Water cooler

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.

A water cooler (commonly spelled "watercooler" ) is a devise that cools and dispenses water. They are generally broken up in two categories: bottle-less and bottled water coolers. Bottle-less water coolers are hooked up to a water supply, while bottled water coolers require delivery (or self pick up) of water in large bottles from vendos.

The most common form of the watercooler is wall mounted and connected to the building's water supply for a continuous supply of water and electricity to run a refrignation unit to cool the incoming water, and to the building's waste disposal system to dispose of unused water. Some versions are free standing floor models, which are becoming more popular in countries where it is not common to drink water straight from the tap.

A newer, free-standing design involves bottles of water, usually treated in some way, placed spout-down into the dispensing machine. To install the bottle, the bottle is tipped upside down and set onto the dispenser, a probe punctures the cap of the bottle and allows the water to flow into the machine's internal reservoir. These machines come in different sizes and vary from table units, intended for occasional use to floor-mounted units intended for heavier use. Bottled Water normally is delivered to the household or business on a regularly basis, where empty bottles are exchanged for full ones. Commonly a cup dispenser can be mounted to the side of the unit to keep disposable paper or plastic cups handy for use. The bottle size varies with the size of the unit with the larger versions in the u.s using 5 gallon bottles. The standard size elsewhere is 18.9litters. Some units offer a refrigeration function to chill the water. These units do not have a place to dump excess water, only offering a small basin to catch minor spills. On the front, a lever or push button dispenses the water into a cup held beneath the spigot. When the water container is empty, it is lifted off the top of the dispenser, and automatically seals to prevent any excess water still in the bottle from leaking.

These gravity-powered systems have a device to dispense water in a controlled manner. Some versions also have a second dispenser that delivers room temperature water or even heated water that can be used for tea,hot chocolate, or instant coffee. The water in the alternate hot tab is generally heated with a heating elements a hot tank (much like the traditional hot water heaters used in residential homes). Additionally, the hot tap is equipped with a push-in safty valvs to prevent burns from an accidental or inadvertent pressing of the lever.

Table top or kitchen worktop versions are available which utilise readily available five liter water bottles from supermarkets. For example the one by design house Warwick Design shown. These coollers use air pumps to push the water into the cooling chamber and peltier devices to chill the water.