WO2000051475A1

WO2000051475A1 - Water cooler flavor dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2000051475A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/005000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Terrance F. O'brien; Larry Lee
Original assignee: The Hammer Corporation
Priority date: 1999-03-05
Filing date: 1999-03-05
Publication date: 2000-09-08
Also published as: AU3071599A

Abstract

A flavor dispensing unit (50) capable of mounting a flavoring container in proximity to a liquid refreshment apparatus, designed to be releasably secured (54) to the liquid refreshment apparatus by preferably snapping over the top surface of the inverted water bottle (13), so the user can get a cup of water and then quickly and easily add a flavor shot to the cup of water from individual flavor dispensers attached to the present flavor dispensing unit (50).

Description

WATER COOLER FLAVOR DISPENSER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a dispensing unit capable of mounting to a liquid dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a flavor dispensing unit securable to a typical water bottle while in place on a water cooler.

2. Description of the Related Art

Pure drinking water is a commodity that can no longer be taken for granted. In the past, rain water typically provided the purest drinking water; however, rain has the ability to dissolve many substances upon contact with the substances. Polluted air can heighten the dissolving power of rain, thereby leading to a hydrologic cycle that produces excessively polluted water. As rainwater falls it picks up impurities in the atmosphere including gases. This rain water/pollution mix then falls to the ground, and as the water travels to above ground and underground aquifers, the water dissolves rock and other solids further decreasing the purity of the water. The water is then collected and distributed as tap water to the masses for daily uses including drinking purposes.

Many health conscious consumers prefer not to drink tap water distributed by the public works, and thus seek purified or otherwise treated water for purposes of consumption, such as bottled water. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) classifies water as "bottled water" if it meets all applicable federal and state standards, is sealed in a sanitary container and is sold for human consumption. Bottled water cannot contain sweeteners or chemical additives (other than flavors, extracts or essences) and must be calorie-free and sugar-free. Flavors, extracts and essences — derived from spice or fruit — can be added to bottled water, but these additions must comprise less than one percent by weight of the final product. Beverages containing more than the one-percent-by-weight flavor limit are classified as soft drinks, not bottled water. In addition, bottled water may be sodium-free or contain "very low" amounts of sodium. Some bottled waters contain natural or added carbonation. Bottled drinking water is widely used in offices and homes throughout the world.

According to data collected by the IBWA, the number of gallons of bottled water consumed in the United States more than doubled from two hundred eighty-two million in 1977 to more than six hundred twelve million in 1981; nearly doubled once again to one thousand two hundred six million gallons in 1986; and then nearly tripled to three thousand two hundred fifty million by 1997. Part of the increase is no doubt due to the consumers' concern about the safety of drinking tap water.

Along with an increased concern about the purity and portability of municipally provided water supplies has come the increased use of bottled water, and commercial bottled water services. Generally, commercial water companies supply a subscriber with some type of dispensing apparatus such as the familiar water cooler or cabinet that can now be found in countless offices and homes. The bottled water is usually provided in large plastic bottle-type containers. The most recognized treated water container is the 5- gallon water bottle delivered to a home or office, each bottle weighing roughly 42 pounds when full. These water bottles are used in combination with a water cooler mechanism that in some instances can provide chilled or heated water on demand. Commonly, the water cooler positions the water container in an inverted position above the cabinet allowing the water in the bottle to fill a water reservoir in the cabinet through gravity displacement. Conventional water dispensers found in homes and offices include a transparent/translucent glass or plastic necked water bottle mounted upside down at the top of the cabinet. Typically, the water bottle used in conjunction with water dispensers is not a smooth cylindrical shell with a constant diameter, but is ribbed. At a variety of locations along the length of the bottle, the diameter of the bottle increases and decreases at points of ribbing. A rib is defined as that length of the bottle having a diameter greater than the average, common diameter of the bottle from the top surface of the bottle to a point before which the bottle begins to cone towards the neck.

The opening and neck of the water bottle is disposed within a cup member at the top of the cabinet. Loading the bottle of water onto the cabinet requires removing the cap from the bottle, lifting the bottle to a height greater than the cabinet, inverting the bottle and placing it on the cabinet. Water, under the force of gravity, flows out of the water bottle into the cup member until the pressure within the water bottle is reduced due to water evacuation to a degree sufficient to preclude further water outflow. The water level within the cup member, rising above the opening of the neck, prevents air inflow to the water bottle. The cup member is in fluid communication with a water tap. As water is drawn from the water tap, the water level within the cup member drops to a point just below the opening of the neck. Air then enters the water bottle and permits a quantity of water to flow out of the water bottle and into the cup member. As the water level in the cup member rises above the opening of the neck, further air inflow is precluded and further water outflow from the water bottle stops. When the water bottle is emptied, it is replaced and the process is repeated.

Pure water is not the only liquid refreshment benefiting from the consumers' heightened awareness of water pollution. In the beverage industry there is a constant demand for the production of additives, whether naturally occurring or synthetic, which are capable of imparting, supplementing or improving the flavor or mouthfeel characteristics of the beverages. It is common in some segments of the industry to add flavor agents to enhance or bring out a desirable characteristic in drinks and by so doing, render the drink more desirable from a consumer preference standpoint. The spectacular rise in the marketing of "lightly" flavored soda water and seltzer is not surprising when viewed in context with the commensurate rise in the public's health consciousness coupled with its demand for better tasting products. In order to capitalize on the public's move away from high calorie, sweetened soft drinks and the like, companies have begun marketing flavored seltzer that is simply seltzer mixed with flavor "shots". Dozens of flavored seltzers and other lightly flavored drinks crowd the beverage aisle of most supermarkets.

In some beverage settings, the consumer can choose the type and amount of flavor to be added to their own drink. For example, flavor shots are widely popular now in coffee shops, which shots add a distinctive flavoring of vanilla, hazelnut and other flavors to coffee without adding any sugar or fat to the coffee drink. As a vast amount of bottled water is consumed cup by cup at the home or office through the conventional bottled water dispenser, there has existed a need for a way to personalize one's cup of bottled water with a flavor shot, when one is so inclined to do so. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a flavor dispensing unit for the conventional bottled water dispenser. It is to the provision of such a dispenser meeting this and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly described, in a preferred form, the present invention comprises a flavor dispensing unit designed to be releasably secured to a liquid refreshment apparatus. When the present invention is incorporated with the conventional bottled water dispenser, the invention preferably fits above the top surface of the inverted water bottle, so the user can get a cup of water and then quickly and easily add a flavor shot to the cup of water from individual flavor dispensers attached to the present flavor dispensing unit.

Preferably, the present invention comprises a securing component to secure the invention to the water bottle, and a platform to hold individual flavor dispensers in proximity to the bottle. Preferably, the platform is secured to the water bottle via a support surface extending from the securing component.

When the present dispenser is used in conjunction with the conventional ribbed five-gallon water dispenser bottle (and two-gallon bottles of the same diameter, but shorter height) held inverted over the conventional water cooler cabinet, the support surface of the present invention is secured to the top surface of the inverted water bottle by the securing component. In one embodiment, the securing component comprises a shape and material construction similar or identical to a top portion of a conventional water bottle, wherein the securing component of the present invention is secured to the top surface of the inverted bottle when the securing component "snaps" over the top surface of the inverted bottle. The securing component extends a length from the top surface of the bottle down over and to the termination of a first rib. The securing component snaps atop and over the top surface of the inverted water bottle. The securing component extends downward along the bottle the length of the first rib, which envelops the first rib of the inverted water bottle, thus securing the present invention to the top surface of the inverted bottle. Preferably, the flavor dispenser platform extends from the securing component by the support surface and has cut within a plurality of apertures, each aperture capable of securing a flavor dispenser containing flavor to be added to the water.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a flavor dispensing unit capable of securing to the conventional water cooler. It is another object of the present invention to provide a lightweight dispensing at the lowest possible cost while maximizing its strength and durability.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a flavor dispensing unit that can be removably secured to the water bottle of a conventional water cooler quickly and easily.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conventional water cooler

Fig 2 illustrates a front view, partly in section, of a conventional water cooler

Fig 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention secured to a water bottle Fig 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the support surface and platform of the present invention, the platform supporting an inverted flavor dispenser

Fig 5 is a perspective view of a preferred form of the securing component of the present invention

Fig 6 is a side view of a preferred form of the present invention secured to a water bottle

Fig 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the securing component of the present invention

Fig 8 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention Fig 9 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of Fig 8

Fig 10A is a side sectional view of one embodiment of a snapping indentation of the present invention

Fig 10B is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a snapping indentation of the present invention Fig 11 is a side view of another embodiment of the present dispensing unit secured to the bottle of a conventional water cooler

Fig 12 is a top view of a dispensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention

Fig 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention incorporating straps

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The conventional water dispensers used predominantly in offices have become accepted office fixtures These water dispensers include an upstanding rectangular shaped cabinet having a removable inverted water bottle extending upwardly from the top of the cabinet The bottles were once constructed of glass, but presently are likely comprised of transparent plastic that retains the look of the old glass bottles Midway down the front of the cabinet is a push button water tap A water catcher is generally disposed beneath the tap to collect any spilled water On some models, one tap may provide chilled water, while a second tap may provide heated water. Filled water bottles are usually provided by a service organization that delivers a plurality of filled bottles from time to time in accordance with demand, while removing and transporting empty bottles for reuse. The water dispensed is usually purified water rather than tap water. The two most common water bottles for use in a typical water cooler are the 5- gallon bottle and the 2-gallon bottle. These two bottles are generally identical with exception of height and volume. The diameters, necks, materials, and presence of at least one rib are the same. The barrel of the 2-gallon bottle is approximately 2/5 the height of the barrel of the 5-gallon bottle, accounting for the volume difference. Referring now in detail to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, Fig. 1 shows a conventional liquid dispenser 10. The dispenser 10 may be of a type to cool or heat the liquid, or both, and to dispense the liquid through taps or spigots such as 11 connected to a reservoir (not shown) within the upstanding, generally rectangular cabinet 12. Large plastic or glass bottles 13, each of which are successively inserted and mounted on a cover and support plate 14 at the top of the cabinet 12, supply water or other liquid. The water bottle 13 is typically transparent, and sometimes of a light blue color, to provide a user a visual indication of the level of water therein. The plate 14 typically carries an adapter having a bottle neck receiving socket and reservoir inlet valve unit indicated generally by the numeral 15 that is located directly over the liquid or water reservoir in the cabinet 12. Since many water dispensers

10 are capable of chilling the water and/or heating the water, it is not unusual to find an electrical cord and attached plug extending from the rear side of the cabinet 12, as well.

As shown in Fig. 2, the reservoir 16 in the cabinet 12 is fluidly coupled to the taps

11 providing a drain to the reservoir 16 used for drawing water. A water catcher 18 is positioned beneath the spigot 11 to catch excess water should a cup be improperly placed or prematurely removed from beneath the spigot 11. The water bottle 13 is placed over the cabinet 12 and into an inverted position allowing gravity feed of the water into the reservoir 16 in the cabinet 12. Water drawn from the reservoir 16 is replenished until all the water is drawn out of bottle 13 through the spigot 11. Replacement of the water bottle 13 typically requires a cap located on the end 20 of the water bottle 13 to be removed before the bottle 13 is inverted. The water bottle 13 fits within the neck socket 22 having a conical shaped area for proper positioning and support of the bottle 13. The weight of the water filled bottle 13 maintains the bottle 13 in a steady position within socket 22. When the bottle 13 is empty, it is removed and a new water bottle is substituted by first removing the bottle cap before placing the bottle on the cabinet 12 for use in filling the reservoir 16

The conventional water bottle 13 may comprise a constant diameter cylindrical shell As shown in Figs 1 and 2, the bottle 13 alternatively may comprise a plurality of ribs 30 At a variety of locations along the length of the bottle 13, the diameter of the bottle increases and decreases at points of ribbing 30 Herein, a rib 30 is defined as that length of the bottle 13 having a diameter greater than the average diameter of the bottle 13 from the top surface 32 of the bottle 13 to a diameter 34 of the bottle 13 before which the bottle begins to cone toward the neck 17 Fig 3 illustrates a bottle 13 having four ribs 30 The average diameter of the bottle 13 is designated as DN and the diameter of the bottle 13 at locations of ribs 30 is designated as DR For purposes of illustration only, the average diameter DA of the bottle 13 is the diameter of bottle 13 at lengths of constant diameter between the top surface 32 and diameter 34 The length LR of each rib 30 is the length of bottle 13 between lengths of constant diameters Whether ribbed or not, bottle 13 typical cones at its lower portion 36 toward the neck 17

In a preferred embodiment shown in Fig 3, the present invention used in connection with a ribbed bottle 13 comprises a flavor dispensing unit 50 having a securing component 54 and a platform 56, which securing component 54 positions the platform 56 in proximity to the bottle 13 The platform 56 is designed to hold a number of flavor dispensers 100 The securing component 54 further comprises a support surface 52 to connect the securing component 54 to the platform 56 Fig 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the support surface 52 and platform 56 of the present dispensing unit 50 Fig 5 illustrates a preferred securing component 54 used in connection with the support surface 52 and platform 56 of Fig 4 In effect, securing component 54 is analogous to a cap placed over bottle 13 much like a baseball cap is warn on the head, with the bill of the baseball cap representing platform 56

The securing component 54 of the embodiment shown in Fig 3 preferably comprises a means for releasably securing the device 50 to the top portion of a conventional 5-gallon water bottle Securing component 54 has a top surface 55 and one rib 30 extending a length LR In this fashion, the securing component 54 can snap over the top surface 32 of an inverted bottle 13 having generally the same DR and LR of a first rib 30 in proximity to the top surface 32 of the bottle 13 as does the securing component 54 The securing component 54 must comprise a material with sufficient yield and strength to first slip over the first rib 30 of the bottle 13 and then flex back over the surface of rib 30 of the bottle 13. Preferably, securing component 54 comprises plastic or the like since the diameter of the bottom edge 54b of securing component 54 is smaller than DR, and thus bottom edge 54b must be flexible enough to widen over DR and not fail. It has been found that the same plastic the typical 5-gallon bottle is made out of is a suitable material of construction for the device 10. This is a heavy gauge thermoset plastic. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art can determine without undue experimentation, any appropriate resilient material will suffice.

The platform 56 of the present dispenser 50 preferably holds individual flavor dispensers 100 in an inverted position wherein a user can manipulate the dispenser 100 to deposit flavor drops into the individual's cup of water. In a preferred form, the platform 56 has a plurality of apertures 57 through which a dispenser 100 can be suspended. A preferable dispenser 100 has a body 102 wider than aperture 57 and a neck portion 104 smaller than aperture 57 and longer than the thickness of platform 56. In this way, the neck 104 of the dispenser 100 extends through and beyond aperture 57 while the dispenser body 102 is maintained above the aperture 57. Dispenser 100 typically is a squeeze bottle approximately one-inch wide, one-half-inch thick, and two-inches tall, with an eye-dropper type tip. Such general bottles are known in the art.

As shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 6, the dispenser 50 can further comprise signage component 62 extending approximately perpendicular from platform 56. Preferably, signage component 62 is opaque and blocks a user's line of sight to a majority of the securing component 54 and support surface 52 of the present invention 50, providing a more aesthetically pleasing unit 50.

The support surface 52 of the securing component 54 shown in Figs. 3-6 preferably mounts the platform 56 to the securing component 54, thus allowing the platform 56 to hold flavor dispensers 100 in proximity to the bottle 13. As shown in Fig. 4, the support surface 52 has a top and bottom face 52t, 52b, and extends rearward from the platform 56. The bottom face 52b of support surface 52 is secured to the top surface 55 of securing component 54 by conventional methods. The platform 56 also is secured to the support surface 52 by conventional methods. The support surface 52 extends the platform 56 away from the edge of the bottle 13 so access to the flavor dispensers 100 can be had without interfering with the bottle 13. Alternatively, the various elements of unit 50 may be formed integrally. For example, support surface 52 can be integral with platform 56, or securing component 54, or both.

The conventional methods securing both the bottom face 52b of support surface 52 to the top surface 55 of securing component 54, and the platform 56 to the support surface 52, can include releasably securing methods. That is, both securing methods can incorporate hook and loop fasteners, snaps, suction cups and the like so the support surface 52 and/or the platform 56 can be changed without disturbing the securing component 54. For example, a new style of platform 56 or new signage 62 can be changed out by the water supplier during a delivery quickly and easily without removal of the bottle 13 or securing component 54. Preferably, support surface 52 is strongly adhered to securing component 54 to prevent accidental release of support surface 52 from securing component 54. An alternative embodiment of the present dispenser unit 50 is shown in Fig. 7 and includes a securing component 54 comprising a top surface 55 and flap portions 31 of one rib 30, the flap portions 31 extending a length LR. Unlike the securing component 54 of Fig. 5, the length LR of the securing component of Fig. 7 does not include a continuous rib 30, but only a plurality of flap portions 31. In this manner, the cost of manufacture of securing component 54 can be minimized, while the securing aspects of the securing component 54 are not compromised. Each flap portion 31 can snap over the top surface 32 of an inverted bottle 13 having generally the same DR and LR of a first rib 30 in proximity to the top surface 32 of the bottle 13 as does the securing component 54 of Fig. 5. Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the dispenser 50.

Securing component 54 comprises a majority portion of an open bottom cylinder like that of the securing component of Fig. 5. Yet, rising from the back 51 of top surface 55 of securing component 54 is a support surface 52 extending beyond the perimeter of securing component 54. Fig. 9 shows the relationship between the support surface 50 and securing component 54. Platform 56 with apertures 57 extends from support surface 52. That portion of support surface 52 falling from the top surface 52t to the platform 56 can comprise a signage component 62. Optional straw or cup holder 200 may be included on the dispenser 50. Holder 50 is an appropriately sized and shaped indentation in the top surface 52t and can be sized to hold cups, straws, or other accessories. The securing component 54 of Figs. 8 and 9 further comprises a plurality of snapping indentations 58, which snapping indentations 58 extend inward towards the center of the securing component 54, as shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, wherein the directional arrow A points towards the center of the securing component 54. Snapping indentations 58 are located along the side edge 37 of securing component 54 (wherein side edge 37 of the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9 can be straight and need not necessarily form the shape of a rib 30 or flap portion 31 of Figs. 5 and 7, respectively) so that upon slipping unit 50 over a water bottle 13, snapping indentations 58 snap under a first rib 30 of water bottle 13. In this way, snapping indentations 58 serve a similar function as does the bendable rib 30 of the embodiment of Fig. 5.

As shown in Figs. 10A and 10B, snapping indentations 58 may extend inward from side wall 37 while providing a unitary outside surface to side wall 37, as shown in Fig. 10A or may extend inward wherein the entire thickness of side wall 37 extends towards the center of securing component 54 (Fig. 10B). The curved indentations 59 of snapping indentations 58 may be lined with a material 53 that both limits wear and frictionally secures the orientation of unit 50 upon water bottle 13. For example, this material may comprise soft rubber and the like.

While the above embodiments of a securing component 54 comprise a structure similar to, and fitting the top portions of conventional 5-gallon water bottles, it will be understood that securing component 54 can comprise a structure similar to, and fitting the top portion of a variety of alternative bottles 13. In respect to various bottle configurations, for a securing component 54 to work in an equally well snap-over style, the securing component 54 should comprise a structure similar to a top portion of a bottle similar to the one in use at a particular location, extending a sufficient length LR so the securing component 54 snaps over the top surface of the bottle in use, and remains releasably secured to the bottle.

In another preferred embodiment of the present dispenser unit 50 shown in Fig. 11, the present invention used in connection with either a smooth cylinder or ribbed bottle 13 comprises a flavor dispensing unit 50 having a securing component 54 and a platform 56, which securing component 70 positions the platform 56 in proximity to the bottle 13. In this alternative embodiment, the signage component 62 comprises the support surface 52 to connect the securing component 54 to the platform 56. As shown, securing component 54 comprises suction cup devices 70 that releasably secure the signage component 62 to the outside surface of bottle 13. Similarly, suction cup devices 70 can secure the signage component 62 to the outside surface of cabinet 12 in proximity to tap 11. In this embodiment, securing component 54 again can include conventional releasably securing methods including hook and loop fasteners, snaps and the like.

Fig. 12 illustrates a dispenser unit 50 comprising a securing component 54 and a platform 56, wherein the securing component 54 comprises flange 74 extending rearward from platform 56. As shown, flange 74 encloses aperture 72, through which aperture the neck 17 of bottle 13 extends into the bottle neck receiving socket and reservoir inlet valve unit indicated generally by the numeral 15 in Fig. 1. In this way, the platform 56 is held in position over the top of the cabinet 12, plate 14, by the water bottle 13 itself. Another alternative embodiment of the device 13 is a structure similar to a baseball cap having an adjustable cap size. As shown in Fig. 13, the device 50 can be placed over the bottle 13 and the adjustable strap 102 tightened around the bottle 13, preferably under top rib 30. Any typical securing means can be used to fasten one end of adjustable strap 102 A to the other end of adjustable strap 102B, such as hook and loop fasteners, hole and prong fasteners, pass-through clamps, folding clamps, and belt-buckle type fasteners 104. Alternatively, adjustable strap 102 can comprise a single strap of an elastic-type material which is designed initially expand over bottle 13, and have sufficient resilience to secure the device 10 snug to the surface of bottle 13.

While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A flavor dispensing unit mountable on a liquid dispensing apparatus, said flavor dispensing unit comprising: a) a platform having at least one aperture capable of releasably securing a flavoring container containing flavor to be added to a liquid from the liquid dispensing apparatus; and b) securing means connected to said platform, said securing means releasably securing said platform to a surface of the liquid dispensing apparatus.

2. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 1, said securing means extending generally downward from said platform, said securing means extending downward to be releasably secured over a top portion of an inverted bottle having ribs of the liquid dispensing apparatus.

3. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 2, said securing means comprising: a) a top surface; and b) a rib extending general downward from said top surface.

4. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 3, wherein said rib of said securing means extends downward around the full perimeter of said top surface of said securing means.

5. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 3 wherein said rib of said securing means comprises flaps, each said flap extending downward from a portion of the perimeter of said top surface of said securing means.

6. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 5 wherein said rib comprises two said flaps.

7. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 6 wherein said rib comprises four said flaps.

8. A flavor dispensing unit mountable on a water dispenser having a removable inverted upwardly extending water bottle having bottle ribs, said flavor dispensing unit comprising: a) a platform having at least one aperture capable of releasably securing a flavoring container containing flavor to be added to a liquid from the liquid dispensing apparatus, wherein said at least one aperture has a substantially oval shape; and

b) securing means including a top surface and a side wall, said securing means connected to said platform, said securing wall extending downward from said top surface of said securing means, said side wall having snapping indentations extending inwardly from said side wall, said securing means releasably securing said platform to a top portion of the inverted water bottle, the top portion of the inverted water bottle incorporating one bottle rib.

9. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 8, wherein said securing means includes a top surface and rib, said securing means connected to said platform, said rib extending downward from said top surface of said securing means, said securing means releasably securing said platform to a top portion of the inverted water bottle, the top portion of the inverted water bottle incorporating one bottle rib. top surface

10. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 9, wherein said rib of said securing means comprises flaps, each said flap extending downward from a portion of the perimeter of said top surface of said securing means.

11. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 10 further comprising a signage component.

12. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 10, wherein said top surface and rib of said securing means comprising heavy gauge thermoset plastic.

13. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 11 wherein said signage component extends generally upward and perpendicular from said platform.

14. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 12 wherein said securing means further comprises a support surface to which said platform connects, said support surface extending said platform a distance from the water bottle.

15. The flavor dispensing unit of Claim 14 wherein said support surface comprises a top and bottom face and extending rearward from said platform, said bottom face of said support surface secured to said top surface of said securing means.

16. A flavor dispensing unit mountable on a water dispenser having a removable inverted upwardly extending water bottle, said flavor dispensing unit comprising: a) a platform having at least one aperture capable of releasably securing a flavoring container containing flavor to be added to a liquid from the liquid dispensing apparatus, wherein said at least one aperture has a substantially oval shape; b) a signage component extending generally upward and perpendicular from said platform; and c) securing means securing said signage component to the water dispenser.

17. The securing means of Claim 16, said securing means comprising at least one strap portion extending from said signage component, said at least one strap portion capable of securing said signage component to the water dispenser.

18. A flavor dispensing unit mountable on a water dispenser having a removable inverted upwardly extending water bottle having a neck, said flavor dispensing unit comprising: a) a platform having at least one aperture capable of releasably securing a flavoring container containing flavor to be added to a liquid from the liquid dispensing apparatus, wherein said at least one aperture has a substantially oval shape; and b) securing means securing said platform to the water dispenser, said securing means including a flange extending rearward from said platform, said flange enclosing an aperture through which the neck of the water bottle extends therethrough.