U.S. patent application number 14/171739 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for lifting and rotating water reservoir with attached water bottle for dispensing of water from water cooler.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gonzalo Almada, Kevin Dahlquist, Ian Kovacevich, Thomas Philpott. Invention is credited to Gonzalo Almada, Kevin Dahlquist, Ian Kovacevich, Thomas Philpott.
Application Number | 20140224378 14/171739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45497346 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140224378 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dahlquist; Kevin ; et
al. |
August 14, 2014 |
LIFTING AND ROTATING WATER RESERVOIR WITH ATTACHED WATER BOTTLE FOR
DISPENSING OF WATER FROM WATER COOLER
Abstract
A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a
water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water
bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water
bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and
raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle
coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water
from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each
compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be
included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment
being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being
electrically heated.
Inventors: |
Dahlquist; Kevin;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Kovacevich; Ian; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Almada; Gonzalo; (Palmetto Bay, FL) ;
Philpott; Thomas; (Charlotte, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dahlquist; Kevin
Kovacevich; Ian
Almada; Gonzalo
Philpott; Thomas |
Charlotte
Carlsbad
Palmetto Bay
Charlotte |
NC
CA
FL
NC |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45497346 |
Appl. No.: |
14/171739 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13773629 |
Feb 21, 2013 |
8640924 |
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14171739 |
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13190268 |
Jul 25, 2011 |
8408420 |
|
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13773629 |
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PCT/US2011/001304 |
Jul 23, 2011 |
|
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13190268 |
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61427472 |
Dec 27, 2010 |
|
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|
61367368 |
Jul 23, 2010 |
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61427472 |
Dec 27, 2010 |
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61367368 |
Jul 23, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 3/0038 20130101;
B67D 3/0032 20130101; B67D 2210/00097 20130101; B67D 3/0083
20130101; B67D 3/0061 20130101; B67D 3/0051 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/2 |
International
Class: |
B67D 3/00 20060101
B67D003/00 |
Claims
1-7. (canceled)
8. A method for installing a water bottle in a water dispensing
apparatus, comprising the steps of: (a) coupling a water reservoir
to a water bottle oriented in an upright position; (b) raising and
rotating the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled
therewith such that the water bottle is inverted; and (c) filling a
compartment of the water reservoir with water from the inverted
water bottle as a result of the inversion of the water bottle for
dispensing of water from the compartment through a dispenser of the
water reservoir.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising dispensing water from
the compartment of the water reservoir through a dispenser of the
water reservoir.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of, (d)
lowering and rotating the water reservoir with the water bottle
coupled therewith such that the water bottle is returned to the
upright position, wherein the water bottle is generally emptied of
water; (e) decoupling the water reservoir from the water bottle
oriented in the upright position; (f) replacing the water bottle
with a generally full water bottle; (g) raising and rotating the
water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith such that
the water bottle is inverted; and (h) filling the compartment of
the water reservoir with water from the inverted water bottle as a
result of the inversion of the water bottle for further dispensing
of water from the compartment through the dispenser of the water
reservoir.
11-15. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation of, and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/773,629, filed Feb. 21, 2013, published as
2013/0168414 A1, incorporated herein by reference, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,640,924, incorporated herein by reference, and which '629
application is a U.S. continuation of, and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/190,268,
filed Jul. 25, 2011, published as 2012/0097291 A1, incorporated
herein by reference, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,420, incorporated
herein by reference, and which '268 application is a
continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, international patent application no.
PCT/US2011/001304, filed Jul. 23, 2011, which international patent
application is, for purposes of the United States of America, a
U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to, each of U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/367,368, filed Jul. 23, 2010, and U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/427,472, filed Dec. 27,
2010; the '268 patent application further is a U.S. nonprovisional
patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to, each of U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 61/367,368, filed Jul. 23, 2010, and U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/427,472, filed Dec. 27, 2010. Each of the
above noted U.S. provisional patent applications is hereby
incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the '472 provisional
patent applications is attached hereto as an appendix and
incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING
[0003] Submitted concurrently herewith via the USPTO's electronic
filing system, and incorporated herein by reference, are computer
program files including instructions, routines, and/or other
contents of several computer program. A table setting forth the
name and size of each file included in the computer program listing
is included below.
TABLE-US-00001 File Name Creation Date Size in Bytes Description
readme.txt 02/21/2013 - 10:43 PM 2,616 Instructions ascify.txt
02/21/2013 - 10:43 PM 37,473 assembly source code edrawing.txt
02/21/2013 - 10:43 PM 2,744,225 edrawing file e2.txt 02/21/2013 -
10:43 PM 2,761,193 edrawing file
[0004] A first of these files, "readme.txt", contains instructions
for utilizing a second of the files "ascify.txt" to extract
information from "edrawing.txt" and "e2.txt". "edrawing.txt" and
"e2.txt" are .easm eDrawing files that have been converted to ascii
format. These files can be converted back to binary format
utilizing a assembly conversion program source code for which is
contained in "ascify.txt". The readme file includes instructions
for compiling and running this conversion program, as well as
instructions for converting "edrawing.txt" and "e2.txt" into .easm
eDrawing files. These .easm eDrawing files can be viewed using
SolidWorks' eDrawings program, currently available for free
download at http://www.solidworks.com.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention generally relates to water coolers and
methods of installing water cooler bottles therein.
[0006] Water coolers are designed to dispense water contained
within commercial available water cooler bottles of varying sizes.
Most water coolers, when in use, require a water bottle to be
located above a dispensing opening. This requires a user to lift
and invert the water bottle. This can be problematic, as water
cooler bottles can be heavy. Water can easily be spilled during the
installation process, too.
[0007] Several solutions have been offered to these problems. For
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,382 to Perry provides a bottle
handling apparatus for installing a water cooler bottle in a water
cooler. The water bottle is placed at the base of the apparatus,
which is adjacent to a water cooler. The apparatus then lifts the
bottle from floor level in an upright position, rotates the water
bottle, and then lowers the inverted water bottle into a bottle
receiving inlet of the water cooler.
[0008] Another solution is offered by U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,772 to
Brannon, in which a pair of U-shaped rods is used to more easily
secure, lift and rotate the water bottle in order to install the
water bottle into a water cooler.
[0009] While conventional solutions exist, it is believed that a
need remains for improvement in water coolers and methods of
installing water cooler bottles. One or more aspects and features
of the present invention is believed to address such continuing
need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of water coolers, the present invention
is not limited to use only in water coolers, as will become
apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of
aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present
invention. Thus, the present invention may be used, for example, in
a generic water dispensing context regardless of whether water is
"cooled" relative to ambient environmental temperature.
[0011] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to
a water dispensing apparatus as substantially shown and described
herein.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a water bottle in a water dispensing apparatus as
substantially shown and described herein.
[0013] In another aspect, a water dispensing apparatus comprises a
water reservoir and a lifting system. The water reservoir comprises
a compartment for receiving and storing water from a water bottle;
a water bottle receiving area by which a mouth of a water bottle is
received for the flow of water from the water bottle into the
compartment of the water reservoir; a mechanism by which a water
bottle is securely coupled to the water reservoir; and a dispenser
by which a user selectively dispenses water from the compartment of
the water reservoir. The lifting system comprises a carriage; a
track along which the carriage traverses; a motor assembly by which
traversal of the carriage along the track is driven; and a coupling
mechanism connecting the water reservoir to the carriage and
enabling rotation of the water reservoir relative to the carriage.
The water reservoir is transitionable between a lower position of
the water reservoir and an upper position of the water reservoir.
In the lower position, a water bottle in an upright orientation is
coupled to the water reservoir, with a mouth of the water bottle
being received in the water bottle receiving area of the water
reservoir. In the upper position of the water reservoir, the water
reservoir is rotated and a water bottle coupled thereto is
transitioned into an inverted orientation, with the mouth of the
water bottle facing downwardly for gravitationally induced flow of
water from the water bottle into the water reservoir.
[0014] In a feature of this aspect, the water dispensing apparatus
further includes a water bottle coupled with the water
reservoir.
[0015] In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir is
configured to engage the water cooler bottle such that a watertight
seal is formed between the water reservoir and the water cooler
bottle, whereby water received within the water reservoir from the
water cooler bottle does not leak during rotation of the water
reservoir and inversion of the water bottle.
[0016] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system comprises a
single vertical support.
[0017] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system comprises
two vertical supports, each vertical support extending on an
opposite side of the water reservoir.
[0018] In a feature of this aspect, rotation of the water reservoir
is simultaneous with, and dependent upon, movement of the carriage
along at least a portion of the track.
[0019] In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a
first compartment in which water is stored and cooled, and a second
compartment in which water is stored and heated.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a method for installing
a water bottle in a water dispensing apparatus includes the steps
of: coupling a water reservoir to a water bottle oriented in an
upright position; raising and rotating the water reservoir with the
water bottle coupled therewith such that the water bottle is
inverted; and filling a compartment of the water reservoir with
water from the inverted water bottle as a result of the inversion
of the water bottle for dispensing of water from the compartment
through a dispenser of the water reservoir.
[0021] In a feature, the method further includes the step of
dispensing water from the compartment of the water reservoir
through a dispenser of the water reservoir.
[0022] In a feature, the method further includes the steps of:
lowering and rotating the water reservoir with the water bottle
coupled therewith such that the water bottle is returned to the
upright position, wherein the water bottle is generally emptied of
water; decoupling the water reservoir from the water bottle
oriented in the upright position; replacing the water bottle with a
generally full water bottle; raising and rotating the water
reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith such that the
water bottle is inverted; and filling the compartment of the water
reservoir with water from the inverted water bottle as a result of
the inversion of the water bottle for further dispensing of water
from the compartment through the dispenser of the water
reservoir.
[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water
dispensing apparatus that comprise a lifting system and a water
reservoir. The lifting system is adapted to raise and lower the
water reservoir, and is adapted to rotate the water reservoir.
[0024] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the lifting
system further comprises a track.
[0025] In another feature, the lifting system further comprises a
track and the water reservoir is raised and lowered along the
track.
[0026] In yet another feature, the lifting system further comprises
a track, the water reservoir is raised and lowered along the track,
and the water reservoir is simultaneously rotated as it is raised
and lowered along the track.
[0027] In still another feature, the lifting system further
comprises a track, the water reservoir is raised and lowered along
the track, and a button initiates the raising and lowering and
rotation of the water reservoir.
[0028] In another feature of this aspect of the invention, the
lifting system further comprises a pair of coupling mechanisms by
which the water reservoir is joined to the lifting system.
[0029] In yet another feature, the lifting system further comprises
a base and the lifting system is adapted to rotate and lower the
water reservoir onto a water cooler bottle located at the base.
[0030] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water
cooler comprising a lifting system, a water reservoir, and a water
cooler bottle. The water cooler bottle is secured to the water
reservoir to form a water tight seal by which the water in the
water cooler bottle fills the water reservoir. Additionally, the
lifting system raises and lowers the water reservoir with the water
cooler bottle secured thereto, with the water reservoir and water
cooler bottle being rotated during lifting from a first position to
an inverted position for dispensing of the water.
[0031] In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a
cooling compartment (sometimes referred to also as a cooling
reservoir) for storing water and cooling water stored therein. The
water preferably is cooled using one or more Peltier elements in
contact with the cooling reservoir. A Peltier element is also
sometimes referred to as a Peltier cooler or thermoelectric (TE)
module. Each Peltier element preferably includes a fan for cooling
of the hot side of the Peltier element.
[0032] In another feature, the water reservoir includes a heating
compartment (sometimes referred to also as a heating reservoir) for
storing water and heating water stored therein. The water
preferably is heated using one or more electrical heating
elements.
[0033] In another feature, the water reservoir comprises a bottle
receiving area configured to receive a water cooler bottle
therein.
[0034] In still a further feature, the lifting system is adapted
invert the water reservoir and lower the water reservoir onto a
water cooler bottle, such that a neck of the water cooler bottle
protrudes through the aperture in the bottle receiving area.
[0035] In another feature, a clamping mechanism secures the water
cooler bottle to the water reservoir.
[0036] In still another feature, the clamping mechanism a clamping
mechanism secures the water cooler bottle to the water reservoir
and forms a watertight seal with the water cooler bottle.
[0037] In another feature, the apparatus is further adapted to lift
and rotate the water cooler bottle to an inverted position for
dispensing of water.
[0038] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a fluid
cooling apparatus. An exemplary such apparatus includes a cooling
reservoir and one or more Peltier elements. Furthermore, in this
aspect of the invention, the one or more Peltier elements are
adapted to remove heat from a fluid contained within the cooling
reservoir as an electrical current passes through the one or more
Peltier elements.
[0039] A feature of this aspect of the invention includes a
controller that regulates the amount of electrical current supplied
to the one or more Peltier elements. The controller may be a
thermostat.
[0040] In another feature still, the apparatus further includes a
heating reservoir and one or more heating elements, wherein the one
or more heating elements are adapted to heat a fluid contained
within the heating reservoir as an electrical current passes
through the one or more heating elements.
[0041] In yet another feature, the apparatus includes an insulation
system.
[0042] In another aspect of the invention, a method for installing
a water cooler bottle in a water dispensing apparatus for
dispensing water includes the steps of: positioning a water cooler
bottle in an upright orientation underneath a water reservoir, the
water reservoir including a dispenser through which water is
dispensed to a user; lowering the water reservoir on top of the
water cooler bottle; coupling together the water reservoir and
water cooler bottle; lifting the water reservoir and water cooler
bottle coupled thereto; rotating the water reservoir and water
cooler bottle coupled thereto such that the water cooler bottle
transitions to an inverted position; and filling the water
reservoir with water from the water cooler bottle for dispensing to
a user.
[0043] In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the
step of heating water within the water reservoir.
[0044] In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the
step of cooling water within the water reservoir.
[0045] In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the
step of cooling water within a cooling compartment and the step of
heating water within the water reservoir within a heating
compartment that is a separate compartment from the cooling
compartment.
[0046] The method further may include selectively dispensing water
from the first and second compartments. In this respect, heated
water may be dispensed through a first dispenser or tap, and cooled
water may be dispensed through a second dispenser or tap.
[0047] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water
cooler. The water cooler includes a lifting system; a water
reservoir; and a water cooler bottle. The water reservoir is
coupled to the water cooler bottle such that water may fill the
water reservoir from the water cooler bottle without leaking, and
the lifting system is configured to raise and lower the water
reservoir, with the water cooler bottle coupled thereto, between: a
lower position, wherein the water cooler bottle is in an upright
position and is supported at a bottom portion thereof, and a raised
position, wherein the water cooler bottle is inverted relative to
the first position and is supported at an upper portion thereof in
its coupling with the water reservoir.
[0048] In a feature of this aspect, the bottle is supported at a
bottom portion thereof by a base of the water cooler.
[0049] In a feature of this aspect, the bottle is supported at a
bottom portion thereof by a floor on which the water cooler is
supported.
[0050] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system is
configured to rotate the water reservoir and water cooler bottle
coupled thereto between the lower position and the raised
position.
[0051] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system is
configured to rotate the water cooler bottle between the upright
position and the inverted position.
[0052] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water
dispensing apparatus as disclosed by the figures.
[0053] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method
of installing a water cooler bottle in a water cooler apparatus as
disclosed by the figures.
[0054] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a water
dispensing apparatus. The water dispensing apparatus includes a
lifting system; and a water reservoir. The lifting system is
adapted to raise and lower the water reservoir. The lifting system
is further adapted to rotate the water reservoir during lifting.
The lifting system comprises a mechanism for elevating the water
reservoir including an inclined surface extending along a vertical
extent of the lifting system from the bottom toward the top of the
lifting system, the water reservoir riding along the inclined
surface via a carriage; and a gear arrangement attached to the
carriage by which the water reservoir rotates as the water
reservoir is lifted along a particular vertical section of the
lifting system between the top and bottom of the lifting
system.
[0055] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system further
comprises a track. In some implementations, the water reservoir is
raised and lowered along the track. In some implementations, the
water reservoir is simultaneous rotated as it is raised and lowered
along the track. Additionally, a rack is provided along a portion
of the track that includes toothed members that engage the gear
arrangement. In some implementations, the apparatus further
comprises a button that, when pushed, initiates the raising,
lowering and rotation of the water reservoir.
[0056] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system further
comprises a vertical support. In some implementations, the water
reservoir is supported by a single vertical support and not
multiple vertical supports.
[0057] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system further
comprises a base and wherein the lifting system is adapted to
rotate and lower the water reservoir onto a water cooler bottle
located at the base. In some implementations, the water reservoir
is configured to securely couple to the water cooler bottle
sufficient to retain the water cooler bottle during lifting and
rotation of the water cooler bottle. In some implementations, the
apparatus further comprises a clamp mechanism that couples the
water reservoir to the water cooler bottle.
[0058] In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a
compartment in which water is stored and cooled. In some
implementations, the water is cooled using one or more Peltier
elements.
[0059] In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a
compartment in which water is stored and heated. In some
implementations, the water is heated using one or more electrical
heating elements.
[0060] In a feature of this aspect, the water reservoir comprises a
bottle receiving area adapted to receive at least a top portion of
a water cooler bottle therein.
[0061] In a feature of this aspect, the lifting system is adapted
to invert the water reservoir and lower the water reservoir onto a
water cooler bottle such that the upper portion of the water cooler
bottle is received therein and a neck of the water cooler bottle
protrudes through an aperture in the water reservoir. In some
implementations, the water reservoir further comprises a clamping
mechanism that secures the water cooler bottle to the water
reservoir. In some implementations, the water reservoir is
configured to engage the water cooler bottle such that a watertight
seal is formed between the water reservoir and the water cooler
bottle whereby water is received within the water reservoir from
the water cooler bottle without leaking when the water cooler
bottle is rotated. In some implementations, the apparatus is
further adapted to lifting system and rotate the water cooler
bottle to an inverted position.
[0062] Another aspect relates to a water dispensing apparatus that
includes a lifting system comprising a base and a single vertical
support extending upwardly from the base; and a water reservoir.
The lifting system is adapted to raise and lower the water
reservoir along the vertical support, and is adapted to rotate the
water reservoir during lifting along the vertical support. The
water reservoir is supported during lifting and rotation only by
the single vertical support as opposed to multiple vertical
supports.
[0063] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and
subcombinations of such aspects and features.
[0064] Still further aspects and features of the present invention
are represented by the claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a water
dispensing apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a portion of the water
dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0068] FIGS. 3-5 each illustrate portions of a vertical support
member and various mechanical components housed therein, including
a track and various gears, of the water dispensing apparatus of
FIG. 1.
[0069] FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway front perspective view of a
water reservoir of the water dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1 showing
components housed therein.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway bottom view of the water
reservoir of the water dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0071] FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway top perspective view of part of
the water dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary insulating system of the
water dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of internal components
housed within a water reservoir of another preferred embodiment of
a water dispensing apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects
of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a water reservoir of another
preferred embodiment of a water dispensing apparatus in accordance
with one or more aspects of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the water reservoir of FIG.
11.
[0076] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of another preferred
embodiment of a water dispensing apparatus and associated method in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, in
which the water reservoir is shown in a raised position.
[0077] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 13, showing the water reservoir in transition
from the raised position toward a lower position.
[0078] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 13, showing the water reservoir in a lower
position prior to coupling with water bottle.
[0079] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 13, in which the water reservoir is shown in a
lower position with a water bottle coupled therewith.
[0080] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 13, in which the water reservoir is shown
transitioning from the lower position to the raised position, with
a water bottle coupled therewith.
[0081] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 13, in which the water reservoir is shown in the
raised position, with a water bottle coupled therewith.
[0082] FIG. 19 illustrates a water dispensing apparatus in
accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0083] FIG. 20 illustrates the water dispensing apparatus of FIG.
19 together with a water bottle located within a bottle loading
area of a base of the lifting system.
[0084] FIGS. 21-28 illustrate a sequence whereby a water bottle
located in the bottle receiving area of the water dispensing
apparatus of FIG. 19 is secured by the water reservoir and
transitioned from such lower position to an inverted, raised
position for dispensing of water.
[0085] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the water dispensing
apparatus of FIG. 19.
[0086] FIGS. 30-31 illustrate the coupling between the carriage and
the water reservoir of the water dispensing apparatus of FIG.
19.
[0087] FIG. 32 illustrates the carriage located within a frame of
the water dispensing apparatus of FIG. 19.
[0088] FIG. 33-34 illustrate components configured to effect
transversal of the carriage along a track.
[0089] FIG. 35 illustrates engagement of a pinion of the carriage
with a rack disposed within the frame.
[0090] FIGS. 36A-C illustrate engagement of the pinion with a
splined gear.
[0091] FIGS. 37A-B illustrate that mounting of the water reservoir
to the splined gear.
[0092] FIGS. 38A-B illustrate how a channel of the extruded frame
constrains rotation of the pinion.
[0093] FIG. 39 illustrates the bottle receiving area and associated
aperture of the water reservoir of the water dispensing apparatus
of FIG. 19.
[0094] FIG. 40 illustrates the water reservoir of the water
dispensing apparatus of FIG. 19, with illustration of an enclosure
of the water reservoir being omitted.
[0095] FIGS. 41-43 illustrate components of a clamping assembly of
the water reservoir of the water dispensing apparatus of FIG.
19.
[0096] FIGS. 44-47 illustrate the clamping assembly by which a neck
of a water bottle is coupled to the water reservoir of the water
dispensing apparatus of FIG. 19.
[0097] FIG. 48 illustrates a generally hollow protruding member
which is configured to allow water to pass into the compartments of
the water reservoir of the water dispensing apparatus of FIG.
19.
[0098] FIG. 49 illustrates a Peltier element for a cooling
compartment of the water reservoir of the water dispensing
apparatus of FIG. 19.
[0099] FIG. 50 illustrates a fan for cooling the Peltier element of
FIG. 49.
[0100] FIG. 51 illustrates an alternative water reservoir in
accordance with one or more preferred implementations.
[0101] FIGS. 52-58 illustrate components of an alternative clamping
assembly.
[0102] FIGS. 59A-B illustrate components of the clamping assembly
of FIGS. 52-58 clamping around a neck of a water cooler bottle.
[0103] FIGS. 60A-B illustrate a mechanism of an alternative lifting
system for elevating a carriage, which includes an inclined
surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0104] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be
understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality
of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further
incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed
features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be
implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall
within the scope of the present invention.
[0105] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0106] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0107] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0108] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6 in the
United States, no claim element is intended to be read in
accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase
"means for" or "step for" is actually used in such claim element,
whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the
interpretation of such claim element.
[0109] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0110] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0111] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its implementations, or uses.
[0112] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a water dispensing apparatus 10 with
installed water bottle 16 in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of one or more aspects of the present invention. The water
dispensing apparatus 10 features an automated system for installing
the water bottle 16. Furthermore, the water dispensing apparatus 10
uses electricity to separately heat and cool water for selected
dispensing by a user of hot or cold water. The water dispensing
apparatus 10 comprises a lifting system 12 and a water reservoir
14.
[0113] As illustrated, the lifting system 12 includes a base 19 and
a U-shaped member 20 affixed to the base 19. The U-shaped member 16
has first and second vertical supports 22,24 joined by an integral
horizontal support 26. The base 19 and the U-shaped member 20
enclose electronic components, including a motor (schematically
shown in phantom in a foot of the vertical support 22), as well as
mechanical components, such as gears enabling linear and rotational
movement of the water reservoir 14. As shown, the motor may be
powered by an electrical cord--including power converter--that
plugs into a conventional wall outlet. Alternatively, or in
addition thereto, the motor may be battery driven.
[0114] As shown generally in FIG. 2, and in greater detail in FIG.
3-5, each vertical support 22,24 defines a track and includes a
rack 30 and an assembly of gears 32, including a gear with a
hexagonal pin 34 extending therefrom and adapted to move up and
down along said track. The hexagonal pins 34 are sized to be
received by a pair of sockets 38 extending radially outward from
the water reservoir 14, and thus securely couple the water
reservoir 14 to the lifting system 12. The hexagonal pins 34 are
disposed opposite one another and define a rotational axis 42. The
hexagonal pins 34 are further configured to rotate the sockets 38,
and thus the entire water reservoir 14, one hundred and eighty
degrees around said rotational axis 42, thereby enabling rotation
of the water reservoir relative to the track along the rack. It
will be appreciated that other embodiments may not include
hexagonal pins and sockets for effecting this coupling and,
instead, may accomplish such coupling through other suitable
mechanisms, which other mechanisms are included within the scope of
the present invention.
[0115] Further shown in FIG. 2, the water reservoir 14 comprises a
water bottle receiving area 44 and a dispensing area 46 with two
dispensers (one for hot water and one for cold water). The bottle
receiving area 44 includes an aperture adapted to receive the neck
of the water bottle 16, and a wall of the aperture includes a
clamping mechanism that provides a watertight seal around the neck
of the water bottle 16. The water reservoir 14 is capable of both
vertical motion up and down along the rack 30 and rotational motion
about the rotational axis 42 defined by the hexagonal pins 34 and
the sockets 38.
[0116] The bottle receiving area 44 is adapted to receive
commercially available water cooler bottles 16. An exemplary such
water bottle 16 is made of lightweight, transparent plastic, and
has a generally cylindrical body with a top portion and a bottom
portion, the top portion including a neck extending outwardly
therefrom. The neck has an opening at the end thereof by which
water enters and exits the bottle. The clamping mechanism of the
water reservoir 14 secures the water bottle 16 to the bottle
receiving area 44 by clamping tightly about the neck of the bottle
16 and creates a watertight seal that prevents water from escaping
the water reservoir 14, even when the water bottle 16 is
inverted.
[0117] The water dispensing apparatus 10 transitions between a
raised configuration and a lowered configuration in which the water
reservoir 14 is located in an upper position and lower position,
respectively. In at least one preferred embodiment, this transition
is accomplished by the user pressing a single button.
[0118] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the water dispensing apparatus 10 in the
raised configuration, including a water bottle 16 installed
therein. In the raised configuration, the water reservoir 14 is
oriented such that the bottle receiving area 44 is at the top of
the water reservoir 14 and the dispensing area 46 is toward the
lower portion of the water reservoir 14. Furthermore, in the raised
configuration, the hexagonal pins 34 are situated near the top of
the racks 30. If a water bottle 16 is installed, the water bottle
16 will be oriented upside-down such that the force of gravity will
urge the water to flow from the water bottle 16 into the water
reservoir 14.
[0119] In the lowered configuration, the water reservoir 14 is
oriented such that the bottle receiving area 44 is below the
dispensing area 46. Furthermore, in the lowered configuration the
hexagonal pins 34 are located nearer the bottom of the racks 30,
thus lowering the water reservoir 14 from its raised configuration
height. If a water bottle 16 is installed, the water bottle 16 will
be in an upright orientation. Preferably, one or more pressure
regulators housed within the water reservoir 14 prevent gravity
from forcing any water out of the water reservoir 14 and into the
water bottle 16, whereby water is retained in the compartments of
the water reservoir 14.
[0120] As shown throughout the various drawings, the dispensing
area 46 is disposed near the bottom portion of the water reservoir
14 when in the upper position and includes one or more dispensing
taps. In general, the water reservoir 14 comprises a heating system
52 and a cooling system 54. In a preferred embodiment, the
dispensing area includes one hot water dispenser 72 and one cold
water dispenser 74, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The hot water
dispenser 72 has an opening through which water stored in a heating
compartment 66 is dispensed, and the cold water dispenser 74 has an
opening through which water stored in a cooling compartment 58 is
dispensed. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the heating compartment 66
and cooling compartment 58 of the water reservoir 14, and FIG. 8 is
a top partial-cut-away view of the same. As seen in FIGS. 7-8, the
hot water compartment 66 is smaller than the cold water compartment
58 and represents approximately 30% of the water storage capacity
of the water reservoir 14. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 9, the
water reservoir 14 includes an insulating system 56 that minimizes
the transfer of heat between the heating system 52 and the cooling
system 54.
[0121] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of internal components
housed within a water reservoir of a preferred embodiment of a
water dispensing apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects
of the present invention. The cooling system 54 comprises a cooling
compartment 58, a cooling controller 60, and one or more Peltier
elements 62. Once a water bottle 16 has been installed, water flows
from the water bottle 16 to the cooling compartment 58 where the
water is stored and cooled to the desired temperature. The cooling
controller 60 contains electronics, including a thermostat, that
monitor and regulate the temperature of the water contained within
the cooling compartment 58. In a preferred embodiment, the
thermostat can be set between 40-degrees Fahrenheit and 60-degrees
Fahrenheit. The one or more Peltier elements 62 are in contact with
the cooling compartment 58 and function to cool the water to the
desired temperature. As electricity flows through the one or more
Peltier elements 62, heat is transferred from one side of the one
or more Peltier elements 62 to the opposite side of the one or more
Peltier elements 62. This phenomenon is known as the Peltier
Effect. Through this process, water contained within the cooling
compartment 58 is cooled to the desired temperature. A fan 64 may
be used to dissipate the heat generated by the one or more Peltier
elements 62.
[0122] In at least one preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the heating system 52 comprises a heating compartment
66, a heating controller 68, and a heating element. Once a water
bottle 16 has been installed, water flows from the water bottle 16
into the heating compartment 66 where the water is stored and
heated to the desired temperature. The heating controller 68
contains electronics, including a thermostat, that monitor and
regulate the temperature of the water contained within the heating
compartment 66. In a preferred embodiment, the thermostat can be
set between 155 degrees Fahrenheit and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. As
electricity flows through the heating element 70, heat is
transferred to the water within the heating compartment 66, heating
water therein to a desired temperature.
[0123] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a water reservoir 214 of
another preferred embodiment of a water dispensing apparatus in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention, and
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the water reservoir 214. Water
reservoir 214 is similar in design and construction to water
reservoir 14.
[0124] FIGS. 13-18 demonstrate a method by which a water bottle 16
is installed in water dispensing apparatus 310 in accordance with
least one preferred embodiment of the present invention. In
particular, while the water dispensing apparatus 310 is in the
raised configuration, a user places a water bottle 16 in an upright
orientation onto the base 319, with the neck 18 of the bottle 16
facing upward as shown in FIG. 13. The user next transitions the
apparatus 310 from the raised configuration to the lowered
configuration by pressing a button. In alternative embodiments, the
transition between configurations may be accomplished by flipping a
switch, turning a knob, or other similar methods.
[0125] As the apparatus 310 transitions, shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,
the water reservoir 314 rotates and lowers onto the neck 18 of the
water bottle 16 such that the bottle receiving area 344 is aligned
with the neck 18 of the bottle 16. A sensor within the apparatus
310 detects the presence of the bottle 16 and securely grabs the
bottle 16 about the neck 18, forming a watertight seal. Once the
water bottle 16 is secured, the water reservoir 314 begins to move
upward and rotates, returning to the raised configuration, as shown
in FIGS. 18, wherein the water cooler bottle is inverted (i.e., is
in an upside-down orientation).
[0126] It will be appreciated that a water bottle 16 can be
unloaded in a similar fashion. First, the apparatus 310 with a
first bottle installed transitions from a raised configuration to a
lowered configuration. Once the apparatus 310 reaches the lowered
configuration, the installed first bottle is released from the
water reservoir 314 onto the base 319. A user then removes the
first bottle and replaces it with a second bottle. The apparatus
314 securely grabs the second bottle about the neck and returns to
the raised configuration.
[0127] Furthermore, during the interchanging of the full and empty
water cooler bottles, the lifting system may raise the water
reservoir slightly to facilitate removal of the empty water cooler
bottle and placement of the full water cooler bottle. Such a
slightly raised configuration is show in FIG. 15 and is in contrast
to the lowered configuration shown in FIG. 16.
[0128] FIG. 19 illustrates yet another water dispensing apparatus
410 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
invention. The water dispensing apparatus 410 is configured to
facilitate easy loading of a water bottle. Specifically, the water
dispensing apparatus 410 is configured to effect loading of a water
bottle that has been placed in a bottle loading area 415 of a base
419 of the water dispensing apparatus. As illustrated, the base 419
includes a specifically contoured surface that receives and
conforms to the bottom of the water cooler bottle for precise
locating of the water bottle relative to the water reservoir when
the water reservoir is lowered down onto the neck of the water
bottle. FIG. 20 illustrates the water dispensing apparatus 410
together with a water bottle 416 properly seated in the bottle
loading area 415 of the base 419.
[0129] The water dispensing apparatus 410 further includes an
extruded frame 420 extending upward therefrom, and a water
reservoir 414 disposed generally vertically above the base 419.
Mechanical components (described in more detail hereinbelow)
disposed within the frame 420 support the water reservoir 414
during both vertical translation of the water reservoir 414
rotation of the water reservoir 414.
[0130] FIGS. 21-28 illustrate a sequence whereby the water cooler
bottle 416 disposed in the bottle receiving area 415 of the base is
secured by the water reservoir 414 and transitioned from such lower
position to an inverted, raised position for dispensing water.
[0131] First, the water reservoir 414 begins to descend vertically
and simultaneously rotate, as illustrated in FIG. 21. The water
reservoir 414 continues to simultaneously descend and rotate until
it has rotated one hundred and eighty degrees, at which point it
will be prevented from rotating any further (as described in more
detail hereinbelow), but will continue to descend, as illustrated
in FIG. 25. Once the water reservoir 414 has completed its descent,
a neck of the water cooler bottle 416 will be disposed within a
receiving aperture of a bottle receiving area of the water
reservoir 414. Mechanical components (described in more detail
hereinbelow) disposed within the water reservoir 414 will grasp the
neck of the water cooler bottle 416 to secure it to the water
reservoir 414.
[0132] With the water bottle 416 securely coupled with the water
reservoir 214, the water reservoir 414 ascends, taking the secured
water cooler bottle 416 with it. This process is the reverse of the
descent process. Thus, at first, the water reservoir 414 secured
water bottle 416 only ascend, but do not rotate. However, shortly
after beginning the ascent, the water reservoir 414 and water
bottle 416 rotate as well, as illustrated in FIG. 27. Specifically,
the water reservoir 414 and the water bottle 416 rotate one hundred
and eighty degrees during the ascent. Once this ascent is
completed, the water bottle 416 is located in the dispensing
position atop the water reservoir 414, as illustrated in FIGS. 28
and 29.
[0133] Movement of the water reservoir 414 during its ascent and
descent is facilitated by a carriage 430 located within the frame
420 that traverses along a track. The carriage 430 is coupled to
the water reservoir 414 as illustrated in FIG. 30, and,
specifically, to a chassis 415 of the water reservoir 414, as
illustrated in FIG. 31. The carriage 430 is configured to translate
vertically up and down within the frame 420. FIG. 32 illustrates
the carriage 430 disposed within the frame 420 near a top of the
frame 420 (a cap and other components normally disposed on top of
the extruded frame 420 have been omitted from this figure for
clarity).
[0134] The carriage 430 includes four angled wheels 432 on a first
side thereof, and a single wider roller 433 on the opposite side
thereof. The angled wheels 432 and the roller 433 allow the
carriage 430 to roll within frame 420. The angled wheels 432 serve
to maintain alignment of the carriage 430 precisely with a
center-line of the extruded frame 420, and further distribute load
to the front of the frame 420. The carriage 430 is driven by a
timing belt 422 that is secured at top and bottom belt mounts of
the carriage 430. The timing belt 422 is driven by a winch motor
423 facilitated by a drive worm 424, a worm wheel 425, a spur gear
426, and a timing pulley 427, as illustrated in FIG. 33. FIG. 34
illustrates the same components from an opposite side without the
extruded frame 420. As illustrated in FIG. 34, an idler pulley 428
serves to guide the timing belt 422 as well. Another pulley for the
timing belt 422 is disposed proximate the bottom of the frame, as
can be seen in FIG. 28.
[0135] The carriage 430 includes a pinion 432 which is configured
to engage a rack 421 disposed within the frame 420 along the track,
as illustrated in FIG. 35. The rack 421 is traversed by the
carriage 430. FIG. 36A illustrates the reverse side of the carriage
430 from that illustrated in FIG. 35. The carriage 430 further
includes a splined gear 434 configured to engage the pinion 432, as
illustrated in FIG. 36B (in which a portion of the carriage 430 has
been omitted for clarity) and in FIG. 36C (in which only the pinion
432, splined gear 434, and rack 421 are illustrated).
[0136] The water reservoir 414 is mounted to the splined gear 434,
as can be seen via reference to FIG. 37A (in which the carriage 430
is illustrated) and FIG. 37B (in which only the splined gear 434
and pinion 432 are illustrated). As will be apparent, the water
reservoir 414 translates and rotates together with the splined gear
434.
[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the frame 420 includes a channel
429 defined in a front face thereof. The channel 429 is generally
of uniform width, except in that at a certain point it tapers on
each side to a narrower width approximate midpoint thereof, as can
be seen in FIG. 19. The pinion 432 includes a protrusion 433 shaped
and dimensioned to correspond to the narrower width of the channel
429 of the frame 420. The pinion 432 generally rotates in
engagement with the rack 421 as the carriage 430 travels within a
top portion of the frame 420. Thus, because the splined gear 434
engages the pinion 432, the splined gear 434 and the water
reservoir 414 mounted thereto also generally rotate as the carriage
430 travels within a top portion of the frame 420. However, the
rack 421 does not extend all the way to the bottom of the extruded
frame 420, and when the carriage 430 descends far enough that the
pinion 432 reaches the portion of the extruded frame 420 at which
the channel 429 of the extruded frame 420 narrows, the rack 421
ends, and the protrusion 433 of the of the pinion 432 engages the
sides of the channel 429, as illustrated via reference to FIGS.
38A-B. Together, this works to cease rotation of the pinion 432,
and, in turn, of the splined gear 434 and water reservoir 414. This
is why, as described hereinabove, the water reservoir 414 ceases
rotation proximate the bottom of the extruded frame and merely
descends without rotating. Each of the described components is
configured such that the water reservoir undergoes one hundred and
eighty degrees of rotation as it descends before ceasing rotation.
In a preferred implementation, the rack 421 rotates the pinion 432
four and a half, or three and a half, times, during its descent,
which in turn rotates the water reservoir 414 one hundred and
eighty degrees. When the carriage 430 ascends, once it is no longer
restricted by the channel 429, it re-engages the rack 421 and
resumes rotation, thereby effecting rotation of the splined gear
434 and water reservoir 414.
[0138] As noted hereinabove, the water reservoir 414 includes a
bottle receiving area including a receiving aperture configured to
receive a neck of a water cooler bottle. FIG. 39 illustrates the
receiving aperture 443 of the bottle receiving area 442 of the
water reservoir 414. The water reservoir 414 includes an enclosure
comprising top and bottom portions. FIG. 40 illustrates the water
reservoir 414 without the enclosure.
[0139] The water reservoir 414 includes a clamping assembly 450,
which is illustrated in FIG. 41 (omitting illustration of other
components of the water reservoir 414 for clarity). The clamping
assembly 450 includes a clamping motor 452 which is configured to
drive clamping members 454, as illustrated in FIGS. 42A-B. The
clamping motor 452 drives the clamping members 454 via a gear
assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 43 (in which side walls are
omitted for clarity). As can be seen by reference to FIGS. 42A-B
and FIG. 43, the clamping members 454 include pegs 455 which are
received in grooves 456 of the side walls.
[0140] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 43, each of the clamping
members 454 includes a curved portion 456 curved to correspond to a
neck of a water cooler bottle. The clamping assembly 450 is
configured to clamp around a neck of a water cooler bottle. FIGS.
44-47 illustrate the clamping assembly 450 clamping around a neck
of the water cooler bottle 416. Once the water cooler bottle 416 is
disposed within the clamping assembly 450, the clamping motor 452
drives the clamping members 454 together. Even as the pegs 455 of
the clamping members 454 reach the innermost portion of the grooves
456 of the side walls, the clamping motor 452 continues to drive
the clamping members 454, causing the clamping members to be driven
upwards in accordance with the grooves 456, as illustrated in FIG.
30. This causes the water cooler bottle 416 to be clamped
securely.
[0141] The water reservoir 414 further comprises one or more
compartments. As illustrated in FIG. 48, the water reservoir 414
includes a generally hollow protruding member 461 configured to let
water from a secured water bottle pass into the one or more
compartments. In at least some preferred implementations, such
compartments include a cooling compartment and a heating
compartment as described hereinabove. FIG. 49 illustrates a Peltier
element 462 for such a cooling compartment, and FIG. 50 illustrates
a fan 464 for cooling the Peltier element 462.
[0142] FIG. 51 illustrates an alternative water reservoir 514 in
accordance with one or more preferred implementations. As with the
water reservoir 414, the water reservoir 514 includes an enclosure
(however, one of the enclosure halves has been omitted from
illustration in FIG. 51 in order to illustrate internal components
of the water reservoir 514). The water reservoir 514 includes a
clamping assembly 550, which is illustrated in FIG. 52 (omitting
illustration of other components of the water reservoir 514 for
clarity). The clamping assembly 550 includes one or more gaskets
551, as illustrated in FIG. 52. The clamping assembly further
includes one or more clamping members 554 which are configured to
clamp inward upon a neck of a bottle, and retract back, as
illustrated in FIGS. 54A-B. The movement of the clamping members
554 is driven by a motor 552. Specifically, the motor 552 drives a
cluster gear 553 which is coupled to a floating pinion 557 such
that the two rotate together, as illustrated in FIG. 55A. The
floating pinion 557 engages a rack portion 555 of a slot plate 556
of the clamping assembly 550, as illustrated in FIG. 55B. In
operation, the motor 552 effects rotation of the cluster gear 553
and floating pinion 557 which in turn, via the rack portion 555 of
the slot plate 556, effects rotation of the slot plate 556. The
slot plate 556 includes a plurality of exterior slots 562 and
interior slots 564. The exterior and interior slots 562,564 are
configured to effect movement of the clamping members 554 as the
slot plate 556 rotates. The clamping members 554 include a
plurality of pegs which are received in both the interior slots 564
of the slot plate 556 and slots of a base plate disposed on the
opposite side of the clamping members 554. The pegs of the clamping
members slide in the interior slots 564 of the slot plate 556 as
the slot plate 556 rotates.
[0143] FIG. 56A illustrates from a first perspective the direction
of movement of the cluster gear 553, the slot plate 556, and the
clamping members 554 as the clamping assembly 550 concludes
transitioning from an unclamped configuration to a clamped
configuration. FIG. 56B illustrates the same from a second,
generally opposite perspective.
[0144] FIG. 57 illustrates, from the second perspective, the
direction of movement of the same components as the clamping
assembly 550 begins transitioning from the clamped to an unclamped
configuration, and FIG. 58 illustrates the same components from the
same perspective after the clamping assembly 550 has concluded
transitioning to the unclamped configuration. FIGS. 59A-B
illustrate transitioning of the clamping members 554 from an
unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration in order to
clamp the neck of a water cooler bottle.
[0145] In one or more alternative implementations, a carriage of a
water dispensing apparatus is raised or lowered via an alternative
mechanism. For example, in a preferred implementation, a carriage
of a water dispensing apparatus is secured to a cable and a motor
raises and lowers the carriage via winding and unwinding of the
cable.
[0146] In another preferred implementation, a mechanism for
elevating a carriage includes an inclined surface 602 (which
resembles a coil) extending along a vertical extent, as illustrated
in FIGS. 60A-B. As illustrated, a carriage 630 rides along the
coiled, inclined surface 602. In use, a motor 603 effects rotation
of the inclined surface 602, thereby effecting raising or lowering
of the carriage 630.
[0147] In one or more preferred implementations, a water reservoir
includes a pump (not illustrated). For example, in a preferred
implementation, a water reservoir includes a pump that allows the
water reservoir to dispense water from a compartment via a
dispenser that is disposed vertically higher than a water level in
the compartment.
[0148] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention
has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure
is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is
made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling
disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or
otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations,
variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *
References