AU2012265608A1 - Liquid dispensing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid dispensing unit (3) for dispensing a liquid comprising: an outlet (9); a valve (4) having an open condition for allowing the liquid to flow from the outlet (9), and a closed condition for stopping the liquid flow; a first user interface means (7); and a second user interface means (11); wherein in use, operation of the first or second user interface means operates to mechanically open the valve (4) to the open condition. Ifl Figure 1

Description

P/00/0 11 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Liquid dispensing unit The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 2 LIQUID DISPENSING UNIT Field of the invention The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing unit. In particular, the liquid dispensing unit dispenses liquids suitable for human consumption, including but not limited to, 5 water coolers, hot water urns, soda (soft-drink) fountains and other beverage dispensers. Background of the invention Known liquid dispensing units for consumable liquids, such as those provided in water coolers and soda fountains, typically have a spout for dispensing liquids, and a lever located generally below and offset from the spout. The lever is operatively coupled with a liquid 10 regulator, such as a valve, and on actuation of the lever, the regulator allows liquid to be dispensed from the spout. Such an arrangement allows simple single-handed operation by the user to fill a vessel, such as a cup, with liquid. In operation, the user may simply grasp the cup with one hand, locate the cup generally below the spout, and push the lever laterally with the side of the cup to 15 dispense the liquid. Once the desired amount is dispensed, the user can move the cup to release the lever and stop the liquid flow from the spout. Characteristically in this known arrangement, the lever needs to be displaced laterally to allow liquid flow from the spout. For vessels with large openings, and in particular openings which extend to the side of the vessel, such a typical cup, this known arrangement may be 20 acceptable as lateral movement of the cup to operate the lever will still allow the opening to be positioned directly below the spout. However, for vessels with smaller openings, or openings which are substantially narrower relative to the overall body of the vessel, such as bottles, this can be problematic. Firstly, moving the lever with the sides of the bottle may position the opening of the bottle away from 25 the optimal position below the spout. Secondly the user may attempt to use the rim of the opening or neck of the bottle to operate the lever, to locate the opening to a position below the spout. However, this may transfer bacteria and other pathogens between the lever and the rim of the bottle which may subsequently come in contact with the user's lips. Thirdly, the user may 3 grasp the bottle with one hand and with one finger extended, and using the extended finger, operate the lever whilst trying to position the opening of the bottle underneath the spout. Disadvantageously, this requires judgement on the required extension distance of the finger by the user. Furthermore, the contact of one user's finger with the lever may also transmit 5 pathogens to the rim of a bottle of another user as discussed above. Reference to any prior art in the specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be ascertained, understood and regarded as relevant by a person skilled in the art. 10 Summary of the invention In a first aspect, there is provided a liquid dispensing unit for dispensing a liquid comprising: an outlet; a valve having an open condition for allowing the liquid to flow from the outlet, and a closed condition for stopping the liquid flow; a first user interface means; and a second user interface means; wherein in use, activation of either the first or second user interface 15 means operates to mechanically open the valve to the open condition. In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, operation of the first user interface means operates the valve to the open condition, and operation of the second user interface means operates the first user interface means to open the valve to the open condition. In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the valve comprises; a valve body having a 20 valve outlet; and a valve stem moveable along a stem axis between an open position and a closed position; wherein if the valve is in the open condition, the valve stem is in the open position to allow liquid to flow out of the valve outlet, and if the valve is in the closed condition, the valve stem is in the closed position to stop liquid from flowing out of the valve outlet. In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the first user interface means comprises: a first 25 lever body pivotally moveable between a first position and a second position around a first pivot, the first pivot offset from the stem axis; and a coupling for coupling the first lever body to the valve stem; wherein if the first lever body is in the first position, the valve stem is in the closed condition, and if the first lever body is moved towards the second position, the valve stem is moved towards the open position.

4 In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the second user interface means comprises: a second lever movable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein if the second lever is moved towards the fourth position, the second lever operates to move the first lever body towards the second position, thereby moving the valve stem towards the open position. 5 In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the first lever body further comprises a first abutment surface, and the second user interface means further comprises: a second lever body, having the second lever, and a second abutment surface, wherein if the second lever is moved towards the fourth position, the second abutment surface contacts the first abutment surface to urge the first lever body towards the second position. 10 In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the first lever body is a separate component to the second lever body, and wherein in use, movement of the second lever towards the fourth position to urge the first lever to the second position is non-reciprocating. This allows a user to operate the first interface means by moving the first lever to the second position, whilst the second lever (of the second interface means) can remain stationary at the third position without 15 moving to the fourth position. In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the valve is operably biased to the closed condition. In a further form, the valve stem is biased to the closed position. In one form, the first lever body is biased to the first position. In a further form, the second lever is biased to the third position. 20 The bias may be in the form of a spring, including helical, leaf, or torsion springs. Alternatively, the bias may be achieved by use of a resilient member. In one form of the liquid dispensing unit, the first user interface means has a first operating surface, and the second user interface means has a second operating surface, wherein the outlet is located between the first and second operating surfaces. 25 In one form, the first operating surface is substantially perpendicular to the second operating surface. In a further form, the first operating surface is substantially vertical and located below the outlet. In a further form, the second operating surface is located above the outlet. In yet a further form, the second operating surface is substantially horizontal.

5 In another aspect, there is provided a liquid dispensing unit for dispensing a liquid comprising: an outlet; a valve having an open condition for allowing the liquid to flow from the outlet, and a closed condition for stopping the liquid flow; a first lever; and a second lever; wherein in use, operation of the first or second levers acts to mechanically open the valve to the 5 open condition. In another aspect, there is provided a liquid dispensing system comprising: a storage vessel for storing liquid; and a liquid dispensing unit according to any one of the forms described above for dispensing liquid from the storage vessel, wherein the storage vessel is fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit, and wherein liquid flow from the water storage vessel to 10 the liquid dispensing unit is by force of gravity. In yet another aspect, there is provided a liquid dispensing system comprising: a storage vessel for storing liquid; and a liquid dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims for dispensing liquid from the storage vessel, wherein the storage vessel is fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit, and wherein liquid flow from the water storage vessel to 15 the liquid dispensing unit is by force of a pump. In one form, the liquid dispensing system further comprises one or more additional storage vessels fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit. In a further form, the liquid dispensing system is a drinking water dispenser. As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and 20 variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps. Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 25 Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid dispensing unit with two operating levers biased towards the rest position and the valve in the closed condition; Fig. 2 is a side view of a part of the liquid dispensing unit in Fig. 1; 6 Fig. 3 is a sectioned side view of Fig. 2, illustrating a valve stem of the valve in a closed position; Fig. 4 is a sectioned perspective view of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is an alternative sectioned perspective view of Fig. 2; 5 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the liquid dispensing unit of Fig. 1, with a first operating lever operated to open the valve to the open condition, and with a second operating lever in the rest position; Fig. 7 is a side view of a part of the liquid dispensing unit in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a sectioned side view of Fig. 7, illustrating a valve stem of the valve in an open 10 position; Fig. 9 is a sectioned perspective view of Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is an alternative sectioned perspective view of Fig. 7; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the liquid dispensing unit of Fig. 1, with the second operating lever operated to operate the first operating lever, the first operating lever in turn 15 operating to open the valve to the open condition; Fig. 12 is a side view of a part of the liquid dispensing unit in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a sectioned side view of Fig. 12, illustrating a valve stem of the valve in an open position; Fig. 14 is a sectioned perspective view of Fig. 12; 20 Fig. 15 is an alternative sectioned perspective view of Fig. 12; Detailed description of the embodiments An embodiment of the liquid dispensing unit will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates a water dispenser 1 with a liquid dispensing unit 3 enabling a user to dispense liquid, in the form of water, from a water tank 5 fluidly connected 25 and gravity fed to the liquid dispensing unit 3. The liquid dispensing unit 3 has a valve 4 fluidly 7 connected to the water tank, that can be opened or closed to control liquid flow through the liquid dispensing unit 3 from the water tank 5. An outlet 9 is provided downstream of the valve 4 for dispensing water from the liquid dispensing unit 3 when the valve is in an open condition. A first user interface means 7 is provided to allow the user to operate the valve 4 from a closed 5 condition where liquid is stopped from flowing (as shown in Figs. 1 to 5) to the open condition (as shown in Figs. 6 to 10). A second user interface means 11, is provided as an alternative means for the user to operate the valve 4 from the closed condition to the open condition (as shown in Figs. 11 to 15). The liquid dispensing unit 10 Referring to Figs. 3 and 8, the valve 4 has a valve body 13 with a valve inlet 14 and a valve outlet 15, and a valve stem 17 movable along stem axis AB between a closed position (as shown in Fig. 3) and an open position (as shown in Fig. 8). The valve stem 17 is provided with a seal, in the form of a silicone plug 19, such that when the valve stem 17 is in a closed position, the valve stem 17 and silicone plug 19 seal the valve outlet 15 to prevent liquid from flowing 15 though the valve 4. A bias, in the form of a helical return spring 21, biases the valve stem 17 to the closed position. When the valve stem 17 is in the open position, liquid is allowed to flow through the valve 4 by entering via valve inlet 14 and exiting via the valve outlet 15. Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, the first user interface means 7 has a first lever body 23 pivotally moveable from a first position (as shown in Fig. 2) to a second position (as shown in 20 Fig. 7) around a first pivot 25. The first pivot 25, which slides on a top surface 27 of the valve body 13, is offset from the stem axis AB. The first user interface 7 further comprises a coupling (in the region of 29) between the first lever body 23 and the valve stem 17. The coupling is in the form of a pair of opposing bosses (not shown) on the first lever body 23 extending towards the stem axis AB and received in a corresponding pair of recesses (not shown) on opposite sides 25 of the valve stem 17. This coupling allows the first lever body 23 to pivot relative to valve stem 17, whilst coupling these two components together for translational movement of the valve stem. It would be appreciated, other mechanical equivalents of this coupling may be used. The first user interface 7 also has a first operating surface 31, which is substantially vertical and below the outlet 9. The first operating surface 31 is provided to receive a force in 30 direction C to actuate the first lever body 23. Typically, this force would be imparted from the 8 side wall of a receiving vessel (not shown) such as a cup. The force in direction C would cause the first lever body 23 to pivotally move from the first position (as shown in Fig. 2) to the second position (as shown in Fig. 7). This movement causes the coupled valve stem 17 to move along the stem axis AB towards the open condition, against the bias of the return spring 21 (as shown 5 in Fig. 8) to permit liquid flow through the valve 4. Referring to Figs. 5 and 15, the second user interface 11 has a second lever body 35 with a second lever 33, pivotally movable from a third position (as shown in Fig. 5) and a fourth position (as shown in Fig. 15). The second lever body 35 pivots around a second pivot 37, provided here by a pivot pin and aperture arrangement. The second lever body 35 has a second 10 abutment surface 39 arranged to abut a first abutment surface 24 of the first lever body 23 when the second user interface means 11 is operated. The second abutment surface 39 of the second lever body 35 has a stepped configuration to provide a multi-faceted abutment surface. This is complemented with a corresponding multi-faceted first abutment surface 24 of the first lever body 23, which in the illustrated embodiment is L-shaped. However, it is to be appreciated the 15 first and second abutment surfaces may each be a single planar surface. A further biasing means, in the form of a second return spring 41, is provided to bias the second lever body 35 to the third position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second return spring 41 biases the second lever body 35 only and is independent of the first lever body 23. This allows the second lever body 35 to remain in the third position when the first lever body 23 is moved to the second position by 20 actuating force in direction C against the first operating surface 31 (as shown in Fig. 7). This non-reciprocating action of the second user interface means 11 may provide improved visual appeal to the user as the second user interface means 11 will not move when the user is operating the liquid dispensing unit 3 by the first user interface means 7 only. Conversely, it may be advantageous for the first lever body 23 to move when operating the liquid dispensing unit 3, as 25 this will move the first lever body 23 away from the region immediately below the outlet 9, and may reduce any interference of the first lever body 23 with the receiving vessel or hand of the user. This is best illustrated when comparing Fig. 2 and Fig. 12, where it is clear in Fig. 12 that the first lever body 23 is displaced to the second position away from the region below the outlet 9. In an alternative embodiment, movement of the first lever body 23 may move the second 30 lever body 35, thereby providing a reciprocating action between the first and second user interface means 7, 11.

9 The second lever 33 of the second user interface 11 also has a second operating surface 43, which is located at a separate location to the first operating surface 31 of the first user interface means 7. In this embodiment, the first and second operating surfaces 31, 43 are arranged so the outlet 9 is located therebetween. This provides separate and distinct means to 5 operate the liquid dispensing unit 3. Referring to Fig. 5, in this embodiment the second operating surface 43 is substantially horizontal, upward facing and located above the outlet 9 when the second lever body 35 is at rest in the third position. The second operating surface 43 is provided to receive an actuating force in direction D to move the second lever body 35 towards the fourth position. As the second lever body 35 moves towards the fourth position, the second 10 abutment surface 39 abuts the first abutment surface 24 to urge the first lever body 23 from the first position to the second position. Consequently, the valve stem 17 is moved by the first lever body towards the open position to allow water to flow through the valve 4 to dispense water from the outlet 9. The second operating surface 43 and second lever 33 may be actuated by the hand of the user. 15 Method of operation The operation of the liquid dispensing unit 3 of the water dispenser 1 will now be described. Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, the water dispenser 1 is at rest with the valve 4 in the closed condition, valve stem 17 at the closed position, first lever body 23 in the first position and the second lever body 35 in the third position. This is the state of the liquid dispensing unit 3 when 20 it is not in use, i.e. not dispensing liquid. To operate the liquid dispensing unit 3 to dispense water from the water dispenser 1, the user has a choice of using either the first user interface means 7 or the second user interface means 11. The choice is at the convenience of the user, with each having advantages. When operating using the first user interface means 7 (as shown in Figs. 7 to 10), the user 25 may hold the receiving vessel, such as a cup (not shown) with one hand, and locate the opening of the cup below the outlet 9. The cup is then moved laterally so that the side wall of the cup contacts and pushes the first operating surface 31 in direction C, causing the first lever body 23 to move towards the second position. This in turn moves the valve stem 17 towards the open position, thereby allowing water to flow through the valve 4 and dispense water via outlet 9 into 30 the cup located below. Advantageously, this allows the user to operate the liquid dispensing unit 10 3 with a one-handed operation. This method of operating may be especially useful for dispensing liquids into a receiving vessel having a large opening relative to the vessel body, such as a cup. Alternatively, the liquid dispensing unit is operated by the second user interface means 11 5 (as shown in Figs. 11 to 15), by holding and locating the receiving vessel, such as a bottle (not shown), so that the opening is located below the outlet 9. The user may then push down on the second operating surface 43 in direction D to move the second lever body 35 towards the fourth position. Consequently, the first lever body 23 moves towards the second position, thereby moving the valve stem 17 towards the open position and allowing water to flow through the 10 valve 4 to dispense water via outlet 9 and into the bottle located below. Advantageously, this provides the user a more convenient option to dispense water into a receiving vessel with a narrow opening, or an opening substantially narrower relative to the overall body of the vessel, such as a bottle. Advantages 15 In addition to the advantages discussed above, the liquid dispensing unit may also have the following advantages. The provision of two user interface means to operate the liquid dispensing unit provides the user with more choice in how to operate the unit. With the first user interface means, the liquid dispensing unit allows simple one-handed operation which is convenient when filling a 20 receiving vessel with a relatively large opening such as a cup. With the second user interface means, the liquid dispensing unit provides an alternative method of operation for precise filling of the receiving vessel, whereby the user can operate the liquid dispensing unit without moving the entire receiving vessel to start and stop the flow of liquid. This latter method is especially advantageous for receiving vessels with small openings, where movement of the receiving 25 vessel would cause the opening of the vessel to move away from the desired location under the dispensing outlet. Such receiving vessels may include bottles, including disposable and nondisposable water bottles. An advantage of the second user interface means, as an alternative mode of operation, is it may reduce the tendency of users to attempt to use the rim of the opening, or neck of a bottle 30 to operate the liquid dispensing unit. As discussed in the background, this tendency was to 11 compensate for the deficiencies in prior art liquid dispensing units, and was problematic in that bacteria and other pathogens may be transferred from the rim or neck of the bottle and components of the liquid dispensing unit. Thus the disclosed liquid dispensing unit may improve health and hygiene. The liquid dispensing unit may also reduce the other problems discussed 5 above in the prior art. An advantage of an embodiment of the liquid dispensing unit is having the option of two user interface means, whilst having a single valve only. This reduces complexity and costs associated with having two separate valves. An advantage of the embodiment described above is providing the liquid gravity feed to 10 the liquid dispensing unit, and the use of a mechanical valve. This reduces the complexity and costs of an alternative that may require a pump and/or electrical or electronically controlled valve(s). An advantage of an embodiment is to have the first user interface means actuating the valve stem, and the second user interface means indirectly actuating the valve stem by actuating 15 the first user interface means. This avoids the possible complexities of having both the first and second user interface means directly actuating the valve stem, which may be difficult due to space and/or size constraints. As only one coupling is required on the valve stem, instead of two couplings for each respective user interface, a single coupling can be made stronger and more robust in the given size and space constraints. 20 Variations The liquid dispensing unit has been described above in the context of use in a water dispenser. However, it is to be appreciated the liquid dispensing unit may be used for dispensing other liquids suitable for human consumption. This includes use of the liquid dispensing unit in a soda (soft drink) dispenser, and other beverage dispensers. 25 The water dispenser having the liquid dispensing unit described above may also include a water filter thereby allowing the water dispenser to dispense filtered water. Furthermore the water dispenser may include a chiller to cool the water before dispensing. In the illustrated embodiment, the water dispenser 1 is provided with a single water tank 5 fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit 3. However, two or more water tanks may be 12 connected to the liquid dispensing unit 3. In one form, the liquid in the two or more tanks may be identical. Alternatively, the liquid in the two or more tanks may have different characteristics, including the type of liquid or the temperature of the liquid. The illustrated embodiment shows the water tank 5 located in the top half of the water 5 dispenser 1. However, it is to be appreciated one or more of the water tanks 5 may be located elsewhere, including partly or fully at the middle or lower half of the water dispenser 1. In one embodiment, a water tank fluidly connected to and located below the valve 4, may be pressurised by fluid pressure from another water tank through a fluid connection therebetween. In another embodiment, the liquid dispensing system may include a pump for pumping 10 liquid from a storage vessel (such as a water tank) to the liquid dispensing unit. In an alternative embodiment, the water dispenser may include a heater or boiler to enable dispensing of hot water. In another embodiment, the water dispenser may include an insulated water tank to allow the user to fill the water tank with hot/cold water and to reduce heat loss or absorption of the water over time. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by 15 providing the liquid dispensing unit in a hot water um. In the described embodiment above, the second user interface means included a separate second lever body 35. However, it can be appreciated the second user interface may be an extension fixed to the first lever body 23. For example, the second user interface with a second operating surface may be a second lever extending from the first lever body 23 in an area 20 different from the first operating surface 31. This provides two separate and distinct operating surfaces for the user to manipulate for operation of the liquid dispensing unit. In another alternative embodiment, the first user interface means 7 may be mechanically linked to the second user interface means 11. This may be in the form of linkages, gears, and other intermediate part(s) which allows operation of the second user interface means 11 to 25 operate the first user interface means to open the valve 4. In the illustrated embodiment described, the first lever body 23 of the first user interface 7 is described to move from a first position to second position around a first pivot 25. However, it is to be appreciated in other embodiments that the first user interface 7 may include a body that 13 moves in other forms of motion, such as linear motion, to operate the valve 4 to the open condition. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident 5 from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. A liquid dispensing unit for dispensing a liquid comprising: - an outlet; - a valve having an open condition for allowing the liquid to flow from the outlet, 5 and a closed condition for stopping the liquid flow; - a first user interface means; and - a second user interface means; wherein in use, activation of the first or second user interface means operates to mechanically open the valve to the open condition. 10

2. A liquid dispensing unit according to any preceding claim wherein operation of the first user interface means operates the valve to the open condition, and operation of the second user interface means operates the first user interface means to open the valve to the open condition.

3. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 15 valve comprises; - a valve body having a valve outlet; and - a valve stem moveable along a stem axis between an open position and a closed position, wherein if the valve is in the open condition, the valve stem is in the open position 20 to allow liquid to flow out of the valve outlet, and if the valve is in the closed condition, the valve stem is in the closed position to stop liquid from flowing out of the valve outlet.

4. A liquid dispensing unit according to claim 3, wherein the first user interface means comprises: - a first lever body pivotally moveable between a first position and a second 25 position around a first pivot, the first pivot offset from the stem axis; and 15 - a coupling for coupling the first lever body to the valve stem; wherein if the first lever body is in the first position, the valve stem is in the closed condition, and if the first lever body is moved towards the second position, the valve stem is moved towards the open position.

5 5. A liquid dispensing unit according to claim 4, wherein the second user interface means comprises: - a second lever movable from a third position to a fourth position, wherein if the second lever is moved towards the fourth position, the second lever operates to move the first lever body towards the second position, thereby moving the valve stem 10 towards the open position.

6. A liquid dispensing unit according to claim 5, wherein the first lever body further comprises a first abutment surface, and the second user interface means further comprises: - a second lever body, having the second lever, and a second abutment surface, wherein if the second lever is moved towards the fourth position, the second 15 abutment surface contacts the first abutment surface to urge the first lever body towards the second position.

7. A liquid dispensing unit according to either claim 5 or 6 wherein the first lever body is a separate component to the second lever body, and wherein in use, movement of the second lever towards the fourth position to urge the first lever to the second position is non 20 reciprocating.

8. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first lever body is biased to the first position.

9. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the second lever is biased to the third position. 25

10. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first user interface means has a first operating surface, and the second user interface means has a 16 second operating surface, wherein the outlet is located between the first and second operating surfaces.

11. A liquid dispensing unit according to claim 10, wherein the first operating surface is substantially perpendicular to the second operating surface. 5

12. A liquid dispensing unit according to either claim 10 or 11, wherein the first operating surface is substantially vertical and located below the outlet.

13. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second operating surface is located above the outlet.

14. A liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the 10 second operating surface is substantially horizontal.

15. A liquid dispensing unit for dispensing a liquid comprising: - an outlet; - a valve having an open condition for allowing the liquid to flow from the outlet, and a closed condition for stopping the liquid flow; 15 - a first lever; and - a second lever; wherein in use, operation of the first or second levers acts to mechanically open the valve to the open condition.

16. A liquid dispensing system comprising: 20 - a storage vessel for storing liquid; and - a liquid dispensing unit according to any one of the preceding claims for dispensing liquid from the storage vessel, wherein the storage vessel is fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit, and wherein liquid flow from the water storage vessel to the liquid dispensing unit is by force of gravity. 17

17. A liquid dispensing system comprising: - a storage vessel for storing liquid; and - a liquid dispensing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for dispensing liquid from the storage vessel, 5 wherein the storage vessel is fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit, and wherein liquid flow from the water storage vessel to the liquid dispensing unit is by force of a pump.

18. A liquid dispensing system according to either claim 16 or 17, further comprising one or more additional storage vessels fluidly connected to the liquid dispensing unit.

19. A liquid dispensing system according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the 10 liquid dispensing system is a drinking water dispenser.