Adaptor for connecting a fluid package to a dispenser bottle

Abstract

Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to refill a fluid dispenser bottle. An adapter is used to connect a fluid package to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct configured to convey a fluid being transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle; a fluid package coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the fluid package so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the fluid package; a dispenser bottle coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the dispenser bottle; and at least one orifice disposed offset from the duct for venting the dispenser bottle when fluid is transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for refilling a dispenser bottle with a fluid, the method comprising:
 coupling an adapter fitting to the dispenser bottle;   coupling the adapter fitting to a reservoir containing the fluid;   transferring a quantity of the fluid from the reservoir, through the adapter fitting, and into the dispenser bottle; and   venting the dispenser bottle via at least one orifice in the adapter fitting during the transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser bottle.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein venting the dispenser bottle via at least one orifice in the adapter fitting further comprises venting the dispenser bottle via a plurality of orifices in the adapter fitting. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein venting the dispenser bottle further comprises venting the dispenser bottle in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the adapter fitting and away from the dispenser bottle. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the dispenser bottle further comprises inserting a first portion of the adapter fitting into the dispenser bottle. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises inserting a portion of the reservoir into the adapter. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises inserting a first portion of the adapter fitting into the reservoir. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises inserting a second portion of the adapter fitting into the dispenser bottle. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises coupling threads on the adapter fitting into threads on the reservoir. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the dispenser bottle further comprises coupling threads on the dispenser bottle into threads in the adapter fitting. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises coupling a valve assembly to the adapter and coupling the reservoir containing the fluid to the valve assembly. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 prior to transferring the quantity of fluid, opening the valve assembly.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising deforming the reservoir so as to increase pressure in the reservoir to promote the transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser bottle. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising orienting the reservoir in an inverted orientation and orienting the dispenser bottle in an upright orientation so that the quantity of the fluid is transferred in a downward direction from the reservoir into the dispenser bottle. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising hanging the reservoir in the inverted orientation. 
     
     
         15 . A method for refilling a dispenser bottle with a viscous fluid, the method comprising:
 providing a flexible reservoir containing the viscous fluid, the flexible reservoir formed from a plurality of flexible membrane panels including two or more bottom panels that form a gusseted base configured to support the flexible reservoir in an upright orientation when placed on a horizontal support surface;   placing the flexible reservoir in an inverted orientation, wherein the viscous fluid does not flow out of the flexible reservoir through an open orifice in the flexible reservoir; and   deforming the flexible reservoir so as to increase pressure in the flexible reservoir to eject a quantity of the viscous fluid through the open orifice into the dispenser bottle.