Water Dispenser and Actuation Mechanism for Water Dispenser

Abstract

An actuation mechanism for a water dispenser having a housing includes a push bar exposed through an opening of the housing and configured for user engagement, and a hinge mechanism pivotably mounting the push bar on the housing to be pivotable between a rest position and an activation position, where the push bar is pivoted to engage an activation member of the dispenser, and a service position, where the push bar permits access to an internal component of the dispenser through the opening. The hinge mechanism includes hinge arms connected to the push bar and a hinge connection configured for connecting the hinge arms to the housing to permit pivoting of the hinge mechanism and the push bar. The push bar may include a face piece for user engagement and a reinforcing piece behind the face piece that has greater strength and / or stiffness than the face piece.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 624,621, filed on Jan. 24, 2024, which prior application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to water dispensers, such as a water fountain and / or a bottle fill dispenser, and more specifically to water dispensers having an actuation mechanism with a push bar.BACKGROUND

[0003] Various types of water dispensers exist, including dispensers for dispensing drinking water and dispensers for dispensing water for other purposes. Examples of drinking water dispensers include water fountains and bottle fill dispensers, among others. Examples of other water dispensers include sinks, showers, bath tubs, eye wash stations, sprayers, drink dispensers, and various other configurations for dispensing water (or other liquids) for various purposes, including cleaning, wetting, and filling containers among others. These water dispensers may use various different types of actuation mechanisms to cause water to be dispensed, such as by actuating one or more valves.

[0004] One common type of actuation mechanism is a push bar, which is frequently used in connection with water fountains. However, existing push bars suffer from numerous deficiencies. For example, existing push bars may require different amounts of force and / or movement distance for actuation, depending on the point along the longitudinal length at which the force is exerted. As another example, existing push bars may be difficult to service. As a further example, existing push bars may lack favorable aesthetic and / or ergonomic design.

[0005] The present disclosure is provided to address this need and other needs in existing water dispensers and actuation mechanisms. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of the disclosure relate to an actuation mechanism for a water dispenser having a housing, including a push bar and a hinge mechanism configured to pivotably mount the push bar on the housing to be pivotable between a rest position and an activation position, where the push bar is pivoted rearwardly from the rest position and configured to engage an activation member of the water dispenser in the activation position. The push bar extends between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end and includes a face piece configured to be exposed through an opening of the housing and configured for user engagement, and a reinforcing piece coupled to the face piece and located rearward of the face piece. The reinforcing piece may have a greater strength and / or a greater rigidity than the face piece. The hinge mechanism includes a first hinge arm connected to the push bar proximate the first longitudinal end of the push bar, a second hinge arm connected to the push bar proximate the second longitudinal end of the push bar, and a hinge connection configured for connecting the first hinge arm to the housing at a first pivot point and for connecting the second hinge arm to the housing at a second pivot point to permit pivoting of the hinge mechanism and the push bar.

[0007] According to one aspect, the face piece has a rear recess, and the reinforcing piece is received in the rear recess.

[0008] According to another aspect, the face piece has plurality of pegs extending rearwardly on a rear surface thereof, and the reinforcing piece has a plurality of holes receiving the plurality of pegs, for connecting the face piece to the reinforcing piece.

[0009] According to a further aspect, the reinforcing piece is configured as a plate with a first flange extending behind the plate at a top end of the plate and a second flange extending behind the plate at a bottom end of the plate. In one configuration, the first flange and the second flange are bent at 90° from the plate and extend rearwardly from the plate. In another configuration, the first flange and the second flange are bent at 180° from the plate and extend along a rear side of the plate.

[0010] According to yet another aspect, the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm are directly connected to the reinforcing piece of the push bar.

[0011] According to an additional aspect, the push bar is further moveable from the rest position to a service position by pivoting forwardly from the rest position, and the push bar is configured to permit access to an internal component of the water dispenser through the opening in the service position.

[0012] According to a still further aspect, the first hinge arm has a first arc shape, such that the first hinge arm extends rearwardly from the first pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a first cut-out on a front side of the first hinge arm. Additionally, second hinge arm has a second arc shape, such that the second hinge arm extends rearwardly from the second pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a second cut-out on a front side of the second hinge arm. In a configuration where the push bar is further moveable to the service position, the first cut-out and the second cut-out are configured to provide clearance for a portion of the housing in pivoting to the service position.

[0013] According to another aspect, the hinge mechanism further includes a biasing member configured to bias the push bar toward the rest position.

[0014] According to another aspect, the hinge connection includes a hinge rod extending between the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm and configured to be connected to one or more hinge mounts on the housing to define the first pivot point and the second pivot point.

[0015] Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to an actuation mechanism for a water dispenser having a housing, including a push bar configured to be exposed through an opening of the housing and configured for user engagement, and a hinge mechanism configured to pivotably mount the push bar on the housing to be pivotable between a rest position and an activation position, where the push bar is pivoted rearwardly from the rest position and configured to engage an activation member of the water dispenser, and between the rest position and a service position, where the push bar is pivoted forwardly from the rest position and configured to permit access to an internal component of the water dispenser through the opening. The hinge mechanism includes a first hinge arm connected to the push bar, a second hinge arm connected to the push bar, and a hinge connection configured for connecting the first hinge arm to the housing at a first pivot point and for connecting the second hinge arm to the housing at a second pivot point to permit pivoting of the hinge mechanism and the push bar.

[0016] According to one aspect, the first hinge arm has a first arc shape, such that the first hinge arm extends rearwardly from the first pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a first cut-out on a front side of the first hinge arm, and the second hinge arm has a second arc shape, such that the second hinge arm extends rearwardly from the second pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a second cut-out on a front side of the second hinge arm. In one configuration, the first cut-out and the second cut-out are configured to provide clearance for a portion of the housing in pivoting to the service position.

[0017] According to another aspect, the push bar includes a face piece configured to be exposed through the opening of the housing and configured for user engagement, and a reinforcing piece coupled to the face piece and located rearward of the face piece, where the reinforcing piece has a greater strength and / or a greater rigidity than the face piece.

[0018] According to a further aspect, the hinge mechanism further includes a biasing member configured to bias the push bar toward the rest position when the push bar is in the activation position and when the push bar is in the service position.

[0019] According to yet another aspect, the hinge connection includes a hinge rod extending between the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm and configured to be connected to one or more hinge mounts on the housing to define the first pivot point and the second pivot point.

[0020] Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a water dispenser including a housing, an actuation mechanism according to one or more aspects described herein connected to the housing, a spout mounted on the housing and configured to discharge water, and a valve configured to control water discharge through the spout. The valve has an activation member, and the push bar is configured to engage the activation member in the activation position to activate the valve to cause the water to discharge through the spout.

[0021] Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method of servicing a water dispenser that includes a housing having an opening and one or more internal components within the housing and accessible through the opening, the one or more internal components including a valve configured to control water discharge and having an activation member. The method includes engaging a push bar mounted on the housing to pivot the push bar forward from a rest position, where the push bar is positioned within the opening and is exposed through the opening for user engagement, to a service position, where the push bar provides access to the one or more internal components of the housing through the opening. The push bar is also moveable from the rest position to an activation position, where the push bar is configured to engage the activation member of the valve to activate the valve, by pivoting the push bar rearwardly from the rest position. After the push bar is in the service position, a service operation is performed on at least one of the one or more internal components by access through the opening. The push bar is then pivoted rearward from the service position to return the push bar to the rest position.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] To allow for a more full understanding of the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a water dispenser assembly mounted on a wall surface, including a water fountain and a bottle fill dispenser, according to aspects of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a front view of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the water fountain of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the water fountain of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an internal portion of the water fountain of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an internal portion of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 6;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 6;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the water fountain of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1, shown with a push bar removed to show internal detail;

[0034] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an internal portion of the water fountain of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1, with a valve and a valve mount removed to show internal detail;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of an actuation mechanism of the water fountain of the water dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the actuation mechanism of FIG. 12;

[0037] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first piece of the push bar of the actuation mechanism of FIG. 12;

[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second piece of the push bar of the actuation mechanism of FIG. 12;

[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an actuation mechanism as shown in FIGS. 1-15, with the push bar pivoted to a service position; and

[0040] FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of a second piece of the push bar, which is usable with the actuation mechanism of FIG. 12.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail example embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown an embodiment of a water dispenser assembly 10 that includes a first water dispenser in the form of a water fountain 11, a second water dispenser in the form of a bottle fill dispenser 12, and an actuation mechanism 30 configured for activating at least one of the first and second water dispensers 11, 12 to dispense water. The actuation mechanism 30 in one example embodiment is configured to activate only the water fountain 11, and the bottle fill dispenser 12 is activated by an automatic actuation mechanism that uses a sensor 13. The water dispenser assembly 10 in other embodiments may include different types of water dispensers, including any other dispensers discussed herein, and the various embodiments of actuation mechanisms 30 described herein may be used (or adapted for use) with many different types of water dispensers. Examples of other water dispensers include sinks, showers, bath tubs, eye wash stations, sprayers, drink dispensers (e.g., for soda, coffee, etc.), and other devices for dispensing liquids for various purposes, including cleaning, wetting, and filling containers among others. It is understood that a “water dispenser” and / or a “water dispenser assembly” as described herein may be configured to dispense liquids other than water.

[0043] The water fountain 11 in FIGS. 1-5 includes a housing 20, a basin 21 on the top of the housing 20 having a drain 22 therein, and a water outlet in the form of a spout 23 for dispensing water in a trajectory that falls in the basin 21, where any water entering the basin 21 can flow down the drain 22. The housing 20 has a shelf 24 that extends forward with a front surface 25, and two side surfaces 26 that extend along the sides of shelf 24 and the sides of the water fountain 11 from the top to the bottom. The shelf 24 also has an underside 27 that extends rearwardly from the front surface 25 and a recessed front surface 28 that extends downward at an angle from the underside 27 of the shelf 24 to the bottom of the water fountain 11. The actuation mechanism 30 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 has an actuator in the form of a push bar 31 configured for actuation on the front surface 25 of the housing 20, and the housing 20 has an opening 29 on the front surface 25 providing access to the push bar 31. The push bar 31 is received within the opening 29 in this embodiment, and the position of the push bar 31 is such that the outer surface of the push bar 31 is substantially flush (i.e., within + / −0.32 inch) with the front surface 25 of the shelf 24 of the housing 20. The push bar 31 and the opening 29 both have a rectangular shape that is elongated along the width of the front surface 25, but the shapes may be different in other embodiments. It is understood that the opening 29 may be configured to have a shape that is similar to that of the push bar 31. A valve 50 is located behind the push bar 31, with an activation member 51 (e.g., a push button) positioned to be engaged by the push bar 31 to open the valve 50, thereby causing water to flow through the spout 23. The water fountain 11 also includes conduits (not shown) connecting the valve 50 to a water supply and to the spout 23.

[0044] The valve 50 is mounted within the housing 20 by a valve mounting assembly 52 connected to the housing 20. The valve 50 may be mechanically or electronically activated in various embodiments. The valve mounting assembly 52 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 includes a mounting plate 53 connected to the valve 50 to support the valve 50 within the interior of the housing 20 and one or more mounting flanges 54 connected to the housing 20, where the mounting plate 53 is mounted on the mounting flange(s) 54. The mounting plate 53 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 has a passage 55 therethrough, and the valve 50 is mounted on the mounting plate 53 such that a portion of the valve 50 extends through the passage 55, and the activation member 51 is positioned outward of the mounting plate 53. The mounting flange(s) 54 may extend inward from a portion of the periphery of the opening 29 in one embodiment, leaving a space for the activation member 51 of the valve 50 to be accessed for activation by the actuation mechanism 30. The housing 20 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 has two mounting flanges 54 extending inward along the top and bottom sides of the opening 29, with a space defined between the two mounting flanges 54. The mounting flanges 54 in this embodiment have a mounting portion 56 that is recessed inward from the opening 29 to form a recess 59 that permits rearward movement of the push bar 31, such as having an L-shaped cross-sectional profile that extends rearward from the opening 29 and then inward relative to the periphery of the opening 29. The mounting plate 53 is fixedly mounted to the mounting portions 56 of the mounting flanges 54 by a plurality of fasteners 57, such as screws, bolts, rivets, etc. The mounting plate 53 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 also has an extension 58 at the top that serves as a hinge mount 42, as described in greater detail herein.

[0045] The bottle fill dispenser 12 in FIGS. 1-3 includes a housing 14 with a cavity 15 having the sensor 13 therein, with a platform 16 for resting a bottle during filling and a nozzle 17 for dispensing water into the bottle. The sensor 13 is recessed with respect to the back wall of the cavity 15, so that a bottle sitting on the platform 16 is not likely to contact the sensor and cause smudging or other interference. It is understood that the water dispenser assembly 10 includes internal components (not shown), such as conduits, valves, and computer components, configured to provide water and functionality to the bottle fill dispenser 12 for use. The platform 16 is in fluid communication with the basin 21 of the water fountain 11 to permit any spilled water to flow into the basin 21 and down the drain 22.

[0046] The actuation mechanism 30 includes the push bar 31 and a hinge mechanism 32 that pivotably mounts the push bar 31 on the housing 20. In one embodiment, the push bar 31 may have a structure that improves rigidity. The push bar 31 in FIGS. 1-16 includes a face piece 33 that faces forward and is exposed through the opening 29 for manipulation and engagement by the user and a rear piece or reinforcing piece 34 positioned behind the face piece 33. The reinforcing piece 34 may have increased strength and / or rigidity relative to the face piece 33. For example, the face piece 33 may be formed of a polymer material, and the reinforcing piece 34 may be formed of a more rigid metal material. The polymer material of the face piece 33 may include not only plastics and other polymers, but also fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) and other composites. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, the face piece 33 is formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or other rigid plastic, and the reinforcing piece 34 is formed of steel, aluminum, or other metal. The face piece 33 includes a rear recess 35 on the rear side with a plurality of pegs 36 (e.g., bossed plastic pegs) extending rearward within the rear recess 35, and the reinforcing piece 34 is received in the rear recess 35 and includes a plurality of holes 37 that receive the pegs 36 to connect the face piece 33 to the reinforcing piece 34. A plurality of fasteners 38, such as push nuts, connect to the pegs 36 to secure this connection. The reinforcing piece 34 has a C-shaped profile in cross-section, including a plate60 with rearwardly-extending flanges 49 at the top and bottom thereof, and the flanged shape of the reinforcing piece 34 increases bending rigidity along a bend axis perpendicular to the horizontal length of the push bar 31. In other embodiments, the face piece 33 and / or the reinforcing piece 34 may have different structural configurations, may be connected to each other differently, and / or may be made from different materials. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the reinforcing piece 34, in which the flanges 49 at the top and bottom are bent 180° in a “hem” configuration, rather than the 900 bend of the reinforcing piece 34 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16. The flanges 49 in this configuration extend inwardly (relative to the top and bottom ends of the plate 60) along the rear surface of the plate 60. The reinforcing piece 34 in FIG. 17 is otherwise configured similarly to the reinforcing piece 34 in FIGS. 1-16, and is configured to be connected to the face piece 33 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 in the same manner described herein (i.e., by including holes 37 for receiving pegs 36). In some example embodiments, the reinforcing piece 34 may be partially or entirely embedded within the face piece 33, such as by overmolding the face piece 33 onto the reinforcing piece 34, the face piece 33 and the reinforcing piece 34 may have complementary interlocking structures, or the face piece 33 may be connected to the rear piece by an adhesive or other bonding material.

[0047] The hinge mechanism 32 includes at least one hinge arm 39 pivotably mounted to a hinge connection 40 and connected to the push bar 31 to permit the push bar 31 to move between a rest position and an activation position, in which the push bar 31 engages the activation member 51 of the valve 50. In this configuration, the push bar 31 moves in an orbital motion with respect to the hinge connection 40. The hinge arm(s) 39 may be connected to the reinforcing piece 34 of the push bar 31 in one embodiment. The hinge mechanism 32 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 has two hinge arms 39 connected to the push bar 31 proximate to the longitudinal ends of the push bar 31. The combination of the hinge arms 39 being connected near the ends of the push bar 31 and the high stiffness of the push bar 31 construction facilitates actuation of the push bar 31 by pushing at any point along the length of the push bar 31. The hinge connection 40 forms a pivot point for each hinge arm 39. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, the hinge connection 40 is formed by a single hinge rod 41 that extends between the two hinge arms 39, and in another embodiment, the hinge connection 40 may connect to the hinge arms 39 by separate hinge structures (e.g., two separate hinge rods). In one embodiment, the hinge connection 40 defines a single pivot axis (e.g., extending along the length of the hinge rod 41) about which the hinge arm(s) 39 and the push bar 31 pivot. The hinge rod 41 is mounted on a hinge mount 42, and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, an extension 58 at the top of the mounting plate 53 includes two hinge mounts 42. The extension 58 is angled rearwardly with respect to the plane of mounting plate 53, and the hinge mounts 42 are formed as wings extending perpendicular to the extension 58, i.e., forward and upward with respect to the mounting plate 53. The hinge rod 41 extends through both of the hinge mounts 42 and through the ends 43 of the hinge arms 39 and is fixed in place longitudinally with respect to the hinge mounts 42 and the hinge arms 39, e.g., by fasteners. The hinge rod 41 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 includes multiple diameter changes to fix the components longitudinally with respect to each other, including recesses for receiving fasteners in the form of snap rings 44 and shoulders in the hinge rod 41, which engage the sides of the hinge mounts 42 and the hinge arms 39.

[0048] The hinge arms 39 are fixedly connected to the push bar 31 and extend from the push bar 31 to the hinge rod 41 to permit the push bar 31 to move pivotably with respect to the hinge rod 41, such that the hinge rod 41 defines a pivot point. Each hinge arm 39 has a wing or flange 45 that extends inward to form a mounting bracket for connection to the push bar 31, e.g., via a screw or other fastener. The hinge arms 39 are connected to the rear side of the reinforcing piece 34 of the push bar 31 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16. Additionally, the hinge arms 39 in one embodiment have a space or cut-out 46 on the forward-facing edge to permit the push bar 31 to pivot forwardly to a service position, as described in greater detail herein. The hinge arms 39 in FIGS. 1-16 are each formed in an arc shape, which may be a generally circular arc, such that the hinge arms 39 extend rearwardly from the hinge rod 41 and curve around to extend downward and forward to the push bar 31, thereby defining a partially semicircular cut-out 46. This configuration also places the pivot point directly above the push bar 31, such that the movement of the push bar 31 between the rest position and the activation position is generally horizontal (forward / rearward) with minimal vertical movement.

[0049] The push bar 31 is shown in the rest position in FIGS. 1-9 and 11, and the activation position of the push bar 31 is not illustrated in the drawing figures. However, movement of the push bar 31 from the rest position to the activation position is shown by the large arrow in FIG. 8. In the activation position, the rear side of the push bar 31 (i.e., the reinforcing piece 34) engages the activation member 51 of the valve 50 to permit water to flow through the valve and to be dispensed through the spout 23. The mounting flanges 54 may form a limit on the range of rearward motion of the push bar 31 in one embodiment, by engaging the push bar 31 to prevent further rearward movement. The valve 50 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 is configured such that the valve 50 remains open and water is dispensed through the spout 23 as long as the push bar 31 is held in the activation position. In another embodiment, the valve 50 may have a timed open duration, at which point the valve 50 closes regardless of the position of the push bar 31. It is understood that movement of the push bar 31 from the activation position to the rest position is accomplished by movement in the opposite direction shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] The push bar 31 may further be moveable to a service position by pivoting the push bar 31 forward from the rest position (i.e., away from the valve 50), as shown in FIG. 16. This permits some internal components of the water fountain 11, such as the valve 50, to be quickly and easily accessible for service, without removing the push bar 31 or any panels of the housing 20. For example, the valve 50 may be accessible for replacement of the cartridge by moving the push bar 31 to the service position. The arc shape and the cut-outs 46 of the hinge arms 39 permit the push bar 31 to be pivoted a greater distance forward without the hinge arms 39 abutting the edges of the opening 29. In one embodiment, the push bar 31 can be pivoted at least 90° from the rest position to the service position. The hinge arms 39 are also positioned laterally (or longitudinally with respect to the hinge rod 41 and the push bar 31) outward of the ends of the mounting flanges 54 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, such that the push bar 31 can be pivoted forward without the hinge arms 39 impacting the mounting flanges 54, thereby providing greater range of movement. The push bar 31 also includes a notch 48 or other structure for engagement by a tool (not shown), which may be a specially designed tool or a common tool such as a screwdriver, to assist in pivoting the push bar 31 to the service position.

[0051] The actuation mechanism 30 in one embodiment may include a retaining and / or biasing structure for retaining the push bar 31 in the rest position when no external force acts on the push bar 31. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, the actuation mechanism 30 includes a biasing member 47 in the form of a biasing spring that engages one of the hinge mounts 42 and one of the hinge arms 39 to bias the push bar 31 toward the rest position. The biasing member 47 in this embodiment is a torsion spring coiled around the hinge rod 41 between the hinge mount 42 and the hinge arm 39 and has ends engaged with the hinge rod 41 and the hinge mount 42. In another embodiment, the actuation mechanism 30 may include a different type or configuration of spring, or a different type of biasing member or retaining member, such as a flexible tab and / or slot or other complementary engaging structures. The biasing member 47 exerts a rotational biasing force on the hinge arm 39 when the push bar 31 is moved to either the activation position or the service position, to return the push bar 31 to the rest position when force on the push bar 31 is released. Thus, when the push bar 31 is moved to the service position in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, the push bar 31 must be held in the service position for the duration of service, to avoid the push bar 31 moving back to the rest position.

[0052] Various embodiments of water dispensers and actuation mechanisms therefor have been described herein, which include various components and features. In other embodiments, the water dispensers and / or actuation mechanisms may be provided with any combination of such components and features. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and features of the water dispensers and actuation mechanisms described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements having different configurations, including different ornamental appearances.

[0053] The various embodiments of the water dispenser assembly 10, the water fountain 11, and the actuation mechanism 30 disclosed herein provide advantages over existing technologies. For example, the rigidity of the push bar 31 combined with the positioning of the hinge arms 39 near the longitudinal ends of the push bar 31 create a configuration where exertion of a rearward force at any location along the length of the push bar 31 will transmit enough force and rearward movement at the center of the push bar 31 to successfully activate the activation member 51 of the valve 50. Twisting of the push bar 31 due to torque created by pushing on the ends of the push bar 31 is effectively eliminated.

[0054] As another example, the configuration of the actuation mechanism 30 and the associated mounting structures permit the push bar 31 to be moved to the service position to easily access the valve 50 for service. As a further example, the flush mounting of the push bar 31 provides a compact and aesthetically pleasing design. Still further benefits and advantages are recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0055] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “top,”“bottom,”“front,”“back,”“side,”“rear,”“proximal,”“distal,” and the like, as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention, unless explicitly specified by the claims. When used in description of a method or process, the term “providing” (or variations thereof) as used herein means generally making an article available for further actions, and does not imply that the entity “providing” the article manufactured, assembled, or otherwise produced the article. The term “approximately” as used herein implies a variation of up to 10% of the nominal value modified by such term, or up to 10% of a midpoint value of a range modified by such term. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An actuation mechanism for a water dispenser having a housing, comprising:a push bar extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end and comprising a face piece configured to be exposed through an opening of the housing and configured for user engagement, and a reinforcing piece coupled to the face piece and located rearward of the face piece, wherein the reinforcing piece has at least one of a greater strength and a greater rigidity than the face piece; anda hinge mechanism configured to pivotably mount the push bar on the housing to be pivotable between a rest position and an activation position, where the push bar is pivoted rearwardly from the rest position and configured to engage an activation member of the water dispenser in the activation position, the hinge mechanism comprising a first hinge arm connected to the push bar proximate the first longitudinal end of the push bar, a second hinge arm connected to the push bar proximate the second longitudinal end of the push bar, and a hinge connection configured for connecting the first hinge arm to the housing at a first pivot point and for connecting the second hinge arm to the housing at a second pivot point to permit pivoting of the hinge mechanism and the push bar.

2. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the face piece has a rear recess, and the reinforcing piece is received in the rear recess.

3. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the face piece has plurality of pegs extending rearwardly on a rear surface thereof, and the reinforcing piece has a plurality of holes receiving the plurality of pegs, for connecting the face piece to the reinforcing piece.

4. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing piece is configured as a plate with a first flange extending behind the plate at a top end of the plate and a second flange extending behind the plate at a bottom end of the plate.

5. The actuation mechanism of claim 4, wherein the first flange and the second flange are bent at 90° from the plate and extend rearwardly from the plate.

6. The actuation mechanism of claim 4, wherein the first flange and the second flange are bent at 180° from the plate and extend along a rear side of the plate.

7. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm are directly connected to the reinforcing piece of the push bar.

8. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first hinge arm has a first arc shape, such that the first hinge arm extends rearwardly from the first pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a first cut-out on a front side of the first hinge arm, and the second hinge arm has a second arc shape, such that the second hinge arm extends rearwardly from the second pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a second cut-out on a front side of the second hinge arm.

9. The actuation mechanism of claim 8, wherein the push bar is further moveable from the rest position to a service position by pivoting forwardly from the rest position, wherein the first cut-out and the second cut-out are configured to provide clearance for a portion of the housing in pivoting to the service position, and wherein the push bar is configured to permit access to an internal component of the water dispenser through the opening in the service position.

10. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the push bar is further moveable from the rest position to a service position by pivoting forwardly from the rest position, and wherein the push bar is configured to permit access to an internal component of the water dispenser through the opening in the service position.

11. The actuation mechanism of claim 1, wherein the hinge connection comprises a hinge rod extending between the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm and configured to be connected to one or more hinge mounts on the housing to define the first pivot point and the second pivot point.

12. A water dispenser comprising the actuation mechanism of claim 1 connected to the housing thereof, a spout mounted on the housing and configured to discharge water, and a valve configured to control water discharge through the spout, the valve having an activation member, wherein the push bar is configured to engage the activation member in the activation position to activate the valve to cause the water to discharge through the spout.

13. An actuation mechanism for a water dispenser having a housing, comprising:a push bar configured to be exposed through an opening of the housing and configured for user engagement; anda hinge mechanism configured to pivotably mount the push bar on the housing to be pivotable between a rest position and an activation position, where the push bar is pivoted rearwardly from the rest position and configured to engage an activation member of the water dispenser, and between the rest position and a service position, where the push bar is pivoted forwardly from the rest position and configured to permit access to an internal component of the water dispenser through the opening, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a first hinge arm connected to the push bar, a second hinge arm connected to the push bar, and a hinge connection configured for connecting the first hinge arm to the housing at a first pivot point and for connecting the second hinge arm to the housing at a second pivot point to permit pivoting of the hinge mechanism and the push bar.

14. The actuation mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first hinge arm has a first arc shape, such that the first hinge arm extends rearwardly from the first pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a first cut-out on a front side of the first hinge arm, and the second hinge arm has a second arc shape, such that the second hinge arm extends rearwardly from the second pivot point and extends downward and forward to the push bar, thereby defining a second cut-out on a front side of the second hinge arm.

15. The actuation mechanism of claim 14, wherein the first cut-out and the second cut-out are configured to provide clearance for a portion of the housing in pivoting to the service position.

16. The actuation mechanism of claim 13, wherein the push bar comprises a face piece configured to be exposed through the opening of the housing and configured for user engagement, and a reinforcing piece coupled to the face piece and located rearward of the face piece, wherein the reinforcing piece has at least one of a greater strength and a greater rigidity than the face piece.

17. The actuation mechanism of claim 13, wherein the hinge mechanism further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the push bar toward the rest position when the push bar is in the activation position and when the push bar is in the service position.

18. The actuation mechanism of claim 13, wherein the hinge connection comprises a hinge rod extending between the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm and configured to be connected to one or more hinge mounts on the housing to define the first pivot point and the second pivot point.

19. A water dispenser comprising the actuation mechanism of claim 13 connected to the housing thereof, a spout mounted on the housing and configured to discharge water, and a valve configured to control water discharge through the spout, the valve having an activation member, wherein the push bar is configured to engage the activation member in the activation position to activate the valve to cause the water to discharge through the spout.

20. A method of servicing a water dispenser comprising a housing having an opening and one or more internal components within the housing and accessible through the opening, the one or more internal components including a valve configured to control water discharge and having an activation member, the method comprising:engaging a push bar mounted on the housing to pivot the push bar forward from a rest position, where the push bar is positioned within the opening and is exposed through the opening for user engagement, to a service position, where the push bar provides access to the one or more internal components of the housing through the opening, wherein the push bar is further moveable from the rest position to an activation position, where the push bar is configured to engage the activation member of the valve to activate the valve, by pivoting the push bar rearwardly from the rest position;performing a service operation on at least one of the one or more internal components by access through the opening, after the push bar is in the service position; andpivoting the push bar rearward from the service position to return the push bar to the rest position.

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