Liquid dispenser

Abstract

A liquid dispenser includes a liquid container enclosed by a support member that thermally insulates the container and provides rigidity for the overall structure. A cover encloses the support member and the liquid container, providing an added layer of insulation. Preferably, lightweight materials are used for the support and the liquid container. Materials for the support may include, for example, EPP, EPS or Arcel® material. Materials for the liquid container may include, for example, of polycarbonate, nylon, SAN, and polyethylene.

1 . A liquid dispenser, comprising: 
 a liquid container;    a support member configured to receive and thermally insulate the liquid container; and    a flexible cover configured to receive the liquid container and the support member therein.    
   
   
       2 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the support member provides overall structural rigidity to the flexible cover when the support member is received within the cover.  
   
   
       3 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the support member includes a cavity configured to receive the liquid container therein.  
   
   
       4 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein a top portion of the support member includes an opening to receive the liquid container.  
   
   
       5 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is configured to substantially enclose at least bottom and outer side wall portions of said liquid container.  
   
   
       6 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the support member is formed of at least one of expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, and an Arcel® material.  
   
   
       7 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 6 , wherein the support member is formed of expanded polypropylene.  
   
   
       8 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid container is formed of a flexible material.  
   
   
       9 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid container is formed of at least one of polycarbonate, nylon, SAN, polyethylene, PP, PET, PETE and PVC.  
   
   
       10 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a spout connected to the liquid container.  
   
   
       11 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is formed of at least one of nylon, PVC, polyester and cotton.  
   
   
       12 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover includes an insulating material that further insulates the liquid container.  
   
   
       13 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is lined with a reflective vapor barrier material.  
   
   
       14 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , wherein a top portion of the flexible cover opens to receive the support member therein.  
   
   
       15 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle attached to the cover.  
   
   
       16 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 1 , further comprising a stand.  
   
   
       17 . A liquid dispenser, comprising a liquid container disposed within a substantially rigid support member, the support member being configured to substantially enclose and support the liquid container and to thermally insulate the liquid container, and an insulated, flexible cover configured enclose rigid support member.  
   
   
       18 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the rigid support member comprises an expanded propylene enclosure.  
   
   
       19 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the liquid container comprises a bottle formed of one or more of polycarbonate, nylon, SAN, polyethylene, PP, PET, PETE, and PVC.  
   
   
       20 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 17 , further comprising a spout connected to the liquid container.  
   
   
       21 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 17 , wherein the rigid support member comprises an enclosure formed of at least one of expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, and an Arcel® material.  
   
   
       22 . The liquid dispenser of  claim 17 , further comprising a stand.