Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COLD WATER TANK AND PARTS THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a probe or piercing spike utilized in water
dispensing systems for piercing or opening caps of water bottles. A further
aspect of the invention relates to a seal fitting for a cold water tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In known water dispensing systems, a water bottle includes a sealing
cap covering its mouth at the top of its neck. To dispense water, the bottle
is
inverted and placed within a water bottle receptacle of the water dispenser.
The water bottle receptacle includes a probe (or piercing spike), positioned
to
pierce or dislodge a central portion of the cap and enter the interior of the
water bottle. The probe includes an upper opening formed therein, such
upper opening being positioned within the interior of the bottle, and a
passageway extending from the upper opening through to a lower opening in
the probe, the tower opening communicating with a water reservoir. Thus, the
probe provides a conduit from the bottle to the water reservoir, where water
may accumulate, be cooled and/or heated and ultimately dispensed by
draining the reservoir through a faucet. When the water level in the reservoir
falls below the bottle mouth, air in the reservoir can enter the bottle,
release
more water into the reservoir.
[0003] Some known caps for water bottles include an outer cap portion,
having a skirt portion which is adapted to be sealingly engaged with the mouth
of the bottle. The outer cap typically includes a central tube portion joined
to
the skirt portion by an annular base. The tube extends from the annular base
to a free end, the tube defining the passageway for water flow and the
opening through which the probe will be inserted. In some systems, an inner
cap is releasably sealingly engaged to the free end of the central tube, and
as
the bottle is inserted into the water bottle receptacle, the probe lifts the
inner
cap off the outer cap tube. The probe, then communicating with the interior of
the bottle, allows water to pass to the water reservoir. If the inner cap is
simply dislodged from the outer cap by the probe, water will tend to leak out
of
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bottle if the bottle is removed from the cooler prior to being empty, the
bottle
will be unsealed and subject to contamination once removed from the cooler,
and cap will float into the water causing the less than desirable appearance
of
a floating object in drinking water. Thus, in some known systems, the inner
cap is designed to stay lodged on the head of the probe, in tight fit
engagement therewith as the probe is inserted through the tube. In such
known systems as the water bottle is removed from the water bottle
receptacle, and the probe withdrawn through the central tube, the inner cap is
designed to be repositioned upon the free end of the tube in sealing
engagement therewith, thereby resealing the cap and allowing the water
bottle to be lifted off without water leakage.
[0004] Some known systems which utilize such a water bottle cap and probe
arrangement which are intended to keep the inner cap positioned on the
probe when the probe is inserted in the bottle, for various reasons, may tend
to inadvertently cause the inner cap to dislodge from the of the probe, and
thus prevent resealing of the cap upon withdrawal of the bottle from the water
receptacle. Once cause for such inadvertent dislodgement occurs when the
bottle is inserted into Water receptacle and the probe inserted through the
cap
tube at an angle to the vertical, as is not uncommon when hoisting a heavy
water bottle. If the bottle cap engages the probe at an angle thereto as
opposed to straight downwardly along a vertical axis of the probe, the inner
cap may not be positioned on the head of the probe correctly to allow for snug
fit engagement therewith and thus may become dislodged. An improved
probe utilized with such systems is required.
[0005] Furthermore, in water dispensing systems when a water bottle has a
small hole or crack, the vacuum hold on the water in the system in
accordance with Pascal's law becomes lost and water will leak out of the
dispenser, unless additional measures are taken to prevent water from
leaking out. In known dispensing systems, the interface between the water
receptacle and top of the water tank may be a source of leakage as known
seals between the water tank and bottle receptacle do not adequately prevent
water loss. An improved seal is required.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
(0006] There is a need for an improved probe to be utilized with a water
dispensing system utilizing inverted water bottles.
[0007] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a
probe for use in a system for dispensing water from a water bottle, said
bottle
having a neck extending to an open mouth of the bottle, the mouth being
covering by a cap, said system including a water bottle receptacle adapted to
hold an inverted said water bottle, said probe being positioned centrally and
upright within the receptacle so as to be inserted through the mouth and
pierce or lift a central portion of the cap of the bottle when said bottle is
positioned in an inverted position within said receptacle, said probe
comprising: an elongate vertically upright tubular member extending from an
upper portion to a lower seat portion, said upper portion being positioned
within the bottle when said bottle is positioned within the receptacle, said
upper portion defining an opening therein, in communication with a
passageway within the tubular member, said passageway extending through
to a lower opening defined in the seat portion, said upper portion of the
tubular member including a head, and a compressible resilient portion
positioned below said head, connecting the head to the tubular member, said
compressible resilient portion allowing the head to have its angular
orientation
altered relative to the vertical axis of the tubular member if the head is
subject
to non vertically oriented forces as the probe is inserted through the mouth
of
the bottle.
(0008] The probe of the invention utilized in a water dispensing system
allows a bottle of water to be inserted into a bottle receptacle of the water
dispensing system at an angle to the vertical, while allowing the inner cap to
be engaged with the probe.
[0009] A preferred embodiment of the probe includes a head tapered to a
conical portion, or point, and the compressible portion under the tapered head
has at least one and preferably a plurality of even spaced beads or
extrusions.
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When placing the bottle on the bottle receptacle at any angle, the tapered
head of the probe will lead through the bottle mouth to enter and insert the
inner seal cap correctly, and preferably keep the inner seal cap engaged on
the probe by means of the beads/extrusions on the compressible portion
engaging a lip of the inner seal cap.
[0010] There is also a need for an improved seal fitting for a cold water
tank.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an improved seal is
provided between the water receptacle and the water tank, preventing
leakage of water. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, there is
provided a resilient sealing ring for forming a seal between an upper open
portion of a water tank defined by a water tank wall and an element of a
dispensing system said element positioned within the upper open portion of
the tank adjacent interiorly the wall of the tank around the entire
circumference thereof, so as to seal water within the tank below the seal,
said
sealing member comprising a central upper portion, an inner member
extending downwardiy from one side of the central portion and an outer
member extending downwardly and outwardly from an opposite side of the
central portion, each member having an inside and an outside surface, the
outer member being longer than the inner member, the inner member
adapted to be sealingly engaged with the element around the circumference
of the element and when the inner member is so sealingly engaged with the
element, the outside surface of the outer member is positioned to sealingly
engage the interior of the tank wall, thereby providing a seal between the
element and the tank wall, preventing water from leaking through the top of
the tank over a top edge thereof. Preferably, the portion of the tank wall
which engages the outer member tapers inwardly as it extends downwardly.
[0011] Other advantages, features and characteristics of this aspect of the
present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the
related
elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of
manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter
of
which is briefly described hereinbelow.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a water dispensing system in
accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0013] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a probe in
accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0014] FIGURE 2a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a probe in
accordance with the invention, illustrating the probe head in an altered
angular position;
[0015] FIGURE 3 is a vertical section view of the embodiment of Figure 2;
[0016] FIGURE 4 is a magnified drawing of the upper circled portion of
Figure 3;
[0017] FIGURE 5: is the magnified drawing of the lower circled portion
showing the screw thread part.
[0018] FIGURE 6 is a schematic section view of an embodiment of a bottle
cap and bottle with which the probe of the herein invention may be utilized
[0019] FIGURE 7 is part main cutaway view of a water dispensing system
illustrating an embodiment of a sealing ring in accordance with an aspect of
the invention;
[0020] FIGURE 8 is main cutaway view of the bottle receptacle shown in
Figure 7 in accordance with an aspect of the invention;
[0021] FIGURE 9 is main cutaway view of an embodiment of a cold water
tank in accordance with an aspect of the invention;
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[0022] FIGURE 10 is a part magnified drawing of a top side of cold water
tank of Figure 7; and
[0023] FIGURE 11 is a part magnified drawing illustrating a sealing ring
sealingly engaged between an element of the water dispensing system and
the tank wall in accordance with an aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, an example embodiment of probe 10
is used in a system 100 for dispensing water from a water bottle 12, said
bottle having a neck 18 extending to an open mouth 20, the mouth being
covering by a cap 14. The system 100 includes a water bottle receptacle 16
adapted to hold an inverted said water bottle 12. The probe is positioned
centrally and upright within the receptacle so as to be inserted through the
mouth 20 and pierce or lift a central portion of the cap 14 of the bottle when
said bottle is positioned in an inverted position within said receptacle in
the
direction of arrow A, as shown in Figure 7. The probe 10 includes an
elongate vertically upright tubular member 22 extending from an upper portion
23 to a bottom seat portion 19. The upper portion is fully inserted through
the
bottle mouth when the bottle is positioned within the receptacle. The upper
portion defines at least one opening 24 therein, in communication with a
passageway within the tubular member. The passageway extends through to
a lower opening defined in the seat portion 19. When the probe is secured
within the water dispensing system, such as by means of threaded
engagement of the threaded portion 11, the lower opening communicates with
a water reservoir, from which water may be dispensed in a known manner,
such as through faucets 88. The upper portion of the tubular member
includes a head 26, which is preferably upwardly tapering to an upper conical
point. A compressible resilient portion 28 is positioned below the head,
connecting the head to the tubular member 22. The compressible resilient
portion 28 and head 26 preferably have a circumference which is less than
that of the tubular member. A plurality of beads 30 are regularly spaced
around the outer surface of the compressible resilient portion. The
compressible resilient portion 28 allows the head to change its angular
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orientation relative to the vertical axis of the tubular member if the head is
subject to non vertically oriented forces such as a force in the direction of
arrow C (shown in Figure 2a) which may occur if the probe is inserted through
the mouth of the bottle 20, when the bottle is not in a fully inverted
position. If
the bottle is positioned over the probe when not fully inverted (i.e. at an
angle
to the vertical), the head of the probe may tend to contact the cap at an off
center position, and thus the head may be subject to a force in the direction
of
Arrow C. The head 26 of the herein invention, shown in Figure 2a has an
altered angular orientation to the vertical, which may facilitate proper
attached
to an inner cap 42, as will be discussed below.
[0025) As shown in Figure 6, in one type of cap with which the probe of the
invention may be used, the cap 14 includes an outer cap portion 32, having a
skirt portion 34 adapted to be sealingly engaged with the mouth 20 of the
bottle, and a central tube portion 36 joined to the skirt by an annular base
38,
the tube extending to a free end 40, said free end having an inner cap 42
releasably sealingly engaged therewith, the probe ideally being insertable
through the tube in a direction of arrow A. The head 26 engages and lifts the
inner cap 42 off the free end 40. The inner cap 42 is releasably secured to
the head 26 by retaining means, such as a lip 44 engaging beads 30 of the
probe. The at least one opening 24 is positioned within the bottle creating a
passageway for water flow from the bottle to the receptacle. As the bottle 12
is lifted out of the water receptacle 16, the inner cap 42 sealingly reengages
the free end 40 and the head releases from engagement from the inner cap.
[0026] The compressible portion 28 includes at least one bead 30, and
preferably a plurality of beads, regularly spaced around the circumference and
each preferably having a smooth outer surface, extending radially outwardly
from an outer surface the compressable portion, although such beads may be
positioned anywhere on the upper portion 23 of probe if desired and be of any
desired shape. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the inner cap 42 forms
an inner cavity 46, sized and shaped to snuggly hold the probe head in
releasable engagement therewith, said inner cavity having an inwardly
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extending lip 44 extending around an outer portion 45 of said inner cavity,
said lip adapted to be inserted over and releasably engage the lower portion
of the beads 30
[0027] If a water bottle cap engages the head of the probe at an angle to the
vertical, such as indicated by arrow B, the head 26, being capable of changing
its angular orientation to the tubular member 22, will be caused to adjust its
angular orientation relative to the tubular member 22 (such as is shown in
Figure 2a), so as to center the head 30 within the inner cavity 46 of the cap
such that the head will be inserted within and snuggly fit therewithin
regardless of the angle of entry of the probe.
[0028] It should be understood that the exact shape and size of the inner cap
and head may vary as desired provided that the head may be snuggly fit
within the cavity of the inner cap. Furthermore, it should be understood that
this probe may be used with water dispensing systems that do not include an
inner cap and outer cap arrangement as discussed above, rather it may be
utilized in systems with a cap having centrally positioned tear lines, through
which the probe may be inserted. It should be understood that the probe in
accordance with the invention may have a tapered head to facilitate piercing
of caps designed with tear slots and with small projections spaced radially
around the top portion of the piercing spike to retain sealing cap inside of
its
lip.
[0029] The seat portion 19 includes an outer threading 11 formed therein
adapted to be threadably engaged within mating threaded recesses in an
opening defined in the bottom of the bottle receptacle, thereby providing
releasable sealing engagement of the probe within the water system.
Although, it should be understood that the probe may be attached within the
system in any known manner.
[0030] A further aspect of the invention attempts to solve a further problem
associated with water dispensing systems by providing an effective seal
fitting
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between the cold water tank and the bottle receptacle, the seal improving in
strength as the water pressure becomes greater. This is achieved by placing
and shaping the seal in a precise manner on an interface between the water
bottle receptacle and the water tank. This aspect of the invention comprises:
a seal fitting for a water tank within a water dispensing system, the system
including a cold water tank, a cooler cover, a bottle receptacle, bottle, a
fixed
piece, and a bracket piece. Typically the fixed piece is fastened to the
cooler
cover, and the cold water tank is adapted to hang on the fixed piece. The
bottle receptacle is installed above the cold water tank, supported by the
cooler cover, and the bottle is placed upside down on the bottle receptacle.
The bracket installed to the bottle receptacle between cold water tank inside
wall and bottle receptacle and an outer portion thereof extends within the
tank
wall adjacent the entire circumference of the upper portion of the inner tank
wall, the invention characterized in that the airproof seal ring is secured
between outer portion of the bracket to the inside wail of the tank. The seal
ring is approximately an inverted "J" shaped, comprising an inner member and
an outer member each having an inside and an outside surface and extending
from a central inverted "u" shaped portion, the outer member being longer
than the inner member. The inner member is preferably inserted in a clip on
the inside of a groove of the bracket, and the outer member extends
downwardly and outwardly to an outer end, and its thickness diminishes as it
extends outwardly. The outer member outside surface is adapted to engage
the inside wall of the tank below its top, with the short side and bottom of
the
ring engaging the bracket simultaneously thereby creating a seal, between the
bracket and the inner tank wall, preventing water from leaking out of the
tank,
over the top edge thereof.
[0031] Preferably, the sealing ring includes at least one semicircle
protuberance on the inside surface of the inner member. The seal described
and shown has the following advantages: 1 ) because the seal ring is not
normal flat circular shape, but rather has an outer member protruding
downwardly and outwardly, and is engaged between a bracket secured to the
bottle receptacle and water tank, with outer surface of the seal engaging the
wall of the tank, in this case, when water leaks from inside to outside, below
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the seal, the seal outside flank is further pressed against the tank wall, and
also as the water pressure increases, the further the pressure of the outer
member outside surface against the wall of the tank, thus increasing the seal
as the pressure increases; 2) preferably, the portion of the cold water tank
wall which is adjacent to and contacts the seal ring, has a side wall tapering
inwardly as it extends downwardly. The function of this tapered side wall of
the tank is to cause the outer member of the seal to orient downwardly and as
the inner tank wall tapers inwardly as it extends downwardly, thereby
increasing the surface contact between the outer surface of the tank wall and
improving the seal; 3) the leading feet set up on the bracket, function to
ensure even spacing of the bracket with respect to the cold water tank walls,
4) the sealing ring may include at least one small semicircle protuberance set
up on the inner member or inverted "u" portion of the seal ring, which assist
can make the seal ring fasten within the clip of the bracket.
[0032] With reference to the Figures 7 to 11, the preferred embodiment of the
seal 8 is utilized with a water cooler system 1,. having a bottle receptacle
2,
bottle 3 invertedly inserted within the bottle receptacle, a fixed piece 4, a
cold
water tank 5, secured to the fixed piece, a bracket 6 mounted to the bottle
receptacle, leading feet 7, and seal ring 8. Preferably seal ring is made of
silicone rubber. Other components are plastic.
[0033] The water cooler system has fixed piece 4 fixed to cooler cover 1,
prerably fixed there with screws. The fixed piece forms a semicircle flange,
matching with the round arc 5-1 side of the top of cold-water tank. The cold
water tank hangs on the fixed piece 4 by means of the round arc 5-1 side
hanging thereover. The bottle receptacle 2 is installed on the cold water
tank,
the bottle receptacle area is bigger, and has an outer rib propped against the
the fixed piece 4 and cooler cover 1. A bottle 3 is inverted and insertable
within the center of the bottle receptacle. A bracket 6 is positioned between
the bottle receptacle and cold water tank, the seal ring 8 installed between
the
groove on the bracket and the cold water tank inside wall. The seal ring 8 is
approximately an inverted "J" shaped, comprising an inner member 8-3 and
an outer member 8-1 each having an inside 8-4. and an outside surface 8-5
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and extending from a central inverted "u" shaped portion, the outer member
being longer than the inner member. The inner member is preferably inserted
in a groove 6-1 on the inside of a groove of the bracket 6, and the outer
member extends downwardly and outwardly to an outer end, and its thickness
diminishes as it extends outwardly. The outer member outside surface is
adapted to engage the inside wall of the tank below its top, with the short
side
and bottom of the ring engaging the bracket simultaneously thereby creating a
seal, between the bracket and the inner tank wall, preventing water from
leaking out of the tank, over the top edge thereof.
[0034] The inner member 8-3 is inserted within a clip 6-1 on the inside of
groove of bracket (see Figure 11 ). The outer member of the seal 8-1 extends
downwardly and outwardly, and the thickness thereof diminishes as it extends
downwardly toward its end. Semi circle protuberances 8-2 on the inner side
of the seal are designed to be placed on the connector between seal ring and
clip/groove 6-1, to enhance the seal ring. As seen in Figure 7, on the bottom
of bracket 6, four leading feet 7 are regularly spaced. These leading feet are
positioned at regular intervals around the bracket to abut the wall of the
cold
water tank 5. These lead feet function to ensure even spacing of the bracket
with respect to the cold water tank walls. The top of the cold water tank is
preferably horn mouth shaped, i.e. it has a beveled section 5-2, the top of
the
bevel is connected with the arc 5-1 of the semicircle, its function is to lead
the
seal ring.
[0035] The preferred water seal system in accordance with this aspect of the
invention may have two major parts: seal itself attached between the bottle
receptacle, preferably by means of bracket 6 and the cold water tank 5. The
tank wall outwardly tapered portion assists the utility of the seal by
encouraging the outside surface 8-5 of the outer member 8-1 to engage the
tank in a manner which enhances the seal. A plastic seal may be used to
seal perimeter of the water tank and bottle receptacle. It is attached to the
water bottle receptacle with the lip of the seal pointing downwards to the
water
in the tank.
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[0036] There may be protrusions positioned on the bottle receptacle or
bracket, extending radially outwardly therefrom, to abut the inside of the
cold
water tank. These protrusions are used to assist in guiding of the bottle
receptacle inside and to keep cold water tank round in shape, as often cold
water tanks are not round in shape at the top, due to the stresses and strains
in the forming of the rolled steel. Thus these guides perform two primary
functions: to help forwardly directed seal lip to enter cold water tank and
second duty is in keeping tank round in shape to allow for even space around
the seal.
[0037] The tapered portion of the cold water tank allows the gradual
guidance of the outer member 8-1 of the seal into engagement with the seal
wall, and as the wall reduces its diameter, and keeps it pointed downwards to
the water in the tank, thereby enhancing the function of the seal.
[0038] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are
intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may
be effected to the particular embodiments by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims
appended hereto.
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