EP4359313A1

EP4359313A1 - Liquid delivery device attachable to the neck of a bottle and method for piercing a container

Info

Publication number: EP4359313A1
Application number: EP22744281.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Francois Barre
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-06-25
Filing date: 2022-06-24
Publication date: 2024-05-01
Also published as: WO2022269213A1; FR3124365A1; FR3124365B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid delivery device (1) attachable to the neck (2) of a bottle. The liquid delivery device comprises a piercing system carried by an adapter device (11), a container holder (12) which can be moved up and down, and a holding device (13) configured to have an operative configuration in which a container (3) is held in the container holder (12), and an inoperative configuration in which the container (3) can be removed from the container holder (12). The liquid delivery device also comprises a control ring (14) rotatably mounted relative to the adapter device (11) and configured such that the rotation of the control ring (14) in a given direction causes the container holder (12) to move relative to the control ring towards the piercing system (112).

Description

LIQUID RELEASE DEVICE COUPLABLE TO THE NECK OF A BOTTLE AND METHOD FOR DRILLING A CONTAINER

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the release of liquid in a bottle.

[0003] PRIOR ART

[0004] Known from the state of the art, and in particular from document EP2864216, is a liquid release device that can be coupled to the neck of a bottle. However, such a liquid release device is cumbersome to use.

Indeed, such a liquid release device requires assembling by screwing several parts together. An upper part forming a retaining cap cooperates by screwing with a part which houses a capsule in order to be able to hold the capsule, and the part which houses the capsule cooperates by screwing with a part which forms both an adapter mounted on the neck of the bottle and a lid cutting system.

[0006] There is a risk that the part forming the cover, which holds the capsule in the part which receives the capsule, is screwed on incorrectly or unscrews involuntarily, which risks posing a problem of sealing of the device between the part which receives the capsule and the part forming the cover.

[0007] In addition, the part which receives the capsule must be actuated by screwing onto the adapter part to cut the cover of the capsule, and this screwing must be carried out entirely to obtain the seal between the part which receives the capsule and the adapter. In the event of insufficient screwing or involuntary unscrewing, the seal between these two parts (capsule holder and adapter) is no longer ensured.

[0008] The fact of having several parts to be screwed together to assemble and use the liquid release device risks disturbing the user. In fact, the user can not reliably identify which part it must turn to obtain the cutout of the lid, and incomplete screwing of one or other of the parts leads to a sealing problem.

[0009] Moreover, in the document EP2864216, the three parts (adapter part, capsule holder part, and cover part) which make up the liquid release device are screwed together, so that when the user wishes to unscrew one of these parts, there is a risk that if the user does not hold the correct parts, he partially or totally loosens one of the other two, causing a problem with sealing or dismantling the cap. To avoid this inconvenience, the user must, after each refill of a capsule, carefully check the correct tightening of the three parts that make up the device.

[0010] Finally, when the bottle contains a liquid, for example water, such a device does not make it possible to place a capsule awaiting release in the device mounted on the bottle, for example for subsequent release of the liquid from the cap in the bottle, while sealing the liquid release device. In fact, to maintain the seal between the part which houses the capsule and the adapter, the part which houses the capsule must be completely screwed onto the adapter, which necessarily causes the lid of the capsule to be cut, and therefore does not allow the unopened capsule to be kept in the capsule-holder part for subsequent release of liquid. Such a use, which document EP2864216 does not allow, is useful in particular when the liquid contained in the capsule, for example a pharmaceutical product, must be consumed as soon as it is mixed with that present in the bottle, or can only be kept at the isolated state in its packaging.

The present invention aims to provide a new liquid release device and a corresponding method to overcome all or part of the problems outlined above.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] To this end, the subject of the invention is a liquid release device that can be coupled to the neck of a bottle, making it possible to pierce a container, so that a liquid from the container falls into the bottle, the release device of liquid comprising: - an adapter device adapted to be fixed, in a removable manner, on the neck of the bottle, the adapter device having a hollow body;

- a piercing system carried by the adapter device, making it possible to pierce the container, such as a capsule having a lid,

- a receiving device, called a container carrier, comprising a receiving housing for receiving the container, the container carrier being movable up and down inside the hollow body of the adapter device;

- a holding device configured to present:

- an active configuration in which the container is held in the container holder, and

- an inactive configuration in which the container can be removed from the container holder; characterized in that the liquid release device also includes a control ring rotatably mounted relative to the adapter device; the control ring being configured so that the rotation of the control ring in a given direction causes the container holder to move relative to the control ring towards the piercing system, the control ring being configured to allow lock the active configuration of the holding device by moving the container holder relative to the control ring towards the piercing system, the container holder having a passage opening communicating with the receiving housing, to allow the piercing system to piercing the container so that the liquid in the container flows through said passage opening, then through a passage opening provided in the adapter device.

The design of the liquid release device according to the invention makes it possible to perform a locking operation of the holding device in the active configuration, and a drilling operation of the container by the same control ring. In the lowered state of the container holder relative to the control ring, the control ring makes it possible to form an abutment vis-à-vis the holding device preventing it from going into the inactive configuration. [0015] According to a particular mode of use, the container, for example a capsule, can be stored in the container holder, awaiting use, in the locked position of the holding device without having to pierce this container, precisely to be able to transport the whole bottle, which may already contain a liquid such as water, and the liquid release device mounted on the bottle with a container, for example a syrup capsule, already loaded in the liquid release device, and ready to use, or a product that needs to be mixed with the contents of the bottle just before consumption. The locked position of the container holder ensures that the container is securely held by the holding device, in the container holder, which ensures the container/container holder seal.

[0016] Furthermore, the seal between the container holder and the adapter device can be ensured regardless of the position of the container holder in the adapter device, thanks to a sealing system. According to one embodiment, the sealing system comprises a seal which extends over the outer peripheral wall, preferably in the lower part, of the container holder, which is applied to a smooth zone of the inner peripheral wall of the adapter. Advantageously, the seal is thus supported on a zone of the inner peripheral wall of the adapter which is preferably located below the notches for positioning the container holder, provided in the inner wall of the adapter.

[0017] Such a design of the liquid release device makes it possible, with a single part to be rotated, namely the control ring, to control the function of locking the container in place in the container holder, and the function of piercing the container. , while maintaining the tightness of the liquid release device during movement of the container holder, in particular in the piercing position.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the presence of notches made in the adapter, preferably in combination with visual indications made on the upper part of the control ring, allows the user to quickly and easily identify the position in which the container carrier is located and thus the associated function (initial position introduction/removal of the container, locking position of the container holding device, drilling position(s).

[0019] It should be noted that in the document EP2864216, if the screwing of the container holder on the adapter is not carried out to the end, sealing is not ensured, and if one screws to the end the capsule is pierced. Conversely, with the device according to the invention, if the user raises the container by turning the control ring in the direction of raising the container, the latter remains held by the holding device as long as the holding device is not disabled by the user. Sealing is then maintained between the container holder and the container. As mentioned above, sealing can also be ensured thanks to the seal, such as a seal, for example an O-ring, applied between the outer wall of the container holder and the inner wall of the adapter and, when it is present, by a closing control mechanism of the bottom opening of the adapter, thanks to the recall of the mechanism in the closed position.

Advantageously, the fact that the device according to the invention cannot be dismantled, without tools, by the user makes it possible to simplify its use by the user who does not have to assemble several parts and does not risk losing of room. Conversely, it should be noted that in document EP2864216, the parts of the liquid release device are removable and must be assembled by the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the raising and lowering of the container (or the container holder) requires a simple rotation of a ring. Advantageously, the control ring causes the sliding movement of the container holder along a groove, preferably formed in the adapter device. The rotation of the control ring does not affect the assembly of the parts, which makes it possible to preserve the tightness of the system.

The ring cooperates by thread with the container holder and rests on the adapter, preferably being nested on the adapter while remaining free to rotate relative to the adapter. Said freedom of rotation is considered in the absence of activation of any rotation locking system for certain angular positions of the ring, which may be present in a mode particular embodiment as presented below. The ring rotation operation for drilling goes in the direction of a reinforcement of the tightening of the adapter on the neck. The rotation of the ring in the other direction (anti-clockwise) does not meet any opposition. In fact, this rotation is not the loosening of a thread but only the rotation of the ring on the edge of the adapter device and the only resistance will be the jump of a possible notching for which an appropriate adjustment of the latter allows a reverse without forcing and thus to avoid any unscrewing of the cap. In this way, the user can manipulate the liquid release device by holding the bottle with one hand and the liquid release device with the other, instead of holding two parts of the device as required by patent EP2864216B1 to maintain the seal.

According to a particular embodiment, the liquid release device further comprises a system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring relative to the adapter device, the blocking system being activatable and deactivatable.

Thus, the pivoting mobility of the control ring relative to the adapter device can be blocked, in an activatable and deactivatable manner, for one or more predefined angular positions of the control ring relative to the adapter, corresponding by example at the initial position, the locking position, and/or at the or one of the drilling positions presented below.

In the locked state of rotational mobility, the control ring is made integral in rotation, preferably in one direction and in the other, with respect to the adapter device, which makes it possible to facilitate the complete unscrewing of the device for releasing liquid with a view to removing it from the bottle thanks to the fact that the operator can perform this unscrewing of the device by holding the control ring and/or the adapter device.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the system for locking the pivoting mobility of the control ring comprises a system of tooth(s) and notch(s) distributed over the control ring and over the adapter device.

[0027] Provision can thus be made for at least one tooth to be carried by the control ring which is able to engage in at least one locking notch provided in the adapter transversely with respect to a guide groove, preferably circular, which extends around the central axis of the control ring. The tooth can come to engage in the blocking notch when the tooth travels through the guide groove by rotation of the control ring and arrives at the right of the notch which extends under the groove. The notch rises with the control ring around the tooth due to a return force exerted by a spring on the control ring in the axial direction upwards, ie in the opposite direction from the bottom of the bottle, to the fixed state of the liquid release device on a neck of a bottle.

[0028] The release device may also include one or more of the following features taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0029] According to an optional feature, the holding device comprises holding elements, such as holding arms, at least one of said holding elements being hinged to the container carrier, said holding elements being capable of cooperating with each other in active configuration to prevent an exit of the container from the top of the container holder.

[0030]According to an optional characteristic, the device comprises a sliding guide system for the container holder relative to the adapter device, so that the rotation of the control ring causes the sliding movement of the container holder, without rotation of the container carrier relative to the adapter device.

[0031]According to an optional feature, by rotation of the control ring, the container holder is able to selectively assume several positions relative to the adapter device, said positions comprising:

- A position, called the initial position, in which the holding device can pass from the inactive configuration to the active configuration, and vice versa;

- A position called the locking position, in which, in the active configuration of the holding device, the holding device is locked in said active configuration;

- A position, called the first piercing position, in which the piercing system penetrates a first distance through the passage opening of the container holder; and - Optionally, a position, called the second piercing position, in which the piercing system penetrates over a second distance, greater than the first distance, through the passage opening of the container holder.

[0032]According to an optional characteristic, when the device comprises a rotation locking system for the control ring, the rotation locking system is configured to activate automatically in at least one of said angular positions taken by the ring. control relative to the adapter device, the blocking system then being deactivatable preferably by pressing the operator on the control ring in the direction of the passage opening provided in the adapter device.

[0033] According to an optional characteristic, the rotation of the control ring in a given direction makes it possible, from the initial position, to move the container holder so as to make it successively take the locking position, the first position of drilling and, optionally, the second drilling position.

[0034] According to an optional feature, the device comprises a notching system for the locking position, the piercing position, and preferably the initial position, allowing the user to detect the position reached by the container holder.

[0035] The notching system may comprise notches spaced apart axially along an internal wall of the adapter to cooperate with a corresponding element, such as a tooth, provided on the external wall of the container holder. In addition or as a variant, the notching system can also comprise notches formed by notches of the system for locking the ring in rotation when it is present.

According to one embodiment, the control ring comprises an internal radial shoulder which is able to cooperate with an external radial shoulder of the adapter device which forms a stop preventing disassembly of the control ring with respect to the adapter device.

According to an optional characteristic, the container holder, preferably its lower part, is equipped with a seal able to bear against an inner peripheral wall of the hollow body of the adapter device. [0038]According to an optional feature, the seal of the container holder and the adapter device are configured such that, regardless of the position of the container holder relative to the adapter device, the seal is in compression against a smooth wall of the adapter device.

[0039]According to an optional feature, the control ring comprises an internal radial shoulder which forms an upper stop for the container holder preventing the container holder from exiting with respect to the control ring.

[0040]According to an optional characteristic, the lower part of the control ring is provided with a snap-fit zone with a corresponding zone of the adapter device.

According to one embodiment, provision may be made for the control ring to be held mounted on the adapter device, by the cooperation of a tooth of the adapter device which is held either between the upper and lower walls (the terms "upper " and "lower" referring to a vertical orientation of the liquid release device where the control ring extends mainly above the adapter device) of an internal guide groove of the control ring, or by the cooperation between them shoulders of the control ring and of the adapter device, in particular when the tooth is housed in a rotation-blocking notch which communicates with said guide groove. It is possible to provide several teeth.

According to an optional characteristic, the device comprises a control mechanism making it possible to control the opening and closing of the passage opening formed in the bottom of the adapter device.

[0043] According to an optional characteristic, the control mechanism comprises:

- a support element with which part of the container holder is able to come into abutment, such as a plate having at least one passage orifice, said support element being movable towards the bottom of the adapter device;

- Preferably, a return system, such as a spring, of the support element, in a so-called high position; and - A shutter element, also called valve, mounted integral in movement with the support element.

[0044] As a variant, it is possible to dispense with a support element in addition to the spring, and for the spring to bear against the lower part of the container holder in order to return the container holder upwards against the ring control which then also undergoes a return force upwards (by reference to a bottle provided with the release device which is held vertically with the neck facing upwards).

[0045]According to an optional characteristic, the drilling system comprises a drilling member, also called a drilling finger, which has two drilling teeth, one of the teeth being higher than the other tooth.

According to an optional feature, the holding device is configured to, even in the active configuration, leave visible the container present in the container holder.

According to an optional feature, the liquid release device is configured to, before and after drilling, allow the container to be removed without having to disassemble parts of the liquid release device.

According to an optional characteristic, in the fixed state of the liquid release device on the neck of a bottle, the holding device and the container holder are configured to allow the container to be removed without removing the release device of liquid from the neck of the bottle.

According to an optional characteristic, the device comprises, for example on the holding device and/or the container holder, a keying element, capable of cooperating with a corresponding keying device provided on the container, to allow the container to be positioned in a predefined orientation inside the container holder. The polarizer can be of different shapes, in particular depending on the material of the container.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a liquid release device according to any one of the embodiments and options presented above, and a container adapted to be introduced into the container holder of the liquid release device. liquid. According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a bottle on a neck of which is mounted the liquid release device.

The invention also relates to a method for piercing a container so that a liquid contained in the container falls into a bottle, said method comprising the following steps:

- mounting a liquid release device in accordance with any of the embodiments and options presented above, on the neck of a bottle, such as a gourd;

- Introduce the container into the container holder, the holding device being in the inactive configuration;

- Switching the holding device to the active configuration to hold the container in the container holder;

- turn the control ring to move the container holder into a locking position of the active configuration of the holding device, and

- continue to turn the control ring until the piercing system pierces the container and the liquid from the container falls into the bottle.

[0053] When the liquid release device comprises a system for blocking the rotation of the control ring, which can be activated and deactivated, the rotation of the ring can be preceded by a deactivation of a rotation blocking of the ring, preferably by pressing (axial support) of the ring towards the adapter device, for example when the ring is in or reaches one or different position(s) of given rotation (initial, locking, and/or drilling(s)) with respect to the adapter device.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0056] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a liquid release device according to one embodiment of the invention, in the initial "0" position of the container holder allowing the holding device to be inactivated to introduce a container in the container holder or remove it; [0057] - Figure 2 is an axial sectional view of the liquid release device of Figure 1, with a diagram of the neck of a bottle on which is fixed the adapter of the liquid release device;

[0058] - Figure 2A is a perspective view of the liquid release device of Figure 1 mounted on the neck of a bottle;

[0059] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the section of Figure 2, showing notches for positioning the container holder relative to the adapter of the liquid release device;

[0060] - Figure 4A is a perspective view of part of the device of Figure 1, showing a container before its introduction into the container holder of the device, and in the open state (inactive configuration) of the device maintenance;

[0061] - Figure 4B is a perspective view of the device of Figure 4A, in the inserted state of the container in the container holder of the device and in the closed state (active configuration) of the holding device;

[0062] - Figure 5A is a top view of a liquid release device according to one embodiment, in the inserted state of a container and in the turned state of the control ring in the locking position , to lock the holding device in the closed state (active configuration) by lowering the container holder relative to the control ring;

[0063] - Figure 5B is a sectional view of part of the device of Figure 5A, showing the blocking of the holding device by the control ring, in the turned state of the control ring in the locking position to lock the holding device in the active configuration;

[0064] - Figure 5C is a sectional view of the device of Figure 5A, showing the descent of the container holder in the adapter and relative to the control ring, in the turned state of the control ring in locking position to lock the holding device in the active state;

[0065] - Figure 5D is a detail view of part of Figure 5C, showing the cooperation of the container holder with a notch of the adapter in the locking position to lock the holding device in the active state ; [0066] - Figure 6A is a top view of the liquid release device of Figure 5A, in the rotated state of the control ring in a piercing position, to pierce the container by lowering the container holder relative to the control ring, while the holding device, which is in the locked active state, holds the container in the container holder;

[0067] - Figure 6B is a sectional view of the device of Figure 6A, showing the descent of the container holder in the adapter and relative to the control ring, in the turned state of the control ring in said drilling position;

- Figure 6C is a detail view of part of the device of Figure 6A, showing the cooperation of the container holder with another notch of the adapter in said drilling position;

[0069] - Figure 7A is a sectional view of a device according to another embodiment, and of a container having two parallel chambers separated by a vertical partition, in the unpierced state of said chambers, the ring of control being in the locking position of the holding device; the device comprising a drilling system configured to allow the two chambers to be drilled one after the other;

[0070] - Figure 7B is a view of the device and the container of Figure 7A in the drilling configuration of a first chamber of the container;

[0071] - Figure 7C is a view of the device and the container of Figure 7B in the drilling configuration of the second chamber, after drilling the first chamber;

[0072] - Figure 8A is an exploded view in section of a container having two chambers in series separated by a horizontal wall, the first chamber housing a piercing member which extends from a first lid to a second lid the container;

- Figure 8B is a sectional view of a liquid release device according to another embodiment, and the container of Figure 8A; the liquid release device comprising a piercing system configured to, in cooperation with the piercing member of the container, allow the two chambers to be pierced simultaneously; [0074] - Figure 8C is a view of the liquid release device and the container of Figure 8B in the piercing configuration of the chambers of the container;

[0075] - Figure 9A is a sectional view of a liquid release device according to another embodiment of the invention with a container having two chambers in series separated by a horizontal wall, the first chamber housing a member piercing which extends between two lids but at a distance from the lid closest to the piercing system of the liquid release device, to allow successive piercing of the two chambers;

[0076] - Figure 9B is a view of Figure 9A in the drilling configuration of the first chamber;

[0077] - Figure 9C is a view of Figure 9B in the drilling configuration of the second chamber, after drilling the first chamber of the container;

- Figure 10 is a flowchart showing several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0079] - Figure 11 is a sectional view of part of the control ring of a liquid release device according to a particular embodiment for which the device comprises an activatable/deactivatable rotation locking system, Figure 11 showing a guide groove and locking notches able to cooperate with at least one locking tooth carried by the adapter device;

[0080] - Figure 11 A is a sectional view of a part of the control ring of Figure 11 which has a guide groove and a locking notch, as well as a locking tooth carried by the adapter device which cooperates with the guide groove thus allowing rotational mobility of the control ring relative to the adapter device;

[0081] - Figure 12 is a sectional view of part of a liquid release device according to an embodiment for which the device comprises a system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring with respect to the adapter device which is in the activated state, and in the initial "0" position of the control ring to allow passage of the device for holding the container in the active or inactive configuration; [0082] - Figure 12A is a sectional view of the liquid release device of Figure 12 in the deactivated state of the system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring by axial support of the operator on the control ring, and in the initial "0" position of the control ring to allow passage of the holding device in the active or inactive configuration;

[0083] - Figure 12B is a sectional view of the liquid release device of Figure 12 in the locking position "Lock" of the control ring to lock the holding device in the active configuration, and in the activated state the system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring;

[0084] - Figure 12C is a sectional view of the liquid release device of Figure 12B in the locking position "Lock" of the control ring to lock the holding device in the active configuration, and in the deactivated state the system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring by axial support of the operator on the control ring;

[0085] - Figure 13 is a sectional view of the liquid release device of a liquid release device according to a particular embodiment of the invention, for which the device comprises a system for blocking the mobility of rotation of the control ring relative to the adapter device which is in the activated state, the control ring being in the drilling position;

[0086] - Figures 14 to 14C illustrate operating steps of a rotation locking system of a control ring relative to the adapter device, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, with the passage of a locking tooth from one locking notch to another during passage of the control ring from one angular position to another relative to the adapter device;

[0087]- Figure 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the holding device which makes it possible to hold a container in the container holder.

[0088] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive concept is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. On the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the items may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this description is complete, and communicates the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0090] Reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or feature described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. . Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" at various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, the particular functionalities, structures, or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0091] With reference to the figures, there is shown a liquid release device 1 which can be coupled to the neck 2 of a bottle. The bottle can be for example a water bottle or a thermos. A particular embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14C and presented below.

[0092] Figure 2A illustrates the coupled state of the liquid release device 1 to a bottle 200.

The device 1 for releasing liquid makes it possible to receive a container 3 which contains a liquid and to pierce this container 3, so that the liquid from the container 3 falls into the bottle. The container is for example a pod or capsule. The container is preferably cardboard. The container comprises a liquid which can be of different types, for example food (e.g. syrup), pharmaceutical (e.g. vitamins) or cosmetic (e.g. concentrated shampoo).

The device 1 for releasing liquid comprises an adapter device 11 able to be fixed, in a removable manner, on the neck 2 of the bottle. An assembly is then obtained comprising a bottle on the neck 2 of which is mounted the device 1 for releasing liquid, in a removable manner with respect to the bottle.

A piercing system 112 is carried by the adapter device 11, to enable the container 3 to be pierced. In the example illustrated in the figures, the container 3 has a lid 32 outside. According to embodiments, for example as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the container 3 may also have an inner cover 34 which makes it possible to separate two chambers inside the container.

[0096] Adapter device

The adapter device 11 forms the connection interface (coupling) of the liquid release device 1 to the bottle 200. The adapter device 11 is configured to cooperate with the neck 2 of the bottle 200. In particular, as illustrated in Figure 5C, the adapter has a thread 1132 which cooperates with a thread of the neck 2 of the bottle.

The adapter device 11 has a hollow body 110. The peripheral wall of the hollow body 110 is adapted to be engaged at least partially in the neck of the bottle.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the upper part of the peripheral wall of the hollow body is extended by an external flange 111, preferably forming a peripheral falling rim (with a section in the general shape of an L) delimiting with the peripheral wall of the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11, a groove in which the peripheral wall of the neck 2 of a bottle is capable of being engaged. In other words, the falling rim 111 caps the peripheral edge of the neck. For design reasons (for example molding/demolding) the adapter can be made in several parts, in particular to form the collar 111 which caps the upper peripheral edge of the neck. In this case, once the parts are assembled, these parts of the adapter remain united.

Advantageously, the control ring 14 (presented below) is snapped onto the adapter once the container holder 12 is coupled by screwing into the control ring. [0101] Other mechanisms for attaching the adapter device to the bottle may be provided.

[0102] Container carrier

A receiving device, called a container holder 12, comprises a receiving housing which makes it possible to receive the container 3. The container holder 12 is movable up and down inside the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11 using a control ring 14. A thread (or a system of stud(s)) 1214 made on the container holder 12 cooperates with a thread 1412 of the control ring 14. The thread and the thread are shown in Figures 5B and 5C (and also for the particular embodiments of Figures 12-12C and 13) but have not been shown or referenced each time in the other figures for the sake of readability of these figures. Similarly the tapping 1132 of the adapter is referenced only in Figure 2 and 5C (and also for the particular embodiments of Figures 12-12C and 13).

According to a particular aspect, the container holder 12 and the control ring 14 are coaxial.

[0105] According to a particular aspect, the container holder 12 is slidably movable inside the adapter device 11 without the container holder 12 rotating on itself. For this purpose and as illustrated more particularly in Figure 2, the container holder comprises two lugs 1216, diametrically opposed, which each carry a tooth 1217. Each lug is engaged in a corresponding groove 117 made in the inner wall of the adapter device 11 Each groove 117 extends parallel to the axis of movement of the container holder 12 inside the adapter device 11. This axis corresponds to the axis of the opening of the neck of the bottle in the mounted state of the release device on the bottle. The engagement of the lugs 1216 in the grooves 117 forms an anti-rotation system which makes it possible, during the rotation of the control ring 14, to drive the container holder 12 in displacement by sliding along an axis parallel to the groove 117 without the container holder 12 rotating on itself.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the container holder 12 has a hollow body defining a housing 1203 for receiving the container 3. The lower wall of the housing is formed by an inner flange 123 which serves as a support for the container holder 12 and which delimits a passage opening 1232 to allow the part of the container to be pierced (here the lid 32) to face the piercing system 112.

The container holder 12 has an opening 1203 for introducing the container 3. The opening 1203 is located in the upper part of the container holder 12 so as to be able to introduce and remove the container from the top of the receiving device. 12 when the holding device is in the inactive position as detailed below.

The passage opening 1232 allows the piercing system 112 described below to pierce the container 3 so that the liquid from the pierced container 3 flows through said passage opening 1232 into the adapter device 11, then to through a passage opening 113 formed in the adapter device 11 so that the liquid falls into the bottle.

[0109] Holding device

The liquid release device 1 comprises a holding device 13 configured to present an active configuration in which, in the housed state of the container 3 in the container holder 2, the container 3 is held in the container holder. 2, bearing against the bottom face of the housing 1203 of the container holder 12, and an inactive configuration in which the container 3 can be removed from the container holder 2. In particular, in the inactive configuration the container 3 can simply be taken out by the top of the container carrier because the Iogement1203 is open at the top.

The holding device 13 is preferably coupled to the container holder 12.

According to embodiments illustrated in particular in Figures 4A and 4B, the holding device 13 comprises holding elements, such as holding arms, hinged to the container holder 12. Said holding elements are capable of cooperating between them in active configuration to prevent an exit from the container 3, in particular from above the container holder 12, and to keep the container supported in the container holder.

In the example illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the holding device 13 comprises holding arms 131, 132, which form an upper stop in config active. Each holding arm is L-shaped, with one leg of the L hinged to the top of the container carrier. The other branch of the L is capable of cooperating with a corresponding branch of the other arm in the active position to form an inverted U which keeps the container 3 supported in the container holder.

Provision can be made for the holding arms to be configured so that, in the active position, they can be attached to one another, for example by snap-fastening, and for the arms to be able to be detached by the user, for example by pushing the one of the arms, when the container carrier is in the high position, called the initial position.

Preferably, the holding device 13 is configured to, even in the active configuration, leave visible the container 3 present in the container holder 12, in particular in top view of the device 1 for releasing liquid. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the holding arms 131, 132 are thus of a width, in top view, less than the diameter of the housing 1203 which receives the container 3, to allow the user to see the container from either side of the holding arms. If the color of the container is for example associated with its content, and/or if inscriptions are marked on the top of the container (date of consumption etc...) this information always remains visible whatever the configuration (inactive, active, drilling).

As detailed below, in the example illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the liquid release device 1 is designed so that the holding arms 131, 132 cannot be brought into the open position (inactive configuration) only when the container holder 12 is in the raised position, preferably at the top stop relative to the control ring 14. In this position, for example illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the articulation of the holding arms 131, 132 is disengaged from the ring so that the holding arms 131, 132 can be pivoted into the active (closing) or inactive (opening) position, without being hindered by the control ring 14. Conversely, when the container holder 12 is lowered relative to the control ring 14, the inner wall of the control ring 14 forms a stop preventing any movement of the arms, and thus preventing movement of each arm from its active position to its inactive position. Furthermore, because the control ring 14 can turn on itself without moving up and down relative to the adapter 11 on which it is mounted, the descent of the container holder 12 implies that the arms are in the active position (closing).

Thus when the user who has activated the holding device 13 after having introduced a container 3 into the container holder 12, controls the descent of the container holder 12 by rotation of the control ring 14, it is ensured that the holding device 13 is locked in the active configuration by the inside of the control ring which faces the holding device 13, preventing it from going into the inactive configuration.

This design makes it possible to avoid involuntary unlocking of the activation of the holding device 13 and therefore makes it possible to maintain the seal between the container holder 12 and the holding device 13, whatever the position of the holder. container 12 once the container carrier 12 has started to descend. It is only in the initial position (that is to say high) that the holding device 13 can be deactivated. Conversely in document EP2864216, involuntary loosening of the upper part relative to the container holder would cause a sealing problem.

[0119] According to a particular embodiment and as illustrated more particularly in Figure 1, provision can be made for notches 1431 and 1432 to be made radially on the control ring to allow the holding arms in the open position (and therefore in the open position). ascent of the container holder 12) to extend through these notches, to allow the user to clearly identify the inactive configuration of the holding arms.

[0120] According to one embodiment and as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the device comprises, for example on the holding device 13 and/or the container holder 12, a keying element 139, capable of cooperating with a polarizing 39 corresponding provided on the container 3, to allow the container 3 to be positioned in a predefined orientation, around the axis of the receiving housing defined by the container holder, inside the container holder 12. Keying is in particularly useful when the container has a double chamber with a vertical dividing wall (that is to say along a plane parallel to the axis of the housing).

[01211 Drilling system The piercing system 112 is oriented towards the passage opening of the housing 1203 of the container holder 12 which receives the container 3.

[0123] According to embodiments, the drilling system 112 comprises a drilling member 1125, also called a drilling finger, which has two drilling teeth 1125a, 1125b.

[0124] The two teeth 1125a, 1125b may have the same height as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5C for piercing a container which comprises a single chamber or as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8A to 8C for drilling a container which comprises two chambers arranged one above the other, that is to say separated by a partition perpendicular to the drilling axis. In this last embodiment and as detailed below, the container includes an internal piercing member intended to be actuated by the piercing member 1125 during the descent of the container holder towards the piercing member 1125. Alternatively , the piercing member could comprise only one tooth.

[0125] One of the teeth can also be higher than the other tooth as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A to 7C for piercing a container which has chambers arranged side by side, i.e. ie chambers separated by a partition parallel to the drilling axis. Thus in this embodiment where the container comprises two chambers 321, 322 separated by a wall parallel to the axis of movement of the container holder 12, the tooth 1125b pierces the chamber 321 first, then the chamber 322 by the tooth 1125a as the container holder 12 descends relative to the control ring 14.

[0126] More generally, it is possible to provide that a system with teeth of two different lengths is compatible for piercing a container with a single compartment or two chambers arranged side by side or superimposed.

The pierced state of the cover 32 or parts of covers 32A, 32B of the cover 32 has been shown in Figures 6B, 7B and 7C. The pierced state of the caps 32 or 34 of the containers has not been shown in FIGS. 8C, 9B, and 9C for the sake of readability.

[0128] Control ring [0129] The device 1 for releasing liquid comprises a control ring 14, also called crown, which makes it possible to slide the container holder in the adapter 11, downwards when the control ring is turned in one direction, for example. clockwise and uphill when the container holder is mounted turned in the opposite direction (in top view of the control ring).

According to a particular aspect, the control ring 14 is rotatably mounted on said adapter device 11 around the central axis A1 of the device. The control ring 14 can thus rotate on itself to control the movement of the container holder 12, but the control ring does not move along the central axis of the liquid release device 1. The central axis A1 still corresponds to the axis of the opening of the control ring 14, to the axis of the body of the adapter device 11 or even to the axis of the container carrier 12.

[0131] The control ring is for example clipped onto the adapter device while retaining freedom of rotation around the axis A1. Said freedom of rotation is of course considered in the absence of activation of any rotation locking system of the control ring which is presented later in connection with Figures 11 to 14C.

Thus, according to one embodiment and as illustrated in Figure 2, the lower part of the control ring 14 is provided with a clip-on zone 1411 with a corresponding zone of the adapter device 11.

[0133] The control ring 14 is configured so that the rotation of the control ring 14 in a given direction, clockwise in the example illustrated in the figures, causes a downward movement of the door. - containing 12 and therefore towards the drilling system 112.

The container holder 12 and the ring 14 are connected to a thread 1412 of the control ring which cooperates with a corresponding thread 1214 of the container holder 12. The thread and the thread are configured so that, as explained below above, starting from an initial high position with the holding device in the active configuration, the rotation of the control ring 14 in the clockwise direction causes the container holder 12 to move downwards, that is that is to say towards the drilling system, in a first position, wherein the holding device is locked in said active position. Preferably, the holding device is unlocked only in the initial high position of the container holder, in which the control ring no longer forms an abutment opposing the transition to the inactive configuration of the holding device.

The continued rotation of the control ring 14 makes it possible to continue to lower the container holder into a piercing position allowing the container to be pierced. It will be noted that in this drilling position (as well as for a possible additional drilling position) the control ring continues to form a stop preventing the holding device from passing into the inactive configuration so that the container is well maintained in the holder. -container during its piercing. In the container piercing position, the piercing system passes through the passage opening delimited by the support wall of the container provided in the container holder 12.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the control ring 14 comprises an internal radial shoulder 142 which forms an upper stop for the container holder 12 preventing the container holder 12 from coming out. In the example illustrated in the figures, the initial high position of the container holder 12 is a position in which the container holder 12 is in abutment against the shoulder 142.

The edge of this shoulder also forms the abutment which opposes the transition to the inactive configuration of the holding device when the container holder is lowered relative to the initial high position.

[0138] Positions of the container holder

The realization of the ascent descent control in the form of a control ring 14 coupled by a thread 1412, 1214 with the container holder 12 makes the liquid release device easy to handle.

[0140] By rotation of the control ring 14, the container holder 12 is able to take several positions successively with respect to the adapter device 11. The positions include a position, called the initial position, for example referenced "0" on the ring control, according to which the holding device 13 can switch from the inactive configuration to the active configuration, and vice versa.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, where the holding device comprises holding arms 131, 132 hinged to the container holder, in the initial position "0", the holding arms can be opened and preferably extend through slots 1431, 1432 formed in the upper face of the control ring 14. Once a container has been introduced into the container holder, the arms can be closed by being brought around the container, so as to obtain the active configuration in which the container is held in the container holder.

[0142] A rotation of the ring, for example a quarter turn, allows the container holder to be lowered into a so-called locking position, for example referenced "Lock" on the control ring, according to which, in active configuration of the holding device 13, the holding device 13 is locked in said active configuration. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5A, the control ring 14 physically opposes the opening of the holding arms 131, 132 which thus remain in the closed position around the container.

The descent of the container holder 12 thus prevents passage of the holding device 13 in the inactive configuration as long as the container holder 12 has not returned to its initial position.

In the locked position, the control ring 14 forms a stop preventing the passage of the holding device 13 from the active configuration to the inactive configuration.

By continuing to turn the control ring 14, the container holder 12 continues its descent until it reaches a position, called the first piercing position, for example referenced (I) on the control ring, according to which the system piercing 112 penetrates a first distance through the passage opening 1232 of the container holder 12. The piercing system 112 thus pierces the container 3 which is held in the container holder 12 by the holding device 13. According to a particular embodiment, it is possible to provide that, by continuing to turn the control ring, the container holder continues its descent until it reaches a position, a position, called the second drilling position, for example referenced ( II) on the control ring, according to which the piercing system 112 penetrates over a second distance, greater than the first distance, through the passage opening 1232 of the container holder 12. The piercing system 112 can thus pierce an additional chamber of container 3 as detailed below when container 3 has several chambers.

[0147] As explained above and as illustrated in Figure 1, the upper face of the control ring 14 may have markings, such as "0", "Lock", "I", "II" allowing, in cooperation with a marking 124, such as an arrowhead, provided on the upper face of the container holder 12, to identify said positions taken by the container holder 12.

[0148] Notching system

[0149] According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a notching system 1217, 1107 for each of said locking, drilling, and preferably initial positions, allowing the user to detect the position reached by the container holder 12.

[0150] The notching system comprises a set of notches 1107 and the tooth 1217 carried by the lug 1216 in the example illustrated in Figure 3 which during the movement of the container holder is able to engage successively in the notch 11071 in the initial position of the container holder 12, in the notch 11072 in the locking position, in the notch 11073 in the first drilling position, and possibly in the notch 11074 in the second drilling position.

[0151] The notches are located at different heights in said notch 117, in order, in cooperation with the locking tooth 1217, to define the initial position, the locking position, the first drilling position and the second drilling position (which is used when the container 3 has a double chamber, the chambers being arranged in series or in parallel).

[0152] Gasket [0153] According to one embodiment, the container holder 12, preferably its lower part, is equipped with a seal 127 (visible in Figure 3) capable of coming into contact with the inner peripheral wall of the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11. The seal 127 rests on a smooth zone of the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11 to ensure a good seal between the container holder 12 and the adapter 11.

Preferably, the area of the hollow body 110 over which the seal is moved during the descent and ascent of the container holder remains located under the positioning notches made in the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11.

Thus, in the example illustrated in the figures, the seal 127 of the container holder 12 and the adapter device 11 are configured such that, whatever the position of the container holder 12 with respect to the device adapter 11, the seal 127 is in compression against a smooth wall of the adapter device 11.

[0156] Adapter bottom control mechanism

The liquid release device 1 comprises a control mechanism 15 making it possible to control the opening and closing of the through passage 113 (opening) made in the bottom of the adapter device 11.

[0158] The control mechanism 15 comprises a support element 151 with which part of the container holder 12 is able to come into abutment, such as a plate having at least one passage orifice 1513 (see Figure 3) allowing the liquid to pass through said support element 151. Said support element 151 is movable towards the bottom of the adapter device 11 .

The support element 151 is for example a disc, movable along the piercing member 1125. The support element 151 is mounted integral in movement with a shutter element 153, also called valve, by a connection system, which comprises a spacer 155, for example a tube, and a threaded rod and nut system 154, extending for example through the piercing member. The use of the threaded rod, the nut and the spacer makes it possible to ensure this drive function in displacement of the valve while making the system mountable. [0160] The valve is arranged to close the bottom opening 113 of the adapter device 11 when the support element 151 is in the high position, and to release the bottom opening 113 of the adapter device 11 when the support element support 151 is in the lowered position due to support of the container holder 12 on said support element 151.

[0161] According to a particular embodiment and as illustrated more particularly in Figures 2 and 3, a return system 152, such as a spring, makes it possible to return the support element 151 to a high position where the support element 151 closes off the bottom opening 113 of the adapter 11 .

The return system 152 is for example an inverted conical shaped spring, but can be a spring of another shape. The return system 152 allows the valve 153 of the control mechanism 15 to form a non-return valve to close the liquid passage opening 113 located at the bottom of the adapter, when the container holder 12 is in a higher position. than the first piercing position, and conversely to release the liquid passage opening 113 when the container holder 12 is in a position lower than or equal to that of the first piercing position.

The valve 153 is returned to the closed position by the return system 152, which makes it possible to maintain the seal between the bottle 200 and the liquid release device 1 even when the container 3 is removed.

[0164]According to a variant embodiment, provision may be made for the liquid release device to have no control mechanism for the bottom of the adapter, and for the bottom opening 113 of the adapter 11 to remain open.

[0165] Other aspects

Preferably, the liquid release device 1 is configured to, before and after drilling, allow the container 3 to be removed without having to disassemble parts of the liquid release device 1. Indeed to remove the container 3, the user simply has to raise the container holder 12 in the initial high position, by counterclockwise rotation of the control ring, which unlocks the holding device 13 and thus allows the user to open the arms 131, 132 of the holding device to extract the container. Advantageously, the user can remove the container 3 without having to remove the device 1 for releasing liquid from the neck 2 of the bottle.

[0168] Container including a piercing member

In the example illustrated in Figures 8A-8C, there is provided a container having two chambers 311, 312 in series separated by a horizontal wall, that is to say orthogonal to the axis of movement of the holder. container 12 in the housed state of the container in the container holder. The first chamber houses an organ

33 of piercing which extends from a first lid 32 outside to a second lid 34 inside the container (Figure 8B).

As illustrated in Figure 8B and Figure 8C, the piercing system 112 of the release device 1 makes it possible to push on the piercing member 33 and thus to pierce the two chambers simultaneously. In particular, the piercing member 33 is pushed by the piercing system of the liquid release device, when the piercing system pierces the lid 32 of the first chamber 311 and pushes on said piercing member 33 which then pierces the operculum

34 separating the two chambers being guided through a connecting passage between the two chambers.

[0171] In the example illustrated in Figures 9A-9C, the piercing member 33' is similar to the piercing member 33 but shorter, so that the first chamber houses the piercing member 33' which is extends between two caps but at a distance from the cap 32 outside. A tet arrangement of the member 33 'allows successive drilling of the two chambers. Indeed, the piercing member 33 'is moved away from the lid 32 of the first chamber to allow, during the descent of the container holder 12, to first pierce said lid 32 then the second lid 34 of access to the second bedroom.

[01721 Process

The device 1 for releasing liquid presented above makes it possible to implement a method for piercing a container 3 so that the liquid contained in a container 3 falls into a bottle. An example of a process is proposed below in connection with Figure 10. At step 1010, the user mounts a liquid release device 1 on the neck 2 of a bottle 200, by screwing the adapter 11 onto the peripheral wall of the neck 2.

The holding arms 131, 132 are in the open position (inactive configuration) and the user introduces, at step 1020, the container 3 into the container holder 12. As illustrated in FIG. 4A and in FIG. 4B, a keying system 39, 139 which is distributed, on the one hand, on the container and, on the other hand, on one or each holding arm, can be used to control the orientation of the container 3 by relative to the container holder 12, which can be useful in the case of a container 3 with several chambers 321, 322 (Figure 7A-7C) separated by a wall parallel to the axis of movement of the container holder 12 (which also corresponds to the axis of the housing 1203 for receiving the container). It is also possible to provide for the container 3 to be devoid of mistake-proofing, in particular when it contains only one liquid.

[0176] The user pivots the holding arms 131, 132 to raise them in order to bring them towards each other above the container to pass (step 1030) the holding arms 131, 132 in active configuration in order to maintain the container 3 in the container holder 12 resting against the bottom face of the container holder. The holding arms 131, 132 can cooperate in them by a locking system which can for example be deactivated by pushing back one of the arms. In the active configuration of the arms, the container 3 is trapped in the container holder 12 and the container 3 and the arms 131, 132 are dimensioned so that the upper part of at least one of the arms 131, 132 presses on the container 3 for the hold against the housing bottom wall 123 of the container holder.

In the closed state of the holding arms 131, 132, the user can turn (step 1040) the control ring 14, clockwise, which moves the container holder 12 by causing it to descend relative to the control ring 14 (said ring remaining at the same height relative to the adapter 11), so that the articulation of each holding arm 131, 132 is blocked by the control ring 14 which surrounds the holding arms (Figure 5B). The blocking of the arms in the active container holding configuration is identified on the control ring by the inscription "lock", which corresponds to the position in which the tooth 1217 of container holder 12 is engaged in notch 11072 of adapter 11.

To be able to empty the contents of the container 3 into the bottle, the user turns (step 1050) the control ring 14 to move the container holder 12 until the piercing system 12 pierces the container 3 and that the liquid from the container 3 falls into the bottle 200. In particular, the piercing is performed when the container holder 12 reaches the first piercing position marked by the marking (I) on the control ring. In this piercing position, the piercing system 12 pierces the container 3 and the liquid from the container 3 falls into the bottle. This position corresponds to the position in which tooth 1217 of container holder 12 is engaged in notch 11073 of adapter 11.

When the device 1 is provided with a control mechanism 15, the container holder 12 which is in the piercing position presses on the thrust member 151 which moves the valve 153 into the opening release position. 113 from the bottom of the adapter 11. The liquid from the pierced container then flows through the opening or openings made in the thrust member 151 and the opening 113 from the bottom of the adapter thus released.

[0180] In the case of a container 3 comprises several chambers 311, 312

(Figures 9A-9C) or 321, 322 (Figures 7A-7C) it can be provided that the drilling position (I) makes it possible to drill a first chamber 311 or 321, and that by continuing to turn the control ring 14, the container carrier reaches a second piercing position, identified by the marking (II), which allows the piercing system 112 to pierce the second chamber 312 or 322. This position corresponds to the position in which the tooth 1217 of the container carrier 12 is engaged in notch 11074 of adapter 11 .

In the example illustrated in the figures, the transition from position "0" to position Ί" or "II" is effected by rotation of control ring 14 clockwise (in top view of the device) By turning the control ring 14 in this direction, the resistance that must be overcome to pierce the lid of the container is in the direction of the screwing of the adapter 11 on the neck 2 of the bottle 200. The fact turning the control ring 14 clockwise thus tightens the liquid release device on bottle neck. There is therefore no risk of unscrewing the adapter of the device relative to the bottle. When the user turns the control ring in the other direction to raise the container holder, the resistance to rotation is low enough to avoid the risk of the device unscrewing relative to the bottle.

In this way, the user can carry out the various operations by holding the liquid release device in one hand and the body of the bottle in the other. Conversely in the document EP2864216B1, so that the liquid release device does not unscrew when unscrewing two parts of the device relative to each other, the user must hold the two parts of the device, which is tedious.

According to one embodiment, when the container holder 12 is raised by turning the control ring 14 counterclockwise in the example illustrated in the figures, the pressure of the container holder 12 on the thrust member 151 is released and the return spring 152 makes it possible to return the thrust member 151 to the high position, which also brings the valve 153 to the closed position.

[0184] The container holder 12 can be raised to the initial position, where the joints of the holding arms 131, 132 are released with respect to the control ring 14 so that the holding arms 131, 132 can be apart from each other (inactive configuration) to be able to remove the container 3 from the top of the container holder.

According to a particular aspect, a container 3 can be introduced into the container holder 12, and the container holder 12 can be lowered into the locking position ("lock") without being pierced, pending a use. The release device 1 can be fitted to the bottle without this posing any sealing problem since the container 3 is securely held by the holding device 13 which is in the active configuration and locked in this configuration by the control ring 14. By elsewhere, the seal 127 ensures the seal between the container holder 12 and the adapter 11.

[0186] In Figures 6B, 7B, 7C, 8C, 9B and 9C, the arrow(s) extending from the container downward through the adapter device represent the flow of a liquid. According to a particular embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 11 to 14C, the device further comprises an activatable/deactivatable blocking system which allows the activated state to block the rotational mobility of the ring of control 14 relative to the adapter device 11 in at least one, preferably several, angular positions of the control ring relative to the adapter device. The blocking system can be manually deactivated by the user.

[0188] The locking system is activated automatically when a tooth 114 of the ring 14 arrives opposite a locking notch, for example 1421, by pushing the spring 152 on the part 123 of the container holder 12 causing a movement axial of the ring 14 with respect to the adapter device 11. The locking system can be deactivated by pressing axially on the control ring in the direction of the adapter device. The blocking system is automatically kept deactivated between two of said positions "0", "Lock", "I" and if applicable "II". In particular, the blocking system is automatically maintained as long as the tooth 114 remains in the guide groove 1413, and therefore as long as the tooth 114 is moved away from a blocking notch.

[0189] The locking system is reactivated automatically when the tooth 114 finds itself in line with a locking notch and in the absence of axial support on the control ring by the operator, the return spring 152 causing the the locking notch around the tooth 114. In other words, the locking system is automatically reactivated when the tooth 114, following a rotation of the ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11 which causes the tooth 114 to travel part of the groove 1413, arrives opposite another notch 1422. The thrust of the spring 152 on the lower part 123 of the container holder 12 causes an axial displacement of the ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11 which raises the walls 1422a of the notch 1422 around tooth 114.

[0190] When the tooth 114 is located opposite a locking notch, the control ring 14 has an axial play relative to the adapter device 11 which allows on the one hand the return spring 152 to return the control ring 14 with axial spacing relative to the adapter device 11, which corresponds to the clearance distance between an internal radial shoulder 149 of the control ring and an external radial shoulder 119 of the adapter device, for bring the locking notch around the tooth 114 in order to maintain the locking tooth in abutment between the opposite walls of the locking notch so that the locking in rotation is automatically activated using the return spring. And this also allows the operator to press the control ring 14 towards the adapter device 11 to bring it closer to the adapter device 11 so as to cause the tooth 114 to escape from the locking notch and thus allowing the operator to manually deactivate the blockage by thus pressing on the control ring 14 and starting to rotate the control ring 14 with respect to the adapter device 11 to cause the tooth 114 to enter the next part of the groove of the guide 1413 in an angular position away from the previous locking notch.

[0191] In this particular embodiment, the liquid release device incorporates the sliding guide system of the container holder 12 with respect to the adapter device 11 presented previously, so that the rotation of the control ring 14 with respect to to the adapter device 11, causes the sliding movement of the container holder 12, without rotation of the container holder relative to the adapter device 11.

[0192] As previously explained by rotation of the control ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11, the container holder 12 is capable of selectively taking up several positions relative to the adapter device 11, said positions mentioned above comprising the initial position , the locking position, the first drilling position, and - optionally, the second drilling position. According to one embodiment, the rotation locking system is configured to activate automatically in at least one, preferably each of said positions taken by the control ring. The blocking system can then of course be deactivated manually to release the rotation of the control ring relative to the adapter device and bring the control ring to the next desired position.

The rotation of the control ring to cause it to take said positions successively can thus be locally interrupted when the control ring is in at least one of said positions (blocking positions) by activating the blocking system in spin. The automatic activation of the locking system in different angular positions of the control relative to the adapter device makes it possible to form position identification notches and facilitate, if necessary, the withdrawal of the liquid release device relative to the bottle as mentioned above. The operator can manually deactivate the rotation locking system which has been activated in said position reached, preferably by pressing axially on the control ring and rotating the control ring to allow the locking tooth to escape the locking abutments formed by the locking notch with which the tooth engages in the locked state.

In said other embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the notches of the embodiment of FIG. 5C, thanks to the notches formed by the locking notches.

In the example illustrated more particularly in Figure 13, the lower wall of the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11 which has a passage opening 113 that can be closed by the valve 153, is extended downwards by a peripheral wall 115 which extends around the valve 153. The peripheral wall 115 forms a protective skirt around the valve 153. The valve 153 is provided with a seal 153a which ensures sealing between the peripheral wall 115 and the valve 153. One or more openings 115a are made through the peripheral wall 15, for example at mid-height of the skirt and preferably distributed over at least one angular sector of the skirt to allow the liquid which flows from the container 3 pierced to through the opening 1232a then the opening 113, to leave the skirt 115 by the opening or openings 115a to fall into the bottle. As for the previous embodiments, the valve 153 is carried by a threaded rod and nut system 154.

As illustrated in Figure 14, when the control ring 14 is angularly oriented around the axis A1 in the initial position "0", a tooth 114 of the adapter device 11 extends into a locking notch 1421 whose opposite walls 1421a form stops blocking the rotation of the control ring 14 with respect to the adapter device 11, which makes it possible to facilitate the removal of the liquid release device by unscrewing because the user can grasp the control ring and / or the adapter device for unscrewing and removing the assembly from the neck of the bottle (the same advantage is obtained for the other locking position(s) of the control ring). One shoulder 119 of the adapter device 11 cooperates with a shoulder 149 of the control ring 14 to form a stop preventing axial detachment of the control ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11 when the tooth 114 is in a locking notch following the rise of the control ring 14 pushed by the return spring.

[0297] To unlock the rotational mobility and as illustrated in Figure 14A, the operator presses the control ring, against a return spring, such as the spring 152, to release the tooth 114 from the notch 1421 and enter the guide groove 1413 along which the tooth 114 can be freely moved which frees the rotation of the control ring relative to the adapter. It is understood that once the tooth is in the guide groove, there is no longer any need to press axially on the control ring 14 to maintain rotational mobility as long as the control ring has not reached a new position. blockage.

[0198] As illustrated in Figure 14B, the operator can then turn the control ring 14 between the initial position "O" and the locking position "Lock" so that the container holder can then move up and down relative to the control ring and the adapter device. When the control ring is brought to the particular "Lock" position, the tooth 114 finds itself facing another notch 1422, which also extends under the groove 1413 and opens into said groove 1413. As illustrated in Figure 14C, the return force exerted by the spring 152 on the control ring 14 via the container holder 12, causes the control ring 14 to go up so that the tooth 114 is locked against rotation in the notch 1422.

[0199] The example described in Figures 14A - 14D can also be applied in the case of the passage of the control ring between two other specific positions, such as the passage from the "Lock" position to the drilling position Ί ", or if necessary from the drilling position Ί" to the drilling position "II", and vice versa. It is possible in particular to provide for a notch opening into the guide groove to be made in line with the guide groove, extending downwards, at each particular angular position of the control ring for which it is desired that the mobility of the ring relative to the adapter can be activated/deactivated in this position. The example presented can also apply in the case of a plurality of teeth capable of cooperating with several notches. In the example of Figure 13, the control ring is in drilling position "I", the tooth 114 being housed in a locking notch 1423. As can be seen in Figure 13, the adapter device can be provided with several blocking teeth able to cooperate with different blocking notches.

In the locked state in rotation of the control ring 14, to escape the stops formed by the opposite walls of the locking notch in which the tooth is engaged, the user can press the control ring, preferably axially in the direction of the adapter device 11, i.e. downwards, to allow the notch, by lowering the control ring, to descend under the tooth. The tooth is then located in the guide groove 1413 which is formed in the control ring and into which the locking notch opens, this groove not opposing the pivoting of the control ring relative to the adapter device 11.

In the unlocked state by the operator in the initial "0" position, the control ring 14 can then be pivoted relative to the adapter device 11 towards the "Lock" position, which causes the container carrier 12. Then, having arrived at the "Lock" position, tooth 114 finds itself in line with locking notch 1422. By the return force of a spring, preferably spring 152, which causes a pushed on the control ring 14 upwards relative to the adapter device 11, the notch 1422 rises with the ring 14 so that the tooth 114 is blocked between the opposite walls 1422a of the locking notch 1422 so that the control ring 14 is then integral in rotation with the adapter device 11.

[0202] Each locking notch emerges in the lower part of the control ring 14 to allow introduction of the or each tooth 114 inside the control ring 14 during assembly of the device.

Whatever the embodiment, and as illustrated in the example of Figure 15, provision can be made for the holding elements 13 to comprise an arm 13A articulated to the container holder 12 and a coupling element 13B mounted fixed on the container holder 12 and to which the articulated arm 13A can be attached, by for example by snapping to obtain the active configuration for holding the container 3 in the container holder 12.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Further, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps.

Furthermore, features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the embodiments set forth above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments set forth above.

Claims

1. Device (1) for releasing liquid which can be coupled to the neck (2) of a bottle (200), making it possible to pierce a container (3) so that a liquid from the container (3) falls into the bottle (200) , the liquid release device (1) comprising:

- an adapter device (11) adapted to be fixed, in a removable manner, on the neck (2) of the bottle, the adapter device (11) having a hollow body (110);

- a piercing system (112) carried by the adapter device (11), making it possible to pierce the container (3), such as a capsule having a lid (32),

- a receiving device, called container carrier (12), comprising a receiving housing (1203) for receiving the container (3), the container carrier (12) being movable up and down inside the body hollow (110) of the adapter device (11);

- a holding device (13) configured to have an active configuration in which the container (3) is held in the container holder (2), and an inactive configuration in which the container (3) can be removed from the container holder (2); characterized in that the liquid release device (1) also comprises a control ring (14) rotatably mounted relative to the adapter device (11); the control ring (14) being configured such that rotation of the control ring (14) in a given direction causes the container carrier (12) to move relative to the control ring (14) towards the system drilling (112), the control ring (14) being configured to make it possible to lock the active configuration of the holding device (13) by moving the container holder (12) relative to the control ring (14) towards the piercing system (112), the container carrier (12) having a passage opening (1232) communicating with the receiving housing (1203), to allow the piercing system (112) to pierce the container (3) so that the liquid in the container (3) flows through said passage opening (1232), then through a passage opening (113) provided in the device adapter (11).

2. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to claim 1, in which the liquid releasing device further comprises a locking system (114, 1421) of the rotational mobility of the control ring (14) relative to the adapter device (11), the blocking system being activatable and deactivatable.

3. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holding device (13) comprises holding elements, such as holding arms, at least one of said holding elements being articulated to the container holder (12), said holding elements being capable of cooperating with one another in an active configuration to prevent the container (3) from coming out from above the container holder (12).

4. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises a guide system (1216, 117) for sliding the container holder (12) relative to the adapter device (11) , so that the rotation of the control ring (14) causes the sliding movement of the container holder (12), without rotation of the container holder relative to the adapter device (11).

5. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, by rotation of the control ring (14), the container holder (12) is capable of selectively taking up several positions with respect to the adapter device (11), said positions comprising:

- a position, called initial position, according to which the holding device (13) can pass from the inactive configuration to the active configuration, and Conversely ;

- a position called the locking position, in which, in the active configuration of the holding device, the holding device (13) is locked in said active configuration;

- a position, called the first piercing position, in which the piercing system (112) penetrates a first distance through the passage opening (1232) of the container holder (12); and

- optionally, a position, called the second piercing position, in which the piercing system (112) penetrates over a second distance, greater than the first distance, through the passage opening (1232) of the container holder (12) .

6. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to claim 5, in which the rotation of the control ring (14) in a given direction makes it possible, from the initial position, to move the container holder (12) by so as to make it successively assume the locking position, the first drilling position and, optionally, the second drilling position.

7. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the device comprises a detent system (1217, 1107) for the locking position, the drilling position, and preferably the initial position, allowing the user to detect the position reached by the container holder (12).

8. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container holder (12), preferably its lower part, is equipped with a seal (127) adapted to come resting on an inner peripheral wall of the hollow body (110) of the adapter device (11).

9. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to claim 8, wherein the seal (127) of the container holder (12) and the adapter device (11) are configured such that, whatever the carrier position container (12) relative to the adapter device (11), the seal (127) is in compression against a smooth wall of the adapter device (11).

10. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control ring (14) comprises an internal radial shoulder (142) which forms an upper stop for the container holder (12) preventing an outlet of the container holder (12) relative to the control ring (14).

11. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lower part of the control ring (14) is provided with a snap-on zone (1411) with a corresponding zone of the adapter device ( 11 ).

12. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises a control mechanism (15) making it possible to control the opening and closing of the passage opening (113) formed in the bottom of the adapter device (11).

13. A liquid release device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the control mechanism (15) comprises:

- a support element (151) with which part of the container carrier (12) is able to come into abutment, such as a plate having at least one passage orifice (1513), said support element being movable towards the bottom of the adapter device (11);

- preferably, a return system (152), such as a spring, of the support element (151), in a so-called high position; and

- a shutter element (153), also called valve, mounted integral in movement with the support element (151).

14. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the piercing system (112) comprises a piercing member (1125), also called a piercing finger, which has two piercing teeth (1125a, 1125b), one of the teeth being higher than the other tooth.

15. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holding device (13) is configured to, even in the active configuration, leave the container (3) present in the container holder visible. (12).

16. Device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the device comprises, for example on the holding device (13) and/or the container holder (12), a keying element (139), capable of cooperating with a corresponding keying device (39) made on the container (3), to enable the container (3) to be positioned in a predefined orientation inside the container holder (12).

17. An assembly comprising a device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of the preceding claims, and a container (3) adapted to be introduced into the container holder (12) of the device (1) for releasing liquid.

18. An assembly according to claim 17 comprising a bottle on a neck (2) of which is mounted the device (1) for releasing liquid.

19. A method of piercing a container (3) so that a liquid contained in the container (3) falls into a bottle (200), said method comprising the following steps:

- mounting (1010) a device (1) for releasing liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 16, on a neck (2) of a bottle (200), such as a flask;

- introducing (1020) the container (3) into the container holder (12), the holding device (13) being in the inactive configuration; - passing (1030) the holding device (13) in active configuration to hold the container (3) in the container holder (12);

- turning (1040) the control ring (14) to move the container holder (12) into a locking position of the active configuration of the holding device (13), and

- continue (1050) to turn the control ring (14) until the piercing system (112) pierces the container (3) and the liquid from the container (3) falls into the bottle (200).