Concurrent use water cooler

Abstract

A concurrent use water cooler capable of simultaneously dispensing a single fluid to two or more users is presented. The invention includes a container having a single reservoir therein, a lid contacting and removable from the container, at least two spigots disposed about and attached to the container, a vent hole, and a plug to close the vent hole. Spigots communicate with the single reservoir and enable the gravity-fed dispensing of a single fluid. At least one spigot has a threaded spout allowing attachment of a fluid supply line. The threaded spigot is biased to resist the static pressure associated with fluid within the supply line so as to remain closed unless actuated by the user. An optional stand contacts and supports the water cooler. One or more cup dispensers may be attached to the container or stand. The present invention has immediate applicability to sports teams, military units, construction crews, and the like, where two or more persons consume a potable liquid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention with partial section view showing a plurality of spigots disposed along and about the wall of the water cooler.

FIG. 2 is a partial section view of the water cooler showing a single reservoir communicating with a plurality of spigots.

FIG. 3 is a partial section view showing attachment of an exemplary spigot through the wall of the water cooler.

FIG. 4 is a partial section view showing attachment of a supply/drainage line to a spigot with threaded spout.

FIG. 5 is partial section view of the lid showing a removable plug employed to avoid formation of a vacuum during use of the water cooler.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention supported by an exemplary stand each with several optional cup dispensers.

Claims

1. A concurrent use water cooler comprising: (a) a container having a single reservoir therein;(b) a lid contacting and closing said container in a removable fashion;(c) at least two spigots disposed about and attached to said container, each said spigot communicating with said single reservoir and enabling the gravity-fed dispensing of a single uniform temperature fluid from said single reservoir, at least one said spigot having a threaded spout and biased so as to remain closed when connected to a fluid supply line, said spigot allowing bidirectional flow of said fluid into and out of said reservoir;(d) a vent hole through said lid to prevent formation of a vacuum when two or more said spigots are open and dispensing said fluid; and(e) a plug removably attached within said vent hole.

2. The concurrent use water cooler of claim 1, further comprising: (f) at least two cup dispensers disposed about and attached to said container adjacent to said spigots.

3. The concurrent use water cooler of claim 1, further comprising: (f) a stand contacting and supporting said water cooler so as to allow access to all said spigots.

4. The concurrent use water cooler of claim 3, further comprising: (g) at least one cup dispenser attached to said stand.