Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to product dispensing equipment and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to methods and an apparatus for providing modular components in a beverage dispensing tower. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Product dispensers in the beverage dispensing industry typically are hard plumbed, and have a life expectancy of approximately seven years. However, the product side of the product dispensing market changes rapidly, as food product manufacturers continuously create products aimed to capture a particular group of customers. Illustratively, beverage dispensing trends have moved from predominantly carbonated beverages to non-carbonated beverages in both conditioned and unconditioned forms, including waters, flavored waters, teas, juices, and the like. As such, retail account owners often find themselves with a product dispenser that is incapable of delivering newly popular products. 
         [0005]    Problems arise when retail account owners desire to change their product availability. If the product dispenser is minimally upgradeable, it may not accommodate the newly desired product list. While multiple tower units provide some flexibility to remove and replace a portion of the product dispenser, the balance of the housing is typically hard plumbed, and there is no means for delivering ambient products. The problems are compounded when the beverage dispenser must be removed from a dispensing location to be retrofit, thereby forcing the establishment to lose sales and customers while the product dispenser is being retrofit. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a product dispenser that is reconfigurable in the field would be beneficial to product dispenser owners, product consumers, as well as product dispenser manufacturers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with the present invention, a product dispenser includes the ability to be reconfigured in the field. The product dispenser includes a housing, at least one tower unit, and an ambient box that is removable. The at least one tower unit includes at least one dispense point, whereby a product or diluent is delivered from a diluent or product source to the dispense point. The ambient box is a reconfigurable insulated product path that is adaptable to at least one external source. The at least one external source may be conditioned through external means or may be an ambient temperature product. The product circuits passing through the ambient box may deliver product to any tower unit, thereby providing increased product variability within a same product dispenser. 
         [0008]    The product dispenser further includes a storage chamber having a redirector for keeping the product from being scooped out of a rear portion of the storage chamber. The product dispenser further includes a rotating lid on an inlet of the storage chamber, and a conversion to a sliding lid having a valve cutout switch, thereby disabling the product valves when the sliding lid is in an open position. The product dispenser still further includes a tower structure that is removable without disabling the product circuits, and a method of merchandising on the tower structure. 
         [0009]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a product dispenser including an ambient box that is reconfigurable. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a product redirector disposed within the storage chamber of the product dispenser. 
         [0011]    It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a method of merchandising on the tower structure. 
         [0012]    Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the following. Also, it should be understood that the scope of this invention is intended to be broad, and any combination of any subset of the features, elements, or steps described herein is part of the intended scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1   a  provides a perspective view of a product dispenser according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1   b  provides a partially exploded view of the product dispenser according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   c  provides details views of the tower units according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1   d  provides an exploded view of a tower structure according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   a  provides an exploded view of the lower unit according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2   b  provides a perspective view of the lower unit wherein the outlets of the product lines are disposed in a bank according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2   c  provides a perspective view of the lower unit wherein the outlets are disposed in arrays according to an alternative embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2   d  provides a perspective view of a tower unit with a complementary array layout according to the alternative embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2   e  provides a perspective view of a top plate including a rotating lid according to a second alternative embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2   f  provides a perspective view of a top plate including a sliding lid assembly according to a third alternative embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2   g  provides an exploded view of the lower unit including an ambient box according to the preferred embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2   h  provides a perspective view of a lifting tang according to an alternative embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0025]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is further to be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components or steps. 
         [0026]    In a simplest embodiment, a product dispenser  100  includes housing  101  having a lower unit  110 , at least two dispensing tower units, and a tower structure  125 . The product dispenser  100  utilizes at least one product circuit  201  to dispense products, beverages, soups, teas, and the like. The product dispenser  100  may further include a second product circuit  202 , and a diluent circuit  103  for mixing with concentrates. In this specific example, the product dispenser  100  is capable of delivering a reconstituted product, carbonated water, and uncarbonated water in both conditioned and unconditioned forms. As shown in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   d,  the product dispenser  100  includes a first tower unit  121 , a second tower unit  122 , a third tower unit  123 , the tower structure  125 , the lower unit  110 , dispensing valves, a drip tray, and a cup rest. In this first embodiment, the product dispenser  100  is a drop-in product dispenser, wherein the product dispenser  100  hangs from a counter at a point of use. The product dispenser  100  further includes a storage chamber  126  and a fluid conditioning system for chilling diluents and concentrates for consumption. The storage chamber  126  and the conditioning system are disposed beneath the counter. The tower units  121 - 123  are disposed above the counter, and support at least one dispense point  105  utilized for regulating the flows of products, mixing the diluent with the products, and delivering a reconstituted or a single-strength product. 
         [0027]    The first tower unit  121  is similar in form and function to a first tower unit disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/801125 filed on May 8, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The first tower unit  121  includes at least one product line  130  disposed within a first tower shell  128 , as shown in  FIG. 1   c.  The first tower shell  128  is filled with an insulation  129  to insulate the product line  130 , and to provide support to all product lines  130  disposed within the shell  128 . The product line  130  includes an inlet  131  that mates with an outlet  174  of a first lower product circuit  203  of the lower unit  110 , and an outlet  132  that mates with an inlet  106  of the dispense point  105 , thereby extending the first lower product circuit  203  to the dispense point  105 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the tower units  121 - 123  may include multiple product lines  130  for the delivery of additional products. In this specific example, the first tower unit  121  further includes at least one diluent line  163  having an inlet  164  and an outlet  165 , wherein the inlet  164  couples with a first outlet  172  of the diluent circuit  103  of the lower unit  110 , and the outlet  165  couples with a diluent inlet  104  of the dispense point  105 . 
         [0028]    The shell  128  further includes at least one mounting flange  221  disposed on a side nearest a front of the product dispenser  100 . The mounting flange  221  includes apertures  223  at a spacing complementary to restraint apertures  224  disposed in a top plate  112  of the lower unit  110 . If the tower unit is disposed on an end of the row of tower units, a second mounting flange  222  is utilized. The second mounting flange  222  includes an aperture  223  in alignment with a restraint aperture  224  disposed in the top plate  112 . The shell  128  further includes a rear flange  225  disposed opposite of the mounting flange  221 . The flanges  221 ,  222 , and  225  extend outward from the shell  128 . In this particular example, the shell  128  is formed from sheet metal, and is of a gage suitable for structural restraint. 
         [0029]    The second tower unit  122  is substantially identical to the first tower unit  121 , and includes a second product line  260 , and a second diluent line  259 . The second product line  260  includes an inlet  263  and an outlet  264 , and the second diluent line includes an inlet  261  and an outlet  262 . In this particular example, the inlet  263  of the second product line  260  mates with an outlet of a second lower product circuit  204 , and the outlet  264  mates with an inlet  106  of the dispense point  105 . The inlet  261  of the second diluent line  259  mates with a second outlet  180  of the diluent circuit  103 . While the first and second tower units  121 - 122  have been shown as being substantially identical in this embodiment, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first tower unit  121  and the second tower unit  122  may include a different number of product lines  130  and diluent lines  163 , as well as a different number of dispense points  105 , a different arrangement of product lines, and the like, dependent upon site specific requirements and customer preferences. 
         [0030]    The second tower unit  122  further includes a second shell  258 , wherein the second shell  258  is filled with insulation, in similar fashion to the first tower unit  121 . 
         [0031]    The third tower unit  123  is similar in form and function to the first and second tower units  121 - 122 , and includes a shell  267  housing a first ambient product line  250 , a second ambient product line  251 , and an insulation disposed between the shell  267  and the ambient product lines  250 - 251 . The first ambient product line  250  includes an inlet  252  and an outlet  253 , and the second ambient product line  251  includes an inlet  254  and an outlet  255 . The shell  267  further includes a mounting flange  221  including restraint apertures  223 , and a rear flange  225 . The shell  267  further includes securing apertures  234  for connection to adjacent tower units. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the third tower unit  123  may include multiple product lines disposed in varying arrangements for mating with outlets of the lower unit  110 . 
         [0032]    The product dispenser  100  further includes a back support bracket  124  to provide additional support to the tower units  121 - 123 . The back support bracket  124  includes a planar portion  227 , perpendicular legs  228  disposed at each end, and flanges  229  extending from the legs  228 . The flanges  229  further include apertures  230  for securing the back support bracket  124  in place. In this particular example, the legs  228  are disposed at a spacing complementary to the width of the tower units  121 - 123  when disposed adjacent to each other, such that the legs  228  captivate the tower units  121 - 123 , and the apertures  230  are aligned with the apertures  223  of the second mounting flanges  222 . 
         [0033]    The tower structure  125  includes a first vertical support  147 , a second vertical support  148 , a crossbar  149 , an outer skin  150 , and a cap  151 . As shown in  FIG. 1   d,  the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148  are substantially symmetrical, and therefore only one will be described. The vertical supports  147 - 148  may be formed from any material having sufficient strength and rigidity. In this particular example, the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148  are formed from steel sheets. Alternatively, the vertical supports  147 - 148  may be formed from stainless steel, or a resin. The first vertical support  147  is planar in shape and includes first through fourth flanges  185 - 188  for stiffness. The first flange  185  includes apertures  189  to aid in securing the vertical support  147  to the lower unit  110 , and the fourth flange  188  includes apertures  190  for receiving fasteners that secure the outer skin  150  to the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148 . The crossbar  149  is disposed between the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148  to provide support between the vertical supports  147 - 148 . The crossbar  149  is formed from a steel, and is rigidly secured to the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148  utilizing fasteners or welding. The crossbar  149  includes a cross-section having increased inertial properties, such as a channel or other extrusion. 
         [0034]    The outer skin  150  is formed from a stainless steel sheet, and includes a planar surface  153 , a first side panel  154 , and a second side panel  155 . The planar surface  153  is of a size complementary to the distance between the outer surfaces of the vertical supports  148 - 149 , such that the side panels  154 - 155  extend around the first and second vertical supports  148 - 149  when the outer skin  150  is installed, thereby closing out a rear portion of the product dispenser  100 . In this particular example, the first side panel  154  includes a flange  183  disposed substantially perpendicular to the first side panel  154 , and the second side panel  155  includes a flange  182  disposed substantially perpendicular to the second side panel  155 . The flanges  182 - 183  further include apertures  184  for securing the outer skin  150  to the vertical supports  147 - 148 . The cap  151  is similarly formed from stainless steel sheet, and includes a planar section  195  and first through fourth flanges  196 - 199  extending in a same direction. The first flange  196  and the third flange  198  include apertures  194  for securing the cap  151  to the vertical supports  147 - 148 . The planar section  195  is of a size complementary to an area disposed between the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148 , and secures to the vertical supports  147 - 148  with fasteners, thereby closing out a topmost portion of the tower structure  125 . 
         [0035]    The lower unit  110  comprises a cold plate  107 , a bin  111  disposed on the cold plate  107 , the top plate  112 , and an insulated wrapper  114 . The cold plate  107  is of the type commonly utilized in the beverage dispensing industry, whereby product and diluent circuits pass through the cold plate  107  for conditioning. In this specific example the diluent line  141  and the first and second product lines  142  and  175  extend from a front of the cold plate  107 , make multiple passes through the cold plate  107 , and then exit the cold plate  107  through a rear face. The product and diluent lines  141 - 142  and  175  then extend upward, such that the outlets  172 ,  174 ,  180 , and  242  pass through a product line aperture  143  of the top plate  112 . In this particular example, outlets for the product and diluent lines  141 ,  142 , and  175  are disposed in a first bank  176 , as shown in  FIG. 2   b.  The first bank  176  of outlets is substantially evenly spaced, and includes a gap  178  in the sequence. The gap  178  is substantially central to the product line aperture  143 . The product and diluent lines  141 ,  142 ,  175  may further include hardware suitable for connection to mating components disposed within the tower units  121 - 123 , as well as those required for connection to a diluent source and an appropriate number of concentrate sources. The cold plate  107  may further include an upper surface  108  upon which ice is stored, thereby chilling the cold plate  107  and the product and diluent lines  141 , 142 , and  175  passing through the cold plate  107 . 
         [0036]    Alternatively, the product and diluent line outlets  172 ,  174 ,  180 , and  242  may be disposed in arrays complementary to a respective tower unit. In the arrays arrangement, the lower unit  110  could include multiple banks of product line outlets disposed in multiple arrays. As shown in  FIG. 2   c,  the product dispenser  100  includes a first bank  176  and a second bank  177 . The first and second banks are then divided into arrays. A first array  280  includes a portion of the first bank  176  and a portion of the second bank  177 , a second array  281  includes a portion of the first bank  176  and a portion of the second bank  177 , and a central array  282  includes a portion of the first bank  176 . With the central array  282  having only a first bank  176 , a gap  179  is created in the second bank  177 . While the central array  282  has been shown with only one bank of outlets  172  or  174 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the use of an array with only one bank is not limited to the central array  282 , as any of the tower units could still contain a full complement of product circuits, or could include a partial set of product lines to complement the partial array disposed on the lower unit  110 . Still further, the gap  179  for the second bank  177  may be disposed over a single array, multiple arrays, or the entire second bank  177  may be removed to provide the ability to add additional product sources. 
         [0037]    In this particular example having three arrays, the arrangement of the outlets disposed in the first array  280  is not restricted, as both product and diluent lines may be disposed in either the first or second banks  176 - 177 . Similarly, the outlets disposed in the second array  281  may also be placed in either bank  176  or  177 . In the central array  282 , the third diluent outlet  181  must be disposed in the first bank  176  to maintain clearance for an ambient box  169 . 
         [0038]    In the arrays arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 2   d,  a first tower unit  121  product line  130  and diluent line  163  are disposed in a first bank  176  and a second bank  177 , whereby the inlets  131  and  164  are disposed in a location complementary to the outlets of the first array  280  of the lower unit  110 . The product and diluent lines  130  and  163  further include outlets  132  and  165  for mating with the dispense point  105 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that product and diluent lines  130  and  163  are disposed in a location that allows the first and second lower product circuits  203 - 204 , and the diluent circuit  103  of the lower unit  110  to be extended when a tower unit is installed onto the lower unit  110 . Should an array  280 - 282  include fewer outlets than a mating tower unit, the unconnected product and diluent lines in the tower unit are available for use if connected to a product or diluent supply. 
         [0039]    In this specific example of a product dispenser including arrays, the second tower unit  122  is of a similar construction to the first tower unit  121 , whereby the product and diluent lines may be disposed in either bank. 
         [0040]    The third tower unit  123  must include diluent and product lines in locations complementary to the outlets disposed in the central array  282 . Illustratively, in this specific example, the third tower unit  123  includes a diluent product line disposed in the first bank  176  and at least one ambient product line  250  or  251  disposed in the second bank  177 . Accordingly, the third tower unit  123  receives diluent from the diluent source. 
         [0041]    The bin  111  includes four lateral walls disposed at a spacing complementary to the upper surface  108  of the cold plate  107 . The walls extend from the cold plate  107  to the top plate  112 , thereby forming a storage chamber  126  having a lower port  117  and an inlet  118 . The bin  111  may be of any suitable construction, such that it does not contaminate a product disposed within the storage chamber  126 . In this first embodiment, the bin  111  is constructed from a stainless steel. The bin  111  further includes a redirector  115  disposed over approximately half of the inlet  118  nearest to the rear face of the cold plate, such that the redirector  115  closes out a rear portion of the inlet  118 . In this embodiment the redirector  115  is of a same construction as the bin  111 , and may be secured utilizing any suitable form of attachment, including welding, fasteners, and the like. The bin  111  further includes flanges having apertures, wherein fasteners pass through the apertures and secure the bin  111  to the cold plate  107 . 
         [0042]    The top plate  112  is substantially planar in form, and is of a size slightly larger than a cross-section of the bin  111 . The top plate  112  includes a chamber port  116  of a size complementary to the open portion of the inlet  118  of the bin  111 , and at least one product line aperture  143  that allows the passage of the concentrate and diluent lines through the top plate  112 . The top plate  112  further includes restraint apertures  127  for receiving fasteners. The top plate  112  may be secured to the bin utilizing any method, including fasteners, welding, or the like. 
         [0043]    The lower unit  110  further includes a lid  120  and a lid housing  119 . The lid housing  119  includes a planar face  160  and first through third flanges  157 - 159 . The first through third flanges  157 - 159  are attached to mounting flanges having apertures  285  for securing to the top plate  112 . The first through third flanges  157 - 159  create a cavity  145  beneath the lid housing  113  when the lid housing  113  is installed onto the top plate  112 . A fourth flange  156  extends downward from the planar face  160  to create a stop, and includes a valve cutout switch  134 . In this embodiment, the lid housing  119  is formed from stainless steel, and is secured to the top plate  112  with fasteners passing through the restraint aperture  127  of the top plate  112 . The lid  120  is of a size complementary to the cavity  145  of the lid housing  119  and the chamber port  116 . The lid  120  is substantially planar in shape, and includes a planar face  161  and a flange  162  extending away from the bin  111  for engaging the valve cutout switch  134 . 
         [0044]    Alternatively, the product dispenser  100  may include a rotating lid  136  having a hinge pin  138  disposed in hinge brackets  137 . The rotating lid  136  is of similar construction to the sliding lid  120 , however the rotating lid  136  includes a flange disposed around the hinge pin  138 , whereby the lid  136  rotates about the hinge pin  138 . The hinge brackets  137  are similarly formed from sheet metal, and include an aperture of a size complementary to the hinge pin  138 . The hinge brackets  137  are secured with fasteners to the restraint apertures  127  of the top plate  112  in similar fashion to the sliding lid  120 . Accordingly, the sliding lid  120  and the rotating lid  136  are, with accompanying hardware, interchangeable. 
         [0045]    The lower unit  110  includes an insulated wrapper  114  disposed around the bin  111  and the cold plate  107 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the a sheet metal wrapper may be formed and then any voids between the bin  111  and the wrapper  114  may be filled with an expanding foam, thereby insulating the product and diluent circuits  201 ,  202 , and  103 , as well as securing the product and diluent lines of the lower product circuits  203 ,  204 , and  103  in place. The lower unit  110  further includes an ambient cutout  168 . The ambient cutout  168  is a recessed area in the wrapper  114 , and a complementary gap in the insulation that allows passage of product lines disposed within an ambient box  169  to pass from outside of the wrapper  114 , and through the product line aperture  143  of the top plate  112 . Accordingly, product is delivered from an alternate source to the top plate  112 . In this particular example, the ambient cutout  168  extends from the top plate  112  downward through the lower unit  110 , and passes through a central portion of the first bank  176 . 
         [0046]    The ambient box  169  includes at least one ambient product line  207 , an ambient wrapper  209  disposed about the at least one ambient product line  207 , and an insulation  208  disposed between the at least one ambient product line  207  and the ambient wrapper  209 . The ambient wrapper  209  further includes securing flanges  170  disposed at an uppermost position, such that the upper end of the ambient box  169  may be secured to the tower units  121 - 122 . The securing flanges  170  include apertures for receiving fasteners. The securing flanges  170  may be directed horizontally or vertically to adapt to adjacent hardware. The at least one ambient product line  207  includes an inlet  210  and an outlet  211  that extend beyond the ambient wrapper  209 , and include connections complementary to the inlets of the to the tower units  121 - 123 , or other connection forms, including barb fittings, dole fittings, o-ring connections, and the like. The inlet  210  is suitable for connection to an ambient source, such as concentrate to be served at ambient temperatures, a diluent required at ambient temperatures, or a full strength product to be served at ambient temperatures. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that multiple ambient product lines may be disposed within the ambient box  169 , and be connected to independent ambient sources. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize that the size of the ambient cutout  168  is not limited to an ambient box  169  having a single ambient product line  207 , as the ambient box  169  may be adjusted to accommodate a multitude of ambient product lines  207 , and the ambient cutout  168  may be adjusted to complement the ambient box  169 . Illustratively, the ambient box  169  may include product lines  207  disposed in different arrays, or disposed in different banks. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the outlets  172 ,  174  and  211  must be at least partially complementary to the inlets  131  of the tower units. Accordingly, ambient products or ambient diluents passing through the ambient box  169  may be delivered to virtually any tower unit  121 - 123  disposed atop the top plate  112 . 
         [0047]    The product dispenser  100  may further include a controller  133 . The controller  133  may be any form of processing device suitable for controlling and processing signals, including microcontrollers, processors, and the like. 
         [0048]    The product dispenser  100  may further include lifting tangs  135  for attaching connection points of a lifting device. The lifting tangs  135  are disposed on opposite sides of the product dispenser  100  to provide balanced lifting. In this embodiment, the lifting tangs  135  are formed from a structural sheet metal, such as stainless steel. As shown in  FIG. 2   h,  the lifting tangs  135  include a securing flange  214  and a lifting flange  213 . The lifting flange  213  includes at least one lifting port  216 , and the securing flange  214  includes securing apertures  217  for accepting fasteners. The securing apertures  217  are disposed at a spacing complementary to restraint apertures  219  disposed in the top plate  112 . 
         [0049]    On assembly, the redirector  115  is secured to the bin  111  over a portion of the inlet  118  disposed nearest the rear of the cold plate  107 , such that the inlet  118  is open nearest the front of the bin  111 . In this particular example, the redirector  115  is spot welded to the bin  111 . While this redirector  115  has been shown as being spot-welded to the bin  111 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that virtually any form of securing is possible. Next, the lower port  117  of the bin  111  is secured to the cold plate  107 , such that the inlet  118  is disposed nearest the front of the bin  111 . In this preferred embodiment, the bin  111  is secured to the cold plate  107  utilizing fasteners passing through the apertures in the flanges. 
         [0050]    Once the bin  111  has been secured to the cold plate  107 , the top plate  112  is secured to the inlet  118  of the bin  111 , such that the chamber port  116  is in alignment with the uncovered portion of the inlet  118 . In this particular example the top plate  112  is screwed to the bin  111 . While the top plate  112  has been shown with fasteners, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other forms of securing are possible, including welding, rivets, and the like. The outlets  172 ,  174 ,  180 , and  242  pass through the product line aperture  143  when the top plate  112  is in the installed position. 
         [0051]    The partially assembled unit may then be placed in the foaming jig to form the insulation around the partially assembled unit. Upon curing, the foamed, partially assembled unit is placed into the wrapper  114 , and secured to the wrapper  114  utilizing any suitable means. Accordingly, the insulation fills any voids between the bin  111  and the wrapper  114 , thereby providing insulatory properties to the contents of the bin  111 . 
         [0052]    The lid  120  may then be aligned with the lid housing  119 , such that the flange  162  faces toward the lid housing  119 , and is disposed within the cavity  145 . The lid housing  119 , including the valve cutout switch  134 , may then be secured with fasteners to the restraint apertures  127  of the top plate  112 , thereby captivating the flange  162  within the cavity  145  of the lid housing  119 . 
         [0053]    Alternatively, a product dispenser  100  utilizing a rotating lid  136  may include the steps of securing the rotating lid  136  to a hinge pin  138 , securing one hinge bracket  137  to the top plate  112 , inserting one end of the hinge pin  138  into the aperture of the installed hinge bracket  137 , inserting the free end of the hinge pin  138  into the aperture of the uninstalled hinge bracket  137 , and securing the uninstalled hinge bracket  137  to the top plate  112 . In this fashion, the rotating lid  136  is secured in place, and is free to rotate about the hinge pin  138 . 
         [0054]    The assembly continues with the insertion of the ambient box  169  into the gap  178 , the product line aperture  143 , and the ambient cutout  168  of the lower unit  110 . The end including the inlets  210  is inserted through the gap  178  disposed between the outlets leading to the first and second tower units  121 - 122 . Illustratively, the gap  178  is aligned with the ambient cutout  168 . As such, the ambient box  16  moves downward until the securing flanges  170  bottom out on the top plate  112 . In this fashion, the outlets  211  of the ambient box  169  are in alignment with the outlets  172 ,  174 ,  180 , and  242  of the lower unit  110 , thereby completing the first bank  176 . 
         [0055]    In a multiple bank arrangement, the installation of the ambient box  169  is substantially identical, and the ambient box  169  could complete the second bank  176 , the first and second banks  176 - 177 , or could encompass a full bank. 
         [0056]    The tower unit  121  is then installed onto the assembled lower unit  110  by mating the outlets of the product and diluent circuits  201 ,  202 , and  103  of the lower unit  110  to the inlets  131  and  164  of the first tower unit  121 . The mounting flange  221  must face towards a front of the product dispenser  100 , and the apertures  223  must align with the apertures  224  disposed within the top plate  112 . The mounting flange  221  is secured to the top plate  112  with fasteners. Similarly, the apertures  223  of the second mounting flange  222  are aligned with the restraint apertures  224  of the top plate  112 , and second mounting flange  222  is restrained. 
         [0057]    The second tower unit  122  is then installed in similar fashion to the first tower unit  121 , wherein the inlets  261  and  263  of the tower unit  122  are mated with the outlets  180  and  242  of the lower unit  110 . The apertures  223  of the first and second mounting flanges  221 - 222  of the second tower unit  122  are also aligned with apertures  224  disposed in the top plate  112 , and the second tower unit  122  is secured to the top plate  112 . 
         [0058]    In this particular example, the third tower unit  123  is installed between the first and second tower units  121 - 122 , and therefore does not have a second mounting flange. The third tower unit  123  is inserted in similar fashion to the first and second tower units  121 - 122 , whereby the outlets  211  of the product lines disposed within the ambient box  169  mate with the inlets  252  and  254  of the third tower units  123  to extend the ambient product circuits to the outlets  253  and  255  of the third tower unit  123 . Accordingly, ambient products passing through the ambient box  169  are delivered to the product circuits of the third tower unit  123 . The apertures  223  disposed in the mounting flange  221  are aligned with the securing apertures  224  disposed within the top plate  112 , and the third tower unit  123  is restrained with fasteners. 
         [0059]    The tower units  121 - 123  may also include a securing tab  233  or a securing aperture  234  for interconnection. Illustratively, in this particular example, the first tower unit  121  and the second tower unit  122  each include at least one securing tab  233  including an aperture, and the third tower unit  123  includes at least one securing aperture  234  for each adjacent tower unit. The securing apertures  234  are disposed in a location complementary to the apertures of the securing tabs  233  when the tower units are adjacent to each other, whereby a fastener passes through the aperture of the securing tab  233  and secures to the securing aperture  234 . 
         [0060]    After the securing of the mounting flange  221  of the third tower unit  123  and interconnecting the tower units  121 - 123  together, the back support bracket  124  may be installed about the tower units  121 - 123  by orienting the planar portion  227  adjacent to the rear faces of the tower units  121 - 123 , aligning the legs  228  adjacent to the side walls of the tower units  121 - 123 , and orienting the flanges  229  at a lowest position. Once properly aligned, the apertures  230  will be in alignment with the apertures  223  of the second mounting flanges  222 , and the planar portion  227  rests on the rear flanges  225  of the tower units  121 - 123 . The back support bracket  124  is secured to the second mounting flanges  222  and the top plate  112  through the apertures  230 . Once properly secured, the back support bracket  124  restrains the rear flanges  225 , and the second mounting flanges  222 . Upon proper alignment of the tower units  121 - 123 , the faucet plate and the dispense points  105  may be mounted to the installed tower units  121 - 123 , thereby extending the product and diluent circuits to the dispense points  105 . 
         [0061]    The assembly continues with the installation of the tower structure  125 . The first and second vertical supports  147 - 148  are then aligned, such that the apertures  189  in the first flange  185  align with securing apertures  237  disposed within the top plate  112 . In this particular example, the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148  are disposed such that flanges  185 - 188  extend toward each other, and the crossbar  149  is then secured to the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148 , thereby providing a rigid secure structure. Next, the outer skin  150  is placed over the vertical supports  147 - 148 , such that the mounting flange  182  is disposed over the fourth mounting flange  188  of the first vertical support  147 , and the mounting flange  183  overlays the fourth mounting flanges  188  of the second vertical support  148 . The apertures  184  of the mounting flanges  182 - 183  must align with the apertures  190  of the fourth flanges  188 . Once aligned fasteners are inserted to restrain the outer skin  150  to the first and second vertical supports  147 - 148 . 
         [0062]    The cap  151  is then installed onto the vertical supports  147 - 148 , such that the flanges  196 - 199  extend downward and the apertures  194  align with the apertures  191  of the vertical supports  147 - 148 . Once aligned, fasteners are inserted to secured the outer skin  150  and the cap  151  to the vertical supports  147 - 148 . The drip tray and splash plate may then be installed. In this manner, the outer structure  125  provides a clean, closed out tower, wherein the restraint of the tower structure  125  is independent of the restraint of the tower units  121 - 123 . 
         [0063]    In use, the product dispenser  100  delivers chilled concentrate and diluent from the product circuits that pass through the cold plate  107  or ambient fluids that pass through the ambient box  169 . Product concentrate originates at a product concentrate source, enters at least one concentrate line  142 , moves through the concentrate line  142  as it passes through the cold plate  107 , exits the cold plate  107  and moves up to the outlet  174 . The concentrate then enters the inlet  131  of the product line  130  disposed within the first tower unit  121 , moves through the first tower unit  121 , and exits the outlet  132 . The concentrate then enters the inlet  106  of the dispense point  105 , and exits the dispense point  105  upon a dispense command. 
         [0064]    A diluent from a diluent source enters the diluent inlet  171  of the diluent line  141 , moves through the diluent line  141  as it passes through the cold plate  107 , exits the cold plate  107 , and extends upward to the outlet  172 . As the diluent line  141  passes through the product line aperture  143 , the outlet  172  is positioned above the top plate  112 . The diluent then enters the inlet  164  of the diluent line  163 , and moves through the first tower unit  121  to the outlet  165 . As the diluent inlet  104  is in fluid communication with the outlet  165 , the diluent enters the dispense point  105  and is ready for dispensing operations. 
         [0065]    An ambient product circuit  109  originates at an ambient product source. An ambient product enters the product dispenser  100  through the inlet  210  of the ambient product line  207  disposed in the ambient box  169 , moves through the ambient product line  207  to the outlet  211 , and enters the inlet  252  of the third tower unit  123 . Once in the third tower unit  123 , the ambient product moves through the first ambient product line  250  to the ambient outlet  253 . The ambient product then enters one of the inlets  106  or  104  for the dispense point  105  for delivery alone, with a diluent, or mixed with a concentrate. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ambient product may be a concentrate, a diluent, or a single strength fluid. As such, many combinations are available, and are considered within the scope of this invention. 
         [0066]    Upon a dispense command, the diluent, concentrate, ambient product, or combinations thereof, is delivered from the dispense point  105 . Accordingly, a user may place a drink receptacle below a particular flavor dispense point  105 , activate a dispense button, dispense a particular flavor drink, and retrieve the receptacle for consumption. 
         [0067]    The tower structure  125 , or portions thereof, may be removed from product dispenser  100  without removing the tower units  121 - 123 . Illustratively, the cap  151  and the outer skin  150  may be removed for signage purposes, cleaning, or replacement. The ability to remove the outer skin  150  and the cap  151  without breaking the product and diluent circuits  201 ,  202 ,  103 , and  109 , is a great advantage to operators, as product sales are not affected. 
         [0068]    In use, the tower units  121 - 123  are secured to the top plate  112  with fasteners passing through the mounting flanges  221  and  222 , the back support bracket  124 , and the interconnection between adjacent tower units. The mounting flanges  221 - 222  are secured to the top plate  112 . The back support bracket  124  holds the rear portions of the tower units  121 - 123  and the second mounting flanges  222  down, thereby providing an evenly distributed restraint system. The interconnection fasteners passing through the securing tabs  233  allow the tower units  121 - 123  to be aligned and secured in place. The tower units  121 - 123  are in fluid communication with the product circuits  201 ,  202 , and  109 , of the lower unit  110  and the ambient box  169 , and accordingly, the product circuits  201 ,  202 ,  103 , and  109 , are extended or shortened when a tower unit is removed. The tower units  121 - 123  may be removed independently for service, replacement, or the like, by removing the fasteners holding the back support bracket  124 , the fasteners disposed in the mounting flanges  221 - 222 , and the interconnection fasteners. Alternatively, the product dispenser  100  may be outfitted with only two tower units, whereby one of the tower units delivers ambient products. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the design of the tower units  121 - 123  is complementary to even a single tower unit. 
         [0069]    The ambient box  169  may be removed or replaced with an ambient box having an alternate number of ambient product lines as long as the third tower unit  123  includes a complementary number of ambient product lines. Alternatively, the ambient box  169  may be configured after the installation of the product dispenser  100 , whereby the ambient product circuits  109  may be upgraded or reconfigured with seasonal products. Accordingly, the ambient box  169  provides the ability to add ambient product circuits to the product dispenser  100 . One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ambient box  169  may also be utilized with pre-chilled products, thereby providing another alternative use. 
         [0070]    The lid  120  moves from a bin-closed position to a bin-open position by sliding into the cavity  143  of the lid housing  119 , and from the bin-open position to the bin-closed position by moving the lid  120  out of the passage  143  until the flange  162  engages the valve cutout switch  134 . In the bin-closed position, the bin  111  is not accessible by an operator. In the bin-open position, the operator may access the contents of the bin  111 . When the lid  120  is disposed in the bin-closed position, the flange  162  engages the valve cutout switch  134 , the controller  133  recognizes that the lid  120  is in the bin-closed position, and activates the dispensing valves  105  when a dispense command is initiated by the operator. When the lid  120  is in the bin-open position, the flange  162  does not engage the valve cutout switch  134 , and the controller  133  deactivates the product valves  105 . Accordingly, operators may only dispense product when the lid  120  is in the bin-closed position. 
         [0071]    The sliding lid  120  and the rotating lid  136  are interchangeable provided all accompanying hardware is changed out. Accordingly, the rotating lid  136  may be replaced with the sliding lid  120  by removing the fasteners securing the hinge brackets  137  to the top plate  112 . Upon removal of the fasteners, the lid  120  and lid housing  119 , including valve cutout switch  134 , may be secured to the top plate  112  utilizing fasteners passing through restraint apertures  127 . The valve cutout switch  134  may further require a wiring harness connection, thereby placing the valve cutout switch  134  in electrical communication with the controller  133 . 
         [0072]    The redirector  115  closes out a rear portion of the inlet  118  to prevent ice and water from exiting the bin  111  through the rear portion of the inlet  118 . The redirector  115  is advantageous when operators scoop ice disposed within the bin  111  towards the rear of the product dispenser  100 , in their attempts to fill drink receptacles. The elimination of ice and water leaving the bin  111  through the rear portion of the inlet  118  eliminates ice and partially melted ice moving down the back side of the product dispenser  100  and onto the floor, as well as any water puddles associated therewith. 
         [0073]    The lifting tangs  135  are secured to the top plate  112  with fasteners adequate to support a lifted weight of the product dispenser  100 . In use, an operator connects a lifting harness to a lifting device. Lifting points of the lifting harness are then connected to the lifting port  216  of each lifting flange  213 . The lifting device then provides an upward force, thereby lifting the product dispenser  100 . If adequately outfitted, the lifting device may be directed to the installation or removal point. Once properly positioned, the product dispenser  100  may be lowered, and set in place. The lifting harness may then be removed from the lifting tangs  135 . 
         [0074]    While this invention has been shown with a product dispenser including a tower formed from at least one tower unit  121 ,  122 , or  123  and a tower structure  125 , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many forms of towers exist. In this invention, the term “tower” is defined as any form of product dispenser portion that protrudes from a supporting surface, such as a counter top, a table top, a dispenser housing, and the like. Accordingly, a “tower” may be formed from multiple components, multiple tower segments, or a single structure. One of ordinary skill in the art will further recognize, in this particular example, the tower structure  125  and at least one tower unit  121 ,  122 , or  123  may be secured together to provide an integral tower. 
         [0075]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any respect by the foregoing detailed description; rather, it is defined only by the claims that follow.

Technology Category: 7