AU2006220409A1 - Fluid dispensing system with collapsible container - Google Patents

Description

Our Ref: 12709371 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): Kenneth Nicolle RR#1 P O Box Zephyr Ontario LOE 1TO Canada Address for Service: Invention Title: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 Fluid dispensing system with collapsible container The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5951 FLUID DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a system for dispensing fluids. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel fluid dispensing system for dispensing fluid from a fluid storage vessel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1- Conventional domestic fluid dispensers are usually free standinig devices which dispense sterilized or mineral water from large rigid water bottles. The rigid water bottles hav e a large body portion and a O narrow neck portion, and are coupled to the water dispenser by inverting the bottle and positioning the D mouth of the bottle in the reservoir of the water dispenser. Air, introduced into the water bottle through the mouth, allows water to be dispensed from the inverted bottle until the water level in the reservoir reaches the mouth of the bottle. Since the water bottle is rigid, the water remaining in the inverted bottle is retained in the bottle due to the difference between the air pressure external to the inverted bottle and the air pressure inside the bottle. Water is then dispensed from the reservoir through a conduit opening into the bottom of the reservoir. A valve coupled to the conduit restricts the flow of water from the conduit until a quantity of water is desired. When the level of water in the reservoir falls below the mouth of the water bottle, air enters the water bottle, allowing water to flow from the bottle until the water level in the reservoir reaches the mouth of the bottle.

Although conventional domestic water dispensers are widely used, they are deficient in a number of respects. First. water bottles used in the conventional domestic water dispenser usually contain a large quantity of sterilized water, typically in the region of about 5 gallons. Therefore, it is often difficult to invert and properly locate the mouth of the bottle in the reservoir without spilling a quantity of the water.

Second, to prevent water from continuously flowing from the water bottle while the water bottle is inverted, the water bottles used with such water dispensers are fabricated from a thick, rigid plastic material. Due to the cost and the substantial amount of plastic used in fabricating these bottles, the water bottles are usually sterilized and reused. As a result, the cost of shipping the empty water bottle back to the supplier for sterilization and reuse are adsorbed by the consumer through increased water costs.

Third, in order for the mouth of the water bottle to be positioned in the reservoir of the cooler, the water bottles must be necked, as described above. However, the presence of the neck increases the difficulty in sterilizing the water bottles since it may limit the ability of the sterilizing agents to reach all the interior parts of the bottle, even when large quantities of sterilizing agents are used. Further, it is generally not possible to use heat sterilization on plastic bottles. Although, sterilization using ultraviolet light is possible, ultraviolet light sterilization may lead to an incomplete result.

Fourth, with the necessity of sterilizing the water bottles after each use, over time the rigid plastic water bottles may develop cracks or holes. If such failures occur while the water bottle is inverted in the P:\WPDICSA RSS PECIE 12709371 .dn-201t9106 -2water dispenser, air will enter the water bottle and allow water to flow uncontrollably from the mouth of the water bottle, allowing the reservoir to eventually over flow. This water over flow can expose the purchaser's premises to the risk of water damage.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a fluid dispensing system which reduces the effort required to couple the fluid storage vessel to the fluid dispenser, and which reduces the shipping costs associated with delivering quantities of fluid while also reducing the risk of failure of the storage vessel. Further, there remains a need for a water dispensing system which facilitates the delivery of sterilized water.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid dispensing system comprising: a spigot capable of puncturing a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid and thereby creating a seal between said spigot and said enclosure as a result of a generally lateral force between said enclosure and said spigot; a support means for providing support to said enclosure at least after said enclosure is punctured by said spigot; at least one fluid inlet port on said spigot, said fluid inlet port being in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through which fluid from said enclosure can be drained; a first fluid control valve, the operation of which may effect dispensing of fluid from said enclosure.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for dispensing fluid comprising the steps of: positioning a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid in contact with a support means for supporting said enclosure against a weight of said enclosure and said fluid contained therein; puncturing said enclosure with a spigot so as to create a seal between said spigot and said enclosure at a location of puncture, said seal resulting from a generally lateral force exerted against said spigot at least in part by said enclosure; draining said fluid from said enclosure through an inlet port on said spigot into a fluid passageway; and dispensing said fluid from said dispensing system through a dispensing valve.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fluid dispensing system comprising: a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid; a spigot capable of puncturing said enclosure; a support means for providing support to said enclosure at least after said enclosure is punctured by said spigot; a reservoir for containing fluid drained from said enclosure; at least one fluid inlet port on said spigot, P.\WPDOCS'.A R S PECI E\I270 371 doc-20/09106 2a said fluid inlet port being in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through which fluid from said enclosure can be drained into said reservoir; a flow control valve connected to said fluid passageway in a position between said fluid in said enclosure and said fluid in said reservoir.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a fluid dispensing system which attempts to overcome or at least ameliorate the problems associated with the prior art fluid dispensing systems.

The fluid dispensing system, according to the invention, comprises a collapsible sealed enclosure for retaining fluid therein and support means for supporting the enclosure. The support means includes a spigot for puncturing the enclosure, either under its own weight or with a downward force being exerted on the enclosure, when the enclosure is positioned on the support means. The spigot includes a fluid passageway for draining the fluid therethrough. A conduit, coupled to the fluid passageway, is provided for dispensing the fluid from the enclosure.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealed enclosure comprises a sealed plastic bag containing sterilized water. The support means comprises a carrier portion for retaining the plastic bag therein, a collar portion for supporting the carrier portion, and at least one cooling element disposed about the carrier portion for cooling the water in the plastic bag. The spigot is positioned in the carrier portion adjacent the lowermost portion thereof, and is shaped for sealing the plastic bag to the spigot after being punctured by the spigot. The spigot includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid passageway for draining the fluid from the plastic bag. The fluid inlet is positioned a distance above the support means for reducing the possibility of the fluid becoming contaminated through contact with the support means. The conduit includes a valve for controlling the rate flow of water through the conduit.

To dispense water from the bag, the bag is placed on the carrier portion. The weight of the water in the plastic bag upon the spigot causes the spigot to puncture the lowermost portion of the plastic bag while simultaneously sealing the plastic bag to the spigot. As a result, water is allowed to flow from the plastic bag, and is controllably dispensed from the conduit through operation of the valve. When the cooling elements are active, the cooling elements cool the water in the plastic bag, allowing cooled water to be P:\WPDOCS\AR.SAPECI\ 12709371.doc-2009/06 -2b dispensed. When the supply of sterilized water is exhausted, the plastic bag is removed from the support means and replaced with a full sealed plastic bag of sterilized water.

In one variation of the invention, the collar portion is dimensioned for positioning the carrier portion above the cooling reservoir of a conventional water dispenser. The conduit includes a ballcock (continued on page 3) -3-

C

N supply valve disposed within the cooling reservoir for controlling the flow of water from the plastic bag into the cooling reservoir.

CN| BRIEF DESCRIPTION.OF THE DRAWINGS The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. I is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional water cooler, Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid dispensing system, according to the invention, IN showing the sealed enclosure, the support means, the spigot and the conduit; Fig. 3 is a magnified cross-sectional view of the spigot shown in Fig. 2; Fig.4A is a side plan view of the sealed enclosure depicted in Fig. 2, showing the peel-off protective cover, Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the sealed enclosure shown in Fig. 4A; Fig. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of one variation of the spigot shown in Fig. 3.

Fig.. 6A is a magnified cross-sectional view of another variation of the spigot shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 6B is a top plan view of the spigot shown in Fig. 6B; Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing system in accordance with one aspect of the invention, showing the sealed enclosure and the integrally-molded support means positioned on top of a conventional water cooler; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the fluid dispensing system of Fig. 7, shown without the sealed enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Before describing the fluid dispensing system, in accordance with the invention, a conventional water cooler will be described first, followed by a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Turning to Fig. 1, a conventional water cooler, denoted generally as 10, is shown comprising a freestanding housing 12, and an access tap 14 including a flow-control valve 16 for allowing water to be drawn from the cooler 10. The cooler 10 includes a reservoir 18 within the housing 12, and is open at the top to allow water to empty into the reservoir 18. A plurality of cooling elements or refrigerating coils 20 are arranged around the reservoir 18 to cool the water prior to being drawn from the cooler 10. A rigid plastic water bottle 22 having a large body portion 24 and a narrow neck portion 26 is located upside down resting in a shallow saucer-shaped portion 28 at the top of the water cooler housing 12. The shallow saucer-shaped portion 28 has a simple aperture 30 through which the neck 26 of the bottle 22 protrudes, so that the neck 26 is located within the cooling reservoir 18. The mouth 32 of the water bottle 22 is located just below a desired upper water level of the cooling reservoir 18.

\1 In operation, the mouth 32 is located below the water level in the reservoir 18 and air is prevented from entering the water bottle 22. Since the water bottle 22 is rigid, the water is prevented from pouring out of the bottle 22 due to the difference between the air pressure external to the bottle 22 and the air \1 pressure inside the bottle 22. When a portion of water is desired, the user depresses the flow-control valve 16 in the access tap 14, causing a volume of water to flow out tfi access tap 14 from the reservoir 18, and the level of water in the reservoir 18 to decrease. When the level of water in the reservoir 18 is drops below the mouth 32 of the water bottle 22, air enters the water bottle 22 allowing a quantity of water to flow from the water bottle 22 into the reservoir 16. The flow of water from the water bottle 22 co'ntinues until the water level in the reservoir 18 reaches the mouth 32 of the bottle 22, thereby terminating the flow of air into the water bottle 22.

Turning now to Fig. 2, a fluid dispensing system 110, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, is shown comprising a collapsible sealed enclosure 112 for retaining fluid therein, support means 114 for supporting the enclosure 112, and a conduit 116 for dispensing the fluid from the sealed enclosure 112. Preferably, the sealed enclosure 112 is fabricated from food grade polyethylene sheet having a strength sufficient for retaining the fluid in the enclosure 112 and a thickness between 2 mil and 6 mil.

In one implementation of the invention, the sealed enclosure 112 is fabricated from a polyethylene sheet, 3 mil in thickness, and retains sterilized water therein. However, the sealed enclosure 112 may be fabricated from other suitable materials or from a different thickness of polyethylene sheet if desired.

Further, the sealed enclosure may contain other fluids, such as milk, juice, wine or soda, or may even contain gases, if the application so required.

The support means 114 comprises a carrier portion 118, and a collar 120 supporting the carrier portion 118. The carrier portion 118 is shaped as a paraboloid of revolution and retains the sealed enclosure 112 therein. Preferably, the support means 114 is fabricated from food grade virgin plastic resin, and the carrier portion 118 includes a plurality of integrally-molded strengthening ribs 122 extending inwardly from the collar 120 to impart stability to the support means 114. The carrier portion 118 is also integrally-molded with the collar 120. However, it should be understood that the carrier portion 118, the collar 120 and the ribs 122 may be manufactured as separate elements, and may be fabricated from other suitable materials if desired. Further, the paraboloid of revolution shape of the carrier portion 118 facilitates cleaning of the support means 114. However, as will become apparent, as a primary function of the carrier portion 118 is merely to support the sealed enclosure 112 while fluid is being drained from the sealed enclosure 112, the carrier portion 118S may adopt other shapes suitable for accomplishing this function without departing ftrm the scope of the invention.

A spigot 124 is provided in the carrier portion 118 for draining fluid from the sealed enclosure 112, and is positioned adjacent the lowermost portion of the carrier 118 to facilitate the flow of fluid from the sealed enclosure 112. As shown in Fig. 2, and with greater detail in Fig. 3, the spigot 124 extends through the carrier portion 118 and terminates in a sharp end for puncturing the sealed enclosure 112. As will be ZL discussed below, fluid is dispensed from the sealed enclosure 112 by first positioning the enclosure 112 on the support means 114 and allowing the spigot 124 to puncture the sealed enclosure 112. To prevent fluid loss between the enclosure 112 and the support means 114 after the sealed enclosure 112 is punctured, preferably the spigot 124 comprises a conical head portion 126 terminating in a sharp apex 128. The conical shape of the spigot 124 causes the punctured portion of the sealed enclosure 112 to exert a lateral sealing force against the spigot 124 under the weight of the fluid in the se~aled enclosure 112, thereby sealing the enclosure 112 to the spigot 124.

As shown in Fig. 3a, the head portion 126 of the spigot 124 extends upwards from the upper surface of the carrier portion 118, and includes a fluid passageway .130 extending through an aperture in the carrier portion 118. The outer surface of the fluid passageway 130 includes external screw threading 132 adjacent the end of the fluid passageway 130. Corresponding internal threads are provided in the conduit 116 for securing the spigot 124 to the carrier portion 118.

Th~e spigot 124 includes a plurality of fluid inlet ports 134 in fluid communication with the fluid passageway 130 for draining the fluid from the sealed enclosure 112. The fluid inlet ports 134 are positioned in the side wall of the head portion 126 adjacent the lowermost portion of the carrier portion 116 and the lowermost portion of the sealed enclosure. 112 to ensure that substantially all of the fluid in the enclosure 112 is dispensed. However, as the punctured portion of the sealed enclosure 112 is forced against the spigot 124 under the weight of the fluid in the sealed enclosure 112. the punctured portion may turn up slightly from the lowermost portion of the carrier portion 118, thereby exposing the fluid to a risk of contamination from the outer surface of the sealed enclosure 112. Accordingly, it is preferable that the fluid inlet ports 134 are positioned a distance above the lowermost portion of the carrier portion 118. Favourable results have been achieved with the fluid inlet ports 134 positioned between 0.25 cm and 1.0 cm, and preferably between 0.25 cm and 0.5 cm, above the lowermost portion of the carrier portion 118. For added protection against contamination, in one variation the fluid inlet ports 134 are positioned in the apex 128 of the head portion 126.

In one implementation of the invention, the support means 114 also includes a shoulder 136 adjacenitthe uppermost portion of the carrer portion 118, and a cover 138 resting on the shoulder 136 for further protection against contamination. In addition, a plurality of cooling elements 140 are disposed between the carrier portion 118 and the collar 120 for cooling the fluid in the sealed enclosure 112.

Alternately, the cooling elements 140 may be replaced with heating elements for dispensing heated fluid from the sealed enclosure 112. To facilitate the efficient cooling or heating of the fluid contained in the sealed enclosure, preferably the carrier portion 118 is fabricated from food grade virgin plastic resin with a thickness of about 125 thou (1/8 inch). Alternately, the cooling elements 140 may be positioned externally to the collar 120 if cooling or heating efficiency is not a primary concern.

The conduit 116 includes a user-operable valve 142 for controlling the rate flow of water through 14 the fluid passageway 130 and the conduit 116.

The collapsible sealed enclosure 112 will now be described with reference to Figs. 4A and 4B. As discussed above, preferably the enclosure 112 is fabricated from polyethylene sheet. The use of polyethylene sheet provides a lower cost alternative to the delivery of sterilized water than the conventional water bottle 20. Since the sealed enclosure 112 is collapsible and less expensive to manufacture than the 1- conventional water bottle 20, the enclosure 112 may be discarded after the supply of sterilized water contained in the enclosure 112 is exhausted. As a result the shipping and resterilization costs associated j with the prior art water dispenser 10 are not carried forward into the present invention.

In one implementation of the invention, the enclosure 112 comprises a pair of substantially identical q polyethylene sheets which are joined together through heat seals at the common bottom edge 144, side edges 146a, 146b, and top edge 148 of the polyethylene sheets. However, the heat seal at the top edge 148 only extends across a portion of the top edge 148, leaving a small aperture 150 for insertion of a filling nozzle (not shown). After the enclosure 112 is filled with the desired fluid, the filling nozzle is removed from the aperture 150, and the aperture 150 is sealed.

In another implementation of the invention, the enclosure 112 comprises a pair of substantially identical polyethylene sheets which are joined together through heat seals only at the common bottom edge 144, and side edges 146a, 146b. The enclosure 112 is then filed, and the top edges 148 of the polyethylene sheets drawn together for subsequent heat sealing.

To assist in carrying the enclosure 112 and inserting it into the support means 114, preferably the enclosure includes a handle 152 formed in the polyethylene sheets, a distance above the top edge 148. For hygiene and for added strength during storage and transport, preferably the enclosure 112 includes removable outer cover panels 154 which can be peeled away from the polyethylene sheets of the enclosure 112 immediately before use. The enclosure 112 can then be transported or stored in unsterilized reusable crates since the crates do not come into contact with the polyethylene sheets. In one implementation, a single removable outer panel 154 is provided on each polyethylene sheet of the enclosure 112. However, more cover panels 154 may be used, if desired, provided that they fit together to cover the outer surface of the polyethylene sheets.

One variation of the spigot 124 will now be discussed with reference to Fig. 5. The spigot 224, shown in Fig. 5, extends through the carner portion 118, and comprises a tubular head portion 226 terminating in a sharp open end 228 for puncturing the sealed enclosure 112, and a fluid passageway opening into the open end 228. The outer surface of the fluid passageway includes external screw threading 232 adjacent the end of the fluid passageway, and corresponding internal threads are provided in the conduit 116 for securing the spigot 224 to the carrier portion 118. Since the head portion 226 does not have a conical shape, the head portion 226 produces less strain on the punctured portion of the enclosure 112 than -7the head portion 126. Accordingly, the spigot 224 reduces the risk of the punctured portion turning up from the lowermost portion of the carrier portion 118, thereby also reducing the risk of contamination. However, the tubular shape of the head portion 226 also increases the possibility of fluid leakage occurring between the. spigot 224 and the punctured portion of the sealed enclosure 112. Accordingly, a sealing washer 234 is provided between the outer surface of the fluid passageway and the lower surface of the carrier portion 118 to reduce the likelihood of fluid leaking out of the carrier portion 1 18 from between the sealed eiclosure 112 and the spigot 224.

Another variation of the spigot 124 is shown in Figs. 6a and 6b. The spigot 324, shown in Fig. 6, comprises a conical head portion 326, extending upwards from the upper surface of the carrier portion 118 D and terminating in a sharp apex 328, and a fluid passageway 330 extending through an aperture 356 in the carrier portion 118. The spigot 324 includes a plurality of blades 358 extending radially outwards from the outer surface of the head portion 326 to more readily puncture the sealed enclosure 112. The blades 358 extend axially from the apex 328 and terminate a distance from the base 360 of the head portion 326 to allow the punctured portion of the sealed enclosure 112 to seal against the head portion 326. Fluid inlets 334 are provided between each adjacent pair of blades 358 and extend axially between the head portion 326 and the fluid passageway 330 to pass fluid from the sealed enclosure 112 to the fluid passageway 330.

The outer surface of the fluid passageway 330 is devoid of threads to reduce the risk of bacterial growth in the threads (and therefore in the fluid passageway). Similarly, the inner surface of the conduit 316 is devoid of threads. Instead, the outer surface of the fluid passageway 330 is tapered and the conical 0 head portion 326 of the spigot 324 is pressure fit through the aperture 356 in the carrier portion 118. The diameter of the head portion 326, at the base 360 thereof, is sli'ghtly larger than the diameter of the aperture 356 to secure the spigot 324 to the carrier portion 118. The thickness of the carrier portion 1 18 is increased adjacent the aperture 346 to allow the head portion 326 to be pressed through the aperture 356 without damaging the carrier portion 118. The conduit 316 is pressure fit onto the fluid passageway 330, and optionally includes a clamp (not shown) securing the conduit 316 to the fluid passageway 330.

In operation, the support means 114 is positioned on a substantially horizontal planar surface. The filled enclosure 112 is lifted from the shipping crate through the handle 152, and the cover panels 154 peeled off. The enclosure 112 is then positioned into the carrier portion 118 and the cover 138 laid upon the shoulder 136 of the support means 114 to protect the fluid from becoming contaminated. Since the enclosure 112 is sealed, no fluid will escape from the enclosure 112 while the enclosure 112 is being positioned into the carrier portion 118. Once the enclosure 112 is properly positioned in the carrier portion 118, the weight of the fluid in the enclosure 112 will exert a downward force on the sharp end of the spigot.

Generally, the weight of the fluid on the spigot will be sufficient to cause the spigot to puncture the enclosure 112. However, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to exert a downward force on the enclosure 112 of the cover 138 to allow the spigot to puncture the enclosure 112.

-8- 'I After the enclosure 112 is punctured by the spigot, the atmospheric pressure exerted on the )enclosure 112 will cause the enclosure 112 to collapse and the fluid retained in the enclosure 112 to flow through the fluid passageway 130 and into the conduit 116. The fluid can then be dispensed by operating the user-operable valve 142. If the cooling elements 140 are active, the fluid contained in the enclosure 112 (and thus the fluid being dispensed) will be chilled.

A fluid dispenser 410, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, will now be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. The fluid dispenser 4 10 comprises a collapsible sealed enclosure 112 containing fluid therein, support means 414 for supporting the enclosure 112, and a reservoir 18 for retaining and dispensing a portion of the fluid from the enclosure 112. The support means 414 is substantially similar to the support means 114, and comprises a carrier portion 418, and a collar 420 supporting the carrier portion 418. Pr~eferably, the carrier portion 418 is fabricated from food grade virgin plastic resin, and includes a plurality of strengthening ribs 422 integrally molded with the collar 420 to impart stability to the support means 414. A spigot 124 is provided in the carrier portion 418 for puncturing the enclosure 112 after the enclosure 112 is positioned in the carrier portion 418. The spigot 124 includes a fluid passageway extending through an aperture in the carrier portion 218. Preferably, the support means 414 also includes a shoulder 436 adjacent the uppermost portion of the carrier portion 418, and a cover 438 resting on the shoulder 436 to protect the inside of the carrier portion 418 from contamination.

However, unlike the support means 114, the support means 414 is shaped to be disposed on top of a water cooler housing 12 and, together with the enclosure 112, is designed to be used in replacement of the conventional rigid plastic water bottle 22. The water cooler housing 12 includes an access tap 14 for dispensing portions of the fluid, and a flow-control valve 16 provided in the access tap 14 for allowing water to be drawn from the dispenser 4 10. The reservoir 18 is disposed within the housing 12 below the sealed enclosure 112, and includes an open mouth 460 through which fluid may flow into the interior of the reservoir 18. Preferably a plurality of cooling or heating elements 20 are arranged around the reservoir 18 to cool or heat the fluid prior to being dispensed.

The reservoir 18 communicates with the spigot 124 through a conduit 416 extending between the spigot 124 and the reservoir 18 for conducting fluid from the enclosure 112 to the reservoir 18. The conduit 416 includes a flow control valve 462 for controlling the flow of fluid from the enclosure 112. Preferably, the flow control valve 462 comprises a ballcock control valve positioned in the reservoir 18, including a flotation ball 464 which floats on the surface of the fluid therein. As a result, the flow control valve 462 allows fluid flow from the enclosure 112 into the reservoir 18 when the level of fluid in the reservoir 18 drops below a desired level, and terminates the fluid flow from the enclosure 112 when the level of fluid in the reservoir 18 reaches the desired level.

For further protection against contamination of the fluid, preferably the reservoir I8 includes a cover 466 which covers a substantial portion of the mouth 466, leaving only a small aperture (not shown) I through which the conduit 416 extends. In addition, to reduce the likelihood of contaminated fluid leaking L4 out of the support means 414, from between the sealed enclosure 112 and the spigot 124 and into the reservoir 18, a sealing washer (not shown) is provided between the outer surface of the fluid passageway and the lower surface of the carrier portion 418.

The fluid dispenser 410 operates in a manner similar to the fluid dispensing system 110.

Specifically, the support means 414 is positioned on top of the water cooler housing 12. The filled enclosure 112 is positioned into the carrier portion 418 and the cover 43 8 is laid upon the shoulder 436 of I the support means 414. Once the enclosure 112 is properly positioned -in the carrer portion 418, generally the weight of the fluid in the enclosure 112 will be sufficient to cause the spigot 124 to puncture the enclosure 112. However, as discussed above, in some circumstances, it may be necessary to exert a Idownward force on the enclosure 112 to allow the spigot 124 to puncture the enclosure 112.

After the enclosure 112 is punctured by the spigot 124, the atmospheric pressure exerted on the enclosure 112 will cause the enclosure 112 to collapse and the fluid retained in the enclosure 112 to flow through the conduit 416 and into the reservoir 18. The fluid will continue to flow until the level fluid has risen to the desired level. At this point, ftirther fluid flow will be terminated by the flow control valve 462.

The fluid can then be dispensed from the reservoir 18 by operating the flow-control valve 16 in the access tap 14. If the cooling elements 20 are active, the fluid contained in the reservoir 18 (and thus the fluid being dispensed) will be chilled.

The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Those of ordinary skill will be able to make certain additions, deletions and/or modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the -context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises' or "1comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an Documcn34.19/00/6 0 C acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

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Claims (22)

1. A fluid dispensing system comprising: a spigot capable of puncturing a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid and thereby creating a seal between said spigot and said enclosure as a result of a generally lateral force between said enclosure and said spigot; a support means for providing support to said enclosure at least after said enclosure is punctured by said spigot; at least one fluid inlet port on said spigot, said fluid inlet port being in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through which fluid from said enclosure can be drained; a first fluid control valve, the operation of which may effect dispensing of fluid from said enclosure.

2. The fluid dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising: a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid; a seal between said spigot and said enclosure at a location of puncture of said enclosure by said spigot, said seal resulting from a generally lateral force exerted against said spigot at least in part by said enclosure.

3. The fluid dispensing system of claim 2 wherein said generally lateral force creating said seal results in part from a weight of said fluid contained in said enclosure.

4. The fluid dispensing system of claim 2 further comprising a handle on said enclosure. The fluid dispensing system of claim 2 wherein said enclosure further comprises a protective outer layer that is removed from said enclosure prior to said enclosure being punctured by said spigot.

6. The fluid dispensing system of claim 5 wherein said protective outer layer comprises outer cover panels.

7. The fluid dispensing system of either claims 1 or 2 wherein said support means includes a carrier portion for providing support to said enclosure from underneath said enclosure.

8. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7 further comprising at least one cooling or heating element disposed adjacent to said carrier portion. P:\WPDOES.RS'PECI\P12709371 d-2OJ09/06

12- 9. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7 wherein said support means further comprises a collar potion for supporting said carrier portion. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7 wherein said spigot is positioned at or adjacent to a lowermost portion of said carrier portion. 11. The fluid dispensing system of claim 7 wherein said spigot comprises a tubular portion extending above said carrier portion. 12. The fluid dispensing system of claim 11 wherein said generally lateral force is exerted against said tubular portion.

13. The fluid dispensing system of either claims 1 or 2 further comprising a reservoir for containing fluid drained through said fluid passageway from said enclosure; wherein said dispensing valve controls dispensing from said reservoir.

14. The fluid dispensing system of claim 13 further comprising a flow control valve connected to said fluid passageway in a position between said fluid in said enclosure and said fluid in said reservoir.

15. The fluid dispensing system of claim 13 wherein said flow control valve is a ball cock valve having a ball which moves in relation to the level of fluid in said reservoir.

16. The fluid dispensing system of claim 13 further comprising at least one cooling or heating element positioned adjacent to said reservoir.

17. A method for dispensing fluid comprising the steps of: positioning a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid in contact with a support means for supporting said enclosure against a weight of said enclosure and said fluid contained therein; puncturing said enclosure with a spigot so as to create a seal between said spigot and said enclosure at a location of puncture, said seal resulting from a generally lateral force exerted against said spigot at least in part by said enclosure; draining said fluid from said enclosure through an inlet port on said spigot into a fluid passageway; and dispensing said fluid from said dispensing system through a dispensing valve.

18. The method for dispensing fluid of claim 17 wherein said generally lateral force creating said seal results in part from a weight of said fluid contained in said enclosure. P:\WPDOCSIARSPECIEI2703771 dr-20/09/06 13-

19. The method for dispensing fluid of claim 17 further comprising the step of removing a protective outer layer from said enclosure prior to puncturing said enclosure. The method for dispensing fluid of claim 17 wherein said step of draining said fluid results in a portion of said fluid being contained in a reservoir prior to dispensing.

21. The method for dispensing fluid of claim 20 further comprising the step of controlling said draining of said fluid from said enclosure by use of a flow control valve connected to said fluid passageway in a position between said fluid in said enclosure and said fluid in said reservoir.

22. A fluid dispensing system comprising: a collapsible sealed enclosure containing fluid; a spigot capable of puncturing said enclosure; a support means for providing support to said enclosure at least after said enclosure is punctured by said spigot; a reservoir for containing fluid drained from said enclosure; at least one fluid inlet port on said spigot, said fluid inlet port being in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through which fluid from said enclosure can be drained into said reservoir; a flow control valve connected to said fluid passageway in a position between said fluid in said enclosure and said fluid in said reservoir.

23. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22 wherein said fluid control valve is a ball cock valve.

24. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22 further comprising at least one cooling or heating element positioned adjacent to said reservoir. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22 wherein said enclosure further comprises a protective outer layer that is removed from said enclosure prior to said enclosure being punctured by said spigot.

26. The fluid dispensing system of claim 25 wherein said protective outer layer comprises outer cover panels.

27. The fluid dispensing system of claim 22 wherein said spigot comprises a conical head portion terminating in a sharp apex.

28. The fluid dispensing system of claim 27 wherein said spigot further comprises a P:\WPDOCS\ARS\.PECIE12709371 doc-20JI910 S-14- plurality of blades extending outward from said conical head portion. O 29. The fluid dispensing system of claim 27 wherein said spigot further comprises a tubular portion. A fluid dispensing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. C I 31. A method for dispensing fluid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to N the accompanying drawings.