Ice maker with bucket filling feature

Abstract

An ice storage bin assembly comprising an ice storage bin having a cavity for the storage of ice and an opening for access to the cavity. An ice dispensing chute is disposed internal to the ice storage bin and comprises an inlet and an outlet. Ice can be directed into the inlet where it is carried by gravity down to the outlet and deposited in a bucket disposed below the outlet. An ice dispensing chute closure means closes the inlet of the ice dispensing chute. The closure means can comprise a scoop adapted to be received in and seal the inlet of the ice dispensing chute or a raised portion disposed on the back side of a door which is adapted to seal the inlet of the ice dispensing chute when the door is closed.

1 . An ice storage bin assembly comprising:
 an ice storage bin having a cavity for the storage of ice and an opening for access to the cavity   an ice dispensing chute disposed internal to the ice storage bin comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein ice can be directed into the inlet where it is carried by gravity down to the outlet and deposited in a bucket disposed below the outlet; and   an ice dispensing chute closure means adapted to close the inlet of the ice dispensing chute.   
     
     
         2 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the ice storage bin further comprises a recessed area adapted to receive a bucket; 
     
     
         3 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the ice dispensing chute is in a wall of the ice storage bin. 
     
     
         4 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 3 , wherein a spout is at the outlet of the ice dispensing chute. 
     
     
         5 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the ice dispensing chute is further comprised of one or more chute doors. 
     
     
         6 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the one or more chute doors are rotatably connected to the ice storage bin such that the one or more doors are adapted to be opened to facilitate the depositing of ice into a bucket based on a level of ice in the ice storage bin. 
     
     
         7 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the ice dispensing chute closure means comprises a scoop adapted to be received in and seal the inlet of the ice dispensing chute. 
     
     
         8 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a door rotatably connected to the ice storage bin by one or more hinges which permit the door to swing from a closed position to an open position;
 wherein when the door is in the closed position, the door closes the opening and when the door is in the open position, the cavity of the ice storage bin is accessible.   
     
     
         9 . The ice storage bin assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the ice dispensing chute closure means comprises a raised portion disposed on the back side of the door which is adapted to seal the inlet of the ice dispensing chute when the door is in the closed position.