Ice dispensing chute
US5860564A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25C5/24
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention comprises an ice directing chute mechanism including a slide portion and a housing portion. The slide portion is securable to an ice dispensing machine. In particular, the slide is securable to a regulated opening of the dispenser. The regulated opening includes a door means that is operable between a closed and open position by an operating mechanism such as, a solenoid. The solenoid is activated by a switch electrically connected thereto whereby contacting of the switch results in operating the solenoid to open the door. The door is positioned between an ice retaining bin of the dispenser and the slide portion. A housing portion is releasably secured to and pivotally suspended from the slide portion. Together, the slide and housing portions define an ice channel ending with a downward directed dispense orifice. The housing portion includes a surface portion thereof for contacting the switch that operates the solenoid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.