CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR BOTTLES COMPRISING A STOPPER AND A SEALING ELEMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle. The closure system comprising a stopper having a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle and a head part for remaining outside of the mouth, the head part having a diameter which is larger than that of the stopper part. The closure system also comprises a sealing element which is separate from the bottle and from the stopper. The closure system is configured such that the sealing element is forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle, upon introduction of the stopper into the mouth, bringing the closure system into a locked state, and the stopper part comprises interlocking means to engage with counterpart interlocking means on the sealing element. The said interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the closure system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle. The stopper part of the stopper also comprises a holding means configured to form an interlocking connection with counterpart holding means of the sealing element, to hold the stopper in a secured position with respect to the sealing element when the closure system is in a preassembled state.

The present invention also describes a method of preassembling the closure system for a bottle and a method of closing a bottle using the preassembled closure system.

Claims

1. A closure system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, the closure system comprising: a stopper comprising a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle; and a head part for remaining outside of the mouth, the head part having a diameter which is larger than that of the stopper part; and a sealing element which is separate from the bottle and from the stopper; wherein the closure system is configured such that the sealing element is forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle, upon introduction of the stopper into the mouth, thereby bringing the closure system into a locked state; wherein the stopper part comprises interlocking means configured to engage with counterpart interlocking means comprised by the sealing element; wherein the interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the closure system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle; and wherein the stopper part of the stopper comprises holding means configured to form an interlocking connection with counterpart holding means of the sealing element, to hold the stopper in a secured position with respect to the sealing element when the closure system is in a preassembled state.

2. The closure system according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element comprises a flange positioned at the upper end of the sealing element.

3. The closure system, according to claim 1, wherein in the preassembled state of the closure system, the stopper part of the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element and the interlocking means of the stopper part are not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; and wherein holding the stopper in the secured position prevents at least a substantial rotational displacement of the stopper with respect to the sealing element and/or axial displacement of the stopper with respect to the sealing element.

4. The closure system according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element comprises a sealing section configured to be at least in part radially expanded upon full introduction into the sealing element; and wherein in the preassembled state, the outer diameter of the sealing section is radially expanded, at the point of the largest expansion, by at most 1 mm in diameter, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.2 mm and most preferably not expanded at all, when the closure system is not introduced into the mouth of the bottle.

5. The closure system, according to claim 1, wherein holding the stopper in the secured position prevents that the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element before the sealing element is fully introduced into the mouth of the bottle.

6. The closure system, according to claim 2, wherein holding the stopper in the secured position prevents that the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element before the flange of the sealing element has made contact with the upper end of the mouth of the bottle.

7. The closure system, according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper comprise one or more grooves arranged on the circumference of the stopper part of the stopper; wherein each groove comprises a starting section; wherein the holding means of the stopper part of the stopper comprise one or more depressions arranged below a starting section of a groove on the stopper part of the stopper; wherein the counterpart holding means of the sealing element are or comprise at least a portion of the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; and wherein the one or more depressions are configured such that when the counterpart holding means of the sealing element are engaged with the depressions in the preassembled state, the counterpart holding means transition to the starting sections of the respective grooves of the interlocking means when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element by pushing.

8. The closure system according to claim 2, comprising a tamper proof element which allows the user to find out whether the stopper, after the system had been fully assembled, has been moved with respect to the sealing element in radial and/or axial direction; wherein the tamper proof element is configured to be placed on to the closure system in a preassembled state, in which there is a predetermined gap between the head part of the stopper and the flange of the sealing element; and wherein a section of the tamper proof element between the head part of the stopper and flange is configured to fold inwardly towards the center of the closure system when the stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing element.

9. A stopper or a sealing element configured for use in a closure system claim 1.

10. A method of preassembling a closure system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, the closure system comprising a stopper with a head part and a stopper part, and a sealing element into which the stopper can be introduced, wherein the stopper part comprises interlocking means and the sealing element comprises counterpart interlocking means, the method comprising the step of: partially introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element such that preferably the interlocking means of the stopper part are not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the stopper part of the stopper comprises holding means configured to form an interlocking connection with counterpart holding means comprised by the sealing element; and wherein during the step of partially introducing the stopper part into the sealing element, the holding means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart holding means of the sealing element.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the sealing element comprises a sealing section configured to be at least partially radially expanded when the stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing element; and wherein during the step of partially introducing the stopper part into the sealing element, the sealing section is radially expanded at most 1 mm in diameter, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.2 mm, and most preferably not expanded at all.

13. The method according to claim 10, the method further comprising a step of wrapping the closure system with a tamper proof element, after the step of partially introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element; wherein the tamper proof element is at least partially wrapped around the lateral portions, at least parts of the upper surface of the head part of the stopper, and at least part of the lower surface of a flange positioned at the upper end of the sealing element; and wherein the tamper proof element is retained in a substantially stretched position between the head part of the stopper and the flange of the sealing element as a result of wrapping.

14. A method of closing a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, by means a closure system comprising a stopper with a head part and a stopper part, and a sealing element into which the stopper can be introduced, wherein the stopper part of the stopper comprises interlocking means and the sealing element comprises counterpart interlocking means, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the closure system in a preassembled state into a mouth of the bottle, wherein in the preassembled state, the stopper part of the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element, and the interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper are preferably not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; and pushing the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, whereby the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element and the interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper preferably engage with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the stopper part of the stopper comprises holding means configured to form an interlocking connection with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; wherein in the preassembled state, the holding means of the stopper part of the stopper are engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; wherein during the step of pushing the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element disengage from the holding means and then engage with the interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0552] The present invention will be best understood with reference to the following detailed description and the drawings, in which like reference signs throughout the drawings indicate like elements.

[0553] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a stopper of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0554] FIG. 2a shows a side view of one side of the stopper of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0555] FIG. 2b shows a side view of another side of the stopper of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0556] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sealing element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0557] FIG. 4a shows a side view of one side of the sealing system of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0558] FIG. 4b shows a side view of another side of the sealing element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0559] FIG. 5a shows a top view of a sealing element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0560] FIG. 5b shows a section view of a sealing element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0561] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of a retainer elements of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0562] FIG. 6b shows a top view of a retainer element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0563] FIG. 6c shows a side view of a retainer element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0564] FIG. 7a to c show a section view of the closure system in the preassembled, locked and unlocked states, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0565] FIG. 8 shows an x-ray of the closure system in the locked state according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0566] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a sealing element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0567] FIG. 10a shows a perspective view of a retainer element within an aerator of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0568] FIG. 10b shows a top view of a retainer element with an aerator of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0569] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the sealing element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0570] FIG. 12a shows a side view of the sealing element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0571] FIG. 12b shows a side view of the sealing element according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0572] FIG. 13a shows a perspective view of an aerator of the closure system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0573] FIG. 13b shows a side view of an aerator of the closure system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0574] FIG. 14 shows the sealing element of FIGS. 11 to 12b combined with the aerator of FIGS. 13a and 13b according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0575] FIG. 15a to d show four different aerators fixedly attached to a sealing element according to different embodiments of the present invention;

[0576] FIG. 16 shows the aerating results obtained by example embodiments of the present invention;

[0577] FIG. 17a shows a side view of the closure system in the preassembled state with a tamper proof element according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0578] FIG. 17b shows a side view of the closure system in the locked state with a tamper proof element according to one embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0579] The following detailed description relates to a closure system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle. The closure system comprises a stopper and a sealing element, which is separate from the bottle and from the stopper. The stopper will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2b, the sealing element will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7b and the functioning of the closure system will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Further embodiments will be described with regard to FIGS. 9 to 13.

[0580] The stopper of the closure system comprises a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle and a head part for remaining outside of the mouth, wherein the head part has a diameter which is larger than that of the stopper part. The closure system is configured such that the sealing element may be forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle, upon introduction of the stopper into the mouth, thereby bringing the closure system into a locked state. The stopper part comprises interlocking means configured to engage with counterpart interlocking means comprised by the sealing element, wherein the interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the closure system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle.

[0581] In the context of the present invention, bottle may refer to, but is not limited to, a bottle having a mouth whose dimensions comply with the DIN EN 12726:2000 standard.

[0582] This standard defines the measurements of the mouth of wine bottles using closure systems such as natural corks or capsules. According to this standard, the mouth of the bottle is defined as going from the tip of the bottle 45 mm downwards. The diameter of the mouth of the bottle has to be 18.5 mm, with a tolerance of 0.5 mm. Additionally, the mean inner diameter in the section 10 mm below the tip of the mouth of the bottle must not be more than 1 mm larger than the diameter at the entry of the bottle, wherein the entry is defined as the section located 3 mm below the tip of the bottle. The inner diameter increases from the top to the bottom of the mouth of the bottle and has to be 20 mm with a tolerance of 1 mm at 45 mm downwards from the tip of the mouth of the bottle. The outer diameter at the very tip of the bottle has to be 27 mm with a tolerance of 0.5 mm. The largest outer diameter of the mouth of the bottle has to be 29.5 mm with a tolerance of 0.5 mm.

[0583] Throughout this specification, terms which express relative locations or directions, like above, under, up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, etc., refer to the natural position of the bottle, the stopper, and the sealing element, when the bottle is standing.

[0584] FIG. 1 shows a stopper 100 for a closure system for a bottle defined for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle. The stopper 100 comprises a stopper part 102 which may be introduced into the mouth of a bottle. In one embodiment, the stopper part has a length of 31 mm. The length of the stopper part 102 is defined as the part of the stopper 100 which can be entirely introduced into the sealing element, as shown in FIG. 7b.

[0585] Furthermore, the stopper 100 comprises a head part 101 for remaining outside of the mouth, which may be arranged directly above the stopper part 102. In one embodiment, the head part 101 may have an even lower surface, which is directly connected to the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. However, the lower surface of the head part 101 may also be curved or exhibit any other design that directly transitions into the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100.

[0586] The head part 101 has a diameter which is larger than that of the stopper part 102. In one embodiment, the diameter of the head part corresponds to the outer diameter of the mouth of the bottle, i.e. the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle plus twice the thickness of the glass of the bottle. In one embodiment, the diameter of the head part is about 30 mm.

[0587] The stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may comprise a first section 110. In one embodiment, the first section starts exactly below the head part 101 of the stopper 100 and has a diameter of 14.4 mm, as well as the length of 11 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, the first section no may have a substantially even surface and a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the first section no may also have a slightly conical shape with a decreasing diameter in the direction from top to bottom, wherein the diameter decreases from top to bottom by 0.2 mm.

[0588] The stopper part 102 may further comprise a second section 120, which is arranged below the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. In one embodiment, the second section 120 has a diameter of about 13.5 mm. Furthermore, the second section 120 may have a length of 10 mm. The shape of the second section may be a substantially cylindrical one. In one embodiment, a minimum diameter of the second will section 120 is 0.2 mm smaller than a maximum diameter of the second section 120. Interlocking means 121 and holding means 122 may be arranged on the surface of the second section. The interlocking means 121 and the holding means 122 will be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0589] Between the first section 110 and the second section 120, the stopper part 102 may comprise a transition section 115. The transition section 115 may be 1.5 mm long. Furthermore, the transition section 115 may have a substantially conical shape.

[0590] The stopper part 102 may further comprise a third section 130, which is in one embodiment positioned below the second section 120. In an embodiment without the second section 120, however, the third section 130 may be positioned directly below the first section 110. The diameter of the third section 130 may be smaller than the diameter of the second section 120. In one embodiment, the diameter of the third section 130 is 11.5 mm. Additionally, in an embodiment, the third section 130 is 5 mm long.

[0591] FIGS. 2a and 2b show two different side views of the stopper 100, which illustrate the interlocking means 121 and the holding means 122.

[0592] The interlocking means 121, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, are located within the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. However, the interlocking means 121 may be located in different sections of the stopper part 102, in particular as long as they do not interfere with a seal formed between the closure system and the mouth of the bottle, which will be explained later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0593] In one embodiment, the interlocking means 121 ore one or more grooves arranged on the circumference of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. This can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, where two grooves 121 run along the circumference of the second section 120, starting approximately in the center of the second section 120 in FIG. 2a and ending at the lower end of the second section 120 in FIG. 2b. The one or more grooves 121 may span 110 of the circumference of the stopper part 102. In some embodiments, the grooves 121 have an identical shape. Furthermore, the grooves 121 may be distributed opposites and/or symmetrically to each other and/or equidistant from each other. The grooves 121 may have a depth of about 1 mm, and they may be 3 mm wide.

[0594] In some embodiments, the grooves 121 may have a rectangular, u-shape, circular or oval cross-section.

[0595] The grooves 121 may comprise a main section, which extends diagonally downward, as can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In some embodiments, the grooves 121 also comprise a starting section, which extends substantially horizontally. This starting section may start from the upper end of the main section, as can be seen in FIG. 2a. In some embodiments, the starting section has a length of 4 mm.

[0596] The grooves 121 may also comprise an end section, which extends vertically downwards from the lower end of the main section. The end section is illustrated in FIG. 2b at the lower end of the second section 120. The end section may be open toward a lower end thereof. In some embodiments, in which the end section is open toward the lower end, this opening has a tapered shape.

[0597] The stopper part 102 may further comprise holding means 122. In some embodiments these holding means 122 comprise one or more depressions. In some embodiments (not shown), these depressions are open to a lower side thereof. Furthermore, the depressions 122 may be arranged on the second section 120 of the stopper part 102. This can be seen in FIG. 2a, which shows an exemplary depression 122 at the lower end of second section 120.

[0598] The depressions 122 may be distributed opposite and/or symmetrically to each other and/or equidistant from each other around the circumference of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. Furthermore, the depressions 122 may be arranged below grooves 120, as seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In particular, the depressions 122 may be arranged below the starting sections of the grooves 120, as can be seen in FIG. 2a. In some embodiments, the depressions or holding means 122, respectively, are arranged 4.5 mm below the interlocking means.

[0599] FIGS. 3 to 5b show a sealing element 200 for a closure system for the bottle which has been previously defined with regard to FIG. 1.

[0600] The sealing element 200 is configured to be introduced into the mouth of the bottle. The sealing element may receive the stopper part of the stopper by way of introduction. In some embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper may be regarded as fully introduced into the sealing element when the stopper and the sealing element have the positional relationship to each other as intended for the locked state. In some embodiments, the sealing element 200 has the shape of a ring or tube. In one embodiment, the sealing element 200 has a length of 32 mm.

[0601] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sealing element 200 of the closure system, and FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show side views of the sealing element 200 of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The side view of FIG. 4b shows a view which is rotated by 90 degrees compared to the side view of FIG. 4a.

[0602] FIG. 4a shows the sealing element 200, comprising a covering section 201 that remains outside of the mouth of the bottle. The covering section 201 is positioned at the upper end of the sealing element 200. In one embodiment, the covering section 201 is a flange which protrudes from the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle.

[0603] The covering section 201 may prevent or reduce dripping of liquid at the end of the process of pouring liquid out of the mouth of the bottle. For example, the dripping of liquid is reduced when the edge of the flange is sharper than the edge tip of the mouth of the bottle. The flange may also have a rounded inner edge to assure that drips flow back into the bottle.

[0604] The sealing element 200 may further comprise a sealing section 210. The sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 may have a shape of a ring or tube. The sealing element may have a shape which is adapted to the shape of the mouth of the bottle, i.e. the shape may be or comprise the counterpart profile of the mouth of the bottle. In some embodiments, when the stopper part of the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200, the sealing section 210 is substantially cylindrical. The outer surface of the sealing section 210 may be substantially even when the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200. In one embodiment, the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 is slightly convex. In the illustrated embodiment, the difference between the minimum and the maximum outer diameter of the sealing section 210 is about 0.2 mm.

[0605] In one embodiment, the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 starts at about 1 mm below the upper end of the sealing element 200 and the sealing section 210 has a length of about 10 mm.

[0606] The sealing element 200 may further comprise a second section 220 which is to positioned below the sealing section 210. In some embodiments, the length of the second section 220 of the sealing element 200 is about 11 mm. The second section 220 may be not expanded at all upon full introduction of the sealing part into the sealing element 200.

[0607] The second section 220 may comprise interlocking means 221, which are the counterpart interlocking means of the interlocking means 121 on the stopper part. In the preferred embodiment, the interlocking means 221 are also the counterpart holding means of the holding means 122 on the stopper part.

[0608] In some embodiments, the interlocking means 221 are not located within the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200. Instead, the interlocking means may be positioned in a section where the sealing element 200 is not forced against the wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked state.

[0609] In some embodiments, the interlocking means 221 of the sealing element 200 are protrusions, for example in the form of pins 221, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5b. These pins 221 may be positioned on portions of the inner wall of the sealing element 200 which are partially or completely attached to the second section 220 of the sealing element, the portions of the inner wall being tabs 222, for example. In particular, the protrusions may be formed on u-shaped portions of the wall, which are attached to the wall of the second section of the sealing element by their upper part, as shown in FIG. 4a. The tabs 222 may protrude towards the inside of the sealing element and/or may be resiliently mounted and/or have an elastic effect in the radial direction.

[0610] The sealing element 200 may further comprise a retaining section 230. The retaining section 230 may retain the sealing element 200 in the mouth of the bottle by being forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The connection between the outer surface of the retaining section 230 and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle created by the forcing of the retaining section 230 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle may be at least in part be an interlocking connection. An interlocking connection is possible, for example, if the retaining section 230, after full introduction into the mouth of the bottle, is located at least in part at a section where the mouth of the bottle increases in diameter from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 starts at about 24 mm below the upper end of the sealing element.

[0611] In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 may be activated upon introduction of the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element 200, whereby the retaining section 230 may be radially expanded. An outer diameter of the retaining section 230 may be radially expanded upon activation by about 2.1 mm, when the closure system is not introduced into the bottle. The retaining section 230 may comprise one more cutouts which facilitate expansion of the retaining section 230 by the retainer element. For example, the retaining section 230 may consist of or comprise one or more wings. Some embodiments may comprise two or more cutouts and/or wings which are arranged opposite to each other and/or equidistant from each other.

[0612] The outer shape of the retaining section 230 may be substantially cylindrical and may have a substantially even outer surface when the retaining section 230 is not activated. In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 comprises a section whose outer shape is substantially tapered with increasing diameter from top to bottom when the retaining section 230 is activated and the closure system is not introduced into the bottle. The retaining section 230 may comprise one or more constricted sections 232, which will be described in more detail with regard to FIG. 5b.

[0613] FIG. 5a shows a top view of a sealing element 200 of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0614] In particular, FIG. 5a shows a top view of the covering section 201. The covering section 201 should be as narrow as possible, while still providing protection to the tip of the mouth of the bottle against contact with the head part of the stopper. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the covering section 201 is about 2 mm and to height of the covering section 201 is about 1 mm.

[0615] Furthermore, FIG. 5a shows two pins 221 protruding from the inner surface of the sealing element 200. The two pins 221 are arranged opposite to each other. In other embodiments, there may be only one pin or more than two pins 221. If there are several pins 221, they are preferably distributed opposite to each other and/or equidistant from each other around the inner circumference of the sealing element 200.

[0616] The cross section of the pins 221 may be rectangular, circular, u-shaped or oval shape or may have any other suitable cross section for an interlocking mechanism. FIG. 5b shows a cross section view of a sealing element 200 of the closure system of

[0617] FIG. 4a according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 200 comprises a main body 204 and a different namely softer material 203 arranged on the main body 204. The softer material will be described later. As shown in FIG. 5b, the softer material may be located in the sealing section and/or in the retaining section of the sealing element.

[0618] As also shown in FIG. 5b, the sealing section 210 may comprise a constricted section 211. The constricted section 211 has a smaller diameter than other parts of the sealing section 210. In some embodiments, the constricted section 211 is positioned substantially at the center of the sealing section 210. The length of the constricted section 211 may be about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the sealing section 210 comprises more than one constricted section 211. Although the constricted section 211 of FIG. 5b is illustrated having the shape of a wave with a substantially convex section when the stopper is not introduced in the sealing element 200, other shapes of the constricted section 211 are possible, such as a triangular shape or a shape of several waves, possibly with different amplitudes.

[0619] When the stopper part of the stopper is introduced into the sealing element 200, the outer shape of the sealing section 210 may be substantially convex, when the sealing element 200 is not introduced into the bottle. This results from pushing the constricted section in a radial direction. The softer material is thereby expanded and forms a convex shape on the outer surface of the sealing section.

[0620] In some embodiments, when the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200, the sealing section 210 has a maximum inner diameter of about 14 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, when the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200, the minimum inner diameter of the sealing section 210 at the top of the wave formed by the constricted section 211 is about 1 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the sealing section 210 at the upper and lower end of the constricted section 211, which corresponds to the inner diameter of the sealing section 210 at its upper end and is the maximum inner diameter of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.

[0621] In some embodiments, when the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200, the sealing section 210 has an outer diameter of about 18.3 mm. In some embodiments, when the stopper part is not introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a maximum outer diameter of about 0.2 mm less than the minimum inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle in the section where the seal is formed.

[0622] In some embodiments, the sealing section 210 is radially expanded upon full introduction of the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element 200, at the point of the largest expansion by about 0.8 mm, when the closure system is not introduced into the bottle.

[0623] In some embodiments, the closure system is configured such that in the unlocked state, the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 is not be expanded at all in the radial direction, even if the closure system is not introduced into the bottle.

[0624] As shown in FIG. 5b, the second section 220 of the sealing element may have an outer diameter which is smaller than the smallest inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle, even when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element. In some embodiments, the outer diameter may be about 15.4 mm when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element and/or when the stopper part of the stopper is not fully introduced into the sealing element.

[0625] Furthermore, FIG. 5b shows the shape and location of some embodiments of one of the pins 221 in detail. The centroids of the pins 221 may be located about 16 mm below the upper end of the sealing element 200. The pins 221 may be 1 mm wide, and they may protrude 1 mm from the inner surface of the sealing element 200. The pins 221 may have a rectangular, circular, u-shaped or oval shape or any other shape suitable for a pin of an interlocking mechanism where the pin runs in a groove. As shown in FIG. 5b the pins 221 may also have pairs of horizontal, vertical and diagonal sides.

[0626] As shown in FIG. 5b, the retaining section 230 may comprise a constricted section 232, having a smaller inner diameter than other parts of the retaining section 230. In some embodiments, the constricted section 232 has a convex shape when the retaining section 230 is not activated. The properties of the constricted section 211 of the sealing element discussed above may also apply for the constricted section 232 of the retaining section.

[0627] In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 may have a maximum outer diameter as defined with regard to the sealing section 210.

[0628] FIGS. 6a to 6c show a retainer element of the sealing element as a separate object. The retainer element may also be attached to the sealing element and therefore not a separate object. The retainer element may have the shape of a ring, with a minimum inner diameter of about 11.5 mm and a maximum outer diameter of about 14 mm. The retainer element 300 may comprise an outer surface 301, which may be substantially concave. The retainer element may have protrusions on the inner wall of the retainer element. These protrusions may form a web 302 as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.

[0629] FIGS. 7a to 7c show the interaction between the different elements of the closure system. FIG. 7a shows the closure system in a preassembled state, FIG. 7b shows the closure system in a locked state and FIG. 7c shows the closure system in an unlocked state. The different states, as well as the transitions from one state to another, will now be described in detail.

[0630] Preassembled State

[0631] FIG. 7a illustrates the closure system in the pre-assembled state before the closing of the bottle. In this state, the respective elements of the closure system may be arranged such that the bottle may be closed in a similar way as a bottle with a conventional wine bottle cork.

[0632] The sealing element 200 may be fully introduced into the mouth of the bottle and the stopper 100 is only partially introduced into the sealing element and the mouth of the bottle. Therefore, the head part of the stopper 100 is not in contact with the covering section in this state.

[0633] In some embodiments, the second section 120 of the stopper 100 element, which has narrower diameter than the first section, is partially located within the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200, such that the sealing section 210 is not radially expanded, and no seal is formed between the stopper 100 and the mouth of the bottle.

[0634] In fact, the radial expansion of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 in the preassembled state is as defined below with regard to the unlocked state and with regard to the description of the sealing element 200 of FIG. 5b. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 and the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 is as defined with regard to the unlocked state and will be described below.

[0635] In some embodiments, the holding means of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100, i.e. the depressions, may be in an interlocking connection with the counterpart holding means of the sealing element 200, i.e. pins 221, to hold the stopper 100 in a secured position with respect to the sealing element 200. The interlocking means of the stopper part 102 may not be engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200.

[0636] Holding the stopper 100 in the secured position may prevent at least a substantial rotational displacement of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200. Due to tolerances of the interlocking connection of the holding means, smaller displacements (by about 1 or 2 mm) of the stopper 100 may still be possible. In some embodiments, holding the stopper 100 in the secured position may furthermore prevent at least a substantial axial displacement of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200.

[0637] When the sealing element of the preassembled closure system is not yet fully introduced into the mouth of the bottle (not displayed), the holding of the stopper 100 in the secured position may prevent the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 from being fully introduced into the sealing element 200 before the sealing element 200 is fully introduced into the bottle. In particular, holding the stopper 100 in the secured position may prevent that the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 is fully introduced into the sealing element 200 before the covering section of the sealing element 200 has made contact with the upper end of the mouth of the bottle.

[0638] The holding means on the stopper part of the stopper may be depressions with a profile which forms a counterpart profile matching the profile of the pins 221 of the sealing element 200. The depth of the depressions of the stopper part 102 and the height of the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 may be substantially equal. This may help the depressions and the pins 221 to engage with less leeway.

[0639] In some embodiments, in the preassembled state, the retainer element is located above the constricted section 232 of the retaining section 230. In that case, the constricted section 232 of the retaining section 230 may not be expanded in the radial direction. Thus, the retaining section 230 may not retain the sealing element 200 in this state.

[0640] Transition to the Locked State

[0641] The transition from the preassembled state to the locked state may be achieved by pushing the stopper 100 in the downward direction. This transition is made during the closing of the bottle. The closure system may be completely assembled after the transition. In some embodiments, the closure system transitions from the preassembled state to the locked state only once in the lifetime of the system.

[0642] The changes in the configuration of the closing system during the transition from the preassembled state to the locked state will now be explained in detail.

[0643] The counterpart holding means (the pins) 221 of the sealing element 200, which are engaged with the holding means of the stopper part (the depressions) 102 of the stopper in the preassembled state, transition to the respective grooves 121 of the interlocking means, when the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 is fully introduced into the sealing element 200 by pushing. To facilitate the transition, the depressions may have an upper surface that is flatter than the other surfaces of the depression. In this way, disengaging from the depressions may be easier for the pins 221 of the sealing element 200. Also the elastic effect of the tabs 222 may facilitate the disengaging of the pins 221 from the depressions and the engaging with the respective grooves 121 of the interlocking means. The elastic tabs 222 may spring outwardly to enable and/or facilitate the radial displacement of the pins 221.

[0644] The distance of the axial displacement of the stopper with respect to the sealing element during the transition from the preassembled state to the locked state, which will correspond to the distance between the holding means and the interlocking means, may be about the same as the axial stroke of the stopper 100 when it is moved upward or downward in the grooves 121, as will be described below.

[0645] During the transition, the first section of the stopper 100, which as a larger diameter than the second section, is moved (further) into the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200, thereby causing a radial expansion of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.

[0646] The pins 221, as described in FIG. 5b, may be or comprise at least a portion of the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200. In this case, after the transition, the pins 221 are located in the interlocking means, i.e. in the grooves 121, in particular in the starting sections of the grooves 121.

[0647] The retaining section 230 of the sealing element 200 may be activated by the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 pushing the retainer element 300, as described with regard to FIGS. 6a to 6c, down along the longitudinal axis of the sealing element 200 when the stopper part 102 is fully introduced into the sealing element 200. The third section 130 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may form an interface with the retainer element 300 in such a way that the retainer element 300 can be pushed down by the third section 130 and/or the bottom of the section above the third section 130 when the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 is fully introduced into the sealing element 200. Thereby, the third section 130 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may at least partially enter into the retainer element 300 of the sealing element 200. By entering the retainer element 300, the stopper part 102 may make contact with the web 302 of the retainer element 300. The web 302 may be adapted to prevent that the stopper passes through the retainer element 300. Therefore, the retainer element may be pushed together with the stopper in a downward direction, when the stopper makes contact with the web 302.

[0648] The retainer element 300 may expand the retaining section 230 during its activation. Hence, the outer wall of the retaining section 230 may make contact with and be forced against the inner wall of the bottle. The diameter at the bottom of the retainer element may increase more than the diameter at the top of the retainer element during activation. In this way, the retaining section 230 may be additionally adapted to the shape of the bottle, which may also have an increasing diameter from top to bottom in the section where the retainer element is located.

[0649] Locked State

[0650] FIG. 7b illustrates the locked state of the closure system, after the closing of the bottle. In this state, the seal is formed between the mouth of the bottle and the stopper. Hence, no liquid can leave the mouth of the bottle in this state.

[0651] In the locked state, the head part of the stopper 100 may be in contact with the covering section. The stopper 100 and the sealing element 200 may have a positional relationship as described below.

[0652] At least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may be located within the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200. In particular, at least a part of the first section 110 may be located within the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210. In that case, at least a part of sealing section 210 has received at least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102. In particular, at least a part of constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 has received at least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. In some embodiments, at least the part of the sealing section 210 which has the smallest inner diameter has received at least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102. In some embodiments, the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 is not located within the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.

[0653] The described positional relationship may result in the formation of a seal between the stopper part and the mouth of the bottle as described below.

[0654] The first section 110 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may force the sealing element 200 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle to form the seal between the stopper part 102 and the mouth of the bottle. The sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 may be at least in part radially expanded by the stopper part 102 upon full introduction into the sealing element 200, whereby the sealing section 210 may at least in part be forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle to form the seal between the stopper part 102 and the mouth of the bottle. There will be one side of the seal between the stopper part 102 and the sealing element 200 forming an inner seal, and another side of the seal between the sealing element 200 and the inner wall of the mouth of a bottle forming an outer seal. The inner seal and the outer seal may be located in the same section (axial position). In the preferred embodiment, the inner seal and the outer seal partially overlap.

[0655] To form the seal, the constricted section 211 of the sealing element 200 may be forced radially outward upon full introduction of the stopper part 102 into the sealing element 200. The constricted section 211 may be positioned within or overlaps with the section where the seal is formed. The length of the constricted section 211 may be smaller than the length of the section where the seal is formed. Throughout this description, the section where the seal is formed refers to the section where the outer seal is formed. In this way, the length of the section where the seal is formed may be greater than the axial stroke of the stopper 100 for bringing the closure system from the locked state to the unlocked state, therewith providing a more effective seal. Preferably, the length of the section where the seal is formed is about 160% of the length of the constricted section 211. The softer material 203 on the sealing element 200 located in the constricted section 211 may partially expand in an axial direction, i.e. in an upward and/or downward direction. The expansion of the softer material 203 leads to a larger and/or longer sealing section 210 and thereby to a more effective seal. In some embodiments, the length of the section where the seal is formed is about 8 mm.

[0656] FIG. 7b shows also the contours of the cross section of the sealing element 200 of FIG. 7a in a relaxed state to clearly illustrate the positional relationship between the sealing element 200 and the stopper part 202 in the locked state. However, it is understood that in actuality, the sealing section of the sealing element 200 will be compressed and/or expanded, as will now be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0657] FIG. 8 shows a representation of an x-ray image taken of the closure system in the locked state according to one embodiment of the present invention. It can be observed where the seal is formed in the mouth of the bottle. The first section of the stopper part of the stopper 100 may expand the constricted section 211 of the sealing element 200 in a radial direction so that the constricted section 211 becomes almost flat, i.e. vertical. In addition, the length of the seal can be observed, which is formed between the sealing element 200 and the mouth of the bottle. It is larger than the length of the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.

[0658] In FIG. 8, the top end of the section where the seal is formed is about 1 mm under the highest point of the mouth of the bottle. The section where the seal is formed is located in part (with its lower end) in a section of the mouth of the bottle with an increasing diameter from top to bottom. As previously stated, the DIN EN 12726:2000 standard allows that inner diameter of the bottle in the section 10 mm below the top to be up to 1 mm larger than in the section 3 mm below the top, which may lead to the mentioned section with an increased diameter. When the softer material 203 is pushed outward in the radial direction, it adapts to the profile of the inner surface of the mouth of the bottle and may hence provide a stronger seal.

[0659] Although this disclosure describes merely the formation of one seal, multiple seals at different locations are possible and incorporated in the scope of this invention. There may be, for example, multiple smaller seals in the sealing section 210 and/or there may be one or more seals formed by the retaining section 230.

[0660] In the locked state, the one or more pins 221 of the sealing element 200 are engaged with the grooves of the stopper 100.

[0661] In some embodiments, the interlocking means (pins and grooves) are arranged on sections of the stopper part 102 and the sealing element 200 where the sealing element is not forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked state. The side of the seal between the stopper part and the sealing element can therefore be formed by an even surface of the (first section of the) stopper part pushing against an even counter-surface of the (sealing section of the) sealing element, thereby providing a more effective seal. Additionally, this has the advantage that the interlocking means are disburdened from radial pressure so that the pins can run smoothly within the grooves. Advantageously, the section where the seal is formed is located above the interlocking means so that a seal can be formed at the very top of the mouth of the bottle, avoiding that dirt particles or liquid can enter a gap between the sealing element and the mouth of the bottle, or between the sealing element and the stopper part of the stopper.

[0662] In the locked state, the interlocking means do not prevent a rotation of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200 at least in one direction but may prevent a rotation of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200 in the other direction. The rotation of the stopper 100 may be used to unlock the closure system as will be described further below. The interlocking means may prevent an axial displacement of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200 in the upward direction in the locked state. Hence, the stopper 100 has to be rotated to bring the closure system into the unlocked state.

[0663] The retention force provided by the interlocking means in the locked state corresponds to about 90% of the force preventing axial displacement of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200 in the locked state. The counterpart interlocking means, i.e. the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 are located in the starting sections of the grooves 121 by about 90% of their width.

[0664] The retainer element presses the constricted section 232 of the retaining section 230 outward in the radial direction, which exerts a force to the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, and thereby fixes the sealing element 200 in the bottle. The constricted section 232 may have a substantially convex shape and may be expanded in the same way as already described with regard to the constricted section 211 of the sealing element.

[0665] The retaining section 230 holds the retainer element 300 once it has been activated. In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 holds the retainer element 300 at least in part by an interlocking connection between the outer surface of the retainer element 300 and the inner surface of the retaining section 230. A section of the inner surface of the retaining section 230 which is engaged to form the interlocking connection may be substantially convex, i.e. it may be formed by the constricted section 232, and a section of the outer surface 301 of the retainer element 300 which is engaged to form the interlocking connection may be substantially concave. In this way, the retainer element can be held in the retaining section. The shape of the constricted section 232 and the outer surface of the retainer element may have other shapes, wherein the constricted section 232 may have a counterpart profile of the shape of the outer surface of the retainer element.

[0666] Transition to the Unlocked State

[0667] The transition between the locked state to the unlocked state is achieved by rotating the stopper 100 in one direction. The changes in the configuration of the closing system during the transition between the locked state to the unlocked state will now be described in detail.

[0668] The interlocking means may move the stopper 100, when in the locked state, upward until the unlocked state is reached, upon clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the stopper 100 with respect to the bottle. On the other hand, when in the unlocked state, the interlocking means may move the stopper 100 downward until the locked state is reached, upon rotation of the stopper 100 in the opposite direction with respect to the bottle.

[0669] The axial stroke of the stopper when fully being moved upward or downward by the interlocking means may be about 5 mm. The axial stroke may correspond to about the distance between the lower end of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 and the upper end of the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200, when the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element 200. The axial stroke may correspond to about 50% of the length of the section where the seal is formed, upon rotation of the stopper 100 with respect to the bottle.

[0670] As previously described, the constricted section 211 and the softer material 203, which may be partially expanded in axial directions, may lead to a larger sealing section 210 and thereby to a more effective seal. Put differently, it allows to reduce the stroke, while maintaining the length of the sealing section 210.

[0671] The movement of the second section of the stopper part of the stopper 100 into the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200, during the rotation of the stopper 100, may cause a lessening of the expansion of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.

[0672] The starting sections of the interlocking means (grooves) of the stopper part 102 may have a surface which serves as a stop for the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200. Additionally, the end sections of the interlocking means (grooves) of the stopper part 102 may have a surface which serves as a stop for the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200 in the other direction.

[0673] The pins 221 may run in the grooves 121 of the stopper part 102, during the rotation of the stopper 100. The pins 221 run from the starting sections through the main sections to the end sections of the grooves 121.

[0674] As illustrated by FIG. 5b, the pins 221 may have a pair of horizontal sides. One of the horizontal sides may be the bottom surface of the pins 221, and it may be substantially parallel to the surface of the starting sections of the grooves 121 with which it makes contact when the pins 221 are located in the starting section. Thus, the bottom surface of the pins 221 may provide an effective blocking (interlocking connection) in an upward axial direction.

[0675] The pins 221 may also have diagonal sides. One side of the diagonal sides may be the lower diagonal surface of the pins 221 which makes contact with the lower surface of the main section of the groove, and it may be substantially parallel to the lower surface of the main section of the groove. Another side of the diagonal sides may be an upper diagonal surface of the pins 221 which makes contact with the upper surface of the main section of the groove, and it may be substantially parallel to the upper surface of the main section of the groove. The diagonal sides facilitate the movement of the pins 221 in the main section of the groove by enlarging the contact surface.

[0676] The pins 221 may also have vertical sides. One of the vertical sides may be the side surfaces of the pins 221 which is in contact with the surface of the starting section which serves as a stop for the counterpart interlocking means, and it may be substantially parallel to the surface of the starting sections which may be configured to serve as a stop. Another one of the vertical sides may be the side surface of the pins 221 which is in contact with the surface of the end section which serves as a stop for the counterpart interlocking means, and it may be substantially parallel to the surface of the end section which serves as a stop.

[0677] The expansion of the (constricted section 232 of the) retainer element remains unchanged during the transition to the unlocked state.

[0678] Unlocked State

[0679] In the unlocked state, the stopper 100 may be removed from the bottle and the liquid may leave the bottle.

[0680] The sealing element 200 of the closure system remains in the mouth of the bottle after the closure system has once been brought into the locked position, even when the stopper 100 is subsequently removed from the mouth of the bottle. Even in this case, the force required to pull the sealing element 200 out of the mouth may exceed 100N.

[0681] In the unlocked state, the head part of the stopper 100 is not in contact with the covering section of the sealing element 200 anymore. The stopper 100 and the sealing element 200 may have a positional relationship as described below.

[0682] In the unlocked state, at least a part of the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 may be located within the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200. In particular, at least a part of the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 may be located within the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200. In that case, at least a part of the sealing section 210 may have received at least a part of the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. In particular, at least the part of the sealing section 210 with the smallest inner diameter may have received at least a part of the second section 120 of the stopper part 102. In that case, at least a part of the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 has received at least a part of the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. In some embodiments, the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 is not located within the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.

[0683] This positional relationship may lead to a lessening of the pressure on the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 and thereby to a reduction and/or removal of the seal between the stopper 100 and the sealing element 200. However, there may still remain the side of the seal between the mouth of the bottle and the sealing element 200. This side of the seal may be needed to prevent that liquid passes between the sealing element 200 and the mouth of the bottle.

[0684] In the unlocked state, the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 may still be engaged with the (end sections of the) grooves 121 of the stopper 100 element. However, the end sections of the grooves 121 of the stopper 100 do not prevent an axial displacement of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200 in the upward direction. Thus, the stopper 100 can be removed from the closure system, wherein the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 leave the grooves through the bottom of the end sections. The tapered shape of the end sections as described with regard to FIGS. 2a and 2b may facilitate the alignment with the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 and therefore reintroducing the stopper 100 into the sealing element 200, once taken off.

[0685] The retaining section 230 may remain activated even when the stopper 100 is removed from the sealing element 200. In this case, the retaining section may be hold the sealing element in the same position as in the locked state.

[0686] Materials

[0687] Stopper

[0688] The stopper can be made, e.g., of one or more materials chosen out of the group comprising glass, ceramic, plastic, metal and wood. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the stopper is glass.

[0689] Sealing Element

[0690] The sealing element of the closure system comprises two parts in the preferred embodiment.

[0691] One part is a main body of the sealing element 204, cf. FIG. 5b. The main body is configured to form the entire or at least a portion of the part of the sealing element which is in contact with the side surface of the stopper part of the stopper when the stopper part is introduced in the sealing element. It provides the skeleton for the sealing element. The covering section 201, the pins 221, the pads 222 and the protrusions 224 form part of the main body, cf. FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, the main body basically defines the shape of the sealing element and is therefore for example substantially tubular. In a preferred embodiment, the main body is made of or comprises polypropylene and/or polyethylene. The material of the main body should be a relatively hard material, e.g. having a shore D hardness between 50 and 120 Rockwell (R-scale), preferably between 70 and 100.

[0692] Another part of the sealing element is the part that is at least in part configured to be in contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. It is the part which is of a material which is different from the material of the main body, as mentioned above. This other part is at least partially arranged on the outer side of the main body of the sealing element, i.e. the side which is opposed to the side of the main body that contacts the side surface of the stopper part of the stopper when the stopper part is introduced in the sealing element.

[0693] In a preferred embodiment, the different material 203 is softer than the material of the main body 204. In this embodiment, the main body provides stability to the sealing element in the axial direction, which is particularly important to prevent an upsetting during the introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of the bottle. It also assures that the softer material is not or only to some minor extent displaced under persistent high pressure, such as in the locked state of the closure system in the mouth of the bottle. Also, the hardness of the main body is required to transmit pressure more uniformly across a larger area. The softer material allows for a smooth adaptation of the sealing element to the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. Due to the softness of the material, the different material can also correct for small deviations in the shape of the inner wall of the mouth of the body, this way allowing for a better grip to the mouth of the bottle and thus for a better leak tightness. At the same time the softness of the material also provides for an increased radial stroke while maintaining more or less a similar radial pressure built-up, such as while bringing the closure system into the locked state. In a preferred embodiment, the different material is or comprises a thermoplastic elastomer and/or a thermoset elastomer. Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoset elastomer has a Shore A hardness between 25 and 90.

[0694] However, the different material should not be too soft as the different material would otherwise be squeezed out of the pressure zones, such as at the sealing section 210.

[0695] It also preferred that different material has a higher friction coefficient with respect to glass than the material of the main body that is configured to be in contact with the side surface of the stopper part of the stopper. The higher friction of the different material ensures inter alia that the sealing element does not spin when the stopper is brought from the locked state in the unlocked-state.

[0696] Preferably, the different material 203 is arranged on the outer surface of the sealing section 210 and/or the retaining section 230 because these section are configured to be in contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, cf. FIG. 5b. It is further preferred that the different material is not arranged on the outer surface of a section of the sealing element which is not configured to be forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked state of the closure system. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the different material is not arranged on the outer surface of the second section 220 of the sealing element. This ensures that the friction of the sealing element at the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle is as small as possible.

[0697] The sealing element is preferably manufactured by a two-component injection molding method. In a preferred embodiment, the main body and the different material are unreleasably connected with one another during manufacturing of the sealing element. The unreleasable connection is obtained for example by melting at least one contacting surface of the different material and the main body. While other manufacturing processes that do not result in an unreleasable but in a releasable connection between the main body and the different material can also be considered and may even be advantageous due to the resulting lower production costs, injection molding is the preferred manufacturing method, because it ensures that the other part, made from the different material, is held on the main body of the sealing element, in particular during the introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of the bottle.

[0698] Retainer Element

[0699] In a preferred embodiment, the retainer element is made of homo-polypropylene.

[0700] Pressure Resilience and Leak Tightness

[0701] In a preferred embodiment, in the locked state, a force exceeding 50N, preferably 100N, more preferably 200N, most preferably 300N is required to pull the stopper or the closure system out of the mouth of the bottle. Preferably, in the locked state, the forcing the sealing element against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle forms a seal between the stopper and the mouth of the bottle such that no liquid can exit through the mouth of the bottle.

[0702] In another preferred embodiment, the closure system is retained in the mouth of the bottle against a pressure of at least up to 1 bar inside the bottle, preferably at least up to 2 bar, more preferably at least up to 3 bar, most preferably at least up to 4 bar. Preferably, the seal is sufficiently tight such that in the locked state, no signs of leakage such as bubble formation are observed at the stopper of a bottle filled with red wine after 1 minute at a pressure of at least up to 1 bar inside the bottle, preferably of at least up to 2 bar, more preferably of at least up to 3 bar and most preferably at a pressure of at least up to 4 bar.

[0703] In another preferred embodiment, in the unlocked state, the stopper can be pulled out of the mouth of the bottle by a force of less than 20N, preferably less than 5N, more preferably less than 2N, most preferably by a force which substantially corresponds to the weight of the stopper. Preferably, in the unlocked state, no seal is formed between the stopper and the mouth of the bottle such that liquid can exit through the mouth of the bottle.

[0704] The following experiments have been conducted to test the functionality of certain embodiments the closure system according to the invention.

[0705] To assess the leak tightness of the closure system according to the invention a stainless steel closure system according to the invention was equipped with two different embodiments of the and was tested according to the following protocol:

[0706] Commercially available Saverglass wine bottles of 750 ml volume complying with the DIN EN 12726:2000 standard were equipped with a pressure port. Stainless steel stoppers were equipped with two variants of the sealing element according to the invention.

[0707] Initial testing was conducted at ambient temperature and 1 hour after the closure system was installed in the bottle. A second test series with new closure systems was conducted 24 hours after the closure system was installed. In this second test, the bottles were placed into the pressure test apparatus, and equilibrated to 35 C. for 10 minutes.

[0708] Gas pressure was applied to the interior of the bottles as follows: [0709] 0-1 min (during the 1.sup.st minute): 1 bar [0710] 1-2 min (during the 2.sup.nd minute): 2 bar [0711] 2-3 min (during the 3.sup.rd minute): 3 bar [0712] 3-4 min (during the 4.sup.th minute): 4 bar

[0713] The individual testing of a bottle-closure system set-up was deemed completed when leakage or closure ejection occurred. For each set-up, three independent repetitions were conducted. The following table summarizes the obtained results:

TABLE-US-00001 Sealing Time Time till completion element Repetition sealed Temperature of test model I 1 1 hour ambient 3 min 45 sec model I 2 1 hour ambient 3 min 35 sec model I 3 1 hour ambient 3 min 7 sec model II 1 1 hour ambient 2 min 28 sec model II 2 1 hour ambient 2 min 30 sec model II 3 1 hour ambient 2 min 22 sec model I 1 24 hours 35 C. 3 min 9 sec model I 2 24 hours 35 C. 3 min 20 sec model I 3 24 hours 35 C. 3 min 10 sec model II 1 24 hours 35 C. 2 min 10 sec model II 2 24 hours 35 C. 2 min 15 sec model II 3 24 hours 35 C. 2 min 12 sec

[0714] In summary, the tests demonstrate that the closure systems equipped with both sealing elements, model I and model II, withstand a pressure within the bottle as compared to the surrounding, atmospheric pressure of at least 2 bar without showing any leakage.

[0715] Aerator

[0716] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element is or comprises an aerator configured to mix a liquid in the bottle with air when pouring the liquid out of the bottle, thereby increasing the oxygen content of the liquid. Preferably, the aerator is configured to yield an average dissolved oxygen saturation in a wine, preferably red wine, of at least 45%, preferably at least 65%, by directly pouring the wine containing almost no dissolved oxygen out of the bottle.

[0717] In one embodiment of the aerator, the aerator is configured such that the pouring time for pouring 750 ml of wine contained in the bottle can be effected in less than 10 seconds, preferably less than 6 seconds and, in a further preferred embodiment, the aerator is configured such that it allows for a smooth pouring of the wine. Increased aerating function usually comes at the expense of prolonged pouring times. In preferred embodiments of the aerator, the pouring times are hardly increased as compared to a standard bottle not equipped with a sealing element with an aerator.

[0718] In one embodiment, the aerating function is substantially provided by a ring or tube shaped element. Preferably, the minimum inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped element in the constricted section 232 is between 7.5 and 11.5 mm, preferably between 8 and 11 mm, more preferably between 8.5 and 10.5 mm and most preferably between 9 and 10 mm.

[0719] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped element in the constricted section 232 is constricted over a length of less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2.5 mm and most preferably less than 1.25 mm.

[0720] Preferably, the ring or tube shaped element is located at least in the lower , preferably the lower half, more preferably the lower 1/3 and most preferably the lower of the length of the sealing element. In this or another preferred embodiment, the ring or tube shaped element is located at least in the lower 21 mm, preferably the lower 16 mm, more preferably the lower 11 mm and most preferably the lower 8 mm of the length of the sealing element.

[0721] It is believed that the aerating function and the resulting dissolved oxygen in the poured wine is achieved or increased by a constriction of the inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped element, an effect which is also described as the venturi effect. Furthermore, it is believed that the quality of the aerating is improved if the ring or tube shaped element is positioned as deeply as possible in the mouth or neck of the bottle. A combination of both, i.e. a large constriction of the inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped element and the ring or tube shaped element being positioned deeply in the mouth or neck of the bottle, yield the best aerating function. Nevertheless, an overly large constriction if the inner diameter of the ring is in conflict with the requirement of fast flow of the liquid, respectively short pouring times.

[0722] In a preferred embodiment, the constricted section 232 in the ring or tube shaped element is constricted in comparison with the inner diameter of the other parts of the ring or tube shaped element or the other parts of the sealing element by a ring-shaped protrusion from the inner side wall of the ring or tube shaped element towards the central axis, wherein the ring-shaped protrusion may be a continuous or discontinuous structure.

[0723] Also, in a preferred embodiment, the ring or tube shaped element comprises turbines, blades or wings positioned at least partially inside the constricted section 232 of the ring or tube shaped element, wherein the turbines, blades or wings are preferably configured to increase the oxygen content of a liquid in the bottle when pouring the liquid out of the bottle.

[0724] In a preferred embodiment, the ring or tube shaped element is the retainer element. FIG. 10a and 10b show an embodiment of a retainer ring 300 which functions at the same time as an aerator. The retainer ring 300 depicted in FIG. 10a and 10b also exhibits blades 303.

[0725] In other embodiments, the ring or tube shaped element is releasably attached to the bottom of the sealing element. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 11, FIGS. 12a and 12b, the sealing element 200 in these embodiments has a recess 223. As shown in FIG. 13a, the aerator 350 has a nib 304 which can clip into the recess 223 of the sealing element 200, thereby attaching the aerator 350 in a releasable manner to the sealing element 200. FIG. 14 shows an aerator 350 releasably attached to the sealing element 200.

[0726] To assess the functionality of the aerator that may optionally be employed in the closure system, four different embodiments of an aerator according to the invention were tested for their ability to increase the amount of oxygen which is dissolved in red wine. The pouring time was equally measured for each set-up.

[0727] The following protocol was adhered to:

[0728] A sealing element according to the invention was used as a basis and 4 different embodiments of aerator termed Oenologic decanting 1 to Oenologic decanting 4 designed as depicted respectively in FIGS. 15a to 15d. The four tested aerators are specific embodiments of the retainer ring. Accordingly, the aerators are located at the very bottom of the sealing element, in the retaining section 200.

[0729] Commercially available Saverglass wine bottles of 750 ml volume were filled with a red wine (13.0% alcohol) which had been in bottle for >6 months, which leads to nearly 0 mg/1 dissolved oxygen, DO). The four different closure systems were compared to the aerating performance of the bottle alone, of a typical wine decanter and of a venturi type wine aerator. The temperature of the wine bottle was adjusted to 17 C., i.e. a representative cellaring temperature. The cork was removed and 150 ml of the wine were poured with the respective treatment (e.g. with the installed sealing element in the bottle neck) in an ISO standard wine glass fitted with a Pst3 oxygen sensor. The pouring of 150 ml of the wine into the wine glass was then repeated three times (in total four glasses of wine). The comparative wine decanter was filled only just before pouring the wine again in the four glasses. The theoretical maximum dissolved oxygen level in the wine at the indicated conditions is 7.9 mg/l.

[0730] The results, which are shown in FIG. 16, demonstrate that the sealing element equipped with the different aerators all exhibit superior oxygen saturation properties as compared to the wine bottle alone or a conventional wine decanter. Also, while there is a correlation between good aeration and increased pouring time, the pouring time is not unduly increased by the four different aerator embodiments according to the invention. Also, it was noted that embodiment Oenologic decanting 4 depicted in FIG. 15d exhibits the smoothest pouring characteristic.

[0731] Guiders/Wipers

[0732] FIG. 9 shows the sealing element according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, one or more protrusions 224 are provided on the outer surface of the sealing element 200. The protrusions 224 are provided such that they make contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. This contact is made when the sealing element (with the closure system) is introduced into the mouth of the bottle.

[0733] It is advantageous that the sealing element and/or closure system is centered within the mouth of the bottle during and/or after introduction into the mouth of the bottle. This avoids the sealing element to be in an inclined position, and also avoids higher friction caused by the soft components on the sealing element having an uneven contact with the mouth of the bottle. Such a higher friction may have the consequence that the softer components roll off from the sealing element and cause difficulties during the bottling process. To overcome this problem, the one or more protrusions 224 provided enable the centering of the sealing element and/or the closure system within the mouth of the bottle during and/or after introduction into the mouth of the bottle. The shape and placement of the protrusions 224 on the sealing element are selected to appropriately balance between the proper centering and avoiding too high a friction caused by the protrusions during the introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of the bottle. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid the protrusions from impairing the seal formed by the sealing section of the sealing element or the holding properties of the retaining section of the sealing element.

[0734] The centering can be achieved by providing the protrusions 224 at appropriate sides of the sealing element, of appropriate shape, and of appropriate rigidity. The protrusions have a substantially longish shape, i.e. the length is significantly longer than the width/height of the protrusions, and the protrusions are substantially horizontally and/or vertically (not shown in FIG. 11) oriented. In order to ensure that the protrusions 224 make contact with the mouth of the bottle, the size of the protrusions 224 is such that the overall outer diameter of the sealing element at least at one point of the protrusion is greater than or equal to the (minimum) inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle. The protrusions 224 of the preferred embodiment are part of the main body of the sealing element. Thereby, the materials used for the main body of the sealing element is also used for the protrusions. That is, the protrusions are made of harder materials than the softer parts of the sealing element which are configured to contact the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, like the sealing section and/or the retaining section of the sealing element.

[0735] Additionally, it is preferred that at least part of the plurality of protrusions are distributed opposite to and/or symmetrically to each other, and they may also be equidistant from each other around the circumference of the sealing element. Such a symmetrical configuration along the circumference is provided in order to maintain the overall symmetry of the sealing element and the closure system and to improve the effect of centering. As a skilled person may understand, a single protrusion may also be provided along the entire circumference of the sealing element in order to form a closed ring. However, it is preferred that protrusions are divided at least at one point. This is to enable easier manufacturing process and designing a mold with parting line provided at appropriate position. Additionally, the sealing element may also contain a channel which forms a connection of the softer material between the sealing section and the retaining section in order to assist in manufacturing of the sealing element 200.

[0736] The protrusions 224 may also be tapered appropriately to form one or more chords along the circumference. That is, the protrusions may not be perfectly circular but may have flat sides with tapered corners or edges. This may be provided to aid in guiding the closure system to be centered during its introduction into the mouth of the bottle.

[0737] An additional advantage of the protrusions will be described herein. As it can be understood, it is advantageous that the mouth of the bottle is free from liquid or dirt prior to sealing. This is to enable a better sealing between the sealing element and the surface of the bottle. The protrusions 224 make contact with the inner wall of the mouth and wipe at least a part of the inner surface of the mouth of the bottle when the sealing element is introduced into the mouth of the bottle. As it can be understood, the area of inner wall of the mouth which is wiped depends on the length of the protrusion and the placement of the protrusion on the sealing element.

[0738] Taking the above into consideration, the protrusions 224 are preferably placed below the sealing section of the sealing element or the section where the seal is formed. That is, the protrusions 224 are formed on the second section 220 of the sealing element such that the upper end of the protrusion is below the sealing section of the sealing element or the section where the seal is formed. The upper end of the protrusions 224 is located anywhere between 1 mm and 15mm below the lower end of the section where the seal is formed. It is preferable to have the protrusion close to the sealing section or the section where the seal is formed to avoid unnecessary wiping in an area other than the area where the seal is formed. They are therefore preferably provided at most 10 mm, more preferably at most 5 mm and most preferably at most 3 mm below the lower end of the sealing section of the sealing element or the section where the seal is formed. However, in order to not impair the seal, they should not be placed too close to the sealing section or the section where the seal is formed. If they are too close to the seal they could impair the seal because in the preferred embodiment, the protrusions form an overall outer diameter on the sealing element which is greater than the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle.

[0739] Elements on the second section 220 are also considered when placing the protrusion. For example, the protrusions are provided above the tap 221 for ease of the manufacturing process.

[0740] Other or additional placements of the protrusions 224 are also possible. For example, in an embodiment not shown in the Figures, the protrusions 224 are provided below the retaining section 230 of the sealing element to ensure that the sealing element is centered already at the moment when the retaining section enters the mouth of the bottle during insertion of the sealing element. The advantage of having the protrusions below the retaining section is that it ensures that the closure system is centered during introduction into the mouth of the bottle from the moment on the system enters the mouth. They are provided preferably close to the retaining section of the sealing element, e.g. between about 2 mm to 10 mm below the lower end of the retaining section, for the reasons described above, and also in order to keep the overall length of the sealing element to a minimum.

[0741] Tamper Proof Element

[0742] In another embodiment of the invention, a tamper proof element 400 for the closure system of the present invention is provided. As it will be described in further detail below, the fully assembled state is a state which is reached when the preassembled closure system is brought to a closed state during bottling. Since the closure system is configured such that the stopper must be displaced with respect to the sealing element in order to open the bottle, the tamper proof element provides a secure indication of whether or not the bottle has been opened after bottling. When the closure system is in a fully assembled state, this tamper proof element 400 allows the user to find out whether the stopper has been moved in an axial direction and/or in a radial direction with respect to the sealing element. That is, the tamper proof element 400 allows the user to find out whether the stopper has been rotated with respect to the sealing element. As discussed above, the stopper moves upwards with respect to the sealing element on rotation, therefore has an axial and radial movement at the same time. Furthermore, even if the stopper has been pulled by force in the axial direction, the tamper proof element 400 allows the user to find if the stopper was moved.

[0743] The tamper proof element 400 is connected to the stopper on the one hand and is connected to the sealing element on the other hand, in such a way that, in case the stopper is moved either in the radial and/or axial direction with respect to the sealing element in its fully assembled state, the tamper proof element 400 is at least partially broken. This connection between the tamper proof element 400 and the stopper can be made by either one of or combination of an interlocking connection or a frictional connection or an adhesive connection in the radial and/or axial direction. Similarly, the connection between the tamper proof element 400 and the sealing element can be made by either one of or a combination of an interlocking connection or a frictional connection or an adhesive connection in the radial and/or axial direction.

[0744] The tamper proof element 400 is shaped in the form of a tube for easy wrapping for providing a reliable connection by way of wrapping and allows for an easier preassembly process. However, other shapes of the element can be envisaged by the skilled person depending on the shape of the closure system and method of wrapping. The tamper proof element 400 is preferably made from thin materials such as aluminium sheet or laminated aluminium or plastic materials such that it is soft enough to be broken easily when opening, but hard enough to withstand normal wear and tear during transportation. The element preferably is in the form of a film to allow easy molding and wrapping as will be explained below.

[0745] FIG. 17a shows the closure system is in a preassembled state having a tamper proof element 400 according to a preferred embodiment. The upper part of the tamper proof element 400 is at least partially wrapped around the stopper to form an interlocking connection and/or a frictional connection. The portion of the lateral surface and the upper surface of the head part 101 of the stopper that is wrapped by the tamper proof element 400 depends on the strength of the interlocking connection and/or the frictional connection which is required.

[0746] Similarly, the lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is connected to the sealing element. In the preferred embodiment, the lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the covering portion of the sealing element and thereby connected by means of an interlocking and/or frictional connection. The tamper proof element 400 is at least partially wrapped around the lateral portions and at least parts of the lower surface of the covering section 201 of the sealing element. As it can be seen, the lower surface of the covering section of the sealing element is the surface in contact with the mouth of the bottle. The covering section provides the possibility to create an interlocking connection in the axial direction.

[0747] In a preferred embodiment, the covering section 201 is also provided with a means for increasing the connection between the tamper proof element 400 and the covering section 201 in radial and/or axial direction as seen in FIG. 9. This means for increasing the connection is preferably in form of one or more teeth 202 which are provided on at least a part of the lateral portion. The teeth ensure that the tamper proof element does not move along with the stopper on rotating without damaging the tamper proof element. In addition to or alternatively, the teeth 202 may also be provided on the lower surface of the covering section 201. However, it is preferable that the teeth are not provided on the upper surface of the covering portion. This is to ensure that when the bottle is opened, the upper surface is smooth to avoid injury to the user when handing the bottle. The teeth 202 are provided along the circumference on at least a part of the covering section 201 or the entire circumference of the covering section 201. The preferable design of the teeth is such that they are at the same time both on the lower surface and on the lateral surface and have a circumference smaller than the circumference of the upper surface of the covering section 201.

[0748] When the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the covering section 201, the teeth 202 on the covering section 201 provides a surface which provides higher frictional and interlocking force on the tamper proof element 400. This ensures that the lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is securely connected to the sealing element and thereby does not slip or rotate along with the rotation of the stopper. The teeth 202 also ensure that the tamper proof element 400 breaks at least at the part where it is in contact with the teeth to enable the user to find out that the stopper has been moved in the radial and/or axial direction.

[0749] In order to further assist in determining if the stopper was moved, the tamper proof element 400 may be also provided with a breaking point or line at a predetermined position on the tamper proof element 400. This breaking point or line is preferably a perforation. The perforation is provided on at least part of the circumference of the tamper proof element 400 when wrapped around the closure system, such that the tamper proof element 400 breaks along the perforation when the stopper is moved in the radial and/or axial direction.

[0750] To enable easier breaking, the predetermined breaking point or line is located at a position corresponding to the position of the lower half of the head of the stopper when the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the closure system. This is to ensure that in the fully assembled state, the breaking point or line is preferably below or relatively at the same line as the thumb of the user when holding and rotating the stopper. It is also preferable to provide the predetermined breaking point or line at the lower third or even completely under the under the head part 101 of the stopper to ensure that the breaking is not affected by holding of the stopper by the user. For example, the breaking point or line is provided along the same position where the teeth on the closure is provided. Additionally, since the closure system requires axial and radial movement at the same time, it is preferable that the perforations are provided such that it is easily broken by rotational as well as upward movement. Therefore, the perforations are preferably provided in a diagonal manner across the circumference in the direction of rotation of the head part.

[0751] As will be explained in detail later with regard to the preassembly and closing process, the tamper proof element 400 is placed on the closure system in a preassembled state before the closing of the bottle is performed. In order to ensure that the tamper proof element 400 can be wrapped around the preassembled closure system, the tamper proof element 400 is provided with a predetermined length. As shown in in FIG. 7a, a space which is formed between the head part of the stopper 200 and the covering section of the sealing element 201 forms a gap in the preassembled state. Therefore, the length of the tamper proof element 400 includes a part to accommodate the gap which is formed between the head part 101 of the stopper and the covering section 201 of the sealing element. That is, the tamper proof element 400 contains a part between the upper part that is wrapped on the head part 101 of the stopper and the lower part which is wrapped on the covering section 201 of the sealing element.

[0752] During closure of the bottle, when the stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing element, at least a section of the part of the tamper proof element which is between the upper and lower part of the tamper proof element is folded inwardly towards the center of the closure system. FIG. 17b shows the tamper proof element is folded into the gap in between the head part 101 and the sealing element. That is, in the fully assembled state of the closure system, the part of the tamper proof element 400 which accommodates the gap is now in between the head part of the stopper and the sealing element when the closure is fully introduced into the sealing element. In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined breaking point or line on the tamper proof element 400 may be located such that it is on the part which is between the upper and lower part and is folded into the gap between the head part 101 and the sealing element. Wrapping the closure system with the tamper proof element already in the preassembly stage has the advantage that in the bottling line, the closure system only needs to be placed into the mouth of the bottle, and no additional step of adding a tamper proof element is required in the bottling stage.

[0753] The skilled person will understand that the tamper proof element 400 may be wrapped around the stopper and sealing element by means of any possible mechanism, including heat wrapping or gluing. In the preferred embodiment, the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped using a shrink wrap mechanism. This mechanism provides for easy and cost-efficient way of wrapping a tamper proof element and faster bottling mechanism. It also may allow folding of the tamper proof element 400 towards the closure system. The thickness of the tamper proof element is provided such that it is retained in a stretched position between the head part of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing element as a result of shrink wrapping. The thickness is preferably selected to be between 35 m and 100 m, more preferably 50 m.

[0754] Method of BottlingPreassembling

[0755] The method of bottling using the closure system according to the present invention will now be described. The method includes preassembling a closure system and then closing the bottle with the closure system. As a skilled person may understand, both these actions may be performed within a short period of time one after another or separately at a different periods of time.

[0756] For preassembling the closure system, the stopper part of the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element. As described above, in the preassembled state, the holding means of the stopper part are preferably engaged with the counterpart holding means of the sealing element. By partially introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element, the interlocking means of the stopper part are not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element but only the holding means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart holding means of the sealing element. This partial introduction is ensured, e.g., by providing only an adequate amount of force when introducing the stopper into the sealing element. The amount of force is determined in advance and depends on the strength of the interconnection formed between the holding means of the stopper and the sealing element.

[0757] Going back to FIG. 7a, this figure shows the closure system with the sealing element and the stopper in the preassembled state. As already discussed, the stopper part of the stopper comprises holding means which engage when the stopper is partially introduced, to form an interlocking connection with counterpart holding means of the sealing element.

[0758] As described above, the sealing element is designed to be at least partially radially expanded by the stopper part when the stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing element. However, the configuration of the sealing element and the stopper is preferably such that when the stopper is partially introduced, the sealing section is not radially expanded, or by a maximum of 0.5 mm.

[0759] Similarly, the sealing element is also provided with a retaining section 230 which is radially expanded in order to be forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle upon introduction of the closure system into the mouth of the bottle. However, the configuration of the sealing element and the stopper is preferably such that when the stopper is partially introduced, the retaining section 230 is not radially expanded at all. At most, the retaining section 230 is radially expanded by a maximum of 0.5 mm. The radial expansion of the sealing element is reduced to the minimum in order to ensure that the sealing element can be introduced into the mouth of the bottle with incurring additional friction during the bottling step.

[0760] At this stage, it is preferable to also perform the step of wrapping the tamper proof element 400 after the step of partially introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element. However, this is dependent on the supply chain management of the bottling process. For example, the wrapping may either be performed on the preassembled closure system during preassembling. On the other hand, wrapping may also be performed on the preassembled closure system prior to closing the bottle.

[0761] The tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the stopper, preferably on the lateral portions and the upper surface of the head part 101 of the stopper. Similarly, the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the sealing element, preferably around a flange positioned at the upper end of the sealing element to provide an interlocking and/or frictional connection. The wrapping is performed such that the lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is held by the flange by means of an interlocking and/or frictional connection. However, as discussed above, the portion of the surface of stopper and sealing element that is wrapped by the tamper proof element 400 depends on the strength of interlocking connection and/or a frictional connection which is required.

[0762] In the preferred embodiment, the wrapping of the closure system is performed by way of a shrink wrap mechanism. However, as described above and as a skilled person will understand, the tamper proof element 400 may be wrapped around the stopper and sealing element by means of any possible mechanism.

[0763] Method of BottlingClosing the Bottle

[0764] The method of closing the bottle using the preassembled closure system will now be explained.

[0765] The closing of the bottle includes inserting the closure system in a preassembled state into a mouth of the bottle. Going back to FIG. 7a, this figure shows the closure system in the preassembled state inserted in the mouth of the bottle. As described above, in the preassembled state, the stopper part of the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element such that the holding means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart holding means of the sealing element. That is, the interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper are not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element.

[0766] To ensure that the closure system is inserted properly into the mouth of the bottle, one or more protrusions 224 are preferably provided on the sealing element as described above. These protrusions 224 allow the closure system to be axially centered with respect to the mouth of the bottle in order to ensure that the sealing element is not skewed to one side. Centering of the sealing element avoids friction and enables the easy insertion of the closure system into the mouth of the bottle.

[0767] Going back to FIG. 7b, this figure shows a cross section in the next stage where the closure system in the bottle is in the locked state. After inserting the closure system into the mouth of the bottle, the closure system is pushed further into the mouth of the bottle to bring the bottle into the locked state. On pushing, the covering section 201 of the sealing element makes contact with the upper end of the mouth of the bottle and remains there. This is because the diameter of the covering section 201 is larger than the mouth of the bottle. Thereafter, on further pushing, the sealing element abuts to the bottle and only the stopper part of the stopper moves further until it is fully introduced into the sealing element in a way that the counterpart holding means (the pins) of the sealing element disengage from the holding means of the stopper part of the stopper and engage with the interlocking means (the groove) of the stopper part of the stopper, preferably at their starting section. The covering section which is provided between the lower side of the head part of the stopper and the tip of the mouth of the bottle to avoid the contact of the stopper with the tip of the mouth of the bottle. Since the stopper and bottle may be made of materials such as glass, the covering section of the sealing element ensures that the stopper and/or bottle is not damaged when the stopper is further pushed into the mouth of the bottle, by forming an elastic layer between them.

[0768] The pushing of the stopper also enables forming of a seal between the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle and the stopper part of the stopper. Preferably, as described above, the pushing the stopper part of the stopper also activates the retaining section 230 of the sealing element by radially expanding the retaining section 230 and thereby forcing the retaining section 230 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The radial expansion of the retaining section 230 retains the sealing element inside the bottle. As a skilled person will understand, inserting the closure system into the mouth of the bottle and pushing the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle may be performed in one single step instead of different steps by the bottling plant.

[0769] In the preferred embodiment, a tamper proof element 400 is provided to the closure system. When pushing the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, the section of the tamper proof element 400 which stretches between the head part 101 of the stopper and the flange 201 of the sealing element folds inwardly towards the closure system, preferably between the head part 101 of the stopper and the flange 201 of the sealing element as seen in FIG. 17b. However, a skilled person would understand that the tamper proof element may also be designed such that this section is folded into the cavity formed between the tip of the mouth of the bottle and the head part of the stopper depending on their dimensions.