Dispensing – With lock or fastening seal – Inhibiting operation of flow controller or closure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-12
2001-09-11
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With lock or fastening seal
Inhibiting operation of flow controller or closure
C222S001000, C251S090000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286724
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is generally directed to a lock structure for a cold drink system which deters or prevents an unauthorized user from trying to obtain or from obtaining access to a chilled liquid within the cold drink system.
The cold drink system on which the present invention is used, is used to produce chilled beverages. A variety of chilled beverages can be produced by the cold drink system, including frozen or slush beverages, chilled juice drinks, milkshakes, etc.
The cold drink system includes a hopper for retaining a quantity of liquid or beverage and a chilling structure for chilling the liquid to form a chilled beverage. Some form of agitating or mixing structure, such as a blade or auger, is provided which moves relative to the chilling portion to circulate the beverage along the chilling portion and within the hopper. Circulation of the beverage along the chilling portion helps to reduce the temperature of the beverage. A hopper cover is positioned over the open upper end of the hopper and is removable therefrom so that the hopper can be cleaned and the internal components serviced. A dispensing faucet is provided for dispensing chilled beverage from the hopper.
The present invention provides a lock structure for such a cold drink system which deters or/prevents an unauthorized user from trying to obtain or from obtaining access to a chilled liquid within the cold drink system. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A general object of the present invention is to provide a lock structure for a cold drink system which deters or prevents an unauthorized user from trying to obtain or from obtaining access to a chilled liquid within the cold drink system.
An object of the present invention is to provide a lock structure for locking a dispensing faucet provided on the cold drink system to prevent actuation thereof by an unauthorized user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lock structure for retaining the hopper cover on the hopper to deter an unauthorized user from attempting to remove the hopper cover from the hopper.
Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the present invention discloses structure for a cold drink system which deters or prevents an unauthorized user from trying to obtain or from obtaining access to a chilled liquid within the cold drink system. The cold drink system includes a hopper for retaining a quantity of liquid and a hopper cover for covering a mouth of the hopper. A dispensing faucet is connected to the hopper for dispensing liquid therefrom. Structure is provided for locking the dispensing faucet to prevent actuation thereof by an unauthorized user. In addition, structure is provided for retaining the hopper cover on the hopper to deter an unauthorized user from attempting to remove the hopper cover from the hopper.
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patent: 4681134 (1987-07-01), Paris, Sr.
patent: 5394715 (1995-03-01), Guerette
patent: 6058721 (2000-05-01), Midden et al.
patent: 92A002700 (1992-11-01), None
Barnes & Thornburg
Bui Thach H
Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
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