Bottle-neck-attachable liquid dispensing device and method for piercing a container

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a liquid release device that can be coupled to the neck of a bottle, as well as a method for drilling a container so that a liquid contained in the container falls into a bottle. ART ANTERIEUR

[0002] A liquid release device that can be attached to the neck of a bottle is known from the prior art, specifically from document EP2864216. However, such a liquid release device is cumbersome to use.

[0003] Indeed, such a liquid dispensing device requires several parts to be screwed together. An upper part forming a retaining cap screws together with a part that houses a cap to hold the cap in place, and the part that houses the cap screws together with a part that forms both an adapter mounted on the neck of the bottle and a system for cutting the cap.

[0004] There is a risk that the part forming the cap, which holds the capsule in the part receiving the capsule, may be screwed on incorrectly or may unscrew itself unintentionally, which could cause a sealing problem in the device between the part receiving the capsule and the part forming the cap.

[0005] Furthermore, the capsule holder must be screwed onto the adapter piece to cut the capsule's seal, and this screwing must be completed fully to ensure a seal between the capsule holder and the adapter. Insufficient screwing or unintentional loosening will compromise the seal between these two parts (capsule holder and adapter).

[0006] Having multiple screw-together parts to assemble and use the liquid release device could be confusing for the user. The user may not be able to reliably identify which part to turn to cut the seal, and incomplete screwing of any part could lead to a leak.

[0007] Furthermore, in document EP2864216, the three parts (adapter piece, capsule holder piece, and cap piece) that make up the liquid release device are screwed together. Therefore, when the user attempts to unscrew one of these parts, there is a risk that if the user is not holding the correct parts, they may partially or completely loosen one of the other two, leading to a problem with the seal or the cap's removal. To avoid this issue, the user must carefully check that all three parts of the device are properly tightened after each capsule refill.

[0008] Finally, when the bottle contains a liquid, such as water, this type of device does not allow for the placement of a capsule awaiting release within the device mounted on the bottle, for example, for later release of the liquid from the capsule into the bottle, while simultaneously ensuring the liquid release mechanism remains sealed. This is because, to maintain a seal between the capsule holder and the adapter, the capsule holder must be fully screwed onto the adapter. This necessarily cuts the capsule's seal, thus preventing the unopened capsule from being kept in the capsule holder for later liquid release.Such a use, which is not permitted by document EP2864216, is particularly useful when the liquid contained in the capsule, for example a pharmaceutical product, must be consumed as soon as it is mixed with that in the bottle, or can only be kept in an isolated state in its packaging.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a new liquid release device and a corresponding method to overcome all or part of the problems described above. RESUME DE L'INVENTION

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a liquid release device according to claim 1.

[0011] The design of the liquid release device according to the invention allows for both locking the retaining device in its active configuration and piercing the container using the same control ring. When the container holder is lowered relative to the control ring, the control ring acts as a stop against the retaining device, preventing it from entering its inactive configuration.

[0012] Depending on the specific application, the container, such as a capsule, can be stored in the container holder, awaiting use, in the locked position of the retaining device without needing to pierce the container. This allows for the transport of the entire bottle, which may already contain a liquid such as water, and the liquid dispensing device mounted on the bottle with a container, for example, a syrup capsule, already loaded into the liquid dispensing device and ready for use, or a product that needs to be mixed with the bottle's contents just before consumption. The locked position of the container holder ensures that the container is securely held in place by the retaining device, thus guaranteeing a seal between the container and the holder.

[0013] Furthermore, a seal between the container holder and the adapter device can be ensured regardless of the container holder's position within the adapter device, thanks to a sealing system. In one embodiment, the sealing system comprises a gasket extending along the outer peripheral wall, preferably on the lower part, of the container holder, which is applied to a smooth area of ​​the inner peripheral wall of the adapter. Advantageously, the gasket thus bears against an area of ​​the inner peripheral wall of the adapter that is preferably located below positioning notches for the container holder, formed in the inner wall of the adapter.

[0014] Such a design of the liquid release device allows with a single rotating part, namely the control ring, to control the locking function of holding the container in the container holder, and the function of piercing the container, while maintaining the sealing of the liquid release device during the movement of the container holder, particularly in the piercing position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the presence of notches provided in the adapter, preferably in combination with visual indications provided on the upper part of the control ring, allows the user to quickly and reliably identify the position in which the container holder is located and thus the associated function (initial position for inserting / removing the container, locking position of the container retaining device, drilling position(s).

[0016] It should be noted that in document EP2864216, if the container holder is not fully screwed onto the adapter, a seal is not achieved, and if it is fully screwed, the cap is punctured. Conversely, with the device according to the invention, if the user raises the container by turning the control ring in the direction of upward movement, the container remains held by the retaining device until the user deactivates it. A seal is then maintained between the container holder and the container. As mentioned above, a seal can also be achieved by means of a gasket, such as an O-ring, applied between the outer wall of the container holder and the inner wall of the adapter, and, when present, by a mechanism for closing the bottom opening of the adapter, by returning the mechanism to the closed position.

[0017] Advantageously, the fact that the device according to the invention cannot be disassembled by the user without tools simplifies its use, as the user does not have to assemble several parts and does not risk losing any. Conversely, it should be noted that in document EP2864216, the parts of the liquid release device are disassemblable and must be assembled by the user.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, raising and lowering the container (or container holder) requires only a simple rotation of a ring. Advantageously, the control ring causes the container holder to slide along a groove, preferably formed in the adapter device. The rotation of the control ring does not affect the assembly of the parts, thus maintaining the system's seal.

[0019] The ring engages with the container holder via a threaded connection and rests on the adapter, preferably being fitted onto it while remaining free to rotate relative to the adapter. This freedom of rotation assumes the absence of any rotation-locking system for certain angular positions of the ring, which may be present in a particular embodiment as described below. Rotating the ring for drilling reinforces the clamping force of the adapter onto the neck. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) encounters no resistance.Indeed, this rotation is not the loosening of a screw thread but simply the rotation of the ring on the edge of the adapter device. The only resistance will be the skipping of any notches, for which a proper adjustment of the notch allows for a smooth return without force, thus preventing the cap from unscrewing. In this way, the user can operate the liquid dispensing device by holding the bottle in one hand and the device in the other, instead of holding two parts of the device as required by patent EP2864216B1 to maintain the seal.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the liquid release device further includes a system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring relative to the adapter device, the blocking system being activatable and deactivatable.

[0021] 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 for example to the initial position, the locking position, and / or to one or more of the drilling positions presented below.

[0022] In the locked state of rotational mobility, the control ring is made rotationally fixed, preferably in one direction and the other, relative to the adapter device, which makes it easier to completely unscrew the liquid release device for removal from the bottle because the operator can unscrew the device while holding the control ring and / or the adapter device.

[0023] 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 on the control ring and on the adapter device.

[0024] It can thus be anticipated that at least one tooth is carried by the control ring, which is designed to engage in at least one locking notch formed in the adapter transversely to a guide groove, preferably circular, extending around the central axis of the control ring. The tooth can engage in the locking notch when it travels along the guide groove by rotating the control ring and reaches the notch extending below the groove. The notch moves upward with the control ring around the tooth due to a return force exerted by a spring on the control ring in an axial direction upwards, i.e., in the opposite direction from the bottom of the bottle, when the liquid release device is fixed on the neck of a bottle.

[0025] The release device may also include one or more of the following features taken in any technically permissible combination.

[0026] According to an optional feature, the retaining device includes retaining elements, such as retaining arms, at least one of said retaining elements being articulated to the container holder, said retaining elements being capable of cooperating with each other in active configuration to prevent the container from exiting through the top of the container holder.

[0027] According to an optional feature, the device includes a sliding guide system for the container holder relative to the adapter device, so that rotation of the control ring causes the container holder to slide, without rotation of the container holder relative to the adapter device.

[0028] According to an optional feature, by rotating the control ring, the container holder is able to selectively assume several positions relative to the adapter device, said positions including: a position, called the initial position, in which the holding device can move 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 drilling position, in which the drilling system penetrates a first distance through the passage opening of the container holder; and optionally, a position, called the second drilling position, in which the drilling system penetrates a second distance, greater than the first distance, through the passage opening of the container holder.

[0029] According to an optional feature, when the device includes a control ring rotation locking system, the rotation locking system is configured to activate automatically in at least one of the angular positions taken by the control ring relative to the adapter device, the locking system then being preferably deactivated by the operator pressing the control ring in the direction of the passage opening provided in the adapter device.

[0030] According to an optional feature, rotating the control ring in a given direction allows the container holder to be moved from the initial position so as to successively take the locking position, the first drilling position and, optionally, the second drilling position.

[0031] According to an optional feature, the device includes a notching system for the locking position, the drilling position, and preferably the initial position, allowing the user to detect the position reached by the container holder.

[0032] The serration system may include axially spaced notches along an inner wall of the adapter to cooperate with a corresponding element, such as a tooth, formed on the outer wall of the container holder. In addition, or as an alternative, the serration system may also include notches formed by grooves in the ring's rotation-locking system, if present.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the control ring includes 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 relative to the adapter device.

[0034] According to an optional feature, the container holder, preferably its lower part, is equipped with a sealing gasket suitable for bearing against an inner peripheral wall of the hollow body of the adapter device.

[0035] According to an optional feature, the container holder's sealing gasket and the adapter device are configured so that, regardless of the container holder's position relative to the adapter device, the sealing gasket is in compression against a smooth wall of the adapter device.

[0036] According to an optional feature, the control ring includes an internal radial shoulder which forms a high stop for the container holder preventing the container holder from coming out relative to the control ring.

[0037] According to an optional feature, the lower part of the control ring is provided with a snap-on area with a corresponding area of ​​the adapter device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control ring can 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 primarily above the adapter device) of an internal guide groove of the control ring, or by the cooperation between shoulders of the control ring and the adapter device, particularly when the tooth is housed in a rotationally locking notch that communicates with said guide groove. Multiple teeth may be provided.

[0039] According to an optional feature, the device includes a control mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the passage opening provided in the bottom of the adapter device.

[0040] Depending on an optional feature, the control mechanism includes: a support element with which part of the container holder is able to come into contact, such as a plate having at least one passage hole, 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 a flap, mounted securely in movement with the support element.

[0041] Alternatively, it is possible to do without a support element in addition to the spring, and for the spring to bear against the lower part of the container holder to pull the container holder upwards against the control ring which then also undergoes an upward pulling force (by reference to a bottle fitted with the release device which is held vertically with the neck pointing upwards).

[0042] According to an optional feature, the drilling system includes a drilling element, also called a drilling finger, which has two drilling teeth, one of the teeth being higher than the other tooth.

[0043] According to an optional feature, the retaining device is configured to leave the container in the container holder visible even in active configuration.

[0044] According to an optional feature, the liquid release device is configured to allow, before and after drilling, removal of the container without having to disassemble any parts of the liquid release device.

[0045] According to an optional feature, when the liquid release device is fixed on the neck of a bottle, the retaining device and the container holder are configured to allow the container to be removed without removing the liquid release device from the neck of the bottle.

[0046] As an optional feature, the device includes, for example on the retaining device and / or the container holder, a keying element designed to cooperate with a corresponding keying feature on the container, enabling the container to be positioned in a predefined orientation within the container holder. The keying feature can have various shapes, depending in particular on the material of the container.

[0047] The invention also relates to an assembly according to claim 14.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a bottle on the neck of which the liquid release device is mounted.

[0049] The invention also relates to a drilling method according to claim 16.

[0050] When the liquid release device includes a control ring rotation blocking system, which can be activated and deactivated, the rotation of the ring may be preceded by a deactivation of a ring rotation block, preferably by pushing (axial support) the ring towards the adapter device, for example when the ring is in or reaches one or more different given rotation position(s) (initial, locking, and / or drilling(s)) relative to the adapter device. BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS

[0051] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: there Figure 1 is a perspective view of a liquid release device according to an embodiment of the invention, in the initial position "0" of the container holder, allowing the retaining device to be deactivated in order to insert a container into or remove it from the container holder; the Figure 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the liquid release device of the Figure 1 , with a schematic representation of the neck of a bottle to which the adapter of the liquid release device is attached; the Figure 2A is a perspective view of the liquid release device of the Figure 1 mounted on the neck of a bottle; the Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the cross-section of the Figure 2 showing positioning notches for the container holder relative to the liquid release device adapter; the Figure 4A is a perspective view of part of the device of the Figure 1 showing a container before its insertion into the device's container holder, and in the open state (inactive configuration) of the holding device; the Figure 4B is a perspective view of the device of the Figure 4A , in the introduced state of the container in the container holder of the device and in the closed state (active configuration) of the retaining device; the Figure 5A is a top view of a liquid release device according to one embodiment, with a container inserted and the control ring rotated to the locked position, to lock the holding device in the closed state (active configuration) by lowering the container holder relative to the control ring; the Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of part of the device of the Figure 5A showing the locking of the retaining device by the control ring, with the control ring turned into the locking position to lock the retaining device in the active configuration; the Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the device of the Figure 5A showing the descent of the container holder into the adapter and, relative to the control ring, the control ring rotated into the locked position to lock the holding device in the active state; the Figure 5D is a detailed view of a part of the Figure 5C , showing the cooperation of the container holder with a notch of the adapter in the locked position to lock the holding device in the active state; the Figure 6A is a top view of the liquid release device of the Figure 5A , with the control ring rotated into a drilling position, to pierce the container by lowering the container holder relative to the control ring, while the retaining device, which is in the locked active state, holds the container in the container holder; the Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the device of the Figure 6A showing the descent of the container holder into the adapter and relative to the control ring, in the rotated state of the control ring in said drilling position; the Figure 6C is a detailed view of part of the device of the Figure 6A showing the cooperation of the container holder with another notch of the adapter in said drilling position; the Figure 7A is a cross-sectional view of a device according to another embodiment, and of a container having two parallel chambers separated by a vertical partition, in the unperforated state of said chambers, the control ring being in the locking position of the retaining device; the device comprising a drilling system configured to allow drilling of the two chambers one after the other; the Figure 7B is a view of the device and container of the Figure 7A in a configuration for drilling the first chamber of the container; the Figure 7C is a view of the device and container of the Figure 7B in the configuration of drilling the second chamber, after drilling the first chamber; the Figure 8A is an exploded and cross-sectional view of a container with two chambers in series separated by a horizontal partition, the first chamber housing a piercing device that extends from a first lid to a second lid of the container; the Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of a liquid release device according to another embodiment, and of the container of the Figure 8A ; the liquid release device comprising a drilling system configured to, in cooperation with the drilling element of the container, allow both chambers to be drilled simultaneously; the Figure 8C is a view of the liquid release device and the container of the figure 8B in the configuration of drilling the chambers of the container; the Figure 9A is a cross-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 partition, the first chamber housing a drilling member which extends between two lids but at a distance from the lid closest to the drilling system of the liquid release device, to allow successive drilling of the two chambers; the Figure 9B is a view of the Figure 9A in the configuration of drilling the first chamber; the Figure 9C is a view of the Figure 9B in the configuration of drilling the second chamber, after drilling the first chamber of the container; the Figure 10 is a flowchart showing several steps of a process according to an embodiment of the invention; the Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the control ring of a liquid release device according to a particular embodiment in which the device includes an activatable / deactivatable rotation-locking system, the Figure 11 showing a guide groove and locking notches capable of cooperating with at least one locking tooth carried by the adapter device; the Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of part of the control ring of the 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; the Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a liquid release device according to an embodiment wherein the device includes a system for locking the rotational mobility of the control ring relative to the adapter device, which is in the activated state, and in the initial "0" position of the control ring to allow the container retaining device to pass into the active or inactive configuration; the Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid release device of the Figure 12 in the deactivated state of the control ring rotation mobility locking system by axial pressure from the operator on the control ring, and in the initial "0" position of the control ring to allow the holding device to switch between active and inactive configurations; the Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the liquid release device of the Figure 12 in the "Lock" position of the control ring to lock the retaining device in the active configuration, and in the activated state of the control ring's rotation mobility locking system; the Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view of the liquid release device of the Figure 12B in the "Lock" position of the control ring to lock the holding device in the active configuration, and in the deactivated state of the system for blocking the rotational mobility of the control ring by axial pressure from the operator on the control ring; the Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid release device of a liquid release device according to a particular embodiment of the invention, wherein the device comprises a system for locking the rotational mobility of the control ring relative to the adapter device which is in the activated state, the control ring being in the drilling position; The Figures 14 à 14C illustrate the operating steps of a system for locking a control ring against rotation 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 the passage of the control ring from one angular position to another relative to the adapter device; The figure 15 illustrates a variant embodiment of the retaining device which allows a container to be held in the container holder. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE

[0052] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to similar elements in all drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are proposed so as to make this description complete. The invention is defined by the claims.

[0053] With reference to the figures, a liquid release device 1 is shown, which can be coupled to the neck 2 of a bottle. The bottle could be, for example, a water bottle or a thermos. A particular embodiment is illustrated in figures 11 à 14C and presented further on.

[0054] There Figure 2A illustrates the coupled state of the liquid release device 1 to a bottle 200.

[0055] The liquid-releasing device 1 receives a container 3 containing a liquid and pierces this container 3, allowing the liquid from the container 3 to fall into the bottle. The container is, for example, a single-dose vial or capsule. The container is preferably made of cardboard. The container contains a liquid that can be of various types, for example, food (e.g., syrup), pharmaceutical (e.g., vitamins), or cosmetic (e.g., concentrated shampoo).

[0056] The liquid release device 1 includes an adapter device 11 suitable for being attached, in a removable manner, to the neck 2 of the bottle. This results in an assembly comprising a bottle onto the neck 2 of which the liquid release device 1 is mounted, in a manner removable from the bottle.

[0057] A drilling system 112 is carried by the adapter device 11, to allow drilling of the container 3. In the example illustrated in the figures, the container 3 has an external lid 32. According to embodiments, for example as illustrated in Figures 8 And 9 , container 3 may also have an inner lid 34 which allows two chambers to be separated inside the container. Dispositif adaptateur

[0058] 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 the figure 5C , the adapter has a 1132 thread which cooperates with a thread on the neck 2 of the bottle.

[0059] The adapter device 11 has a hollow body 110. The peripheral wall of the hollow body 110 is able to be engaged at least partially in the neck of the bottle.

[0060] 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 drop lip (generally L-shaped in cross-section) which, together with the peripheral wall of the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11, defines a groove into which the peripheral wall of the neck 2 of a bottle can be engaged. In other words, the drop lip 111 covers the peripheral edge of the neck. For design reasons (e.g., molding / demolding), the adapter may be made in several parts, particularly to form the flange 111 that covers the upper peripheral edge of the neck. In this case, once the parts are assembled, these parts of the adapter remain joined.

[0061] Advantageously, the control ring 14 (shown below) is snapped onto the adapter once the container holder 12 is coupled by screwing into the control ring.

[0062] Other mechanisms for attaching the adapter device to the bottle may be provided. Porte-contenant

[0063] A receiving device, called a container holder 12, includes a receiving recess for the container 3. The container holder 12 can be moved up and down within the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11 by means of a control ring 14. A thread (or stud system) 1214 on the container holder 12 cooperates with a tapped hole 1412 in the control ring 14. The thread and tapped hole are shown in Figure 5B And 5C (and also for the specific embodiments of Figures 12-12C And 13) but have not been represented or referenced in every other figure for the sake of clarity. Similarly, the 1132 thread on the adapter is only referenced in Figure 2 And 5C (and also for the specific embodiments of Figures 12-12C And 13 ).

[0064] According to one particular aspect, the container holder 12 and the control ring 14 are coaxial.

[0065] According to one particular aspect, the container holder 12 can be moved by sliding within the adapter device 11 without the container holder 12 rotating on its own axis. For this purpose, and as illustrated more particularly in the Figure 2 The container holder comprises two diametrically opposed lugs 1216, each carrying a tooth 1217. Each lug is engaged in a corresponding groove 117 formed in the inner wall of the adapter device 11. Each groove 117 extends parallel to the axis of movement of the container holder 12 within the adapter device 11. This axis corresponds to the axis of the bottle neck opening when the release device is mounted on the bottle. The engagement of the lugs 1216 in the grooves 117 forms an anti-rotation system which, when the control ring 14 is rotated, allows the container holder 12 to slide along an axis parallel to the groove 117 without the container holder 12 rotating on its own axis.

[0066] As illustrated in the Figure 2 , the container holder 12 has a hollow body delimiting a housing 1203 for receiving the container 3. The lower wall of the housing is formed by an inner collar 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 be opposite the drilling system 112.

[0067] 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 allow the container to be inserted and removed from the top of the receiving device 12 when the retaining device is in the inactive position as detailed below.

[0068] The passage opening 1232 allows the drilling 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, and then through a passage opening 113 provided in the adapter device 11 so that the liquid falls into the bottle. Dispositif de maintien

[0069] The liquid release device 1 includes a holding device 13 configured to have an active configuration in which, when the container 3 is housed in the container holder 2, the container 3 is held in the container holder 2, resting 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 removed from the top of the container holder because the housing 1203 is open at the top.

[0070] The retaining device 13 is preferably coupled to the container holder 12.

[0071] According to embodiments illustrated in particular in figures 4A et 4B The retaining device 13 includes retaining elements, such as retaining arms, articulated to the container holder 12. Said retaining elements are capable of cooperating with each other in active configuration to prevent the container 3 from escaping, in particular from the top of the container holder 12, and to keep the container supported in the container holder.

[0072] In the example illustrated in figures 4A et 4B The retaining device 13 comprises retaining arms 131 and 132, which form an upper stop in the active configuration. Each retaining arm is L-shaped, with one arm of the L articulated to the upper part of the container holder. The other arm of the L is able to cooperate with a corresponding arm of the other arm in the active position to form an inverted U that holds the container 3 in place within the container holder.

[0073] It can be foreseen that the support arms are configured so that, in the active position, they are attached to each other, for example by snapping them together, and that the arms can be detached by the user, for example by pushing one of the arms back, when the container holder is in the high position, known as the initial position.

[0074] Preferably, the retaining device 13 is configured so that, even in its active configuration, the container 3 in the container holder 12 remains visible, particularly in the top view of the liquid release device 1. In the example illustrated in figures 4A et 4B The support arms 131 and 132 are thus narrower, when viewed from above, than the diameter of the housing 1203 that receives the container 3, to allow the user to see the container from both sides of the support arms. If the container's color is associated with its contents, and / or if markings are printed on the top of the container (use-by date, etc.), this information remains visible regardless of the configuration (inactive, active, drilled).

[0075] As detailed below, in the example illustrated in figures 4A et 4B The liquid release device 1 is designed so that the retaining arms 131, 132 can only be brought to the open position (inactive configuration) when the container holder 12 is in the raised position, preferably at its upper stop relative to the control ring 14. In this position, for example illustrated in Figures 4A et 4B The articulation of the retaining arms 131, 132 is free from the ring so that the retaining arms 131, 132 can be pivoted into the active (closed) or inactive (open) position without being obstructed 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 acts as a stop, preventing any movement of the arms and thus preventing each arm from moving from its active to its inactive position. Furthermore, because the control ring 14 can rotate on its own axis without moving up and down relative to the adapter 11 on which it is mounted, the lowering of the container holder 12 implies that the arms are in the active (closed) position.

[0076] Thus, when the user who has activated the retaining device 13 after inserting a container 3 into the container holder 12, commands the descent of the container holder 12 by rotating the control ring 14, it is ensured that the retaining device 13 is locked in active configuration by the inside of the control ring which faces the retaining device 13, preventing it from going into inactive configuration.

[0077] This design prevents unintentional unlocking of the activation of the retaining device 13 and thus maintains the seal between the container holder 12 and the retaining device 13, regardless of the position of the container holder 12 once it has begun to descend. The retaining device 13 can only be deactivated in its initial (i.e., raised) position. Conversely, in document EP2864216, unintentional loosening of the upper part relative to the container holder would result in a sealing problem.

[0078] According to a particular embodiment and as illustrated more specifically in the Figure 1 , it can be foreseen that notches 1431 and 1432 are provided radially on the control ring to allow the retaining arms in the open position (and therefore in the raised position of the container holder 12) to extend through these notches, to allow the user to clearly identify the inactive configuration of the retaining arms.

[0079] According to one embodiment and as illustrated in Figures 4A et 4B The device includes, for example on the retaining device 13 and / or the container holder 12, a keying element 139, capable of cooperating with a corresponding keying element 39 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. The keying is particularly useful when the container has a double chamber with a vertical separating wall (i.e. along a plane parallel to the axis of the housing). Système de perçage

[0080] The drilling system 112 is oriented towards the opening of the housing 1203 of the container holder 12 which receives the container 3.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the drilling system 112 includes a drilling element 1125, also called a drilling finger, which has two drilling teeth 1125a, 1125b.

[0082] The two teeth 1125a, 1125b can have the same height as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 à 5C for drilling a container that comprises a single chamber or as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8A à 8C for drilling a container comprising two chambers arranged one above the other, i.e., separated by a partition perpendicular to the drilling axis. In this latter embodiment, and as detailed below, the container includes an internal drilling member intended to be actuated by the drilling member 1125 during the descent of the container holder towards the drilling member 1125. Alternatively, the drilling member could comprise only one tooth.

[0083] One of the teeth can also be higher than the other tooth, as in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A à 7C for drilling a container which has chambers arranged side by side, that is to say 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 partition parallel to the axis of movement of the container holder 12, the tooth 1125b drills chamber 321 first, then chamber 322 by the tooth 1125a as the container holder 12 descends relative to the control ring 14.

[0084] More generally, it can be predicted that a system with teeth of two different lengths is compatible for drilling containers with a single compartment or two chambers arranged side by side or superimposed.

[0085] The perforated state of the operculum 32 or of the parts of opercula 32A, 32B of the operculum 32 has been represented in figures 6B , 7B And 7CThe pierced state of the lids 32 or 34 of the containers was not shown in the figures 8C , 9B , And 9C for the sake of readability. Bague de commande

[0086] The liquid release device 1 includes a control ring 14, also called a crown, which allows the container holder to slide in the adapter 11, downwards when the control ring is turned in one direction, for example clockwise, and upwards when the container holder is mounted turned in the opposite direction (in top view of the control ring).

[0087] In one particular aspect, the control ring 14 is rotatably mounted on the adapter device 11 around the central axis A1 of the device. The control ring 14 can thus rotate on its own axis 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 also corresponds to the axis of the opening of the control ring 14, the axis of the body of the adapter device 11, or the axis of the container holder 12.

[0088] The control ring, for example, is clipped onto the adapter device while retaining freedom of rotation around axis A1. This freedom of rotation is, of course, considered in the absence of activation of any possible rotation-locking system for the control ring, which is presented later in connection with the Figures 11 à 14C .

[0089] Thus, according to one embodiment and as illustrated in the Figure 2 , the lower part of the control ring 14 is provided with a snap-on area 1411 with a corresponding area of ​​the adapter device 11.

[0090] 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 container holder 12 and therefore towards the drilling system 112.

[0091] The container holder 12 and the ring 14 are linked by a threaded hole 1412 in the control ring, which cooperates with a corresponding thread 1214 in the container holder 12. The thread and the tapped hole are configured such that, as explained above, starting from an initial high position with the retaining device in its active configuration, rotating the control ring 14 clockwise causes the container holder 12 to move downwards, i.e., towards the drilling system, into a first position in which the retaining device is locked in said active position. Preferably, the retaining device is only unlocked in the initial high position of the container holder, in which the control ring no longer acts as a stop preventing the retaining device from moving to its inactive configuration.

[0092] Continuing the rotation of the control ring 14 allows the container holder to be lowered further into a drilling position, enabling the container to be pierced. It should be noted that in this drilling position (as well as in any additional drilling position), the control ring continues to act as a stop, preventing the holding device from moving into an inactive configuration, thus ensuring the container is held securely in the holder during drilling. In the container drilling position, the drilling system passes through the opening defined by the container support wall within the holder 12.

[0093] In the example illustrated in the figures, the control ring 14 includes an internal radial shoulder 142 which forms a high 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 against the shoulder 142.

[0094] The edge of this shoulder also forms the stop which opposes the passage into inactive configuration of the retaining device when the container holder is lowered relative to the initial high position. Container carrier positions

[0095] The realization of the up / down control in the form of a control ring 14 coupled by a screw thread 1412, 1214 with the container holder 12 makes the liquid release device easy to handle.

[0096] By rotating the control ring 14, the container holder 12 is able to take successive positions relative to the adapter device 11. The positions include a position, called the initial position, for example referenced "0" on the control ring, according to which the retaining device 13 can switch from the inactive configuration to the active configuration, and vice versa.

[0097] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4Bwhere the holding device includes holding arms 131, 132 articulated to the container holder, in initial position "0", the holding arms can be opened and preferably extended through slots 1431, 1432 provided in the upper face of the control ring 14. Once a container is introduced into the container holder, the arms can be closed by being brought back around the container, so as to obtain the active configuration in which the container is held in the container holder.

[0098] A rotation of the ring, for example a quarter turn, lowers the container holder into a position called the locking position, for example labeled "Lock" on the control ring, in which, with the retaining device 13 active, the retaining device 13 is locked in said active configuration. According to the embodiment illustrated in the Figure 5A, the control ring 14 physically opposes the opening of the retaining arms 131, 132 which thus remain in the closed position around the container.

[0099] The descent of the container holder 12 thus prevents the holding device 13 from passing into the inactive configuration until the container holder 12 has returned to the initial position.

[0100] In the locked position, the control ring 14 forms a stop preventing the holding device 13 from moving from the active configuration to the inactive configuration.

[0101] By continuing to turn the control ring 14, the container holder 12 continues its descent until it reaches a position, called the first drilling position, for example referenced (I) on the control ring, according to which the drilling system 112 penetrates a first distance through the passage opening 1232 of the container holder 12. The drilling system 112 thus pierces the container 3 which is held in the container holder 12 by the retaining device 13.

[0102] According to a particular embodiment, it can be provided 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 drilling system 112 penetrates a second distance, greater than the first distance, through the passage opening 1232 of the container holder 12. The drilling system 112 can thus drill an additional chamber of the container 3 as detailed below when the container 3 has several chambers.

[0103] As explained above and as illustrated in the 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. Notching system

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment, the device includes a notching system 1217, 1107 for each of said locking, drilling, and preferably initial positions, enabling the user to detect the position reached by the container holder 12.

[0105] The notching system comprises a set of notches 1107 and the tooth 1217 carried by the lug 1216 in the example illustrated in the Figure 3which during the movement of the container carrier is able to engage successively in notch 11071 in the initial position of the container carrier 12, in notch 11072 in the locking position, in notch 11073 in the first drilling position, and possibly in notch 11074 in the second drilling position.

[0106] The notches are located at different heights in said notch 117, 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). Sealing gasket

[0107] According to one embodiment, the container holder 12, preferably its lower part, is equipped with a sealing gasket 127 (visible in Figure 3) suitable for bearing against the inner peripheral wall of the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11. The sealing gasket 127 bears against a smooth area of ​​the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11 to ensure a good seal between the container holder 12 and the adapter 11.

[0108] Preferably, the area of ​​the hollow body 110 on which the seal is moved during the descent and ascent of the container holder remains located under the positioning notches provided in the hollow body 110 of the adapter device 11.

[0109] Thus, in the example illustrated in the figures, the sealing gasket 127 of the container holder 12 and the adapter device 11 are configured so that, regardless of the position of the container holder 12 relative to the adapter device 11, the sealing gasket 127 is in compression against a smooth wall of the adapter device 11. Adapter base control mechanism

[0110] The liquid release device 1 includes a control mechanism 15 for controlling the opening and closing of the through passage 113 (opening) provided in the bottom of the adapter device 11.

[0111] The control mechanism 15 includes a support element 151 with which a part of the container holder 12 is able to bear, such as a plate having at least one passage opening 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.

[0112] The support element 151 is, for example, a disc that can be moved along the drilling element 1125. The support element 151 is fixed to a moving shutter element 153, also called a valve, by a connecting system comprising a spacer 155, for example a tube, and a threaded rod and nut 154, extending, for example, through the drilling element. The use of the threaded rod, nut, and spacer ensures this drive function for the moving valve while also making the system mountable.

[0113] The flap is arranged to close the bottom opening 113 of the adapter device 11 when the support element 151 is in the raised position, and to release the bottom opening 113 of the adapter device 11 when the support element 151 is in the lowered position due to the support of the container holder 12 on said support element 151.

[0114] According to a particular embodiment and as illustrated more particularly in Figures 2 And 3 , a return system 152, such as a spring, allows the support element 151 to be returned to a high position where the support element 151 closes the bottom opening 113 of the adapter 11.

[0115] The return system 152 is, for example, an inverted conical spring, but it can be a spring of another shape. The return system 152 allows the valve 153 of the control mechanism 15 to act as a check valve to close the liquid passage opening 113 located at the bottom of the adapter, when the container holder 12 is in a position higher than the first drilling position, and conversely to open the liquid passage opening 113 when the container holder 12 is in a position lower than or equal to that of the first drilling position.

[0116] 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.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the liquid release device may be provided to lack a control mechanism for the bottom of the adapter, and the bottom opening 113 of the adapter 11 remains open. Other aspects

[0118] Preferably, the liquid release device 1 is configured so that, before and after drilling, the container 3 can be removed without having to disassemble any parts of the liquid release device 1. Indeed, to remove the container 3, the user simply has to raise the container holder 12 to its initial high position by rotating the control ring counterclockwise, which unlocks the retaining device 13 and thus allows the user to open the arms 131, 132 of the retaining device to extract the container.

[0119] Advantageously, the user can remove the container 3 without having to remove the liquid release device 1 from the neck 2 of the bottle. Container including a drilling attachment

[0120] In the example illustrated in Figures 8A-8CA container is provided with two chambers 311, 312 in series separated by a horizontal wall, that is to say orthogonal to the axis of movement of the container holder 12 when the container is housed within the container holder. The first chamber houses a drilling element 33 which extends from a first external operculum 32 to a second internal operculum 34 of the container ( Figure 8B ).

[0121] As illustrated in the Figure 8B and to the Figure 8C The drilling system 112 of the release device 1 allows pressure to be applied to the drilling member 33, thereby drilling both chambers simultaneously. Specifically, the drilling member 33 is pushed by the drilling system of the liquid release device when the drilling system pierces the opening 32 of the first chamber 311 and pushes on said drilling member 33, which then pierces the opening 34 separating the two chambers, guided through a connecting passage between the two chambers.

[0122] In the example illustrated in Figures 9A-9C The drilling member 33' is similar to the drilling member 33 but shorter, so that the first chamber houses the drilling member 33', which extends between two opercula but at a distance from the outer operculum 32. A specific arrangement of the member 33' allows for successive drilling of the two chambers. Indeed, the drilling member 33' is positioned away from the operculum 32 of the first chamber to allow, during the descent of the container holder 12, the drilling of said operculum 32 first, and then the second operculum 34 providing access to the second chamber. Process

[0123] The liquid release device 1 shown above allows for the implementation of a drilling process in a container 3 so that the liquid contained in the container 3 falls into a bottle. An example of this process is provided below in connection with the Figure 10 .

[0124] At step 1010, the user mounts a liquid release device 1 onto the neck 2 of a bottle 200, by screwing the adapter 11 onto the peripheral wall of the neck 2.

[0125] The support arms 131, 132 are in the open position (inactive configuration) and the user, in step 1020, inserts the container 3 into the container holder 12. As illustrated in the Figure 4A and to the Figure 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 of the support arms, can be used to control the orientation of the container 3 relative to the container holder 12, which can be useful in the case of a multi-chamber container 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 container receiving housing 1203). It can also be provided that the container 3 is without a keying device, in particular when it contains only one liquid.

[0126] The user pivots the retaining arms 131, 132 to raise them, bringing them together above the container to bring (step 1030) the retaining arms 131, 132 into their active configuration. This secures the container 3 within the container holder 12, which rests against the bottom face of the holder. The retaining arms 131, 132 can cooperate via a ratcheting mechanism, for example, which can be deactivated by pushing one of the arms back. In the active configuration, the container 3 is held captive within the container holder 12, and both the container 3 and the arms 131, 132 are sized so that the upper part of at least one of the arms 131, 132 presses against the container 3, holding it against the bottom wall 123 of the container holder's housing.

[0127] In the closed state of the retaining arms 131, 132, the user can turn (step 1040) the control ring 14 clockwise, which moves the container holder 12 down relative to the control ring 14 (said ring remaining at the same height relative to the adapter 11), so that the articulation of each retaining arm 131, 132 is blocked by the control ring 14 which surrounds the retaining arms ( Figure 5B ). The locking of the arms in the active container holding configuration is indicated on the control ring by the inscription "lock", which corresponds to the position in which the tooth 1217 of the container holder 12 is engaged in the notch 11072 of the adapter 11.

[0128] To empty the contents of container 3 into the bottle, the user rotates (step 1050) the control ring 14 to move the container holder 12 until the piercing system 12 punctures container 3 and the liquid from container 3 falls into the bottle 200. Specifically, the piercing occurs when the container holder 12 reaches the first piercing position indicated by the marking (I) on the control ring. In this piercing position, the piercing system 12 punctures container 3 and the liquid from container 3 falls into the bottle. This position corresponds to the position in which the tooth 1217 of the container holder 12 is engaged in the notch 11073 of the adapter 11.

[0129] When the device 1 is equipped with a control mechanism 15, the container holder 12, which is in the drilling position, presses on the push member 151, which moves the valve 153 into the position of releasing the opening 113 in the bottom of the adapter 11. The liquid from the pierced container then flows through the opening(s) provided in the push member 151 and the opening 113 in the bottom of the adapter thus released.

[0130] In the case of a container 3, there are several chambers 311, 312 ( Figures 9A-9C ) or 321, 322 ( Figures 7A-7C) it can be foreseen that the drilling position (I) allows drilling a first chamber 311 or 321, and that by continuing to turn the control ring 14, the container holder reaches a second drilling position, identified by the marking (II), which allows the drilling system 112 to drill the second chamber 312 or 322. This position corresponds to the position in which the tooth 1217 of the container holder 12 is engaged in the notch 11074 of the adapter 11.

[0131] In the example shown in the figures, the transition from position "0" to position "I" or "II" is achieved by rotating the control ring 14 clockwise (as viewed from above). By turning the control ring 14 in this direction, the resistance that must be overcome to pierce the container's seal is in the same direction as the screwing of the adapter 11 onto the neck 2 of the bottle 200. Turning the control ring 14 clockwise thus tightens the liquid release device onto the bottle's neck. Therefore, there is no risk of the adapter of the device coming loose from the bottle. When the user turns the control ring in the opposite direction to raise the container holder, the resistance to rotation is sufficiently low to prevent the risk of the device coming loose from the bottle.

[0132] In this way, the user can perform the various operations while holding the liquid release device in one hand and the bottle body in the other. Conversely, in document EP2864216B1, to prevent the liquid release device from unscrewing when unscrewing two parts of the device from each other, the user must hold both parts of the device, which is cumbersome.

[0133] 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 push member 151 is released and the return spring 152 allows the push member 151 to return to the high position, which also brings the valve 153 into the closed position.

[0134] The container holder 12 can be raised back to the initial position, where the joints of the retaining arms 131, 132 are released from the control ring 14 so that the retaining arms 131, 132 can be moved apart from each other (inactive configuration) to allow the container 3 to be removed from the top of the container holder.

[0135] In one particular aspect, a container 3 can be inserted into the container holder 12, and the container holder 12 can be lowered into the locked position without being pierced, awaiting use. The release device 1 can be fitted to the bottle without causing any sealing problems, since the container 3 is held securely by the retaining device 13, which is in its active configuration and locked in this configuration by the control ring 14. Furthermore, the seal 127 ensures a seal between the container holder 12 and the adapter 11.

[0136] In the Figures 6B , 7B , 7C , 8C , 9B And 9C The arrow(s) extending downwards from the container through the adapter device represent the flow of a liquid.

[0137] According to a particular embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 11 to 14C The device further includes an activatable / deactivatable locking system which, when activated, locks the rotational movement of the control ring 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 locking system can be manually deactivated by the user.

[0138] The locking system is automatically activated when a tooth 114 of the ring 14 reaches a locking notch, for example 1421, by the spring 152 pushing on the part 123 of the container holder 12, causing an axial displacement of the ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11. The locking system can be deactivated by axial pressure on the control ring in the direction of the adapter device. The locking system is automatically held deactivated between two of the positions "O", "Lock", "I", and, where applicable, "II". In particular, the locking system is automatically held as long as the tooth 114 remains in the guide groove 1413, and therefore as long as the tooth 114 is away from a locking notch.

[0139] The locking system is automatically reactivated when the tooth 114 is aligned with a locking notch and, in the absence of axial pressure on the control ring by the operator, the return spring 152 raises 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, reaches the position of another notch 1422. The pressure of the spring 152 on the lower part 123 of the holder containing 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 the tooth 114.

[0140] When the tooth 114 is located opposite a locking notch, the control ring 14 has an axial clearance relative to the adapter device 11 which allows the return spring 152 to return the control ring 14 to an axial clearance 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, to bring the locking notch around the tooth 114 in order to keep the locking tooth against the opposite walls of the locking notch so that the rotational locking is automatically activated by means of 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 make the tooth 114 escape from the locking notch and thus allow the operator to manually deactivate the locking by pressing the control ring 14 and starting to turn the control ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11 to make the tooth 114 enter the next part of the guide groove 1413 in an angular position away from the previous locking notch.

[0141] In this particular embodiment, the liquid release device incorporates the sliding guidance system of the container holder 12 relative to the adapter device 11 described previously, so that the rotation of the control ring 14 relative 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.

[0142] As explained previously, by rotating the control ring 14 relative to the adapter device 11, the container holder 12 is capable of selectively assuming several positions relative to the adapter device 11. These positions, as mentioned above, include the initial position, the locking position, the first drilling position, and—optionally—the second drilling position. In one embodiment, the rotation locking system is configured to activate automatically in at least one, preferably each, of these positions of the control ring. The locking system can then, of course, be manually deactivated to release the rotation of the control ring relative to the adapter device and move the control ring to the next desired position.

[0143] The rotation of the control ring to successively assume these positions can thus be locally interrupted when the control ring is in at least one of these positions (locking positions) by activating the rotational locking system. The automatic activation of the locking system at different angular positions of the control ring relative to the adapter device allows for the formation of position identification notches and facilitates, if necessary, the removal of the liquid release device from the bottle, as described above. The operator can manually deactivate the rotational locking system that has been activated in the position reached, preferably by axially pressing on the control ring and rotating it to allow the locking tooth to disengage from the locking stops formed by the locking notch with which the tooth is engaged when locked.

[0144] In said other embodiment, it is possible to omit the notches of the embodiment of the figure 5C , thanks to the notches formed by the locking notches.

[0145] In the example illustrated more specifically in the Figure 13The 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 that 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 that ensures a tight seal between the peripheral wall 115 and the valve 153. One or more openings 115a are provided 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 flowing from the container 3, pierced through the opening 1232a and then the opening 113, to exit the skirt 115 through the opening(s) 115a and fall in the bottle. As with the previous embodiments, the valve 153 is supported by a threaded rod and nut 154 system.

[0146] As illustrated in the Figure 14, when the control ring 14 is oriented angularly 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 relative to the adapter device 11, which makes it easier to remove the liquid release device by unscrewing because the user can grasp the control ring and / or the adapter device to unscrew and remove the assembly relative to the neck of the bottle (the same advantage is obtained for the other locking position(s) of the control ring).A 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 from the adapter device 11 when the tooth 114 is in a locking notch following the raising of the control ring 14 pushed by the return spring.

[0147] To unlock rotational mobility, as illustrated in the Figure 14AThe operator presses the control ring against a return spring, such as spring 152, to release the tooth 114 from the notch 1421 and allow it to enter the guide groove 1413. Along this groove, the tooth 114 can move freely, thus freeing the control ring from rotation relative to the adapter. It is understood that once the tooth is in the guide groove, it is no longer necessary to apply axial pressure to the control ring 14 to maintain rotational mobility until the control ring reaches a new locking position.

[0148] As illustrated in the Figure 14BThe operator can then rotate 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 specific position "Lock", the tooth 114 is aligned with another notch 1422, which also extends under the groove 1413 and opens into said groove 1413. As illustrated in the Figure 14C , the return force exerted by the spring 152 on the control ring 14 via the container holder 12, raises the control ring 14 so that the tooth 114 is blocked from rotation in the notch 1422.

[0149] The example described in Figures 14A-14D can also be applied to the passage of the control ring between two other specific positions, such as the passage from the "Lock" position to the drilling position "I", or, where applicable, from the drilling position "I" to the drilling position "II", and vice versa. In particular, a notch opening into the guide groove can be provided at the guide groove, extending downwards, at each specific angular position of the control ring for which it is desired that the ring's mobility relative to the adapter can be locked in a switchable manner. The example presented can also be applied to the case of a plurality of teeth capable of cooperating with several notches. In the example of the Figure 13 The control ring is in the "I" drilling position, with tooth 114 housed in a locking notch 1423. As can be seen in the Figure 13The adapter device can be fitted with several locking teeth suitable for cooperating with different locking notches.

[0150] When the control ring 14 is locked in rotation, to overcome the stops formed by the opposing walls of the locking notch in which the tooth is engaged, the user can press on the control ring, preferably axially towards the adapter device 11, i.e., downwards, to allow the notch, by lowering the control ring, to descend under the tooth. The tooth then sits in the guide groove 1413, which is formed in the control ring and into which the locking notch opens; this groove does not impede the pivoting of the control ring relative to the adapter device 11.

[0151] When unlocked by the operator in the initial position "O", the control ring 14 can then be pivoted relative to the adapter device 11 towards the "Lock" position, which causes the container carrier 12 to move downwards. Then, upon reaching the "Lock" position, the tooth 114 is aligned with the locking notch 1422. By the return force of a spring, preferably spring 152, which causes a push 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 locked between the opposite walls 1422a of the locking notch 1422, so that the control ring 14 is then rotationally fixed to the adapter device 11.

[0152] Each locking notch is open in the lower part of the control ring 14 to allow the introduction of the tooth or teeth 114 into the control ring 14 during the assembly of the device.

[0153] Regardless of the method of implementation, and as illustrated in the example of the Figure 15 , it can be foreseen that the retaining elements 13 include an arm 13A articulated to the container holder 12 and a coupling element 13B fixedly mounted on the container holder 12 and to which the articulated arm 13A can be attached, for example by snapping, to obtain the active configuration of retaining the container 3 in the container holder 12.

[0154] The invention, which is defined by the claims, is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0155] Furthermore, the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps.

Claims

1. Liquid releasing device (1) that can be coupled to the neck (2) of a bottle (200) for piercing a container (3) such that a liquid in the container (3) falls into the bottle (200), the liquid releasing device (1) comprising: - an adapter device (11), which can be removably fixed to the neck (2) of the bottle, the adapter device (11) having a hollow body (110); - a piercing system (112) borne by the adapter device (11), for piercing the container (3), such as a capsule having a cap (32), - a receiving device, referred to as container holder (12), comprising a receiving housing (1203) for receiving the container (3), the container holder (12) being able to move upwards and downwards inside the hollow body (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); the container holder (12) having a through-opening (1232) in communication with the receiving housing (1203) in order to enable the piercing system (112) to pierce the container (3) so that the liquid in the container (3) flows through said through-opening (1232), then through a through-opening (113) formed in the adapter device (11); characterized in that the liquid releasing device (1) also comprises a control ring (14) mounted so as to rotate relative to the adapter device (11); the control ring (14) being configured such that rotating the control ring (14) in a given direction causes the container holder (12) to move relative to the control ring (14) towards the piercing system (112), the control ring (14) being configured to enable the holding device (13) to be locked in the active configuration by moving the container holder (12) relative to the control ring (14) towards the piercing system (112).

2. Liquid releasing device (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the liquid releasing device further comprises a blocking system (114, 1421) for blocking the control ring (14) from being able to move in rotation relative to the adapter device (11), the blocking system being able to be activated and deactivated.

3. Liquid releasing device (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein 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 able to cooperate with one another in the active configuration in order to prevent the container (3) from exiting via the top of the container holder (12).

4. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a guiding system (1216, 117) for guiding the container holder (12) so as to slide relative to the adapter device (11) such that rotating the control ring (14) causes the container holder (12) to slide, without the container holder being rotated relative to the adapter device (11).

5. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, by rotating the control ring (14), the container holder (12) is able to selectively assume a plurality of positions relative to the adapter device (11), said positions comprising: - a position, referred to as initial position, in which the holding device (13) can move from the inactive configuration to the active configuration, and vice versa; - a position, referred to as locking position, in which, when the holding device is in the active configuration, the holding device (13) is locked in said active configuration; - a position, referred to as first piercing position, in which the piercing system (112) penetrates a first distance through the through-opening (1232) of the container holder (12); and - optionally, a position, referred to as second piercing position, in which the piercing system (112) penetrates a second distance, which is greater than the first distance, through the through-opening (1232) of the container holder (12).

6. Liquid releasing device (1) according to Claim 5, wherein rotating the control ring (14) in a given direction enables the container holder (12) to be moved, starting from the initial position, so that it is made to successively assume the locking position, the first piercing position and, optionally, the second piercing position.

7. Liquid releasing device (1) according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the device comprises a detent system (1217, 1107) for the locking position, the piercing position, and preferably the initial position, enabling the user to detect the position reached by the container holder (12).

8. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container holder (12), preferably the lower part thereof, is provided with a seal (127) able to come to bear against an inner peripheral wall of the hollow body (110) of the adapter device (11).

9. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control ring (14) comprises an internal radial shoulder (142) that forms an upper stop for the container holder (12) preventing the container holder (12) from exiting relative to the control ring (14).

10. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower part of the control ring (14) is provided with a snap-fastening region (1411) for snap-fastening to a corresponding region of the adapter device (11).

11. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a control mechanism (15) for controlling the opening and closing of the through-opening (113) formed in the bottom of the adapter device (11).

12. Liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing system (112) comprises a piercing member (1125), also referred to as piercing finger, which has two piercing teeth (1125a, 1125b), one of the teeth being higher than the other tooth.

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

14. Assembly comprising a liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a container (3) designed to be inserted into the container holder (12) of the liquid releasing device (1).

15. Assembly according to Claim 14 comprising a bottle, the liquid releasing device (1) being mounted on a neck (2) of said bottle.

16. Method for piercing a container (3) such that a liquid contained in the container (3) falls into a bottle (200), said method comprising the following steps: - mounting (1010) a liquid releasing device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 on a neck (2) of a bottle (200), such as a flask; - inserting (1020) the container (3) into the container holder (12), the holding device (13) being in the inactive configuration; - moving (1030) the holding device (13) into the active configuration in order to hold the container (3) in the container holder (12); - turning (1040) the control ring (14) in order to move the container holder (12) into a position for locking the holding device (13) in the active configuration, and - continuing (1050) to turn the control ring (14) until the piercing system (112) pierces the container (3) and the liquid in the container (3) falls into the bottle (200).