Aroma diffuser for disposable water bottle

Abstract

The invention relates to an aroma diffuser (2) for a disposable water bottle (1), comprising: an aroma reservoir (5), annular or partially annular in shape, and including several aroma diffusion orifices (6); a closure (7) for the reservoir (5), movable relative to the reservoir (5) between: a position of simultaneous closure of all these orifices (6), and a position of simultaneous opening of all these orifices (6), around the neck (4) of this bottle (1), towards the top of this bottle (1); one or more clips (80), arranged so as: to be able to clip under the collar (41) of the neck (4) of this bottle (1), so as to position the reservoir (5): around the neck (4) of this bottle (1). Figure for the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Aroma diffuser for disposable water bottle FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bottles from which one can drink directly, that is to say of a volume between 0.2 litres and 2 litres, and containing a non-alcoholic beverage. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of non-alcoholic beverages, there are mainly water, fruit juices and sodas. The challenge is to reconcile two different, not to say often opposing, things: the user's taste and their health.

[0003] Many users like sodas, but these are too sweet, especially since the combination of gas plus sugar seems even more harmful than sugar alone, risking an increase in the proportion of obese people in the population.

[0004] Water is excellent for health, but many users find it too bland, whether still or sparkling. Fruit juices might seem, at first glance, to offer a happy medium between sodas and water, striking a good balance between taste and consumer health. But here again, the compromise is far from perfect, because either the quantity of fruit juice is high, and the drink tastes good but remains too sweet, or the quantity of fruit juice is low, and the drink becomes less harmful to health but more bland.

[0005] However, the users' strong taste for fruits and fruit drinks actually comes essentially from the users' sense of smell detecting and enjoying the aroma of the fruit, much more than from the detection by the tongue which is much more limited than the sense of smell, whether by direct breathing or by retro-nasalization.

[0006] Thus, instead of making the user drink fruit juice, if we simply make him drink water, while simultaneously allowing him to smell the fruit, we can achieve a much better compromise: his taste is almost as well satisfied, since the essential part of the fruit detection, coming from olfaction, is well done, while totally preserving his health since no sugar is swallowed, the scent of the fruit is only smelled.

[0007] However, making such a fruit perfume scent capsule, which is both effective, good for health, and economically interesting, is not so simple, as shown by the disadvantages of the various systems of the prior art, especially if one also takes into account the simplification of use for the user and the stability of positioning of the capsule during use by the user.

[0008] According to prior art, for example described in US patent 5635229 ([Fig.5]), a water bottle associated with a localized aroma diffuser is known. at the level of the bottle cap, but, on the one hand the lifespan of the aroma diffuser is short, and on the other hand requires a specific cap structure dedicated to a specific shape of aroma diffuser.

[0009] According to a second prior art, a dedicated water bottle with a specially designed spout is known, onto which a correspondingly shaped capsule is fitted, diffusing a fruit scent: several models are currently commercially available. However, the dedicated nature of the water bottle entails two drawbacks: firstly, it represents a certain investment, possibly to be made several times, to have access to a wide range of fruity flavors, while remaining dependent on one or more specific manufacturers for purchasing the capsules, which can thus be quite expensive; and secondly, the user must refill their water bottle with water each time, possibly from a mineral water bottle, which is a tedious operation for the user, especially since they will have to do it frequently. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention proposes an alternative approach to solving this problem. The invention provides an aroma diffuser whose design, shape, and structure make it directly usable with a commercially available bottle of mineral water, without any adaptation of the bottle's shape or structure. The aroma is diffused when the user drinks the water from the bottle. Thus, the aroma diffuser offers users simplicity and flexibility in its use, also allowing them to save money.

[0011] The invention provides both an aroma diffuser for use with a water bottle and a drinking device integrating this aroma diffuser and the water bottle with which it is used.

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes an aroma diffuser for a disposable water bottle, in particular a disposable plastic water bottle with a capacity of between 0.2 and 2 liters and comprising a neck surrounded by a thread for a screw cap and by a collar located below the thread of the neck, comprising: • an aroma reservoir, • of an annular or partially annular shape so that it can be placed around the neck of this bottle, • and comprising several aroma diffusion openings, • a tank shutter, • mobile, relative to the reservoir, between: • a position where all these orifices are simultaneously closed, preventing aroma from escaping the reservoir, • and a position where all these orifices are opened simultaneously, allowing the aroma to be diffused out of the reservoir, around the neck of the bottle, and upwards through the bottle. • one or more clips, arranged in such a way: • to be able to clip under the collar of the neck of this bottle, • in order to position the tank: • around the neck of this bottle.

[0013] To this end, the invention also proposes a drinking device, comprising: • a disposable water bottle, in particular a disposable water bottle made of plastic, with a capacity between 0.2 and 2 liters, comprising: • a collar, • surrounded by a thread for a screw cap, • and by a collar, located under the threads of the neck, • an aroma diffuser including: • an aroma reservoir, • of an annular or partially annular shape so that it can be placed around the neck of this bottle, • and comprising several aroma diffusion openings, • a tank shutter, • mobile, relative to the reservoir, between: • a position where all these orifices are simultaneously closed, preventing aroma from escaping the reservoir, • and a position where all these orifices are opened simultaneously, allowing the aroma to be diffused out of the reservoir, around the neck of the bottle, and upwards through the bottle. • one or more clips, arranged in such a way: • to be able to clip under the collar of the neck of this bottle, • in order to position the tank: • around the neck of this bottle.

[0014] The present invention thus makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of known devices by providing a diffuser: - providing the consumer with a perceived flavour without the drawback of calories or the addition of any type of additives to the drinked content, thus allowing the best nutritional value according to the "Nutriscore" scale ("registered trademark"), - very simple to use on a standard water bottle, i.e., it can be opened / closed with little effort and few steps, - obeying an objective of sustainable and responsible development: that of achieving a simple manufacturing process for the invented diffuser, requiring no change or almost no change in the manufacturing process of the containers with which it will cooperate, in particular for water bottles, which will allow a standardization of the use of such a diffuser, i.e. an easier adoption by consumers, the industries concerned, and even regulators who see it as a dual issue of public health and of avoiding the multiplication of capsules with proprietary designs, and will thus confirm the desired objective of sustainable and responsible development.

[0015] According to preferred embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other, with one or the other of the aforementioned objects of the invention.

[0016] Preferably, the reservoir and / or diffuser is annular in shape, making a complete turn. Once placed around the neck of the bottle, the annular-shaped reservoir and / or diffuser makes a complete turn around the neck of the bottle.

[0017] Thus, the reservoir and the diffuser are positioned around the neck of the bottle in a more stable manner.

[0018] Preferably, the reservoir and / or diffuser is partially annular in shape, making between 60% and 90% of a complete turn.

[0019] Thus, a good compromise is achieved between, on the one hand, the stability of the positioning of the reservoir and the diffuser around the neck of the bottle, and on the other hand, a clearance space of sufficient size is provided to receive the cap once unscrewed and removed from the neck of the bottle, even when this cap remains attached to a safety ring located around the neck of the bottle by a relatively short link.

[0020] This tamper-evident ring refers to the European directive on single-use plastics, known as the "captive cap" directive, which applies to all plastic bottle caps that must be attached to the bottle body from July 3, 2024. The objective of this regulation is to minimize the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. In this context, standardization of captive caps is planned, ensuring that the cap is collected and recycled with the bottle. Currently, among the various captive cap solutions on the market are caps attached to a base clipped under the threads (such as, for example, the "Rozanna" brand cap ("registered trademark")) and hinged "snap" caps (such as, for example, those of the brand "Cristalline" ("registered trademark")), which do not unscrew but open from bottom to top.

[0021] Preferably, the aroma diffusion orifices are regularly distributed around the axis of the annular or partially annular shape.

[0022] Thus, regardless of the position of the fingers of the hand of the user holding the bottle when the user drinks the contents of the bottle, the diffusion of aroma around the neck of the bottle, towards the nose of the user who drinks the contents of the bottle, remains significant.

[0023] Preferably, the aroma diffusion orifices are of at least 4, or at least 6, or at least 10.

[0024] Thus, regardless of the position of the fingers of the hand of the user holding the bottle when the user drinks the contents of the bottle, the diffusion of aroma around the neck of the bottle, towards the nose of the user who drinks the contents of the bottle, remains significant.

[0025] Preferably, the tank closure is movable relative to the tank by rotation around an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of the annular or partially annular shape.

[0026] Thus, a simple rotational movement by the user allows the aroma to be released outside the aroma reservoir of the diffuser.

[0027] In addition, the opening and closing positions of the shutter are even more stable.

[0028] Preferably, the tank's obturator is movable relative to the tank by translation along a translation axis parallel to the axis of the annular or partially annular shape.

[0029] Thus, a simple translational gesture by the user allows the aroma to be released outside the reservoir containing the aroma of the diffuser.

[0030] Moreover, the shutter opening and closing mechanism is even simpler.

[0031] Preferably, the clips are regularly distributed around the axis of the annular or partially annular shape.

[0032] Thus, the diffuser is positioned around the neck of the bottle in an even more stable manner.

[0033] Preferably, there are at least 2 clips, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 6.

[0034] Thus, the diffuser is positioned around the neck of the bottle in an even more stable manner.

[0035] Preferably, part of the clips or each clip is formed by a narrowing of material located between its distal part and its proximal part.

[0036] Thus, the mechanical realization of the diffuser clip(s) is made even simpler.

[0037] Preferably, part of the clips or each clip is formed by an internal protrusion: oriented towards the inside of the annular shape of the tank, from a part of a wall of the tank or a part of the support wall of the tank, and made of a material more elastic than the material of the wall of the tank or the support wall of the tank.

[0038] Thus, the diffuser is positioned even more stably around the neck of the bottle. Positioning the diffuser in its clipped / locked position is facilitated by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Indeed, the internal protrusion, due to its elastic deformability, allows the diffuser to engage under the bottle's collar as it moves towards locking, and when the diffuser is pulled from its locked position to its unlocked position, it resists retraction up to a certain force.

[0039] Preferably, the shutter is a flap made of elastomeric polymer material and can adopt two different reversible equilibrium positions, concave and convex. In the open equilibrium position, the flap adopts an upward concave posture, thus exposing the reservoir orifices, and in the closed equilibrium position, the flap adopts a downward convex posture, thus covering the reservoir orifices. The flap is annular and is fixed around the periphery of the upper face of the reservoir. "Upward" and "downward" refer to two opposite directions, corresponding to the diffuser installed around the neck of the bottle, relative to the top and bottom of the bottle when placed upright on a flat surface.

[0040] In its concave equilibrium position, when a predetermined closing force is applied by the user, the nature and properties of the flap material cause the flap to pivot into a second convex equilibrium position such that the outer edges of the flap are pressed against the outer wall of the tank, thus covering its orifices. This embodiment provides the shutter with the advantages of ease of use, stability of the equilibrium positions, and improved airtightness of the shutter in the closed position. The elastomer material ensures smooth and durable reversibility between the equilibrium positions.

[0041] Preferably, the aroma reservoir is a replaceable consumable that is detachable from the rest of the aroma diffuser.

[0042] Thus, the aroma reservoir, once emptied, can be replaced without having to replace the rest of the diffuser, which is more economical for the user and more environmentally friendly for society. The consumer then only has to replace the reservoir, which can be sold separately as a replaceable consumable after repeated use has depleted it of its aroma. This aroma reservoir can be marketed with packaging covering at least the openings. The rest of the diffuser is then only intended to be replaced after a certain amount of wear. In this way, responsible durability of the diffuser and its various components is ensured. Of course, the reservoir bodies, or more generally, the diffusers according to the invention, can be marked and / or colored to indicate their contents.

[0043] Preferably, the clip(s) are arranged so as: to be able to clip under the collar of the neck of this bottle, so as to place the reservoir: around the neck of this bottle, below the level of the bottom of the thread surrounding the neck of this bottle.

[0044] Thus, even with a permanent safety ring, located around the neck of the bottle, to which the cap remains attached even once unscrewed from the neck, the cap can be removed from the neck without being hindered by the presence of the reservoir, whether the connection between the safety ring and the cap is short, of intermediate length, or long.

[0045] Preferably, the aroma is a fruity fragrance.

[0046] Thus, the sensation of drinking water becomes even more pleasant for the user.

[0047] Preferably, the aroma includes a component which has an effect of: either appetite suppression, taste desensitization, or taste re-education.

[0048] Thus, the simple act of drinking water can improve or even restore other sensations useful to the user. Preferably, the aroma comprises at least one component and / or at least one essential oil, of one or more of the following fragrances: peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, cinnamon, rosemary, clove, green mandarin, thyme.

[0049] Thus, the simple act of drinking water allows the user to experience other beneficial effects, beyond that of pleasure, at the cost of a very limited inhalation of essential oil vapor, instead of having to drink a few drops of this essential oil.

[0050] Preferably, at least the reservoir, and preferably also the diffuser, is made or are made of natural cellulose.

[0051] Thus, the reservoir and / or diffuser are cheaper and more environmentally friendly, because they are more easily recyclable.

[0052] Preferably, the shutter is a flap made of elastomeric polymer material and can adopt two different reversible equilibrium positions, concave and convex: an open equilibrium position where the flap adopts an upward concave posture, thus freeing the reservoir orifices, and a closed equilibrium position where the flap adopts a downward convex posture, thus covering the reservoir orifices. The flap is annular and is fixed around the periphery of the upper face of the reservoir. Upward and downward are understood to be two directions opposite to each other, and corresponding to the diffuser installed around the neck of the bottle, relative to the top and bottom of the bottle placed upright on a flat surface.

[0053] Thus, with a simple gesture, the shutter switches between its open and closed positions, without risking remaining in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions, in a simple and efficient manner.

[0054] Preferably, the reservoir comprises at least two compartments which can release their respective aromas sequentially or alternately or jointly.

[0055] Thus, the release of the respective aromas from the two compartments is: • either sequential, with the aroma being the same in both compartments, which allows the aroma to last longer and retain its freshness and organoleptic qualities for longer, • or alternatively, the aromas being different between the two compartments, allowing the user to alternate the aroma over time, for example switching from strawberry to orange, • either joint, with different aromas between the two compartments, allowing the user to mix the two aromas together in their nasal cavity, for example combining strawberry perfume with mint perfume.

[0056] Preferably, the diffuser contains a capsule of flavoring liquid or gel, this capsule being made of a sufficiently brittle material, and the reservoir being made of a sufficiently flexible material, so that the capsule can be broken by mechanical pressure from the user's hand or fingers on the reservoir during the first use.

[0057] Thus, the aroma is only released during the first use, thereby better preserving its freshness and organoleptic qualities before use, and in a simple and effective way.

[0058] Taste receptors can only register five distinct tastes, whereas there are hundreds of types of olfactory receptors allowing the nose to perceive many more odors. However, drinking flavored water from a bottle does not involve direct olfaction, but only retronasal olfaction. The invention also overcomes this drawback.

[0059] The disposable water bottle is preferably a disposable mineral water bottle, in particular a plastic water bottle. The disposable plastic water bottle can be replaced, for example, by a disposable bioplastic water bottle, or by a disposable bamboo water bottle, or by a disposable PLA water bottle.

[0060] The disposable water bottle is preferably recyclable or at least partly recyclable.

[0061] The disposable water bottle is opposed, for example, to a constantly reusable water bottle.

[0062] Advantageously, the aroma may emanate from a substance contained within it, known for its aromatic properties. The constituents or ingredients of the aromatizing material or substance contained in the reservoir chamber of the aroma diffuser will not be detailed herein. It should be understood, however, that the contents of this chamber are not necessarily limited to a particular material, form, or phase; for example, the contents of this chamber may contain ingredients in the form of solid granules, one or more gels, or one or more breakable capsules. The contents of this chamber may also include another constituent that can not only improve the diffusion of an aroma, but also, in particular, improve its preservation and / or aeration. Brief description of the drawings

[0063] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically represents a side view of a device beverage comprising an aroma diffuser according to the invention.

[0065] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an aroma diffuser according to the invention, focused on a first type of shutter in the open position.

[0066] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an aroma diffuser according to the invention, focused on a second type of shutter in the open position.

[0067] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an aroma diffuser according to the invention, focused on a second type of shutter in the closed position.

[0068] [Fig.5] Fig.5 schematically represents a side view of a beverage device comprising an aroma diffuser according to the invention, with a first type of fixing of the aroma diffuser on the beverage device.

[0069] [Fig.6] Fig.6 schematically represents a side view of a beverage device comprising an aroma diffuser according to the invention, with a second type of attachment of the aroma diffuser to the beverage device.

[0070] In the following description of embodiments of the invention, a container, for example a bottle, such as the one shown in the figure, is considered. In this figure, the bottle extends along a vertical axis Z, with the opening of the bottle and the diffuser according to the invention facing upwards. Thus, the "top" of the bottle is defined by its opening, on which the diffuser is to be mounted, and the bottom of the bottle is the portion opposite its opening.

[0071] Similarly, the term "internal surface" refers to the surface of a part directed towards the inside of the bottle, and similarly, the term "external surface" refers to the surface of a part directed towards the outside of the bottle, that is, in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the inside of the bottle. Likewise, the term "horizontal axis" refers to the axes X and Y perpendicular to the principal axis Z along which the bottle extends from bottom to top.

[0072] Water bottles with a slightly shorter neck (17mm instead of 21mm), a steeper screw thread, and threads that only go around twice instead of three times around the neck of the bottle can also be used.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the reservoir may contain a capsule of flavoring liquid or gel, made of a brittle material, while the reservoir and its casing (cap, etc.) are made of flexible materials. In this case, the consumer must, upon first use, press on the diffuser to break the capsule.

[0074] Once the capsule is broken, it releases its contents, but of course, these will remain in the reservoir as long as the diffuser is in the closed position. According to one variant, such a capsule can also be fitted in another location on the diffuser, in addition to the aroma extracts present in the reservoir.

[0075] Guiding means, such as rails in the form of circular grooves for example, can be provided between the elements to ensure translational or rotational movements.

[0076] At the ends of this guide, one or more end stops are provided, in translation and / or in rotation of the tank so as not to rotate in a vacuum.

[0077] The space around the bottle is oriented in the orthogonal directions X, Y, Z, such that the Z direction is along the vertical axis which is also the axis of symmetry of the overall cylindrical bottle.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0079] Fig. 1 schematically represents a side view of a beverage device comprising an aroma diffuser according to the invention.

[0080] In [Fig. 1], a cylindrical water bottle 1 terminates at its upper end, along the Z-axis, in a neck 4 of the bottle 1, also cylindrical, having an external thread 40 of the neck 4 surrounding the neck 4. Beneath this external thread 40 is an annular collar 41 of the neck 4. The annular collar 41 encircles the neck 4, either continuously or by means of several outwardly facing protrusions radially distributed around the neck 4. Between the external thread 40 and the annular collar 41 is an annular safety ring 30, which is connected by a tab-type safety link 31 to the cap 3. The cap 3 has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread 40 of the neck 4, allowing the cap 3 to screw around the neck 4. The annular safety ring 30 also goes around the neck 4. The neck 4 ends at the top with an opening 43 through which the liquid contained in the bottle, for example water, can flow out of the bottle 1, towards the outside of the bottle 1.

[0081] The aroma diffuser 2 is annular and includes an aroma reservoir 5, also annular, and its support, also annular. The annular aroma diffuser 2, the annular aroma reservoir 5, and its annular support are all positioned around the neck 4 and at least partially encircle the neck 4. The reservoir 5 includes aroma diffusion orifices 6 that allow the aroma contained in the reservoir 5 to be diffused outwards from the reservoir 5 and thus outwards from the diffuser 2. The orifices 6 are preferably located on the outer side wall of the reservoir 5 (as seen in [Fig. 1]) and / or on the upper wall of the reservoir 5 (not shown in [Fig. 1]). The orifices 6 of the reservoir 5 can be opened or closed by a movable shutter 7 (not shown in [Fig. 1]).

[0082] Figure 2 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an aroma diffuser according to the invention, focused on a first type of shutter in the open position. The reservoir 5 is a detachable consumable shown before assembly; this annular reservoir 5 is clipped inside the annular shutter 7, which is movable by translation along the vertical axis Z downwards.

[0083] Once the reservoir 5 is clipped inside the movable annular shutter 7, this shutter 7 is movable, relative to the reservoir 5, between, on the one hand, a position of simultaneous closure of all the orifices 6, thus preventing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, and on the other hand, a position of simultaneous opening of all the orifices 6 allowing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, on the one hand around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, and on the other hand also towards the top of this bottle 1.

[0084] In [Fig.2], the position shown is the position of simultaneous opening of all the orifices 6 allowing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5. The movable shutter 7 may include orifices 70.

[0085] In a first embodiment (not shown in [Fig.2]), to obtain the position (not shown) corresponding to a position of simultaneous closure of all the orifices 6, thus preventing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, it is sufficient to slide the movable shutter 7 upwards in translation along the vertical axis Z, the movable shutter 7 not having the orifices 70, the solid wall of the movable shutter 7 covering and thus closing the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5. In fact, the shutter 7 of the reservoir is movable relative to the reservoir 5 by translation along a translation axis Z parallel to the axis of the annular or partially annular shape of the reservoir 5.

[0086] In a second embodiment, once the reservoir 5 is clipped inside the movable annular shutter 7, the position not shown, corresponding to a position of simultaneous opening of all the orifices 6, thus allowing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, corresponds to the movable shutter 7 located around the reservoir 5, with its orifices 70 opposite the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5. To obtain the position also not shown, corresponding to a position of simultaneous closing of all the orifices 6, thus preventing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, it is sufficient to rotate the movable shutter 7 around the vertical axis Z, so that the orifices 70 are no longer opposite the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5, so that the solid wall of the movable shutter 7 covers and thus closes the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5.The second embodiment resembles a salt shaker-type mechanism with a rotating lid. In fact, the shutter 7 of the reservoir 5 is movable relative to the reservoir 5 by rotation around an axis of rotation Z parallel to the axis of the annular or partially annular shape of the reservoir 5.

[0087] The movable shutter 7 can cover and thus close the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5, whether these are located on the side wall of the reservoir 5 or on the top wall of the reservoir 5, it is sufficient for this that the movable shutter has a cylindrical shape with an annular face, that the movable shutter moves in translation or in rotation.

[0088] Fig. 3 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an aroma diffuser according to the invention, focused on a second type of shutter in the open position.

[0089] Fig. 4 schematically represents a perspective view of a detail of an aroma diffuser according to the invention, focused on a second type of shutter in the closed position.

[0090] The shutter 7 is a flap 73 made of elastomeric polymer material and can adopt two different reversible equilibrium positions, concave in [Fig. 3] and convex in [Fig. 4]. In the open equilibrium position, the flap 73 adopts an upward concave posture, thus exposing the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5, as shown in [Fig. 3]. In the closed equilibrium position, the flap 73 adopts a downward convex posture, thus covering the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The flap 73 has an elastic surface without any orifices in it. Thus, with a simple movement, the shutter switches between its open and closed positions, without risk of remaining in an intermediate position between its open and closed positions, in a simple and efficient manner.

[0091] In a concave equilibrium position, as in [Fig. 3], when a predetermined downward closing force is applied by the user along the vertical axis Z, the nature and properties of the material of the flap 73 cause the flap 73 to pivot into a second convex equilibrium position, as shown in [Fig. 4], so that the surface of the flap 73 is pressed against the outer wall 51 of the reservoir 5, thus covering its diffusion orifices 6. This embodiment gives the shutter 7 the advantages of ease of use, stability of the equilibrium positions, and improved airtightness of the shutter 7 in the closed position. The elastomer material ensures smooth and durable reversibility of the equilibrium positions between them.

[0092] Fig. 5 schematically represents a side view of a beverage device comprising an aroma diffuser according to the invention, with a first type of fixing of the aroma diffuser on the beverage device.

[0093] The beverage device includes a bottle 1 and an aroma diffuser 2.

[0094] The bottle 1 is a disposable water bottle, in particular a disposable plastic water bottle, with a capacity of between 0.2 and 2 liters. The bottle 1 extends upwards by a neck 4. The neck 4 is surrounded by an external thread 40 for a screw cap 3, and by a collar 41 located below the external thread 40 of the neck 4.

[0095] The aroma diffuser 2 includes an aroma reservoir 5 which is annular or partially annular in shape so as to be able to be placed around the neck 4 of this bottle 1, and also includes several aroma diffusion orifices 6.

[0096] The shutter 7 is movable, relative to the reservoir 5, between, on the one hand, a position of simultaneous closure of all the orifices 6, thus preventing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, and on the other hand, a position of simultaneous opening of all the orifices 6, allowing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir 5, both around the neck 4 of the bottle 1 and also towards the top of this bottle 1. Here, the shutter 7 is movable in rotation about the vertical axis Z and about the reservoir 5. The reservoir is shown with diffusion orifices 6 on its outer lateral wall 5 If. When the shutter 7 rotates around the reservoir 5, if the orifices 70 of the shutter 7 are opposite the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5, then the diffusion orifices 6 are open and can spread the aroma outwards from the reservoir 5.When the shutter 7 rotates around the reservoir 5, if the orifices 70 of the shutter 7 are not opposite the diffusion orifices 6 of the reservoir 5, then the diffusion orifices 6 are closed because they are covered by the solid wall of the shutter 7 and cannot spread the aroma outwards from the reservoir 5, this aroma remaining stored (in a form allowing the aroma to be volatilized when the diffusion orifices are opened) inside the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 could alternatively or cumulatively have diffusion orifices 6 on the upper face 51s of the reservoir 5. These diffusion orifices 6 would then be closed when the solid wall of an upper horizontal flap (actually perpendicular to the vertical axis Z). (not shown) of the shutter 7, parallel to this upper face 51s of the reservoir 5, would cover the diffusion orifices 6 which would also be located on the upper face 51s of the reservoir 5. These diffusion orifices 6 would then be open when the orifices 70 of this upper horizontal flap (actually perpendicular to the vertical axis Z) (not shown) of the shutter 7, parallel to this upper face 51s of the reservoir 5, would be opposite the diffusion orifices 6 located on the upper face 51s of the reservoir 5.

[0097] The diffuser 2 is positioned around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, so as to block its translation along the vertical axis Z, by one or more fasteners 8. This or these fasteners 8 are one or more clips 80 which are arranged to clip under the collar 41 of the neck 4 of this bottle 1, so as to place the reservoir 5 around the neck 4 of this bottle 1. The clips 80, here arranged at two levels and of annular shape, clamp the collar 41 together, thus blocking the movement of the diffuser 2 in translation along the vertical axis Z which is also the axis of symmetry of the bottle 1 and the diffuser 2.The elasticity of the clips 80 allows both easy installation of the diffuser 2 around the neck 4 and secure locking along the vertical axis Z, preventing the diffuser from sliding along the vertical axis Z when the bottle 1 is inverted (neck 4 oriented obliquely but slightly downwards) and the user is drinking, thus avoiding any interference. The application of limited but deliberate force by the user releases the clips 80 and frees the collar 41, allowing the diffuser to move freely up towards the top of the neck 4. This is because the collar 41 has the largest outer diameter of the neck 4, which is both larger than the outer diameter of the safety ring 30 and larger than the maximum outer diameter of the external thread 40 of the neck 4.

[0098] In one option, the reservoir 5 and / or the diffuser 2 are annular in shape, making a complete rotation around their axis. Once placed around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, the annular reservoir 5 and / or diffuser 2 make a complete rotation around the neck 4 of the bottle 1. Thus, the reservoir 5 and the diffuser 2 are positioned more stably around the neck 4 of the bottle 1.

[0099] In another option, the reservoir 5 and / or the diffuser 2 is partially annular in shape, making between 60% and 90% of a complete turn around their axis (as illustrated in [Fig. 1]). This achieves a good compromise between, on the one hand, the positional stability of the reservoir 5 and the diffuser 2 around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, and on the other hand, a sufficiently large clearance space in the empty area where the missing part (the hole) of the annular shape is located, to receive the cap 3 once it has been unscrewed and removed from the neck 4 of the bottle 1, even when this stopper 3 remains attached to a safety ring 30 located around the neck 4 of the bottle 1 by a relatively short link 31.

[0100] The aroma diffusion orifices 6 are regularly distributed around the vertical axis Z of the annular or partially annular shape. Thus, regardless of the position of the fingers of the user's hand holding the bottle 1 when the user drinks the contents of the bottle 1, the diffusion of aroma around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, towards the nose of the user drinking the contents of the bottle 1, remains significant, even if a minority of these diffusion orifices 6 could be temporarily blocked by one or more fingers of the user covering them at that time.

[0101] The aroma diffusion orifices are of at least 4, or at least 6, or at least 10. Thus, regardless of the position of the fingers of the hand of the user holding the bottle 1 when the user drinks the contents of the bottle 1, the diffusion of aroma around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, towards the nose of the user who drinks the contents of the bottle 1, remains significant, regardless of the position of the user's fingers.

[0102] The clips 80 are regularly distributed around the Z-axis of the annular or partially annular shape. Thus, the diffuser is positioned even more stably around the neck 4 of the bottle 1.

[0103] There are at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 6 clips 80. Thus, the diffuser 2 is positioned around the neck 4 of the bottle 1 in an even more stable manner.

[0104] In one option, part of the clips 80 or each clip 80 is formed by an internal protrusion which is oriented towards the inside of the annular shape of the reservoir 5, from the inner face 51 of the wall 51 of the reservoir 5 or from the inner face of the wall of the support of the reservoir 5, where there is such a support located under the reservoir 5. This internal protrusion 80 is made of a more elastic material than the material of the wall 51 of the reservoir 5 or of the support wall of the reservoir 5. Thus, the diffuser 2 is positioned around the neck 4 of the bottle 1 in an even more stable manner.The positioning of the diffuser 2 in its clipping / locking position is facilitated by the snapping of the clips 80 on either side (along the Z axis) of the collar 4L. Indeed, the internal protrusion 80, due to its elastic deformability properties, allows the diffuser 2 to engage under the collar 41 of the bottle 1 in its movement towards locking, and when the diffuser 2 is pulled from its locking position to its unlocking position, this diffuser 2 resists removal up to a certain (reasonable) force of removal.

[0105] The aroma reservoir 5 may be a replaceable consumable that is detachable from the rest of the aroma diffuser, and in particular that is detachable from the reservoir support 5, which comprises the diffuser 2. Thus, the aroma reservoir 5, once emptied, can be replaced without having to replace the rest of the diffuser 2, and therefore without replacing the reservoir support 5, which is more economical for the user and more environmentally friendly for society. The consumer then only has to replace the reservoir 5, which can be sold separately as a replaceable consumable after repeated use has depleted it of its aroma. This aroma reservoir 5 can be marketed with packaging covering at least the diffusion openings 6. The rest of the diffuser 2, and in particular the reservoir support 5, is then only intended to be replaced after a certain amount of wear. In this way, responsible durability of the diffuser 2 and its various components is ensured. Of course, the reservoir bodies 5, or more generally, the diffusers 2 according to the invention, can be marked and / or colored to indicate the nature of their contents.

[0106] The clip(s) 80 are arranged so as to be able to clip under the collar 41 of the neck 4 of this bottle 1, and advantageously also on the collar, so as to clamp this collar 41 between them, so as to place the reservoir 5 around the neck 4 of this bottle 1, below the level of the bottom of the external thread 40 surrounding the neck 4 of this bottle 1. Thus, even with a permanent safety ring 30, located around the neck 4 of the bottle 1, to which the cap 3 remains attached even once unscrewed from the neck 4, the cap 3 can be removed from the neck 4 without being hindered by the presence of the reservoir 5, whether the connection between the safety ring 30 and the cap 3 is short, intermediate, or long.

[0107] In one option, the aroma is a fruity fragrance. Thus, the sensation of drinking water becomes even more pleasant for the user.

[0108] In another option, the flavoring includes a component that has an effect: either appetite-suppressing, taste desensitizing, or taste-retraining. Thus, the simple act of drinking water enhances or even restores other sensations useful to the user. Preferably, the flavoring includes at least one component and / or at least one essential oil, of one or more of the following scents: peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, cinnamon, rosemary, clove, green mandarin, thyme. Thus, the simple act of drinking water triggers other beneficial effects in the user, beyond pleasure, at the cost of a very limited inhalation of essential oil vapor, instead of having to ingest a few drops of that essential oil.

[0109] In one option, at least the reservoir 5, and preferably also the diffuser 2, is or are made of natural cellulose. Thus, the reservoir 5 and / or the diffuser 2 are less expensive and more environmentally friendly, as they are more easily recyclable.

[0110] In one option, the reservoir 5 has at least two compartments that can release their respective aromas sequentially, alternately, or simultaneously. The movable shutter 7 then has several positions: a first position in which the diffusion orifices 6 of all compartments are closed; and / or a second position in which the diffusion orifices 6 of a first compartment are opened while simultaneously closing the diffusion orifices 6 of a second compartment; and / or a third position in which the diffusion orifices 6 of the second compartment are opened while simultaneously closing the diffusion orifices 6 of the first compartment; and / or a fourth position in which the diffusion orifices 6 of all compartments are open. Thus, the release of the respective aromas from the two compartments is: • either sequential, with the aroma being the same in both compartments, which allows the aroma to last longer and retain its freshness and organoleptic qualities for longer, • or alternatively, the aromas being different between the two compartments, allowing the user to alternate the aroma over time, for example switching from strawberry to orange, • either joint, with different aromas between the two compartments, allowing the user to mix the two aromas together in their nasal cavity, for example combining strawberry perfume with mint perfume.

[0111] In one option, the diffuser 2 contains a capsule of flavoring liquid or gel, this capsule being made of a sufficiently brittle material, and the reservoir 5 being made of a sufficiently flexible material, so that the capsule can be broken by mechanical pressure from the user's hand or fingers upon first use. The material of the reservoir 5 is sufficiently more flexible than the material of the capsule, so that reasonable pressure from the hand of an adult user on the reservoir 5 transmits enough force to break the capsule contained within the reservoir 5. Thus, the flavor is released only upon first use, thereby better preserving its freshness and organoleptic qualities before use, and moreover, in a simple and effective manner.

[0112] Fig. 6 schematically represents a side view of a beverage device comprising an aroma diffuser according to the invention, with a second type of attachment of the aroma diffuser to the beverage device.

[0113] Fig. 6 is similar to Fig. 5, except for the structure of the fixing clip(s) 80, which is different. Part of the clip(s) 80, or each clip 80, is formed by a narrowing 83 of material located between its distal part 82 and its proximal part 81. Thus, the mechanical fabrication of the clip(s) 80 of the diffuser 2 is made even simpler, because the wall of the reservoir 5 can then be a single piece, without any added parts, and can be produced by a simple deformation of the wall of the reservoir 5.

Claims

Demands

1. Aroma diffuser for a disposable water bottle, in particular a disposable plastic water bottle with a capacity of between 0.2 and 2 liters, comprising a neck (4) surrounded by a thread (40) for a screw cap (3) and by a collar (41) located below the thread (40) of the neck (4), comprising: • an aroma reservoir (5), • of annular or partially annular shape so as to be able to be placed around the neck (4) of this bottle (1), • and comprising several aroma diffusion orifices (6), • a closure (7) for the reservoir (5), • movable, relative to the reservoir (5), between: • a position of simultaneous closure of all these orifices (6), preventing aroma diffusion from the reservoir (5), • and a position of simultaneous opening of all these orifices (6) allowing aroma diffusion from the reservoir (5), around the neck (4) of this bottle (1), upwards this bottle (1),• one or more clips (80), arranged so as: • to be able to clip under the collar (41) of the neck (4) of this bottle (1), • so as to position the reservoir (5): • around the neck (4) of this bottle (1).

2. Aroma diffuser according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir (5) and / or the diffuser (2) is annular in shape, making a complete turn.

3. Aroma diffuser according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir (5) and / or the diffuser (2) is partially annular in shape, making between 60% and 90% of a complete turn.

4. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffusion orifices (6) aromas are regularly distributed around the (Z) axis of the annular or partially annular shape.

5. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aroma diffusion orifices (6) are at least 4, or at least 6, or at least 10 in number.

6. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shutter (7) of the reservoir (5) is movable relative to the reservoir (5) by rotation about an axis (Z) of rotation parallel to the axis (Z) of the annular or partially annular shape.

7. Aroma diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the shutter (7) of the reservoir (5) is movable relative to the reservoir (5) by translation along an axis (Z) of translation parallel to the axis (Z) of the annular or partially annular shape.

8. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clips (80) are regularly distributed around the axis (Z) of the annular or partially annular shape.

9. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clips (80) are of at least 2, or at least 3, or at least 4, or at least 6.

10. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a portion of the clips (80) or each clip (80) is formed by a narrowing (83) of material located between its distal part (82) and its proximal part (81).

11. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: • a portion of the clips (80) or each clip (80) is formed by an internal protrusion: • oriented towards the inside of the annular shape of the reservoir (5), from a portion of the wall (51i) of the reservoir (5) or from a portion of the support wall of the reservoir (5), • and made of a material more elastic than the material of the wall (51i) of the tank (5) or of the support wall of the tank (5).

12. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aroma reservoir (5) is a replaceable consumable that is detachable from the rest of the aroma diffuser (2).

13. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shutter (7) is a flap (73) made of elastomeric polymer material, and can adopt two different reversible equilibrium positions, concave and convex, an open equilibrium position where the flap (73) adopts an upward concave posture, thus freeing the orifices (6) of the reservoir (5), and a closed equilibrium position where the flap (73) adopts a downward convex posture, thus covering the orifices (6) of the reservoir (5).

14. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (5) has at least two compartments which can release their respective aromas sequentially or alternately or jointly.

15. Aroma diffuser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diffuser contains a capsule of flavoring liquid or gel, this capsule being made of a sufficiently brittle material, and the reservoir (5) being made of a sufficiently flexible material, so that the capsule can be broken by mechanical pressure of the hand or fingers of the user on the reservoir (5) during the first use.

16. Beverage device, comprising: • a disposable water bottle (1), in particular a disposable plastic water bottle (1) with a capacity of between 0.2 and 2 liters, comprising: • a neck (4), • surrounded by a thread (40) for a screw cap (3), • and by a collar (41), located below the thread (40) of the neck (4), • an aroma diffuser (2) comprising: a reservoir (5) of aroma, • of annular or partially annular shape so as to be able to be placed around the neck (4) of this bottle (1), • and comprising several aroma diffusion orifices (6), a tank (7) shutter (5), • mobile, relative to the reservoir (5), between: • a position of simultaneous closure of all these orifices (6), preventing the diffusion of aroma outside the reservoir (5), • and a position of simultaneous opening of all these orifices (6) allowing the diffusion of aroma out of the reservoir (5), around the neck (4) of this bottle (1), towards the top of this bottle (1), one or more clips (80), arranged in such a way: • to be able to clip under the collar (41) of the neck (4) of this bottle (1), • so as to position the tank (5): • around the neck (4) of this bottle (1).