Dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance

Abstract

A domestic appliance may include a housing defining a chamber, a door mounted to the housing, and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly may include a dispenser disposed at an exterior of the door. The dispenser may include a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water. The dispensing assembly may include an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces. The dispensing assembly may include a water assembly that may include a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water. The dispensing assembly may include a nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute. The nozzle gasket assembly may include an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a domestic appliance and more particularly to a dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Domestic or commercial appliances often include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, domestic appliances commonly include dispensing assemblies mounted to one of the doors of the domestic appliance. The dispensing assembly may be provided for delivering or dispensing ice pieces or liquid water, for instance, to a user of the domestic appliance.

[0003] However, conventional dispensing assemblies can experience a variety of cleanliness related issues. For example, surfaces of an ice chute or water tube of the dispensing assembly may be susceptible to fungus or mineral build up (e.g., scaling) caused by the water that may pass therethrough. Cleaning the dispensing assembly at these areas may be uncomfortable or awkward for a user due to the location. In addition, the build up of fungus or minerals at these areas may not be aesthetically appealing to a user of the domestic appliance.

[0004] Accordingly, a dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be useful.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a domestic appliance is provided. The domestic appliance may include a housing defining a chamber. The domestic appliance may further include a door mounted to the housing for selectively accessing the chamber. The domestic appliance may also include a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly may include a dispenser disposed at an exterior of the door. The dispenser may include a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water. The dispensing assembly may further include an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces. The dispensing assembly may further include a water assembly. The water assembly may include a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water. The dispensing assembly may also include a nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute. The nozzle gasket assembly may include an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance is provided. The dispensing assembly may include a dispenser. The dispenser may include a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water. The dispensing assembly may also include an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces. The dispensing assembly may further include a water assembly. The water assembly may include a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water. The dispensing assembly may also include a nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute. The nozzle gasket assembly may include an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute. The ice gasket may include an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer ring may be positioned radially around the inner ring. The outer ring may include a resilient snap clip. The resilient snap clip may be snapped onto the bottom portion of the ice chute to secure the ice gasket to the bottom portion of the ice chute.

[0008] In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance is provided. The dispensing assembly may include a dispenser. The dispenser may include a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water. The dispensing assembly may also include an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces. The dispensing assembly may further include a water assembly. The water assembly may include a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water. The dispensing assembly may also include a nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute. The nozzle gasket assembly may include an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute. The ice gasket may include an inner ring and an outer ring positioned radially around the inner ring. The outer ring may include an inner surface and a tab. The tab may extend inward from the inner surface of the outer ring. The tab may be engaged with the bottom portion of the ice chute to secure the ice gasket to the bottom portion of the ice chute.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 with doors thereof in an opened position.

[0013] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a nozzle gasket assembly of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of the dispensing assembly of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a nozzle gasket assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0018] FIG. 8 provides a close-up perspective view of a portion of the nozzle gasket assembly of FIG. 7.

[0019] FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0020] FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a nozzle gasket assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0021] FIG. 11 provides a close-up perspective view of a portion of the nozzle gasket assembly of FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 12 provides a cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0023] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

[0027] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0028] In some aspects of the present disclosure, a domestic appliance is provided. The domestic appliance may include a dispenser assembly for dispensing ice pieces or water. The exemplary dispenser assembly may advantageously include a nozzle gasket assembly that is removably mountable to a water dispenser or an ice dispenser of the dispenser assembly. As will be appreciated, the nozzle gasket assembly may advantageously prevent or mitigate build-up of, for example, bacteria, fungus, or minerals commonly found in water (e.g., calcium) at the water dispenser or the ice dispenser.

[0029] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of a domestic appliance 100. Domestic appliance 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0030] Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of housing 102. As such, domestic appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to any suitable type and style of refrigerator appliance or domestic appliance. For example, the benefits of the present disclosure may apply to a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, a standalone water or ice dispensing appliance, etc. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator or appliance configuration.

[0031] According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122. Bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 are positioned to receive of food items (e.g., beverages or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 172 can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items.

[0032] Doors 128 are rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is arranged below doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1.

[0033] Domestic appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 140 for delivering or dispensing ice or liquid water. Dispensing assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 positioned on or mounted to an exterior portion of domestic appliance 100, e.g., on one of doors 128. Dispenser 142 includes a dispenser outlet 144 for accessing liquid water. An actuating mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below dispenser outlet 144 for operating dispenser 142. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 142. For example, dispenser 142 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. The display 148 may be provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, the display 148 may include a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispensing button.

[0034] Dispenser outlet 144 and actuating mechanism 146 are an external part of dispenser 142 and are mounted in a dispenser recess 150. Dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access water and enabling the user to access water without the need to bend-over and without the need to open doors 128. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

[0035] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of a door 128 of domestic appliance 100 shown with doors 128 in the open position. As shown, a door liner 132 that is attached (e.g., directly or indirectly) to cabinet 102 may define a sub-compartment, such as an icebox compartment 160 for holding an icemaker or ice-making assembly. For example, at least one door 128 may include the door liner 132 defining icebox compartment 160. In such embodiments, icebox compartment 160 extends into fresh food chamber 122 when refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position. Although icebox compartment 160 is shown in door 128, additional or alterative embodiments may include an icebox compartment 160 defined within door 130 or apart from any door (e.g., directly attached to and fixed within cabinet 102).

[0036] An access door—e.g., icebox door 162—may be hinged to icebox compartment 160 to selectively cover or permit access to opening of icebox compartment 160. Icebox door 162 permits selective access to icebox compartment 160. Any manner of suitable latch 164 is provided with icebox compartment 160 to maintain icebox door 162 in a closed position. As an example, latch 164 may be actuated by a consumer in order to open icebox door 162 for providing access into icebox compartment 160. Icebox door 162 can also assist with insulating icebox compartment 160 (e.g., by thermally isolating or insulating icebox compartment 160 from fresh food chamber 122). Generally, this thermal insulation helps maintain icebox compartment 160 at a temperature below the freezing point of water.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, embodiments of the exemplary dispensing assembly 140 are provided. As described above, the dispensing assembly 140 may include a dispenser 142 disposed at an exterior of a door (e.g., door 128). In some embodiments, the dispenser 142 includes a dispenser outlet 144 for accessing ice pieces or liquid water. For instance, the dispensing assembly 140 may include an ice chute 141 or a water assembly 143 positioned within the dispenser outlet 144 for dispensing ice pieces or water, respectively. The water assembly 143 may include a water chute 145 disposed adjacent to the ice chute 141 and a water tube 147 positioned within the water chute 145 for dispensing liquid water.

[0038] The water tube 147 may be in flow communication with a water supply 149 to dispense liquid water. The water supply 149 may be in flow communication with a water delivery source (e.g., a municipal water source). The water supply 149 may additionally be in operative communication with the controller 194. Particularly, the water supply 149 may include a control valve (e.g., a solenoid valve, an isolation valve, etc.) in operative communication with the controller 194. The control valve of the water supply 149 may be configured to selectively permit a flow of water to the water tube 147. Thus, when a user of the domestic appliance 100 wishes dispense water from the water assembly 143, the user may select the desired setting on the display 148 and then actuate the actuating mechanism 146 (e.g., a paddle such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) to signal to the controller 194 a request for a flow of water to be delivered to the water tube 147.

[0039] The ice chute 141 may be in flow communication with the icebox compartment 160. The ice chute 141 may be in operative communication with the controller 194. Particularly, the ice chute 141 may include a control valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) in operative communication with the controller 194. The control valve of the ice chute may be configured to selectively permit the dispensing of ice pieces (e.g., stored within the icebox compartment 160) to the ice chute 141. Thus, when a user of the domestic appliance 100 wishes to dispense ice pieces from the ice chute 141, the user may select the desired setting on the display 148 and then actuate the actuating mechanism 146 (e.g., a paddle such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) to signal to the controller 194 a request for ice pieces to be dispensed from the ice chute 141.

[0040] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly 140 also includes a bracket display 151. The bracket display 151 may be disposed at the dispenser outlet 144. In some embodiments, the bracket display 151 is the top wall of the dispenser 142. For instance, the bracket display 151 may define a chute slot 153 for receiving the ice chute 141 or the water chute 145 therethrough. As illustrated in FIG. 4, at least a portion of the ice chute 141 or at least a portion of the water chute 145 may be positioned below the bracket display 151. As described herein, these portions of the ice chute 141 or the water chute 145 may generally be referred to as a bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 and a bottom portion 157 of the water chute 145, respectively.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly 140 includes a nozzle gasket assembly 200 removably mounted to the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 or the bottom portion 157 of the water chute 145. The nozzle gasket assembly 200 may include an ice gasket 202 or a water gasket 204. The ice gasket 202 may generally include an inner ring 206, an outer ring 208, or a plurality of shelves 210. The inner ring 206 may include an inner surface 212 and an outer surface 214. The outer surface 214 of the inner ring 206 may be positioned radially around the inner surface 212. The inner surface 212 may define an ice opening 216 in flow communication with the ice chute 141. The outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 may be positioned radially around the inner ring 206. The outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 may include an inner surface 218 and an outer surface 220. The outer surface 220 of the outer ring 208 may be positioned radially around the inner surface 218 of the outer ring 208.

[0042] The plurality of shelves 210 each may be extended between the outer surface 214 of the inner ring 206 and the inner surface 218 of the outer ring 208. Each shelf 210 of the plurality of shelves 210 may be spaced circumferentially around the ice gasket 202. The bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 may be disposed between the outer surface 214 of the inner ring 206 and the inner surface 218 of the outer ring 208. The bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 may be interfaced with the plurality of shelves 210.

[0043] The water gasket 204 may be positioned around the water chute 145. The water gasket 204 may include an outer circumferential wall 222. The outer circumferential wall 222 may be extended from the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202. The outer circumferential wall 222 and the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 may define a water opening 224 for receiving the water tube 147. Additionally or alternatively, the water gasket 204 may include a water guard 226 positioned within the outer circumferential wall 222 of the water gasket 204, wherein the water guard 226 defines a water tube housing 228. A bottom portion of the water tube 147 may be positioned within the water tube housing 228 of the water guard 226. In some embodiments, the outer ring 208 of the nozzle gasket assembly 200 defines a cutout 229. The cutout 229 may be defined opposite of the water gasket 204 relative to the outer ring 208. The cutout 229 may allow the nozzle gasket assembly 200 to set flush against the actuating mechanism 146.

[0044] During installation of the nozzle gasket assembly 200, the nozzle gasket assembly 200 may be pressed onto the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141. The nozzle gasket assembly 200 may be secured via a friction fit formed between the nozzle gasket assembly 200 and the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute or the bottom portion 157 of the water chute 145. The nozzle gasket assembly 200 may advantageously be removable from the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 and the bottom portion 157 of the water chute 145 (e.g., for cleaning). In this regard, the nozzle gasket assembly 200 may advantageously aid in reducing or minimizing fungus growth at the ice chute 141 or the water assembly 143.

[0045] Optionally, the nozzle gasket assembly 200 may be constructed from an antimicrobial additive to help further reduce or minimize the risk of undesirable fungus growth. For instance, the nozzle gasket assembly 200 may include a substrate formed from or include an antimicrobial additive (e.g., one or more of Dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, Didecyl ammonium chloride, or Quaternium n-Alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride) to provide an antimicrobial surface (e.g., for a surface that may contact ice or water such as but not limited to the inner ring 206, the outer ring 208, or the outer circumferential wall 222) to inhibit growth or propagation of bacterial growth on the nozzle gasket assembly 200. As should be appreciated, growth or propagation of bacterial growth may occur when fluid (e.g., liquid water) is spilled or splattered from the ice chute 141 or the water chute 145.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the nozzle gasket assembly 200 may include a substrate formed from or coated with a hydrophobic coating (e.g., one or more of fluorinated ethylene propylene, Polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) to provide a hydrophobic surface (e.g., for a surface that may contact ice or water such as but not limited to the inner ring 206, the outer ring 208, or the outer circumferential wall 222) to reduce or minimize scale build up (e.g., that may be caused by minerals within water) at, or around, the ice chute 141 or the water assembly 143.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 7 through 9, embodiments of a nozzle gasket assembly 300 are provided. Except as otherwise indicated, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 300 of FIGS. 7 through 9 may be configured in substantially the same manner as the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 200 of FIGS. 3 through 6, and accordingly, the same or similar numbers may refer to the same or similar parts.

[0048] For example, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 300 illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9 generally may be disposed at the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 or the bottom portion 157 of the water chute 145. Further, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 300 generally includes an ice gasket 202 and a water gasket 204. The ice gasket 202 may be positioned around the ice chute 141. The ice gasket 202 may generally include an inner ring 206, an outer ring 208, and a plurality of shelves 210. The inner ring 206 may include an inner surface 212 and an outer surface 214. The outer surface 214 of the inner ring 206 may be positioned radially around the inner surface 212 of the inner ring 206. The inner surface 212 may define an ice opening 216 in flow communication with the ice chute 141.

[0049] The water gasket 204 may be positioned around the water chute 145. The water gasket 204 may include an outer circumferential wall 222. The outer circumferential wall 222 may be extended from the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202. The outer circumferential wall 222 and the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 may define a water opening 224 for receiving the water tube 147. Additionally, the water gasket 204 may include a water guard 226 positioned within the outer circumferential wall 222 of the water gasket 204. The water guard 226 may define a water tube housing 228 positioned below the water opening 224. A bottom portion of the water tube 147 may be positioned within the water tube housing 228.

[0050] However, for the embodiments of FIGS. 7 through 9, the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 now includes one or more resilient snap clips 302. The one or more resilient snap clips 302 may be disposed at the outer ring 208. In some such embodiments, each resilient snap clip 302 is spaced apart around the circumference of the outer ring 208. Each resilient snap clip 302 may include a plurality of teeth 304 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 8). In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of teeth 304 are formed as a plurality of horizontal grooves disposed at an inner surface 306 of each resilient snap clip 302.

[0051] During installation of the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 300, the nozzle gasket assembly 300 may be pressed onto the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141. The one or more resilient snap clips 302 disposed at the outer ring 208 may be biased outward (e.g., from a natural unbiased position such as illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 9) as the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 is positioned within the ice gasket 202. As the bottom portion of the ice chute 141 is moved toward the plurality of shelves 210, the one or more resilient snap clips 302 may be “snap” or return back to the original unbiased positioned. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plurality of teeth 304 may “bite” into (e.g., engage with) the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141. In this regard, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 300 may be mounted to the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 10 through 12, embodiments of a nozzle gasket assembly 400 are provided. Except as otherwise indicated, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 400 of FIGS. 10 through 12 may be configured in substantially the same manner as one or more of the exemplary nozzle gasket assemblies 200, 300 of FIGS. 3 through 9, and accordingly, the same or similar numbers may refer to the same or similar parts.

[0053] For example, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 12 generally may be disposed at the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 or the bottom portion 157 of the water chute 145. Further, the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 400 generally includes an ice gasket 202 and a water gasket 204. The ice gasket 202 may be positioned around the ice chute 141. The ice gasket 202 may generally include an inner ring 206, an outer ring 208, and a plurality of shelves 210. The inner ring 206 may include an inner surface 212 and an outer surface 214. The outer surface 214 of the inner ring 206 may be positioned radially around the inner surface 212 of the inner ring 206. The inner surface 212 may define an ice opening 216 in flow communication with the ice chute 141.

[0054] The water gasket 204 may be positioned around the water chute 145. The water gasket 204 may include an outer circumferential wall 222. The outer circumferential wall 222 may be extended from the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202. The outer circumferential wall 222 and the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 may define a water opening 224 for receiving the water tube 147. Additionally, the water gasket 204 may include a water guard 226 positioned within the outer circumferential wall 222 of the water gasket 204. The water guard 226 may define a water tube housing 228. A bottom portion of the water tube 147 may be positioned within the water tube housing 228.

[0055] However, for the embodiments of FIGS. 10 through 12, the outer ring 208 of the ice gasket 202 now includes one or more tabs 402. The one or more tabs 402 may each be extended inward from an inner surface 212 of the outer ring 208 (e.g., toward the inner ring 206). The one or more tabs 402 may each include a tapered body 404. The tapered body 404 may include a first edge 406 and a second edge 408 that are spaced apart, for instance, along a direction parallel to an axial direction of the ice gasket 202. In some embodiments, the first edge 406 sits flush with the inner surface 212 of the outer ring 208 and the second edge 408 is protruded a predetermined distance from the inner surface 212. Thus, the taper of each tab 402 defined of the tapered body 404 may generally be defined by the predetermined distance of the second edge 408.

[0056] During installation of the exemplary nozzle gasket assembly 400, the nozzle gasket assembly 400 may be pressed onto the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141. The one or more tabs 402 disposed at the outer ring 208 may be capable of securing the nozzle gasket assembly 400 to the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 is positioned within the ice gasket 202. For instance, as the bottom portion of the ice chute 141 is moved toward the plurality of shelves 210, the one or more tabs 402 may engage with the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141. Particularly, the second edge 408 of the tapered body 404 may engage with the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141 (see e.g., FIG. 12) to secure the nozzle gasket assembly to the bottom portion 155 of the ice chute 141.

[0057] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A domestic appliance comprising:a housing defining a chamber;a door mounted to the housing for selectively accessing the chamber; anda dispensing assembly comprising:a dispenser disposed at an exterior of the door, the dispenser comprising a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water;an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces;a water assembly comprising a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water; anda nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute, the nozzle gasket assembly comprising an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute.

2. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the ice gasket comprises an inner ring, wherein the inner ring comprises an inner surface and an outer surface positioned radially around the inner surface, and wherein the inner surface defines an ice opening in flow communication with the ice chute.

3. The domestic appliance of claim 2, wherein the ice gasket further comprises an outer ring and a plurality of shelves, wherein the outer ring is positioned radially around the inner ring, wherein the outer ring comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the outer ring is positioned radially around the inner surface of the outer ring, and wherein the plurality of shelves are each extended between the outer surface of the inner ring and the inner surface of the outer ring.

4. The domestic appliance of claim 3, wherein the bottom portion of the ice chute is disposed between the outer surface of the inner ring and the inner surface of the outer ring, and wherein the bottom portion of the ice chute is interfaced with the plurality of shelves.

5. The domestic appliance of claim 3, wherein the water gasket comprises an outer circumferential wall extended from the outer ring of the ice gasket, wherein the outer circumferential wall and the outer ring of the ice gasket define a water opening for receiving the water tube.

6. The domestic appliance of claim 5, wherein the water gasket further comprises a water guard positioned within the outer circumferential wall of the water gasket, wherein the water guard defines a water tube housing, and wherein the water tube is positioned, at least in part, within the water tube housing.

7. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the dispensing assembly further comprising a bracket display, wherein the bracket display is disposed at the dispenser outlet, wherein the bracket display defines a chute slot for receiving the ice chute and the water chute, and wherein the nozzle gasket assembly is removable mounted below the bracket display.

8. The domestic appliance of claim 1, further comprising:an icebox compartment positioned within the door for holding ice pieces,wherein the ice chute is in flow communication with the icebox compartment.

9. The domestic appliance of claim 1, further comprising:a water supply line for delivering liquid water,wherein the water tube is in flow communication with the water supply line to dispense liquid water.

10. The domestic appliance of claim 1, wherein the nozzle gasket assembly comprises a substrate comprising one or more of Dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, Didecyl ammonium chloride, or Quaternium, n-Alkyl dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride.

11. A dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance, the dispenser assembly comprising:a dispenser comprising a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water;an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces;a water assembly comprising a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water; anda nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute, the nozzle gasket assembly comprising an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute, the ice gasket comprising an inner ring and an outer ring, the outer ring being positioned radially around the inner ring, the outer ring comprising a resilient snap clip,wherein the resilient snap clip is snapped onto the bottom portion of the ice chute to secure the ice gasket to the bottom portion of the ice chute.

12. The dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient snap clip comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth bite into the bottom portion of the ice chute to secure the ice gasket to the bottom portion of the ice chute.

13. The dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the resilient snap clip is a plurality of resilient snap clips spaced apart around a circumference of the outer ring.

14. The dispensing assembly of claim 11, further comprising a bracket display, wherein the bracket display is disposed at the dispenser outlet, wherein the bracket display defines a chute slot for receiving the ice chute and the water chute, and wherein the nozzle gasket assembly is removable mounted below the bracket display.

15. The dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the water gasket comprises an outer circumferential wall and a water guard, wherein the outer circumferential wall is extended from the outer ring, wherein the water guard is positioned within the outer circumferential wall, wherein the water guard defines a water opening, and wherein the water tube is positioned, at least in part, within the water opening.

16. A dispensing assembly for a domestic appliance, the dispenser assembly comprising:a dispenser comprising a dispenser outlet for accessing ice pieces or liquid water;an ice chute positioned within the dispenser outlet for dispensing ice pieces;a water assembly comprising a water chute disposed adjacent to the ice chute and a water tube positioned within the water chute for dispensing liquid water; anda nozzle gasket assembly removably mounted to a bottom portion of the ice chute and a bottom portion of the water chute, the nozzle gasket assembly comprising an ice gasket positioned around the ice chute and a water gasket positioned around the water chute, the ice gasket comprising an inner ring and an outer ring positioned radially around the inner ring, the outer ring comprising an inner surface and a tab, the tab extending inward from the inner surface of the outer ring,wherein the tab is engaged with the bottom portion of the ice chute to secure the ice gasket to the bottom portion of the ice chute.

17. The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the tab comprises a tapered body, wherein the tapered body comprises a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge is flush with the inner surface of the outer ring, wherein the second edge is extended inward from the inner surface of the outer ring a predetermined distance, and wherein the second edge of the tapered body is engaged with the bottom portion of the ice chute to secure the ice gasket to the bottom portion of the ice chute.

18. The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the tab is a plurality of tabs spaced apart around a circumference of the outer ring.

19. The dispensing assembly of claim 16, further comprising a bracket display, wherein the bracket display is disposed at the dispenser outlet, wherein the bracket display defines a chute slot for receiving the ice chute and the water chute, and wherein the nozzle gasket assembly is removable mounted below the bracket display.

20. The dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the water gasket comprises an outer circumferential wall and a water guard, wherein the outer circumferential wall is extended from the outer ring, wherein the water guard is positioned within the outer circumferential wall, wherein the water guard defines a water opening, and wherein the water tube is positioned, at least in part, within the water opening.

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