Valve for a refrigerator water dispenser
US6964352B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K7/063
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A water dispenser valve assembly with a tube connected to a water supply providing a passageway for the fluid. The water dispenser assembly has a spring assembly including a pivot member operably connected to a leaf spring. A pinch member is connected to the leaf spring for moving against the tube to close the passageway. The spring assembly is biased to close the passageway in the tube. An activation member activated by a user moves the pivot member to apply a force on the leaf spring causing the leaf spring to invert back away from the tube and disengage the pinch member from the tube to allow fluid to flow through the passageway.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.