Alcoholic beverage dispensing system

Abstract

An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising a mother bag having and a plurality of pouches contained within the mother bag. One or more of the pouches includes an alcoholic beverage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/743,613, filed Mar. 21, 2006 and provisional application Ser. No. 60/797,134, filed May 3, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is a system and method for storing, transporting, and dispensing predictable, repeatable, measured amounts of an alcoholic beverage for consumption.

2. Background Art

In the beverage dispensing industry, it would be desirable to store a measured amount of alcoholic beverage in a container that does not deform (like a can) or break (like a bottle). Ideally, the container would have a fixed internal volume that could safely accommodate over time a predictable, measured amount (for example, one- or two-shots) of an alcoholic beverage for human consumption.

Traditionally, miniaturized glass bottles that conventionally contain small amounts of alcohol need to be disposed of after the contents are emptied. Bottles, whether broken or not, contribute to the general problems and volume of safe waste disposal. By nature of the mother bag having a ready opening, it may be convenient to place the empty pouches into the opening of the mother bag for contained disposal of the entire waste generated.

On airplanes, for example, the amount of storage space that is available to accommodate unconsumed miniaturized bottles is limited. Similarly, space available to store the bottles after they are emptied is also limited.

In the transportation industry, the problems of payload and weight also deserve consideration. In some cases, the industry has turned to using plastic containers for beverages. Such containers weigh less than a similarly sized glass container.

One societal problem relates to alcoholic drinking and driving. A causative factor is the perhaps understandable desire of a bartender to ingratiate himself with a customer by generously over-pouring more than one shot of an alcoholic beverage while the customer pays for only one shot. It would therefore be desirable to have readily available a system for dispensing alcoholic beverages in fixed amounts so that both the bartender and the customer respectively know what they are dispensing and consuming. In turn, this may lead to a decline in alcohol-related highway accidents. The consumer or bartender may therefore be able to follow the states charting guidelines that estimate the alcohol that can be consumed per hour.

Among the art identified in a pre-filing preliminary investigation are the following published patent applications and issued U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,903,841; 5,060,835; 5,240,158; 5,890,636; 5,937,617; 6,328,193; 6,652,144; 6,662,829; 6,610,338; D255,621; D291,623; D333,570; D344,178; D444,295S; 2003/0213707 A1; 2004/0040982; 2004/0118859; 2005/0079251; and 2005/0147329.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address these needs, the invention generally relates to an alcoholic beverage dispensing system in which alcohol for consumption is packaged in sachets or pouches (hereinafter collectively “pouches”). In one embodiment, the pouches can be, but are not limited to 25 ml in volume. In some embodiments, the pouches are the same size. In other embodiments, the pouches are of different sizes. The pouches may contain the same alcoholic beverage. But in other applications, pouches may be assembled so that a grouping may contain more than one type of alcohol. In some cases, alcohols may be pre-mixed within a given pouch.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the pouches are assembled in a mother bag. For example, in one embodiment the mother bag has a re-sealable opening, or a tamper-proof seal which may include, but not be limited to a heat seal.

Because the tamper-proof seal needs to be broken to open or access the contents of the mother bag, a further benefit is that it cannot be opened and re-closed without the integrity of the dispenser being visibly damaged. The mother pouch and its member pouches appear as the original product, intact, as per manufacturer's quality control. This, in turn, will assure consumers that they are in possession of an unadulterated, non-tampered package, which may pass through several hands before appearing on the retailer's shelf for sale.

Prior art carriers, such as cartons or cardboard boxes, can be opened and re-closed with shrink wrapping or adhesive tape that is commonly used to close these forms of containers. This suggests that these forms of packaging are not “fool proof” to tampering.

Another example of the mother bag packaging may involve a vacuum seal. In this example, air is evacuated from the mother bag after the pouches have been loaded into the mother bag. This configuration confers economy in packing density. Likewise, the individual pouches themselves may be so filled with alcohol as to allow any air in the pouch to be evacuated. Other forms of mother bag packaging may involve the use of other gases or other fluids, such as fill material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the mother bag is supported by an arcuate gusset that enables the mother bag to be self-supporting in the upright position. Alternatively, the view could be considered as a top plan view of a recumbent bag when, for example, it may be lying flat on a storage shelf. The zip lock reseal lines enable resealing between uses;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system in which the mother bag is a flat pouch that is not self-supporting;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system but without the zip lock reseal lines;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system. As in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the mother bag is supported by an arcuate gusset that enables the mother bag to be self-supporting in the upright position, but this embodiment lacks the zip lock reseal lines;

FIG. 5 depicts multiple sealed pouches that are detachable by perforations between the pouches so that a detached single pouch may remain sealed on all four sides (Embodiment A);

FIG. 6 depicts multiple heat sealed pouches that are connected at their top edges by a strip. They are detachable from the strip by tearing perforations at the top edge of the pouch. This enables the detached single pouches to remain sealed on all four sides (Embodiment B);

FIG. 7 depicts multiple heat sealed triangular pouches connected by perforated lines to each other to form a strip that enables the detached single pouch to remain sealed on all three sides (Embodiment C);

FIG. 8A depicts a side view of a pouch with heat sealed edges, a tear notch and a gusset that enables a pouch to stand alone (Option 1); and

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of a pouch with heat sealed edges and a tear notch (Option 2) that lacks a gusset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The invention generally relates to an alcoholic beverage dispensing system, in which alcohol for consumption is packaged in sachets or pouches (hereinafter collectively “pouches”). In one embodiment for example, the pouches are 25 ml in volume. In other embodiments, the pouches are 30 ml or 50 ml in volume. The pouches are made of a soft, pliable plastic material which has the attributes of flexibility, imperviousness, and resistance to chemical interaction with the pouch's alcoholic contents.

The pouches are contained in a mother bag, which in one embodiment has a re-sealable opening and a tamper-proof seal which may include, but is not limited to a heat seal. In that this additional tamper-proof seal needs to be broken in order to open or access the contents in the mother bag, for convenience, a number of pouches can be assembled in the “mother” bag. For example, in one embodiment, the mother bag may have a capacity that equals 750 ml, or any other approved container size.

The pouches are typically sealed after they are filled with a measured amount of alcohol. The pouches may be re-sealable or non re-sealable. In use, the alcoholic contents may be accessed conveniently by opening a pouch. The opening means includes for example a perforated tear seam, or at a notch provided along the side or top of the pouch. When the tear seam is opened, the beverage can be poured from the pouch with minimal spillage. The pouches may be any design that meets market-acceptable criteria, as to structure, form and closures.

Thus, FIGS. 1-3 depict examples of embodiments where the mother bag includes or lacks a gusset that enables the pouch to be self-supporting. This is useful for display. In one embodiment, the mother bag may be 7 inches wide and 11 inches tall. It may have a 4 inch gusset to allow the bag to stand alone. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mother bag will have a tamper-proof seal which may include, but not be limited to a heat seal.

In one non-limiting example, enclosed within the mother bag are twenty-five 30 ml portions of alcohol (750 ml in total).

In FIG. 2, the mother bag is a flat pouch that is not self-supporting. This is useful for large bulk orders where the display feature of the dispensing device is not required or advantageous. In one embodiment, the mother bag is 10 inches wide and 20 inches tall. In another example, enclosed within this bag are one hundred twenty 25 ml portions of alcohol (3 liters in total).

Various combinations of size of the mother bag and the number of pouches are considered within the scope of the present invention. Further non-limiting examples include:

1. A 375 ml mother bag enclosing between 1-30 smaller pouches. For example, if there were three smaller pouches, each would include 125 ml of fluid contents, so that the total volume contained within the 375 ml mother bag would be 375 ml of alcoholic beverage. Another example would be 4×25 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage, 4×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 1×75 ml pouch of alcoholic beverage where the sum of all the varying pouches containing the alcoholic beverage equals 375 ml, preferably indicated on the mother pouch;

2. In this example, the mother bag has a capacity of 750 ml. The number of smaller pouches can be anywhere between 1 and 60 so that the total volume of alcohol contained in the mother bag is equal to 750 ml. An example would be 30×25 ml pouches equals 750 ml, preferably indicated on the mother pouch. Another example would be 1×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 4×25 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage, 1×30 ml, 1×70 ml pouch of alcoholic beverage and 1×500 ml pouch of alcoholic beverage. Again the total volume of fluid equals 750 ml, preferably indicated on the mother bag. In this case, if n is the number of smaller pouches, 1≦n≦60, where n is an integer between 1 and 60;

3. In this example, the mother bag has a capacity of 1.5 liters. In this embodiment, the number of pouches can be anywhere between 1 and 120, so that the total capacity amounts to about 1.5 liters. An example would be 60×25 ml pouches, preferably indicated on the mother pouch. Another example would be 10×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 10×100 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage preferably indicated on the mother bag. In this example, 1≦n≦120, wherein n is an integer between 1 and 120;

4. Where the capacity of the mother bag is 3 liters. In this embodiment, the number of pouches can be anywhere between 1 and 240, so the total capacity amounts to 3 liters. An example would be 100×30 ml pouches, preferably indicated on the mother pouch. Another example would be 60×25 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 30×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage, preferably indicated on the mother bag. In this example, 1≦n≦240, where n is an integer between 1 and 240.

The above are non-limiting examples of varying combinations of small pouches within the mother bag. This alcohol dispensing system includes all of the other combinations of varying sizes and varying numbers of the small pouches within the mother bag. The sum of all the volumes of alcohol beverage in all of the small pouches preferably will equal the indicated volume of the mother bag.

In general, these examples illustrate the following relationship:

• • Let V_n=volume of mother bag
  • V_p=average volume of each pouch in mother bag
  • n=number of pouches in the mother bag then,

V_n=n×V_p

or n=V_p/V_n.

In FIG. 4, the mother bag may only have a tamper-proof seal which may include, but is not limited to a heat seal. In that this additional tamper-proof seal needs to be broken in order to open or access the contents in the mother bag, this permits the seal to be opened, and one or more of the smaller pouches to be added to, or taken from the mother bag.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the construction of one embodiment, where the pouches are attached to one another side by side, but are not limited to, via perforations and can be separated easily from one another at the perforations. The purpose of this embodiment serves those applications where the pouches can be removed and hung for easy access, space saving or other preferred convenience. For example, an airline beverage cart can have the pouches hanging off the side to create additional space, where the attendant can tear off the last pouch as needed.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the construction of another embodiment, where the pouches are arranged, still side by side but not attached to one another, but using a common strip where the individual loose pouches are attached to this strip, using, but not limited to heat, adhesive, perforations or any other acceptable means of fixation, and can be separated easily from the common strip at the perforations provided or separating them from the common strip if another form of fixation has been used. The purpose of this embodiment serves those applications where the pouches can be removed and hung for easy access, space saving or other preferred convenience. For example, an airline beverage cart can have the pouches hanging off the side to create additional space, where the attendant can remove any pouch at random for convenience.

FIG. 7 shows a “triangular” configuration and an additional example of the construction of embodiment, where the pouches are attached to one another side by side, but are not limited to, via perforations and can be separated easily from one another at the perforations. The purpose of this embodiment serves those applications where the pouches can be removed and hung for easy access, space saving or other preferred convenience. The pouches, may also be packaged as loose and individual.

The mother bag, in one embodiment, has a re-sealable opening, and a tamper-proof seal which may include, but is not limited to a heat seal. Because this tamper-proof seal needs to be broken in order to open or access the inside of the mother bag, one or more of the smaller pouches can be added to, or taken from the mother bag. The mother bag can then be resealed, thereby assuring continued safe retention of the alcohol-containing pouches. Like the pouches, the mother bag is preferably made of a soft, pliable plastic material which has the attributes of flexibility, imperviousness, and a long shelf life. The mother bag may contain hard or soft pliable pouches.

Thus, the pouches may be, but not necessarily, loose, attached to each other or joined and still be enclosed in the “mother pouch.” These pouches may vary in size, design, construction, and shape and still be enclosed in the “mother pouch.” See, e.g., FIGS. 1-4.

The invention includes a concept of packaging alcohol in small sachets or pouches that each contain one or multiple “shots.” These “shot”-containing pouches are preferably enclosed in the mother bag for sale for example to the retail and transport industries. The pouches are impervious to liquid and the seams retain their integrity over time.

After being emptied, the pouches are readily disposable. In contrast to an empty bottle, the empty pouch can be safely flattened. In that condition, a number of disposable containers can be emptied and conveniently stored before ultimate disposition. Because the mother bag has an opening, it may be convenient to place the empty pouches into the mother bag for contained disposal of the entire waste generated.

In FIG. 8A, there is a pouch that has standup ability that uses a gusset. It also has a tear notch and optionally an inclined perforation line that guides the opening of the pouch. In FIG. 8B, the pouch lacks a gusset. Thus, the combination of the pouches and the mother bag present an economical, societally-beneficial, space-saving and lightweight package. For example, in certain packaging the pouches nor the bag will break when dropped. This makes the system ideal for airplanes, ships, ferries, trains and coaches. Such modes of transport will benefit because storage space and weight are at a premium. In general, the disclosed pouches, in comparison to the standard 50 ml bottle, are lighter in weight and smaller when full. When empty, the pouches are lighter and smaller. This makes them environmentally friendly.

The notion of exact 30 ml (1 ounce) portions strongly lends itself to controlled use of alcohol. As mentioned earlier, not all one ounce “shots” poured in bars and similar or other outlets are equal in measurement. In fact, there is more of a tendency to over-pour then to under-pour a drink. Thus, the patron who thinks he has had two drinks may find that he has been served the equivalent of three drinks in alcohol content. Very few patrons take exception to this “free” alcohol. In one instance, for example, some bartenders may receive a more generous tip, depending on how well he tends to a certain customer. The disclosed invention eliminates this tendency. Tips will primarily be determined based on service.

The disclosed system also offers the caterer the control he needs. This is especially true when there is no control of the inventory—for example, outside tent events or outside bars at fairs, festivals and sporting venues.

Another useful feature of the invention is that parents who purchase the disclosed beverage system for home use are able to keep count of the pouches. This may be helpful in situations where it has been known that minors have removed alcohol from regular bottles and topped up the bottle with water. Thus, the disclosed system enhances the caretaker's ability to keep better inventory.

In other circumstances, it may be necessary to carefully control the amount of alcohol consumed in order to stay below a legal limit for drinking, i.e., the alcohol level above which an individual may be subject to legal penalties (e.g., the loss of a driver's license). Such concerns are particularly acute, for example, in the minds of airline pilots, bus drivers, and the persons operating recreational watercraft. By using the disclosed system, such persons may be able to be more vigilant in monitoring the amount of their alcoholic intake.

The disclosed system device will be used to contain and dispense, but not be limited to the various spirits and wines. Table 1 is a non-exhaustive list of such beverages. It is understood that additional alcoholic beverages are included by reference to generic names of alcoholic beverages.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

TABLE 1
Absolut Vodka                    Distilled Spirits
Agua Dulce Wines                 Wine
Alexander Valley Symmetry Wines  Wine
Alice White Wines                Wine
Alize Liqueur                    Distilled Spirits
Amberhill Wines                  Wine
Austin Vale Wines                Wine
Angostura Carribbean Rum Cream   Distilled Spirits
Antinori Wines                   Wine
B&B Liqueur                      Distilled Spirits
Bacardi Flavored Rums            Distilled Spirits
Bafferts Gin                     Distilled Spirits
Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur      Distilled Spirits
Bacardi Gold Rum                 Distilled Spirits
Bacardi Light Rum                Distilled Spirits
Bacardi O Rum                    Distilled Spirits
Bacardi Rums                     Distilled Spirits
Beaujolais Villages Wine         Wine
Beaulieu Wines                   Wine
Barton & Guestier Wines          Wine
Balvenie Doublewood Scotch       Distilled Spirits
Banrock Station Wines            Wine
Baron Philippe De Rothschild Wines Wine
Bodegas Trapiche Wines           Wine
Bolla Wines                      Wine
Bombay Sapphire Gin              Distilled Spirits
Bonterra California Wines        Wine
Bordeaux Wine                    Wine
Bouchard Pere & Fils             Wine
Beefeater Gin                    Distilled Spirits
Bella Sera Wines                 Wine
Belvedere Vodka                  Distilled Spirits
Beringer Wines                   Wine
Bernardus Wines                  Wine
Biltmore Estate Wines            Wine
Biondi-Santi Wines               Wine
Blackstone Wines                 Wine
Bodegas Montecillo Wines         Wine
Brilliant Vodka                  Distilled Spirits
Brugal White Rum                 Distilled Spirits
Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Cabo Wabo Tequila                Distilled Spirits
Callaway Coastal Wines           Wine
Campari Liqueur                  Distilled Spirits
Canadian Mist Whiskey            Distilled Spirits
Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Rum    Distilled Spirits
Captain Morgan Spiced Rum        Distilled Spirits
Casa Girelli Wines               Wine
Castello Banfi Wines             Wine
Cavas Freixenet Champagnes       Wine
Cavit Wines                      Wine
Chambord Liqueur Royale De France Distilled Spirits
Champagne Veuve Clicquot         Wine
Champagnes Taittinger            Wine
Charles Heidsieck Champagne      Wine
Chateau Lafayette Reneau Wines   Wine
Chateau Souverain Wines          Wine
Chivas Regal 12                  Distilled Spirits
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old         Distilled Spirits
Chopin Vodka                     Distilled Spirits
Christian Brothers Brandy        Distilled Spirits
Christian Moueix Wines           Wine
Christiania Vodka                Distilled Spirits
Ciclon Rum                       Distilled Spirits
Clos Du Bois Wines               Wine
Cockburn's Special Reserve Port  Wine
Cointreau Liqueur                Distilled Spirits
Columbia Crest Wines             Wine
Concha y Toro Wines              Wine
Courvoisier Cognacs              Distilled Spirits
Courvoisier Initiale Extra Cognac Distilled Spirits
Courvoisier XO Imperial Cognac   Distilled Spirits
Coyopa Rum                       Distilled Spirits
Crema del alba Liqueur           Distilled Spirits
Crown Royal Special Reserve Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Crown Royal Whiskey              Distilled Spirits
Cruzan Flavored Rums             Distilled Spirits
Cruzan Rums                      Distilled Spirits
Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum  Distilled Spirits
Cutty Sark Scotch                Distilled Spirits
Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Champagne Wine
Danzante Wines                   Wine
Dekuyper Cordials & Liqueurs.    Distilled Spirits
Delicato Wines                   Wine
Dewar's Special Reserve 12       Distilled Spirits
Dewar's White Label Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Disaronno Originale Amaretto     Distilled Spirits
Dolce Wines                      Wine
Domaine Chandon Wines            Wine
Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut       Wine
Don Julio Tequilas               Distilled Spirits
Drambuie Liqueurs                Distilled Spirits
Dry Creek Vineyard Wines         Wine
Dry Sack Medium Sherry           Wine
Dry Sack Solera Especial Sherry  Wine
Dubonnet Wine                    Wine
Early Times Old Style Kentucky Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Ecco Domani Wines                Wine
Ernest & Julio Gallo Wines       Wine
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Evita Peroni Wines               Wine
Famous Grouse Scotch             Distilled Spirits
Far Niente Wines                 Wine
Fernet-Branca Liqueur            Distilled Spirits
Ferrari Carano Wines             Wine
Fetzer Vineyards California Wines Wine
Feudo Monaci Wines               Wine
Finlandia Vodkas                 Distilled Spirits
Folonari Wines                   Wine
Fonseca Guimaraens Vinhos Ports  Wine
Fontana Candida Wines            Wine
Forest Glen Wines                Wine
France                           Wine
Frangelico Liqueur               Distilled Spirits
Freixenet                        Wine
Fris Flavored Vodka              Distilled Spirits
Fris Vodka                       Distilled Spirits
Gallo of Sonoma Wines            Wine
Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Georges Duboeuf Wines            Wine
Glenfiddich Scotch Whiskey       Distilled Spirits
Glenlivet Scotch Whiskey         Distilled Spirits
Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskies Distilled Spirits
Gloria Ferrer Wines              Distilled Spirits
Godiva Liqueur                   Distilled Spirits
Gosling's Black Seal Rum         Distilled Spirits
Gossamer Bay Wines               Wine
Grand Marnier Liqueur            Distilled Spirits
Greg Norman Estate Wines         Wine
Grey Goose Flavored Vodkas       Distilled Spirits
Grey Goose Vodka                 Distilled Spirits
Grey Goose Vodka L'Orange        Distilled Spirits
Grgich Hills Wines               Wine
Gruet Wines                      Wine
Hennessy Cognacs                 Distilled Spirits
Hennessy Paradis Extra Cognac    Distilled Spirits
Hennessy Privilege VSOP Cognac   Distilled Spirits
Hennessy Very Special Cognac     Distilled Spirits
Hennessy VSOP Cognac             Distilled Spirits
Hennessy XO Cognac               Distilled Spirits
Inniskillin Wines                Wine
Ironstone Vineyards Wine         Wine
J&B Scotch                       Distilled Spirits
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Jack Daniel's Whiskey            Distilled Spirits
Jacob's Creek Wines              Wine
Jameson Irish Whiskey            Distilled Spirits
Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey   Distilled Spirits
Jim Beam White Bourbon Whiskey   Distilled Spirits
Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskey    Distilled Spirits
Jose Cuervo 1800 Tequila         Distilled Spirits
Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila     Distilled Spirits
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wines    Wine
Kahlua Black Russian Cocktail    Distilled Spirits
Kahlua Liqueurs                  Distilled Spirits
Kahlua Mudslide Cocktail         Distilled Spirits
Kahlua Rum Cola Cocktail         Distilled Spirits
Kahlua White Russian Cocktail    Distilled Spirits
Kendall-Jackson Estate Wines     Wine
Kenwood Wines                    Wine
King Estate Wines                Wine
Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Korbel California Champagnes     Wine
Kozak Vodka                      Distilled Spirits
Krug Brut                        Wine
Kutskova Vodka                   Distilled Spirits
KWV Wines                        Wine
La Grande Dame de Veuve Clicquot Champagne Wine
Labrot & Graham Bourbon Whiskey  Distilled Spirits
Lancer's Wines                   Wine
Lanson Brut Black Label          Wine
Laurent-Perrier Champagne        Wine
Leonardo Locascio Wines          Wine
Lillet Wines                     Wine
Lindemans Wines                  Wine
Liquore Galliano                 Distilled Spirits
Louis Jadot Wines                Wine
Louis Roederer Brut              Wine
Louis Roederer Brut Premier      Wine
Luce & Lucente Wines             Wine
Luna di Luna Wines               Wine
Macallan Single Highland Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Magnotta Wines                   Wine
Maker's Mark Bourbon             Distilled Spirits
Malibu Rum                       Distilled Spirits
Margaritaville Tequila           Distilled Spirits
Marie Brizard Liqueurs           Distilled Spirits
Markham Wines                    Wine
Martell Cognacs                  Distilled Spirits
Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac       Distilled Spirits
Martell VS Cognac                Distilled Spirits
Martini & Rossi Asti Spumanti    Wine
Meridian Wines                   Wine
Merryvale Wines                  Wine
Mezzacorona Wines                Wine
Michigan Wines                   Wine
Midori Liqueur                   Distilled Spirits
Mionetto Wines                   Wine
Montevina Wines                  Wine
Mount Gay Rum                    Distilled Spirits
Mouton-Cadet Wines               Wine
Mumm Champagnes                  Wine
Niebaum-Coppola Wines            Wine
Oak Spring Wines                 Wine
Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Old St. Andrews Scotch Whiskey   Distilled Spirits
Opici Wines                      Wine
Patron Tequilas                  Distilled Spirits
Paul Jaboulet Aine Wines         Wine
Paul Masson Creme Liqueur        Distilled Spirits
Paul Masson Grande Amber VS Brandy Distilled Spirits
Paul Masson Wines                Wine
Pearl Vodka                      Distilled Spirits
Penfolds Wines                   Wine
Perrier-Jouet Champagnes         Wine
Pol Roger Champagnes             Wine
Polar Ice Vodka                  Distilled Spirits
Portugal Wines                   Wine
Prince Michel Vineyards Wines    Wine
Pyrat Rums                       Distilled Spirits
R.H. Phillips Wines              Wine
Rancho Zabacco Wines             Wine
Raynal French Brandy             Distilled Spirits
Redwood Creek Wines              Wine
Remy Martin Cognacs              Distilled Spirits
Reynolds Wines                   Wine
Robert Mondavi Wines             Wine
Rodney Strong Wines              Wine
Ronrico Rums                     Distilled Spirits
Rosemount Estate Wines           Wine
Round Hill Wines                 Wine
Ruffino Wines                    Wine
Rums of Puerto Rico              Distilled Spirits
Rutherford Hill Wines            Wine
Santa Margherita Wines           Wine
Sauza Hornitos                   Distilled Spirits
Sauza Tequila                    Distilled Spirits
Schmitt Sohne Riesling Wines     Wine
Seagram's Extra Dry Gin          Distilled Spirits
Seagram's Flavored Gins          Distilled Spirits
Seagram's VO Canadian Whiskey    Distilled Spirits
Seagram's VO Gold Canadian Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Shiraz Wine                      Wine
Skyy Flavored Vodkas             Distilled Spirits
Skyy Vodka                       Distilled Spirits
Smirnoff Flavored Vodkas         Distilled Spirits
Smirnoff Vodkas                  Distilled Spirits
Southern Comfort                 Distilled Spirits
Southern Twist Liqueur           Distilled Spirits
Speyside Scotch                  Distilled Spirits
St. Francis Wines                Wine
St. Supery Wines                 Wine
Sterling Wines                   Wine
Stolichnaya Flavored Vodkas      Distilled Spirits
Stolichnaya Vodkas               Distilled Spirits
Stonehaven Vineyards Wines       Wine
Straccali Wines                  Wine
Sutter Home Wines                Wine
Taittinger Champagnes            Wine
Talea Amaretto Cream Liqueur     Distilled Spirits
Talisker Scotch Whiskey          Distilled Spirits
Talus Cellars Wines              Wine
Tanqueray Gin                    Distilled Spirits
Tanqueray No. Ten Gin            Distilled Spirits
Taylor Fladgate Port             Wine
The Balvenie Doublewood Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits
The Balvenie Port Wood Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits
Torres Wines                     Wine
Trapiche Wines                   Wine
Trentino Wines                   Wine
Trinchero Estate Wines           Wine
Trinity Oaks Wines               Wine
Turi Vodka                       Distilled Spirits
Turning Leaf Wines               Wine
Undurraga Wines                  Wine
Vendange Wines                   Wine
Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur Distilled Spirits
Viking Fjord Vodka               Distilled Spirits
Vincent Van Gogh Vodka           Distilled Spirits
Vox Vodka                        Distilled Spirits
W&J Graham's Six Grapes Port     Wine
Wallaby Creek Wines              Wine
Walnut Crest Wines               Wine
Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey      Distilled Spirits
Wild Vines Wines                 Wine
William Grant's Scotch Whiskey   Distilled Spirits
Winebow                          Wine
Wines of Arizona                 Wine
Wines of France                  Wine
Wines of Georgia                 Wine
Wines of Spain                   Wine
Woodbridge Wines                 Wine
Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon Distilled Spirits
Wray & Nephew Rums               Distilled Spirits

Claims

1. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising:

a mother bag that can be opened; and

a plurality of pouches contained within the mother bag, one or more of the pouches including an alcoholic beverage.

2. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the mother bag includes a gusset that enables the bag to be self-supporting in an upright position.

3. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the mother bag lacks a gusset.

4. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein at least some of the pouches include a perforated tear seam which enables the alcoholic beverage to be releasably contained within the pouch so that when the tear seam is at least partially opened, the beverage may be poured from the pouch.

5. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, where

Vn=volume of mother bag

Vp=average volume of each pouch in the mother bag, and

n=number of pouches in the mother bag then, Vn≧n×Vp

or n≈Vn/Vp.

6. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the mother bag has a re-sealable opening.

7. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the same amount of alcohol is contained in each of the pouches.

8. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the amount of alcohol contained in at least some of the pouches is unequal.

9. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 8, where:

Vn=volume of mother bag

X1=number of pouches of volume 1 (VI)

X2=number of pouches of volume 2 (V2)

Xn=number of pouches of volume n (Vn) then, Vn≈Σ(X1V1+X2V2+... +XnVn)

where 1<n<240.

10. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 9, wherein V1=50 ml, X=10, V2=25 ml, and Y=10, so that Vn is equal to 750 ml.

11. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the amount of alcohol contained in at least some of the pouches is more than one shot of alcohol.

12. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the amount of alcohol contained in each pouch is one shot of alcohol.

13. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the alcoholic beverage contained in at least some of the pouches is selected from the group consisting of those alcohols listed in Table 1 and mixtures thereof.

14. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the pouches are vacuum-packed within the mother bag so that there is no air between the outside of the pouches and the inside of the mother bag.

15. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising a plurality of pouches that are interconnected by perforations so that the pouches can be removed individually or severally.

16. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising a plurality of pouches, each having a long edge and a short edge, wherein the long edges are separated by perforations and one small edge of each pouch is contiguous with one or more continuous strips so that the pouches may be removed from the one or more strips, while other pouches remain detachably attached thereto.

17. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprised of a plurality of triangular pouches wherein two of the sides of at least some of the pouches are connected to a neighboring pouch by perforations.