ICE GUIDE FOR REFRIGERATOR WITH EXTERNAL ICE SERVICE

摘要

"ICE GUIDE FOR REFRIGERATOR WITH EXTERNAL ICE SERVICE" Structure for controlling the delivery of ice pieces for external service with the ice pieces being formed within a refrigerator or the like. The apparatus may include a closure for selectively closing the end of a delivery chute through which the ice pieces are conducted during the delivery operation. Delivery of the ice pieces is effected by movement of an acutator as by a receptacle, such as a cup or glass, being urged thereagainst to receive the delivered ice. Movement of the actuator concurrently moves the closure away from the delivery chute and positions a guide in cooperation with the closure to guide the ice pieces from the end of the delivery chute into the receptacle. The guide may include upstanding side wall portions for preventing undesirable lateral discharge of the ice pieces and effectively assuring the delivery of all of the ice pieces into the receptacle. The guide may comprise a onepiece element removably installed on the actuator for movement therewith. The actuator and guide mounted thereon may be biased to an outwardly directed disposition whereby the guide further serves to direct the last-delivered ice pieces toward the receptacle as it is being removed from engagement with the actuator. The closure may be biased to close the delivery chute upon completion of the ice piece delivery operation.