Abstract: A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and methods for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience.

Abstract: A system and method for adding a beverage concentrate to a bag shaped to hold fluid while still maintaining the bag for purposes of later dispensing. The bag will generally hold a potable liquid to which the concentrate is added from a pouch prior to dispensing of the liquid from the bag. The addition of the concentrate will generally be performed by having mating connectors on the pouch and the bag to allow transfer between the two.

Abstract: An assembly for the transport and storage of a fluid comprises a fluid in a flexible bag that does not have a substructure, such as a port, designed for accessing the fluid in the bag; and a protective overwrap enclosing and vacuum sealed about the bag. The protective packaging is designed to be durable, resisting breakage or puncture during transport and storage of the bag and overwrap assembly, and may be removed by breaking a seal thereon, which may be readily broken by an unaided person applying a specific force against said seal. Such a bag once removed from said protective overwrap may be effectively used in conjunction with a dispensing apparatus to dispense the fluid contained therein through a spike. The assembly may include additional components, particluarly for assisting in dispensing the fluid in the bag, such as a spike.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a bag containing fluid, a container that provides support for the bag, a spike comprising a hollow stem through which fluid can flow, the spike being connected to the bag at a joint created upon the puncturing of the bag by the spike, and a dispensing mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid from the bag, which dispensing mechanism is connected to the hollow stem, and wherein the dispensing mechanism is operated to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and method for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience.

Abstract: A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and methods for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a bag containing fluid, a container that provides support for the bag, a spike comprising a hollow stem through which fluid can flow, the spike being connected to the bag at a joint created upon the puncturing of the bag by the spike, and a dispensing mechanism for controlling the flow of fluid from the bag, which dispensing mechanism is connected to the hollow stem, and wherein the dispensing mechanism is operated to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a collapsible bag capable of being punctured by and essentially sealed about a spike that has an inlet through which fluid can flow from the bag into a conduit leading to a chamber that is situated within an enclosed chamber in a dispensing base unit. The chamber is connected to a valve positioned outside the enclosed chamber through which fluid can be dispensed from the chamber. The enclosed chamber is vented so that as fluid is dispensed from the chamber, the air pressure in the enclosed chamber is allowed to equalize with the ambient air pressure external to the chamber and the bag.

Abstract: A portable water cooler is designed to accept the placement of bagged fluid therein, leading to the connection of the bag of fluid to a fluid flow pathway, thereby allowing the fluid to be dispensed in a manner such that the fluid is segregated from the internal surfaces of the cooler. The portable water cooler generally includes an internal spike and external spigot through which fluid may flow. Systems and methods for dispensing bagged fluid from such a cooler, including various multi-bag systems and methods allowing for improved thermal control of fluids being dispensed, as well as increased selection of fluids dispensed from the same portable water cooler provide a high level of convenience.