Water dispenser abstract
A water dispenser is provided which includes a housing for the
dispenser, a dispensing area associated with the housing and including
a space for receiving a receptacle for receiving a charge of water
from the dispenser, a water outlet through which water is dispensed
into the dispensing area, and a fixed flange support positioned
between the water outlet and the dispensing area arranged to receive
a flavor insert device in a substantially horizontally sliding manner.
The flavor insert device includes a cup having a flange extending
around at least a portion of a periphery of the cup, a porous enclosure
located in the cup, and a supply of solid flavor particles contained
in the porous enclosure.
Water dispenser claims
1. A water dispenser, comprising: a housing for said dispenser,
a dispensing area associated with said housing and including a space
for receiving a receptacle for receiving a charge of water from
said dispenser, a water outlet through which water is dispensed
into said dispensing area, a fixed flange support positioned between
said water outlet and said dispensing area arranged to receive a
flavor insert device in a substantially horizontally sliding manner.
2. A water dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said water dispenser
is located in a door of a refrigeration appliance.
3. A water dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said space comprises
a recess in said housing.
4. A water dispenser according to claim 1 wherein said water dispenser
is a stand alone appliance.
5. A water dispenser, comprising: a housing for said dispenser,
a dispensing area associated with said housing and including a space
for receiving a receptacle for receiving a charge of water from
said dispenser, a water outlet through which water is dispensed
into said dispensing area, a flavor insert device comprising a cup,
a porous enclosure located in said cup, and a supply of solid flavor
particles contained in said porous enclosure, and a fixed flange
support positioned between said water outlet and said dispensing
area arranged to receive a flavor insert device in a substantially
horizontally sliding manner.
6. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said water dispenser
is located in a door of a refrigeration appliance.
7. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said space comprises
a recess in said housing.
8. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said water dispenser
is a stand alone appliance.
9. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said cup is
perforated.
10. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said cup is
formed from polyethylene.
11. A water dispenser according to claim 5 including a supply
container for receiving a plurality of flavor inserts, said supply
container having a moisture impervious body and a removable lid
sealable to said body in a moisture impervious manner.
12. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said cup includes
a water inlet and water outlet and further including a removable
seal covering said water inlet and said water outlet.
13. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said water
inlet and said water outlet are coextensive and a single removable
seal covers said inlet and outlet.
14. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said porous
enclosure comprises a porous bag.
15. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said cup includes
retaining walls arranged to receive and secure said porous bag therein.
16. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said porous
enclosure comprises a well formed in said cup and covered by a porous
material.
17. A water dispenser according to claim 5 wherein said cup includes
a flange extending around at least a portion of a periphery of said
cup.
18. A flavor insert device comprising: a cup having a flange extending
around at least a portion of a periphery of said cup, a porous enclosure
located in said cup, and a supply of solid flavor particles contained
in said porous enclosure.
19. A flavor insert device according to claim 18 wherein said
cup is perforated.
20. A flavor insert device according to claim 18 wherein said
cup is formed from polyethylene.
21. A flavor insert device according to claim 18 including a supply
container for receiving a plurality of flavor inserts, said supply
container having a moisture impervious body and a removable lid
sealable to said body in a moisture impervious manner.
22. A flavor insert device according to claim 18 wherein said
cup includes a water inlet and water outlet and further including
a removable seal covering said water inlet and a removable seal
covering said water outlet.
23. A flavor insert device according to claim 22 wherein said
water inlet and said water outlet are coextensive and a single removable
seal covers said inlet and outlet.
24. A flavor insert device according to claim 18 wherein said
porous enclosure comprises a porous bag.
25. A flavor insert device according to claim 24 wherein said
cup includes retaining walls arranged to receive and secure said
porous bag therein.
26. A flavor insert device according to claim 18 wherein said
porous enclosure comprises a well formed in said cup and covered
by a porous material.
27. A flavor insert device comprising: a container having a hollow
body and at least one opening into said hollow body, a porous enclosure
positioned within said hollow body of said container, a supply of
solid flavor particles in said porous enclosure, and a removable
seal secured to said opening in said hollow body.
28. A flavor insert device according to claim 27 wherein said
at least one opening comprises an inlet and an outlet for said hollow
body.
29. A flavor insert device according to claim 27 wherein said
removable seal comprises a foil seal.
30. A flavor insert device according to claim 29 wherein said
hollow body is formed of plastic and said foil seal is secured to
said hollow body by heating.
31. A flavor insert device according to claim 27 wherein said
porous enclosure comprises a porous bag.
32. A flavor insert device according to claim 31 wherein said
hollow body includes retaining walls arranged to receive and secure
said porous bag therein.
33. A flavor insert device according to claim 27 wherein said
porous enclosure comprises a well formed in said cup and covered
by a porous material.
34. A flavor insert device according to claim 23 wherein said
container includes a flange extending from an outer wall thereof.
Water dispenser description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Water dispensers are known, whether as a stand alone appliance,
such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5766453 or in combination with
another appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance, for example,
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6672097. Typically such water dispensers
include a dispensing area which has a space to receive a receptacle,
such as a cup, which is to be filled with water from the dispenser.
[0002] There are also known arrangements for adding flavors to
water as it is dispensed into a receptacle. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 4996066 discloses a beverage flavoring cassette to be used
in conjunction with a cup that the cassette attaches to. The cassette
includes a supply of flavoring particles held within a ring between
two filters. The cup and cassette are then placed over a receptacle
for the flavored liquid, and water is dispensed into the open top
of the cup. After use, the cassette is discarded and the cup must
be cleaned so it can be reused with a fresh cassette which is packaged
separately.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 3292527 discloses an apparatus for preparing
and dispensing beverages from prefabricated cartridges in which
the cartridge has a conical or frusto-conical shape with a sealed
top opening and an openable apex end of the cone. Held within the
cartridge is a loose supply of a product which provides the flavoring
to the water. A perforated disc is also provided within the cartridge
to provide a pressure drop within the cartridge and to act as a
filter for the flavoring product. The sealed top of the cartridge
is to be pierced by a water supply conduit when water is to introduced
into the cartridge. The cartridge is held in place by lifting the
body of the cartridge over a ring shaped support and then dropping
the cartridge into the ring shaped support where it is held during
the dispensing process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides an improved disposable flavor
insert and water dispenser to allow for ease in flavoring water
with a variety of different flavors, and ease in cleanup after the
flavored water has been dispensed.
[0005] In an embodiment, a flavor insert device is provided including
a cup which may have a flange extending around at least a portion
of a periphery of the cup, a porous enclosure located in the cup,
and a supply of solid flavor particles contained in the porous enclosure.
In an embodiment, the cup may have a perforated wall through which
the water and dissolved flavor particles leave the cup, and in an
embodiment, the cup may be formed from a plastic material, such
as polyethylene.
[0006] In an embodiment, the cup may include a water inlet and
a water outlet and further may include a removable seal covering
the water inlet and the water outlet. In an embodiment, the water
inlet and the water outlet may be coextensive and a single removable
seal may be provided to cover the inlet and outlet.
[0007] In an embodiment, the porous enclosure may be a porous bag
and the cup may include retaining walls arranged to receive and
secure the porous bag therein. In an embodiment, a supply container
may be provided for receiving a plurality of flavor inserts, the
supply container having a moisture impervious body and a removable
lid sealable to the body in a moisture impervious manner.
[0008] In an embodiment, the invention provides a water dispenser,
including a housing for the dispenser, a dispensing area associated
with the housing and including a space for receiving a receptacle
for receiving a charge of water from the dispenser, a water outlet
through which water is dispensed into the dispensing area, and a
fixed flange support positioned between the water outlet and the
dispensing area arranged to receive a flavor insert device in a
substantially horizontally sliding manner. The water dispenser may
be a stand alone appliance, or may be incorporated into another
appliance, such as a refrigeration appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigeration appliance incorporating
a water dispenser embodying the principles of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a stand alone water dispenser embodying
the principles of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a
flavor insert embodying the principles of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a side sectional view of a container
for the flavor insert of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment
of a flavor insert embodying the principles of the present invention
as held in a water dispenser.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective sectional view of the flavor
insert shown in FIG. 5.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a side sectional view of the flavor insert
of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of the flavor insert
of FIG. 5 taken generally along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of the flavor insert
of FIG. 5 taken generally along the line IX-IX in FIG. 7.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the flavor insert of
FIG. 5 with the foil seal removed.
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment
of a flavor insert embodying the principles of the present invention
as held in a water dispenser.
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of the third
embodiment of a flavor insert embodying the principles of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment
of a flavor insert embodying the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] The present invention is directed to a water dispenser for
dispensing a flavored water and to a flavor insert device for use
with a water dispenser.
[0023] In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a water dispenser 20A which
is located in a door 22 of a refrigeration appliance 24. In FIG.
2 there is illustrated a water dispenser 20B in a stand alone appliance
26. In any environment, whether as a stand alone appliance or as
a part of another appliance, the water dispenser 20 (shown isolated
in FIG. 3) includes a housing 28 and a dispensing area 30 associated
with the housing and including a space (which may be in the form
of a recess) for receiving a receptacle 32 such as a drinking glass
for receiving a charge of water from the dispenser. A water outlet
34 such as a water dispenser tube is provided, through which water
is dispensed into the dispensing area 30. A fixed flange support
36 is positioned between the water outlet 34 and said dispensing
area 30 arranged to receive a flavor insert device 40 in a substantially
horizontally sliding manner. The fixed flange support 36 may be
in the form of a pair of spaced apart generally horizontal flanges
spaced slightly below, and laterally to the sides of the water outlet
34. In this manner, the flavor insert device 40 can be positioned
close to the water outlet 34 to minimize the space requirements
for the flavor insert device, since there is no need to accommodate
a full height of the flavor insert device above the fixed flange
support 36. The flavor insert device 40 can be installed onto the
water dispenser 20 easily from the front of the appliance.
[0024] In FIG. 3 there is schematically illustrated a first embodiment
of the flavor insert device 40 which is in the form of a cup 42
having a flange 44 extending around at least a portion of a periphery
of the cup. A porous enclosure 46 in the form of a porous bag is
located in the cup 42. A supply of solid flavor particles 48 is
contained in the porous bag 46. In this embodiment, a wall of the
cup 42 is perforated as at 50. The cup 42 may be formed from a variety
of materials, and in a preferred embodiment, it is formed of a plastic,
such as polyethylene.
[0025] The porous bag 46 may be constructed in a variety of manners
and from a variety of materials. It may be rigid, semi-rigid, part
rigid and part flexible or completely flexible. The bag 46 may be
formed of a metal, plastic or fiber perforated material, such as
a mesh material including filter paper and tea bag material, or
a solid material with a plurality of small openings therein. Preferably
the openings are of a size smaller than the individual particles
held in the bag 46.
[0026] To use this embodiment, the user selects a flavor insert
device 40 of a desired flavor. The flavor insert device 40 may be
kept in a supply container 52 (FIG. 4) for receiving a plurality
of flavor inserts. Such a supply container 52 may have a moisture
impervious body 54 and a removable lid 56 sealable to the body in
a moisture impervious manner. Once a flavor insert device 40 is
selected, it is inserted into the water dispenser 20 by sliding
the flange 44 of the cup 42 onto the flange support 36. If the flavor
insert device 40 is formed without a flange, the device may be slid
into the flange support 36 with the flange support engaging and
supporting the body of the flavor insert device itself. Either way,
this will position the flavor insert device 40 directly below the
water outlet 34 and above the receptacle 32. When water is dispensed
from the water outlet 34 it will enter the open top of the cup
42 and will flow into the porous bag 46 containing the solid flavor
particles 48. These solid particles 48 which may be in the form
of crystals or powder, will then dissolve into the water and will
flow out of the porous bag 46 to flow through the perforated wall
50 of the cup 42 and into the receptacle 32 as flavored water.
[0027] After the flavored water is completely dispensed, the receptacle
32 is removed and the flavor insert device 40 is disposed of. There
is no mess to clean up since any residual mixture of flavor particles
and water is contained within the flavor insert device 40. An endless
variety of flavors are available to the user through the selection
of an appropriate flavor insert device 40. If no additional flavor
is desired, the flavor insert device 40 is not inserted into the
dispenser 20 and the water will flow directly from the water outlet
34 and into the receptacle 32 without any hindrance since the flange
support 36 is positioned laterally away from the water outlet.
[0028] In FIGS. 5-10 a second embodiment of a flavor insert device
40 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the flavor insert device
40 includes a cup 60 comprising a container having a hollow body.
The cup 60 has a flange 62 extending around at least a portion of
a periphery of the cup. A porous enclosure 64 in the form of a porous
bag is located in the cup 60. The bag 64 may be similar in construction
to the bag 46 described above. A supply of solid flavor particles
66 is contained in the porous bag 64. In this embodiment, the cup
60 includes a water inlet 68 and a water outlet 70. A removable
seal 72 is provided to cover the water inlet 68 and the water outlet
70. The cup 60 may be formed from a variety of materials, and in
a preferred embodiment, it is formed of a plastic, such as polyethylene.
[0029] In an embodiment as illustrated, the water inlet 68 and
the water outlet 70 are coextensive and a single removable seal
72 covers both the inlet and outlet. When the water inlet 68 and
the water outlet 70 are separate openings, separate seals 72 will
be required.
[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the cup 60 has a generally
cubic rectangular shape with upstanding side walls 74 a back wall
76 a front wall 78 and a bottom wall 80. As illustrated in FIG.
7 the bottom wall 80 may slope downwardly from the back wall 76
to the front wall 78. The side walls 74 the back wall 76 and the
bottom wall 80 are generally planar and smoothly connect with each
other along liquid impervious joints. The front wall 78 is configured
to have a spout 82 which defines the water outlet 70. The spout
82 comprises a necked down opening from the hollow interior of the
cup 60 in that the spout includes short side walls 84 and a short
bottom wall 86 leading to the water outlet 70 at the front side
of the cup. The flange 62 extends around the entire periphery of
the water outlet 70 and the water inlet 68 which are coextensive.
[0031] The seal 72 may be a foil seal, such as a lamination of
aluminum foil and polyethylene, which can be applied to the flange
62 of the cup 60 by a well known induction or conduction heating
process when the cup is formed of a plastic material. The polyethylene
side is placed in contact with the container. When heat is applied,
the polyethylene melts and bonds to the polyethylene cup 60. The
use of a seal 72 provides that the flavor insert device is a sealed
capsule, and no further special handling or use of specially sealed
containers is required. The seal 72 can easily be removed from the
flange 62 of the cup 60 by a manual grasping of a tab 87 and removal
of the seal.
[0032] On the interior of the cup 60 retaining walls 88 such
as ribs, may be arranged to receive and secure the porous bag 64
within the cup. In the arrangement illustrated, the front wall 78
also provides a short step at the front of the bottom wall 80 to
prevent the porous bag 64 from sliding out of the cup 60 towards
the spout 82. The porous bag 64 may also be held in the cup 60 simply
by a press fit with the sidewalls 74 which then act as retaining
walls, or by a heat stake between the porous bag material and one
or more of the walls 74 76 78 80 which then act as retaining
walls, or other well known retention methods and constructions.
[0033] To use this embodiment, the user selects a flavor insert
device 40 of a desired flavor. Once a flavor insert device 40 is
selected, the protective seal 72 is removed. The flavor insert device
40 is then inserted into the water dispenser 20 by sliding the flange
62 of the cup 60 or the cup itself, if not provided with a flange,
onto the flange support 36 of the water dispenser 20. This will
position the flavor insert device 40 directly below the water outlet
34 and above the receptacle 32. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 5-10 the position of the flavor insert device 40 relative
to the water dispenser 20 will be determined by a continuation of
the flange support 36 across the back of the flavor insert device
receiving area to provide a stop against further movement in the
insertion direction. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the flavor insert device 40 is identical
in all respects to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-10 with the
single exception that stop tabs 90 are formed on the flange 62
which stop tabs will engage with the flange support 36 when the
flavor insert device 40 is fully inserted into position. This arrangement
can be used to avoid the necessity of having the flange support
or other stop arrangement extend across the back of the flavor insert
device receiving area. In all other respects, the flavor insert
devices shown in FIGS. 5-10 and in FIGS. 11-12 are used in an identical
manner.
[0034] When water is dispensed from the water outlet 34 it will
enter the water inlet 68 and will flow into the porous bag 64 containing
the solid flavor particles 66. These solid particles 66 which may
be in the form of crystals or powder, will then dissolve into the
water and will flow out of the porous bag 64 to flow through the
spout 82 of the cup 60 and into the receptacle 32 as flavored water.
[0035] After the flavored water is completely dispensed, the receptacle
32 is removed and the flavor insert device 40 is disposed of. There
is no mess to clean up since any residual mixture of flavor particles
and water is contained within the flavor insert device 40. An endless
variety of flavors are available to the user through the selection
of an appropriate flavor insert device 40. If no additional flavor
is desired, the flavor insert device 40 is not inserted into the
dispenser 20 and the water will flow directly from the water outlet
34 and into the receptacle 32 without any hindrance since the flange
support 36 is positioned laterally away from the water outlet.
[0036] In FIG. 13 a fourth embodiment of a flavor insert device
40 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the flavor insert device
40 is formed nearly identical to the cup 60 described above, with
the exception that a sump or well 92 is formed in the bottom wall
80 of the cup. The supply of solid flavor particles are received
in the well 92 and the well is then covered with a porous material
94 to form a porous enclosure within the flavor insert device. The
porous material (of any of the types described above) may be heat
staked to the bottom wall 80 surrounding the well 92. As described
above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 a removable seal 72 is provided
to cover the water inlet 68 and the water outlet 70. The cup 60
may be formed from a variety of materials, and in a preferred embodiment,
it is formed of a plastic, such as polyethylene.
[0037] As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention
is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modifications
which may differ particularly from those that have been described
in the preceding specification and description. It should be understood
that we wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted
hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within
the scope of our contribution to the art. |