Apparatus and method for dispensing water and ice

Abstract

A portable apparatus for dispensing ice, water and/or ice water in large quantities to large groups of people is provided. The apparatus includes a portable housing including a plurality of ice making machines disposed to dispense ice into an ice hopper. A plurality of finger members is movably disposed within the ice hopper to prevent ice from clumping. The hopper is adapted to dispense ice into a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments. Each compartment is provided with an ice dispensing passageway and a water dispensing conduit that are preferably situated close to one another so that water and ice can be simultaneously dispensed into a container placed within a compartment. The apparatus includes an ice button and a water button for each compartment to control dispensing of ice and water. Pressing the ice button may also cause movement of the fingers members within the ice hopper.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally pertains to the dispensing of ice and water, and more particularly to dispensing ice and water in large quantities at a central location.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are numerous instances in which a portable device is needed to dispense large quantities of ice, water and/or ice water at a central location. This need can arise anywhere there is a large group of people in need of ice, water and/or ice water. For example, when large refineries shut down and large crews of hundreds of workers are at the plant to perform various duties it is often a requirement that sufficient amounts of ice water be provided for the workers. Another example where this need might arise is during disaster relief efforts, such as resulting from hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.

Others have obtained patents in the past related to dispensing water and/or ice, examples of which include U.S. Pat. No. 2,528,795 to Shontz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,590 to DiSanto, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,477 to Hamlin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,380 to DiSanto, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,312 to Boulter, U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,869 to DiSanto, U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,684 to Guidry, II et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,506 to Sanders, U.S. Pat. No. 6,912,873 to Sanders, and Des. U.S. Pat. No. 275,958 to Burns. As will become apparent from the following description and discussion, the present invention is directed to an improved method and apparatus of dispensing ice, water and/or ice water that overcomes the deficiencies in the previous methods and devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention may be a portable apparatus for dispensing water and ice in large quantities comprising: a portable housing; an ice hopper disposed within the portable housing; a plurality of ice-making machines disposed within the portable housing to dispense ice into the ice hopper; a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments disposed to receive ice from the ice hopper, each ice and water dispensing compartment including an ice dispensing passageway disposed between the ice hopper and the ice and water dispensing compartment and adapted to dispense ice into the ice and water dispensing compartment, and a water dispensing conduit adapted to connect between a source of water and dispense water into the ice and water dispensing compartment; an ice button adapted to open the ice dispensing passageway; a water button adapted to open the water dispensing conduit; and a plurality of finger members adapted for movement within the ice hopper. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a shaft adapted for movement within the ice hopper, the plurality of finger members being attached to the shaft. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the shaft is adapted for reciprocating movement within the ice hopper. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include an air compressor adapted to actuate at least one air cylinder coupled to the shaft. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the shaft is adapted for rotatable movement within the ice hopper. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a motor coupled to the shaft. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a second shaft disposed for rotatable movement within the hopper in substantially parallel relationship to the shaft, a motor coupled through a gear reducer to a first pulley attached to the shaft, and the first pulley being engaged through a continuous member to a second pulley attached to the second shaft. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the plurality of fingers are moved in response to pressing the ice button. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a timer adapted to cause movement of the finger members at a predetermined time for a predetermined time period. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the water dispensing conduit and ice dispensing passageway are disposed adjacent one another to permit simultaneous dispensing of water and ice into a container. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a valve assembly disposed between the hopper and each compartment, the valve assembly including an ice control valve and a water control valve.

In another aspect, the invention may be a portable apparatus for dispensing water and ice in large quantities comprising: a portable housing; an ice hopper disposed within the portable housing; a plurality of ice-making machines disposed within the portable housing to dispense ice into the ice hopper; a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments disposed to receive ice from the ice hopper, each ice and water dispensing compartment including an ice dispensing passageway disposed between the ice hopper and the ice and water dispensing compartment and adapted to dispense ice into the ice and water dispensing compartment, and a water dispensing conduit adapted to connect between a source of water and dispense water into the ice and water dispensing compartment, the water dispensing conduit and the ice dispensing passageway being disposed adjacent one another to permit simultaneous dispensing of water and ice into a container; an ice button associated with each compartment adapted to control the flow of ice from the ice dispensing passageway into the compartment; a water button associated with each compartment adapted to control the flow of water from the water dispensing conduit into the compartment; and a shaft adapted for moving a plurality of finger members within the ice hopper. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the shaft is adapted for reciprocating movement within the ice hopper. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the shaft is adapted for rotatable movement within the ice hopper. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the plurality of fingers are moved in response to pressing the ice button. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a timer adapted to cause movement of the finger members at predetermined times for a predetermined time period. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may further include a valve assembly disposed between the hopper and each compartment, the valve assembly including an ice control valve and a water control valve. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that the ice control valve is one of a knife valve, a pneumatically-operated valve and an electrically-operated valve.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be a method of dispensing water and ice in large quantities comprising: positioning a portable housing near a large group of people in need of at least one of ice, water and ice water, the portable housing including a plurality of ice-making machines situated to dispense ice into a hopper and then into a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments, each compartment including an ice dispensing passageway and a water dispensing conduit situated to simultaneously dispense ice and water into a container; connecting a source of water to the water dispensing conduit; pressing an ice dispensing button to cause ice to be dispensed from the hopper into one of the ice and water dispensing compartments; pressing a water dispensing button to cause water to flow through the water dispensing conduit into the one of the ice and water dispensing compartments; and causing a plurality of finger members within the hopper to move within the hopper to prevent ice contained within the hopper to clump together. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the apparatus may be that pressing the ice dispensing button causes the plurality of fingers members to move within the ice hopper.

Other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following discussion and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away side view of a specific embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing ice, water and/or ice water in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a compartment for dispensing ice, water and/or ice water that is located on a side of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view showing a connection between an ice hopper and one of the dispensing compartments.

FIG. 5 is an end view showing various components of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing various components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an end view similar to FIG. 5 but showing different components of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing various components of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an agitator section having straight fingers in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an agitator section having straight fingers in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a coupling adapted to couple the agitator sections shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the shaft on the agitator section shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a top view of various components of a specific embodiment of the present invention showing four assemblies of the agitator sections shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, with each assembly being coupled together with the coupler shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is another specific embodiment of an agitator shaft and finger assembly.

FIG. 15 is an end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an end view similar to FIG. 7, showing the assembly of FIGS. 14 and 15 disposed within an ice hopper.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view looking into an ice hopper through an access door in the ice hopper showing a specific embodiment of L-shaped fingers connected to agitator shafts within an ice hopper.

While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals denote identical elements throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a specific embodiment of a portable apparatus 10 for dispensing ice and/or water comprising a portable housing 12 having a plurality of ice/water dispensing compartments 14, each have an access door 16. For purposes of this invention, the term “portable” means capable of being moved from location to location without disassembly, without being affixed or mounted to or detached from the ground or permanent foundation, and without being formed into or as part of or detached from a fixed structure. The apparatus 10 is provided with an ice button 18 and a water button 20 disposed, for example, above each compartment 14. With reference to FIG. 3, when the water button 20 is depressed, water will be dispensed into a container 15 positioned in the compartment 14 via a water dispensing conduit 22. When the ice button 18 is depressed, ice will be dispensed into the container 15 positioned in the compartment 14 via an ice dispensing chute or passageway 24. In a specific embodiment, the ice chute 24 may be made from a section of PVC pipe. In a specific embodiment, the ice chute 24 may be a section of PVC pipe having a diameter of six inches. In a specific embodiment, the container 15 may be a 10-gallon cooler, and each compartment 14 may be sized so as to receive the container 15. In a specific embodiment, the water dispensing conduit 22 and the ice chute 24 are preferably located adjacent one another such that both ice and water can be dispensed into the container 15 either simultaneously or without repositioning the container 15.

In use, for example, the apparatus 10 may be used to fill numerous containers 15 with ice, water and/or ice water that may then be distributed in the vicinity of the apparatus 10 (e.g., at various points throughout a refinery or industrial environment) so that, for example, workers will have ready access to cold drinking water. In this regard, the apparatus of the present invention is preferably constructed of components of sufficient size and capacity to generate large volumes of ice and dispense large volumes of ice, water and/or ice water to large groups of people, whether it be a large group of laborers in an industrial environment, a large group of displaced persons dealing with a natural disaster, or any other large group of people in need of large quantities of ice, water and/or ice water.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inside of the housing 12 contains the various components necessary to create ice. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, a hopper 26 is shown, as are a plurality of ice making machines 28 positioned above the hopper 26. In a specific embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 may include four ice-making machines 28. Any number of ice-making machines 28 may be used. In a specific embodiment, each ice-making machine 28 may be a Model No. SD-1892N manufactured by Manitowoc Ice, Inc. of Manitowoc, Wis., and be capable of making 1,800 pounds of ice every 24 hours; and four such units 28 are capable of making a combined total of 6,400 pounds of ice every 24 hours. In a specific embodiment, the hopper 26 may be constructed from stainless steel (e.g., 316SS), and the hopper 26 may be configured to hold approximately 7,000 pounds of ice. The bottom of the hopper 26 is preferably designed with appropriate angled floors (e.g., downward cones or pyramids) and apertures to feed the ice towards the ice chutes 24 and into the compartments 14. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be provided with eight compartments 14, with four compartments 14 on opposite sides of the housing 12.

In a specific embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 may be provided with a valve assembly 30 disposed between the hopper 26 and each compartment 14. In a specific embodiment, each valve assembly 30 may include an air-actuated knife valve 31 to control flow of ice from the hopper 26 into the compartment 14, and may also include a water valve 33 to control the flow of water into the compartment 14. In a specific embodiment, the knife valve 31 may be a “Quick-Acting PVC Gate Valve”, Part No. 3999K33 available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company, of Elmhurst, Ill., www.mcmaster.com. The water valve 33 is connected to a plumbing system within the housing 12. The ice and water valves 31 and 33 may be of any known type, including, for example, without limitation pneumatically-actuated valves or electrically-actuated valves. A water inlet connection 27 may be attached to the housing 12 and is preferably accessible from the exterior of the apparatus 10, which may be supplied with water by hooking it to a water hose or source of water located at the deployment site. The water inlet connection 27 is in fluid communication with the water conduit 22. Each water button 20 is adapted to control its corresponding water valve 33 and thus control the flow of water from the water inlet connection 27 to its corresponding water conduit 22. The buttons 18 and 20 are wired internally in a known manner so as to control opening and closing of the air and water valves 31 and 33. The ice button 18 is preferably wired to activate the agitation system (discussed below), preferably such that the agitation system remains actuated for a predetermined period of time (e.g., through the use of an analog or digital timer, as discussed below) after the ice button 18 is depressed. The plumbing system also preferably includes appropriate piping to drain excess water, such as from melted ice, away from the various components of the apparatus 10, such as the ice machines 28, the hopper 26 and the compartments 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that in a specific embodiment the housing 12 may also include an internal partition 32 to separate the “cold” side of the apparatus 10 from the “hot” side of the apparatus 10. The “hot” side may house an air compressor 34 and appropriate condensers and blowers 35 for each ice machine 28. The housing 12 includes appropriate vents or vented doors 36 through which the blowers may move heat away from the housing 12. An electrical circuit box 50 may also be provided on the hot side for providing electricity to the various components as needed. Electrical power is supplied to the box 50 at the deployment site (e.g., by a generator or from power available at the site). The apparatus 10 may include an air tank 38 on the “cold” side and connected to the air compressor 34 in a known manner for supplying the necessary air to operate the valve assemblies 30 depending on the type of valves contained therein. The air tank 38 is connected in a known manner to the valve assemblies 30.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 is also preferably provided with an agitator assembly 40 that includes a plurality of fingers 42 mounted to a longitudinal shaft 41 adapted for longitudinal or reciprocal movement back and forth within the hopper 26 to move the fingers 42 back and forth to keep the ice from clumping together. The agitator assembly 40 preferably includes an electromechanical system 44 that may include, for example, a pair of air cylinders 45 and 47 adapted to shift the agitator assembly 40 and fingers 42 back and forth within the hopper 26. The system 44 is preferably wired into the ice buttons 18 so that the agitator fingers 42 are shifted each time an ice button 18 is depressed. The system 44 is also preferably configured to include a timer 49 so that the agitator fingers 42 are shifted on a regular basis, such as every five minutes, and/or for a predetermined period of time when an ice button is pressed. The timer 49 may be digital or analog.

Another specific embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5-15. This embodiment is provided with a different agitator assembly. Instead of the agitator assembly 40 discussed above that moves the shaft 41 and fingers 42 longitudinally back and forth within the hopper 26 in a reciprocating manner to prevent the ice from clumping, this embodiment is provided with an agitator assembly 52 that rotates a plurality of fingers 54 within the hopper 26′ to prevent the ice from clumping together.

Referring to FIG. 5, in a specific embodiment, each side of the apparatus 10′ may include an agitator assembly 52. In a specific embodiment, each assembly 52 may include a motor 56 connected through a gear reducer 58 to a first pulley 60. Each assembly 52 also preferably includes a second pulley 62 and a continuous member (e.g., a belt or chain) 64 connected between the first and second pulleys 60 and 62. FIG. 6 is a top view showing these components on one side of the apparatus 10′, and further illustrating a first shaft 66 and a second shaft 68, to which the fingers 54 are attached. The first shaft 66 is connected through the gear reducer 58 to the first pulley 60. The second shaft 68 is connected to the second pulley 62. While not shown in FIG. 6, the opposite or right side of the hopper 26′ preferably includes the same components in a mirror image as shown on the left side of hopper 26′. Each shaft 66/68 is rotatably mounted using bearings to each end of the hopper 26′ in a known manner (see, e.g., bearings 67 and 69). Depending on the length of the hopper 26′ it may also be desirable to support the shafts 66/68 with bearings at an intermediate point within the hopper 26′, such as at an internal partition 71 (see FIG. 13). The motors 56 are electrically connected (e.g., by cable 70) to a control box 72. The control box 72 may include various electrical components know to those of ordinary skill in the art to control movement of the agitator shafts 66/68 and fingers 54. The control box 72 may include a digital or analog timer 74 to control the time and duration of agitation. The control box 72 is also preferably electrically connected in a known manner such that activation of the agitator assembly occurs whenever an ice button is pushed to dispense ice within the compartments 14′. When the ice button is depressed, the motors 56 will be turned on so as to cause the pulleys 60 and 62 to rotate, thereby causing the fingers 56 to spin inside the hopper 26′ to agitate and prevent clumping of ice inside the hopper 26′.

The fingers 54 may be provided in any variety of configurations. For example, in one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the fingers 54 may be L-shaped members attached to the shafts 66/68 so as to form an “S” configuration. In another specific embodiment, the fingers 54 may be straight as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 10 and 13, wherein the straight fingers 54 extend outwardly from the shaft 66/68 in a substantially perpendicular configuration. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, in this embodiment, the shaft and finger portion of the agitator assembly may be provided in two sections, i.e., a first section 78 (shown in FIG. 9) and a second section 80 (shown in FIG. 10). With reference to FIG. 13, the first and second sections 78 and 80 are shown coupled together by a coupler 82 (see FIG. 11) and disposed within the hopper 26′.

In another specific embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14-17, the fingers 54 may be L-shaped members that are attached to the shafts 66/68 so as to form opposite-facing “U” shaped members disposed at right angles to one another. This embodiment is more clearly shown in FIG. 17, which is a perspective view looking into the inside of the hopper 26′ through an access door 94 (see FIG. 16). In FIG. 17, a plurality of finger assemblies 84 are shown in spaced relation along each of the shafts 66/68. In this specific embodiment, each finger assembly 84 includes a first L-shaped member 86, a second L-shaped member 88, a third L-shaped member 90 and a fourth L-shaped member 92. Each L-shaped member includes a base leg designated by the letter “a” (e.g., 86a) and an outer leg designated by the letter “b” (e.g., 86b). The L-shaped members are preferably attached to the shafts such that the base legs “a” are disposed so as to form right angles between the base legs “a” and the shaft, and such that the outer legs “b” are disposed in substantially parallel relation to the shaft. In addition, the first and third L-shaped members 86 and 90 are disposed in substantially the same plane (i.e., at substantially 180 degrees relative to one another) and facing in the same direction (i.e., outer legs 86b and 90b are pointing in the same direction) so as to form a “U”. Similarly, the second and fourth L-shaped members 88 and 92 are disposed in substantially the same plane (i.e., at substantially 180 degrees relative to one another) and facing in the same direction (i.e., outer legs 88b and 92b are pointing in the same direction) so as to form a “U”. In a specific embodiment, the L-shaped members may disposed such that the outer legs 86b and 90b, on the one hand, and the outer legs 88b and 92b, on the other hand, are pointed in opposite directions. In a specific embodiment, the L-shaped members may be disposed such that the base legs 86a and 90a are disposed at substantially right or 90-degree angles to the base legs 88a and 92a.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable apparatus for dispensing water and ice in large quantities comprising:

a portable housing;

an ice hopper disposed within the portable housing;

a plurality of ice-making machines disposed within the portable housing to dispense ice into the ice hopper;

a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments disposed to receive ice from the ice hopper, each ice and water dispensing compartment including an ice dispensing passageway disposed between the ice hopper and the ice and water dispensing compartment and adapted to dispense ice into the ice and water dispensing compartment, and a water dispensing conduit adapted to connect between a source of water and dispense water into the ice and water dispensing compartment;

an ice button adapted to open the ice dispensing passageway;

a water button adapted to open the water dispensing conduit; and

a plurality of finger members adapted for movement within the ice hopper.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a shaft adapted for movement within the ice hopper, the plurality of finger members being attached to the shaft.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the shaft is adapted for reciprocating movement within the ice hopper.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further including an air compressor adapted to actuate at least one air cylinder coupled to the shaft.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the shaft is adapted for rotatable movement within the ice hopper.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further including a motor coupled to the shaft.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, further including a second shaft disposed for rotatable movement within the hopper in substantially parallel relationship to the shaft, a motor coupled through a gear reducer to a first pulley attached to the shaft, and the first pulley being engaged through a continuous member to a second pulley attached to the second shaft.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fingers are moved in response to pressing the ice button.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a timer adapted to cause movement of the finger members at a predetermined time for a predetermined time period.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water dispensing conduit and ice dispensing passageway are disposed adjacent one another to permit simultaneous dispensing of water and ice into a container.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a valve assembly disposed between the hopper and each compartment, the valve assembly including an ice control valve and a water control valve.

12. A portable apparatus for dispensing water and ice in large quantities comprising:

a portable housing;

an ice hopper disposed within the portable housing;

a plurality of ice-making machines disposed within the portable housing to dispense ice into the ice hopper;

a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments disposed to receive ice from the ice hopper, each ice and water dispensing compartment including an ice dispensing passageway disposed between the ice hopper and the ice and water dispensing compartment and adapted to dispense ice into the ice and water dispensing compartment, and a water dispensing conduit adapted to connect between a source of water and dispense water into the ice and water dispensing compartment, the water dispensing conduit and the ice dispensing passageway being disposed adjacent one another to permit simultaneous dispensing of water and ice into a container;

an ice button associated with each compartment adapted to control the flow of ice from the ice dispensing passageway into the compartment;

a water button associated with each compartment adapted to control the flow of water from the water dispensing conduit into the compartment; and

a shaft adapted for moving a plurality of finger members within the ice hopper.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the shaft is adapted for reciprocating movement within the ice hopper.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the shaft is adapted for rotatable movement within the ice hopper.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plurality of fingers are moved in response to pressing the ice button.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, further including a timer adapted to cause movement of the finger members at predetermined times for a predetermined time period.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, further including a valve assembly disposed between the hopper and each compartment, the valve assembly including an ice control valve and a water control valve.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the ice control valve is one of a knife valve, a pneumatically-operated valve and an electrically-operated valve.

19. A method of dispensing water and ice in large quantities comprising:

positioning a portable housing near a large group of people in need of at least one of ice, water and ice water, the portable housing including a plurality of ice-making machines situated to dispense ice into a hopper and then into a plurality of ice and water dispensing compartments, each compartment including an ice dispensing passageway and a water dispensing conduit situated to simultaneously dispense ice and water into a container;

connecting a source of water to the water dispensing conduit;

pressing an ice dispensing button to cause ice to be dispensed from the hopper into one of the ice and water dispensing compartments;

pressing a water dispensing button to cause water to flow through the water dispensing conduit into the one of the ice and water dispensing compartments; and

causing a plurality of finger members within the hopper to move within the hopper to prevent ice contained within the hopper to clump together.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein pressing the ice dispensing button causes the plurality of fingers members to move within the ice hopper.