HK1096359A1 - Distribution methods for distributing and dispensing beverages and liquid food products - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method of distributing beverages or liquid food products including transportation, by a commercial distributor, or flexible bags ( 10 ) filled with the beverage or liquid food products. Flexible bags ( 10 ) are located in the bulk transport containers ( 30 ) and transported to consumers of the product in required quantities. Flexible bags ( 10 ) are delivered to a consumer, the beverage or liquid food product being dispensed for consumption ban an end consumer. Through each step in the distribution method, hazard and critical control points during distribution and dispensing are minimised, the "one way" nature of the preferred embodiment of the method minimising recovery and recycling costs at well as potential hygiene problems associated with re-use of containers currently in use.

Description

Dispensing method for dispensing and dispensing beverages and liquid food products

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method of dispensing and dispensing beverages and liquid food products.

Background

Bottled water distribution is one of the most important markets in the food industry, with values reaching the billions of dollars.

Currently, large polycarbonate bottles are used to dispense bottled drinking water to consumers. Such bottles can typically hold 15-19 litres of product, and accordingly weigh between 15-19 kg. These bottles can be recycled, but the hygienic operations necessary to provide some integrity measure raise one existing problem in the industry.

Hygiene is a major consideration. When a consumer uses a bottle, returns without a cap and then is kept by the retailer before washing and sterilizing the bottle, it is difficult to maintain the HACCP (Hazard and clinical Control Points of danger and Critical Control) system. It is difficult to monitor whether a bottle has been used to store toxic substances or substances that are incompatible with safe dispensing of bottled water. Detection of contamination prior to consumption is a difficult problem. Contamination/discoloration or chemicals after water has a taste is a familiar problem.

Secondly, the use of large polycarbonate bottles poses a risk of injury to the person dispensing the bottle or to the consumer drinking the water contained in the bottle. If these bottles fall, they can cause significant injury. This poses a significant occupational health and safety issue.

Third, storage, transport and recycling of the bottles incurs significant expense. The largest cost issue if the bottles are transported to the distribution point and the consumer by larger trucks as is common practice is the volumetric Rate (Cubic metric Rate), i.e., the dead space created by round bottles in an empty or full container. The rising fuel price is also disadvantageous. Such trucks may also require a lifting device to handle the heavy bottles. When a van is used and the bottles are placed on the floor of the van, the bottles may also be exposed to contaminants/oils and other forms of airborne contaminants. This can result in a product of unacceptable hygienic quality. There is thus a consistency between the contamination problem discussed above and the transportation economy problem.

Fourth, polycarbonate or similar bottles are typically provided with a plastic closure or cap that must be removed by the consumer or operator prior to placing the bottle within the dispenser. When the bottle is inverted and placed into a dispensing position in the dispenser, potable water may spill and be wasted. The water would be rendered unsanitary in the sense that insects, airborne bacteria and dirt may also contaminate the water.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for dispensing and dispensing beverages, such as drinking water, to consumers that addresses the health, safety and expense of prior art dispensing methods and apparatus as described above.

To this end, the invention proposes a method of manufacturing and dispensing flexible bags filled with liquid beverage or liquid food under aseptic conditions, in particular a method of dispensing said liquid beverage or liquid food to a consumer of said liquid beverage or liquid food while being compensated through a nozzle or tap formed as part of each flexible bag, comprising the steps of:

a) placing said flexible bag filled with liquid beverage or liquid food product in a bulk shipping container capable of holding a plurality of flexible bags;

b) transporting a bulk shipping container having a filled flexible bag disposed therein by a commercial distributor to a consumer of said beverage or liquid food product; and

c) unloading and delivering to the consumer the required number of flexible bags filled with liquid beverage or liquid food; and

d) each flexible bag is delivered for dispensing a liquid beverage or liquid food product contained therein and intended to be consumed by an end consumer,

e) a step of filling flexible bags with liquid beverage or liquid food through a nozzle or tap that is formed as part of each flexible bag, that acts as a filling inlet and dispensing outlet and avoids residues from the sealing operation, the flexible bags having been sealed during the manufacturing process rather than during the filling process, wherein by each step the risks and critical control points during beverage or liquid food dispensing are minimized and comprising filling the flexible bags under aseptic conditions such that the liquid beverage or liquid food is delivered to the consumer for use without contamination or harmful effects.

Such hazards associated with beverages or food products include physical hazards, such as impact injuries, or chemical or biological hazards, such as those caused by toxins, bacteria, or other contaminants. The critical control points are points in the distribution system where such potential hazards are minimized or avoided.

The commercial distributor itself may employ an automated filling or packaging line to fill the flexible bags with potable water, other beverages such as juices, milk, etc., or other liquid food products under aseptic conditions. Such liquids may have a greater density and/or viscosity than water. The flexible bag is not intended to be reused. The distribution method may be "one-way". The flexible bag does not need to be recycled for reuse, which would pose a risk of contamination that is difficult to detect and corrodes the integrity of the HACCP chain as described above. That is, the flexible bag is "disposed of" by the dealer in the sense of ownership. Storage costs and recycling costs can also be avoided. However, consumers may employ a reuse or disposal service whereby the material of the flexible bag may be reused or disposed of liability.

The flexible bag may be passed through a tap, outlet, nozzle, valve or other dispenser formed as part of the dispensing of the flexible bag as desired, and is not limited to one form of filling and sealing method that may advantageously avoid critical control points remaining from the sealing operation. In addition, such bags are sealed during the manufacturing process rather than during the filling process. A better sealing quality can thus be obtained. And special polymer sealing equipment can be avoided, and the cost is saved. The tap is mounted to the bag after manufacture. In addition, any form of flexible bag, in particular a simple, hygienic and cheap structure, can equally well be used.

Commercial distributors may also install flexible bags, e.g., by positioning, in one dispenser for dispensing drinking water, other beverages, or liquid food. The distributor may offer the distributor to the consumer for lease, sale, or other reference as part of the distribution service. The dispensers may also be serviced by the dealer according to a maintenance schedule. When the dispenser is a refrigerated cooler, the dispenser is equipped with cooling means. Drinking water is typically refrigerated prior to consumption by a consumer and so a refrigeration device will typically be included in the dispenser for the drinking water.

Bulk shipping containers for flexible bag shipping are designed to accommodate a plurality of flexible bags and can be readily adapted to variations in the number of such bags according to the needs of the consumer. In other words, the bulk transport container advantageously has a variable volume and/or is collapsible. Packaging or "boxing" of individual flexible bags can be avoided. In this way, easier and cheaper inventory management can be economically achieved, without requiring the dealer or sub-dealer to accept a large minimum amount of product, which is necessary in polycarbonate bottled water distribution systems.

A suitable bulk transport container is a cubic bulk transport container or similar design having smooth wall and bottom structure and provided with a side door for easy access. The construction of the container reduces the risk of the flexible bag being damaged and contaminated during transport and storage (critical control points). The container may be made of a polymer, such as high density polypropylene (HDPP) suitable for use in a food grade environment. Such containers can be folded to obtain variable volumes. The reconstitution ratio of the bulk transport container may be selected to achieve efficient use of storage space and to allow economical use of the transport vehicle without wasting vehicle space. The container is stackable.

The flexible bags may be filled at a central location and then distributed to a distribution center before being distributed to a plurality of consumers located in a plurality of regions. Direct delivery from a central location is an option. In a franchise system, a central dealer may authorize franchise agents or others to dispense beverages and liquid food products according to the method of the present invention. The volume of the bulk shipping container may vary depending on the volume of beverage or liquid food to be delivered. The bulk transport container may have a small volume and flexible bag inventory in the folded state. Delivery, inventory, and payment may be managed using a computer system.

The flexible bag may be fitted with at least one handle. The handle makes it easier to lift and dispense provides a support means for mounting or holding the flexible bag in the dispenser, allowing the amount of liquid in the flexible bag to be substantially completely drained to minimize waste. The handle may crimp the flexible bag within the grip of the handle. The handle may allow for mounting or holding of the flexible bag in the dispenser. The flexible bag may be in the shape of a cylinder when filled or in the shape of a cylinder when placed in a dispenser. The bag may contain any desired volume of product, for example less than 15 litres, preferably between 10 and 15 litres, with the aim of reducing the risk if the bag falls down during transport.

A dispenser adapted to hold a flexible bag may include a housing to position the flexible bag and minimize contamination during beverage or liquid food dispensing. The housing may include a support means co-operable with a handle formed as part of the flexible bag to support the flexible bag within the housing. A cylindrical shell or a shell with a cylindrical inner surface may accommodate the flexible bag, which has the shape of a cylinder when inserted into the shell. The seam of the flexible bag may be arranged such that the flexible bag has the shape of a cylinder when filled. The bottom of the shell may be inclined relative to the vertical axis of the shell or otherwise configured to allow substantially complete draining of the contents of the flexible bag under the force of gravity from the dispenser to the tap or from other delivery means for water or liquid food to the consumer. The bottom is formed to have a contour or funnel shape. The shell may be of a flared configuration to facilitate installation of the flexible bag in the dispenser. Thereby, the positioning or suspension means of the flexible bag can be omitted, but can be used if desired. A refrigeration device may be provided to refrigerate the bottom of the dispenser housing.

The flexible bag may be provided with or be in communication with an outlet discharge tap or valve for co-operation with other delivery means forming part of the dispenser for delivering the beverage or liquid food product for consumption by a consumer. The tap may be received in a slot or hole formed in the housing of the dispenser. The tap is gravity fed. The pump system required to expel the liquid product from the flexible bag can be eliminated as desired and advantageously. A shield, such as a polymer or composite material, may be provided between the flexible bag and the inner wall of the dispenser housing to protect the lower portion of the flexible bag and the tap from damage. The shield may be disposed proximate a tap, valve or spout of the bag and/or a slot or hole in the dispenser housing.

The business distributor may perform any or each of the steps of the method as a stand-alone organization, a vertically integrated organization, and/or through one or more groups selected from these groups of their contractors, hires, or agents.

The consumer may be a domestic, industrial or commercial consumer. A "consumer" may be a delegate filled with a flexible bag that represents a benefit to others. That is, "consumer" as used herein may include owners and operators of storage devices for storing filled pouches that represent the interests of commercial distributors. An "end user" is a single individual or a group of individuals who actually consume a beverage. Consumers may also include a community to which water or other beverages and liquid foods need to be served for health, hygiene or supply-limiting purposes due to war or natural disasters. Such groups may be remote from the central area of the main population.

Drawings

The present invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is a side view of an unfilled flexible bag for use in a preferred embodiment of a dispensing method according to the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a tap mounted to the flexible bag of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c is a front view of a handle for the flexible bag of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1d is a top view of the handle of FIG. 1 c;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transport vehicle loading a bulk transport container loaded with a filled flexible bag in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the dispensing method of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a bulk shipping container filled with flexible bags for dispensing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the dispensing method of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bulk transport container of FIG. 3 in a collapsed condition, approximately one-third of its maximum volume;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bulk shipping container of FIG. 4 in an expanded condition or full volume condition for a preferred embodiment of a dispensing method according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a dispenser loaded with a filled flexible bag, the dispenser being a refrigerated cooler, according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dispenser adapted to be placed on top of a countertop, the dispenser being a refrigerated cooler;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a housing of a dispenser suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of a method of dispensing according to the present invention;

FIG. 9a is a top view of the housing of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 9b is a front view of the housing of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9c is a side view of the housing of FIG. 8; and

figure 10 is a front view of a shield protecting a faucet for a dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing method of the present invention.

Detailed Description

According to the method of dispensing of the present invention, a distributor of beverages or liquid food products employs a flexible bag 10 of the form shown in FIG. 1 a. This bag 10 is comprised of a polymeric structure for food grade applications and is designed to withstand normal handling, which may include abrasion. Such flexible bags 10 are fitted or formed with a valve, spout or tap at tap hole 12 through which a beverage such as drinking water is directed to fill the bag. One suitable tap 20 is described in US6296157 and US6360925 in the name of Scholle incorporated, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Such a tap 20 is shown in perspective in fig. 1 b. It has an actuator 21 to actuate the flow of liquid and a ribbed end 22 to engage the socket with the tap hole 12, the ribs forming a seal with the smooth internal bore of the tap hole 12. The absence of threads at end 22 avoids the potential for wear and the risk of debris flowing into the liquid product and contaminating it. The flexible bag 10 has a rectangular shape when flat and is provided with a recess 14 between the seams 11 of the bag 10. Transverse seams 11 and 17 and longitudinal seam 19 are formed on bag 10. As shown in detail in fig. 1c and 1d, a handle 15 may be mounted through the recess 14 to support the pouch 10 in the dispenser or to facilitate transport by a distributor or consumer. The illustrated handle 15 is made of polyethylene or propylene and has a ring shape. The stem portion 15b may be inserted through the recess 14 of the bag 10 and secured by a nipple 15c passing through the barb 15a of the stem portion 15 b. The loop 15d allows the handle 15 to be positioned or suspended in the dispenser, for example by a retainer, as shown in fig. 6. The volume of a single bag is filled with approximately 11 liters and weighs less than 12 kilograms (the density of water in the ambient environment is 1 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cc)), although flexible or different volume bags may be provided. The seams 16 and 17 are arranged in such a way that: when placed in the dispenser, a "funnel" or contour will be formed at the bottom of the bag 10 to facilitate the draining of the liquid product toward the bottom under the force of gravity. The inclined configuration of the seam 16 shows how the funnel is formed. This minimizes waste of liquid product.

A drinking water distributor employs a conventional automated packaging or filling line under sterile conditions dictated by applicable health or quality standards to fill the flexible bag 10 with drinking water. Other beverages or liquid foods are alternative alternatives. The description of potable water herein is intended to be exemplary to illustrate its advantages. A large number of flexible bags 10 may be filled continuously over a period of time. The packaging line may operate continuously or intermittently during one filling run and may be set up to supply different liquid products, i.e. water, orange juice, etc. The flexible bag 10 does not require individual packaging in a container, such as a box or other bag, as is well known in the art as a bag in box (bag in box). Indeed, it is highly desirable to avoid waste of costs. Seams 11, 17 and 19 are provided so that flexible bag 10 has the shape of a cylinder when filled.

The filled flexible bags 10 are placed in a bulk shipping container 30 as shown in fig. 2-5. No brackets or straps or the like are required for specific mounting. The pouches 10 are neatly stacked in the container. Con, such bulk container 30 is available from Chep International under the trademark gem. Such a container 30 has a smooth wall and bottom structure and provides a side door that facilitates more rapid access. The cut-out 32 in the wall is necessary to allow it to be lifted by a forklift truck. The cover 31 is detachable and protected from damage. The container may be made of a polymer, such as high density polypropylene (HDPP) suitable for use in a food grade environment. The structure of the bulk shipping container 30 helps to protect the flexible bag 10 from damage or contamination during shipping. Such a container 30 can be folded at a selected reconstitution ratio to obtain efficient use of storage space and to allow economical use of the transport vehicle without wasting space on/in the vehicle. The container 30 has a reconstitution ratio of about 3: 1 to allow its volume to be reduced 2/3 at most when necessary, allowing for more efficient use of storage space during warehousing and transportation by comparing the illustration of fig. 4 and 5. This can be done by folding the walls of the container 30 to the most appropriate volume to accommodate the number of flexible bags 10 of liquid food or beverage that need to be delivered. The detachable cover 31 is then placed in its place. Flexibility in selecting a transport vehicle to save on transportation costs may also be obtained by having the ability to vary the volume of the container 30.

A single bulk transport container 30 may hold 60-65 flexible bags of 11 liter volume. The container 30 helps to isolate the bag 10 from dust and oil contaminants. Such bulk transport containers 30 may then be placed in a vehicle suitable for the selected storage volume, including land vehicles, water vehicles, or aircraft that transport the containers and potable water to any desired location. Fig. 2 shows a flat-top truck 50 carrying a number of bulk transport containers 30 stacked in two levels for large bulk delivery. This area may be a remote area affected by war, disaster, or lack of drinking water.

A commercial distributor is a supplier of potable water to locally resident, industrial, or commercial consumers that can transport bulk transport containers 30 directly to customers and consumers, as well as manage such transport. When a dealer ships drinking water directly to customers, for example, from a central location, the dealer may supply and distribute the drinking water to sub-dealers or dealerships for the beverage provider and to the consumers. The bulk transport container 30 may have a variable volume that accommodates various delivery quantities. Such dealerships are included within the definition of "commercial dealerships" as used in this specification, may be served from a central location, and economic transport may allow smaller quantities of beverage (drinking water) to be economically provided to consumers than can be provided by bottled water delivery systems where storage space for bottles may contribute to their lack of economy. The elimination of the bottle also reduces safety issues that arise from a person lifting the bottle. The flexible bag has less weight and impact than a rigid bottle and will therefore cause less injury.

A dealer or dealership agent may assist a consumer in installing a filled flexible bag 10 containing a beverage within a dispenser 40, which is a refrigerated cooler. One suitable dispenser will be described below with reference to fig. 6-10. A commercial distributor may provide such dispensers 40 to consumers as part of a distribution service. The dealer can offer direct after-market services to the consumer but is not limited to: the characteristics achievable with the beverage and liquid food product, the use of the dispenser, the supply of the dispenser and the payment options. Such services may be provided by a computer that may oversee the management of product inventories, accounting payments and maintenance plans, and the like.

The commercial distributor does not plan to retrieve the flexible bag for reuse, but further "handling" of the flexible bag 10 is handed over to the consumer. Thus, the sanitary problem caused by the need to reuse the bottle in the existing bottled water distribution method can be avoided. Adverse economics due to the expense of bottle recycling, storage and cleaning are also avoided. The flexible bag 10 is sold by a commercial distributor for delivery to consumers consuming beverages or liquid food products without contamination or deleterious effects due to repeated use of the delivery container.

Figure 6 shows a dispenser 40 with an inner shell 42 that is a refrigerated cooler, the inner shell 42 having a filled flexible bag 10 disposed therein. When placed in the housing 42, the flexible bag 10 filled with potable water has a cylindrical shape. The provision of side seams 19 and transverse seams 17 in the flexible bag 10 helps to obtain a cylindrical shape. The housing 42 is placed on a stand 44. The housing 42 incorporates a refrigeration unit 46. The refrigeration unit 46 may be constructed by the following techniques in the refrigeration art. The housing 42 is provided with a removable cover 48 that provides an aesthetic design to enhance consumer appeal. Both the housing 42 and the cover 48 are provided with a slot or aperture 49 through which the tap 20 as described above can be passed to dispense drinking water to a consumer.

The dispensing of such potable water is facilitated by positioning or hanging the flexible bag 10 from the handle 15 (see fig. 1c) by placing the ring 15d on a locator or other suitable means located on the side wall of the housing 42, below the removable cover 48. In particular, the hanging arrangement facilitates the flow of potable water automatically towards the faucet 20. The "funnel" or contour formed by the provision of seams 16 and 17 also further assists in the self-flow when bag 10 is placed in shell 42. The dispenser 40 need not provide a pump to deliver water to the consumer through the faucet 20. Thus reducing cost and complexity.

Figure 7 shows a dispenser 140 without a bracket 44. In this case, the dispenser 140 is a peripheral (ambient) dispenser disposed on the table top 60.

Fig. 8 and 9 provide a more detailed construction of the housing 42. The shell 42 is here shown as having an open cylindrical section along a dispensing section 43 of the shell 42 along a substantial portion of its length. A slot or hole 49 is provided in the bottom 42a of the housing 42 but has an edge or wall 47 sufficient to receive a flexible bag 10. The bottom 42a of the housing 42 is inclined at the bottom slot or hole 49 at an angle of 15-20 deg. to the horizontal to provide an inclination from the rear wall 42b of the housing 42 towards the slot or hole 49. This also facilitates the dispensing of potable water, as the flexible bag 10 may have an inclined "bottom surface" when the bag 10 is in the dispensing position, which will facilitate the draining of potable water toward the trough or aperture 49 and the faucet 20 for dispensing to a consumer. As shown in fig. 10, a shield 70 having a planar and arcuate configuration may be disposed within rim 47 and between tap 20 and tap hole 12 of bag 10 to prevent abrasion or puncture of flexible bag 10 at this location. After the tap 20 is mounted to the flexible bag 10, the aperture 71 of shield 70 is placed over the actuator 21, thereby holding it in a position proximate to the tap 20 to protect the flexible bag 10 in this area. The cut-outs in the holes 71 facilitate this positioning. Shield 70 may be a polymeric or composite structure. Shield 70 and handle 15 may be provided in a separate bag or kit, which may also be transported in bulk transport container 30 and installed by the distributor. The mounting of shield 70 is shown in phantom outline in fig. 6.

The bottom 42a of the housing 42 may be mounted relative to the refrigeration unit 46 such that the bottom 42a may be refrigerated to thereby refrigerate the potable water in the flexible bag 30. The refrigeration unit 46 is set up only when needed. The refrigeration coil may perform a refrigeration task. Larger volume bags 10 may require additional refrigeration.

Once the bag 10 is placed within the housing 42 of the dispenser 40 and the removable cover 48 is placed in its position, the dispenser 40 can be operated and the tap 20 actuated by the actuator 21 to deliver drinking water to the consumer. If desired, the bag 10 may be placed into a refrigerator for pre-refrigeration prior to placement into the dispenser housing 42.

Modifications and variations of the method and apparatus for dispensing and dispensing beverages and liquid food products according to the present invention will be apparent to the skilled reader. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. In particular, any liquid food or beverage may be dispensed and dispensed according to the method and apparatus of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. A method of manufacturing and dispensing a flexible bag filled with a liquid beverage or liquid food product under aseptic conditions for dispensing the flexible bag to a consumer of the liquid beverage or liquid food product whilst being compensated, the method comprising the steps of:

a) placing said flexible bag filled with liquid beverage or liquid food product in a bulk shipping container capable of holding a plurality of flexible bags;

b) transporting the bulk shipping container with the filled flexible bag placed therein to a consumer of said liquid beverage or liquid food product by a commercial distributor; and

c) unloading and delivering to the consumer a desired number of flexible bags filled with liquid beverage or liquid food; and

d) delivering each flexible bag to dispense a liquid beverage or liquid food product contained therein and intended to be consumed by an end consumer,

the method is characterized in that:

e) a step of filling flexible bags with a liquid beverage or liquid food product through a nozzle or tap formed as part of each flexible bag, serving as a filling inlet and a dispensing outlet and avoiding residues from the sealing operation, the flexible bags having been sealed during the manufacturing process rather than during the filling process, wherein by each step the risk and critical control points during dispensing and dispensing are minimized and comprising filling the flexible bags under aseptic conditions such that the liquid beverage or liquid food product is delivered to the consumer for use without contamination or harmful effects.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid beverage or liquid food is dispensed through a tap fitted to a bag, the tap having an actuator to urge liquid to flow through the tap; and a ribbed end to allow the tap to be fitted into a bag tap hole having a smooth internal bore.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the commercial distributor fills a flexible bag.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid beverage contained in the flexible bag is drinking water.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispensing method is "one-way", without the need to recycle the flexible bag for reuse.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the commercial distributor places the flexible water-containing bag in a dispenser for delivery of water to an end consumer.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the commercial distributor supplies and maintains the distributor while being compensated.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the bulk shipping container is variable in capacity adapted to vary the number of flexible bags according to the needs of the consumer.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the cubic design of the bulk shipping container has smooth wall and bottom structures, thereby reducing the risk of damage and contamination to the flexible bag.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the bulk shipping container is made of a polymer suitable for use in a food grade environment.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the flexible bag comprises at least one handle.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible bag is placed in the dispenser by the at least one handle.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the flexible bag, when placed in the dispenser, allows substantially complete drainage of the liquid content from the flexible bag.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the dispenser has a housing with a bottom that is inclined relative to a vertical axis of the housing to allow substantially complete drainage of the liquid contents from the flexible bag.

15. The method of any one of claims 12-14, wherein the flexible bag is maintained in an upright position in the dispenser when liquid contents are drained from the flexible bag.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said housing of said dispenser has an inner wall and a shield positioned between said flexible bag and said inner wall of said housing to protect a lower portion of said flexible bag from damage.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the flexible bag is in communication with a tap for delivery of water for consumption by a consumer and the shield is disposed proximate the tap.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein a commercial distributor comprises at least one party selected from the group consisting of: an independent organization, and a vertically integrated organization, hired people, contractors, and agents of any organization.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the consumer is a delegate of the flexible bag.

20. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein filling the flexible bag with potable water further comprises the step of installing the flexible bag in a dispenser for dispensing potable water to an end consumer, wherein said method of dispensing is "one-way" without recycling the flexible bag for reuse.