CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/488,991 entitled "Modular Ice and Water Dispensing Device" filed May 23, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to an ice and water dispensing device and, more particularly, to an ice and water dispensing device that comprises a plurality of modules each configured to perform a different function such that a user can combine the modules in a plurality of different manners to obtain the desired dispensing device.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Conventional ice and water vending machines suffer from a variety of deficiencies. For instance, current ice and water vending machines are sized during development and manufacturing to function economically in a fairly small range of ice usage commercial situations. However, many ice vending situations have a wide variation in low demand versus high demand periods. Accordingly, current ice and water vending machines have difficulty adjusting to the varied demand. In addition, the seasonal demand for ice and water at many locations varies dramatically and there are other seasonal issues, such as freezing temperatures, which require expensive winterization of system components.

[0004] In addition, a significant economic barrier to existing vending machine solutions is the initial cost of installation because of a required water drain. All ice and water vending solutions have issues with drain water and an adequate and cost effective method for dealing with such issues has not been identified.

[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for an ice and water vending or dispensing machine or device that can be easily reconfigured based on ice and/or water demand in a cost efficient mamier. A further need exists for an ice and water vending machine that can be built and stored without the need for special equipment and extensive labor. An additional need also exists for an ice and water dispensing device that can efficiently and cost-effectively drain water produced by the machine. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the ice and water dispensing device disclosed herein is to provide a device that can be easily reconfigured based on ice and/or water demand in a cost efficient manner. In addition, another object is to provide an ice and water dispensing device that can be built and stored without the need for special equipment and extensive labor. A further object is to provide an ice and water dispensing device that can efficiently and cost- effectively drain water produced by the machine.

[0007] Accordingly, provided is a dispensing device for at least one of ice and water that includes a first module configured to dispense ice and at least one additional module. The first module includes: a housing having coupling mechanisms provided on side surfaces and a rear surface thereof, an inlet aperture positioned on the top surface thereof, and an outlet aperture positioned on a front surface thereof; a rotatable barrel positioned within the housing and comprising a generally cylindrical body portion having an opening that is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture when the barrel is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the barrel when the barrel is in the second position, the output chute configured to receive the regulated amount of ice when the barrel reaches the second position and to dispense the ice to the outlet aperture. The opening has a geometry and size that directs ice that enters the barrel through the input aperture and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and a second position. The at least one additional module is selected from the group comprising: a water dispensing module, an ice making module, a bag and bottle dispensing module, a drain reservoir module, an ultrasonic mister module, or any combination thereof. Each at least one additional module includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces and a rear surface thereof, such that each of the modules can be fastened together to form the dispensing device.

[0008] The dispensing device may further include a payment module configured to receive credit card payment, cash payment, and coin payment, or any combination thereof. The dispensing device may also include panels configured to mate with the coupling mechanisms provided on the side surfaces of the modules and a roof panel configured to be positioned on a top surface of at least one of the modules forming a top of the dispensing device to provide a finished appearance to the dispensing device when the modules are fastened together. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism. Each of the modules may include a drain pan positioned on a top surface thereof to trap water from the module positioned above it and direct the water through a piping system to a module positioned at a bottom of the dispensing device.

[0009] Also provided is a dispensing device for at least one of ice and water that includes a plurality of modules configured to be connected together to form the dispensing device. The plurality of modules comprises an ice dispensing module, a water dispensing module, an ice making module, a bag and bottle dispensing module, a drain reservoir module, an ultrasonic mister module, or any combination thereof.

[0010] At least one of the plurality of modules may be an ice dispensing module. The ice dispensing module includes: a housing comprising an inlet aperture positioned on the top surface thereof, and an outlet aperture positioned on a front surface thereof; a rotatable barrel positioned within the housing and including a generally cylindrical body portion having an opening that is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture when the barrel is in a first position; and an output chute in fluid communication with the opening of the barrel when the barrel is in the second position. The opening may have a geometry and size that directs ice that enters the barrel through the input aperture and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and a second position. The output chute may be configured to receive the regulated amount of ice when the barrel reaches the second position and dispense the ice to the outlet aperture.

[0011] Each of the plurality of modules may include a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces and a rear surface thereof, such that each of the modules can be fastened together to form the dispensing device. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism. The dispensing device may also include panels configured to mate with the coupling mechanisms provided on the side surfaces of the modules and a roof panel configured to be positioned on a top surface of at least one of the modules forming a top of the dispensing device to provide a finished appearance to the dispensing device when the modules are fastened together.

[0012] The dispensing device may further include a payment module configured to receive credit card payment, cash payment, coin payment, or any combination thereof. Each of the modules may include a drain pan positioned on a top surface thereof to trap water from the module positioned above it and direct the water through a piping system to a module positioned at a bottom of the dispensing device.

[0013] In addition, provided is a method of building a dispensing device for at least one of ice and water. The method comprises: providing a plurality of modules configured to be connected together to form the dispensing device, the plurality of modules comprising an ice dispensing module, a water dispensing module, an ice making module, a bag and bottle dispensing module, a drain reservoir module, an ultrasonic mister module, or any combination thereof; and fastening the plurality of modules together to form the dispensing device.

[0014] The method may further include fastening panels configured to mate with side surfaces of the modules and fastening a roof panel on a top surface of at least one of the modules such that the roof panel forms a top of the dispensing device to provide a finished appearance to the dispensing device when the modules are fastened together.

[0015] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice dispensing module in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ice making machine module in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water dispensing and control module in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic mister module in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bag dispensing and bottle vending module in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drain reservoir module in accordance with the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a left side panel in accordance with the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a right side panel in accordance with the present invention; [0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a roof panel in accordance with the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a dispensing device formed from the modules illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 10, a dispensing device, generally denoted as reference numeral 1, includes a plurality of modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b, 70, 80, and 90 configured to be connected together to form the dispensing device 1. The dispensing device 1 is configured to dispense ice and water. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention as the device may be configured with other types of dispensing modules to dispense a variety of other products such as, but not limited to, food, soda, and other beverages. The plurality of modules include at least one ice dispensing module 10a, 10b, a water dispensing and control module 30, an ice making module 20, a bag and bottle dispensing module 50, at least one drain reservoir module 60a, 60b, and an ultrasonic mister module 40. In addition, left and right side panels 70, 80 are provided on the side surfaces of the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b, and a roof panel 90 is configured to be positioned on a top surface of at least one of the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b to provide a finished appearance to the dispensing device 1 when the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b are fastened together.

[0028] While an exemplary configuration of the dispensing device 1 is illustrated in FIG. 10, this is not to be constraed as limiting the present invention as any combination of modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b, 70, 80, and 90 may be utilized and any number of other types of modules may be added depending on demand in a given location. For instance, the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b, 70, 80, and 90 can be fastened side to side to make a large long unit or side to rear to make a two-sided or four-sided self contained kiosk unit. Each of the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b, 70, 80, and 90 also includes insets to fasten them easily top to bottom so the entire dispensing device can be assembled and disassembled on site. Blank modules (not shown) may also be added so that each dispensing device 1 formed from the modules can have a standard configuration.

[0029] h addition, the number of different modules is easily expandable based on demand for certain products in a given area. For instance, if there is a need for the device to dispense windshield washer fluid, such as at a gas station, such a module could be developed and easily added to the dispensing device 1.

[0030] Each of the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b, 70, 80, and 90 is manufactured from lightweight, inexpensive materials. This allows the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, 60b, 70, 80, and 90 to be more disposable and replaceable in situations where vandalism and theft are an issue.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 1, the ice dispensing module, denoted generally as reference numeral 10, includes a housing 100 having an inlet aperture 102 positioned on a top surface 104 thereof, and an outlet aperture 106 positioned on a front surface 108 thereof. The ice dispensing module 10 also includes a rotatable barrel 110 positioned within the housing 100. The ice dispensing module 10 has a generally cylindrical body portion 112 that includes an opening 114 that is in fluid communication with the inlet aperture 102 when the barrel 110 is in a first position. The ice dispensing module 10 is also provided with an output chute 116 in fluid communication with the opening 114 of the barrel 110 when the barrel 110 is in a second position. The opening 114 has a geometry and size that directs ice that enters the ban-el 110 tlirough the inlet aperture 102 and captures a regulated amount of the ice during rotation between the first position and the second position. The output chute 116 is configured to receive the regulated amount of ice when the barrel 110 reaches the second position and dispenses the ice to the outlet aperture 106. The details of the ice dispensing module 10 are further described in co-pending United States Patent Application No. 12/670,536, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0032] The ice dispensing module 10 also includes a dedicated drain pan 118 fonned in the top surface 104 thereof. This drain pan 118 is configured to trap all of the water from the module positioned directly above and directs the water into a piping system (a portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 1 and labeled as element 120). The piping system 120 transports all of the drain water to the drain reservoir modules 60a, 60b. Accordingly, the drain reservoir modules 60a, 60b are desirably positioned as the lowest module or modules in the dispensing device 1 as shown in FIG. 10.

[0033] The ice dispensing module 10 includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces 122 and a rear surface 124 thereof, which allows the ice dispensing module 10 to be coupled to the other modules. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism 126. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention as any suitable coupling mechanism may be utilized for connecting the modules.

[0034] The dispensing device 1 may be configured to include any suitable number of ice dispensing modules 10. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, the dispensing device includes two ice dispensing modules 10a, 10b. Accordingly, the dispensing device 1 can fit and operate viably in a wide range of demand circumstances.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 2, the ice making module 20 includes a housing 22 that houses a conventional ice machine (not shown) of various types, makes, and manufacturers. Desirably, the ice making module 20 is configured to be positioned above the ice dispensing module 10 such that the ice manufactured thereby can exit an outlet (not shown) positioned on a bottom surface 23 thereof into the inlet aperture 102 of the ice dispensing module.

[0036] The ice making module 20 also includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces 24 and a rear surface 25 thereof, which allows the ice making module 20 to be coupled to the other modules. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism 26. The ice making module 20 includes a dedicated drain pan 27 formed in a top surface 28 thereof. This drain pan 27 is configured to trap all of the water from the module positioned directly above and directs the water into the piping system (not shown).

[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, the water dispensing and control module 30 provides a module for dispensing water and providing control of the dispensing device 1. The water dispensing and control module 30 includes a housing 31 that houses a water dispensing machine (not shown) of various types, makes, and manufacturers. The water dispensing and control module 30 includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces 32 and a rear surface 33 thereof, which allows the water dispensing and control module 30 to be coupled to the other modules. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism 34. The water dispensing and control module 30 includes a dedicated drain pan 35 formed in a top surface 36 thereof. This drain pan 35 is configured to trap all of the water from the module positioned directly above and directs the water into the piping system (not shown). [0038] The water dispensing and control module 30 may further include a payment interface 37. The payment interface 37 may be configured to accept only cashless solutions (i.e., credit cards), only cash solutions such that it includes a special "hardened" secure module (not shown) that can secure on site cash/coin storage, or any combination thereof. More specifically, the payment interface 37 may include a coin slot that can receive coins, a visual display (e.g., for displaying the amount of payment and the stage of dispensing), a bill slot for receiving paper currency, and/or a slot for receiving debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, smart cards, etc. The payment interface 37 can also include a change retrieval area via which the user can retrieve change from the purchase of ice and/or water.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 4, the ultrasonic mister module 40 includes a housing 41 that houses an ultrasonic misting apparatus (not shown) of various types, makes, and manufacturers. The ultrasonic mister module 40 utilizes ultrasonic misting technology to gain multiple benefits including the elimination of drain requirements and the cooling by-product gained by misting water near the user and the ambient air intake of the ice making module 20.

[0040] The ultrasonic mister module 40 includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces 42 and a rear surface 43 thereof, which allows the ultrasonic mister module 40 to be coupled to the other modules. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism 44. The ultrasonic mister module 40 includes a dedicated drain pan 45 formed in a top surface 46 thereof. This drain pan 45 is configured to trap all of the water from the module positioned directly above and directs the water into the piping system (not shown).

[0041] With reference to FIG. 5, the bag and bottle dispensing module 50 is provided to dispense bags and bottles for receiving the dispensed ice and/or water. The bag and bottle dispensing module 50 includes a housing 51 that includes at least one, and desirably two, outlets 52 and 53 for dispensing bags and/or bottles.

[0042] The bag and bottle dispensing module 50 includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces 54 and a rear surface 55 thereof, which allows the bag and bottle dispensing module 50 to be coupled to the other modules. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism 56. The bag and bottle dispensing module 50 also includes a dedicated drain pan 57 formed in a top surface 58 thereof. This drain pan 57 is configured to trap all of the water from the module positioned directly above and directs the water into the piping system (not shown).

[0043] With reference to FIG. 6, the drain reservoir module 60 includes a hollow housing 61 that forms a large drain reservoir 62 therein. The drain reservoir module 60 is desirably a ground level module and is configured to receive all of the water collected by the piping system (not shown) from the other modules. However, this is not to be construed as limiting the present invention as the drain reservoir may be positioned in any portion of the dispensing device 1 where water is likely to collect.

[0044] The drain reservoir module 60 further includes a coupling mechanism provided on side surfaces 63 and a rear surface 64 thereof, which allows the drain reservoir module 60 to be coupled to the other modules. The coupling mechanism may be configured as a tongue and groove coupling mechanism 65.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, left and right side panels 70, 80 are provided on the side surfaces of the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b to provide a finished appearance to the dispensing device 1 when the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b are fastened together. Each of the left and right side panels includes a front side 71, 81 and a rear side 72, 82. Each of the front sides 71, 81 includes a decorative appearance and may include indicia (not shown), 83 identifying the dispensing device 1 and/or including advertisements. Each of the rear sides 72, 82 includes a coupling mechanism, such as tongue and groove coupling mechanisms 74, 84, that can be easily connected on the side surfaces of the modules. The left and right side panels 70, 80 may be configured to be any suitable size such that they cover the entire side surface of the connected modules.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 9, a roof panel 90 is configured to be positioned on a top surface of at least one of the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b to provide a finished appearance to the dispensing device 1 when the modules 10a, 10b, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60a, and 60b are fastened together. The roof panel 90 includes a decorative appearance and may include indicia 91 identifying the dispensing device 1 and/or including advertisements. The roof panel 91 may be configured to be any suitable size such that it covers the entire top surface or a portion of the top surface of the connected modules.

[0047] Each module is universal in that it can be a ground level module by screwing leveling feet (not shown) into empty holes (not shown) in a bottom surface thereof, a top module because every module has the drain pan feature as discussed hereinabove so it will become the roof, or a middle module because every unit has the piping system, as described hereinabove, which can transport water from a module above it to a module below it.

[0048] Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.