WO2024008724A1 - Water distribution system and associated tank - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Water distribution system and associated reservoir

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

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

[0003] Many advances have been made in the field of drinking water distribution, and in particular in the sealing of water stored in a distribution support.

[0004] Water distribution systems are known comprising a water bottle fixed in the high position on a distributor adapted for this purpose.

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

[0006] We also know bottle type systems directly integrating dispensing means of the dispensing nozzle type.

[0007] Such bottle type systems directly integrate distribution means, and have the disadvantage of presenting as proof of quality of the water contained only a plastic seal at the level of the distribution nozzle, allowing the user to know whether the bottle was actually opened or not, and that the water contained in said bottle is indeed that which was originally distributed, and not an additional filling of water not having the same qualities. [0008] This problem is all the more important in countries where drinking water is not easily accessible for users.

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

The present invention remedies these drawbacks.

[0011] The invention relates to a water distribution system comprising:

-a reservoir forming a bottle, capable of being filled with water, having an outlet groove configured for the evacuation of said water;

-an opening and closing mechanism forming a distribution nozzle, hermetically fixed to the outlet groove of the tank, and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the tank, to a closed position preventing the water drainage.

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

[0013] Surprisingly, the water distribution system according to the invention makes it possible to prevent any integration of air from an external environment into the tank in order to avoid contamination of the water, while guaranteeing a adequate distribution rate for the user. [0014] In practice, the reservoir is made of a material belonging to the group formed by PET.

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

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

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

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

[0019] According to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, the two interlocking elements have a clip closure means making it possible to join the interlocking elements to one another in a semi-permanent manner.

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

[0021] The invention further relates to a reservoir forming a bottle adapted to be integrated into a distribution system, having an outlet groove configured for the evacuation of said water, and comprising:

-an opening and closing mechanism forming a distribution nozzle, hermetically fixed to the outlet groove of the tank, and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the tank, to a closed position preventing the water drainage; [0022] According to another general definition of the invention, the tank is made of a chosen material, and configured to be put under pressure by injection of liquid dinitrogen according to a chosen volume in said tank filled with water, allowing the expansion of the dinitrogen in the tank during a water evacuation operation without integration of air from an external environment in order to avoid contamination of the water.

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

[0024] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examination of the description and the drawings in which:

- [Fig 1] schematically represents the water distribution system assembled according to the invention;

- [Fig 2] schematically represents the shell of the system according to the invention in exploded view;

- [Fig 3] schematically represents in accordance with the invention;

- [Fig 4] schematically represents a particular embodiment according to the invention; And

- [Fig 5] schematically represents a particular embodiment according to the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

de protoxyde d’azote liquide par litre d’eau et l’utilisation de PET permet en outre à la bouteille de ne pas se déformer, même en cas d’expositi

i chaleur. [0031] Advantageously, the combination of pressurizing the volume of liquid nitrous oxide injected chosen is c

of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water and the use of PET also allows the bottle not to deform, even in the event of exposure.

i heat.

The tank 1 filled with water according to the invention is configured to be for single use, and entirely recyclable.

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

[0034] Surprisingly, the pressurized water tank also makes it possible to obtain an improved evacuation flow rate for the user.

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

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening and closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle 3 further comprises a non-return valve making it possible to reinforce the blocking of the introduction of air from outside the system into said tank 1.

[0037] By way of example, the dispensing nozzle 3 comprises opening means belonging non-limitingly to the group formed by push button, rotary tap.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective shell 2 has on each interlocking element 21, 22 a part 24 projecting downwards, forming a flat base configured to be brought into contact with a flat surface , and configured to extend beyond the dispensing nozzle 3 and thus allow said dispensing nozzle 3 to be raised. [0045] By way of non-limiting example, each interlocking element 21, 22 has a part 24 projecting downwards forming an arc oriented towards the bottom of the system, capable of making the dispensing nozzle 3 accessible.

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

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

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

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

[0050] Once the tank 1 has been emptied, the protective shell 2 is configured to be reused.

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

[0052] Advantageously, such a type of fixing of the interlocking elements 21, 22 to one another makes it possible to prevent malicious access to the tank 1, and thus guarantee the quality of the water in tank 1 as in original water and not a subsequent filling by a third party. Surprisingly, the Applicant observed that the system according to the invention also allowed storage by stacking 100.

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

The opening and closing mechanism forming a distribution nozzle 3 is adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the tank 1, to a closed position preventing the evacuation of the water.

The tank 1 according to the invention is further made of a chosen material, and configured to be put under pressure by injection of liquid dinitrogen according to a chosen volume in a tank filled with water, allowing the expansion of the dinitrogen in the tank 1 during a water evacuation operation without integration of air from an external environment in order to avoid contamination of the water.

Claims

Claims [Claim 1] [Water distribution system comprising: -a reservoir (1) forming a bottle, filled with water, having an outlet throat (12) configured for the evacuation of said water; -an opening and closing mechanism forming a distribution nozzle (3), hermetically fixed on the outlet groove (12) of the tank (1), and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the tank (1), in a closed position preventing the evacuation of water; characterized in that -the reservoir (1) is made of a chosen material, configured to have a single use and to be put under pressure, it contains liquid nitrous oxide in a chosen volume of 1.5 ml of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water contained in said tank (1) filled with water, the liquid nitrous oxide being configured to be dissolved in water, allowing the expansion of said nitrous oxide in the tank (1) during an operation water evacuation and preventing any integration of air from an external environment into the tank (1) in order to avoid contamination of the water; and in that the water distribution system further comprises a removable, reusable protective shell (2) consisting of two elements which fit into each other (21, 22), configured to house said reservoir (1), consisting of of a chosen rigid material configured to resist shocks and absorb shocks which could threaten the structural integrity of the tank (1), said shell (2) having an opening (26) in the low position to allow the insertion of the outlet throat (12) and the dispensing nozzle (3) secured to the tank (1). [Claim 2] System according to claim 1, characterized in that the reservoir (1) is made of a material belonging to the group formed by PET, materials with similar properties. [Claim 3] System according to claim 2, characterized in that the protective shell (2) is made of a rigid material belonging to the group formed by glass fiber reinforced polypropylene, ABS or material with similar properties. [Claim 4] System according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism forming a dispensing nozzle (3) further comprises a non-return valve. [Claim 5] System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the protective shell (2) has on each interlocking element (21,22) a part projecting (24) downwards, forming a flat base configured to be brought into contact with a flat surface, and configured to extend beyond the dispensing nozzle (3) and thus allow the elevation of said dispensing nozzle (3). [Claim 6] System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two interlocking elements (21, 22) have a clip closure means (27) making it possible to join the interlocking elements (21, 22) to each other semi-permanently. [Claim 7] Reservoir (1) forming a bottle filled with water, adapted to be integrated into a system according to claims 1 having an outlet groove (12) configured for the evacuation of said water and comprising: -a opening and closing mechanism forming a distribution nozzle (3), hermetically fixed on the outlet groove (12) of the tank (1), and adapted to move from an open position, allowing the evacuation of water from the tank ( 1), to a closed position preventing the evacuation of water; characterized in that -the reservoir (1) is made of a chosen material, and configured to be put under pressure, and contains liquid nitrous oxide in a chosen volume of 1.5 ml of liquid nitrous oxide per liter of water contained in said tank (1) filled with water, allowing the expansion of the dinitrogen in the tank (1) during a water evacuation operation without integration of air from an external environment in order to avoid contamination some water.