Tamper resistant reusable wine bottle stopper compatable with cork-screw-extractors

Abstract

A rigid stopper (10) made of synthetic materials, particularly for wine bottles, comprises a substantially cylindrical body (12) defining a longitudinal axis (20), with a side surface (14) and two opposing substantially flat end faces (16, 18), and at least two compressible-elastomeric “O”-rings (22, 24) seated in corresponding semicircular-circumferential-grooves (26, 28) on the side surface (14). The semicircular-circumferential-grooves (26, 28) are positioned symmetrically about a central-plane (56) toward faces (16, 18) of body (12) respectively. Faces (16, 18) are comprised of foramen (42, 44) respectively which communicate with a volute cavity (14) for the purpose of accepting a typical cork-screw-extractor. Stopper 10 having longitudinal symmetry about a central plane (56), either face (16) or face (18) of stopper body (12) is configured to rest flush with bottle (48) top for the purpose of maintaining compatibility with random orientation of the stopper 10 with the “corking” process of packaging machinery. A predetermined diameter (32) of stopper body (12) is slightly less than the interior neck (54) of bottle (48) for the purpose of allowing the “O”-rings (22, 24) to be compressively engaged between the stopper body (12) and interior neck (54), thereby sealing and maintaining position by means of friction of stopper (10) within bottle (48). The two compressible-elastomeric “O”-rings (22, 24) are made of a different material of that of the cylindrical body (12). The material of the compressible-elastomeric “O-rings (22, 24) is non-toxic food-grade silicone rubber having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging. The material of the cylindrical body (12) is a rigid thermo-plastic bisphenol-free polycarbonate, a non-toxic category having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

Stopper body (12) is much more durable, sanitary, dependable, and reusable than the traditional cork or synthetic cork stopper. As compared to the recent screw cap, the stopper (10) maintains the mystique, romantic charm, and quality image of an expensive wine, whereas the screw-cap gives connotation as being of lesser quality wine and has low tamper resistance.

Claims

1. Stopper made of synthetic materials, particularly for wine bottles and similar containers, comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprised of two end faces perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, said body made of thermo-plastic, said body comprised of at least two compressible-elastomeric “O”-rings engaged into corresponding semicircular circumferential grooves, said grooves on said side of said cylindrical body located equidistantly from a central plane defining symmetry about said central plane. Said body comprised of a volute-cavity traversing concentrically along said longitudinal axis.

2. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that the material of said cylindrical body is non-toxic food-grade.

3. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that said cylindrical body is bisphenol-free polycarbonate, a non-toxic category transparent material having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

4. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that said “O”-rings are made of non-toxic food-grade silicone polymer having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

5. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that a minimum-diameter of said semicircular-circumferential-grooves are slightly greater than the internal-diameter of said “O”-rings prior to installing said “O”-rings into said grooves.

6. Stopper according to claim 5, characterized in that said “O”-rings are retained in said semicircular-circumferential-grooves by their own elastic properties without adhesives.

7. Stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that said volute-cavity is terminated at both said end faces communicating with a foramen at both said faces respectively.

8. Stopper according to claim 7, characterized in that said volute-cavity is comprised of a partition located at said central-plane, said partition prevents seepage of wine contents through said volute-cavity. Said partition is intended to be punctured to allow a “typical cork-screw-extractor to be completely or nearly completely inserted into said volute-cavity of said cylindrical body when extracting said stopper from said bottle.

9. Stopper according to claim 7, characterized in that said volute-cavity is comprised of a partition of predetermined puncture-resistant thickness (not shown) located at said central-plane, said partition prevents seepage of wine contents through said volute-cavity. Said partition preventing a “typical” cork-screw-extractor from completely or nearly completely inserted beyond the said puncture-resistant partition.

10. Stopper according to claim 7, characterized in that said end faces communicating with a foramen at both said faces respectively are sealed with an adhesive substrate membrane (not shown) to prevent seepage of wine contents through said volute-cavity.

11. Stopper made of synthetic materials, particularly for wine bottles and similar containers, comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprised of one flat end face and one blunt end face, said faces perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, said body made of thermo-plastic, said body comprised of at least two compressible-elastomeric “O”-rings engaged into corresponding semicircular-circumferential-grooves, said grooves on said side portion of said cylindrical body located equidistantly from a central-plane defining symmetry about said central-plane of said cylindrical portion of said body. Said body comprised of said volute-cavity commencing at the interface of said cylindrical side and blunt end side and terminating at said flat end face communicating with a foramen at said flat end face.

12. Stopper according to claim 11, characterized in that the material of said cylindrical body with said extended blunt end is non-toxic food grade.

13. Stopper according to claim 11, characterized in that said body is bisphenol-free polycarbonate, a non-toxic category transparent material having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

14. Stopper according to claim 11, characterized in that said “O”-rings are made of non-toxic food grade silicone polymer having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

15. Stopper according to claim 11, characterized in that a minimum-diameter of said semicircular-circumferential-grooves is slightly greater than the internal-diameter of said “O”-rings prior to installing said “O”-rings into said grooves.

16. Stopper according to claim 15, characterized in that said “O”-rings are retained in said semicircular-circumferential-grooves by their own elastic properties without adhesives.

18. Stopper made of synthetic materials, particularly for wine bottles and similar containers, comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprised of one flat end face and one conical end face, said faces perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, said body made of thermo-plastic, said body comprised of at least two compressible-elastomeric “O”-rings engaged into corresponding semicircular-circumferential-grooves, said grooves on said side portion of said cylindrical body located equidistantly from a central-plane defining symmetry about said central-plane of said cylindrical portion of said body. Said body comprised of a volute-cavity commencing at the interface of the said cylindrical side and conical end side and terminating at said flat end face communicating with a foramen at said flat end face.

19. Stopper according to claim 18, characterized in that the material of said cylindrical body with extended conical end is bisphenol-free polycarbonate, a non-toxic food-grade category material having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

20. Stopper according to claim 18, characterized in that said body is transparent material.

21. Stopper according to claim 18, characterized in that said “O”-rings are made of non-toxic food grade silicone polymer having a formulation able to ensure complete compatibility for alimentary use and a high resistance to aging.

22. Stopper according to claim 18, characterized in that a minimum-diameter of said semicircular circumferential grooves is slightly greater than the internal diameter of said “O”-rings prior to installing said “O”-rings into said grooves.

23. Stopper according to claim 22, characterized in that said “O”-rings are retained in said semicircular circumferential grooves by their own elastic properties without adhesives.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the stopper according to the invention as a whole.

[0030] FIG. 2a shows a side view of the stopper according to the invention as a whole, showing a component of the stopper in cross-section.

[0031] FIG. 2b shows a top view of the stopper according to the invention as a whole.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section side view of a component of the stopper according to the invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-section view of a bottle with full-side view of the stopper inserted into the bottle with a component of the invention shown in cross-section.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a alternate embodiment of the stopper according to the invention as a whole, showing an component of the stopper in cross-section.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a side view of yet another alternate embodiment of the stopper according to the invention as a whole, showing a component of the stopper in cross-section.

[0036]

TABLE-US-00001 Reference Numerals In Drawings 10 stopper 12 body 14 side 16 face 18 face 20 longitudinal-axis 22 “O”-ring 24 “O”-ring 26 semicircular-circumferential-groove 28 semicircular-circumferential-groove 30 stopper-body length 32 stopper-body diameter 34 stopper diameter with “O”-rings 36 internal-diameter 38 minimum-diameter 40 volute-cavity 42 foramen 44 foramen 46 partition 48 bottle 50 mouth 52 neck 54 interior-neck 56 central-plane 58 cross-section diameter 60 blunt-face 62 conical-face 64 blunt-body-length 66 conical-body-length

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] With particular reference to the aforementioned figures, the stopper is shown according to the invention, denoted in its entirety by reference number 10 and suitable in particular for wine bottles.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stopper 10 according to the invention as a whole. The stopper 10 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 12 made of transparent rigid plastic defining a longitudinal-axis 20 first shown in FIG. 2a. The body 12 has a side 14, with a face 16 and a face 18 which are mutually parallel to the perpendicular to the axis 20. The stopper 10 further comprises a compressible-elastomeric “O”-ring 22 and a compressible-elastomeric “O”-ring 24 which provide friction to maintain relative position of the stopper 10 when seated into a wine bottle 48 providing adequate closure, preventing leakage of the contents of wine between the stopper 10 and a interior neck 54 of the bottle 48 shown in FIG. 3. The task of extraction of the stopper 10 from the bottle 48 is provided by a volute-cavity 40 which provides for insertion of a typical cork-screw-extractor, greatly simplifying the task of extracting the stopper 10 from the wine bottle 48 shown in FIG. 4.

[0039] FIG. 2a is a side view of the stopper 10 according to the invention as a whole. Dimensionally, a length 30 of the stopper 10 and a diameter 32 of the stopper body 12 are of a predetermined comparability to the dimensions of a natural cork and synthetic cork for the purpose of maintaining compatibility with existing closure equipment in the process of “bottling”. Insertion of a natural or synthetic cork during the bottle closure process is referred to as “corking”. Located on the cylindrical side 14, the compressible-elastomeric “O”-ring 22 and the compressible-elastomeric “O”-ring 24 are seated into a corresponding semicircular-circumferential-groove 26, and a semicircular-circumferential-groove 28 respectively. The groove 26 is positioned in a predetermined proximity to the face 16 and the groove 28 is positioned in a predetermined proximity to the face 18. Arrangement of the groove 26 and the groove 28, and subsequently the “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 respectively, establish a longitudinal symmetry about a central-plane 56. The volute-cavity 40 extends the length 30 of the stopper body 12, communicating at the face 16 with a foramen 42 thereto extending to the face 18 with a foramen 44, further establishing the longitudinal symmetry about the central plane 56. Mid-length of the body 12 and in alignment of the central-plane 56, the volute-cavity 40 is comprised of a partition 46, first shown in FIG. 1, which is required to prevent leakage of the wine contents through the volute-cavity 40 from within the bottle 48. Placement of the partition 46 at either the face 16, or the face 18 in lieu of placement mid-length of the volute-cavity 40 would defeat the purpose of being able to randomly orient the stopper 10 with respect to the bottle 48 during the closure process at time of production, and would be inconsistent with the intent to maintain symmetry about the central-plane 56. It is essential that the volute-cavity 40 accommodate the possible variations of cross-section diameter of cork-screw-extractors produced by various different manufacturers. A cross-section diameter 58 of the volute cavity 40 is of a predetermined greater diameter than that of a typical cork-screw-extractor's “screw” diameter, therein providing tolerance for variations in the cross-section “screw” diameter of cork-screw-extractors produced by various manufacturers. Furthermore, having the cross-section diameter 58 of the volute-cavity 40 a predetermined slightly greater cross-section diameter than that of a typical cork-screw-extractor provides for insertion of the extractor without having to exert force to overcome friction between the extractor and the volute-cavity 40.

[0040] FIG. 2b is a top view of the stopper 10 according to the invention as a whole, showing the foramen 42 and a minimum-diameter 38 which is technically referred to as the root diameter of both the semicircular-circumferential-groove 26 and the semicircular-circumferential-groove 28. The minimum-diameter 38 establishes seating and the maintaining of tension of the compressible-elastomeric “O”-ring 22 and the compressible-elastomeric “O”-ring 24 at a predetermined lesser diameter 32 of body 12.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the “O”-ring 22 which is identical to the “O”-ring 24, showing a internal-diameter 36 when the “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 are independent and at rest, from the body 12. During the assembly of the stopper 10, the “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 are stretched and then inserted into the grooves 26 and 28 respectively, where they remain elastically under tension owning to the fact that the internal-diameter 36 of the “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 decreases until it is the same as the minimum-diameter 38 shown in FIG. 2b of the grooves 26 and 28 respectively. When seated into the groove 26 and the groove 28, the “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 respectively provide for compressively inserting the stopper 10 into a mouth 50 at a neck 52 of the bottle 48 shown in FIG. 4, irrespective of the face 16 or the face 18 being inserted into the mouth 50 at the neck 52 of the bottle 48 during the initial closure process of “bottling”. The “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 are both made of non-toxic, food-grade silicone material. The body 12 is preferably made of the thermoplastic material bisphenol-free polycarbonate, a non-toxic category, can be injection molded in clear or a variety of transparent or non-transparent colors. The “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 are preferably made of either FFKM (perfluoroelastoeric compound) or EPDM (ethylene propylene compound), both of which have compressive and elastic properties, are food-grade material, and are available in either transparent or a variety of colors.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a side cross-section view of the bottle 48 with full side view of the stopper 10 inserted into the interior-neck 54 of the bottle 48 showing in cross-section the “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 elastically seated in the groove 26 and groove 28 respectively.

[0043] From the operation point of view of the production “bottling” process of inserting the stopper 10 through the mouth 50 and into the neck 52 of the bottle 48, the stopper 10 is inserted by means of a predetermined force, to the extent that either face 16 or face 18 is relatively flush with the mouth 50 of the bottle 48, causing both of the “O”-rings 22 and 24 to compress against the interior of the neck 52 establishing adequate friction for maintaining a seated position, requiring force to extract the stopper 10 from within the bottle 48 when extraction of the stopper 10 is desired. Having defined that the “O”-rings 22 and 24 are elastically and compressively positioned, establishing a “gasket-like” seal between the stopper 10 and the interior-neck 54 of the bottle 48, it is plausible to understand that the contents of wine within the bottle 48 is adequately contained and will not leak from between the stopper 10 and the interior neck 54 of bottle 48.

[0044] The burden to the consumer having to contend with the difficult and time-consuming task of inserting the typical cork-screw-extractor into either the solid cork stopper or the solid synthetic cork stopper is omitted with the stopper 10 comprised of the volute-cavity 40. When the stopper 10 is desired to be extracted from the bottle 48, the typical cork-screw-extractor's sharp tip is targeted at whichever foramen 42 or foramen 44 is exposed at the mouth 50 of bottle 48. The extractor is then rotationally inserted clockwise into the volute-cavity 40 until the extractor tip insertion comes in contact with the partition 46. Exerting a predetermined torque to the extractor, the partition 46 is punctured, allowing the extractor to penetrate completely or nearly completely into the stopper 10 body 12 volute-cavity 40.

[0045] There are major advantages of the stopper 10 over the natural cork, and the synthetic cork stopper. Inconsistency in natural cork density, and flaws due to the nature of natural cork, diminishes the dependability on cork life and performance, resulting in having to dispose of bottled wines because of cork containing fungus, and cork having cavities causing oxygen from the environment to filter into the bottle 48, contaminating the wine contents and therefore rendering the wine unsaleable. Inconsistency in cork density can also make the task of extraction of the natural cork from the bottle 48 using the typical cork-screw-extractor difficult or impossible, whereby the cork disintegrates leaving cork particles floating within the bottle and passing these particles into a drinking glass or flask which is undesirable, creating product loss and thusly revenue. Both synthetic cork and natural cork can be difficult to extract using the typical cork-screw-extractor, even when the extraction is performed by someone experienced in the task. The extractor tip must be targeted into a position onto the exposed top of the cork, keeping the extractor clear of the cork edge against the inner edge of the bottle 48 mouth 50 which can render the extraction task difficult or impossible, having to attempt other means of the extraction task, such as removal of the cork using one's hand, or attempt re-insertion of the extractor into the cork at another position onto the exposed top of the cork. The volute-cavity 40 enables the task of extraction reliable, quick and easy. Furthermore, the body 12 made of a rigid “food-grade” plastic provides superior quality-control and uniformity in density, omitting the risk of “cork-taint” resulting in reduction of product loss. The “O”-ring 22 and the “O”-ring 24 are made of compressible elastomeric “food-grade” silicone providing for superior quality control and uniformity resulting in reduction of product loss.

[0046] Another advantage in the stopper 10 is availability in obtaining the body 12 in clear-transparent, color-transparent thermo-plastic, whereby the volute-cavity 40 visibility adds to the collectability of the stopper 10.

[0047] Another advantage in the stopper 10 is the option to “stamp” the “brand” trademark or other information onto the cylindrical side 14 of the body 12 of the stopper 10.

[0048] Yet another advantage in the stopper 10 is availability in obtaining the body 12 in non-transparent thermo-plastic.

[0049] It is intended that stopper 10 be compatible with existing packaging equipment in the operation of initially inserting the stopper 10 into the bottle 48, a technical term in the wine-bottling industry referred to as “corking”, thereby avoiding having to modify packaging machinery or the need to purchase new machinery. In the event a membrane component of the bottle 48 packaging process is installed to shield the exposed face 16 or the face 18 of the stopper 10, the mouth 50 and the neck 52 of the bottle 48, the process is the same as shielding the bottle 48 with the standard cork or synthetic cork closure.

[0050] Subsequent to the initial opening, stopper 10 can be reinstalled into bottle 48 by forcibly inserting stopper 10 into the mouth 50 of bottle 48 providing engagement of at least one “O-ring insertion, either the ring 22 or the ring 24, or if so desired, the stopper 10 can be completely inserted into the bottle 48 whereby the stopper 10 is flush with the top of the mouth 50 of the bottle 48. In the event that stopper 10 is desired to be kept as a novelty, the “O”-rings 22 and 24 can be clear or pigmented transparent in a variety of different colors which can provide identification to the various wine manufacturers, and wine types. The “O”-rings 22 and 24 can be, if desired, removed from body 12. Again, transparency of the stopper 10 body 12 provides for volute-cavity 40 to be aesthetically appreciated. Stopper body 12 can be engraved, etched or pigmented a variety of colors for identification for deeming stopper 10 a collectable. Furthermore, the uniqueness of stopper 10 provides the opportunity to market stopper 10 independently as an accessory, for re-closure of bottles not equipped with stopper 10.

Additional Embodiments

[0051] There are various other possibilities with regard to body 12 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] In lieu of providing the partition 46 within the volute-cavity 40, which is intended to be punctured thereby allowing the typical cork-screw extractor to further penetrate the volute cavity 40 beyond the central plane 56, the partition 46 would be of a predetermined greater thickness preventing the extractor from puncturing and penetrating beyond the thicker partition (not shown), thusly maintaining the symmetry of the stopper 10 in consideration for simplifying the “corking process”.

[0053] Another embodiment of the present invention would be to provide a pressure-sensitive transparent disk membrane (not shown) onto both the face 16 and the face 18 of the body 12 for the purpose of sealing-off the foramen 42 and the foramen 44 respectively at both the face 16 and the face 18 respectively of the body 12 preventing leakage, thusly omitting need for the partition 46 mid-way of the volute-cavity 40, thusly maintaining the symmetry of the stopper 10 in consideration for simplifying the “corking process”.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a side view of a alternate embodiment of the stopper 10 according to the invention as a whole, showing a blunt-face 60. Body 12 of stopper 10 is comprised of only the foramen 42 at the face 16 communicating with the volute-cavity 40 which extends the length 30 of the side cylindrical side 14 and terminates at the location of the central-plane 56, thereby requiring that the stopper 10 be inserted into the mouth 30 of bottle 48, having the only foramen 42 exposed and aligned flush with the mouth 30 of the bottle 48, thereto providing the blunt-face 60 opposite the exposed end face 16 of the stopper body 12 serving to “pilot” the stopper 10 into the bottle 48. The blunt-face 60 extends the length 30 of the body 12 to a extended length 64. This embodiment may however, require modification to machinery necessary to orient the stopper 10 with the mouth 50 of the bottle 48 whereby the blunt-face 60 end enters the mouth 50 of the bottle 48 first when making “closure”.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a side view of a alternate embodiment of the stoper 10 according to the invention as a whole, showing a conical face 62. Body 12 of stopper 10 is comprised of only a foramen 42 at a face 16 communicating with the volute cavity 40 which extends to the length 30 of the cylindrical side 14 and, thereby requiring that the stopper 10 be inserted into the mouth 30 of bottle 48, having the only foramen 42 exposed and aligned flush with the mouth 30 of the bottle 48, thereto providing the conical-face 62 opposite the exposed end face 16 of the stopper body 12 serving to “pilot” the stopper 10 into the bottle 48. The conical-face 62 extends the length 30 of the body 12 to a extended length 64. This embodiment may however, require modification to machinery necessary to orient the stopper 10 with the mouth 50 of the bottle 48 whereby the conical-face 62 end enters the mouth 50 of the bottle 48 first when making “closure”.

[0056] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0057] Accordingly, it can be seen that the wine bottle stopper of the present invention provides a quality, cost effective, readily implementable in the “corking” process, durable, reliable, reusable, simple and quick means to extract the stopper using a typical cork-screw-extractor. Unlike a screw-cap closure, the stopper of the present invention is tamper-resistant. Unlike a screw-cap closure which implies to the consumer a “low-quality” low-end product, the stopper of the present invention, much like the natural cork and synthetic stopper, maintains a romantic, traditional and sense of quality in the wine it is preserving. However, unlike the natural or synthetic cork stopper, the stopper of the present invention will not disintegrate as will cork, leaving pieces of cork floating in the wine bottle and glass into which it is being poured, rendering it undesirable. Unlike natural cork, the stopper of this invention eliminates the possibility of “cork taint”, the musty undesirable taste and odor caused by TCA. Furthermore, the stopper of the present invention is provided with a volute-cavity for effortless and accurate insertion of a typical cork-screw-extractor into the stopper and dependable extraction by eliminating risk of failure in extraction that could occur in when extracting natural cork or synthetic cork. The stopper of this invention eliminates waste of product lost due to natural or synthetic cork failure. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope.