SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING A BOTTLE WITH LIQUID
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023000695
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-01-25
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REFILLING A BOTTLE WITH LIQUID Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of liquid refilling, or refilling, a bottle to be refilled from a source bottle called a refill. The present invention relates more particularly to a system for refilling at least one bottle to be refilled from a refill with liquid via a filling interface and also to a method for refilling at least one bottle to be refilled from a refill with liquid via a filling interface. Prior art
[0002] Patent FR 3 037 577 discloses a system for refilling a bottle with liquid which comprises:
[0003] -a first bottle containing liquid and comprising a bottom at one end and an opening for the exit of the liquid from the bottle at an opposite end, the opening being located above the bottom,
[0004] -a second bottle to be refilled with the liquid from the first bottle, the second bottle comprising a bottom at one end and a pump mounted on the bottle at an opposite end, the pump being equipped with a venting orifice which is adapted to be opened or closed depending on the position of the pump, the second bottle being in an inverted position with the pump located below the bottom of said bottle, - a filling interface arranged between the two bottles and comprising, on the one hand, a liquid passage for transferring the liquid under pressure from the first bottle to the second bottle turned upside down through the open venting orifice of the pump of said second bottle and, on the other hand, an air passage for evacuating the air contained in the second bottle turned upside down to the outside of said bottle.
[0005] Such a system is used to refill bottles without having to remove the pump fitted to these bottles and without calling into question the very design of the bottles existing on the market. Indeed, such a pump is quite often mounted on the bottle in such a way as to make its disassembly impossible, or very difficult, without damaging the pump and / or the bottle.
[0006] Several examples of particularly satisfactory filling interfaces are described in this document. However, there is a need to design a new filling interface which is even simpler to use from the user's point of view in order to simply and efficiently refill a bottle to be refilled with a liquid from a liquid refill, via this interface. Statement of the invention
[0007] The invention thus relates to a system for refilling a bottle with liquid, comprising:
[0008] -at least one first bottle S containing liquid and comprising a bottom at one end and an opening for the liquid to exit from the bottle at an opposite end, the opening being located above the bottom,
[0009] -at least one second bottle R to be refilled with the liquid from the first bottle S, the second bottle comprising a bottom at one end and a pump mounted on the bottle at an opposite end, the pump being equipped with at least one venting orifice which is capable of being opened or closed depending on the position of the pump, the second bottle R being in the inverted position with the pump located below the bottom of said bottle,
[0010] -a filling interface arranged between the two bottles and comprising, on the one hand, at least one liquid passage for transferring the liquid under pressure from the first bottle S to the second inverted bottle R through said at least one open venting orifice of the pump of said second bottle and, on the other hand, at least one air passage for evacuating the air contained in the second inverted bottle R to the outside of said bottle,
[0011] characterized in that the filling interface comprises an elastically deformable valve comprising two parts which are elastically deformable under the action of a downward vertical force, called deformation, exerted on the second inverted bottle R and having a predetermined intensity, each part of the valve comprising a portion of said at least one liquid passage, the two parts of the valve comprising:
[0012] - a first part arranged opposite the pump of the second inverted bottle R and which is configured to serve as a support for the pump without deforming under the action of a downward vertical force, called a pushing force, which is exerted on the second inverted bottle R so as to push the pump inside this second bottle in order to open said at least one vent orifice,
[0013] - a second part arranged, on the one hand, below the first part and against the latter and, on the other hand, opposite or inside the opening of the first bottle S, the second part being configured to occupy two states, namely a first elastically non-deformed state in which the portion of said at least one liquid passage which extends inside the second non-deformed part of the valve is obstructed and, a second elastically deformed state in which the second part is elastically deformed and the portion of said at least one liquid passage is no longer obstructed, the second elastically deformed state being obtained under the action of a downward vertical force which is exerted on the second inverted bottle R and which has an intensity at least equal to the predetermined intensity of the deformation force.
[0014] The aforementioned system makes it possible to simply and efficiently transfer pressurized liquid from the first bottle to the bottle to be refilled with the liquid contained in the first bottle by using a two-part elastically deformable valve as a filling interface and by using an appropriate force to first cause the pump to be depressed, then the valve to be deformed for the transfer of liquid and therefore the refilling. The gestures for implementing such a system are particularly simple for the user since he simply has to turn the bottle to be refilled upside down, position it against the elastically deformable valve and press on the turned-up bottle. The user does not need to first fix the bottle to be refilled to any part, in particular to the elastically deformable valve.Furthermore, the two-part elastically deformable valve does not use moving parts such as metal springs (e.g. stainless steel) which are difficult to recycle.
[0015] According to other possible characteristics: -the pump mounted on the second inverted bottle R comprises a fixed part at one end of which extends, away from the fixed part, a sliding rod which is capable of adopting, on the one hand, a position pushed inside the fixed part and said at least one venting orifice of the pump is open in this pushed position and, on the other hand, an extended position relative to the fixed part and said at least one venting orifice of the pump is closed in this extended position, the first part of the valve being arranged opposite the fixed part and the sliding rod of the pump and comprising, on the one hand, a first receptacle configured to serve as a support for the fixed part of the pump and, on the other hand, a second receptacle configured to serve as a support for the rod of the pump; -the first receptacle and the second receptacle respectively have a flared shape in the direction of the fixed part and the rod of the pump so that, on the one hand, the first receptacle is configured to serve as a support for fixed parts of pumps of different dimensions (belonging to a predetermined range of dimensions or external diameters of fixed parts of pumps) and, on the other hand, the second receptacle is configured to serve as a support for pump rods of different dimensions (belonging to a predetermined range of dimensions or external diameters of pump rods); -the first receptacle and the second receptacle respectively have a flared shape in the direction of the fixed part and the rod of the pump which is configured to serve as a support respectively for a fixed part of the pump and for the rod of the pump which have an inclination relative to the vertical; - the inclination with the vertical is generally between less than 15°, or even 10°;
[0016] -the flared shape of each receptacle is truncated;
[0017] - the truncated cone shape of the first receptacle is defined by a cone angle
[0018] between 80 and 100° and / or the frustoconical shape of the second receptacle is
[0019] defined by a cone angle between 5 and 25°;
[0020] -the portion of said at least one liquid passage which extends inside the
[0021] second part of the valve is made in two parts which are disjointed
[0022] when the second part of the valve is not deformed and which communicate
[0023] with each other when the second part of the valve is deformed;
[0024] -the filling interface comprises an intermediate piece which is mounted on
[0025] the first bottle S and on which the valve rests;
[0026] -the second part of the valve is arranged against the intermediate support piece in such a way that, when the second part of the valve is not deformed, the two disjointed parts of the portion of said at least one liquid passage open onto the intermediate support piece and, when the second part of the valve is deformed, the two parts of the portion of said at least one liquid passage move away from the intermediate support piece.
[0027] The invention also relates to a method for refilling a bottle with liquid, characterized in that the method is implemented using a system which comprises:
[0028] -at least one first bottle S containing liquid and comprising a bottom at one end and an opening for the liquid to exit from the bottle at an opposite end, the opening being located above the bottom,
[0029] -at least one second bottle R to be refilled with the liquid from the first bottle S, the second bottle comprising a bottom at one end and a pump mounted on the bottle at an opposite end, the pump being equipped with at least one venting orifice which is capable of being opened or closed depending on the position of the pump, the second bottle R being in the inverted position with the pump located below the bottom of said bottle,
[0030] -a filling interface arranged between the two bottles and comprising a valve comprising a first and a second elastically deformable part which each comprise a portion of at least one liquid passage for transferring the liquid under pressure, from the first bottle S to the second inverted bottle R and, at least one air passage for evacuating the air contained in the second inverted bottle R to the outside of said bottle, the pump of the second inverted bottle R being supported on the first part of the valve arranged opposite and the second part of the valve being arranged, on the one hand, below the first part and against it and, on the other hand, opposite or inside the opening of the first bottle S,
[0031] the method comprising:
[0032] -the application to the second inverted bottle R of a downward vertical force, called a pushing force, having an intensity lower than a predetermined intensity which corresponds to a deformation force, so that the pump of the second inverted bottle bearing against the first valve part pushes into the interior of this second inverted bottle without deformation of the valve, in order to open said at least one venting orifice of the second inverted bottle, when the valve is not deformed said at least one liquid passage being obstructed and preventing the transfer of the pressurized liquid from the first bottle S to the second inverted bottle R,
[0033] - applying to the second inverted bottle R a downward vertical force having an intensity at least equal to the predetermined intensity of the deformation force in order to elastically deform the first and second valve parts, and to free said at least one liquid passage from any obstruction to allow the transfer of the pressurized liquid from the first bottle S to the second inverted bottle R.
[0034] The method has the same advantages as those mentioned above in relation to the system and they will therefore not be repeated.
[0035] Furthermore, in practice the two forces applied to the inverted bottle (to be refilled) can be applied in continuity with each other, in a simple manner, by increasing the intensity of the force applied (increasing the pressing pressure). However, depending on the circumstances, the two forces can be exerted separately, by first obtaining a state of depression (with or without stopping the action on the part of the user), then by increasing the force to obtain a deformed state of the valve and thus allow refilling.
[0036] According to other possible characteristics: -to transfer liquid from the first bottle S to the second inverted bottle R: either the liquid present in the first bottle is already under pressure when the force of intensity at least equal to the predetermined intensity of the deformation force is applied; either pressure is applied to the liquid present in the first bottle during the implementation of the method (the pressurization of the liquid can in particular be carried out when the forces are applied or even after); the first part of the valve comprising, on the one hand, a first receptacle of flared shape configured to serve as a support for a fixed part of the pump of the second inverted bottle and, on the other hand, a second receptacle of flared shape configured to serve as a support for the rod of said pump, the second inverted bottle being inclined relative to the vertical in such a way that the fixed part of the pump and the rod of said pump inclined relative to the vertical are supported respectively against the first receptacle and the second receptacle (the inclination with the vertical is generally between less than 15°, or even 10°). Brief description of the drawings
[0037] Other characteristics and advantages will appear during the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0038] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of part of a system for refilling with liquid from a source bottle S according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0039] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a system complete system for refilling a bottle R with liquid from a source bottle S including the part of the system of [Fig.l] according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0040] [Fig.3A] [Fig.3A] is a simplified schematic view in longitudinal section of an internal mechanism of a refillable bottle equipped with a pump in the rest position;
[0041] [Fig.3B] [Fig.3B] is a schematic view showing the internal mechanism of the refill bottle of [Fig.3A] when the pump is in the depressed position;
[0042] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the system complete of [Fig.2] being refilled with liquid from bottle R;
[0043] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a system complete refilling according to another embodiment;
[0044] [Fig.6A] [Fig.6A] is a schematic view of the system of [Fig.5] with a pump of different dimensions;
[0045] [Fig.6B] [Fig.6B] is a schematic view of the system of [Fig.6A] showing a misalignment of the pump with the vertical;
[0046] [Fig.7A] [Fig.7A] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a partial refilling system according to a first variant embodiment;
[0047] [Fig.7B] [Fig.7B] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the complete refilling system including the partial system of [Fig.7A] in the process of refilling the bottle R with liquid;
[0048] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a system partial refilling according to a second embodiment;
[0049] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the complete refilling system including the partial system of [Fig.8A] in the process of refilling the bottle R with liquid;
[0050] [Fig.9A] [Fig.9A] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a partial refilling system according to a third embodiment variant;
[0051] [Fig.9B] [Fig.9B] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the complete refilling system including the system part of [Fig.9A] in the process of refilling the bottle R with liquid;
[0052] [Fig.10A] [Fig.10A] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a partial refilling system according to a fourth embodiment variant;
[0053] [Fig.lOB] [Fig.lOB] is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the complete refilling system including the partial system of [Fig.lOA] in the process of refilling the bottle R with liquid. Description of the embodiments
[0054] The invention which is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings relates in particular to a system for refilling a bottle or container with liquid and an associated method. Generally, the bottle to be refilled or refilled has already been used to dispense liquid such as a fragrance or other liquid which has been consumed and the bottle must therefore be refilled to the extent that it is empty or almost empty.
[0055] [Fig.l] represents a part of an embodiment of the refilling system in which the bottle to be refilled is not shown. Only a source bottle or container S (refill) which contains liquid as well as a specific filling interface are illustrated. In particular, the source bottle S comprises, at one of its two opposite ends (lower end), a bottom F and, at its upper opposite end, a neck C bordering an opening O through which the liquid can enter or exit the bottle. The source bottle S also comprises a dip tube or suction tube T which extends, here substantially vertically, inside the bottle up to a distance close to the bottom thereof so as to be able to suck, through its lower end Tl, as much liquid L contained in the bottle as possible.The upper end T2 is, for its part, connected to the filling interface which will be described below and which acts as a sealed valve in the state of the system of [Fig.l]. In this exemplary embodiment, the external envelope of the bottle S is rigid and contains liquid L under pressure. The liquid can be conditioned under a pressure for example of the order of 6 to 8 bars. The volume of liquid contained in the source bottle can be for example 300mL. It will be noted, however, that other alternative embodiments are possible for the source bottle such as those described in relation to Figures 7A to 10B.
[0056] As shown in [Fig.l], a filling interface 10 is mounted on the source bottle S so as to ensure a seal of the bottle at its opening O. More particularly, the filling interface 10 comprises a valve in two parts which are elastically deformable when they are subjected to a compressive force (along the vertical axis Z) of appropriate intensity. This force is called deformation force. For a force applied with an intensity lower than the intensity corresponding to the deformation force, the two parts of the valve do not deform and maintain the undeformed and sealed position shown in [Fig. 1]. Elastic deformation of a part is understood to mean a mechanical deformation of this part in certain proportions or dimensions (i.e. with a limited amplitude of deformation which depends on the material of the part and the intensity of the force exerted on it) when it is subjected to a determined force. When the deformation force ceases to be applied, the part returns to its initial shape and the operation can be repeated a large number of times over time without the part being damaged. In the example described, the valve is made entirely of plastic without using any metal spring.
[0057] The valve thus comprises a first part 12 and a second part 14 (both elastically deformable) which are arranged one above the other and in mechanical contact with each other. In the example shown, the two valve parts 12, 14 are mechanically engaged with each other, for example fitted or snapped together. The second (lower) valve part 14 is arranged opposite the opening O of the bottle S and, more particularly, bears on the upper free edge B of the neck C which surrounds the opening. In a variant not shown, the second valve part can penetrate inside the neck of the bottle and therefore the opening thereof.
[0058] The second valve part 14 comprises a first portion of a liquid passage or conduit and the first part 12, which will be described later, comprises a second portion of the liquid passage or conduit. The complete liquid passage (formed by the first and second liquid passage portions) which extends through the two parts 12, 14 of the valve allows, when open (free of any obstruction), to establish a fluid communication between the interior of the source bottle S and the exterior of the valve and to extract pressurized liquid from the source bottle to transfer it out of the valve and, as will be seen later, to transfer it into a bottle to be refilled which will be fluidically connected to the valve.
[0059] The first liquid passage portion which extends into the second valve part 14 comprises two separate parts P1 and P2 which, in the undeformed state of the valve of [Fig.l], do not allow fluid communication to be established between these two parts.
[0060] The part of the system shown in [Fig.l] also comprises an intermediate part 16 which is mounted on the source bottle S and on which the valve rests. The intermediate part 16 is, for example, a ring which is mounted both on the neck C of the source bottle and on the second part 14 of the valve so as to maintain firmly this second part against the edge B of the bottle to ensure the sealing of the valve-bottle assembly. It will be noted that the ring 16 is, here, more particularly snapped onto the lower edge R of the neck (opposite the upper edge B) but it could however be fixed to the bottle in a different manner in other embodiments not shown (for example by screwing onto an external thread of the neck C). In the undeformed position of [Fig.l], the two separate parts PI and P2 both open by one of their opposite ends onto an internal face 16a of the intermediate part 16. This internal face 16a thus obstructs / blocks the free end opposite each of the two parts PI and P2 and therefore the liquid passage of the valve. This assembly is thus sealed with respect to the liquid contained in the source bottle.The ring 16 further has a central opening 16b in which the two valve parts extend axially (here vertically) one above the other. The central opening 16b is aligned with the opening O of the bottle.
[0061] The first valve part 12 is arranged above the second valve part 14 and is engaged with / fixed to the latter, for example by mechanically fitting or snapping the two parts into each other. The first part 12 is also arranged above the intermediate part 16 so as to cover it and to rest on it. The first part 12 comprises a second portion P3 of the liquid passage, here extending vertically, which communicates fluidically, at one end, with the second part P2 of the first portion of liquid passage and opens onto the outside of the valve, at its opposite end.
[0062] The first valve part 12 also comprises a passage or conduit P4 for the air which extends through this first part, from a first free end P4.1 to a second opposite free end P4.2, each free end opening onto the outside of the valve.
[0063] The first valve part 12 comprises a first receptacle 18 having a generally flared or funnel-shaped shape which is open to the outside of the valve (facing upwards in [Fig.l]) and which has a narrowed portion at a bottom 18a of the receptacle 18. In the example illustrated, the generally flared shape is substantially frustoconical and has a symmetry of revolution around the central axis A, here vertical.
[0064] The first part 12 further comprises a second receptacle 20 arranged inside the first receptacle 18 and, more particularly, at the bottom 18a of the latter. This second receptacle 20 takes the form of a cavity arranged inside the first valve part 12 and which extends downwards in [Fig.l], away from the bottom 18a. The end P4.1 of the passage P4 opens into the bottom 20a of the second receptacle 20 and the opposite end P4.2 opens onto one of the external side walls of the first valve part 12. The second portion P3 of the liquid passage extends from the bottom 18a of the first receptacle 18 towards the second valve part 14 and the second part P2 of the first liquid passage portion.
[0065] More particularly, in the example shown in [Fig.l], the second valve part 14 may comprise a body having a general disc shape with, on the one hand, a first peripheral portion 14a which is sandwiched between the free edge B of the neck of the bottle and an internal lower face 16al of the intermediate part 16 and, on the other hand, a second central portion 14b axially thicker than the peripheral portion 14a and which extends axially in the opening 16b of the intermediate part 16 until it comes into contact with the lower face of the first valve part 12. The peripheral portion 14a incorporates the liquid passage portion PI which extends axially (vertically) until it comes into contact with the lower face 16al of the intermediate part 16.The peripheral portion 14a is also connected by its lower face to the end T2 of the dip tube (this end T2 is for example fitted into a recess made in the lower face of the peripheral portion 14a). The central portion 14b integrates the part P2 of the first liquid passage portion which extends substantially forming an elbow, including a horizontal portion which extends to the internal face 16a of the intermediate part, more particularly to a portion of the internal face 16a which here forms a bearing surface 16a2, for example of truncated cone shape (flared downwards). The part P2 also comprises a vertical portion which extends from the horizontal portion to the lower face of the first valve part 12, in alignment with the portion P3 of the latter.The second valve portion 14 also comprises one or more engagement portions 14c which extend axially upwards from the upper face of the central portion 14b, so as to engage inside the first valve portion 12, in one or more corresponding cavities of complementary shapes. In the example illustrated, the engagement portion 14c takes for example the form of an annular wall which may comprise one or more projecting members (e.g. bosses) radially on its outer face so as to form one or more axial retainers when this wall 14c is engaged inside the first valve portion 12.
[0066] The first valve part 12 may more precisely comprise a body having a central part 12a engaged inside the opening 16b of the intermediate piece 16. An annular-shaped recess 12b is provided in the central part 12a to receive the annular-shaped wall 14c described above. Depending on the shape and number of the engagement portions 14c of the second valve part 14, the central part 12a is shaped in a corresponding and complementary manner. These engagement means constitute a possible example of nesting means or of snap-fastening the two valve parts with each other. Generally speaking and independently of the shape and number of the engagement portions 14c, the mounting of the two valve parts 12 and 14 with the intermediate part 16 mounted on the neck of the bottle S makes it possible to ensure a seal, here cylindrical, between the internal face of the neck 16d of the part 16 which borders the central opening 16b and the external face of the central part 12a of the first valve 12 which is engaged in the central opening 16b. In the example described, the cylindrical contact takes place between the internal face of the neck 16d and an external peripheral portion 12d which is radially engaged with the annular wall 12c, the external peripheral portion 12d here providing, with the most central portion of the central part 12a, a peripheral housing to accommodate the annular wall 12c.Other shapes and possibilities of engagement between the two valve parts 12 and 14 are of course conceivable and the latter may also have different conformations. The central part 12a also integrates the liquid passage portion P3 which, here, is radially offset relative to the central axis of the part by being positioned inside the cavity 12b. The body of the first valve part 12 also comprises a peripheral part 12c which extends radially away from the central part 12a and which has an annular groove 12c1 open downwards and in which the upper peripheral free edge 16c bordering the opening 16b of the intermediate part 16 is axially engaged. The peripheral part 12c thus shaped comprises an outer skirt of axial extension 12c2, substantially annular, which externally delimits the cavity 12cl.This peripheral part 12c thus shaped covers the upper free edge 16c of the intermediate part 16 and, in the position of [Fig.l], the first valve part 12 thus comes to bear on this upper free edge. In this figure, the upper free edge 16c has, along this axial section, a substantially triangular general shape and the bottom of the cavity 12c 1 bears on the tip of the triangle. It will be noted, however, that other shapes of the upper free edge of the intermediate part 16 can alternatively be used to contribute to the sealing between the intermediate part 16 and the peripheral part 12c of the body of the first valve part 12. The liquid passage portion P4 extends, for its part, in a bent shape initially vertically in the central part 12a from the end P4.1 and then horizontally in this part, then in the peripheral part 12c to exit laterally from the second part 12 of the valve by the end P4.2.
[0067] The shapes of the first and second valve parts which have just been described can of course vary to the extent that they retain the same functional characteristics, namely in particular that they are elastically deformable and, in a non-elastically deformed state, ensure sealing at the opening O of the source bottle, that they integrate liquid passage portions with two disjointed portions in an elastically non-deformed state of the second valve part, and that these disjointed portions communicate fluidly with each other in an elastically deformed state. Furthermore, the first valve part 12 is configured to serve as a support without deforming under the action of a downward vertical force whose intensity is less than the intensity of the deformation force which makes it possible to cause the elastic deformation of the valve.
[0068] A complete liquid refilling system according to one embodiment is shown in [Fig.2]. This system comprises the liquid refill formed by the first source container or bottle S described above and a second container or bottle R (single bottle) to be refilled / refilled with liquid from the refill 12.
[0069] The second bottle R comprises a base disposed at one end of the bottle and a pump mounted on the bottle, in a manner that is not necessarily removable, at an opposite end. The pump is equipped with at least one venting orifice which is capable of being opened or closed depending on the position of the pump relative to the bottle (pressed or not pressed, i.e. at rest). The second bottle R is generally a conventional type bottle, i.e. when used conventionally, a pusher or diffuser, not shown here, is generally mounted on the pump in order to be able to actuate it from a rest position (not pressed), and thus to dispense liquid in a conventional manner from the bottle. For the implementation of the invention, the pusher or diffuser is removed in order to leave accessible, from the outside of the bottle, a projecting part of the pump mechanism, namely the pump actuating rod.As shown in [Fig.2], a capsule Cl is for example crimped onto the neck of the bottle R in order in particular to prevent the pump P from being removed and to seal the bottle. The bottle R is generally made of a rigid material, for example glass or aluminum.
[0070] As shown in [Fig.2], the bottle R is in an inverted position relative to a normal and conventional position of use, that is to say that the pump P of the bottle R is arranged below the bottom (not shown) of the latter. The inverted bottle R is brought, pump downwards, above the filling interface 10 and in contact with the latter.
[0071] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a possible embodiment of a conventional type refillable bottle R. In [Fig.3A] the bottle R is at rest (not in use) with its pump in the high position and in [Fig.3B], the bottle is in use with its pump pushed into the low position. Generally, the bottle R comprises a container 1, for example rigid, with liquid, a pump 2 mounted through the opening 3 of the bottle and which comprises an upper part, movable by vertical sliding in a fixed part 4. The fixed part 4 is fixed to the bottle, at its upper end 4a, by means of the crimping cap C1 described above. The hollow fixed part 4 of the pump extends inside the bottle and is provided, at its lower end 4b, with a suction tube t dipping into the liquid in the bottle. The hollow fixed part 4 of the pump also comprises a low valve Cb, for example of the ball type, which is closed in the position of [Fig.3A] in order to prevent the passage of liquid from the bottle into the chamber 4c of the hollow fixed part 4 of the pump. The movable upper part of the pump comprises a hollow actuating rod 5 which projects, by an upper end 5a opening beyond the capsule C1 and which rests at its opposite lower end 5b on a piston-forming part 6. The piston-forming part 6 is mounted on a return spring 7 and is capable of sliding vertically in the chamber 4c of the fixed part 4 of the pump.At the lower end 5b of the actuating rod 5 a high valve Ch, for example of the ball type, is provided to allow, depending on the position of the valve, here of the ball (valve closed in the position of [Fig.3A]), the passage of liquid from the chamber 4c into the interior of the actuating rod 5. The bottle R also comprises a dispensing pusher or diffuser 8 mounted on the open end 5a of the actuating rod and on which the user exerts a downward vertical pressure (as indicated by the arrow in [Fig.3B]) in order to dispense liquid from the container, through the pump, then to the outside. It will be noted that when the user presses the dispensing pusher 8 ([Fig.3B]), the actuating rod 5 of the pump is pushed into the low position.In this position, a peripheral orifice ol surrounding the actuating rod 5 is open so as to allow the passage of external compensating air inside the fixed part 4 of the pump. Furthermore, in this position, the piston 6 on which the actuating rod 5 rests descends below an opening o2 made in the wall of the fixed part 4 of the pump. Thus, the external air surrounding the bottle can be introduced through the peripheral orifice ol around the rod, then through the opening o2 in the wall to penetrate inside the container and thus compensate for the volume of liquid dispensed.The passage thus created for the compensation air (orifice ol and opening o2) when the pump is pressed constitutes a venting of the bottle R which is used in the embodiment of figures 2 and 4 (after removal of the dispensing pusher of figures 3A-B) to introduce liquid into the inverted bottle to be refilled R, from the liquid in the source bottle. When the bottle R is inverted and liquid is thus introduced inside the container, the air present in this container passes through the suction tube t, the chamber 4c of the fixed part 4 of the pump and the actuating rod 5 to be evacuated to the outside as will be seen later.
[0072] As shown in [Fig.2], the pump of the second inverted bottle R comprises a fixed part 30 which projects outside the bottle, beyond the crimped cap C1 (this fixed part here has a substantially cylindrical shape) and, at one end free from this fixed part, an axially sliding rod 32 extends axially away from the fixed part (downwards in [Fig.2]). This rod 32 is capable of occupying two positions, namely an extended position relative to the fixed part 30, a position in which the venting orifice of the pump is closed, and a position pushed inside the fixed part 30, a position in which the venting orifice of the pump is open, as well as the internal valves of the pump mechanism.
[0073] When the inverted bottle R is brought by a user into contact with the valve of the filling interface 10, the fixed part 30 of the pump is more particularly pressed, by its external periphery (here it is a free edge forming an external diameter of the fixed part), on the flared internal face 18b (internal truncated cone) of the first receptacle 18 of the first part 12 of the valve, while the rod 32 is pressed in the cavity 20 (second receptacle). The rod 32 comes by its free end 32a into contact with the bottom 20a of this cavity and the internal conduit of the rod thus communicates with the end P4.1 of the passage P4. This passage thus communicates with the interior of the rod and with the fluid path which passes through the internal mechanism of the pump and allows access to the reservoir of the bottle R.In this exemplary embodiment, the cavity 20 has a substantially cylindrical general internal shape but, in other exemplary embodiments, the cavity may have other shapes.
[0074] During this pressing, the user applies to the inverted bottle R a downward vertical force along the arrow F1 ([Fig.2]). This force of determined intensity is called the driving force and makes it possible to cause the pump to be driven inside the bottle, namely here the driving (retraction) of the axial rod 32 into the fixed part 30, which opens the venting orifice of the bottle R. The driving force which makes it possible to obtain the driving of the pump, and therefore the opening of the venting, corresponds to a force of determined intensity, for example of the order of 2.5 kg. By applying this force to the first part 12 of the valve, the user does not deform the latter. Thus, the two disjointed parts of liquid PI and P2 are not joined (the liquid passage is obstructed) and the pressurized liquid in the source bottle S cannot therefore be transferred from this bottle to bottle R.The intensity of this force is less than the intensity of the deformation force mentioned above.
[0075] [Fig.4] illustrates the liquid transfer phase from the source bottle to the inverted bottle R. This phase is implemented when the user applies to the inverted bottle R a downward vertical force along the arrow F2 (fig. 3) which has an intensity at least equal to the intensity of the deformation force mentioned above. In the example described, the applied force is 3 kg. The applied force F2 is transmitted to the valve and in particular to the areas thereof which are in contact with the pump of the bottle to be refilled. More particularly, the fixed part 30 presses on the internal face 18b of the flared receptacle 18 and the rod 32 presses on the bottom 20a of the cavity 20, which elastically deforms the two valve parts 12 and 14. The part 12 is crushed by vertical compression, which causes an external bending or buckling of the cylindrical skirt 12c2 and the upper peripheral free edge 16c of the intermediate part 16 penetrates into the bottom of the groove 12c1, in the material of the part 12.Thus, not only is the seal ensured between the intermediate part 16 and the first valve part 12 as described above (cylindrical contact between neck 16d and portion 12d of the central part 12a of the first valve part 12) but the engagement of the free edge 16c (with the shape described or a functionally equivalent shape) in the groove of the intermediate part 16 improves / reinforces this seal. It will also be noted that the external bending of the skirt 12c2 provides an elastic effect which is similar to that of a spring and which contributes to making the first valve part rise (to make it return to its initial undeformed shape) when the vertical support force ceases. The cooperation between the free edge 16c (with the shape described or a functionally equivalent shape) and the groove of the intermediate part 16 also contributes to returning the first valve part to its initial undeformed position.At the same time, the insertion of the part 12 into the opening 16b vertically deforms the lower part 14 in its central zone which is not maintained between the intermediate part 16 and the edge B of the bottle S. This downward elastic deformation (in the central opening O) of the central part tends to move this part away from the internal face 16a2 of the intermediate part 16, which separates the emerging ends of the parts PI and P2 from the internal face 16a2. Fluid communication between the two parts PI and P2 is thus authorized and, to the extent that the liquid L of the bottle is under pressure in the bottle S, the pressure exerted on the liquid causes it to circulate in the dip tube, in the portions PI, P2 and P3, in the space between the bottom 18a of the receptacle and the fixed part, then inside the latter through the vent orifice, up to the reservoir of the bottle R.Correspondingly, when liquid is transferred from bottle S to bottle R, air contained in the latter is evacuated by the internal mechanism of the depressed pump (internal valves open) to the end 32a of the rod, then into the passage P4 before escaping to the outside of the interface 10, as indicated by the side arrow f.
[0076] The implementation of the system of [Fig.4] thus makes it possible to transfer liquid from the source bottle S to the bottle to be refilled R simply and efficiently, without needing to dismantle the pump from the latter, and by using a filling interface with an elastically deformable valve which does not use any moving parts such as metal springs or other components. Only the elastic deformation capacity of the two parts of the valve are used to move from a closed or obstructed state of the valve to an open state of the valve and allowing the transfer of liquid under pressure. The elastic deformation of the valve makes it possible to open the portion of liquid passage which is in two separate parts and thus to establish the communication of liquid between these two parts which, in the undeformed position of the valve, are separated from each other.
[0077] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate (re-filling condition with a deformation force F2 applied by the user) another embodiment of the invention according to which the filling interface can adapt to different pump diameters of the bottle to be re-filled. Indeed, the pumps existing on the market have configurations that are quite similar to each other but their dimensions are nevertheless likely to vary depending on the manufacturer. Thus, a pump A manufactured by one manufacturer may have, for the fixed part 30, a diameter of 9.3mm and an outlet length of 8.7mm of [Fig.2] and, for the rod 32, a diameter of 3mm and an outlet length of 7.3mm, whereas a pump B manufactured by another manufacturer may have, for the fixed part 30, a diameter of 12.1mm and an outlet length of 8mm of [Fig.2] and, for the rod 32, a diameter of 3.7mm and an outlet length of 7mm.
[0078] In order to be able to adapt and therefore interface with pumps whose dimensions may differ from one pump to another, the two receptacles of the filling interface, in particular of the first valve part 12, respectively have a shape that flares outwardly from the valve, for example frustoconical, in the direction of the fixed part 30 and the rod 32 of the pump of the bottle R. With such a configuration of the filling interface, on the one hand, the first receptacle is configured to serve as a support for fixed pump parts whose dimensions may vary from one pump to another and, on the other hand, the second receptacle is configured to serve as a support for pump rods whose dimensions may vary from one pump to another.
[0079] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a filling interface 10' in which only the first valve part 12' has been modified compared to part 12 of the previous figures. The second part 14 is unchanged.
[0080] The first valve part 12' comprises the first receptacle 18' of substantially truncated cone shape with its inclined internal face 18b', like the receptacle 18 of the previous figures and which accommodates the fixed part 30' of the pump P' of the bottle R' coming to bear on its external peripheral edge 30a'.
[0081] The first valve part 12' also comprises a second receptacle 20' whose cavity has been modified and now has a flared shape facing upwards, just like the shape 18', with an inclined internal face 20b'.
[0082] In [Fig.5] the diameter of the rod 32' corresponds to the diameter of the bottom 20a' of the flared cavity 20.
[0083] [Fig. 6A] represents a bottle R” with a pump P” of different dimensions from those of the bottle R' of [Fig. 5] and illustrates the manner in which the valve part 12' accommodates the members 30” and 32” of the pump P”.
[0084] As shown in this figure, the external diameter of the fixed part 30” is greater than that of the fixed part 30' of [Fig.5] and thus comes to bear by its external peripheral edge 30a” against a contact zone ZI of the inclined face 18b' which is higher, that is to say further away from the bottom 18a' of the cavity, than in [Fig.5]. Under the vertical support force exerted by the external peripheral edge 30a” against the inclined face 18b', the receptacle 18' deforms in the contact zone ZI by hollowing out, the part of the inclined face 18b' located above this zone in [Fig. 6A] tightens a little by closing the flare angle and the part of the inclined face 18b' located below the contact zone ZI also deforms by flaring further (opening of the flare angle) under the effect of the weight exerted on the inclined face.
[0085] At the same time, the rod 32” whose diameter is greater than that of the rod 32' of [Fig.5] cannot go as far as the bottom 20a' of the flared cavity 20' and comes to bear, by its external peripheral edge 32a' ' against a contact zone Z2 of the inclined face 20b' of the cavity, at a distance from the bottom 20a', thus leaving a free space between the free end of the rod 32” and the bottom 20a', and laterally deforms the inclined face of the cavity as shown in [Fig.6A].
[0086] In the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6A, a sealed contact is made between the external peripheral edge 30a' (resp. 30a”) of the fixed part 30' (resp. 30”) and the inclined face 18b', as well as between the external peripheral edge 32a' (resp. 32a”) of the rod 32' (resp. 32”) and the bottom 20a' or the inclined face of the cavity 20b'. The inclined face 18b' of the first receptacle 18' (resp. 18) has a conicity generally between 80 and 100° and, for example, of the order of 90° (angle of the cone or angle of flaring between the two opposite walls visible in the longitudinal section of figures 5 and 6A and which form a cone) to be able to accommodate a plurality of diameters of fixed parts of pumps from a predetermined range.Likewise, the inclined face 20b” of the second receptacle 20' has a lower conicity, generally between 5 and 25° and, for example, of the order of 20° (angle of the cone or angle of flaring between the two opposite walls visible in the longitudinal section of figures 5 and 6A and which form a cone) to be able to accommodate a plurality of pump rod diameters from a predetermined range.
[0087] [Fig.ôB] takes up the configuration of [Fig.ôA] (the following principle also applies to other dimensions of pumps and rods as illustrated in [Fig.5]) and illustrates the fact that the refillable bottle R” can, despite an inclination relative to the vertical along which the bottle S is arranged, generally in a range angular less than or equal to 15°, or even 10°, allow the implementation of the process as described above. Thus, with an inclined R” refill bottle, the fixed part 30” of the pump and the 32” pump actuating rod are inclined correspondingly and operational contact with the receptacles 18' and 20' is ensured: -the external diameter of the fixed pump part 30' ' comes into contact with its external peripheral edge 30a” against a contact zone Zl' of the inclined face 18b' which, thanks to its flexibility, deforms elastically relative to the contact zone Zl of [Fig.6A] on the side where the bottle is leaning (on the diametrically opposite side the external peripheral edge 30a” remains in contact with a contact zone Zl” higher than Zl' and less deformed); -the rod 32” comes to bear, by its external peripheral edge 32a”, against a contact zone Z2' of the inclined face 20b' of the flared cavity 20' which, thanks to its flexibility, deforms elastically with respect to the contact zone Z2 of [Fig. ôA] on the side where the bottle is leaning (on the diametrically opposite side the external peripheral edge 32a” remains in contact with a contact zone Z2” higher than Z2' and less deformed).
[0088] The actions of pushing in the pump and deforming the elastically deformable valve into two parts as described above are therefore possible even with an inclination of the bottle to be refilled.
[0089] By way of example, the first valve part 12, 12' is made of a flexible material such as an elastomer and the same is true for the second valve part 14. The intermediate part 16 (e.g.: snap-on ring) is for example made of a rigid material in order to avoid any deformation during the implementation of the elastically deformable valve, for example polypropylene.
[0090] It will be noted that the flared shape of the first receptacle 18 of figures 1, 2 and 4 already made it possible to accommodate pumps with dimensions of fixed parts which differ from one to the other.
[0091] In the mode of the preceding figures the liquid is under pressure inside the source bottle which is rigid. Figures 7A-10B illustrate different possible embodiment variants for putting the liquid in the source bottle under pressure.
[0092] Figures 7A-7B illustrate a first embodiment in which the source bottle S1 comprises a rigid external envelope E which encloses a deformable flexible bag Ps subjected to the pressure of a gas present in the space between the envelope and the bag. Everything previously described concerning the two-part valve 12 (resp. 12'), 14 and the intermediate piece 16 applies here. On the other hand, here the intermediate piece 16 is fixed on the neck C' of the external envelope E and the second part 14' of the valve is slightly modified by the addition of a vertical internal cylindrical skirt 14'a (or vertical extension elements) which makes it possible to pinch the neck c of the pocket between this vertical extension 14'a and the internal face of the neck C' of the envelope E, and therefore to maintain the pocket inside the envelope. In this variant the source bottle does not have a dip tube. [Fig.7A] represents the partial system in an undeformed state of the valve. [Fig.7B] represents the complete system with a bottle R to be refilled which is turned over and pressed against the filling interface 10” of the partial system of [Fig.7A]. The deformation force F2 causes the valve to deform and open (as explained in detail above for the mode of figures 1 to 4) in order to be able to transfer pressurized liquid from bottle SI to bottle R.
[0093] Figures 8A-8B illustrate a second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment of Figures 7A-B in that the source bottle S2 does not have a rigid envelope surrounding the deformable flexible bag Ps. Thus, to put the liquid in the bag under pressure, the user compresses the bag Ps with his hand M as shown in [Fig.7B].
[0094] Figures 9A-9B illustrate a third embodiment in which the source bottle S3 comprises a syringe body S3.1 which is provided, at an upper end, with a neck cl on which the intermediate part 16 is mounted as already described above and which cooperates at its lower opposite end with a piston S3.2 mounted in a fixed support, for example arranged on a horizontal support SH. The syringe body S3.1 contains liquid L which is trapped in the interior volume delimited by the interior face of the wall of the body, the valve part 14 in the upper part and the upper face of the piston S3.2. When the user presses on the inverted bottle R with the deformation force F2, as for the other embodiments and variants, the valve deforms elastically so as to open it and, simultaneously, the syringe body S3.1 descends by sliding inside the piston S3.2 (arrow Fv), which exerts a pressure p on the liquid which is pushed into the liquid passage of the valve freed from any obstruction, thus allowing liquid to be transferred from bottle S3 to bottle R.
[0095] Figures 10A-10B illustrate a third embodiment in which the source bottle S4 comprises a body forming a bellows S4.1 which is provided, at an upper end, with a neck c2 on which the intermediate part 16 is mounted as already described above. The opposite end of the body forming bellows S4.1 is for example arranged on a horizontal support SH. The body forming bellows S4.1 contains liquid L which is trapped in the interior volume delimited by the interior face of the wall of the body, the valve part 14 in the upper part and the internal face of the lower end of the body forming bellows S4. When the user presses on the inverted bottle R with the deformation force F2, as for the other embodiments and variants, the valve deforms elastically so as to open it and, if simultaneously, the bellows body S4.1 compresses by collapsing (arrow Fv), which exerts pressure on the liquid which is pushed into the liquid passage of the valve freed from any obstruction, thus allowing liquid to be transferred from the bottle S4 to the bottle R.
[0096] It will be noted that, in the different variants described above, the filling interface can take any shape among those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B.
Claims
1. Claims System for refilling a bottle with liquid, comprising: -at least one first bottle (S) containing liquid and comprising a bottom at one end and an opening for the exit of the liquid from the bottle at an opposite end, the opening being located above the bottom, -at least one second bottle (R) to be refilled with the liquid from the first bottle (S), the second bottle comprising a bottom at one end and a pump mounted on the bottle at an opposite end, the pump being equipped with at least one venting orifice which is able to be opened or closed depending on the position of the pump, the second bottle (R) being in the inverted position with the pump located below the bottom of said bottle, -a filling interface arranged between the two bottles and comprising, on the one hand, at least one liquid passage for transferring the liquid under pressure from the first bottle (S) to the second inverted bottle (R) through said at least one open venting orifice of the pump of said second bottle and, on the other hand, at least one air passage for discharging the air contained in the second inverted bottle (R) to the outside of said bottle, characterized in that the filling interface comprises an elastically deformable valve comprising two parts (12, 14) which are elastically deformable under the action of a downward vertical force, called deformation, exerted on the second inverted bottle (R) and having a predetermined intensity, each part (12, 14) of the valve comprising a portion (PI, P2, P3) of said at least one liquid passage, the two parts of the valve comprising: - a first part (12) arranged opposite the pump of the second inverted bottle (R) and which is configured to serve as a support for the pump without deforming under the action of a downward vertical force, called a pushing force, which is exerted on the second inverted bottle (R) so as to push the pump inside this second bottle in order to open said at least one venting orifice, - a second part (14) arranged, on the one hand, below the first part (12) and against it and, on the other hand, opposite or inside the opening (O) of the first bottle (S), the second part (14) being configured to occupy two states, namely a first elastically non-deformed state in which the portion (PI, P2) of said at least one bottle (S) is elastically deformed. at least one liquid passage which extends inside the second undeformed part of the valve is obstructed and, a second elastically deformed state in which the second part (14) is elastically deformed and the portion of said at least one liquid passage is no longer obstructed, the second elastically deformed state being obtained under the action of a downward vertical force which is exerted on the second inverted bottle (R) and which has an intensity at least equal to the predetermined intensity of the deformation force.
2. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that the pump mounted on the second inverted bottle (R) comprises a fixed part (30) at one end of which extends, away from the fixed part, a sliding rod (32) which is capable of adopting, on the one hand, a position pushed inside the fixed part and said at least one venting orifice of the pump is open in this pushed position and, on the other hand, an extended position relative to the fixed part (30) and said at least one venting orifice of the pump is closed in this extended position, the first part (12) of the valve being arranged opposite the fixed part (30) and the sliding rod (32) of the pump and comprising, on the one hand, a first receptacle (18) configured to serve as a support for the fixed part (30) of the pump and, on the other hand,a second receptacle (20) configured to serve as a support for the rod (32) of the pump.,
3. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to claim 2, characterized in that the first receptacle (18) and the second receptacle (20) respectively have a flared shape in the direction of the fixed part (30) and the rod (32) of the pump so that, on the one hand, the first receptacle (18) is configured to serve as a support for fixed parts of pumps of different dimensions and, on the other hand, the second receptacle (20) is configured to serve as a support for pump rods of different dimensions.
4. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first receptacle (18) and the second receptacle (20) respectively have a flared shape in the direction of the fixed part and the rod of the pump which is configured to serve as a support respectively for a fixed part of the pump and the rod of the pump which have an inclination relative to the vertical.
5. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the flared shape of each receptacle (18, 20) is truncated cone-shaped.
6. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to claim 5, characterized in that the frustoconical shape of the first receptacle (18) is defined by a cone angle of between 80 and 100° and / or the frustoconical shape of the second receptacle (20) is defined by a cone angle of between 5 and 25°.
7. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the portion of said at least one liquid passage which extends inside the second part (14) of the valve is made of two parts (PI, P2) which are separate when the second part of the valve is not deformed and which communicate with each other when the second part of the valve is deformed.
8. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filling interface comprises an intermediate part (16) which is mounted on the first bottle (S) and on which the valve rests.
9. System for refilling a bottle with liquid according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the second part (14) of the valve is arranged against the intermediate support piece (16) in such a way that, when the second part (14) of the valve is not deformed, the two disjointed parts (PI, P2) of the portion of said at least one liquid passage open onto the intermediate support piece (16) and, when the second part (14) of the valve is deformed, the two parts (PI, P2) of the portion of said at least one liquid passage move away from the intermediate support piece (16).
10. A method of refilling a bottle with liquid, characterized in that the method is implemented from a system which comprises: -at least one first bottle (S) containing liquid and comprising a bottom at one end and an opening for the exit of the liquid from the bottle at an opposite end, the opening being located above the bottom, -at least one second bottle (R) to be refilled with the liquid from the first bottle (S), the second bottle comprising a bottom at one end and a pump mounted on the bottle at an opposite end, the pump being equipped with at least one venting orifice which is able to be opened or closed depending on the position of the pump, the second bottle (R) being in the inverted position with the pump located below the bottom of said bottle, -a filling interface arranged between the two bottles and comprising a valve comprising a first (12) and a second (14) elastically deformable part which each comprises a portion (P1, P2, P3) of at least one liquid passage for transferring the liquid under pressure from the first bottle (S) to the second inverted bottle (R) and at least one air passage (P4) for discharging the air contained in the second inverted bottle (R) to the outside of said bottle, the pump of the second inverted bottle (R) bearing on the first part (12) of the valve arranged opposite and the second part (14) of the valve being arranged, on the one hand, below the first part (12) and against it and, on the other hand, opposite or inside the opening of the first bottle (S), the method comprising: -the application to the second inverted bottle (R) of a downward vertical force, called a depression force,having an intensity less than a predetermined intensity which corresponds to a deformation force, so that the pump of the second inverted bottle resting against the first valve part sinks inside this second inverted bottle without deformation of the valve, in order to open said at least one venting orifice of the second inverted bottle, when the valve is not deformed said at least one liquid passage being obstructed and preventing the transfer of the liquid under pressure from the first bottle (S) to the second inverted bottle (R), -the application to the second inverted bottle (R) of a downward vertical force having an intensity at least equal to the predetermined intensity of the deformation force in order to elastically deform the first and second valve parts,and to free said at least one liquid passage from any obstruction to allow the transfer of the pressurized liquid from the first bottle (S) to the inverted second bottle (R).,
11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that, to transfer liquid from the first bottle (S) to the second inverted bottle (R): - either the liquid present in the first bottle is already under pressure when the force of intensity at least equal to the predetermined intensity of the deformation force is applied; - or a pressure is applied to the liquid present in the first bottle during the implementation of the method.
12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, the first part (12) of the valve comprising, on the one hand, a first receptacle (18) of flared shape configured to serve as a support for a fixed part (30) of the pump of the second inverted bottle and, on the other hand, a second receptacle (20) of flared shape configured to serve as a support for the rod (32) of said pump, the second inverted bottle being inclined relative to the vertical in such a way that the fixed part of the pump and the rod of said pump inclined relative to the vertical bear respectively against the first receptacle (18) and the second receptacle (20).