A bottle hanger is configured to extend around a bottle and suspend the bottle for manually creating a vortex liquid for dispensing from the bottle. A bottle is configured with a dispenser that is configured on the bottom of the bottle when the bottle is in a dispense orientation, or hanging from a support within the bottle hanger. A user may rotate the bottle manually to cause the liquid within the bottle to rotate within the bottle until a vortex is formed. The user may then open the dispenser valve and dispense the vortexing liquid from the bottle. A bottle cover may be configured over a portion of the bottle to block light and reduce organism growth. A bottle cover assembly may have a translucent or transparent window for viewing the liquid within the bottle.

Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.

Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.

A dispenser cradle is disclosed that includes a front portion, a neck channel situated in the front portion and configured for receiving a neck of a dispensing bottle therethrough, a central channel configured for supporting the dispensing bottle thereon, where the central channel further includes a channel ramp portion extending from proximate the rear wall to a channel aperture, and where the channel aperture is configured for receiving a shoulder portion of the dispensing bottle therethrough when the dispensing bottle is positioned in at least one of a primary position and a secondary position, and when the dispensing bottle is in the primary position, a central axis of the dispensing bottle is situated at a first angle relative to a horizontal axis, and when the dispensing bottle is in the secondary position, a central axis of the dispensing bottle is situated at a second angle relative to the horizontal axis.

The present invention is directed to a beverage dispenser connector (1) comprising a dispenser body (2) defining a cavity (3) with an opening (4) to be open at a side of the dispenser body (2), a connection section (6) to attached the dispenser body (2) with the open cavity (3) over a delivery section (102) of a container (100) to close the cavity (3) with the delivery section (102), an inlet (7) to deliver a fluid into the cavity (3), an outlet (8) to discharge the fluid out of the cavity (3), and a needle (9) with a piercing tip (90), the needle (9) being associated with the dispenser body (2) so as to be moveable between a retracted position in which the piercing tip (90) is positioned within the cavity (3) and an extended position in which the piercing tip (90) protrudes out of the cavity (3) via the opening (4). The invention is further directed to a beverage production device comprising the beverage dispenser connector (1), a liquid supply (201), a gas supply (202), and a discharge section (203). Further, the present invention is directed to a method for beverage production with the beverage production device (200).

A refrigerator utilizes a quick fill dispenser that incorporates a fluid storage receptacle that is easily removable for cleaning and/or dispensing independently of the refrigerator.

A beverage dispenser (11) is disclosed for use in combination with a water cooler, wherein the water cooler comprises a water bottle (1) and a cooler housing (2) comprising an outlet (3, 4) for dispensing water, and wherein the beverage dispenser is intended to be positioned between the cooler housing and the water bottle. The beverage dispenser comprises: a dispensing station (19), a conduit (13) for supply of water from the water cooler to the dispensing station, a connector (22) for attachment to a container (12) comprising concentrate, a conduit (23) for supply of concentrate from the container to the dispensing station, and a passage (120) to allow the water bottle (1) to remain in fluid communication with the outlet (3,4) of the cooler housing (2) when the dispenser (11) is positioned between the cooler housing and the water bottle.

A water spout sanitary cover is provided. The cover is disposable and is configured to fit over a portion of the water spout to provide a sanitary layer. The cover may prevent microbial transfer between the spout, water, and a vessel being filled with water. The cover is disposable, and replaceable, and may be provided in a stacked dispenser.

A vessel body has an interior cavity in which a liquid is to be contained, an upper hole that communicates with the interior cavity, and a lower hole that communicates with the interior cavity. A spring inside the vessel body is in a pre-loaded condition and that also plugs the upper hole and the lower hole. When the liquid is to be dispensed, the spring is further loaded to thereby simultaneously vent through the upper hole and pour through the lower hole. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

An example system for installing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser includes: a container for insertion of a carton containing a beverage ingredient into a beverage dispenser, the container including a base surface, and a front surface, a back surface, and two side surfaces extending from the base surface and defining a cavity sized to receive the carton; wherein the two side surfaces extend from the front surface at an angle and form a horizontal landing portion that extends to the back surface; and a carton positioned within the container and containing the beverage ingredient, the carton comprising a fitment extending from a carton surface, the fitment sized to allow fluid communication between the carton and the beverage dispenser, and the carton defining a tear away portion defining an angled surface extending from a front surface of the carton to a side surface of the carton.