Water dispenser abstract
A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that
is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer
dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing
having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in
the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner
dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned
in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot
can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing
cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray
in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be
withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing
position and extended to support a container under the spigot in
the outer dispensing position.
Water dispenser claims
We claim:
1. A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer comprising: a dispenser
housing mounted on a door of the refrigerator freezer; a dispensing
cavity in the dispenser housing; a spigot movably mounted in the
dispensing cavity for movement between an inner dispensing position
in the dispensing cavity and an outer dispensing position in front
of the dispensing cavity.
2. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spigot is movable
to one or more positions between the inner dispensing position and
the outer dispensing position for dispensing water into a container.
3. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spigot is movably
mounted to move between the inner dispensing position, the outer
dispensing position and one or more positions between the inner
dispensing position and the outer dispensing position for dispensing
water into a container.
4. The water dispenser of claim 1 further including a spigot shroud
having a top wall and sidewall formed integrally with the spigot.
5. The water dispenser of claim 1 further including a spigot shroud
having a top wall and sidewall positioned over and movable with
the spigot.
6. The water dispenser of claim 1 further including a spigot shroud
having a top wall and sidewall positioned over and movable with
the spigot, and wherein a portion of the shroud engages a portion
of the spigot to form a fluid enclosure.
7. The water dispenser of claim 6 wherein the fluid enclosure forms
a dispensing nozzle.
8. The water dispenser of claim 7 wherein the fluid enclosure includes
straightening vanes for producing clear laminar water flow from
the nozzle.
9. The water dispenser of claim 7 further including a screen in
the nozzle for producing clear laminar water flow from the nozzle.
10. The water dispenser of claim 7 further including an aerator
in the nozzle for producing splash free water flow from the nozzle.
11. The water dispenser of claim 6 wherein the fluid enclosure
is enlarged relative to the water supply line for slowing flow of
water through the nozzle.
12. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spigot is rotatably
mounted in the upper portion of the dispensing cavity.
13. The water dispenser of claim 12 including a lower mounting
bracket and a water supply line and wherein the spigot has a pivot
end including a connection to the water supply line and a mounting
pin to rotatably support the spigot on the lower mounting bracket.
14. The water dispenser of claim 13 wherein the lower mounting
bracket extends toward the front of the dispensing cavity and includes
an opening adjacent the front of the lower mounting bracket to receive
the mounting pin to rotatably support the spigot on the lower mounting
bracket.
15. The water dispenser of claim 14 further including a upper mounting
bracket that extends toward the front of the dispensing cavity and
includes an opening adjacent the front of the upper mounting bracket
to journal the spigot connection and rotatably support the spigot
in the dispensing cavity in cooperation with the lower mounting
bracket.
16. The water dispenser of claim 15 further including a swivel
interface for connecting the water supply line to the spigot connection.
17. The water dispenser of claim 16 wherein the spigot has a dispensing
end spaced from the pivot end whereby when the spigot is in the
inner dispensing position the dispensing end is positioned inwardly
from the pivot end and is in the dispensing cavity and when the
spigot is rotated to the outer dispensing position the dispensing
end is positioned outwardly from the pivot end and is outside the
dispensing cavity.
18. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spigot is pivotally
mounted in the upper portion of the dispensing cavity.
19. The water dispenser of claim 18 wherein the spigot has a dispensing
end spaced from the pivot end whereby when the spigot is in the
inner dispensing position the dispensing end is positioned in the
dispensing cavity and when the spigot is pivoted to the outer dispensing
position the dispensing end is positioned outwardly from the pivot
end and is outside the dispensing cavity.
20. The water dispenser of claim 19 wherein the spigot is positioned
at the front of the dispensing cavity substantially in line with
the pivot end in the inner dispensing position.
21. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spigot is slideably
mounted in the upper portion of the dispensing cavity.
22. The water dispenser of claim 21 wherein the spigot has a dispensing
end and a supply end for connecting the spigot to a water supply
line for the dispenser.
23. The water dispenser of claim 22 wherein the connection of the
supply end of the spigot to the water supply is arranged to permit
movement of the spigot from the inner dispensing position to the
outer dispensing position.
24. The water dispenser of claim 23 wherein the connection of the
supply end of the spigot to the water supply includes a linearly
extendable portion to allow the spigot to be extended to the outer
dispensing position.
25. The water dispenser of claim 23 wherein the connection of the
supply end of the spigot to the water supply includes a swivel interface
to allow the spigot to be extended to the outer dispensing position.
26. The water dispenser of claim 23 wherein the connection of the
supply end of the spigot to the water supply includes extra tubing
to allow the spigot to be extended to the outer dispensing position.
27. The water dispenser of claim 26 wherein the extra tubing is
coiled to take up extra tubing when the spigot is positioned inwardly
from the outer dispensing position.
28. The water dispenser of claim 23 wherein the connection of the
supply end of the spigot to the water supply includes a bellows
to allow the spigot to be extended to the outer dispensing position.
29. The water dispenser of claim 21 further including a track for
slideably supporting the spigot in the dispenser housing with the
dispensing end in the inner dispensing position when the spigot
is retracted and in the outer dispensing position when the spigot
is extended.
30. The water dispenser of claim 21 further including a spigot
shroud having a top wall and sidewall positioned over and slidable
with the spigot.
31. The water dispenser of claim 30 wherein the spigot shroud includes
a valve actuator to allow a user to dispense water through the spigot
when the spigot is extended by pressing down on the top surface
of the shroud.
32. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser housing
includes a bottle holder in the dispensing cavity for holding a
water bottle under the spigot when the spigot is in the inner dispensing
position.
33. The water dispenser of claim 32 wherein the bottle holder includes
a mounting bracket for pivotally supporting a pair of arms for engaging
the neck of a water bottle under the spigot when the spigot is in
the inner dispensing position and that allow the pair of arms to
be pivoted out of alignment with the spigot for filling other containers
with the spigot in the inner dispensing position.
34. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser housing
includes a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity for
supporting containers in the cavity under the spigot in the inner
dispensing position when the tray is withdrawn into the dispensing
cavity, and for supporting containers under the spigot in the outer
dispensing position when the tray is extended.
35. The water dispenser of claim 34 wherein the tray is movably
supported on a tray bracket in the bottom of the dispensing cavity.
36. The water dispenser of claim 35 wherein the tray is slideably
mounted on the tray bracket for movement between the withdrawn position
and extended position.
37. The water dispenser of claim 34 wherein the tray includes a
fixed portion and a rotatable portion that is rotatably mounted
for movement between the withdrawn position aligned with the fixed
portion and the extended position extending outwardly from the fixed
portion.
38. The water dispenser of claim 37 wherein the fixed portion of
the tray includes a bearing surface to rotatably support and removably
retain the rotatable portion of the tray on the fixed portion of
the tray.
39. The water dispenser of claim 38 wherein the fixed portion of
the tray includes one or more positive stops to selectively stop
the rotatable portion of the tray in one or more positions selected
by the user.
40. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser housing
includes a tray hingedly mounted at the bottom of the dispensing
cavity into a horizontal position for supporting containers under
the spigot in the second position when the tray is pivoted to a
horizontal position.
41. The water dispenser of claim 40 wherein the tray substantially
closes the dispensing cavity when the tray is pivoted to a vertical
position.
42. The water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the spigot is manually
movable to positions from the inner dispensing position to the outer
dispensing position for dispensing water and wherein the dispenser
housing includes a manually movable tray in the bottom of the dispenser
housing for supporting containers in the cavity under the spigot
in the inner dispensing position when the tray is withdrawn into
the dispensing cavity, and for supporting containers under the spigot
in the outer dispensing position when the tray is extended.
43. The water dispenser of claim 1 further including a spigot drive
mechanism connected to the spigot to selectively position the spigot
in a plurality of positions including the inner dispensing position,
the outer dispensing position and one or more positions between
the inner and outer dispensing positions, and a control for operating
the spigot drive mechanism including an user actuator to allow a
user to automatically position the spigot in a selected position
for dispensing water.
44. The water dispenser of claim 43 further including a movable
tray in the bottom of the dispenser housing for supporting containers
in the cavity under the spigot in the inner dispensing position
when the tray is withdrawn into the dispensing cavity, and for supporting
containers under the spigot in the outer dispensing position when
the tray is extended, and a tray drive mechanism connected to the
tray for moving the tray between the withdrawn position and the
extended position.
45. The water dispenser of claim 44 wherein the control includes
an actuator on a user interface to control the spigot drive mechanism
and the tray drive mechanism to selectively position the spigot
and the tray for dispensing water into containers in the dispensing
cavity or partially or wholly outside the dispensing cavity.
46. A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer comprising: a
dispenser housing mounted in a door of the refrigerator freezer
having a dispensing cavity; a wand positioned in the dispenser housing
and arranged to be withdrawn from the dispensing cavity for dispensing
water into containers remote from the dispensing cavity.
47. The water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim 46
further including a spigot mounted in the dispensing cavity for
dispensing water into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity.
48. The water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim 46
wherein the wand is arranged to dispense water into a container
positioned in the dispensing cavity when the wand is positioned
in the dispenser housing.
49. The water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim 46
wherein the wand includes an actuator for dispensing water from
the wand when the wand is withdrawn from the dispensing cavity.
50. The water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim 46
wherein the dispenser housing includes a recess for storing the
wand and a door to close the recess and enclose the wand when the
wand is in the stored position in the dispensing cavity.
51. The water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim 50
wherein the wand is arranged to dispense water into a container
positioned in the dispensing cavity when the wand is positioned
in the dispenser housing and the door is closed.
52. The water dispenser of claim 49 wherein the wand includes a
nozzle for dispensing water and a handle for a user to hold the
wand and the handle includes the actuator.
Water dispenser description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to water dispensers that can
be located on the outer surface of a refrigerator door.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Ice and water dispensers are known for use in household
refrigerator freezers. Water dispensers that include a movable spout
that can be associated with a movable closure or door are also known.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a water dispenser for
a refrigerator freezer that has a dispenser housing mounted on a
door of the refrigerator. The dispenser housing includes a dispensing
cavity that includes a spigot. The spigot is movably mounted for
movement between an inner dispensing position in the dispensing
cavity and an outer dispensing position in front of the dispensing
cavity.
[0006] The movably mounted spigot according to the invention can
be movable to one or more dispensing positions between the inner
dispensing position and the outer dispensing position.
[0007] The movably mounted spigot according to the invention can
be rotatably mounted in the upper portion of the dispensing cavity.
[0008] The movably mounted spigot according to the invention can
be pivotally mounted in the upper portion of the dispensing cavity.
[0009] The movably mounted spigot according to the invention can
be slideably mounted in the upper portion of the dispensing cavity.
[0010] The movably mounted spigot according to the invention can
include a valve actuator to allow a user to dispense water through
the spigot by pressing on the spigot.
[0011] The dispenser housing according to the invention can include
a movably mounted tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity to
support containers in the cavity under the spigot when the spigot
is in the inner dispensing position and the tray is withdrawn. When
extended the tray can support containers outside the dispensing
cavity under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
[0012] The movably mounted tray according to the invention can
be slideably mounted on a tray bracket in the bottom of the dispensing
cavity.
[0013] The movably mounted tray according to the invention can
include a portion that is rotatably mounted in the bottom of the
dispensing cavity.
[0014] The movably mounted tray according to the invention can
be a hinged tray mounted at the bottom of the dispensing cavity
for movement into a horizontal position for supporting containers
under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention is a water dispenser for
a refrigerator freezer that has a dispenser housing mounted on door
of the refrigerator. A wand can be positioned in the dispenser housing
and can be arranged to be withdrawn from the dispensing cavity to
dispense water into containers remote from the dispensing cavity.
[0016] The dispenser housing according to the invention can include
a recess for storing the wand and a door to close the recess and
enclose the wand when the wand is in a stored position in the recess.
[0017] Another aspect of the invention is providing a spigot drive
mechanism to selectively position the spigot in a plurality of dispensing
positions.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention is providing a tray drive
mechanism to selectively position the movable tray into one or more
positions including the withdrawn and extended positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a partial front view of a refrigerator freezer
having an ice and water dispenser according to the invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an ice and water dispenser
housing according to the invention removed from the refrigerator
freezer.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the ice and water dispenser
housing of FIG. 2 showing the container tray extended.
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ice and water
dispenser housing of FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water spout
assembly from the ice and water dispenser of FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the water spout assembly
removed from the ice and water dispenser of FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of an ice and water dispenser according to the invention removed
from a refrigerator freezer.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of an ice and water dispenser according to the invention removed
from a refrigerator freezer.
[0027] FIG. 8A is a partial top view showing the container tray
of the ice and water dispenser of FIG. 8 partially rotated to an
extended position.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the ice and water
dispenser of FIG. 8 with the tray fully rotated to an extended position.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of an ice and water dispenser according to the invention removed
from a refrigerator freezer.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the ice and water
dispenser of FIG. 10 with the container tray extended.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of the ice and water dispenser according to the invention removed
from a refrigerator freezer.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the ice and water
dispenser of FIG. 12 with the spout in the extended position.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of the ice and water dispenser according to the invention removed
from a refrigerator freezer.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the ice and water
dispenser of FIG. 14 with the spout in the extended position.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of a water dispenser according to the invention removed from a refrigerator
freezer.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the water dispenser
of FIG. 16 with the spout in the extended position.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of a water dispenser according to the invention removed from a refrigerator
freezer.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a water bottle
and hanger attachment for use with an ice and water dispenser according
to the invention.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of an ice and water
dispenser according to the invention removed from a refrigerator
freezer and incorporating the water bottle and hanger attachment
of FIG. 19.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment
of ice and water dispenser according to the invention removed from
a refrigerator freezer and having a fold down tray.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the ice and water
dispenser of FIG. 21 with the tray folded up.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The use of refrigerator water dispensers has changed with
the advent of the addition of water filters to refrigerators for
filtering the water dispensed through an ice and water dispenser.
Such water filters are known to improve the taste and appearance
of water for user consumption. Consumers are now using filtered
water from the refrigerator water dispenser instead of using sink
mounted or countertop water filtration systems. Accordingly, consumers
are requiring more flexibility and features from their refrigerator
water dispenser. Uses for water dispensers now include filling of
large containers for cooking and consumption. The result of the
new uses for refrigerator water dispensers is the need for new ways
to fill larger containers. This can be accomplished by providing
a spigot that is movable from a home position to a fully extend
position that can extend 1" to 6" toward the user. This
can also be accomplished by providing a water wand accessed from
the water dispenser housing and having extendable tubing to allow
filling of containers on an adjacent countertop or items on the
floor such as a pet water dish or a large cooler. While the water
dispenser according to the invention is disclosed as part of an
ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer, those skilled
in the art should understand that the water dispenser according
to the invention can be used as a water dispenser only, and not
combined with an ice dispenser. Accordingly, the water dispenser
according to the invention will be referred to as a water dispenser
with the understanding that water dispenser is to be understood
as referring to both a water dispenser and an ice and water dispenser.
The water dispenser according to the invention can be used with
a measured fill water dispenser as disclosed in co-pending patent
application U.S. 20030018 filed concurrently with this application,
which patent application is incorporated by reference. The water
dispenser according to the invention can be used with a variable
flow rate water dispenser disclosed in co-pending patent application
U.S. 20030356 filed concurrently with this application, which patent
application is incorporated by reference.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 a water dispenser
15 is shown on the freezer door 11 of a side by side refrigerator
freezer. The refrigerator freezer can also have a refrigerator door
12. The freezer door 11 and refrigerator door 12 can have handles
13. While water dispenser 15 is shown on a side by side refrigerator
freezer those skilled in the art will understand that the water
dispenser can be used in conjunction with any refrigerator configuration,
all refrigerator, top freezer, bottom freezer and side by side and
can be positioned on either the freezer compartment door or the
refrigerator compartment door. Water dispenser 15 can include a
dispenser housing 16 mounted in the face of freezer door 11. Dispenser
housing 16 can include a dispenser enclosure 14 arranged to be mounted
in freezer door 11 and a bezel 17. Bezel 17 can accommodate a water
dispenser control and a user interface, not shown, that can be located
at 17' all as described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application U.S.
20030018 referred to above. Bezel 17 or dispenser enclosure 14 can
include a dispensing cavity 18 arranged to accommodate glasses and
the like on a tray 9. Paddles 7 and 8 can be provided in the dispensing
cavity 18 for actuating ice and water dispensing mechanisms respectively.
According to the invention, a movable spigot 19 can be provided
for the water dispenser. Spigot 19 is shown in a home or inner dispensing
position in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and in an extended or outer dispensing
position in FIG. 3. Tray 9 can be movably mounted to dispenser housing
16 for movement between withdrawn position in the dispensing cavity
18 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and an extended position as shown
in FIG. 3 for supporting containers too large to be accommodated
in dispensing cavity 18. As shown in FIG. 4 tray 9 can be slidably
mounted on a track 10 that can be mounted to bezel 17 or dispenser
enclosure 14.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 4 FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 movable spigot 19
can be seen. Spigot 19 can be movably mounted to bezel 17 or dispenser
enclosure 14 for movement between an inner dispensing position (FIG.
1 and FIG. 6) and an outer dispensing position (FIG. 3). Spigot
19 can include a spigot body 20 that can include an enlarged channel
31 leading from a pivot end 29 to flow straightening vanes 28. Spigot
shroud 21 can include a semi-cylindrical wall 32 that can enclose
flow straightening vanes 28 to form a fluid enclosure that can form
nozzle 24. In lieu of, or in addition to flow straightening vanes
28 the spigot can include a screen, not shown, or an aerator, not
shown, to provide laminar or aerated flow of water from spigot 19.
[0045] Spigot body 20 and a spigot shroud 21 can be held together
and supported on bezel 17 by upper bracket 22 and lower bracket
23. Spigot body 20 can include a mounting pin 30 that can be received
in an opening 33 in lower bracket 23. Pivot end 29 of spigot body
20 can pass through an opening 35 in spigot shroud 21 and an opening
34 in upper bracket 22. Thus, spigot 19 can be held together by
upper bracket 22 and lower bracket 23 when the brackets are mounted
in bezel 17 or dispenser enclosure 14 with fasteners, not shown,
that can pass through mounting holes 36. Pivot end 29 can be connected
to the water system in the refrigerator, not shown, via conduit
assembly 25. Conduit assembly 25 can include a swivel interface
arranged to be positioned on pivot end 29 to make a rotatable watertight
connection with spigot body 20. Conduit assembly 25 can also include
a check valve, not shown, in body 27 to prevent drips of water from
nozzle 24 by preventing small forward and backward oscillations
of water in the direction of water flow when the valve controlling
flow to nozzle 24 is closed. Thus, spigot 19 can be rotated from
the inner dispensing position, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to
the outer dispensing position, as shown in Fig. FIG. 3 by rotating
spigot 19 counter clockwise. Since the pivot point for spigot 19
formed by pivot end 29 and mounting pin 30 is adjacent the exterior
surface of dispensing cavity 18 when spigot 19 is rotated 180.degree.,
nozzle 24 can move from an inner dispensing position in the dispensing
cavity 18 (see FIG. 6) to an outer dispensing position in front
of dispensing cavity 18 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment the distance
between mounting pin 30 and nozzle 24 can be 1/4" to 21/2"
that can allow nozzle 24 to extend 1" to 21/4" beyond
the face of bezel 17 to facilitate filling of large containers.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions of
movable spigot 19 can be adjusted to satisfy a trade-off of the
depth dispensing cavity 18 with desired extension of spigot 19 beyond
the face of bezel 17.
[0046] Concurrently with rotating spigot 19 from its inner to its
extended position, tray 9 can be slid outwardly on track 10 to an
extended position to support a container to be filled under extended
nozzle 24. It is to be understood that while tray 9 can be drawn
out to its extended position when spigot 19 is rotated to its outer
dispensing position, tray 9 can be left withdrawn in dispensing
cavity 18 when the user desires to fill a container too large to
be positioned between nozzle 24 and tray 9 when they are both extended.
While spigot 19 is shown in two positions in the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 spigot 19 can be provided
with one or more detent stops between the inner and outer dispensing
positions. Similarly, while spigot 19 can be manually movable between
the inner and outer dispensing positions in the embodiment of FIG.
1 through FIG. 6 those skilled in the art will understand that
spigot 19 can be provided with a drive mechanism, not shown, that
can include a stepper motor to drive the spigot between its inner
and extended positions, and one or more intermediate positions.
Likewise, tray 9 can be provided with a drive mechanism, not shown,
to drive tray 9 between its inner and extended positions in conjunction
with, or independently of spigot 19. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the controls as described in co-pending patent application
U.S. 20030018 can be arranged to include a control, not shown, to
operate a spigot drive mechanism and/or a tray drive mechanism.
Further, an actuator(s), not shown, can be provided on user interface
17' that can be connected to the control, not shown, to allow a
user to operate the spigot drive and/or tray drive by operating
the actuator(s).
[0047] Turning to FIG. 7 a rotatable tray embodiment of the invention
can be seen. Bezel 47 or dispenser enclosure 48 can rotatably support
a tray 49 in a recess 50 in the bottom wall of dispenser enclosure
48. Bezel 47 can include a rotatable spigot 19 like the spigot in
the embodiment of FIG. 1 through FIG. 6. In the embodiment of FIG.
7 tray 49 can be rotated 180.degree. between the extended position
shown into recess 50 so that tray 49 does not extend beyond the
face of bezel 47 not shown. Those skilled in the art will understand
that tray 49 can be provided with a drive mechanism to drive tray
49 between the inner and extended positions.
[0048] Turning FIG. 8 FIG. 8A and FIG. 9 another rotatable tray
embodiment of the invention can be seen. Dispenser housing 58 can
have a bottom wall 59 that can form a fixed tray portion. A rotatable
tray portion 60 can be rotatably supported under bottom wall 59
for movement between withdrawn and extended positions (see FIG.
8 and FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 8 A, rotatable tray portion 60 can
rotate in the counterclockwise direction between its withdrawn position
and its extended position. As in the case of the prior embodiments,
the rotatable tray portion 60 can be manually movable between the
withdrawn and extended positions. Those skilled in the art will
understand that rotatable tray portion can be provided with a drive
mechanism to drive the movable tray portion between the withdrawn
and extended positions. Further, while a movable spigot is not shown
in FIG. 8 FIG. 8A and FIG. 9 those skilled in the art will understand
that bezel 57 can have a movable spigot as disclosed in one of the
several movable spigot embodiments of the invention.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 another movable tray embodiment
of the invention can be seen. Dispenser enclosure 68 can have a
movable tray 69 carried on the bottom wall of dispenser enclosure
68. Movable tray 69 can be used as an extendable shelf for pouring
liquids into glasses 71 or other containers at the refrigerator
rather than taking the bottle 70 to another location to fill glasses
71 and then return the bottle to the refrigerator. Bezel 67 can
have a suitable track arrangement, not shown, to movably support
tray 69 on the bottom wall of dispenser enclosure 68. While not
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 bezel 67 can include
a movable spigot as disclosed in one of the several movable spigot
embodiments of the invention.
[0050] Turning to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 another movable spigot embodiment
of the invention can be seen. Dispenser enclosure 78 can include
a bottom wall for supporting a container under spigot 79 in its
withdrawn position (see FIG. 12). Spigot 79 can be an arm having
a pivot point adjacent the face of bezel 77. Thus, when spigot 79
is in its inner dispensing position nozzle 76 is positioned to dispense
water into a container positioned in dispenser enclosure 78 such
as glass 80. When spigot 79 is rotated outwardly to an extended
position, nozzle 76 can be positioned in front of dispenser enclosure
78 to fill a container such as pitcher 81 that can be too large
to place in dispensing cavity. In this embodiment spigot 79 can
be configured so that nozzle 76 can extend 1" to 6" beyond
the face of bezel 77. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the dimensions of movable spigot 79 can be adjusted to satisfy the
trade-off of the width dispenser enclosure 78 with the extension
of spigot 79 beyond the face of bezel 77. While a glass 80 and a
pitcher 81 are shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 those skilled in the
art will understand that any form of container can by used with
the embodiment of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. Similarly, a movable tray
as shown in one of the several movable tray embodiments of the invention
can be provided in the dispensing cavity 78. Those skilled in the
art will understand that spigot 79 can be provided with a suitable
pivot mounting arrangement to bezel 77 that can be similar to the
pivotal mounting arrangement shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 through
FIG. 6.
[0051] Turning to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 another movable spigot embodiment
of the invention can be seen. Bezel 87 can include a dispensing
cavity 88 and can include a user interface 85 that can include a
water dispenser control such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent
Application U.S. 20030018 referred to above. An actuator 86 can
be positioned in dispensing cavity 88 for dispensing ice or water.
A spigot 89 can be rotatably mounted at the top of dispensing cavity
88. Spigot 89 can be rotated counterclockwise as indicated by arrow
92 from its inner dispensing position to its extended position.
Spigot 89 can be rotatably mounted to bezel 87 about a pivot positioned
adjacent the front of bezel 87 to allow spigot 89 to extend outwardly
from the dispensing cavity as shown in FIG. 15. The pivotal mounting
arrangement for spigot 89 not shown, can be similar to the pivotal
mounting arrangement for spigot 19 as shown in FIG. 1 through FIG.
6. In this embodiment spigot 89 can be configured so that the nozzle,
not shown, can extend 1" to 21/4" beyond the face of bezel
87. Those skilled in the art will understand that the dimensions
of movable spigot 89 can be adjusted to satisfy the trade-off of
the width dispensing cavity 88 with the extension of spigot 89 beyond
the face of bezel 87. Further, the pivotal mounting arrangement
for spigot 89 can include a switch actuator for operating the water
dispensing control, not shown, when the front end of spigot 89 is
pressed down as indicated by arrow 90 to dispense water into a container
91. A switch, not shown, can be actuated by pressing on the end
of spigot 89 can be in addition to a switch, not shown, that can
be actuated when actuator 86 is pressed. An advantage of providing
an alternate actuating arrangement for the water dispenser is the
ability to fill containers too large to fit into dispensing cavity
88 to operate actuator 86.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 another movable spigot embodiment
of the invention can be seen. Bezel 107 can include a dispensing
cavity 108. An extendable spigot 109 can be mounted in the top of
dispensing cavity 108 for movement between an inner dispensing position
(FIG. 16) and an extended position (FIG. 17) for filling a large
container such as pitcher 106. In this embodiment spigot 109 can
be configured so that nozzle 104 can extend 1" to 6" beyond
the face of bezel 107. Those skilled in the art will understand
that the dimensions of movable spigot 109 can be adjusted to satisfy
the trade-off of the depth of dispensing cavity 108 with the extension
of spigot 109 beyond the face of bezel 107. Nozzle 104 can include
flow straightening enhancements as discussed above, or can include
a screen, an aerator and/or an enlarged flow passage to slow the
flow of water through the nozzle, all not shown. Spigot 109 can
be slideably carried on a track, not shown, mounted to bezel 107
and can include a supply end opposite nozzle 104. Supply end, not
shown, can be connected to the refrigerator water supply with a
linearly extendable supply line, not shown. The connection of the
refrigerator water supply to the supply end of spigot 109 not shown,
can alternately include a swivel interface arranged to allow spigot
109 to be moved between its inner and outer dispensing positions.
Alternately, the supply line from the refrigerator water supply
can include an extra length of tubing, not shown, coiled tubing,
not shown, slip joint connection, not shown, or a bellows, not shown,
as are well known arrangements for connecting the movable spigot
supply end to the refrigerator water supply.
[0053] Turning to FIG. 18 another embodiment of the invention can
be seen. Bezel 117 can include a dispensing cavity 118 that can
include a recess 121 for storing a water wand 119 having a supply
hose 122. Recess 121 can be closed when the water wand is retracted
into recess 121 with a door 120. Bezel 117 can include a user interface
115 and can include a fixed or movable spigot, not shown, for dispensing
water into a container positioned in dispensing cavity 118. Water
wand 119 can include a nozzle 123 and a grip 125. Grip 125 can include
an actuator 124 that can operate a mechanical or electrical valve
to open the water line so water can flow through nozzle 123 into
a container 126 to be filled. Supply hose 122 can be any desired
length and can be long enough to fill containers positioned on an
adjacent work surface or even on the floor such as a pet water dish
or large cooler. A water wand, not shown, can be configured so that
when the water wand is retracted into dispensing cavity 118 the
nozzle is positioned at the top of dispensing cavity 118 to dispense
water into a container positioned in dispensing cavity 118 in lieu
of a movable spigot in the top of dispensing cavity 118.
[0054] Turning to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 a bracket for holding a water
bottle in position for filling can be seen. Bezel 127 can include
a dispensing cavity 128 that can include a spigot 129. A water bottle
130 can be held in position under spigot 129 by a bracket 132 having
fingers 131 that can snap around neck 133 of water bottle 130. Fingers
131 can be hinged to bracket 132 by hinge pin 134 so that fingers
131 can be folded up or down so as not to interfere with filling
of other containers. A bracket as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 can
be particularly useful for filling sports water bottles that can
have rounded bottoms. Bezel 127 can include a user interface, not
shown, as disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application U.S. 20030018
referred to above that can include a Press to Fill touch pad on
the user interface instead of, or in addition to, a paddle 135 for
actuating the water dispenser for filling a water bottle or other
container.
[0055] Turning to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 another movable tray embodiment
of the invention can be seen. Bezel 137 can have a dispensing cavity
138 and a movable spigot 139. Bezel 137 can have a tray 140 pivotally
mounted to the face of the bezel by hinges 142. Tray 140 can be
held in a horizontal position extending outward from the bottom
of dispensing cavity 138 by supports 141 that can be pivotally connected
to tray 140 adjacent edge 144 and can be slideably carried in tracks
143 in the side walls of bezel 137. Those skilled in the art will
understand that supports 141 can be replaced by other known support
arrangements to movable support tray 140 in the horizontal position
for filling containers with ice or water, or for holding food or
containers be taken from or placed in the refrigerator or for filling
containers with liquid from a bottle stored in the refrigerator
as shown in FIG. 11. Likewise those skilled in the art will understand
that tray 140 can be arranged to fold down when not in use rather
than fold up as illustrated in FIG. 22.
[0056] While the invention has been specifically described in connection
with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood
that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the
scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the
prior art will permit. |