Ice Dispenser

Abstract

The ice dispenser includes a storage bin configured to store ice, a chute disposed underneath the storage bin, and a blockage breaker disposed on the chute. A lower surface of the storage bin defines an ice outlet, and the ice is configured to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity. The chute rotates about a pivot point between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the chute prevents ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet, and in the open position, the chute allows ice to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity. The blockage breaker extends into the storage bin and when the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position, the blockage breaker is moved further into the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the provisional patent application filed Sep. 12, 2022 and assigned U.S. App. No. 63/405,549, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to ice storage containers and, more particularly, to a mechanism for dispensing ice from an ice storage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Ice dispensers are common devices seen anywhere food is served, including kitchens, picnics, tailgate parties, and so on. Many ice dispensers rely on ice being made separately or brought in bags. Ice may be poured from a bag into the dispenser, and thereafter may be dispensed as needed, commonly into a user's cup. This is a more streamlined method of delivering ice than, for example, removing ice directly from the bag by hand, which requires direct contact between the user's skin and ice, leading to discomfort for the user and possibly contaminating the ice with any bacteria on the user's hand. Furthermore, a bag of ice may spill and be wasted if, for example, the bag splits or falls over.

Conventional ice dispensers use complicated mechanisms to feed ice from a storage hopper to a dispensing point. These mechanisms often require electricity, limiting their use to areas where they can be plugged in. Manually powered dispensers customarily use an auger or similar device to move ice to the user's cup, and require a significant amount of effort on the part of the user to turn this auger. Both electrical and manual dispensers usually require two hands to operate: one hand to push a button or turn an auger and a second hand to hold a cup to catch the ice exiting the dispenser. As a result, users who do not have two hands free have difficulty using these dispensers. Still further, the complicated mechanisms of the dispensers are susceptible to jamming, and ice cubes may stick together to form blockages (e.g., domes of ice) that prevent ice from being dispensed. These blockages may prevent the dispenser from operating until it is opened and the jam cleared manually.

Furthermore, ice requires refrigeration to remain solid at room temperature. Left in an unrefrigerated environment, for example outdoors at a picnic or tailgate party, ice will gradually melt into water. This water must be drained out of whatever storage container is holding the ice, or else the water may be dispensed along with the ice, or may re-freeze the ice cubes into blockages which may jam the dispenser as described above.

Therefore, what is needed is an ice dispenser which addresses some or all of the above issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an ice dispenser. The ice dispenser may be configured to be operated by one hand and automatically break up ice blockages.

The ice dispenser may comprise a storage bin. The storage bin may be configured to store ice. A lower surface of the storage bin may define an ice outlet, and the ice may be configured to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity.

The ice dispenser may further comprise a chute. The chute may be disposed underneath the storage bin. The chute may be configured to rotate about a pivot point between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the chute may be configured to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet, and in the open position, the chute may be configured to allow ice to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity.

The ice dispenser may further comprise a blockage breaker. The blockage breaker may be disposed on the chute. The blockage breaker may extend into the storage bin through the ice outlet and move with the chute. When the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position, the blockage breaker may move further into the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser may further comprise an elastic member. The elastic member may be connected to the chute. The elastic member may be configured to urge the chute toward the closed position and may apply force to the blockage breaker when the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position to break the ice blockages in the storage bin.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser may further comprise a stopper. The stopper may be disposed underneath the storage bin adjacent to the ice outlet. In the closed position, the chute may rest against the stopper to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet. A position of the stopper may adjustable. The position of the stopper may be configured to limit a size of the ice allowed to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet.

In some embodiments, the chute may define an opening distal from the pivot point. In the open position, the chute may be configured to allow ice to travel down the chute in an ice dispensing direction and exit the chute via the opening.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser may further comprise a lever. The lever may be connected to an underside of the chute adjacent to the opening. The lever may extend from the chute upstream of the opening in the ice dispensing direction. The chute may be rotatable from the closed position and the open position by force applied to the lever.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser may further comprise a backstop. The backstop may be connected to an end of the chute adjacent to the opening. The backstop may extend from the chute downstream of the opening in the ice dispensing direction. The backstop may comprise a wall and a handle disposed on the wall. The chute may be rotatable from the closed position and the open position by force applied to the handle.

In some embodiments, the chute may define a drain hole distal from the pivot point. Melted ice may be configured to drip from the storage bin through the ice outlet and through the drain hole in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser may further comprise a tank. The tank may be disposed beneath the storage bin, and the chute may be positioned within the tank. In the open position, the chute may be configured to allow ice to enter the tank by way of gravity.

In some embodiments, a front surface of the tank may be open. In the open position, ice entering the tank may be accessible from the open front surface.

In some embodiments, a front surface of the tank may comprise a lip extending downward from the tank. The lip may be configured to engage with an edge of a mounting surface when the tank is disposed on the mounting surface.

In some embodiments, a lower portion of the tank may comprise a drain valve. The drain valve may be configured to selectively allow melted water in the tank to exit the tank.

In some embodiments, a wall disposed in the tank may be configured to limit a range of rotational movement of the chute between the open position and the closed position. A lower portion of the wall may define a vent, and the vent may be configured to allow melted water in the tank to drain to either side of the wall.

In some embodiments, the blockage breaker may comprise a body and a primary wedge. A proximal end of the body may be connected to the chute and a distal end of the body extends into the storage bin. The primary wedge may be disposed at the distal end of the body. The primary wedge may be configured to break the ice blockages when the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position and the blockage breaker is moved further into the storage bin.

In some embodiments, the blockage breaker may further comprise a secondary wedge. The secondary wedge may be disposed along a length of the body prior to the distal end. The secondary wedge may have a width that is narrower than a width of the primary wedge. The secondary wedge may be configured to break the ice blockages when the chute rotates from the closed position to the open position and the blockage breaker is moved out of the storage bin.

In some embodiments, an upper surface of the storage bin defines an ice inlet. Ice may be configured to enter the storage bin via the ice inlet.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser may further comprise a lid. The lid may be removably disposed on the ice inlet and may be configured to cover the ice inlet.

In some embodiments, a lower surface of the lid may comprise an ice breaker. The ice breaker may extend into the storage bin through the ice inlet. The ice breaker may be configured to break ice blockages in the storage bin when the lid is disposed on the ice inlet.

In some embodiments, a grate may be disposed within the storage bin between the ice inlet and the ice outlet and may extend laterally within the storage bin. The grate may define an array of openings, which may be configured to prevent blocks of ice that are larger than the array of openings from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of dispensing ice. The method may be performed manually by one hand of a user, with no direct contact with the ice.

The method may comprise filling a storage bin with ice. A lower surface of the storage bin may define an ice outlet, and a chute disposed underneath the storage bin may be configured to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet when the chute is in a closed position.

The method may further comprise rotating the chute about a pivot point from the closed position to an open position. In the open position, the chute may be configured to allow ice to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity.

The method may further comprise rotating the chute from the open position back to the closed position. A blockage breaker disposed on the chute may extend into the storage bin through the ice outlet and moves with the chute, such that when the chute rotates from the open position back to the closed position, the blockage breaker may be moved further into the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of an ice dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of an ice dispenser according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C illustrates an isometric view of an ice dispenser according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a storage bin and lid according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a storage bin including a grate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a chute in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of a chute in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an ice dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a chute opening and closing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a side view of a chute opening and closing according to a position of a stopper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a chute and blockage breaker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate a blockage breaker moving in a storage bin according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C-8D illustrate alternative cross-sections of a blockage breaker according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section side view of an ice dispenser including a drain hole for melted water according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of an ice dispenser actuated by a lever to dispense ice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B illustrates a front view of an ice dispenser actuated by a handle to dispense ice according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Although claimed subject matter will be described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments, including embodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Various structural, logical, process step, and electronic changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an ice dispenser 10. The ice dispenser 10 may be configured to be operated by one hand and automatically break up ice blockages. FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary ice dispenser 10 of the present disclosure. The ice dispenser 10 may have a rectangular shape (as shown in FIG. 1B), a cylindrical shape (as shown in FIG. 1C), or any other shape suitable to carry and dispense ice, and is not limited herein.

The ice dispenser 10 may comprise a storage bin 500. The storage bin 500 may be configured to store ice. For example, the storage bin 500 may be insulated to help maintain the temperature within the storage bin 500 to prevent or slow ice from melting in the storage bin 500. As shown in FIG. 2A, a lower surface of the storage bin 500 may define an ice outlet 501, and an upper surface of the storage bin 500 may define an ice inlet 502. Ice may be configured to enter the storage bin 500 via the ice inlet 502, and ice may be configured to exit the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501 by way of gravity. The lower interior walls 503 of the storage bin 500 may be angled toward the ice outlet 501. Accordingly, ice in the storage bin 500 may be directed toward the ice outlet 501 to be dispensed by way of gravity, as further described herein.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a lid 510. The lid 510 may be removably disposed on the ice inlet 502 and may be configured to cover the ice inlet 502. The lid 510 may be insulated to help further maintain the temperature within the storage bin 500 to prevent or slow ice from melting in the storage bin 500. A lower surface of the lid 510 may comprise an ice breaker 515. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the ice breaker 515 may comprise a pair of rectangular prongs. The ice breaker 515 may comprise any number of prongs of differing shapes, and is not limited herein. The ice breaker 515 may extend into the storage bin 500 through the ice inlet 502. The ice breaker 515 may be configured to break ice blockages in the storage bin 500 when the lid 510 is disposed on the ice inlet 502. For example, when a user places the lid 510 on the storage bin 500, the ice breaker 515 may extend into the ice inlet 502, and the user can apply force to the lid 510 to break ice blockages in the storage bin 500 with the ice breaker 515. The user may repeatedly remove the lid 510 and dispose the lid 510 on the storage bin 500 to continually break ice blockages in the storage bin 500.

The storage bin 500 may include a grate 520, as shown in FIG. 2B. The grate 520 may be disposed within the storage bin 500 between the ice inlet 502 and the ice outlet 501, and may extend laterally within the storage bin 500. The grate 520 may define an array of openings that may be configured to filter out blocks of ice that are larger than the openings, i.e., only blocks of ice that are smaller than the openings may pass through the grate 520. Accordingly, the grate 520 may prevent large blocks of ice from exiting the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501 and being dispensed.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a chute 200. The chute 200 may be disposed underneath the storage bin 500. The chute 200 may be configured to rotate about a pivot point 205 between closed position (shown in FIG. 3A) and an open position (shown in FIG. 3B). For example, the pivot point 205 may be a pin, a hinge, or a similar mechanism that would allow the chute 200 to rotate. In the closed position, the chute 200 may be configured to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501, and in the open position, the chute 200 may be configured to allow ice to exit the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501 by way of gravity. The pivot point 205 may be positioned such that ice dispensed from the chute 200 does not contact the pivot point 205, thereby preventing damage or jamming of the pivot point 205 or the chute 200.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise an elastic member 210, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the elastic member 210 may be a spring. The elastic member 210 may be connected to the chute 200. The elastic member 210 may be positioned such that ice dispensed from the chute 200 does not contact the elastic member 210, thereby preventing damage or jamming of the elastic member 210 or the chute 200. The elastic member 210 may be configured to urge the chute 200 toward the closed position and may apply force to the blockage breaker 300 when the chute 200 rotates from the open position to the closed position to break the ice blockages in the storage bin 500. For example, after the chute 200 is moved to the open position to dispense ice, the elastic member 210 may draw the chute 200 back to the closed position to prevent additional ice from leaving the storage bin 500, without further force or action by the user. Furthermore, rotating the chute 200 from the closed position to the open position may require a force greater than the elastic force provided by the elastic member 210, thereby preventing accidental dispensing of ice.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a stopper 400. The stopper 400 may be disposed underneath the storage bin 500 adjacent to the ice outlet 501. The stopper 400 may cooperate with the chute 200 to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501. For example, in the closed position shown in FIG. 4, the chute 200 may rest against the stopper 400 to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5A, the chute 200 may be positioned close enough to the stopper 400 so as to prevent ice from exiting between the chute 200 and the stopper 400 (e.g., by a portion of the chute 200, such as the side walls, resting against the underside of the storage bin 500 or other structure). When the chute 200 is rotated to the open position (as shown in FIG. 5B), the chute 200 and the stopper 400 are separated to allow ice to exit between the chute 200 and the stopper 400. When the chute 200 is returned to the closed position (as shown in FIG. 5C), ice may be trapped between the chute 200 and the stopper 400, thereby preventing ice from exiting between the chute 200 and the stopper 400. Such trapped ice may be dispensed when the chute 200 returns to the open position. A position of the stopper 400 may adjustable. For example, the stopper 400 may be moved laterally relative to the pivot point 205 in fixed increments or at any point within a range. The position of the stopper 400 may be configured to limit a size of the ice allowed to exit the storage bin 500 via the ice outlet 501. For example, when the stopper 400 is positioned distal from the pivot point 205 (as shown in FIG. 6A), the space between the chute 200 and stopper 400 in the closed position may be large, thereby preventing large chunks of ice from exiting between the chute 200 and the stopper 400. Alternatively, when the stopper is positioned more proximal to the pivot point 205 (as shown in FIG. 6B), the space between the chute 200 and the stopper 400 in the closed position may be small, thereby preventing small chunks of ice from exiting between the chute 200 and the stopper 400. It should be understood that FIGS. 6A and 6B merely illustrate exemplary positions of the stopper 400, and the stopper 400 may be positioned at other positions to prevent varying sizes of ice chunks from exiting between the chute 200 and the stopper 400.

Referring to FIG. 7, the chute 200 may define an opening 240 distal from the pivot point 205. In the open position, the chute 200 may be configured to allow ice to travel down the chute 200 in an ice dispensing direction and exit the chute 200 via the opening 240. For example, in the open position, the chute 200 may be rotated to a position where the chute 200 is angled downward at an angle that allows ice to slide down the chute 200 to the opening 240. Alternatively, in the open position, the chute 200 may be rotated to a position where the chute 200 is angled downward at an angle that allows ice to fall directly from the ice outlet 501 through the opening 240 without sliding or contacting the chute 200. The chute 200 may define a drain hole 220 distal from the pivot point 205. For example, the drain hole 220 may be positioned between the pivot point 205 and the opening 240. Melted ice may be configured to drip from the storage bin 500 through the ice outlet 501 and through the drain hole 220 in the closed position. Accordingly, the drain hole 220 may prevent water from collecting in the chute 200 and re-freezing into a blockage. The drain hole 220 may be smaller than the opening 240, so that chunks of ice do not fall through the drain hole 220 before reaching the opening 240 to be dispensed.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a lever 100. The lever 100 may be connected to an underside of the chute 200 adjacent to the opening 240. The lever 100 may extend from the chute 200 upstream of the opening 240 in the ice dispensing direction. Accordingly, when ice is dispensed, it may exit the opening 240 onto the lever 100 (or into any vessel placed in front of the lever 100). The chute 200 may be rotatable from the closed position and the open position by force applied to the lever 100, as further described below. A distal end of the lever 100 may comprise a cup rest 105 protruding from the lever 100. The cup rest 105 may be configured to support a cup or other vessel and/or align the cup/vessel underneath the opening 240 when ice is being dispensed.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a backstop 230. The backstop 230 may be connected to an end of the chute 200 adjacent to the opening 240. The backstop 230 may extend from the chute 200 downstream of the opening 240 in the ice dispensing direction. The backstop 230 may be configured to direct ice into the opening 240. For example, when ice is dispensed, it may travel down the chute 200 and contact the backstop 230 before falling into the opening 240. Accordingly, the backstop 230 may prevent ice from spilling out too quickly when being dispensed. A position of the backstop 230 may be adjustable. For example, the backstop 230 may be moved up or down relative to the opening 240 in fixed increments or at any point within a range. By adjusting the position of the backstop 230 relative to the opening 240, the backstop 230 may allow smaller or larger chunks of ice to exit the opening 240. The backstop 230 may comprise a wall 235 a handle 110 disposed on the wall 235. Ice being dispensed may contact the wall 235 before falling into the opening 240. The chute 200 may be rotatable from the closed position and the open position by force applied to the handle 110, as further described below.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a blockage breaker 300. The blockage breaker 300 may be disposed on the chute 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the blockage breaker 300 may be disposed centrally on the chute 200, upstream of the opening 240. When ice is dispensed from the ice outlet 501, the ice may be directed on either side of the blockage breaker 300 toward the opening 240. The blockage breaker 300 may extend into the storage bin 500 through the ice outlet 501 and move with the chute 200. When the chute 200 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the blockage breaker 300 may move further into the storage bin 500, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the blockage breaker 300 may be positioned slightly into the storage bin 500 when the chute 200 is in the open position, and by rotating the chute 200 to the closed position, the blockage breaker 300 may extend further into the storage bin 500, as shown in FIG. 8B, thereby breaking through the ice dome blockage. It should be understood that moving the blockage breaker 300 back and forth within the storage bin 500 by repeatedly rotating the chute 200 may further break ice blockages in the storage bin 500.

Referring back to FIG. 7, the blockage breaker 300 may comprise a body 310 and a primary wedge 320. A proximal end of the body 310 may be connected to the chute 200 and a distal end of the body 310 extends into the storage bin 500. The primary wedge 320 may be disposed at the distal end of the body 310. The primary wedge 320 may be configured to break the ice blockages when the chute 200 rotates from the open position to the closed position and the blockage breaker 300 is moved further into the storage bin 500, as shown in FIG. 8B.

The blockage breaker 300 may further comprise a secondary wedge 330. The secondary wedge 330 may be disposed along a length of the body 310 prior to the distal end. The secondary wedge 330 may have a width that is narrower than a width of the primary wedge 320. The secondary wedge 330 may be configured to break the ice blockages when the chute 200 rotates from the closed position to the open position and the blockage breaker 300 is moved out of the storage bin 500, as shown in FIG. 8B. The primary wedge 320 and the secondary wedge 330 may have a diamond cross-section, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. However, the primary wedge 320 and the secondary wedge 330 may have any cross-sectional shape that is configured to break ice blockages. FIGS. 8C and 8D illustrate some non-limiting examples of alternative cross-sections of the primary wedge 320 and the secondary wedge 330. While the primary wedge 320 and the secondary wedge 330 are shown in FIG. 8C as having similar cross-sectional shapes in each example, it should be understood that the primary wedge 320 and the secondary wedge 330 may have different cross-sectional shapes from each other. Furthermore, the blockage breaker 300 may comprise only a primary wedge 320 (no secondary wedge 330), as shown in FIG. 8D. The ice breaker 515 of the lid 510 may have similar cross-sectional shapes to the primary wedge 320 or the secondary wedge 330 shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. The blockage breaker 300 and the ice breaker 515 may be arranged such that they do not interfere with one another within the storage bin 500. For example, the blockage breaker 300 and the ice breaker 515 may laterally offset from one another.

The ice dispenser 10 may further comprise a tank 600. As shown in FIG. 9, the tank 600 may be disposed beneath the storage bin 500, and the chute 200 may be positioned within the tank 600. In the open position, the chute 200 may be configured to allow ice to enter the tank 600 by way of gravity. The tank 600 may be opaque (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C) or translucent (as shown in FIG. 1A) and is not limited herein.

The tank 600 may define an open front surface 601. In the open position, ice entering the tank 600 may be accessible from the open front surface 601. Accordingly, a user may insert a cup or another vessel into the tank 600 via the open front surface 601 in order to dispense ice into the cup/vessel. The user may also insert their hand or finger (not holding the cup/vessel) into the open front surface 601 to press the handle 110 to dispense ice into the cup/vessel.

The ice dispenser 10 may be positioned on a mounting surface, e.g., a table, a countertop, a truck tailgate, etc. For example, the tank 600 may be placed on the mounting surface. A front surface of the tank 600 may comprise a lip 630 extending downward from the tank 600. The lip 630 may be configured to engage with an edge of the mounting surface when the tank 600 is disposed on the mounting surface. Accordingly, the lip may prevent the ice dispenser 10 from moving or tipping over when a user applies force to the lever 100 or the handle 110 to dispense ice.

A wall 620 disposed in the tank 600 may be configured to limit a range of rotational movement of the chute 200 between the open position and the closed position. For example, the wall 620 may extend laterally within the tank 600, and may be spaced apart from the chute 200 in the closed position. In the open position, the chute 200 and/or the lever 100 may contact the wall 620, thereby preventing further rotation of the chute 200. Accordingly, the wall 620 may prevent over-rotation of the chute 200 and/or over-extension of the elastic member 210, which could damage the ice dispenser 10.

The tank 600 may be configured to collect melted water or spilled ice during use of the ice dispenser 10. For example, water may melt from ice stored in the storage bin 500, which may drip from the ice outlet 501 even when the chute 200 is in the closed position. Ice may also spill from a user's cup when dispensing ice with the chute 200 in the open position. Accordingly, the tank 600 may collect the melted water and spilled ice so as to avoid spilling outside of the ice dispenser 10. The wall 620 may be opaque to block sight of the tank 600 and melted water on the other side of the wall 620. The wall 620 may be made of a permeable structure (e.g., a screen), which allows melted water in the tank 600 to drain to either side of the wall 620. A lower portion of the wall 620 may define a vent 625, and the vent 625 may be configured to allow melted water in the tank 600 to drain to either side of the wall 620. A lower portion of the tank 600 may comprise a drain valve 610. The drain valve 610 may be configured to selectively allow melted water in the tank 600 to exit the tank 600. For example, the drain valve 610 may be a removable plug or other type of valve that can be opened by a user to empty the tank 600.

In some embodiments, the ice dispenser 10 may be configured to be broken down or disassembled and subsequently reassembled. For example, the storage bin 500 may be disassembled from the tank 600. In the disassembled state, the storage bin 500 may fit within the tank 600. The chute 200 may be disassembled from the storage bin 500 and/or the tank 600. By disassembling the ice dispenser 10, it may be easier to store or transport to different locations where it can be reassembled for use.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method 20 of dispensing ice. The method may be performed manually by one hand of a user, with no direct contact with the ice. As shown in FIG. 11, the method 20 may comprise the following steps.

At step 21, a storage bin is filled with ice. A lower surface of the storage bin may define an ice outlet, and a chute disposed underneath the storage bin may be configured to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet when the chute is in a closed position.

At step 22, the chute is rotated about a pivot point from the closed position to an open position. In the open position, the chute may be configured to allow ice to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity.

At step 23, the chute is rotated from the open position back to the closed position. A blockage breaker disposed on the chute may extend into the storage bin through the ice outlet and moves with the chute, such that when the chute rotates from the open position back to the closed position, the blockage breaker may be moved further into the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin 500.

It should be understood that steps 22 and 23 may be repeated to dispense varying amounts of ice. For example, the time between steps 22 and 23 or the number of times that steps 22 and 23 are performed may define the amount of ice that is dispensed. In the case of an ice blockage that prevents ice from exiting the storage bin by way of gravity in the open position, steps 22 and 23 may be repeated to move the blockage breaker in and out of the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages. Such a “double pump” sequence of steps 22 and 23 may effectively break ice blockages and dispense ice in an efficient manual operation. Step 21 may be repeated when the storage bin is empty in order to continue to dispense ice.

The method 20 may be performed with the ice dispenser 10 according to any of the exemplary embodiments described above. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, a user may press against the lever 100 to perform step 22. Specifically, by positioning a cup 11 underneath the opening 240 of the chute 200, the user can press the cup 11 against the lever 100, causing ice to dispense directly into their cup 11. This allows for touchless one-handed operation. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, a user may press against the handle 110 to perform step 22. Specifically, while the cup 11 is positioned underneath the opening 240 of the chute 200, the user can press against the handle 110, causing ice to dispense directly into their cup 11 without applying pressure on the lever 100 with their cup 11. While this may require the user to use two hands to hold the cup 11 and press the handle 110, this may be useful if the cup 11 is delicate, e.g., paper or other similar cup that can deform under the force needed to move the lever 100 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 10A. Accordingly, the ice dispenser 10 and the method 20 may provide two ways to dispense ice through one-handed and two-handed operation. The ice dispenser 10 may therefore be operated manually, without an electrical connection or power source to dispense ice, and avoids issues related to ice jamming within the storage bin 500.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to one or more particular embodiments, it will be understood that other embodiments of the present disclosure may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Hence, the present disclosure is deemed limited only by the appended claims and the reasonable interpretation thereof.

Claims

1. An ice dispenser, comprising:

a storage bin configured to store ice, wherein a lower surface of the storage bin defines an ice outlet, and the ice is configured to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity;

a chute disposed underneath the storage bin, the chute being configured to rotate about a pivot point between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the chute is configured to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet, and in the open position, the chute is configured to allow ice to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity; and

a blockage breaker disposed on the chute, wherein the blockage breaker extends into the storage bin through the ice outlet and moves with the chute;

wherein when the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position, the blockage breaker is moved further into the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin.

2. The ice dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:

an elastic member connected to the chute, wherein the elastic member is configured to urge the chute toward the closed position and apply force to the blockage breaker when the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position to break the ice blockages in the storage bin.

3. The ice dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:

a stopper disposed underneath the storage bin adjacent to the ice outlet, wherein in the closed position, the chute rests against the stopper to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet.

4. The ice dispenser of claim 3, wherein a position of the stopper is adjustable, and the position of the stopper is configured to limit a size of the ice allowed to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet.

5. The ice dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chute defines an opening distal from the pivot point, wherein in the open position, the chute is configured to allow ice to travel down the chute in an ice dispensing direction and exit the chute via the opening.

6. The ice dispenser of claim 5, further comprising:

a lever connected to an underside of the chute adjacent to the opening, wherein the lever extends from the chute upstream of the opening in the ice dispensing direction;

wherein the chute is rotatable from the closed position and the open position by force applied to the lever.

7. The ice dispenser of claim 5, further comprising:

a backstop connected to an end of the chute adjacent to the opening, wherein the backstop extends from the chute downstream of the opening in the ice dispensing direction and the backstop comprises a wall and a handle disposed on the wall;

wherein the chute is rotatable from the closed position and the open position by force applied to the handle.

8. The ice dispenser of claim 1, wherein the chute defines a drain hole distal from the pivot point, and melted ice is configured to drip from the storage bin through the ice outlet and through the drain hole in the closed position.

9. The ice dispenser of claim 1, further comprising:

a tank disposed beneath the storage bin, wherein the chute is positioned within the tank, and in the open position, the chute is configured to allow ice to enter the tank by way of gravity.

10. The ice dispenser of claim 9, wherein a front surface of the tank is open, and in the open position, ice entering the tank is accessible from the open front surface.

11. The ice dispenser of claim 9, wherein a front surface of the tank comprises a lip extending downward from the tank, and the lip is configured to engage with an edge of a mounting surface when the tank is disposed on the mounting surface.

12. The ice dispenser of claim 9, wherein a lower portion of the tank comprises a drain valve, and the drain valve may be configured to selectively allow melted water in the tank to exit the tank.

13. The ice dispenser of claim 9, wherein a wall disposed in the tank is configured to limit a range of rotational movement of the chute between the open position and the closed position.

14. The ice dispenser of claim 13, wherein a lower portion of the wall defines a vent, and the vent is configured to allow melted water in the tank to drain to either side of the wall.

15. The ice dispenser of claim 1, wherein the blockage breaker comprises:

a body, wherein a proximal end of the body is connected to the chute and a distal end of the body extends into the storage bin; and

a primary wedge disposed at the distal end of the body, wherein the primary wedge is configured to break the ice blockages when the chute rotates from the open position to the closed position and the blockage breaker is moved further into the storage bin.

16. The ice dispenser of claim 15, wherein the blockage breaker further comprises:

a secondary wedge disposed along a length of the body prior to the distal end, and the secondary wedge has a width that is narrower than a width of the primary wedge;

wherein the secondary wedge is configured to break the ice blockages when the chute rotates from the closed position to the open position and the blockage breaker is moved out of the storage bin.

17. The ice dispenser of claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the storage bin defines an ice inlet, ice being configured to enter the storage bin via the ice inlet, and the ice dispenser further comprises a lid that is removably disposed on the ice inlet and configured to cover the ice inlet.

18. The ice dispenser of claim 17, wherein a lower surface of the lid comprises an ice breaker that extends into the storage bin through the ice inlet, and the ice breaker is configured to break ice blockages in the storage bin when the lid is disposed on the ice inlet.

19. The ice dispenser of claim 17, further comprising a grate disposed within the storage bin between the ice inlet and the ice outlet and extends laterally within the storage bin, wherein the grate defines an array of openings configured to prevent blocks of ice that are larger than the array of openings from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet.

20. A method of dispensing ice comprising:

filling a storage bin with ice, wherein a lower surface of the storage bin defines an ice outlet and a chute disposed underneath the storage bin is configured to prevent ice from exiting the storage bin via the ice outlet when the chute is in a closed position;

rotating the chute about a pivot point from the closed position to an open position, wherein in the open position, the chute is configured to allow ice to exit the storage bin via the ice outlet by way of gravity; and

rotating the chute from the open position back to the closed position, wherein a blockage breaker disposed on the chute extends into the storage bin through the ice outlet and moves with the chute, such that when the chute rotates from the open position back to the closed position, the blockage breaker is moved further into the storage bin, thereby breaking ice blockages in the storage bin.