Abstract:
A precision ice guide is described that reduces kinetic energy of ice cubes exiting an ice dispenser to reduce splash and noise. The ice guide includes at least a front guard that extends downwardly toward a drinking vessel to slow the descent of ice from the ice chute into the drinking vessel. The ice guide may further include collar and/or clip features that can be used to stabilize and attach the ice guide to an ice dispenser. The bottom portion of the ice guide may be shaped in a manner to provide further guidance of the ice into the vessel below. The ice guide is easily removable and dishwasher safe, and may be designed in a variety of colors to coordinate with and/or accent the color and design of the appliance to which the ice guide is attached.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Ice dispensers that include mechanisms for dispensing ice into a suitable receptacle are well known in the art. Such mechanisms typically include a motor, a water valve, and a heating element to complete the ice-making cycle. The cycle starts when a timer activates the water valve which fills the ice mold. Once the built-in thermostat determines that the ice has frozen, it activates the heating element which warms the mold to soften the edges of the ice cubes. The motor next spins a shaft with small arms that scoop the ice cubes out of the tray and into the storage bin. At the same time, the shaft raises a shut-off arm which prevents the ice-making cycle from starting over again. Once the ice is in the bin, the shut-off arm falls back again. 
         [0002]    One of the common complaints with ice dispensers is that, once activated, the ice cubes exit the dispenser too quickly, causing the consumer&#39;s beverage to splash out of the drinking glass. Another problem is that ice dispensers will often spray water and ice particles onto the floor and/or the user. Alternatively, the ice exiting the dispenser misses the glass completely and winds up on the floor or elsewhere. 
         [0003]    There are currently ice guides available that are intended to solve one or all of the problems described above. These ice guides typically funnel ice from the ice shoot into the consumer&#39;s glass. The ice comes through the shoot and into the ice guide with a high amount of energy. The energy causes the ice to ricochet off the walls off the walls of the ice guide thus causing the ice to spray in all directions as it exits the ice guide. The existing prior art further does not provide a guide that is easily removed from an appliance to facilitate easy cleaning and entry of ice into various sized containers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0004]    One aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that reduces kinetic energy of ice cubes entering into a glass to reduce splash and noise. 
         [0005]    Another aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that is easily removable from an appliance to facilitate various sized containers. 
         [0006]    Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that is customer installable and removable. 
         [0007]    Still another aspect of the present invention includes a precision ice guide that prevents ice spray. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention is a precision ice guide that is washable. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of the present invention is a precision ice guide that can be sold in different colors and designed to match or accessorize the appliance. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present invention is a precision ice guide that can be sold as an accessory for existing appliances or as an attachment for new refrigerators. 
         [0011]    These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    In the drawings: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a refrigerator with an ice dispenser. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate snap-fit outside embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the alternate snap-fit outside embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate flexible embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the alternate flexible embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a ring attachment for attaching the invention to an ice dispenser. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of the ring attachment for attaching the invention to an ice dispenser. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the alternate flexible embodiment of the invention attached to the ice dispenser by the ring attachment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an extension alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a flattened extension alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a bottom perspective view of the extension alternate embodiment of the invention coupled to an ice dispenser, whereby a drinking glass is positioned below the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates a precision ice guide  10  of the invention. The ice guide  10  includes a body portion  12  having a front guard  14  and a rear relief portion  16  which is open. Front guard  14  includes horizontal top edge  15 . Front collar  18  lies between tabs  22  and  24 , which are disposed on side portions of the body  12 . The body  12  of the ice guide  10  generally defines a centrally disposed open aperture  26  for guiding ice forms there through. The ice guide  10  is preferably made of plastic or other polymeric material which is configured to be received at an aperture of an ice dispenser (not shown), for insertion and removal by the user as necessary. The ice guide  10  may also be made of glass, metal, chrome, or other materials that can be easily washed or wiped clean by the user. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the front guard  14  angles towards the back portion of the ice guide  10  to reduce ice spray from the ice dispenser while also preventing ice guide  10  from interfering with the trajectory of dispensed water. Front collar  18  and tabs  22  and  24  preferably have curved edges for ease of assembly onto the ice dispenser (not shown). Ice guide  10  can be “snapped” onto the ice chute  44   
         [0033]      FIG. 1  shows the bottom portion of an ice chute  44  of an ice dispenser on a refrigerator  60 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the ice guide  10  is shown, wherein front collar  18  and the tabs  22  and  24  are shown disposed on a bottom portion of an ice chute  44  of the ice dispenser  40  of refrigerator  60 . In use, ice forms travel through the central aperture  26  of the ice guide  10  and into a cup below (not shown). 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates the ice guide  10  coupled to ice chute  44  of an ice dispenser. In this regard, ice chute  44  rests upon top edge  15  of front guard  14 , whereby stress from ice chute  44  is directed onto top edge  15  to help hold it in place. Top edge  15  preferably extends slightly past tabs  22  and  24  to keep ice guide  10  from slipping up into ice chute  44 . The rear relief portion  16  provides extra room to place a glass directly under the ice chute  44  to further reduce any chance of ice spray and prevent interference with the dispenser paddle. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a cross-section of an alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of ice guide  10  is shown which includes front guard  14   a  and rear guard  14   b . Front guard  14   a  and rear guard  14   b  direct dispensed ice and prevent ice spray. Front and rear collars  18 ,  18   b  of ice guide  10  are shown disposed on a bottom portion of an ice chute  44  of an ice dispenser  40 . Rear collar  18   b  has a protruding edge  19  which prevents the ice guide  10  from slipping up into the ice chute  44 . A flexibly resilient clip  22   a  is shown engaging the aperture  42 , thereby retaining the ice guide  10  in place on the ice chute  44 . The ice guide  10  has a second flexibly resilient clip  22   b  on the opposite side of the ice guide as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The clips  22   a  and  22   b  bend slightly inwardly when positioning inside the ice chute  44  and then “snap” into place on the inside of the chute  44  to retain the ice guide  10  in the chute  44 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  shows the alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of ice guide  10  separated from the ice chute  44 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the alternate snap-fit inside embodiment of ice guide  10  disposed on the bottom portion of ice chute  44  of an ice dispenser. Again, ice chute  44  rests upon top edge  15  of front guard  14  when engaged. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternate snap-fit outside embodiment of ice guide  10  is shown. Front and rear collars  18 ,  18   b  of ice guide  10  are disposed above a lip  20  which generally surrounds the body portion  12  at an upper portion thereof.  FIG. 9  illustrates ice guide  10  is shown disposed on a bottom portion of an ice chute  44  of an ice dispenser (not shown). Flexibly resilient clips  22   a  and  22   b  engage the outer portion of the ice chute  44  to retain the ice guide  10  thereon. The body  12  of the ice guide generally defines a centrally disposed open aperture  26  for guiding ice forms therethrough. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  shows an alternate funnel embodiment of ice guide  10 . Ice guide  10  can be made from a variety of flexible materials including, but not limited to, copolyester (Tritan™), soft plastic (Versollan™) rubber or silicone. The top collar  18  is designed to generally match the size and circumference of ice chute  44  (not shown). 
         [0039]    The funnel ice guide  10  provides a shield to prevent ice from spraying from the ice chute and funnel ice directly into a beverage container. The funnel  10  further helps to absorb the sound of ice traveling therethrough. One or more slits  29  towards the bottom of ice guide  10  allow the opening size of ice guide  10  to be manipulated and allow ice guide to fit around or within larger and/or oddly-shaped containers. 
         [0040]    The funnel ice guide  10  can be secured to ice chute  44  and/or an existing ice guide by flexibly sliding the top collar  18  over the outside bottom portion of ice chute  44 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Alternatively, funnel ice guide may be secured to ice chute  44  using attachment ring  70  shown in  FIG. 12 . Attachment ring  70  can be easily installed by customers on an existing ice chute. Attachment ring  70  includes tabs  24   a  and  24   b  to engage the upper portion of attachment ring  70  to the ice chute  44  (not shown). Tabs  24   a  and  24   b  provide surfaces to which can be applied an adhesive tape (not shown) for attachment purposes. Any type of adhesive tape may be used for this purpose so long as it is strong enough to hold the ring  70  to the ice chute  44  even after the funnel ice guide  10  is attached. Such tapes would include duct tape, masking tape, and clear adhesive tape, with a preferred adhesive being Command™ Outdoor Application Adhesive Tape manufactured by 3M™. 
         [0041]    Attachment ring  70  further includes mechanical fasteners  28  used for securing funnel ice guide  10  to the ring  70 . The fasteners  28  allow the customer to easily remove the funnel  10  for easy cleaning. The fasteners  28  can be any mechanical fasteners known in the art including, but not limited to, screws, spring pins, rivets, etc. The fasteners  28  are preferably inserted through the funnel  10  and the attachment ring  70  then secured in the appropriate fashion. FIG.  13  illustrates ring attachment  60  secured to ice chute  44 .  FIG. 14  illustrates funnel ice guide  10  coupled to ring attachment  60  and ice chute  44 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , an extension alternate embodiment of funnel ice guide  10  is shown. The extended funnel portion of ice guide  10  provides additional guidance of ice through an ice chute and into the user&#39;s drinking glass (not shown) to further prevent ice spray and splashing of the ice into the glass. Alternatively, the extension portion can be extended over and around the vessel beneath. Again, the ice guide  10  is preferable manufactured from a flexible material to enable manipulation of the guide to fit and/or match the opening of customer containers, such that the ice guide  10  fits like a “sleeve” within (as shown in  FIG. 17 ) or around the perimeter of the container beneath. In this regard, the ice guide may include vertical slits  29  which enable the guide  10  to expand to better fit around larger and/or oddly shaped containers. 
         [0043]      FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of a flattened extension alternate embodiment of funnel ice guide  10 . The flattened funnel-shaped lower portion of the ice guide  10  can extend at least in part into the user&#39;s glass to even further reduce spraying and splashing. Besides the shapes shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the extension ice guide can come in a variety of shapes, such as square, triangular, oval, circle, etc. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a cup  30  is shown below the extended funnel ice guide  10 , wherein the ice guide  10  is coupled to an ice chute  44  which may be found on a front door panel of a refrigerator  60 . The cup  30  is a standard cup having a rear portion  32  and a front portion  34  which together define an upper opening  36  in which a portion of the ice guide  10  is received. In use, ice forms travel through the central aperture  26  of the ice guide and into the upper opening  36  of the cup  30 . The rear portion  32  of the cup  30  is configured to be received adjacent the relief portion  16  of the ice guide  10 , such that the front guard  14  of the ice guide  10  can be partially or fully received within the upper opening  36  of the cup  30  near the front portion  34  of the cup  30 . In this way, splash is reduced as ice and water enter the cup  30 . 
         [0045]    The ice guide  10  is contemplated to be easily removed by the user for providing added space for filling tall bottles or pitchers using the ice and water dispenser. The ice guide  10  is also configured to reduce kinetic energy of ice cubes entering into the cup  30  to reduce splash and noise. The ice guide  10  further reduces spray from the ice dispenser, and especially with respect to extension funnel alternate embodiments shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
         [0046]    The ice guide  10  may be transparent and/or may be manufactured in any color and may include other trim options, such as chrome plating around a portion of the body  12 . The ice guide is preferably made of a polymeric material, but other materials well known to persons skilled in the art are also contemplated for use in the invention, including glass, metal, chrome, etc. The ice guide  10  is washable and cleanable, by hand and/or dishwasher safe. The ice guide  10  is further contemplated to be an accessory used with new ice dispensing machines, as well as retro-fit for existing ice dispensing devices. Regarding the latter, the ice guide  10  is customer-installable. 
         [0047]    It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
         [0048]    It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.