Feed tube adapter for a bottled water cooler
US6619511B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB67D3/0032
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved mounting adapter is provided for use in a bottled water cooler of the type having an upwardly open cooler reservoir for receiving a supply of water from a bottle mounted over the reservoir in an inverted orientation to permit water downflow from the bottle to the reservoir. The improved adapter includes a compact and substantially unitized adapter body or shell for removable snap-fit mounting onto the cooler reservoir at the open upper end thereof. The adapter additionally includes an upstanding feed tube or probe for operatively engaging a valved bottle cap mounted on the neck of a water-containing bottle supported in an inverted orientation over the cooler reservoir. In one form, the adapter may carry a seal ring gasket for sealingly engaging an inner wall surface of the cooler reservoir, and an air filter may be provided to filter ambient air drawn into the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.