Water bottle fill button for refrigerators

US6651449B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Maytag Corporation · US

Inventors

• Doug A. Heims · Cedar Rapids, US
• Tim Bergmann · Cedar Rapids, US
• David Allen Stauffer · Belle Plaine, US
• Michael J. Eveland · Cedar Rapids, US
• Todd E. Kniffen · Williamsburg, US
• Ravi Sawhney · Malibu, US
• John Frank Zinni · Capistrano Beach, US
• Timothy M. Nugent · Santa Monica, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 15, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 25, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 15, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D2400/36
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.