Water distribution system and associated tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a water distribution system comprising: - a tank (1); - an opening and closing mechanism forming a distribution nozzle (3), characterised in that - the tank (1) is made of a selected material, configured to have a single use and to be pressurised by injecting a selected volume of liquid nitrous oxide into a tank (1) filled with water, and configured to be dissolved in the water, allowing the nitrous oxide to expand in the tank (1) during a water discharge operation and preventing any entry of air from an outside environment into the tank (1) in order to prevent contamination of the water; and - a removable reusable protective shell (2), and its associated tank.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Water distribution system and associated reservoir

[0001] [The present invention relates to a water distribution system, and a bottle-forming reservoir adapted to be integrated into said water distribution system.

[0002] It finds general application in the large-scale distribution of drinking water, and more particularly in the water safety of the drinking water to be distributed.

[0003] Much progress has been made in the field of drinking water distribution, particularly in the sealing of water stored in a distribution medium.

[0004] We know of water distribution systems comprising a water bottle fixed in a high position on a dispenser adapted for this purpose.

[0005] These water distribution systems have the disadvantage of allowing air outside the said systems to enter the internal volume of the bottle or tank, and thus allow any germ or contaminant potentially present in the external environment to enter the internal volume of the tank, potentially contaminating the water contained.

[0006] We also know of bottle-type systems directly integrating distribution means such as a distribution nozzle.

[0007] Such bottle-type systems directly integrate dispensing means, and have the disadvantage of only presenting as proof of the quality of the water contained a plastic seal at the dispensing nozzle, allowing the user to know whether the bottle has actually been opened or not, and that the water contained in said bottle is indeed that which was originally dispensed, and not an additional refill of water not having the same qualities.

[0008] This problem is all the more important in countries where drinking water is not easily accessible to users.

[0009] Such bottle-type systems also have the disadvantage of having a low flow rate when dispensing the contained water.

[0010] The present invention overcomes these drawbacks.

[0011] The invention relates to a water distribution system comprising: - a bottle-forming reservoir, capable of being filled with water, having an outlet groove configured for the evacuation of said water; - an opening and closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle, hermetically fixed to the outlet throat of the tank, and adapted to move from an open position, allowing water to be evacuated from the tank, to a closed position preventing water from being evacuated.

[0012] According to a general definition of the invention, the tank is made of a chosen material, configured to have a single use and to be pressurized, it contains liquid nitrous oxide according to a chosen volume of 1.5 ml of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water contained in said tank filled with water, the liquid nitrous oxide being configured to be dissolved in the water, allowing the expansion of said nitrous oxide in the tank during a water evacuation operation and preventing any integration of air from an external environment into the tank in order to avoid contamination of the water;and in that the water distribution system further comprises a removable reusable protective shell consisting of two elements which can be nested one inside the other, configured to house said reservoir, made of a rigid material chosen and configured to resist shocks and absorb shocks which could threaten the structural integrity of the reservoir, said shell having an opening in the lower position to allow the insertion of the outlet throat and the distribution nozzle secured to the reservoir.;

[0013] Surprisingly, the water distribution system according to the invention makes it possible to prevent any integration of air from an external environment into the tank in order to avoid contamination of the water, while guaranteeing an adequate distribution flow rate for the user.

[0014] In practice, the tank is made of a material belonging to the group formed by PET.

[0015] By way of non-limiting example, the protective shell is made of a rigid material belonging to the group formed by polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass, ABS or a material with similar properties.

[0016] In practice, the opening-closing mechanism forming the dispensing nozzle also includes a non-return valve.

[0017] According to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, the volume chosen is 1.5 ml of liquid nitrogen per liter of water contained.

[0018] In practice, the protective shell has on each interlocking element a part projecting downwards, forming a flat base configured to be placed in contact with a flat surface, and configured to extend beyond the dispensing nozzle and thus allow the raising of said dispensing nozzle.

[0019] According to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, the two interlocking elements have a clip closure means allowing the interlocking elements to be joined to each other in a semi-permanent manner.

[0020] A water distribution system according to the invention makes it possible to prevent any counterfeiting of the water contained, to secure the tank against fraudulent access, and to prevent any integration of air from an external environment into the tank in order to avoid contamination of the water, while guaranteeing an adequate distribution flow rate for the user and making it possible to physically protect the pressurized tank from impacts.

[0021] The invention further relates to a bottle-forming reservoir adapted to be integrated into a dispensing system, having an outlet throat configured for the evacuation of said water, and comprising: - an opening and closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle, hermetically fixed to the outlet throat of the tank, and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the tank, to a closed position preventing the evacuation of water;

[0022] According to another general definition of the invention, the tank is made of a chosen material, and configured to be pressurized by injection of liquid nitrogen according to a chosen volume in said tank filled with water, allowing the expansion of the nitrogen in the tank during a water evacuation operation without integration of air from an external environment in order to avoid contamination of the water.

[0023] Advantageously, the tank according to the invention makes it possible to prevent any integration of air from an external environment into the tank and thus avoid contamination of the water, while guaranteeing an adequate distribution flow rate for the user.

[0024] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the description and the drawings in which: - [Fig 1] schematically represents the water distribution system installed in accordance with the invention; - [Fig 2] schematically represents the shell of the system according to the invention in exploded view; - [Fig 3] schematically represents in accordance with the invention; - [Fig 4] schematically represents a particular embodiment in accordance with the invention; and - [Fig 5] schematically represents a particular embodiment in accordance with the invention.

[0025] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the water distribution system according to the invention comprises a reservoir 1 forming a bottle of chosen volume, filled with water, and having an outlet groove 12 configured to allow the evacuation of said water.

[0026] In practice, the tank 1 is made of a chosen material, configured to have a single use and to be pressurized by injection of liquid nitrous oxide according to a chosen volume in the tank 1 filled with water.

[0027] The liquid nitrous oxide thus injected is configured to be dissolved in water, allowing the expansion of said liquid nitrous oxide in the tank 1 in the form of gas thus occupying the volume of water evacuated, during an evacuation operation, and preventing any integration of air from an external environment into the tank 1.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the volume of injected liquid nitrous oxide chosen is 1.5 ml of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water contained in the tank.

[0029] Advantageously, the injection of liquid nitrous oxide makes it possible to prevent the introduction of air from outside the system into the tank 1, while pressurizing the tank 1, and thus avoids any contamination of the water and the introduction of pathogenic agents.

[0030] By way of non-limiting example, the tank 1 is made of a material belonging to the group formed by PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or materials with similar properties.

[0031] Advantageously, the combination of pressurization volume of injected liquid nitrous oxide chosen is c of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water and the use of PET also allows the bottle not to deform, even in case of exposure i heat.

[0032] The tank 1 filled with water according to the invention is configured to be single-use and fully recyclable.

[0033] Once emptied, said tank 1 is able to be reintroduced into the manufacturing cycle of new tanks 1.

[0034] Surprisingly, the pressurized water tank also provides an improved drainage flow rate for the user.

[0035] The system according to the invention further comprises an opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle 3, capable of being hermetically fixed to the outlet groove 12 of the tank 1, and configured to move from an open position, allowing the water to be evacuated from the tank 1, to a closed position preventing the water from being evacuated, and vice versa.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle 3 further comprises a non-return valve enabling the blocking of the introduction of outside air into the system in said tank 1 to be reinforced.

[0037] By way of example, the dispensing nozzle 3 comprises opening means belonging, without limitation, to the group formed by push button and rotary tap.

[0038] In practice, the opening-closing mechanism forming the dispensing nozzle 3 is permanently fixed to the groove 12 of the reservoir 1, and is only removable by destroying said dispensing nozzle.

[0039] Advantageously, such a construction makes it possible to prevent malicious access to the reservoir 1, and thus guarantee the quality of the water in the reservoir 1 as the original water and not a subsequent filling by a third party.

[0040] The system according to the invention also comprises a removable, reusable protective shell 2 consisting of two interlocking elements 21, 22, configured to house said tank 1.

[0041] In practice, the protective shell is made of a rigid material chosen and configured to resist shocks and absorb shocks that could threaten the structural integrity of the tank 1, said shell 2 has an opening 26 in the low position to allow the insertion of the outlet groove 12 and the distribution nozzle 3 secured to the tank 1.

[0042] By way of non-limiting example, the protective shell 2 is made of a rigid material belonging to the group formed by polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass, ABS or a material with similar properties.

[0043] Advantageously, the choice of material allows the protective shell 2 to protect the pressurized tank 1 from impacts, and thus maintain its physical integrity.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective shell 2 has on each nestable element 21, 22 a downwardly projecting part 24, forming a flat base configured to be brought into contact with a flat surface, and configured to extend beyond the dispensing nozzle 3 and thus allow the raising of said dispensing nozzle 3.

[0045] By way of non-limiting example, each nestable element 21, 22 has a downwardly projecting part 24 forming an arc oriented towards the bottom of the system, capable of making the dispensing nozzle 3 accessible.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the two interlocking elements 21, 22 have clip closure means 27 making it possible to join the interlocking elements 21, 22 to each other in a semi-permanent manner.

[0047] In practice, the clip closure means 27 are configured to be locked once fixed to each other, and are only separable with a tool specifically made to support said clip closure means 27.

[0048] According to a particular embodiment in accordance with the invention, the interlocking elements 21, 22 form, in the mounted position relative to each other, a handle 25 arranged in a high position relative to the distribution system, capable of facilitating gripping by the user.

[0049] In practice, each of the two interlocking elements 21, 22 comprises an opening 231, 232, comprising a circular opening closed by a transparent plexiglass plate allowing the user to assess the quantity of water remaining in the tank 1 while allowing said protective shell 2 to retain its shock absorption and mechanical protection characteristics of the tank 1.

[0050] Once tank 1 is emptied, protective shell 2 is configured for reuse.

[0051] In practice, once empty, the distribution system according to the invention is handled by a mechanized line automatically allowing the separation of the nestable elements 21, 22 by application of a chosen unsealing tool, the nestable elements are reused as is with insertion of a new filled reservoir 1 / opening / closing mechanism assembly forming a distribution nozzle 3, and the reassembly of the nestable elements 21, 22 to be redistributed.

[0052] Advantageously, such a type of fixing of the interlocking elements 21, 22 to one another makes it possible to prevent malicious access to the tank 1, and thus guarantee the quality of the water in the tank 1 as the original water and not a subsequent filling by a third party.

[0053] Surprisingly, the Applicant observed that the system according to the invention also allowed storage by stacking 100.

[0054] The invention also relates to a reservoir 1 forming a bottle filled with water, adapted to be integrated into a water distribution system having an outlet groove 12 configured for the evacuation of said water and comprising an opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle 3, hermetically and permanently fixed to the outlet groove 12 of the reservoir 1.

[0055] The opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle 3 is adapted to move from an open position, allowing the water to be evacuated from the tank 1, to a closed position preventing the water from being evacuated.

[0056] The tank 1 according to the invention is further made of a chosen material, and configured to be pressurized by injecting liquid nitrogen according to a chosen volume into a tank filled with water, allowing the nitrogen in the tank 1 to expand during a water evacuation operation without integrating air from an external environment in order to avoid contamination of the water.

Claims

Claims

1. [Water distribution system comprising: - a reservoir (1) forming a bottle, filled with water, having an outlet groove (12) configured for the evacuation of said water; - an opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle (3), hermetically fixed on the outlet groove (12) of the reservoir (1), and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the reservoir (1), to a closed position preventing the evacuation of water; characterized in that -the tank (1) is made of a chosen material, configured to have a single use and to be pressurized, it contains liquid nitrous oxide according to a chosen volume of 1.5 ml of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water contained in said tank (1) filled with water, the liquid nitrous oxide being configured to be dissolved in the water, allowing the expansion of said nitrous oxide in the tank (1) during a water evacuation operation and preventing any integration of air from an external environment into the tank (1) in order to avoid contamination of the water;and in that the water distribution system further comprises a removable reusable protective shell (2) consisting of two elements which can be fitted into one another (21, 22), configured to house said reservoir (1), made of a rigid material chosen and configured to resist shocks and absorb shocks which could threaten the structural integrity of the reservoir (1), said shell (2) having an opening (26) in the low position to allow the insertion of the outlet groove (12) and the distribution nozzle (3) secured to the reservoir (1).;

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir (1) is made of a material belonging to the group formed by PET, materials with similar properties.

3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the protective shell (2) is made of a rigid material belonging to the group formed by fiberglass reinforced polypropylene, ABS or material with similar properties.

4. System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle (3) further comprises a non-return valve.

5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protective shell (2) has on each nestable element (21, 22) a downwardly projecting part (24), forming a flat base configured to be brought into contact with a flat surface, and configured to extend beyond the dispensing nozzle (3) and thus allow the raising of said dispensing nozzle (3).

6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two interlocking elements (21, 22) have a clip closure means (27) allowing the interlocking elements (21, 22) to be joined to each other in a semi-permanent manner.

7. Reservoir (1) forming a bottle filled with water, adapted to be integrated into a system according to claims 1 to having an outlet groove (12) configured for the evacuation of said water and comprising: - an opening-closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle (3), hermetically fixed on the outlet groove (12) of the reservoir (1), and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the reservoir (1), to a closed position preventing the evacuation of water; characterized in that -the tank (1) is made of a chosen material, and configured to be pressurized, and contains liquid nitrous oxide according to a chosen volume of 1.5 ml of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water contained in said tank (1) filled with water, allowing the expansion of the nitrogen in the tank (1) during a water evacuation operation without integration of air from an external environment in order to avoid contamination of the water.

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