Water cooler abstract
A barrier-free water cooler construction as disclosed comprising
an enclosure having a forwardly projecting cabinet section having
a single basin on the upper side thereof and providing for access
by handicapped persons. The invention includes a water dispensing
system including a control valve mechanism which is operated by
any one of three actuating push bars located on the front and laterally
opposite sides of the enclosure. The water system includes a unique
water precooling arrangement to reduce cooling energy requirements
and may be provided with a glass or similar receptable filler option
which, like the aforesaid moveable actuating push bars, is adapted
for motion-impaired or otherwise handicapped users.
Water cooler claims
We claim:
1. A barrier-free drinking water fountain for attachment to the
surface of a generally vertically extending wall, comprising:
an enclosure having a rear portion adapted to be secured in coplanar
relationship to the wall surface, whereby said enclosure is entirely
disposed and projects forwardly from said wall surface;
left and right sidewalls projecting forwardly from said rear portion
and extending substantially the entire vertical dimension of said
rear portion;
said sidewalls having a lowermost portion and an uppermost portion,
the uppermost portion having a forwardly projecting portion which
extends substantially farther from said wall surface in the forward
direction than said lowermost portion;
a top member disposed upon and secured to said uppermost portion
of said sidewalls;
said top member forming a generally horizontal and substantially
rectangular upwardly facing countertop surface, said countertop
surface being generally equal in the forward dimension to the forward
dimension of said lowermost portion of said sidewalls;
said top member also forming a water basin having a drain therein,
said basin being disposed farther from said wall surface in the
forward direction than said countertop surface and being disposed
above said forwardly projecting portion; and
a means disposed on said top member for dispensing water into said
water basin.
2. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein said countertop surface
is generally equal in the forward dimension to the forward dimension
of said lower portion at a place immediately beneath said forwardly
projecting portion.
3. The water fountain of claim 1 further comprising manually actuable
means disposed on said forwardly projecting portion for operating
said water dispensing means.
4. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein said forwardly projecting
portion defines at least one generally vertically extending face,
and further comprises manually actuable means disposed on said vertically
extending face for operating said water dispensing means.
5. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein said countertop surface
is elevated above said water basin.
6. The water fountain of claim 1 further comprising back splash
surface disposed between said countertop surface and said water
basin.
7. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein water dispensing means
includes bubbler means mounted on said top member.
8. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein said water dispensing
means includes a gooseneck means mounted on said top member.
9. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein said top member defines
a raised edge around at least a portion of the outer periphery of
said countertop surface.
10. The water fountain of claim 1 wherein said rear portion includes
a rear panel.
11. A barrier-free drinking water fountain for attachment to the
surface of a generally vertically extending wall, comprising:
an enclosure having a rear portion adapted to be mounted upon and
in generally a coplanar relation to the wall surface, whereby said
enclosure is disposed, entirely exteriorly of and projects forwardly
from said wall surface;
left and right sidewalls projecting forwardly from said rear portion
and extending substantially the entire vertical dimension of said
rear portion;
said sidewalls having a lowermost portion and an uppermost portion,
the uppermost portion having a forwardly projecting portion which
is substantially coplanar with said lowermost portion and which
extends substantially farther in the forward direction than said
lowermost portion;
a one piece top member disposed upon and secured to said uppermost
portion of said sidewalls;
said top member integrally forming a generally horizontal and substantially
rectangular upwardly facing countertop surface and also integrally
forming a water basin having a drain therein and having a bubbler
mounting section; and
a bubbler menas disposed on said mounting section for dispensing
water into said drain, said bubbler means extending a predetermined
vertical height above said mounting section;
said drain lying in a first upwardly facing plane and said countertop
surface lying in a second upwardly facing plane above said first
plane and below said predetermined vertical extent of said bubbler
means.
12. The water fountain of claim 11 wherein said to member integrally
forms a back splash surface disposed between said countertop surface
and said water basin.
13. The water fountain of claim 11 further comprising push actuated
means disposed on said forwardly projecting portion for operating
said water dispensing means.
14. The water fountain of claim 11 wherein said forwardly projecting
portion defines at least one generally vertically extending face
and further comprising push actuated means disposed on said vertically
extending face for operating said water dispensing means.
15. The water fountain of claim 11 further comprising a gooseneck
means mounted on said top member.
16. The water fountain of claim 11 wherein said top member defines
a raised edge around at least a portion of the outer periphery of
said countertop surface.
17. A barrier-free drinking water fountain for attachment to the
surface of a generally vertically extending wall, comprising:
an enclosure having a rear portion adapted to be operatively disposed
in coplanar relation with the wall surface, whereby said enclosure
is entirely disposed and projects forwardly from said wall surface;
left and right sidewalls projecting generally perpendicularly forwardly
from said rear portion and extending substantially the entire vertical
dimension of said rear portion;
said sidewalls having a lowermost portion and an uppermost portion,
the uppermost portion having a forwardly projecting portion which
is substantially coplanar with said lowermost portion and which
extends substantially farther in the forward direction than said
lowermost portion;
a forwardly facing lower front wall disposed between and connecting
said lowermost portion of said sidewalls and a forwardly facing
upper front wall disposed between and connecting said forwardly
projecting portion of said sidewalls;
a top member disposed upon and secured to said uppermost portion
of said sidewalls;
said top member forming a generally horizontal and substantially
rectangular upwardly facing countertop surface and also forming
a water basin having a drain therein, said water basin being disposed
farther in the forward direction than said countertop surface;
a means disposed on said top member for dispensing water into said
water basin;
said lowermost portion of said sidewalls and said lower front wall
together defining a generally recessed lower cabinet portion;
said forwardly projecting portions, said top member and said upper
front wall together defining an outwardly projecting and overhanging
upper cabinet portion above said lower cabinet portion;
water delivery and removal system coupled to said water dispensing
means and to said drain and disposed in both said upper cabinet
portion and said lower cabinet portion, whereby said system is external
to and disposed forwardly of said wall surface.
18. The water fountain of claim 17 wherein said water delivery
and removal system includes refrigeration means for chilling the
water dispensed from said dispensing means.
19. The water fountain of claim 17 wherein said water delivery
and removal system includes a drain conduit means coupled to said
drain for removing waste water from said water basin.
20. The water fountain of claim 17 further comprising push actuated
means disposed on said forwardly projecting portion for operating
said water dispensing means.
21. The water fountain of claim 17 further comprising push actuated
means disposed on said upper front wall for operating said water
dispensing means.
22. The water fountain of claim 17 wherein said countertop surface
is elevated above said water basin.
23. The water fountain of claim 17 further comprising back splash
surface disposed between said countertop surface and said water
basin.
24. The water fountain of claim 17 wherein water dispensing means
includes bubbler means mounted on said top member.
25. The water fountain of claim 17 wherein said water dispensing
means includes a gooseneck means mounted on said top member.
26. The water fountain of claim 17 wherein said top member defines
a raised edge around at least a portion of the outer periphery of
said countertop surface.
27. A barrier-free drinking water fountain for attachment to the
surface of a generally vertically extending wall, comprising:
an enclosure having a rear portion for securing in a coplanar relationship
to a wall surface, whereby said enclosure is entirely disposed and
projects forwardly from said wall surface;
left and right sidewalls projecting forwardly from said rear portion
and extending substantially the entire vertical dimension of said
rear portion;
said sidewalls having a lowermost portion and an uppermost portion,
the uppermost portion having a forwardly projecting portion which
is substantially coplanar with said lowermost portion and which
extends substantially farther in the forward direction than said
lowermost portion;
a forwardly facing lower front wall disposed between and connecting
said lowermost portion of said sidewalls and a forwardly facing
upper front wall disposed between and connecting said forwardly
projecting portion of said sidewalls;
a top member disposed upon and secured to said uppermost portion
of said sidewalls;
said top member forming a generally horizontal and substantially
rectangular upwardly facing countertop surface and also forming
a water basin having a drain therein, said water basin being disposed
farther in the forward direction than said countertop surface;
a means disposed on said top member for dispensing water into said
water basin;
said lowermost portion of said sidewalls and said lower front wall
together defining a generally recessed lower cabinet portion;
said forwardly projecting portions, said top member and said upper
front wall together defining an outwardly projecting and overhanging
upper cabinet portion above said lower cabinet portion; and
at least one manually actuated control means dispoed on and generally
flush with said upper cabinet portion for causing said water dispensing
means to dispense water.
28. The water fountain of claim 27 wherein said control means comprises
push activated means disposed on said upper front wall.
29. The water fountain of claim 27 wherein said control means is
disposed on said forwardly projecting portion of at least one of
said sidewalls.
30. The water fountain of claim 27 further comprising first push
activated means disposed on said forwardly projecting portion of
one of said sidewalls and second push activated means disposed on
said upper front wall.
31. The water fountain of claim 27 further comprising a first push
activated means on said forwardly extending portion of said left
sidewall;
a second push activated means on said forwardly projecting portion
of said right sidewall; and
at least one additional push activated means on said upper front
wall, each of said push activated means being operable to cause
said water dispensing means to dispense water.
Water cooler description
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Barrier-free type water cooler apparatus, i.e., water coolers and
fountains adapted for use by persons confined to wheelchairs and
similarly handicapped persons, heretofore known and used have generally
been categorized as electric or refrigerated type coolers, and non-electric,
i.e., non-refrigerated type dispensers. Typical prior art designs
include a basin or receptor constructed of a non-corrosive material
and of a generally L-shaped configuration. When the device's water
system is actuated, water not consumed by the user flows onto surfaces
defined by the bottom leg of the "L" and through a drain
hole and thereafter into the associated drain or waste system. The
vertical leg of such prior art devices serves primarily as an extended
splash-back and as the front cover to the cabinet directly therebehind.
Such prior art cabinets generally have been constructed of painted
sheet metal, stainless steel or sheet metal with a decorative material,
such as a polymeric material bonded to the exterior surface, with
the lower front portion of the cabinets generally housing the water
dispensing mechanism, and the rear portions containing the unit's
refrigeration system (if of the electric type) and supply lines
to the dispensing valves and mechanism.
The aforementioned prior art type water cooler-fountains include
a water dispensing system that utilizes side handles that when turned
clockwise and/or counter-clockwise, transmit a force through an
actuating rod or link assembly located in the lower cabinet interior
to a valve (also located in the same area) which in turn effects
the flow of drinking water.
Another prior art arrangement utilizes a front push-bar with a
"rocker" type motion that when pressed at any point on
the front surface, transmits a force directly to a push-button type
valve/regulator to effect actuation of the water flow, This latter
version may also include side push bars that are connected directly
to the front push bar with small diameter, formed wires. When pressure
is applied to either of the side push bars, the front push bar actuates
the aforesaid water valve.
The dispensing mechanisms of prior art electrical water coolers-fountains
heretofore known and used have included round push buttons that,
when pressed, energize a push type switch mounted directly behind
the button and the unit's front panel. The switch normally electrically
energizes a solenoid-type valve and allows water to flow through
the water system to the associated dispensing nozzle or bubbler.
This latter type of device normally incorporates a time-delay feature
to allow the solenoid valve to stay open after pressure to the push
button is discontinued.
The prior art type water cooler-fountains of the aforedescribed
character which have included glass filler features typically have
the actuating button or lever located on the vertical surface of
the basin, which requires that a force be applied by pushing in
a horizontal plane. Other types of prior art arrangements which
feature a glass filler substitute such a filler for the conventional
bubbler and hence do not offer both the bubbler and the glass-fill
option simultaneously. The aforesaid prior art water cooler-fountains
have been found to be objectionable from the standpoint of serving
handicapped persons, particularly those in wheelchairs, since they
cannot meet the height clearance requirements now formally established
in Federal Standards A.N.S.I. 117.1-1980 and related federal guidelines
now established through the Architectural and Transportation Barrier
Compliance Board (A.T.B.C.B.). Moreover, the lower front cabinets
of most of such prior art-type devices have been too low to allow
convenient access by standard wheelchairs when the bubbler outlet
is located in vertical compliance with either of the aforesaid statutory
requirements.
Typical prior art devices shown in the patent literature are depicted
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4081134 2739461 and 4295609; however, such
prior art patents neither show nor suggest the features described
hereinafter of the present invention, nor in any way anticipate
the claims appended hereto.
It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved water cooler-fountain of the type generally
referred to above in the prior art, but which embodies a number
of features not heretofore available nor suggested by such prior
art arrangements.
It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved water cooler and fountain which provides convenient
access for all people, including those with motion and/or visual
disabilities, so as to allow access by persons in wheelchairs and
also meet the barrier requirements for safe access by the blind.
It is yet a more specific object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved water cooler and fountain which may be electrically
operated or non-electric, and which is adapted to be wall-hung,
and which also conforms with requirements of applicable national
disabled user statutes, particularly statutes applicable to users
confined to wheelchairs and the like, such as A.N.S.I.-117.1-1980.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved water cooler and fountain which is adapted for both
new construction and retrofit applications.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved water cooler and fountain, which, by virtue of orientation
of the refrigeration compressor closer to the floor than similar
water coolers heretofore known and used, exhibits reduced noise
characteristics.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved water cooler and fountain which provides for
improved head room characteristics as compared to similar type devices
known in the prior art.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved water cooler and fountain which may be provided with
a glass, cup or similar receptacle filler option for the bnefit
of handicapped persons who desire to use personal receptacles for
obtaining water.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved water cooler and fountain that may be provided
with a front actuating bar and side actuating bars which may be
installed as original equipment or may be retrofitted at a later
date.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide
a new and improved water cooler and fountain which features a unique
water pre-cooler device, and which may be provided with a glass
filler option having an improved actuating mechanism.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of the improved water cooler-fountain
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention with
the access panel for the rearward cabinet portion thereof removed
so as to show the refrigeration components embodied in the cooler
fountain of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of the structure shown in FIG.
1 illustrating the water actuating bars and associated water circuit
and refrigeration components;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of
a water cooler mechanism embodied in the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view, similar to FIG. 1 and
discloses the present invention as incorporating an optional receptacle
filler feature, and
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an optional pre-cooling apparatus
which may be embodied in the water cooler-fountain of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now in detail to the drawings and in particular to FIG.
1 thereof, a water-dispensing apparatus or water cooler-fountain,
generally designated by the numeral 10 in accordance with one preferred
embodiment of the present invention, is shown as comprising an external
housing or cabinet 12 which is preferably fabricated of sheet metal,
stainless steel, etc. having a suitable protective material on the
exterior thereof. The cabinet or enclosure 12 comprises a rearward
portion 14 including a back panel 16 adapted to be secured to an
associated wall structure or the like, i.e., adapted to be wallhung,
and a lower side or base panel 18 and left and right side panels
20 and 22 respectively. The forward side of the cabinet portion
14 comprises a front panel 24 which is removably mounted to provide
access to the interior of the cabinet portion 14.
The cabinet or enclosure 12 also comprises a front or forward portion,
generally designated by the numeral 30 which projects forwardly
from the enclosure portion 14 and houses the water dispensing system
of the apparatus 10. The enclosure portion 30 consists of a removable
front panel 32 and removable left and right side panels 34 and 36
with the lower side of the cabinet portion 30 being enclosed by
bottom panel 38. As shown in the drawings, the outwardly cantilevered
cabinet portion 30 has an upwardly facing water basin or receptor,
generally designated by the numeral 40 which is arranged slightly
below the generally flat upper side of the rearward cabinet portion
14 that provides a countertop type surface, as seen at 42. An elevated
back-splash surface 44 is disposed between the countertop 42 and
the receptor 40 to assure that water flows toward the waste system
of the apparatus 10. The receptor or basin 40 includes a bubbler
mounting section 46 and a plurality of sloped or inclined surface
portions 48 50 52 and 54 which are downwardly directed toward
a drain area 56. Preferably, the basin or receptacle 40 is fabricated
of a suitable stainless steel material or other suitable material
having non-corrosive characteristics which may be conveniently cleaned
to assure sanitary maintenance of the apparatus 10.
The water dispensing apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises
a water dispensing or actuating mechanism, generally designated
by the numeral 60 comprising a front push or actuating bar 62 that
is disposed in the front panel 32 of the forward cabinet portion
30 and includes a pair of laterally spaced apart manual engaging
portions 64 and 66 which project outwardly from the forward side
of the cabinet portion 30 through a generally horizontally-disposed
elongated opening 68. The push bar 62 comprises a rearward mounting
section 70 as best seen in FIG. 3 which includes laterally opposed
mounting portions 72 and 74 and is adapted to be operatively secured
to a valve mounting bracket, generally designated by the numeral
76 having horizontally opposed arm sections 78 and 80 and operatively
supporting a water valve/regulator mechanism, generally designated
by the numeral 82. More particularly, the push bar 62 is pivotably
and slidaeably connected to the valve mounting bracket 76 by means
of a pair of slots 86 which are formed in the arm sections 78 80
thereof, which slots 86 slideably and pivotably receive pivot elements
88 that permit either end of the push bar 62 to mechanically pivot
inwardly about the opposite of the elements 88 and slots 86 upon
the application of manual pressure to said either end, and/or permits
the entire push bar 62 to move inwardly upon the application of
manual pressure generally centrally thereof, i.e., midway between
the opposite ends thereof. Thus, when an inwardly directed manual
pressure is applied to any portion of the push bar 62 the interconnection
via the pivot elements 88 and slots 86 allows the push bar to pivot
inwardly around the end thereof opposite that to which pressure
is applied, or alternatively, slide directly inwardly when the pressure
is applied at the center of the bar 62. The pivot element 88 may
comprise cotter key-type elements or the like, spring pins or other
type fastening means which provide for a loose but secure connecting
relationship between the push bar 62 and the valve mounting bracket
76. It will be appreciated, of course, that the slots may be provided
in the mounting portions 72 74 instead of the valve mounting bracket
76 to obtain the same pivotable and sliding relationship hereinabove
described without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As best illustrated in FIG. 3 the mounting portions 72 74 comprise
internal cavities 90 92 respectively, which define internal camming
surfaces 94 intended to function in a manner hereinafter to be described.
The water valve/regulator mechanism 82 may be of any suitable construction
known to those skilled in the art and comprises an actuating element
96 which is adapted to cooperate with the central portion 98 of
the push bar 62 whereupon pivotal or inward movement of the push
bar 62 will effect operation of the element 96 to effect opening
of a flow path between a suitable source of portable water and the
dispensing mechanism, i.e., bubbler, provided upon the receptor
40 as later to be described.
In accordance with the present invention, in addition to actuation
of the water valve/regulator mechanism 82 via the front push bar
62 water may also be dispensed by applying pressure to either or
both of a pair of side push bars 100 102 which are mounted on the
left and right sides 34 and 36 of the front cabinet portion 30
as best seen in FIGS. 1 2 and 3. The side push bars 100 102 include
manual engaging portions 104 and 106 respectively, which project
outwardly from the side panels 34 36 through suitable openings
108. The side push bars 100 102 are intended to be pivotably mounted
via suitable pivot pins 112 and 114 so that they may be pivotable
about respective vertical axes. The push bars 100 102 comprise
laterally inwardly-extending actuating leg portions 116 and 118
respectively, having engagement surfaces 120 adapted for operative
engagement with the surfaces 94 in the opposite ends of the front
push bar 62 as best seen in FIG. 3. The interrelationship between
the surfaces 94 and 120 is such that when either side push bar 100
or 102 is depressed, a sliding force is transmitted to the adjacent
end of the front push bar 62 via the actuating leg portions 116
118 resulting in said adjacent end of the front push bar being
biased pivoted about the opposite end thereof to effect actuation
of the element 98 of the water valve/regulator mechanism 82 in the
manner hereinabove described.
A unique feature of the present invention resides in the fact that
with the components above described, the side push bars 100 102
may be provided as original equipment on the apparatus 10 or may
be added at some later date, i.e., retrofitted, without requiring
any major reconstruction of the apparatus 10. More particularly,
since the side push bars 100 102 are not permanently joined to
the front push bar 62 but instead, merely transmit a motion by
sliding contact between the surfaces 94 and 120 the side push bars
100 102 may be provided in the form of a retrofit kit that can
be easily attached to the apparatus 10 without affecting mounting
or dismounting of the front push bar 62 or any other parts of the
overall water-dispensing mechanism of the apparatus 10.
As previously mentioned, the water dispensing apparatus 10 of the
present invention may be of the refrigerated, i.e., electrical,
or non-refrigerated, i.e., non-electrical type, with the arrangement
shown in the drawings being of the former variety. Toward this end,
the apparatus 10 is provided with a refrigeration system, generally
designated by the numeral 130 which is disposed within the rearward
portion 14 of the enclosure 12. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 the
refrigeration system 130 comprises a conventional hermetically sealed
compressor 132 a forced draft condenser assembly 134 and an insulated
evaporator/chiller assembly 136. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the compressor 132 condenser 134 and evaporator/chiller
136 are operatively connected through conventional refrigerant conduits
such that gaseous refrigerant at relatively high pressure is supplied
by the compressor 132 to the condenser 134 the refrigerant being
cooled and liquified as it passes through the condenser 134. The
thus-cooled and liquified refrigerant flows from the condenser 134
to the evaporator/chiller assembly 136 where the refrigerant is
vaporized by the transfer of heat thereto from water which is circulated
through the chiller portion (later to be described) of the assembly
136 resulting in cooling of the water. The gaseous refrigerant
then flows from the assembly 136 back to the inlet or suction side
of the compressor 132 for recycling.
With reference to FIG. 4 the water circuit for the aforesaid electric
type of dispensing apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises
the aforementioned push button valve/regulator 82 which is cooperable
with a water circuit 140 including a helically coiled conduit 142
which is disposed within the evaporator/chiller assembly 136 and
arranged in heat transfer relation with the evaporator section of
the refrigeration system 130. The outlet end of the coiled conduit
142 is communicable via a suitable water conduit 143 with a conventional
water dispenser or "bubbler" 144 which, as best seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is mounted upon section 46 of the receptor or basin
40. The inlet end of the coiled conduit 142 is communicable via
a suitable water conduit 145 with the valve/regulator 82 which is
in turn communicable with a suitable source of potable drinking
water via a supply conduit 146. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, at such time as the valve/regulator 82 is actuated
by means of the actuation of any of the push bars 62 100 or 102
in the manner hereinafter described, potable water will flow from
the source thereof via the conduits 146 and 145 into the coiled
conduit 142 where such water will be cooled by operation of the
aforementioned refrigeration system 130 which cooled water will
thereafter by communicated via the conduit 143 to the bubbler 144
where said water may be conveniently consumed. It is to be noted
that the conduit 142 of the evaporator/chiller assembly 146 is normally
non-pressurized by virtue of being located downstream from the valve
82 whereby to minimize water spillage that may occasionally occur
due to water freezing and rupturing said conduit 142.
In accordance with one of the principles of the present invention,
the apparatus 10 may be provided with additional cooling capacity
by means of a unique pre-cooler assembly, generally designated by
the numeral 150. The assembly 150 comprises inlet-outlet conduits
152 154 which are serially communicable with a cooling conduit
section 158 that is adapted to be secured, as by tack soldering
and tin dipping, as seen at 160 to the cooler waste (drain) line
representationally designated by the numeral 156. The line 156
of course, connects at the upper end thereof with a drain fitting
158 located in the drain area 56 of the receptor or basin 140 and
at the lower end thereof with a suitable drain conduit which functions
in a conventional manner to drain waste water to an associated drain
system or facility. In a preferred construction of the present invention,
the portion of the conduit 158 arranged in heat transfer relation
with the line 156 is preferably provided with some type of heat-insulating
medium, i.e., insulated tape or the like (not shown), whereby when
chilled water travels through the waste line 156 the incoming water
being communicated via the conduits 152 154 and 158 will be pre-cooled
by the heat transfer relationship between the conduits 156 and 158.
It is contemplated that such pre-cooling will be on the order of
10.degree. to 15.degree. F. so as to provide a material increase
in the cooling capacity of the apparatus 10.
For non-electric, i.e., non-refrigerated, variations of the water
dispensing apparatus 10 of the present invention, supply water is
provided through a suitable supply line to the push button valve/regulator
82 previously described, which is in turn directly connected via
a suitable water line to the bubbler 144. That is, for non-electric
versions, the water flow circuit would be devoid of the helical
conduit 142 associated with the evaporator/chiller assembly 136
as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
In accordance with another important principle of the present invention,
the apparatus 10 may be provided with an optional glass or receptacle
filler feature which may be factoryinstalled or supplied in the
form of a retrofit "kit." Such a feature includes a water
dispensing spigot 170 normally referred to as a "gooseneck,"
which is adapted to be mounted directly adjacent the receptor or
basin 40 in the manner best seen in FIG. 5. The "gooseneck"
or spigot 170 includes a generally vertically disposed section 172
which terminates at its upper end in a reverse bend section 174
having an elevated downardly directed discharge end 176. As shown
in FIG. 5 the discharge end 176 of the spigot 170 is elevated above
the receptor 40 and is oriented laterally opposite the bubbler 144
at a forward portion 178 of the counter top 42. Such an arrangement
of the spigot 170 is intended to maximize convenient use for persons
with certain types of motion disabilities, as well as the general
public, and the elevated orientation thereof is intended to provide
for adequate head room for users drinking water from the bubbler
144. Water to be dispensed via the spigot 170 is communicated via
a push button-type actuating valve 180 located adjacent the lower
end of the spigot 170 so as to provide the additional feature of
improved actuating convenience over current state-of-the-art glass
filler devices. Such actuating convenience is achieved by virtue
of the face that the actuating button 182 of the valve 180 is intended
to accept a vertically downwardly directed force, rather than a
force in a horizontal direction required by "push type"
gooseneck dispensers in the prior art. Additionally, the push button
182 is located relatively lower than comparable type dispensing
apparatus to provide the added convenience for those users who may
have to apply pressure by directly leaning on the button 182.
It is to be noted that access to the water dispensing system 60
is intended to be provided by removably mounting the front panel
32 of the forward cabinet portion 30 while access to the refrigeration
system 130 for purposes of inspection, repair and the like, is provided
by removably mounting the front panel 24 of the rearward cabinet
or enclosure portion 14 as previously mentioned. All normal maintenance
and repair activities may, therefore, be accomplished without the
inconvenience of disconnecting existing plumbing and/or removing
the entire dispensing apparatus 10 from its associated support structure,
i.e., wall, etc.
It will be seen from the foregoing, and in accordance with an important
principle of the present invention, that the cabinet or enclosure
12 is adapted to be cantilever mounted so as to provide ample clearance
and convenient access for standard wheelchairs when the bubbler
144 is located in vertical compliance with applicable statutes for
the physically impaired, such as A.N.S.I. 117.1-1980 or the applicable
A.T.B.C.B. federal guidelines. Moreover, the particular configuration
of the apparatus 10 of the present invention enables compliance
with correlative blind access statutes and related regulations.
An additional feature of the present invention resides in the increased
head room and general consumer convenience achieved by the overall
shape of the dispensing apparatus 10 and specifically, the water
dispensing devices, i.e., bubbler 144 and/or spigot 170 thereof,
and that such improved consumer convenience is achieved without
any sacrifice in the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the apparatus
10. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such aesthetically
pleasing appearance is enhanced by the perception of universal styling
which removes the stigma of being offered for use for "handicapped
persons only." Another important feature, of course, of the
present invention resides in the unique pivoting and sliding mechanism
of the front and side push bars which permit actuation of the water
system from the forward and either side of the dispensing apparatus
10. The unique interaction between the side push bars 100 102 and
the front or forward push bar 62 also lends itself to convenient
O.E.M. or retrofit installation of the side push bars. In addition,
the unique glass filler option reduces the potential of interference
and head injuries caused by collision with the gooseneck, i.e.,
spigot 170 while using the bubbler device 144 and the unique glass
filler actuating device provides actuating convenience over comparable
devices in the art. Finally, the pre-cooler feature of the present
invention is intended to provide for an energy efficient cooling
system which may be conveniently installed to provide for the economical
pre-cooling of water dispensed by the apparatus and therefore supplement
the refrigerating operation of electric type coolers.
While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments as illustrated
herein are well calculated to fulfill the objects above stated,
it will also be appreciated that the present invention is susceptible
to modification, variation and change without departing from the
proper scope of the appended claims. |