Water dispenser abstract
A decorative cover is provided which easily fits over a water bottle
mounted on a water dispenser. This cover provides a variably changeable
decor that can fit different tastes and environments. Further, this
cover includes accessory features such as a handle for easy removal
of the cover, a cup dispenser, and a pouch for storing water delivery
schedules, bills and the like. In one embodiment the cover is constructed
of a loose fitting material and includes a top portion and a side
portion. In an alternate embodiment the cover is constructed of
a rigid material designed to stand on its own around the water bottle.
In this embodiment the cover can include a top portion or can leave
the water bottle exposed on the top. This rigid material can be
foam rubber coated with plastic for writing and erasing messages
or metallic for attaching messages by magnetic means. Both the loose-fitting
and the rigid embodiments of the cover can be made with stragetically
positioned viewing ports in them for determining the water level
in the water bottle and allowing light to reach the interior of
the water bottle. The viewing ports can be made from the absence
of any material or can be constructed of a Nylon mesh material.
The cover can also include an interior liner which is used to absorb
moisture away from the water bottle.
Water dispenser claims
What is claimed is:
1. A loose-fitting cover for covering and improving an appearance
of a water bottle mounted on a water dispenser, comprising:
a. a top portion for covering an upper surface of the water bottle
and keeping the cover positioned on the water bottle, the top portion
having a first exterior side and a first interior side; and
b. a first side portion coupled to the top portion for loosely
covering sides of the water bottle, the side portion having a second
exterior side and a second interior side.
2. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a handle coupled to
the top portion for use in removing the cover from the dispenser.
3. The cover of claim 2 wherein the handle is coupled to the cover
by a "Velcro"-type fastener.
4. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a cup dispenser coupled
to the second exterior side of the cover for storing and dispensing
cups.
5. The cover of claim 4 wherein the cup dispenser is coupled to
the second exterior side of the cover by a "Velcro"-type
fastener.
6. The cover of claim 1 further comprising a pouch coupled to the
second exterior side of the cover for storing objects.
7. The cover of claim 1 wherein the first side portion is constructed
of a rigid material.
8. The cover of claim 7 wherein the rigid material comprises a
surface of sufficient impermeable characteristics for writing an
erasable message thereon.
9. The cover of claim 7 wherein the rigid material is metallic
for attaching messages by magnetic means.
10. The cover of claim 1 wherein the first side portion further
comprises a plurality of viewing ports.
11. The cover of claim 10 wherein the viewing ports are constructed
of Nylon mesh material.
12. The cover of claim 1 further comprising an interior lining
coupled to the first and second interior sides for absorbing moisture
away from the water bottle.
13. A water dispensing system comprising:
a. a water bottle having outer dimensions and predetermined shape
and having a neck portion opening into an outlet spout extending
from one end of the water bottle;
b. a water dispenser having a top ledge with an opening for receiving
the neck of the water bottle thereinto in a stable storage position
with the neck extending downwardly within the dispenser and the
water bottle extending upwardly as a visible towerlike structure
on the ledge; and
c. a loose-fitting cover for covering and improving an appearance
of the water bottle mounted on the water dispenser, comprising:
i) a top portion for covering an upper surface of the water bottle
and keeping the cover positioned on the water bottle; and
ii) a side portion coupled to the top portion for covering sides
of the water bottle.
14. A cover for covering and improving an appearance of a water
bottle mounted on a water dispenser, comprising a rigid free-standing
tube having a diameter larger than a base of the water bottle and
smaller than the water dispenser, wherein the cover will loosely
slide over the water bottle for covering sides of the water bottle,
the tube including a first exterior side and a first interior side.
15. The cover of claim 14 wherein the rigid material comprises
a surface of sufficient impermeable characteristics for writing
an erasable message thereon.
16. The cover of claim 14 wherein the rigid material is metallic
for attaching messages by magnetic means.
17. The cover of claim 14 further comprising a top portion coupled
to the rigid free-standing tube.
18. A cover for covering and improving an appearance of a water
bottle mounted on a water dispenser wherein the cover is slidably
mounted onto the water bottle, comprising:
a. a top portion for covering an upper surface of the water bottle
and keeping the cover positioned on the water bottle, the top portion
having a first exterior side and a first interior side;
b. a side portion coupled to the top portion for loosely covering
sides of the water bottle, the side portion having a second exterior
side and a second interior side;
c. a handle coupled to the cover for use in removing the cover
from the water dispenser;
d. a cup dispenser coupled to the first exterior side of the cover
for storing and dispensing cups; and
e. a pouch coupled to the second exterior side of the cover for
storing objects.
19. The cover of claim 18 further comprising a plurality of viewing
ports.
20. The cover of claim 19 further comprising an interior lining
coupled to the first and second interior sides for absorbing moisture
away from the water bottle.
Water dispenser description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to water dispensing systems. More particularly,
this invention relates to a cover for water bottles that are mounted
on water dispensers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Drinking water for the home or office is generally stored in bottles,
and dispensed by unsealing a bottle and inverting it onto a water
dispenser. Water dispensers are usually metal, ceramic or plastic
devices, depending upon their size; some are free standing and others
are countertop models. Water dispensers generally have an interior
storage chamber for the water, an opening on top of the dispenser
for receiving an inverted water bottle, and means for dispensing
the water from the chamber to the user. When a bottle is inverted
onto the dispenser, the water flows into the interior storage chamber.
In some dispensers, the storage chamber can chill or heat the water;
others dispense the water at room temperature.
Water dispenser bottles are either round or angular in shape, and
are usually made of clear or opaque glass or plastic so that the
water level can be viewed. Although the bottles are designed to
be useful, these characteristics make the appearance of a water
dispenser at best a utilitarian and somewhat unattractive addition
to the home or office environment.
Several covers for water dispenser bottles are described in the
prior art. A water cooler bottle cover for circular bottles is illustrated
in Design Pat. No. 266056 to Lear. The Lear cover appears to slide
onto and completely enclose the bottle. However, this cover does
not allow the user to ascertain the amount of water remaining in
the bottle.
Bourgo et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4514995 discloses a knit cover for
beverage containers that has inherent heat insulating properties.
However, such a cover is undesirable for use with water dispenser
bottles because modern water dispensers only cool (or heat) the
water once it is inside the dispenser chamber, rather than in the
bottle itself, thus rendering the heat insulating properties of
the water bottle cover useless. Furthermore, a cover with such insulating
properties would tend to accumulate moisture from sweating and possibly
contribute to the growth of bacteria which may lead to contamination
of the drinking water itself.
Dumbeck et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4834250 discloses a decorative protective
hood for water dispensers. However, the hood is designed to tightly
hug the water bottle to protect the bottle from scratching and to
contain the glass fragments should breakage occur. Since most water
bottles are now constructed of plastic due to weight and safety
considerations, this feature is no longer particularly useful. Furthermore,
because of its form-fitting nature, the hood requires a longitudinal
seam which extends vertically down the back portion and ends with
a manually openable and resealable flap. Finally, the hood of Dumbeck
does not teach means for attaching accessory features.
Medellin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4895418 discloses a refreshment
center that mounts on the inverted water bottle. This refreshment
center consists of a compartmentalized box which extends down over
the water bottle and which may be fixed in position or which may
rotate in carousel fashion around the water bottle. However, this
refreshment center is difficult to employ and does nothing to lessen
the utilitarian aspect of the appearance of the water dispenser.
What is needed is a water dispenser bottle cover that is easy to
use, that has means for attaching accessory features, and that improves
the appearance of the water dispenser itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A decorative cover is provided which easily fits over a water bottle
mounted on a water dispenser. This cover provides a variably changeable
decor that can fit different tastes and environments. Further, this
cover includes accessory features such as a handle for easy removal
of the cover, a cup dispenser, and a pouch for storing water delivery
schedules, bills and the like.
The cover can be made in a wide variety of shapes, ranging from
a simple cover shaped to fit the contours of the enclosed bottle,
to more fanciful shapes such as a person's head, animal's head or
a building design. Other decoration can easily be effected by the
addition of a ruffle around the top seam of the cover, for example,
or by the addition of a logo or picture.
The cover can be made with a pattern of holes in the material or
with one or more viewing ports such that the level of water can
be ascertained. The holes or ports are also useful for increasing
the amount of air circulation around the bottle, which in turn reduces
the amount of condensation that may accumulate on the outside of
the bottle and which may contribute to the growth of fungi or bacteria.
The ports may also be covered up with removable flaps attachable
by fasteners such as "Velcro," if desired.
The accessory features can be fastened to the cover by permanent
means, such as by sewing, or by removable means, such as by "Velcro"-type
or snap fasteners.
The cover can be made out of a variety of materials, including
cotton or nylon fabric which may be washable and/or see-through,
or a rigid material such as foam rubber coated with a plastic designed
for writing and erasing messages, or a magnetic material upon which
messages or notes can be attached. In addition, the cover may incorporate
an inner liner of material having wicking qualities, to further
prevent the buildup of condensation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a water dispenser embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a viewing port, cup holder and handle
in one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of a rectangular embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a rigid embodiment of the invention.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the water dispenser bottle
cover 10 of the present invention in association with a conventional
water dispenser 11 (shown in phantom lines). The water dispenser
11 has a top ledge 12 with an opening 13 for receiving the neck
portion 14 of the water bottle 15 (shown in phantom lines) thereinto
in a stably supported position by reason of gravity for holding
the water bottle 15 until its water contents are dispensed, and
a newly filled substitute bottle is replaced into the opening 13.
The neck portion 14 of the water bottle 15 thus extends downwardly
within the water dispenser in the dispensing position with the water
bottle 15 extending upwardly as a visible towerlike structure on
the ledge
The bottle cover 10 is slidably mounted onto the water bottle,
loosely surrounds the water bottle 15 and visibly encompasses the
portion of the water bottle 15 extending upwardly from the ledge
12. The bottle cover 10 terminates in its open end to attain a position
about and adjacent to a lower extremity of the circumference of
the water bottle 15.
The bottle cover 10 (in this embodiment) is constructed from two
pieces, namely the top circular panel 20 and the rectangular side
panel 21 as shown in FIG. 2. These two pieces are stitched or otherwise
affixed together at a seam 22 around the upper periphery of the
water bottle 15 and at a longitudinal seam 23 that extends vertically
up the side of the the water bottle 15 to form the cylindrical
bottle cover of appropriate dimensions to loosely surround the water
bottle 15. From its front view, the bottle cover 10 may carry a
logo or decorative design 16 best seen in FIG. 1.
The decoration of the bottle cover 10 may be made to match the
aesthetic tastes of the user. The bottle cover 10 can be made simply
in the shape of the water bottle 15 in fabric having attractive
colors, possibly with the addition of ruffles or other decorative
features, or can be made in more fanciful shapes such as a person's
likeness, an animal's head or the shape of a building. The logo
or design 16 may be an advertisement, and the ease of construction
and low cost of this bottle cover is such that it might be provided
by the water company that provides the water bottles.
The material of the bottle cover 10 may be simple cotton fabric
or quilting material, or may be constructed out of more rigid materials.
Examples of such rigid materials are a metallic surface 40 such
as illustrated in FIG. 4 onto which messages 41 can be affixed by
magnetic means 42 or a surface that is sufficiently impermeable
so that messages may be written and erased upon it (for example,
commercially available whiteboard). When a rigid material is used
for the bottle cover, a top is not necessary because the rigid material
essentially forms a tube which will stand freely about the bottle,
resting on the water dispenser. This embodiment of the bottle cover
can be constructed of a single sheet of the rigid material coupled
together at its ends forming a circular tube. Alternatively, this
embodiment could be constructed of one or more sheets of rigid material
formed into a rectangular shaped tube for fitting around a rectangular
shaped water bottle. Additionally, a combination of rigid and non-rigid
material could be used to construct the bottle cover.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a variety of useful accessory features available
to enhance the usefulness of the bottle cover 10. A pouch 24 can
be put on the front or side portion of the bottle cover 10 to hold
water delivery schedules, bills and other objects. It can be fastened
by sewing or by some other type of fastening means, such as snaps
or a "Velcro"-type fastener. It can be constructed of
material similar to that of the bottle cover itself, or can be made
of Nylon mesh.
A cup dispenser 25 can also be sewn or otherwise affixed onto any
side surface of the bottle cover 10. The dispenser 25 can be made
large enough to closely encompass a cup dispenser box, or can simply
encompass the cups themselves. The dispenser 25 can be made in several
different sizes to accomodate different sizes of cups, and can be
made to be interchangeable by utilizing nonpermanent fastening means
such as snaps or "Velcro"-type fasteners.
A handle 26 can be affixed to the top or side of the bottle cover
10 if desired, to facilitate the removal of the bottle cover 10
from the water bottle 15. The handle can be made to be removable
by utilizing nonpermanent fastening means such as snaps or "Velcro"-type
fasteners.
Viewing ports 27 can also be added to the bottle cover which are
useful for two reasons. First, the water bottle 15 is generally
kept at room temperature, where sweating or condensation can occur
with changes in environmental temperature or humidity conditions.
Such condensation, when it occurs, is undesirable since it can cause
dripping from the water bottle 15 down into the water dispenser
11 thereby possibly contaminating the potable water. Condensation
is also undesirable because a cloth bottle cover may absorb water
and remain wet for a long period of time, leading to the accumulation
of dirt and the proliferation of fungi or bacteria. Therefore, it
is preferable that the bottle cover 10 be constructed with one or
more holes or viewing ports 27 in the material such that air may
circulate around the water bottle 15 and reduce or eliminate condensation.
The viewing ports 27 also serve the function of allowing the user
to monitor the level of water in the water bottle 15. To allow for
maximum air flow and viewability, while preserving the structural
integrity of the bottle cover 10 it is preferable that the port
be contructed of Nylon mesh material, although no material at all
may be used. The viewing ports 27 may be positioned anywhere on
the bottle cover 10.
Another way to control condensation is the addition of an inner
liner 30 to the bottle cover 10 as shown in FIG. 3. The inner liner
30 can be constructed of a material with absorbant qualities that
can wick moisture away from the water bottle 15. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention the inner liner 30 is constructed
of a Nylon material. This liner can be made to be removable for
ease of cleaning.
Improvements and modifications which become apparent to persons
of ordinary skill in the art only after reading this disclosure,
the drawings and the appended claims are deemed within the spirit
and scope of the present invention. |