Beverage dispenser

RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119 of Hong Kong patent application no. 05109460.7, filed on Oct. 24, 2005, P.R.C patent application no. HK:05351 Hong Kong patent application no. 05109461.6, filed on Oct. 24, 2005, P.R.C patent application no. HK:05352 Hong Kong patent application no. 06104215.5, filed on Apr. 6, 2006, P.R.C patent application no. HK: (t.b.a) Hong Kong patent application no. 06104292.1, filed on Apr. 6, 2006, P.R.C patent application no. HK: 06153 Hong Kong patent application no. 06105062.6, filed on Apr. 7, 2006, P.R.C patent application no. HK: 06180 Hong Kong patent application no. 06104216.4 filed on Apr. 6, 2006, P.R.C patent application no. HK: 06152, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser with improved utilitarian, entertainment and safety features.

00042. Description of Related Art

0005Beverage dispensers are often used in homes, workplaces, food outlets, clubs, etc. as a source of chilled and/or hot water or other liquids for drinking, making beverages such as tea, coffee, etc., and for making instant foods such as noodles, soup, etc. In a typical beverage dispenser, a bottle is mounted above a housing and enclosure, and faucet outlets in communication with the enclosure dispense beverages into containers underneath the outlets.

0006Known beverage dispensers are suitable for providing basic manual dispensation of liquids, but are lacking in other utilitarian, entertainment and safety features.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0007The present invention provides an improved beverage dispenser with entertainment, utilitarian and safety features beyond mere dispensation of beverages.

0008One embodiment of the invention is a beverage dispenser comprising a faucet outlet for dispensing beverages and an ultraviolet light source directed at the outlet for disinfecting the outlet. According to this embodiment, the faucet outlet is advantageously sterilized and any germs, bacteria and disease are eliminated.

0009Another embodiment of the invention is a beverage dispenser comprising an outlet for dispensing beverages, a tray for supporting a container underneath the outlet, and a light source for illuminating a path of a beverage between the outlet and the tray. According to this embodiment, liquid exiting the outlet has a visually striking and pleasing effect.

0010Another embodiment of the invention is a water dispenser comprising a dispensing bay including faucet outlets mounted above a container support tray, and a water bottle storage cabinet underneath the dispensing bay for storing a water bottle. The storage cabinet includes a door for opening and closing the cabinet, a movable trolley for supporting and moving the water bottle, and a hinged ramp to facilitate entry and exit of the trolley into and out of the cabinet. According to this embodiment, the burden on a user in moving heavy water bottles is eased.

0011Another embodiment of the invention is a beverage dispenser comprising a dispensing bay for dispensing beverages, a cradle for securing an appliance module to the dispenser, and an interface for communication of data or power between the appliance module and the dispenser. The appliance module may be selected, for example, from a group of interchangeable appliance modules such as a CD player, a soothing sounds player, an alarm clock and a radio. According to this embodiment, a user is able to provide the water dispenser with entertainment and/or utility functionality of his/her choosing.

0012Another embodiment of the invention is a beverage dispenser comprising a dispensing bay for dispensing beverages and a built-in mover underneath the dispensing bay to facilitate easy movement of the dispenser. This embodiment is particularly applicable to smaller, more mobile beverage dispensers intended for deployment on counter or table tops.

0013Another embodiment of the invention advantageously combines these features to provide a beverage dispenser with synergistic utilitarian, entertainment and safety features. An ultraviolet light source is directed at the outlet for disinfecting the outlet. A light source illuminates a path of a beverage between the outlet and the tray. Exterior lights are mounted on an exterior of the dispenser. A recessed cradle for securing an appliance module to the dispenser, and an interface for communication of data or power between the appliance module and the dispenser are also provided. In a stand-alone implementation, a bottle storage cabinet with a removable trolley for supporting a water bottle is formed in a lower portion of the dispenser. In a counter-top implementation, a built-in mover is formed at the bottle dispenser to facilitate easy movement of the dispenser across a counter-top.

0014Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> with a water bottle mounted for dispensing water.

0017FIGS. <b>3</b>A-C are perspective views of the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, depicting the bottle storage cabinet and movable trolley.

0018FIGS. <b>4</b>A-D are front views of interchangeable cassettes for the beverage dispenser of the present invention.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective view of a beverage dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the built-in mover at the bottom of the beverage dispenser of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> depict a beverage dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention, which is typically a “stand alone” beverage dispenser that is positioned at a semi-permanent location of a home, office or other venue and not often moved. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-6</figref> depict a second embodiment of the invention, which is a smaller, more mobile beverage dispenser that may be placed on a counter or table top, for example, and is easily movable. FIGS. <b>4</b>A-D depict interchangeable modules or cassettes with various media functions (CD player, soothing sounds, alarm clock, radio, etc.) that may be mounted in a corresponding cradle or receptacle of the beverage dispensers of either the first or second embodiments.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> depict a beverage dispenser <b>10</b> according to a first embodiment of the invention. A recessed dispensing bay <b>12</b> is provided in the front of dispenser <b>10</b> and includes faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> for dispensing beverages. Beverage dispenser <b>10</b> may have internal refrigeration and heating means. Thus, for example, outlet <b>14</b> may dispense hot water and outlet <b>16</b> may dispense chilled water. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, a water bottle <b>11</b> is typically mounted above dispenser <b>10</b> and dispenses water into enclosures within dispenser <b>10</b> which, in turn, are in communication with faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>. Alternatively, outlet <b>14</b> may dispense one type of beverage and outlet <b>16</b> may dispense another type of beverage.

0023Faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> are operated by buttons <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> above dispensing bay <b>12</b>. Buttons <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> may be configured to effect dispensation of liquid from outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> so long as buttons <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> are depressed. Alternatively, buttons <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> may be configured to effect dispensation of a predetermined amount of liquid with a single press. Tray <b>22</b> is situated at the bottom of bay <b>12</b> underneath faucets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> and is intended to support cups or other containers to capture beverages dispensed from faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>.

0024An ultraviolet (UV) light tube <b>24</b> is positioned in dispenser <b>10</b> in close proximity to faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> for purposes of sterilizing faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>. One or several UV light tubes <b>24</b> may be provided to direct UV light towards faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>. After a user has finished using faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>, UV light tube <b>24</b> is automatically illuminated to disinfect faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>. Tray <b>22</b> and other areas of dispensing bay <b>12</b> may be sterilized as well. In this manner, any germs left on faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> by the user are killed, and accumulations of bacteria and disease are eliminated.

0025Automatic means (not shown) are provided for illumination of UV light tube <b>24</b> after a user has finished using faucets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>. For example, UV light tube <b>24</b> may be automatically illuminated when buttons <b>18</b> and/or <b>20</b> are released. Or, where buttons <b>18</b> and <b>20</b> are configured to effect dispensation of a predetermined amount of liquid with a single press, UV light tube <b>24</b> may be automatically illuminated after the predetermined amount of liquid has been dispensed. In another embodiment, a sensor may be provided at an appropriate location within bay <b>12</b> such as, for example, underneath tray <b>22</b>. When a cup is removed from tray <b>22</b>, UV light tube <b>24</b> is automatically illuminated.

0026UV light tube <b>24</b> is operated by a timer circuit or microcontroller (not shown) to stay illuminated for a fixed interval after operation of the faucet outlets has ceased, or a cup has been removed from the tray. The interval should be sufficient to thoroughly disinfect the faucet outlets and/or the tray and dispensing bay. In addition, light tube <b>24</b> may be triggered to illuminate after a predetermined period of nonuse of dispenser <b>10</b>. A user-activated switch may also be provided to allow a user to manually activate UV light tube <b>24</b>.

0027In addition to UV light tube <b>24</b>, light sources <b>25</b> may be provided to illuminate liquids as they are dispensed from faucet outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b>. Light sources <b>25</b> are preferably directed downwardly to illuminate the water path between outlets <b>14</b> and <b>16</b> and tray <b>22</b> to provide a visually striking and pleasing effect. In one embodiment, mood light <b>25</b> emits a blue light, so that running water has an illuminated blue appearance. In another embodiment, a red light source is provided to illuminate the path of hot water exiting one faucet, while a blue light source is provided to illuminate the path of cold water exiting the other faucet.

0028Additional light tubes <b>27</b> may be configured on the exterior of dispenser <b>10</b> to provide additional effects. As depicted, light tubes <b>27</b> may be positioned on the front sides of dispenser <b>10</b>. The display and effects provided by light tubes <b>27</b> may vary depending on the intended venue and use of dispenser <b>10</b>. For example, where dispenser <b>10</b> is to be deployed in a venue such as a nightclub or disco, lights <b>27</b> may be fluorescent, colorful and may blink or have a timed pattern. Alternatively, where dispenser <b>10</b> is to be deployed in a venue such as a workplace, lights <b>27</b> may be a simple white light.

0029A recessed cradle or interchangeable cassette box <b>26</b> is also provided in the front of dispenser <b>10</b>. As depicted, cradle <b>26</b> is above dispensing bay <b>12</b>. However, cradle <b>26</b> could be located at alternative positions as appropriate in dispenser <b>10</b>. Cradle <b>26</b> is recessed within dispenser <b>10</b> and is shaped and sized to receive therein an appliance module or cassette <b>28</b>. Electrical interface sockets <b>30</b> and <b>32</b> are provided within cradle <b>26</b> for electrical connection with mating interface plugs <b>34</b> and <b>36</b> formed on module <b>28</b>. The interface plugs and sockets are formed with appropriate pins and receptacles for communication of data, audio, video and/or power signals. A locking tab <b>38</b> or other appropriate means is formed in cradle <b>26</b>, an may engage a corresponding recess or indent in module <b>28</b>, to retain module <b>28</b> within cradle <b>26</b>.

0030As depicted in FIGS. <b>4</b>A-D, appliance module <b>28</b> may be, for example, a CD player (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref>); a soothing sounds box (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref>); an alarm clock with date and/or temperature (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref>) or a radio (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4D</figref>). Preferably, a plurality of interchangeable appliance modules or cassettes <b>28</b> are provided, and may have various combinations of the above functions, as well as other functions such as DVD players, audio players, MP3 players, message centers or other communication devices, television or video screens for displaying advertisements, videos or other content, lights, etc. These are just a few of the possibilities.

0031As shown in FIGS. <b>4</b>A-D, each appliance module <b>28</b> has user controls and buttons, audio speakers and a visual display where appropriate. In addition, or alternatively, dispenser <b>10</b> may have inbuilt speakers, displays or user interfaces for use in coordination with module <b>28</b>. Module <b>28</b> may be self-powered by internal batteries or, alternatively, include a power input socket to receive power from the power source of dispenser <b>10</b>. Appliance modules or cassettes <b>28</b> may be sold separately from beverage dispenser <b>10</b> and purchased according to the desire of the user of dispenser <b>10</b>.

0032As shown in FIGS. <b>3</b>A-C, a storage cabinet <b>42</b> is formed in the lower portion of dispenser <b>10</b> for storing a bottle <b>11</b> therein. A hinged door <b>44</b> is provided to enclose and provide access to cabinet <b>42</b>. A movable trolley <b>46</b> is provided within cabinet <b>42</b>. Bottle <b>11</b> is placed on movable trolley <b>46</b> and thus may be easily moved into and out of cabinet <b>42</b>. This advantageously eases the burden on the consumer since full water bottles are quite heavy. A hinged ramp <b>48</b> is provided at the bottom of cabinet <b>42</b> to facilitate entry and exit of trolley <b>46</b> and bottle <b>11</b> into and out of cabinet <b>42</b>.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 6</figref> depict a beverage dispenser <b>50</b> according to a second embodiment of the invention. Relative to beverage dispenser <b>10</b>, dispenser <b>50</b> is a smaller and more mobile dispenser and is intended for placement on a surface such as a counter or table top.

0034Despite its smaller size, dispenser <b>50</b> shares many of the same features as dispenser <b>10</b> and the same reference characters are used to designate those features. For example, dispenser <b>50</b> includes a dispensing bay <b>12</b> with a pair of faucet outlets, a UV tube <b>24</b> to sterilize the outlets and bay, and mood lights <b>25</b> to illuminate liquid exiting the faucets. Dispenser <b>50</b> further includes a cradle <b>26</b> for receiving interchangeable appliance modules or cassettes <b>28</b> (FIGS. <b>4</b>A-D). Exterior lights <b>27</b> are also formed on dispenser <b>10</b>. Dispenser <b>50</b> differs from dispenser <b>10</b> in that a built-in mover <b>52</b> for moving the entire dispenser <b>50</b> is formed in the bottom of dispenser <b>50</b>. Mover <b>52</b> is illustrated in detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> and, as shown, may include a spring-loaded engaging portion or handle <b>54</b>.

0035The particular embodiments of the invention described in this document should be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. Modification to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims. In particular, although the various entertainment, utilitarian and safety features have been described as combined into a beverage dispenser, as is apparent from the following claims the invention also encompasses the features individually or in various sub-combinations.