning support for the bottle.
Mounted in the wall 42 and positioned to contact the bottle 36 is one or more pressure actuated switches 50 operatively connected to the refrigeration unit 20. The switches 50 are of the normally open type and are closed by the weight of a filled or partly filled bottle 36. As long as the switch is kept closed, the refrigeration unit 20 will operate in the normal manner. However, as the bottle empties, its weight is reduced and when empty or nearly empty the bottle becomes sufficiently light to permit the switch 50 to open. When open, the refrigeration equipment 20 becomes inoperative thereby preventing useless operation of the unit whenever a bottle is empty or not in place.
The bottle is provided with the valve cap 34, best shown in FIG. 2, which is both as a closure as well as valve for the bottle. The cap is tightly secured as by threading the same onto the neck of the bottle or by any other suitable means. The cap may be molded of an inexpensive plastic material so as to be disposable with the bottle, if desired. In the illustrated embodiment the cap is provided with a spring-loaded release button 52 which controls an internal valve element and it will be understood that depression of the button 52 will release water through the spigot 32. In FIG. 4 there is shown a modification of the combination valve cap and in this embodiment a spring-loaded lever 54 is provided to actuate a rotary valve component within the valve body. In the FIG. 4 embodiment the valve is opened by depressing the lever 54.
The upper portion 18 of the housing forms a chamber to accommodate the bottle 36 and the cooling coils 22 helically arranged about a vertical axis. The diameter of the coil substantially corresponds with the outside diameter of the bottle 36 so as to contact the bottle when it is placed in position. By directly contacting the bottle, the water is kept cool within the bottle permitting it to be drained off directly from the bottle without unnecessary exposure to air and without contacting a plenum chamber or other area that may be subject to contamination.
In order to facilitate placement and removal of the bottle, the upper portion 18 is provided with a pair of hinged covers 56 and 58 connected to opposite sides of the housing as by hinges 60 and 62. The hinged covers when closed together may be locked as by a latch 64 at the top of the unit and, when the latch is released, the covers may be folded down out of the way to provide full access to the bottle. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover sections 56 and 58 are provided each with an arcuate shoulder 66 in the top walls thereof with an arcuate resilient rib 68 disposed on the inner face thereof to engage the upper end of the inverted bottle 36. Thus, when the covers are brought together and locked, the upper end of the bottle is securely held in place, protecting the bottle from shifting or vibration.
Preferably, the covers 56 and 58 are lined with a layer 70 of thermal insulation material to minimize heat transfer. Optionally, the covers may extend upwardly to enclose only the cooling coils, leaving the upper end of the bottle exposed.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed towards water-cooling units and more particularly is directed towards a new and improved potable water cooler of compact construction and adapted to maintain bottled drinking water in a pure, clean condition for extended periods.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Water coolers that use bottled water normally comprise an upright housing in which the refrigeration equipment is enclosed in the base and the top is formed with a plenum chamber adapted to receive and support an inverted bottle of water. The plenum chamber is formed normally with a circular opening in its top wall to receive the neck of the bottle. Cooling coils are disposed in close proximity to the plenum chamber in order to refrigerate the water fed into the chamber from the bottle. A spigot or valve is attached to the front of the housing and connects to the plenum chamber to permit cooled water to be drawn from the unit.
While water coolers of the foregoing type have been in common use for many years they suffer from certain problems, particularly with respect to cleanliness. The plenum chamber for conventional water coolers requires periodic cleaning to remove sediment, scum and algae that may form within the chamber. The cleaning frequency is determined largely by the condition existing around the location of the unit. If the surrounding conditions are clean then the cleaning requirement will be relatively infrequent, whereas in other locations, such as on trains or the like where dust and dirt are normally present, very frequent cleanings may be required in order to maintain a proper level of sanitation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in water coolers. Another object of the invention is to provide a compact, efficient water cooler wherein the water is cooled directly and the water is drawn off directly from the bottle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention features a water cooler for use with bottled water, comprising a base, refrigeration equipment mounted within the base and an upper housing forming a chamber adapted to receive an inverted bottle of water. A valve cap is attached directly to the neck of the bottle and the cooling coils are mounted in the chamber for direct contact with the bottle. The refrigeration equipment is controlled by a pressure-sensitive switch mounted to a bottle support in the chamber and is adapted to turn off the refrigeration equipment when the bottle is empty. Stabilizing and cushioning means are provided within the housing to protect the bottle against vibration and support it in proper dispensing position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective, partially cut away, of a water cooler made according to the invention,
FIG. 2 is a detailed sectional view in front elevation of the water cooler of FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail of the bottle support arrangement of FIG. 2, and,
FIG. 4 is a detailed side elevation of a valve cap employed in the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, the reference character 10 generally indicates a water-cooling unit generally organized about a cabinet housing 12 having a base portion 14, a mid-portion 16 and an upper portion 18. The base portion 14 is employed to house refrigeration equipment such as a motor and compressor generally indicated by the reference character 20. The refrigeration equipment 20 is connected to refrigerating coils 22 located in the upper portion 18 by conduits 24 and 26. The base portion 14 is provided with a horizontal upper wall 28 supporting a drain cup 30 mounted therein directly below a faucet 32 formed on a valve cap unit 34 for a water bottle 36 disposed in the upper portion 18. The drain cup 30 is provided with a tube 38 which may connect to a drain system or to a collection tank at the base to gather dripping, spillages and the like. If desired, the wall 28 may be slightly concave so as to guide any liquid falling on the wall 28 into the cup 30.
The mid-portion 16 is enclosed on four sides by vertical walls with the front wall thereof being formed with access opening 40 allowing the user to reach in to place the cup under the faucet 32 and draw off water.
Mounted across the upper part of the mid-portion 16 is a horizontal annular wall 42 formed with a circular opening 44 somewhat smaller than the diameter of the bottle 36 but large enough to allow the neck thereof to protrude therethrough when the bottle is placed in the inverted position shown in the drawings. Preferably, the wall 42 and opening 44 define a concave shoulder 46 contoured to mate with the rounded shoulder of the bottle 36. Preferably, the bottle is cushioned at its lower portion by means of a resilient annulus 48 mounted about the upper end of the wall 44. Additional cushioning means may be provided at the lower part of the opening to provide vertical cushioning support for the bottle.
Mounted in the wall 42 and positioned to contact the bottle 36 is one or more pressure actuated switches 50 operatively connected to the refrigeration unit 20. The switches 50 are of the normally open type and are closed by the weight of a filled or partly filled bottle 36. As long as the switch is kept closed, the refrigeration unit 20 will operate in the normal manner. However, as the bottle empties, its weight is reduced and when empty or nearly empty the bottle becomes sufficiently light to permit the switch 50 to open. When open, the refrigeration equipment 20 becomes inoperative thereby preventing useless operation of the unit whenever a bottle is empty or not in place.
The bottle is provided with the valve cap 34, best shown in FIG. 2, which is both as a closure as well as valve for the bottle. The cap is tightly secured as by threading the same onto the neck of the bottle or by any other suitable means. The cap may be molded of an inexpensive plastic material so as to be disposable with the bottle, if desired. In the illustrated embodiment the cap is provided with a spring-loaded release button 52 which controls an internal valve element and it will be understood that depression of the button 52 will release water through the spigot 32. In FIG. 4 there is shown a modification of the combination valve cap and in this embodiment a spring-loaded lever 54 is provided to actuate a rotary valve component within the valve body. In the FIG. 4 embodiment the valve is opened by depressing the lever 54.
The upper portion 18 of the housing forms a chamber to accommodate the bottle 36 and the cooling coils 22 helically arranged about a vertical axis. The diameter of the coil substantially corresponds with the outside diameter of the bottle 36 so as to contact the bottle when it is placed in position. By directly contacting the bottle, the water is kept cool within the bottle permitting it to be drained off directly from the bottle without unnecessary exposure to air and without contacting a plenum chamber or other area that may be subject to contamination.
In order to facilitate placement and removal of the bottle, the upper portion 18 is provided with a pair of hinged covers 56 and 58 connected to opposite sides of the housing as by hinges 60 and 62. The hinged covers when closed together may be locked as by a latch 64 at the top of the unit and, when the latch is released, the covers may be folded down out of the way to provide full access to the bottle. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover sections 56 and 58 are provided each with an arcuate shoulder 66 in the top walls thereof with an arcuate resilient rib 68 disposed on the inner face thereof to engage the upper end of the inverted bottle 36. Thus, when the covers are brought together and locked, the upper end of the bottle is securely held in place, protecting the bottle from shifting or vibration.
Preferably, the covers 56 and 58 are lined with a layer 70 of thermal insulation material to minimize heat transfer. Optionally, the covers may extend upwardly to enclose only the cooling coils, leaving the upper end of the bottle exposed.