Water cooler abstract
A polymeric insert is arranged for securement within a base portion
of a water cooler housing to accommodate drainage from a water cooler
top wall. Drainage and condensation is accommodated to minimize
corrosion of a lower portion of the water cooler housing. A modification
of the structure includes a fungicide and herbicide distribution
reservoir and an alarm indicating stoppage of the associated drain
structure of the organization.
Water cooler claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by LETTERS
PATENT of the United States is as follows:
1. A water cooler drain pan apparatus, comprising,
a water cooler housing, including a housing top wall spaced from
a housing floor, the housing floor and the housing top wall including
housing side walls extending coextensively therebetween,
and
the housing floor including a drain opening directed medially thereof,
with the drain opening in fluid communication with a drain hose
to direct accumulated moisture within the housing through the drain
hose,
and
a polymeric drain pan mounted within the housing in contiguous
communication with the housing floor and secured fixedly to the
housing side walls,
and
the drain pan floor including a drain pan floor opening coaxially
aligned with the drain opening of the housing, wherein the polymeric
drain pan includes drain pan side walls, and the housing side walls
include a plurality of first hook and loop fastener patches mounted
to an interior surface of the housing side walls at spaced predetermined
intervals adjacent the housing floor, and the polymeric drain pan
side walls including second hook and loop fastener patches mounted
to an exterior surface to the drain pan side walls adjacent the
drain floor, wherein the second hook and loop fastener patches are
mounted at spaced predetermined intervals for mechanical registration
of the first hook and loop fastener patches with the second hook
and loop fastener patches
2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of
the housing side walls includes a reservoir housing fixedly mounted
to an surface of the at least one housing side wall positioned intermediate
the housing top wall and the housing floor, with the reservoir housing
mounting a reservoir container therewithin, the reservoir container
including a fill cap formed at an upper end of the reservoir container
and a reservoir conduit projecting through a lower end of the reservoir
container, wherein the reservoir conduit is directed into the polymeric
drain pan through one of said drain pan side walls, wherein the
reservoir housing includes a fungicide and mildew control fluid
contained therewithin to direct the fluid onto the drain pan floor,
and a reservoir conduit valve mounted within the reservoir conduit,
wherein the reservoir conduit valve effects selective metering of
the fluid directed from the reservoir container to the drain pan
floor.
3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2 including an alarm assembly
fixedly mounted to the drain pan floor, wherein the alarm assembly
includes a mounting plate, the mounting plate including a plurality
of support plates fixedly and orthogonally mounted to a top surface
of the mounting plate, wherein the support plate includes an "L"
shaped second arm rotatably mounted between the support plates and
extending forwardly of the support plates and the mounting plate,
and a first arm fixedly and orthogonally intersecting the second
arm intermediate the support plates, wherein the first arm includes
a float member mounted at a forward distal end of the first arm,
and the second arm includes a second arm switch contact mounted
at a top surface of the second arm at a forward distal end of the
second arm, and an alarm housing fixedly mounted to the support
plate spaced from the second arm, wherein the alarm housing includes
an alarm member contained therewithin, and the alarm housing includes
an "L" shaped rigid contact arm extending exteriorly of
the alarm housing and extending forwardly of the mounting plate,
wherein the "L" shaped contact arm includes an "L"
shaped contact arm forward distal end, wherein the "L"
shaped contact arm forward distal end is positioned adjacent the
second arm forward distal end, wherein the "L" shaped
arm forward distal end includes an "L" shaped contact
arm switch contact mounted to a bottom surface of the "L"
shaped contact arm to overlie the second arm switch contact, whereupon
raising of the float member effects mechanical and electrical communication
between the second switch contact and the contact arm switch contact,
and the alarm housing includes a battery member to provide electrical
energy for the alarm member, wherein electrical communication between
the second switch contact and the contact arm switch contact effects
actuation of the alarm member.
Water cooler description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to water cooler apparatus, and more
particularly pertains to a new and improved water cooler drain pan
apparatus wherein the same is arranged for a condensation collection
pan formed of a polymeric material mounted as an insert within a
lower end portion of the water cooler housing side wall in contiguous
communication with the water cooler floor.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Accumulation of condensation and moisture by utilizing a non-corrosive
material is utilized in various prior art environments to avoid
corrosion effected by typical condensation. Such apparatus is exemplified
in U.S. Pat. No. 3800335 to Buonaura wherein a shower plate is
arranged for accommodating water flow thereon formed of a polymeric
material.
U.S. Pat. No. 3069671 to Taylor sets forth a drain pan mounted
in an underlying relationship relative to a water heater assembly
utilizing a fixed alarm to indicate accumulation of fluid within
the drain pan structure, wherein the fixed alarm utilizes a rigid
contact probe arrangement.
U.S. Pat. No. 4765360 to Baird sets forth a water heater collection
pan for positioning underlying a water heater assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 3895398 to Mustee and U.S. Pat. No. 3606617 to
Frazier utilize shower stall or bathing fixtures formed of a polymeric
material to accommodate moisture.
As such, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need
for a new and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus as set forth
by the instant invention which addresses the problems of ease of
use as well as effectiveness in construction in providing an accumulation
pan structure to receive water flow thereon and avoid damage to
associated housing integrity of the organization and in this respect,
the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types
of water cooler apparatus now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a Water cooler drain pan apparatus Wherein the
same includes a polymeric pan insert arranged for securement and
mounting in an interfitting relationship relative to a water cooler
housing at its lower terminal end. As such, the general purpose
of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in
greater detail, is to provide a new and improved water cooler drain
pan apparatus which has all the advantages of the prior art water
cooler apparatus and none of the disadvantages.
To attain this, the present invention provides a polymeric insert
arranged for securement within a base portion of a water cooler
housing to accommodate drainage from a water cooler top Wall. Drainage
and condensation is accommodated to minimize corrosion of a lower
portion of the water cooler housing. A modification of the structure
includes a fungicide and herbicide distribution reservoir and an
alarm indicating stoppage of the associated drain structure of the
organization.
My invention resides not in any one of these features per se but
rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed
and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular
combination of all of its structures for the functions specified.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be
described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of
the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily
be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially
the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not
familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine
quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the
technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither
intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured
by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope
of the invention in any way.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus which has all
the advantages of the prior art water cooler apparatus and none
of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus which may be easily
and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus which is of a durable
and reliable construction.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus which is susceptible
of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor,
and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale
to the consuming public, thereby making such water cooler drain
pan apparatus economically available to the buying public.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus which provides
in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages
thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages
normally associated therewith.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with
the various features of novelty which characterize the invention,
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects
attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than
those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is
given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description
makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric illustration of the instant invention in
use
FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of the drain pan structure.
FIG. 3 is an orthographic top view of the drain pan structure.
FIG. 4 is an orthographic side view of the drain pan structure.
FIG. 5 is an isometric illustration of the water cooler assembly
of the invention, including a fungicide and mildew control reservoir.
FIG. 6 is an isometric enlarged view of the reservoir structure
arranged relative to the drain pan of the invention.
FIG. 7 is an isometric illustration of the drain pan structure
utilizing an overflow alarm arrangement.
FIG. 8 is an isometric illustration, somewhat enlarged, of the
alarm structure utilized by the invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of electrical circuitry utilized
by the alarm structure of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS.
1 to 9 thereof, a new and improved water cooler drain pan apparatus
embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and
generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.
More specifically, the water cooler drain pan apparatus 10 of the
instant invention essentially comprises a water cooler housing 11
including a housing top wall 11a, to include housing side walls
13 formed with a housing base plate floor 12 and including a refrigerant
assembly 11b (see FIG. 5). A drain opening 14 is directed through
the housing base plate floor 12 in cooperation With a drain opening
conduit 15 to direct excess fluid through the drain opening 14
ultimately into a drain hose 16 A plurality of hook and loop fastener
patches 17 are fixedly mounted to an interior surface of the housing
side walls adjacent the base plate floor 12 spaced at predetermined
intervals. A polymeric drain pan 18 is provided to include a drain
pan floor 19 formed with a drain pan floor opening 20 coaxially
aligned with the drain opening 14. The drain pan 18 includes drain
pan side walls 21 that mount a plurality of second hook and loop
fastener patches 22 spaced at the predetermined intervals therealong
to cooperate with the first hook and loop fastener patches 17 to
secure in an interlocking relationship the drain pan 18 to the housing
side walls 13 adjacent the floor 12. The hook and loop fastener
structure avoids undue corrosive interrelationship between the drain
pan 18 and the housing of the water cooler structure, as well as
providing for a labor saving secure interlocking relationship between
the drain pan 18 and the housing 11.
A water inlet conduit alignment bracket 23 is illustrated as mounted
to the drain pan structure 18 to include a central aperture to
direct a water inlet conduit 24 therethrough, such as the type as
illustrated in FIG. 5 to maintain rigid alignment of the conduit
24 in its projection into the housing 11.
Reference to FIG. 5 illustrates the use of a reservoir housing
25 mounted to an exterior surface of the housing side wall 13 to
include a reservoir container 26 therewithin to provide shielding
of the container 26. The container 26 includes a fill cap 27 wherein
a fill funnel 28 is provided to direct a fungicide and mildew control
fluid 29 into the reservoir 27 wherein the fluid is directed into
the drain pan structure 18 through a drain pan side wall 21 by way
of a reservoir conduit 27a directed from the reservoir container
26 through the drain pan side wall 21. A reservoir conduit valve
27b is provided manually operative to control metering of the fluid
29 onto the drain pan floor 19.
The FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the use of an alarm assembly 30 incorporated
by the invention to provide for audible alarm of an overflow condition
present within the drain pan structure 18. The alarm assembly 30
is secured to a mounting plate 30a that in turn is fixedly secured
to the drain pan floor 19. A float member 31 is mounted to a forward
distal end of an associated rigid first arm 32. The first arm 32
is orthogonally secured to an "L" shaped second arm 34
that is pivotally mounted within spaced parallel support plates
33 that are in turn orthogonally secured to the mounting plate 30a.
The second arm 34 includes a second arm switch contact 35 mounted
at a forward distal end of the second arm 35 for operative communication
with a contact arm switch contact 37 mounted at a forward distal
end of the contact arm 36. The contact arm 36 and the second arm
37 are arranged at an angular orientation therebetween and intersect
at the forward distal end of the second arm 34 and the contact arm
36. The "L" shaped contact arm 36 is directed into an
alarm housing 38 fixedly mounted to the mounting plate 38. The alarm
housing 38 includes an audible alarm member 39 contained therewithin,
wherein a battery 41 contained within the alarm housing 38 and accessed
through a battery covered door 40 provides electrical power to the
use of the organization. When the float 31 rises, the second switch
contact 35 also rises to effect electrical and physical contact
with the contact arm switch contact 37. The contacts 35 and 37 are
positioned in a spaced relationship above the mounting plate 30a
to avoid moisture or fluid interfering with proper operative association
of the contacts to effect the audible alarm actuation in use.
As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention,
the same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly
no further discussion relative to the manner of usage and operation
of the instant invention shall be provided.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily
apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent
relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described
in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present
invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of
the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications
and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and
operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications
and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of
the invention. |