The present invention is directed toward an enclosure for a water cooler and more particularly, toward a cabinet that provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance for a water cooler.
Bottled water has become a staple in American households and offices. Often, individual bottles of water are kept in a refrigerator and dispensed or used as needed. However, individual bottles of water can be expensive to buy and can take up space in a refrigerator. Furthermore, individual bottles of water are not convenient to use if hot water is desired. For example, if a person desires to make a hot beverage such as instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or the like. When hot water is desired and a convenience such as a stovetop or microwave oven is not available, water coolers are often used. Water coolers typically dispense hot and cold water. Water coolers may be found in both commercial and residential settings.
Typically, a water cooler includes an upright base within which is contained a conventional, electric refrigeration system. The system has a cooling reservoir to receive the mouth of an inverted, five gallon water bottle and a network of outlet pipes and valves that aid in dispensing the water. The dispensed water may be chilled or heated.
Water coolers are commonly placed in obscure areas because of their large size and aesthetically unappealing appearance. However, they still tend to detract from the decor and overall appearance of the room.
Therefore, a need exists for a decorative yet functional enclosure for a water cooler that not only adds to the overall appearance of the room but is also utilitarian.
The present invention is designed to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. It is an object of the present invention to provide an enclosure for a water cooler that is decorative as well as functional.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an enclosure for a water cooler that allows the water bottle to be easily removed and replaced.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an enclosure for a water cooler that is movable.
In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided an enclosure for a water cooler that essentially includes the combination of a water cooler and cabinet for enclosing the water cooler comprising a water cooler having a base and a bottle mounted thereon, the base contains an electrical refrigeration system and faucets for dispensing the water and a cabinet having a top wall or panel, a right side wall, a left side wall, a front door or panel, a rear wall, and a bottom wall. The bottom wall of the cabinet has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface has a plurality of wheels mounted thereon. The front door has an opening through which the faucets are accessible. The front door is hingedly secured to one of the side walls. The top panel is hingedly secured to one of the walls. The rear wall has an opening through which the wiring of the electrical refrigeration system may be accessible.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings.
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the accompanying drawings one form that is presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals have been used throughout the various figures to designate like elements, there is shown in
The system of the present invention essentially includes the combination of a water cooler 12 and cabinet 14 for enclosing the water cooler 12. (See
The cabinet 14 has a top wall or panel 26, a right side wall 28, a left side wall 30, a front door or panel 32, a rear wall 34, and a bottom wall 36. The bottom wall 36 of the cabinet 14 has an inner surface 38 and an outer surface 40. The outer surface 40 has a plurality of wheels 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d mounted thereon. (See
In order to use the cabinet 14 of the present invention, the top panel 26 and the front door 32 are opened. (See
In order to replace the water bottle 18, the front door 32 and top panel 26 are opened. The water bottle 18 is then accessible. While the front door 32 and top panel 26 are shown as being hinged to the left side wall 30 and rear wall 34, respectively, it should be realized that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the overall design and function of the cabinet. For example, the top wall may be hingedly secured to a side wall.
The cabinet of the present invention provides a decorative piece of furniture that encloses a water cooler yet allows the water cooler to be used. In addition or in lieu of being a decorative piece of furniture, the front wall or door 32 or either of the side walls can be personalized with a monogram or may carry a company logo or the like. The hinged walls allow the water bottle to be exchanged easily. Furthermore, the wheels of the cabinet allow the cabinet to be moved easily. As a result, the system can be used as a stationary or as a mobile unit.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.
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