STOPPER FOR A BOTTLE AND SEALING ELEMENT FOR SAID STOPPER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stopper for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, and a sealing element for sealing the stopper in the mouth of the bottle, which is separate from the bottle. The stopper comprises a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle, and a head part for remaining outside the mouth of the bottle, the head part having a diameter that is larger than that of the stopper part, wherein the stopper part comprises a an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of the sealing element. The sealing element is configured to be forced against an inner wall of the mouth, thereby being brought into a sealed position, upon introducing the stopper part into the mouth, in which sealed position the stopper is held on the bottle. The interlocking mechanisms are configured to permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle.

Claims

1. A glass stopper for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food comprising: a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle, and a head part for remaining outside the mouth, the head part having a diameter that is larger than that of the stopper part, a storage cavity is formed in the head part of the stopper and a recess is provided on the top surface of the head part to accommodate a cover for covering the said storage cavity.

2. The stopper according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking mechanism comprises one or more screw thread, wherein the one or more screw threads are broken longitudinally by a plain surface to accommodate parting lines.

3. The stopper according claim 1, wherein the storage cavity has a depth and diagonal length such that for a given cross-section of the cavity, the volume of the cavity is maximized.

4. The stopper according to claim 1, wherein the cavity formed on the head part of the stopper has a polygonal cross section when viewed from the top.

5. The stopper according to claim 1 further comprises a longitudinal cavity formed within the stopper, the longitudinal cavity extending along the longitudinal axis of the stopper and opening out at the top end of the longitudinal cavity.

6. The stopper according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal cavity opens out at a tip of the stopper.

7. The stopper according to claim 5 further comprising a filter cavity with a diameter larger than the diameter of the longitudinal cavity, and formed at the opening out at the top end of the longitudinal cavity.

8. The stopper according to claim 1, wherein the stopper part comprises an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of a sealing element which is separate from the bottle.

9. The stopper according to claim 8, wherein the sealing element is configured to be forced against an inner wall of the mouth, thereby being brought into a sealed position, upon introducing the stopper part into the mouth

10. The stopper according to claim 8, wherein the interlocking mechanisms are configured to permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle.

11. A system comprising a glass stopper for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, the stopper comprising: a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle, a head part for remaining outside the mouth, the head part having a diameter that is larger than that of the stopper part, a storage cavity is formed in the head part of the stopper and a recess is provided on the top surface of the head part to accommodate a cover for covering the said storage cavity; and a sealing element adapted to be assembled with the said stopper, wherein when the system is fully assembled, the stopper and the sealing element are in the same configuration in relation to each other as in the sealed position.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the system comprises a tamper proof element which is connected to the stopper and to the sealing element such that when the stopper is moved with respect to the sealing element in radial and/or axial direction, the tamper proof element is broken wherein the connection between the tamper proof element and the stopper is an interlocking connection, a frictional connection or an adhesive connection in radial and/or axial direction, and wherein the connection between the tamper proof element and the sealing element is an interlocking connection, a frictional connection or an adhesive connection in radial and/or axial direction.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the tamper proof element comprises a ring, having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the sealing element and/or an outer diameter of the ring is not greater than the outer diameter of the head part of the stopper, wherein when the system is fully assembled, the ring is located on the stopper part of the stopper, below the upper part of the sealing element, and one or more, preferably two strips which when the system is fully assembled are connected to head part of the stopper, wherein when the system is fully assembled, the strips are wrapped around the lateral surfaces and at least parts of the upper surface of the head part of the stopper.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0194] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a stopper for a bottle according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0195] FIG. 2 shows another side view of the stopper for a bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention as represented in FIG. 1 after a rotation of 90 degrees.

[0196] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of a stopper for a bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0197] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a stopper for a bottle according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0198] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the stopper for a bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention as represented in FIG. 3.

[0199] FIG. 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the stopper for a bottle according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0200] FIG. 7 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a stopper for a bottle according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0201] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a sealing element for sealing a stopper for a bottle according to one of the first to third embodiments of the invention.

[0202] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of the sealing element for sealing a stopper for a bottle according to one of the first to third embodiments of the invention as represented in FIG. 8.

[0203] FIG. 10 shows a top view of a sealing element for sealing a stopper for a bottle according to the first to third embodiments of the invention.

[0204] FIG. 11 shows a sectional view of a stopper for a bottle according to the first to third embodiments of the invention with a sealing element that is arranged on a stopper part of the stopper in a sealed position.

[0205] FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of the stopper for a bottle according to the first to third embodiments of the invention with a sealing element according the invention that is arranged on a stopper part of the stopper in a position during the process of opening the bottle.

[0206] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a stopper for a bottle according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0207] FIG. 14 shows a side view of a stopper for a bottle according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0208] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the stopper for a bottle according to the fourth or fifth embodiments of the invention with a sealing element according to an embodiment of the invention that is arranged on a stopper part of the stopper.

[0209] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the stopper for a bottle with a sealing element that is arranged on a stopper part of the stopper as represented in FIG. 15 in an unsealed position.

[0210] FIG. 17a shows a side view of the stopper according to a sixth embodiment.

[0211] FIG. 17b shows a side view of the stopper according to the sixth embodiment.

[0212] FIG. 18a shows a front view of an outer component of the sealing element according to the sixth embodiment.

[0213] FIG. 18b shows a cross sectional side view of an outer component of the sealing element according to the sixth embodiment.

[0214] FIG. 19a shows a view of an inner component of the sealing element according to the sixth embodiment.

[0215] FIG. 19b shows the cross section view of the inner component of the sealing element according to the sixth embodiment.

[0216] FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of the system comprising the stopper and the sealing element according to the sixth embodiment.

[0217] FIG. 21 shows a cross sectional side view of the stopper for the bottle according to the sixth embodiment with the sealing element according to an embodiment in the sealed position.

[0218] FIG. 22 shows a cross sectional side view of the stopper for the bottle according to the sixth embodiment with the sealing element according to an embodiment in a partially un-sealed position.

[0219] FIG. 23 shows a cross sectional side view of the stopper for the bottle according to the sixth embodiment with the sealing element according to an embodiment in the unsealed position.

[0220] FIG. 24a shows a top view of the tamper proof element with the preferred embodiment having two strips, for sealing the closure system according to the present invention.

[0221] FIG. 24b-24e shows a top view of tamper proof element with one, three, four and five strips respectively, for sealing the closure system according to the present invention.

[0222] FIG. 25a shows an isometric view of the fully assembled closure system with an uninstalled tamper proof element.

[0223] FIG. 25b shows an isometric view of the fully assembled closure system with the tamper proof element installed but before placing a cover.

[0224] FIG. 25c shows an isometric view of the fully assembled closure system with the tamper proof element installed and a cover placed on the head part.

[0225] FIG. 25d shows an isometric view of the fully assembled system with the tamper proof element broken when the stopper is rotated.

[0226] FIG. 26a shows a top view of the bottle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0227] FIG. 26b shows an isometric view of the bottle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0228] FIG. 26c shows a side view of the bottle in accordance with the embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0229] The present specification describes various embodiments of a closure system for a bottle. The bottle that can be used in combination with the closure system according to one of the various embodiments described therein may especially be a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, in particular, among others, a wine bottle or a spirituous beverage bottle. Commercial bottling of beverages refers to bottling for the purpose of further sale, which includes transporting a bottled unit from a location of manufacture or bottling to a location of sale or use. The closure system according to one of the various embodiments described therein can also be used in combination with an oil or vinegar bottle. As far as the material of the bottle is concerned, the closure system according to one of the various embodiments described therein may be used in combination with a bottle made of glass, earthenware, plastic, ceramic or metal, to name only a few. However, a person skilled in the art would be able to use the stopper in accordance with the present invention, to fit bottle designs or jars having different shapes or sizes of opening made from different materials. It is also within the scope of the present invention to implement the stopper not just for commercial, but also for personal use for example in restaurants or homes.

[0230] Throughout this specification, terms which express relative locations or directions, like above, under, up, down, upper, lower, etc., refer to the natural position of the bottle, the stopper, and the sealing element, when the bottle is standing.

[0231] First Mode of the Invention

[0232] A first mode of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0233] Stopper

[0234] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a stopper 1 for a bottle according to a first embodiment of the invention. The stopper 1 comprises a stopper part 2 for introduction into a mouth of a bottle and a head part 3 joining the stopper part 2 via a neck portion. The head part 3 of the stopper 1 may be defined in general terms as the part of the stopper 1 protruding out of the mouth of the bottle when the bottle is sealed by the stopper 1. The neck portion may be defined in general terms as the part of the stopper 1 where the head part 3 joins the stopper part 2. The neck portion therefore represents a transition part of the stopper 1 between the head part 3 and the stopper part 2. The neck portion extends a certain distance on the stopper part 2 away from the head part 3. Therefore, the neck portion does not only comprise the portion of the stopper part 2 which is located directly under the head part 3.

[0235] In the exemplary embodiment represented with respect to FIG. 1, the neck portion may start with the curved portion located directly underneath the head part 3, where the transition portion between the head part 3 and the stopper part 2 begins, and may then further extend along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 1 over a third portion 21 and, possibly, over a fourth portion 22. However, the person skilled in the art will immediately understand that the neck portion may extend on the stopper part 2 over a distance along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 1 that may substantially vary. The neck portion may, for instance, be limited to the curved portion and the third portion 21. Further, it could also be envisaged that no curved portion is foreseen between the head part 3 and the stopper part 2, so that the neck portion would start with the third portion 21. An intermediary portion could also be foreseen between the head part 3 and the stopper part 2 instead of the curved portion, which could be a portion with a groove, i.e. a portion the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the third portion 21.

[0236] The head part 3 preferably has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the stopper part 2, wherein the diameter of the head part 3 essentially corresponds to an outer diameter of the mouth of the bottle. In the case of the bottle being a wine bottle, the diameter of the head part 3 is approx. 30 mm. However, it must be noted that the dimensions of the stopper according to an embodiment of the present invention may vary depending on the specific application. Dimensions indicated in the detailed description are only for illustrative purposes and are not meant to be limiting. The person skilled in the art will can also envisage that a head part with a shape other than circular one may be provided. For example, the head part may be a polygon, in particular an even-numbered polygon like a square or a hexagon.

[0237] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the stopper part 2 comprises a neck portion including the third portion 21 and the fourth portion 22, wherein the neck portion 21, 22 has a diameter that decreases along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 1 away from the head part 3 of the stopper 1. In the case of a bottle having an inner diameter of X1 mm, the neck portion 21, 22 decreases along the longitudinal axis away from the head part 3 of the stopper 1 from a value of (X4) mm1 mm to (X6) mm1 mm. In the case of a wine bottle, X is roughly equal to 18.5 mm. The inner diameter of a wine bottle may therefore vary between 17.5 mm and 19.5 mm.

[0238] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the neck portion comprises the third portion 21 having an essentially cylindrical shape and being located between the head part 3 and the fourth portion 22 along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 1. The fourth portion 22 preferably has an essentially conical shape. However, even though FIG. 1 shows the specific example of a third portion 21 having a cylindrical shape, while the fourth portion 22 has an essentially conical shape, it could also be envisaged that the neck portion decreases along the longitudinal axis away from the head part 3 of the stopper 1 along an essentially conical shape. As will be apparent from the following description, a neck portion having a third portion 21 with a cylindrical shape and a fourth portion 22 with a conical shape, as represented in FIG. 1, represents a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

[0239] In the case of a bottle having an inner diameter of X1 mm, the third portion 21 has a diameter equal to (X4) mm1 mm. The fourth portion 22 therefore decreases along the longitudinal axis away from the head part 3 of the stopper 1 from the value (X4) mm1 mm to (X6)1 mm.

[0240] As apparent from FIG. 1, the stopper part 2 comprises, after the neck portion 21, 22 along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 1, a first portion 23 and a second portion 24, the first portion 23 being located between the fourth portion 22 and the second portion 24 along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 1. The first portion 23 has an essentially cylindrical shape, and the second portion 24 has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the first portion 23. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the third portion has a diameter equal to (X6) mm1 mm, while the second portion 24 has a diameter of (X4) mm1 mm.

[0241] According to an embodiment of the invention, the stopper part 2 comprises a screw thread 25. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck portion 21, 22 comprises a plurality of screw threads 25 extending parallel to each other on the neck portion 21, 22 of the stopper part 2. Preferably, the number of screw threads is four to six, most preferably five. Each screw thread preferably extends on less than a full circumference of the neck portion 21, 22 of the stopper part 2. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, each screw thread 25 extends essentially on half a circumference of the neck portion 21, 22 of the stopper part 2.

[0242] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the neck portion of the stopper is located on an upper end of the stopper part. That is, in one embodiment, the neck portion is less than 50% of the stopper part. In another embodiment, the neck portion is less than 40% of the stopper part. In yet another embodiment, the neck portion is less than 30% of the stopper part, as seen in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the length of the neck portion is similar to the length of the first or second portions on the stopper part. In another embodiment, the neck portion is not more than 120% of the length of the first or second portions on the stopper part.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 2, and dimensions referred on the exemplary embodiment, the difference of diameter at any two cross-sections of points on the stopper part 2 is not more than 30%. Similarly, the diameter of the first portion 23 is not less than 70% of the diameter of the second portion 24 of the stopper part 2. Furthermore, the diameter of the first portion 23 of the stopper part is not less than 60% of the diameter of the screw threads on the stopper part.

[0244] The above configuration of the stopper 23 ensures that the stopper part is not too thin on any part compared to the other parts of the stopper, thereby providing higher strength to the stopper and avoiding easy breaking of the stopper, especially when made from brittle materials such as glass. Furthermore, having small changes in the shape of the stopper allows for simpler molding and manufacturing process which results in a faster, better quality and cheaper stopper.

[0245] FIG. 2 shows another side view of the stopper 1 for a bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention as represented in FIG. 1 after a rotation by 90. Further to the elements already described with respect to FIG. 1, the head part 3 comprises a pair of notches 31, 32 (only the notch 31 is shown in FIG. 2). The notches 31, 32 are formed on a lateral surface of the head part 3 at diametrically opposed positions. This specific arrangement is apparent from the top view of FIG. 5, which shows the notches 31, 32 that are arranged at diametrically opposed positions on the lateral surface of the head part 3.

[0246] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the stopper 1 for a bottle according to the first embodiment of the invention, wherein the sectional view is taken along the lines A-A represented in FIG. 2. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a longitudinal cavity 27 is formed within the stopper 1, which extends along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 10 from a upper surface of the head part 3 of the stopper 1.

[0247] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a stopper 10 for a bottle according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the longitudinal cavity 27 extends throughout the stopper 10 and opens out at the tip of the stopper 10. FIG. 4 shows that the longitudinal cavity 27 opens out through an opening 28 at the tip of the stopper part 2 of the stopper 10. The stopper 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous when used for closing a wine bottle. The cavity also acts as a filter cavity which can be used for accommodating a filter made of a material that is both liquid-impermeable and air-permeable to a certain extent. Such a filter can be manufactured, for instance, out of the Saranex material produced by Dow Chemicals, to name only one possible material. The filter is hermetically arranged at the bottom of the longitudinal cavity 27 in direct contact with the opening 28, which allows for controlling the amount of oxygen that can penetrate into the wine bottle. By doing so, the maturing process of a wine can be controlled.

[0248] By way of illustration only, the dimensions of the stopper 1, 10 according to the first and second embodiments of the invention may be as follows, wherein these dimensions, as already mentioned above, are not meant as being limiting, but rather to give the person skilled in the art indications to help him/her to carry out the embodiments of the invention.

[0249] In case of the bottle being a wine bottle, the outer diameter of the head part 3 of the stopper may be approximately 30 mm, while the length of the stopper along its longitudinal axis may be around 35 mm, when measured from the upper surface of the head part 3 to the tip of the stopper part 2. The length of the head part 3 along the longitudinal axis of the stopper may be approximately 9 mm, and the length of the stopper part 2 may therefore be approximately 26 mm. The third portion 21 of the stopper part 2 preferably has a cylindrical shape having a diameter of roughly 15 mm and a length along the longitudinal axis of the stopper of about 4 mm. The fourth portion 22 has a diameter that decreases from the third portion 21, i.e. about 15 mm, to about 13 mm, wherein the fourth portion 22 has a length along the longitudinal axis of the stopper of about 4 mm. The first portion 23 has a length along the longitudinal axis of the stopper of about 6 mm and a diameter of about 13 mm. Finally, the second portion 24 has a diameter of roughly 15 mm and a length along the longitudinal axis of the stopper of about 9 mm. Though the measurements mentioned above are exemplary embodiments, the diameter and length of the second portion is designed such that, depending on the material used, the second portion has an optimal volume and mass to ensure easy bottling, details of which are explained later in the specification. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would be able design the second portion to be of a different shape or combination of shapes, than cylindrical as described in the embodiment above, by maintaining the largest cross sectional length (or diameter) of the second portion larger than the first portion.

[0250] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the longitudinal cavity 27 has a diameter that slightly decreases along the longitudinal axis of the stopper away from the head part 3. For illustration purposes only, the diameter of the longitudinal cavity 27 at the upper surface of the head part 3 may be roughly 10 mm and the diameter at the bottom of the longitudinal cavity 27 within the stopper part 2 may be 8 mm. Further, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the cavity 27 may open out at an opening 28 that may have a diameter of 3 mm, for example.

[0251] The term opening out when used herein relates to the opening which has the access to the air, either into the bottle or out of the bottle.

[0252] Referring back to FIG. 5, it is apparent that the head part 3 comprises a pair of notches 31, 32, that are disposed on a lateral surface of the head part 3 at diametrically opposed positions. In each notch 31, 32, small protuberances 31, 32 are provided, in order to increase the friction, when a user uses his fingers, for instance his thumb and his index, to hold the notches 31, 32 for opening the bottle.

[0253] FIG. 6 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a stopper 10 for a bottle according to the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 reveals the inside of the stopper 10 and, in particular, the inside walls of the longitudinal cavity 27. It further shows the opening 28, out of which the longitudinal cavity 27 opens out from the stopper 10.

[0254] FIG. 7 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a stopper 100 for a bottle according to a third embodiment of the invention. The stopper 100 for a bottle according to the third embodiment of the invention differs from the stopper 10 for a bottle according to the second embodiment in that no opening is provided at the tip of the stopper part 2, so that the longitudinal cavity 27 does not open out at the tip of the stopper part 2. The longitudinal cavity 27 therefore only opens out at the upper surface of the head part 3, as apparent from FIG. 7.

[0255] As it will be appreciated by the skilled person, the stopper with a longitudinal cavity as described above can be implemented in any such closure system and not only for the closure systems as described above, where the stopper part comprises an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of the sealing element, and where the interlocking mechanisms are configured to permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle. For example, the cavity can advantageously be used in combination with the prior art stopper as described in EP 1 456 092 B1.

[0256] Sealing Element

[0257] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a sealing element 4 for sealing a stopper for a bottle, preferably a beverage bottle, like a wine bottle, according to the first mode of the invention. The sealing element 4 is separate from the bottle, i.e. it does not form part of the bottle, nor is it attached to the bottle. The sealing element 4 comprises a sealing part 42 for sealing a stopper part 2 of a stopper 1, 10, 100 according to an embodiment of the invention against an inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the sealed position. The sealing element 4 is formed such that the stopper part 2 of the stopper 1, 10, 100 can be introduced into it. For instance, the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 may essentially have the shape of a ring or a tube.

[0258] The sealing element 4 preferably further comprises an upper part 41 joining the sealing part 42, the upper part 41 allowing for sealing a head part 3 of a stopper 1, 10, 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention against a mouth of the bottle in a sealed position in the mouth of the bottle. The upper part 41 of the sealing element 4 extends essentially perpendicularly to the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4. This allows for a particularly secure and reliable sealing of the mouth of the bottle thanks to the stopper and the sealing element according to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the head part 3 of the stopper does not come into direct contact with the top of the mouth of the bottle, preventing that the stopper or the bottle are broken or damaged when the stopper is introduced into the mouth of the bottle with some force. Finally, this embodiment also helps to prevent that the sealing element 4 slips (deeper) into the mouth of the bottle when the stopper is introduced into the mouth and prevents damages during transport.

[0259] However, the upper part 41 exerts frictional force in the radial direction between the lower surface of the head part and the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle. However, a higher frictional force in the radial direction between the head part and the sealing element when compared to the frictional force between the sealing element and the glass bottle results in rotating the sealing element with the stopper, thereby causing the spinning of the sealing element in the bottle. Such spinning of the sealing element in the bottle makes it difficult to open the bottle by rotation of the stopper. In order to avoid this high frictional force on the upper surface, a means for reducing the rotational friction between the head part of the stopper and the upper surface of the upper part of the sealing element is provided. This means for reducing the rotational friction between the head part of the stopper and the upper surface of the upper part of the sealing element can be at least one rim which is provided on the upper surface of the upper part of the sealing element. This rim is formed as a continuous circle, thereby reducing the area of contact to the head part and thereby reducing the rotational friction between the head part of the stopper and the upper part of the sealing element.

[0260] The sealing element 4 according to an embodiment of the invention is made of a flexible and/or elastic material, such as natural rubber, bio-based and/or bio-degradable silicone, to name only a few possible materials. Preferably, a shape memory material is chosen, which enables a compression of at least parts (e.g. the sealing part 42) of the sealing element 4 in the sealed position and a decompression of at least parts (e.g. the sealing part 42) of the sealing element in the unsealed position such that the sealing element springs back into its original shape, i.e. the shape it had prior to compression, upon bringing the sealing element into the unsealed position.

[0261] The sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4, according to the embodiment of the invention, is an essentially cylindrically shaped ring having an opening at both the top and bottom ends of the sealing element. The opening on the bottom of the sealing element has a diameter which is essentially identical to the diameter of the opening on the top of the sealing element as illustrated in the cross-sectional view as seen in FIG. 9. At the most, the diameter of the opening in the bottom of the sealing element varies from a diameter of the opening on the top of the sealing element by 20%. The essentially cylindrically shaped ring with the circular openings provided on each ends of the sealing element 4 allows the stopper part of the stopper to pass through them.

[0262] These dimensions of the sealing element contribute to the design of the overall size of the sealing element in relation with the size of the stopper. In general, it is advantageous to provide a sealing element with a size which is relatively smaller than the stopper part. This is because, in the bottling process, it is easier to introduce a stopper having a relatively smaller length sealing element rather than a stopper having a longer length sealing element, since the force required to be exerted in order to seal the bottle can be applied for a relatively smaller time, thereby ensuring a faster bottling process.

[0263] In a preferred embodiment, the smaller sealing element is achieved by designing the sealing element whose length is not greater than essentially half of the length of the stopper part, as seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0264] When considering the length of the sealing element with respect to the diameter of the sealing element, it can be seen that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the length of the sealing element is not greater than the outside diameter of the sealing element. As will be understood by the person skilled the art, the outside diameter of the sealing element is essentially the same as the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle. Therefore, having the length of the sealing element equal to or not greater than 120% of its diameter results in a smaller length of the sealing element compared to the stopper.

[0265] Still referring to FIG. 8, the sealing element 4 preferably comprises two adjacent ribs 43, 44, which are formed in an outer portion of the sealing part 42, preferably located next to a junction between the upper part 41 and the sealing part 42. The two adjacent rings 43, 44 are formed, dimensioned and arranged in such a manner that they can be pressed against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle upon introducing the stopper part 2 of a stopper 1, 10, 100 according to an embodiment of the invention into the mouth of the bottle. Upon being pressed against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, the air caught between the adjacent ribs 43, 44 and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle is removed and the ribs 43, 44 adhere strongly at the surface of the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. This particularly secure and reliable adherence of the sealing element on the inner wall of the bottle ensures a particularly secure and reliable sealing of the sealing element, when the stopper part exerts pressure on the sealing element upon introduction of the stopper part into the mouth of the bottle.

[0266] For illustration purposes only, dimensions of a sealing element 4 according to an embodiment of the invention may be as follows. The upper surface of the sealing element 4 may have a width of roughly 24 mm and a lower part of the sealing element 4 may have a width of roughly 15 mm. The adjacent ribs 43, 44 may have an outer diameter, in a non-contracted state, of about 18 mm. The sealing element 4 may have a total length along the longitudinal axis of about 12 mm. Each ring 43, 44 may have a length along the longitudinal axis of the sealing element 4 of about 2.5 mm.

[0267] FIG. 9 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of the sealing element 4 for sealing a stopper 1, 10, 100 for a bottle according to an embodiment of the invention as represented in FIG. 8. The inner wall formed in the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 is apparent from FIG. 9. At least one screw thread 45 is formed on the inner wall of the sealing part 42. The inner wall of the sealing part 42 may comprise one screw thread 45 that is adapted to interact with one screw thread 25 of the stopper part 2 of a stopper 1, 10, 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner wall of the sealing part 42, however, comprises a plurality of screw threads 45 extending parallel to each other on the inner wall of the sealing part 42. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inner wall comprises four to six, preferably five screw threads 45 extending on the surface of the inner wall of the sealing part 42. Each screw thread 45 preferably extends on less than a full circumference of the inner wall of the sealing part 42. It is particularly advantageous if each screw thread extends essentially on half a circumference of the inner wall of the sealing part 42.

[0268] The screw thread 45 or the plurality of screw threads 45 arranged on the inner wall of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 is formed and dimensioned in such a manner that it corresponds to the screw thread 25 or the plurality of screw threads 25 of the stopper part 2 of a stopper 1, 10, 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0269] FIG. 10 shows a top view of a sealing element 4 for sealing a stopper for a bottle according to an embodiment of the invention. It shows the upper part 41 of the sealing element 4 from the top. The surface of the upper part 41 is the surface on which the bottom surface of the head part 3 of the stopper 1, 10, 100 according to an embodiment of the invention will lie after introduction of the stopper into the mouth of the bottle. The sealing element 4 comprises a central opening into which the stopper part 2 of a stopper according to an embodiment of the invention is to be introduced. As apparent from FIGS. 9 and 10, the diameter of the opening in the upper part 41 of the sealing element 4 is preferably larger at the level of the upper surface of the upper part 41 than it is further down within the upper part 41, in order to facilitate an introduction of the stopper part 2 of a stopper according to an embodiment of the invention. For the same reason, the diameter of the opening in the upper part 41 of the sealing element is preferably larger than the diameter of a central opening of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element.

[0270] Sealed Position

[0271] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a stopper according to an embodiment of the present invention and a sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sealed position in a mouth of a bottle (not represented). In the sealed position of the sealing element, at least a portion of the stopper part 2 of the stopper presses at least a portion of the sealing element 4 against an inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the third portion 21 of the stopper part 2 of the stopper, which has a larger diameter than the fourth portion 22 of the stopper part 2, presses the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 against an inner wall of the mouth of the bottle.

[0272] The pressing force is achieved by an appropriate selection of the dimensions of at least parts (e.g. the third portion 21) of the stopper part 2 of the stopper and at least parts (e.g. the sealing part 42) of the sealing element 4 with respect to the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle. For example, the thickness of (parts of) the sealing element is selected such that it is greater than the difference between the radius of the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle and the radius of (parts of) the stopper part 2 of the stopper. As a consequence, at least parts of the sealing element 4 are compressed in the sealed position.

[0273] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third portion 21 of the stopper part 2 has a cylindrical shape which allows for pressing the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 against the inner wall of the bottle on the whole surface of the cylindrical third portion 21 of the stopper part 2. This permits exerting a strong force onto the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 towards the inner wall of the bottle at a neck portion of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4.

[0274] As mentioned above, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two adjacent ribs 43 and 44 are arranged at this neck portion of the sealing part 42 of the stopper part 2. Hence, the cylindrical third portion 21 of the stopper part 2, by exerting a strong force onto the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4, presses the two adjacent ribs 43, 44 against the inner wall of the bottle. This enables a particularly secure and reliable adherence of the sealing element 4 on the inner wall of the bottle.

[0275] As illustrated in FIG. 11, in the sealed position the sealing part is located on an upper end of the stopper part. That is, in one embodiment the sealing part 42 is located at a height of the upper 60% of the stopper part. In another embodiment, the sealing part 42 is located at a height of the upper 50% of the stopper part. In yet another embodiment, the sealing part 42 is located at a height of up of 30% of the stopper, which is seen in FIG. 11.

[0276] Providing the sealing part on the upper end of the stopper in the sealed position allows for easier bottling and insertion into the bottle. This is because since sealing part is on the upper end of the stopper part in a sealed position, it comes in contact with the mouth of the bottle only at the last instance as compared to providing a sealing part throughout the stopper part. This result in a faster bottling process compared to other design of closure systems as it will be described later.

[0277] Unsealed Position

[0278] FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a stopper and a sealing element according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unsealed position during the process of opening the bottle. FIG. 12 shows that the third portion 21 of the stopper part 2 of the stopper does not press the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 towards the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle anymore, as was the case in the sealed position. In the sectional view of FIG. 12, the stopper protrudes out of the sealing element 4 on a distance which is essentially equal to the length of the third portion 21 of the stopper 2 along the longitudinal axis of the stopper. FIG. 12 shows that the fourth portion 22 of the stopper part 2 of the stopper is in contact with the inner wall of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 at a level corresponding to the neck portion of the sealing part 42, where the adjacent ribs 43, 44 are arranged on the outer portion of the sealing part 42.

[0279] Due to the fact that the fourth portion 22 of the stopper part 2 of the stopper has a reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the third portion 21 of the stopper part 2, the pressure exerted on the inner wall of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 at the height of the neck portion, where the adjacent ribs 43, 44 are arranged, is smaller than the pressure which was exerted by the third portion 21 of the stopper part 2 in the sealed position. Since the sealing element 4 is made out of an elastic material enabling a decompression of the sealing part 42 as a result of a reduced pressure thereon, the neck portion of the sealing part 42 retracts from the compressed (sealed) position shown in FIG. 11. Hence, the inner wall of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 is in contact with the fourth portion 22 of the stopper part 2 at the height of the neck portion of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4. The first portion 23 of the stopper part 2 is in contact with the inner wall of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 at the level of the portion of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 which is comprised between the neck portion and the end of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4.

[0280] As mentioned above, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stopper part 2 has a second portion 24, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the first portion 23. This larger diameter of the second portion (24) of the stopper part (2) ensures that in the unsealed position upon pulling the stopper 1, 10, 100 out of the mouth of the bottle, the sealing element is retained on the stopper part (2) of the stopper. In the position represented in FIG. 12, it can be seen that the end of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 abuts at the junction between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 of the stopper part 2.

[0281] Initial Sealing Action

[0282] It will now be explained how a bottle is sealed using the closure system according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, a sealing element 4 is put onto a stopper part 2 of a stopper 1, 10, 100. Preferably, the sealing element 4 is arranged on the stopper 1, 10, 100 so that the end of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 abuts with the junction between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 of the stopper part 2 of the stopper 1, 10, 100. However, the exact relative position of the stopper 1, 10, 100 with respect to the sealing element 4 may differ. Then, the stopper part 2 with the sealing element 4 arranged thereon is introduced into the mouth of the bottle until the sealed position is reached.

[0283] Preferably, the stopper part 2 is introduced on to the bottle by first dropping the stopper on to the mouth of the bottle and then pressing it. To ensure that during dropping the stopper lands in an upright longitudinal position into the mouth of the bottle, the stopper is designed to be in equilibrium when subjected to gravity. This equilibrium is achieved by designing the second portion to have adequate volume and mass by means of having an optimal length and diameter in comparison to other portions of the stopper, and considering the material used for manufacturing the stopper. However, while determining the optimal diameter, it should be considered that the diameter is neither too small nor too large. A second portion should have a larger diameter in comparison to the first portion to ensure that be sealing element is retained on the stopper at the same time, should have a adequately smaller diameter than the mouth of the bottle so as to not hinder the bottling process. Due to the fact that the neck portion 21, 22 of the stopper part 2 of the stopper 1, 10, 100 has a diameter decreasing along the longitudinal axis away from the head part 3 of the stopper 1, 10, 100, the sealing element 4 is compressed against the inner wall of the bottle, until the sealed position is reached. Alternatively or in addition to pressing, the stopper can be rotated so that the means for interacting with the sealing element pull the stopper down into the bottle mouth.

[0284] Unsealing Action

[0285] It will now be explained in detail how the sealing element can be brought by the user from the sealed position represented in FIG. 11 to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 12. By putting his/her fingers on the head part 3 of the stopper, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, preferably on notches 31, 32 of the head part 3, the user can exert a rotation of the stopper about the longitudinal axis of the stopper. While doing so, the bottle is held firmly, so that the stopper is rotated with respect to (relative to) the bottle.

[0286] However, the stopper is rotated not only with respect to (relative to) the bottle, but also with respect to (relative to) the sealing element. The bottle and the sealing element remain in place while the stopper is rotated (or vice versa). A rotation of the stopper with respect to the sealing element, which is separate from and not attached to the bottle, is achieved due to the fact that the sealing element 4 securely adheres to the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. In particular, the adhesive force between the inner wall of the sealing element 4 and the stopper part 2 is smaller than the adhesive force between the outside wall of the sealing element 4 and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. This is achieved, e.g., by the inner wall of the sealing element 4 having a lower friction coefficient on the material of the stopper (for instance glass, plastic, ceramic, or wood) than the outer wall of the sealing element 4 on the material of the bottle (for instance glass, plastic, ceramic, or wood), or by the two adjacent ribs 43, 44. In order to achieve that the inner wall of the sealing element 4 has a lower friction coefficient than the outer wall of the sealing element, the sealing element may be made of two components, or the inner wall may be coated.

[0287] Since in a preferred embodiment, the stopper part 2 comprises at least one screw thread 25 extending on the third portion 21 and the fourth portion 22 of the stopper part 2, and the sealing element 4 comprises an inner wall in the sealing part 42, which comprises at least one corresponding screw thread 45, an interaction between the screw thread 25 of the stopper part 2 and the screw thread 45 of the sealing element 4 can take place. The effect of this interaction is that the stopper is moved upwards, i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 4 and in the direction out of the mouth of the bottle, provided the rotation is exercised in the right direction. Consequently, by exerting a rotation movement about the longitudinal axis of the stopper, the user can bring the sealing element from the sealed position represented in FIG. 11 to the unsealed position represented in FIG. 12.

[0288] In the various embodiments of the present invention described herein, the dimensions of the stopper 1, 10, 100 and the sealing element 4 with respect to the diameter of the bottle mouth are selected in such a manner that the force that is exerted on the inner wall of the bottle is sufficiently large to hold the stopper in an axial and radial direction. Preferably, the dimensions of the stopper 1, 10, 100 and the sealing element 4 with respect to the diameter of the bottle mouth are selected in such a manner that the force exerted on the inner wall of the bottle is sufficiently high to eliminate the need for any additional fixing element, for example a fixing element attached to the bottle body, for fixing the stopper during transport of the bottle or during storage in a horizontal position. Further, the dimensions of the stopper 1, 10, 100 and the sealing element 4 with respect to the diameter of the bottle mouth should preferably be selected in such a manner that the force exerted on the inner wall of the bottle is such that the stopper can still be easily opened by rotating it by hand.

[0289] As outlined above, in the position represented in FIG. 12, the end of the sealing element 4 abuts at the junction between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 of the stopper part 2, due to the difference in diameter between the first portion 23 and the second portion 24. In order to completely open the bottle, the user only needs to pull the stopper along the longitudinal axis away from the bottle. By doing so, the second portion 24 of the stopper part 2 exerts a force on the end of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4 in the same pulling direction. This force will allow for removing any remaining adherence of the sealing part 42 to the inner wall of the bottle, caused, e.g., by the two adjacent ribs 43, 44. Consequently, the whole system comprising the stopper and the sealing element 4 can be easily removed from the mouth of the bottle.

[0290] Resealing Action

[0291] In order to re-seal the bottle, the user simply needs to put the system back into the mouth of the bottle and exert a rotation in the opposite direction as for opening, which will allow for screwing back the stopper part onto the sealing element 4. This rotation in the opposite direction as for opening will lead to the third portion 21 of the stopper part 2 to exert pressure on the inner wall of the sealing part 42 of the sealing element 4, thereby exerting pressure on the adjacent ribs 43, 44 and thus re-establishing the adherence to the inner wall of the bottle. Consequently, the sealing element can be brought back into a sealed position by the user by simply rotating the stopper, preferably the head part 3 of the stopper. Alternatively, the bottle can be re-closed by simply pushing the stopper part 2 with the sealing element 4 into the mouth of the bottle, with a certain force.

Other Embodiments of the First Mode of the Invention

[0292] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a stopper 200 for a bottle according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. A plurality of channels 26 are formed on the first portion 23 and the second portion 24 of the stopper part 2. These channels 26 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stopper 200 from a tip of the stopper 200. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, four channels 26 are formed on the first portion 23 and the second portion 24, wherein the channels 26 are equidistant from each other, i.e. are arranged at 90 from each other around the longitudinal axis of the stopper 200. Each channel is preferably a longitudinal channel extending from the tip of the stopper 200 on the whole second portion 24 and on most of the first portion 23. Indeed, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the channels 26 do not extend until the junction between the first portion 23 and the fourth portion 22, so as to leave a part 23 of the first portion 23 with no channels formed therein. The part 23 of the first portion 23 therefore has a diameter that is equal to the diameter of the essentially cylindrical first portion 23, as in the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention. In a bottle comprising a sparkling beverage, e.g. a sparkling wine, the channels allow for easily releasing the inner pressure within the beverage bottle.

[0293] FIG. 14 shows a side view of a stopper 300 for a bottle according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 shows a longitudinal cavity 27 in solid lines, which represents a longitudinal cavity 27 formed within the stopper 300. The longitudinal cavity 27 extends along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 300 from an upper surface of the head part 3 up to a bottom located within the stopper 300.

[0294] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the stopper 200, 300 for a bottle according to a fourth or fifth embodiment of the invention with a sealing element 4 according to an embodiment of the invention that is arranged on the stopper part 2 of the stopper 200, 300. The sealing element 4 is shown in an intermediate position in the process of being brought from the sealed position to the unsealed position by the user.

[0295] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the stopper 200, 300 as represented in FIG. 15 in a later stage of the process of bringing the sealing element into the unsealed position. FIG. 16 shows that the channels 26, in this position, enable a communication between the inside of the bottle and the outside air, since passageways exist through the openings formed between the part 23 of the first portion 23, on which the channels 26 do not extend, and the inner surface of the sealing element 4. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for an application with beverage bottles containing a sparkling wine, which has a relatively high inner pressure within the bottle, which may be as high as 5 to 7 bars for Champagne wines, for instance, under normal temperature conditions, or even higher at a higher temperature. This embodiment enables the pressure to be released into the outside air using the channels 26 as passageways. Depending on the speed of opening the bottle, the inner pressure within the bottle will be released more or less slowly. If the bottle is opened in a slow manner, passageways between the part 23 of the first portion 23 and the inner surface of the sealing element 4 are created in a slow manner, which leads to a slow pressure release. On the other hand, if the bottle is opened quickly by the user, relatively large passageways are created between the part 23 of the first portion 23 and the inner surface of the sealing element 4, so that the inner pressure is vented, thereby leading to a characteristic plop sound.

[0296] Second Mode of the Invention

[0297] A second mode of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 17 to 23.

[0298] Stopper

[0299] FIGS. 17a and 17b show a cross sectional side view of a stopper 410 for a bottle according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The stopper 410 comprises a stopper part 412 for introduction into a mouth of a bottle and a head part 413 joining the stopper part 412 via a neck portion. As apparent from FIGS. 17a and 17b, the stopper part 412 comprises, after the neck portion along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 410, a first portion 414 and a second portion 415, the first portion 414 being located above the second portion 415 along the longitudinal axis of the stopper 410. The first portion 414 has an essentially cylindrical shape, and the second portion 415 has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the first portion 414.

[0300] The head part 413 of the stopper 410 and the neck portion may be defined as above with respect to the first mode of the invention. The dimensions of the stopper and the shape of the head part may be similar as described above with respect to the first mode of the invention. Likewise, the stopper part may comprise an interlocking mechanism, e.g. in the form of a screw thread 416 or a plurality of screw threads 416 extending parallel to each other, as described with respect to the first mode, which may extend less than a full circumference of the stopper portion 412, preferably on half a circumference of the stopper part 412.

[0301] In a preferred embodiment, as can be seen from FIGS. 17a and 17b, the difference of diameter at any two cross-section of points on the stopper part 412 is not more than 30%. Similarly the diameter of the first portion 414 is not less than 70% of the diameter of the second portion 415 of the stopper part 412. Furthermore, the diameter of the first portion 414 of the stopper part is not less than 60% of the diameter of the screw threads 416 on the stopper part 414. The advantages of providing a stopper part with a relatively uniform diameter have been explained earlier.

[0302] In the sixth embodiment of the invention as seen in FIG. 17a, the one or more screws threads are broken by two flat surfaces 417 which are formed on the longitudinal direction of the stopper, thereby leading to a breaking of the threading into two halves. This breaking is designed such that any parting lines are formed on the plane surface rather than on the threading. As it is known to a person skilled in the art, parting lines may be formed during the process of pressed glass manufacturing due to the use of two separate molds. The formation of these parting lines on the one or more screw threads may cause undesirable additional friction during rotation. Therefore, providing a plain surface where the parting lines are formed causes the screw threads to be free of parting lines and thus avoids undesirable friction.

[0303] Similar to the embodiment provided in FIG. 2, the stopper 410 of the present embodiment represented in FIG. 20 comprises a pair of notches 413a, 413b. The notches are formed on a lateral surface of the head part 413 at diametrically opposed positions. The notches are provided to facilitate the holding of the head part with the fingers to allow rotating. In the sixth embodiment of the invention, the design of the head part is circular; however, it may differ from the above mentioned configuration to include other shapes and sizes, such as a polygon with multiple sides. The advantage of having a polygonal shaped head part is that it does not require additional notches for providing a holding grip.

[0304] The head part can also be provided with a storage cavity 417 as seen in FIG. 17b. This storage 417 cavity is designed such that it is capable of holding materials such as sheets with informational literature, or any other items used, e.g., for marketing purposes. The sheets can be made of paper, but are preferably made from a polymer, to tolerate deformation of the material such as folding and crumpling. The cavity provided on top of the head part has a polygonal cross section and preferably is a square or other rectangle. The depth of the storage cavity 417 is designed such that, for a given cross-section of the cavity, the volume of the cavity is maximized. In one embodiment, the depth of the storage cavity 417 is at least 50% of the height of the head part. In another embodiment, the depth of the storage cavity is at least 60% of the height of the head part. In yet another embodiment, the depth of the storage cavity is at least 70% of the height of the head part. These depths are selected such that there is a decent balance between providing the storage cavity with maximizing the storage volume, as well as avoiding making the corners on the head part unstable due to the lesser volume of material on the stopper due to the deeper cavity.

[0305] To maximize the volume of the cavity, the diagonal length of the cross-section of the cavity when viewed from the top is at least 70% of the length of a diagonal of the upper surface of the head part. This storage cavity is large enough to accommodate an object, such as a folded paper as described earlier, at least having a height of 5 mm and a length of 10 mm. Preferably, the storage cavity is large enough to store an object having a height of 7 mm and a length of 15 mm.

[0306] The dimensions of a square storage cavity 417 formed on the head portion are, e.g., 7.7 mm in height (depth) and 17.3 mm in width. The advantage of having a square cavity portion is that it is shaped to utilize efficiently the space to hold a folded sheet, and it also provides sufficient non-cavity area on the surface of the head part for an adhesive and therefore provides a better holding of a cover with the head part.

[0307] Preferably, the cavity is covered on the top to hold the materials placed inside the cavity by means of a cover 460. This cover could be in form of a coin such as a muselet, having a circular or other preferred shape to cover the cavity, or it can be in form of a tamper proof element 450. In order to accommodate the cover, the upper surface of the head part is provided with a recess having dimensions such that it can hold the cover on the upper surface without moving. This recess also provides a flush finish on the upper surface of the head part when the cover is placed. The cover is held on to the head part by an adhesive.

[0308] As it will be appreciated by the skilled person, the stopper with a storage cavity as described above can be implemented in any such closure system and not only for the closure systems as described above, where the stopper part comprises an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of the sealing element, and where the interlocking mechanisms are configured to permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle. For example, the cavity can advantageously be used in combination with the prior art stopper as described in EP 1 456 092 B1.

[0309] The stopper 410 of the present embodiment may also contain a cavity extending in the longitudinal direction into the stopper 412, similar to that one provided in the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4, instead of or in addition to the cavity on the head part. This longitudinal cavity 417b as illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23 opens out at the tip of the stopper. This longitudinal cavity 417b opens out at the top to a filter cavity 417a which has a diameter larger than the diameter of the longitudinal cavity.

[0310] The filter cavity 417a is used for accommodating a filter made of a material that is both liquid-impermeable and air-permeable to a certain extent. Such a filter can be manufactured, for instance, out of the Saranex material produced by Dow Chemicals, to name only one possible material. The filter is hermetically arranged at the bottom of the longitudinal cavity 27 in direct contact with the opening 28, which allows for controlling the amount of oxygen that can penetrate into the wine bottle. By doing so, the maturing process of a wine can be controlled.

[0311] In the preferred embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 17b, the diameter of the longitudinal cavity 417b at a given cross-section is not greater than 30% of the diameter of the stopper part. This is in order to provide a small opening for air to reach the filter and maturity measurement. Too large an opening might provide too much air and also weaken the stopper due to the hollow cavity.

[0312] As it will be appreciated by the skilled person, the stopper with a longitudinal cavity and filter cavity as described above can be implemented in any such closure system and not only for the closure systems as described above, where the stopper part comprises an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of the sealing element, and where the interlocking mechanisms are configured to permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle. For example, the cavities can advantageously be used in combination with the prior art stopper as described in EP 1 456 092 B1.

[0313] In addition to the cavity, an opening may also be provided to the stopper 410, similar to that as described in second embodiment of FIG. 4. In addition to the above, a skilled person may also provide channels on the stopper of the present embodiment in accordance with the description provided in the fourth embodiment described in FIG. 13.

[0314] According to the sixth embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 20, a sealing element 440 for sealing a stopper for a bottle, preferably a beverage bottle, like a wine bottle is described. The sealing element 440 is separate from the bottle, i.e. it does not form part of the bottle, nor is it attached to the bottle.

[0315] Sealing Element

[0316] According to the sixth embodiment of the invention, the sealing element comprises at least two different components. In the exemplary embodiment represented with respect to FIG. 20, the sealing element 440 is made of a first component 430 and a second component 420. The advantage of providing different components is that each component can comply with different specifications. It is possible to have different components specifically designed to perform different functions, thereby overcoming limitations of many single components. For example, the two components can be made of different materials having different frictional coefficients. Furthermore, the components can be designed to interface with the different parts of the stopper or mouth of the bottle as required. In the sixth embodiment, the first component 430 of the sealing element, which interfaces the stopper part 412 and carries the interlocking means 435 of the sealing element 440, is designed of a material like plastic, which has a relatively low friction coefficient and is relatively hard, so it engages well with the interlocking means 416 on the stopper part 412 and facilitates easier movement of the stopper during sealing and unsealing action as it will be explained later. On the other hand, the second component 420, which is in contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, and which performs the sealing function, has a relatively high friction coefficient and is relatively flexible.

[0317] Because in the sixth embodiment, as will be described below, the first component is located at least partially inside the second component, the first component of the sealing element in this embodiment of the second mode will be called the inner component, and the second component of the sealing element will be called the outer component. However, other configurations are possible, in which the second component is located, e.g., above the first component, and sealing is performed by the first component moving up and thereby compressing the second component in longitudinal direction of the stopper, and thus pressing the second component against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle.

[0318] Outer Component of the Sealing Element

[0319] FIG. 18 shows the outer component 420 of the sealing element. This outer component 420 is formed such that the stopper part 412 of the stopper 410 with the inner component of the sealing element on it can be introduced into it. It comprises a sealing part 422 for sealing the stopper part 412 of the stopper 410 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the sealed position. This sealing part 422 may essentially have the shape of a ring or a tube.

[0320] The outer component 420 of the sealing element preferably further comprises an upper part 421 joining the sealing part 422. The upper part 421 provides sealing of the head part 413 against the mouth of the bottle in the sealed position. It extends essentially perpendicularly to the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420. This allows for a particularly secure and reliable sealing of the mouth of the bottle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the head part 413 of the stopper does not come into direct contact with the top of the mouth of the bottle, preventing the stopper or the bottle to be broken or damaged when the stopper is introduced into the mouth of the bottle with some force. Finally, this embodiment also helps to prevent that the sealing element 440 slips (deeper) into the mouth of the bottle when the stopper is introduced into the mouth and prevents damages during transport. However, the upper part 421 exerts frictional force in the radial direction between the lower surface of the head part and the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle. A higher frictional force in the radial direction between the head part and the sealing element when compared to the frictional force between the sealing element and the glass bottle results in rotating the sealing element with the stopper, thereby causing spinning the sealing element in the bottle. Such spinning of the sealing element in the bottle makes it difficult to open the bottle by rotation. In order to avoid this high frictional force on the upper surface, a means for reducing the rotational friction between the head part of the stopper and the upper surface of the upper part of the sealing element is provided. This means for reducing the rotational friction between the head part of the stopper and the upper surface of the upper part of the sealing element in a preferred embodiment is a rim 427 which is provided on the upper surface of the upper part of the sealing element. This rim 427 is formed as a continuous circle thereby reducing the area of contact to the head part and thereby reducing the rotational friction between the head part of the stopper and the upper part of the sealing element.

[0321] The outer component 420 of the sealing element is made of a relatively flexible material such as plastic or rubber. Preferably, a shape memory material having flexible material may be chosen, which enables a deformation of at least parts (e.g. the sealing part 422) of the outer component 420 in the sealed position and a decompression of at least parts (e.g. the sealing part 422) of the outer component in the unsealed position such that the outer component springs back into its original shape, i.e. the shape it had prior to compression, upon bringing the sealing element into the unsealed position.

[0322] The outer component 420 of the sealing element 440, according to this embodiment of the invention has an essentially cylindrically shaped ring having openings at both its top and bottom ends. The opening on the bottom of the sealing element has a diameter which is essentially identical to the diameter of the opening on the top of the sealing element. At the most, the diameter of the opening in the bottom of the sealing element varies from the diameter of the opening on the top of the sealing element by 20%, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view as seen in FIG. 18. As it will be described later, a somewhat larger diameter on the bottom end as compared to the top end can facilitate the inner component of the sealing element to achieve the sealed position. The circular openings provided on each end of the sealing element 4 to allows the inner component 430 of the sealing element and the stopper part of the stopper to pass through them.

[0323] The dimensions of the outer component contribute to the design of the overall size of the sealing element in relation with the size of the stopper. In general, it is advantageous to provide a sealing element with an outer component having a size which is relatively smaller than the stopper part, for the reasons discussed above.

[0324] In a preferred embodiment, the smaller outer component of the sealing element is achieved the outer component having a length which is not greater than essentially half of the length of the stopper part, as seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20.

[0325] When considering the length of the outer component 420 of the sealing element with respect to the diameter of the outer component 420, it can be seen that in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, the length of the sealing element is not greater than the outside diameter of the sealing element. As to be understood by the person skilled the art from the figures, the outside diameter of the outer component 420 of the sealing element 440 is essentially the same as the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle. Therefore, having the length of the outer component of the sealing element equal to or not greater than 120% of the outer diameter of the sealing element also results in a smaller length of the sealing element compared to the stopper.

[0326] The outer component 420 of the sealing element 440 preferably comprises ribs which are formed in an outer portion of the sealing part 422. In the sixth embodiment of the invention, three adjacent ribs 423, 424, 425 are provided. The adjacent ribs 423, 424, 425 are formed, dimensioned and arranged in such a manner that they can be pressed against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle.

[0327] Upon being pressed against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, an under-pressure or suction force is formed in one or more areas between the ribs on the sealing part and the inner wall of the mouth. This creates a particularly secure and reliable adherence of the sealing element on the inner wall of the bottle and ensures a particularly secure and reliable sealing of the bottle. Preferably, the ribs have a substantially saw tooth cross section, as seen in FIG. 18. This provides a smaller diameter of entry into the mouth of the bottle, thereby allowing easier insertion into the bottle.

[0328] Preferably, the inner wall of the outer component 420 of the sealing element has a sealing region 426, which in the present invention is preferably at least one grove. The groove runs along the entire circumference of the inner wall to form a lip 426 and is positioned such that it can accommodate the neck portion of the stopper 410 to provide a further sealing between the outer component 420 and the stopper 410. The sealing region is preferably placed on the upper side of the second component 420 of sealing element.

[0329] Inner Component of the Sealing Element

[0330] The inner component 430 of the sealing element is shown in FIG. 19 (in a bigger scale than the outer component of FIG. 18). It carries the interlocking means 435 of the sealing element 440 and contains a spreading element which is used for spreading the outer component 420 of the sealing element against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The spreading element of the inner component 430 in accordance with the sixth embodiment is essentially a cylindrical shaped nut which is formed such that it can be at least partially introduced between the outer component 420 of the sealing element 440 and the stopper part 412.

[0331] The inner component of the sealing element 430 is preferably made of a hard and firm material having low elasticity, such as plastic, wood, glass or other such materials. In principle, any firm material may be chosen which undergoes low compression in the sealed position, and preferably remains in its original shape during and after sealing.

[0332] The inner wall of the inner component 430 comprises an interlocking mechanism in the form of a screw thread, or several (preferably two) screw threads 435 extending parallel to each other. The screw thread 435 or the plurality of screw threads 435 arranged on the inner wall of the inner component 430 is formed and dimensioned in such a manner that it corresponds to the screw thread 416 or the plurality of screw threads 416 of the stopper part 410. The screw threads on the inner component 430 and the corresponding stopper part 412 should be made such that spacing between them is exactly adequate for interlocking, thereby ensuring a low tolerance between them. Preferably, a locking means is provided on the upper end of the screw threads of the inner component 430 which ensures that the inner component is not entirely screwed out of the screw thread of the stopper.

[0333] Preferably, the outer surface of the inner component 430 is divided into two portions, an upper portion 431 and a lower portion 432. The outer surface of the upper portion 431 has a diameter increasing from the top towards the bottom and thereby forming a spreading element. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the cross-section of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 of the sealing element 440 has a conical shape.

[0334] Preferably, the upper portion 431 is separated from the lower portion 432 by a protrusion 433 along the circumference of the inner component 430. This protrusion 433 forms the upper end of the lower portion 432. Therefore, in the border region between the lower portion 432 and the upper portion 431, the lower portion 432 has a relatively larger diameter than the upper portion 431. The protrusion 433 is provided such that, when the inner component 430 is introduced between the outer component 420 and the stopper part 412, the protrusion 433 ensures that the outer component 420 is held on the inner component 430 and does not slip away into the bottle.

[0335] The outer surface of the upper portion preferably contains a gripping means 436, to provide additional frictional force between the inner component and the outer component, the purpose of which will be explained later in the description.

[0336] Preferably, the lower portion 432 of the inner component comprises a spring 437 formed by two circular flanges with partial spiral windings. These springs have an inner circular diameter smaller than the second portion of the stopper to ensure that the inner component does not come off the stopper part 412. This also ensures that even when the stopper is screwed with force, it does not affect the interlocking mechanism on the stopper and the inner component since the spring dampens the force exerted on the inner component. When the spring is in contact with the second portion 415 of the stopper, it pushes the inner component in the upward direction thereby ensuring that the inner component is screwed back to the interlocking mechanism of the stopper. The springs 437 are connected to the lower portion 432 by means of a breakpoint means 438 which break when the inner component is assembled onto the stopper. The lower end of the lower portion 432 of the first component is tapered to enable easy introduction of an assembled system having the stopper and the sealing element into the mouth of the bottle.

[0337] Sealed Position

[0338] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the stopper 410, the outer component 420 of the sealing element and the inner component 430 of the sealing element, according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in the sealed position in the mouth of the bottle. In this position, the inner component 430 of the sealing element is partially inside the outer component 420 of the sealing element, to such an extent that it presses the outer component against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 21, the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 presses the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420 of the sealing element 440 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. As described earlier, the upper portion 431 which forms a spreading element has an increasing diameter, thereby forming a conical shape. To accommodate the conically shaped spreading element, the outer component also has a conical inner shape. This is provided in order to uniformly spread the outer component against the mouth of the bottle, in order to achieve sealed position. The conical inner shape of the outer component also facilitates entering of the inner component into the outer component.

[0339] The pressing force is achieved by an appropriate selection of the dimensions of at least parts (e.g. the upper portion 431) of the inner component 430 and at least parts (e.g. the sealing part 422) of the sealing element 420 with respect to the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle. For example, the thickness of (parts of) the outer component 420 of the sealing element 440 is selected such that it is greater than the difference between the radius of the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle and the radius of (parts of) the inner component 430. As a consequence, at least parts of the outer component 420 of the sealing element are compressed in the sealed position.

[0340] In the various embodiments of the present invention described herein, the dimensions of the stopper part 412, the inner component 430 and the sealing part 422 with respect to the diameter of the bottle mouth are selected in such a manner that the force that is exerted on the inner wall of the bottle is sufficiently large to hold the stopper in an axial and radial direction in the sealed position. Preferably, the dimensions of the stopper, inner component 430 and the sealing part with respect to the diameter of the bottle mouth are selected in such a

[0341] manner that the force exerted on the inner wall of the bottle is sufficiently high to eliminate the need for any additional fixing element, for example a fixing element attached to the bottle body, for fixing the stopper during transport of the bottle or during storage in a horizontal position.

[0342] As described earlier, the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 has an increasing diameter and presses the sealing part 422 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The adjacent ribs 423, 424 and 425 arranged on the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420 are forced against the inner wall of the bottle by the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430. The shape memory capable flexible material of the outer component 420 ensures that the ribs have the tendency to go back to their original shape, thereby building up an under-pressure or suction force in one or more areas between the sealing part and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. This under-pressure or suction force enables a particularly secure and reliable adherence of the sealing element 420 with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. Further in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the invention, lip 426 on the inner wall of the outer component of the sealing element 420 preferably engages with the neck portion of the stopper 410 to provide further sealing.

[0343] As illustrated in FIG. 21, in the sealed position the sealing part is located on an upper end of the stopper. That is, the sealing part 422 is located at a height of the upper 60% of the stopper part. In another embodiment, the sealing part 42 is located at a height of the upper 50% of the stopper part. In yet another embodiment, the sealing part 422 is located at a height of up of 30% of the stopper.

[0344] Providing the sealing part 422 on the upper end of the stopper is advantageous for the reasons discussed above.

[0345] Unsealed Position

[0346] FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing the stopper 410, the inner component 430 and the outer component 420 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in an unsealed position during the process of opening the bottle. As can be seen in FIG. 23, the lower part of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 does not press the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420 of the sealing element towards the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. Furthermore, the screw treads 416 on the stopper part 412 are not completely screwed with the corresponding threads 435 of the inner component 430. Therefore, the stopper 410 protrudes from the inner and outer component of the sealing element and the mouth of the bottle.

[0347] Since the upper part of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 has a reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the lower part of the upper portion 431, the pressure exerted on the sealing part 422 having the adjacent ribs 423, 424 and 425 is lesser than the pressure which was exerted by the lower part of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 in the sealed position. As a result of a reduced pressure on the outer component 420, the sealing part 422 retracts from the compressed (sealed) position shown in FIG. 21 to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 23.

[0348] Although part of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 is under the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420, there is hardly any pressure exerted on the sealing part. This is because the sealing part 422 is not entirely in contact with the inner component 430, (i.e. the upper end of the sealing part 422 is not in contact with the inner component, and the lower end of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430 is not in contact with the sealing element).

[0349] As mentioned earlier, the stopper part 412 has a second portion 415 below the first part 414, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the stopper part 412. This larger diameter of the second portion 415 ensures that when pulling the stopper 410 out of the mouth of the bottle, the outer component 420 and the inner component 430 of the sealing element 440 are retained on the stopper part 412. As seen in FIG. 23, the lower portion of the inner component 430 abuts at the junction between the first section 414 and the second section 415.

[0350] Unsealing Action

[0351] It will now be explained in detail how the sealing element can be brought by the user from the sealed position shown in FIG. 21 to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 23. The unsealing action as described herein does not include removal of any external packing, such as shrink-wraps or any outer covers placed on the stopper. The unsealing action comprises only the necessary steps intended to remove the stopper from the mouth of the bottle in accordance with the present invention. According to the present embodiment, the unsealing action starts with rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle, for unscrewing it. The user places his fingers on the head part 413 of the stopper 410, preferably on notches 413a, 413b of the head part 413, and exerts a rotating force on the stopper about the longitudinal axis of the stopper. While doing so, the bottle is held firmly by the user so that only the stopper is rotated, and not the bottle.

[0352] In the sealed position, the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420 is pressed against the wall of the bottle, thereby producing high frictional force. Therefore, the outer component 420 of the sealing element remains in place while the stopper part 412 is rotated with respect to the bottle. Also the inner component 430 of the sealing element remains in place because a gripping means 436 is provided on the outer surface of the upper portion 431 of the inner component 430, which provides a friction in the rotating direction, so that the outer component of the sealing element holds the inner component in rotational direction during rotation of the stopper.

[0353] The outer component 420 of the sealing element is made of materials having higher frictional coefficient than the materials of the inner component 430. The frictional force exerted by the sealing part 422 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle is also governed by the design of its outer surface. Especially the adjacent ribs 423, 424 and 425 provided on the sealing part 422, when compressed, provide an under-pressure or suction force against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle.

[0354] The screw thread 416 on the stopper part 412 interacts with the corresponding screw threads 435 on the inner wall of the inner component 430. This interaction will have the effect that the stopper part is unscrewed and moves up, away from the top of the mouth of the bottle and the sealing element 440, which is retained in the sealed position due to high frictional and gripping force. This movement of the stopper away from the top of the mouth and the sealing element 440 introduces a space between the head part 413 of the stopper and the mouth of the bottle and the sealing element 440, as can be seen in FIG. 22.

[0355] The unscrewing of the stopper, away from the inner and outer component, has the effect that the neck portion of the stopper is not in contact with the lip 426 of the outer component of the sealing element any more, thereby already slightly releasing the frictional or adhesive force between the outer component 430 of the sealing element 440 and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. However, it is still strong enough to firmly hold the sealing element 440 in the mouth of the bottle (and indirectlythrough the screw threads 416, 435 also the stopper). Therefore, in FIG. 22, the sealing element is still in an at least partially sealed position.

[0356] In accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, after unscrewing the stopper 410 as described above, the user pushes the stopper back into the mouth of the bottle. Since the screw threads provided on the stopper part 412 and the inner component 430 of the sealing element provide an interlocking hold, the extent of the push administered on the stopper is transferred onto the inner component 430, thereby pushing it to similar extent into the mouth of the bottle.

[0357] While the inner component 430 of the sealing element is pushed into the mouth of the bottle, the outer component 420 remains fix. Therefore, the inner component 430 is partially moved out of the outer component 420 of the sealing element, so that after the push, only the upper part of the upper portion of the inner component is pressing the sealing part 422 against the mouth of the bottle. This results in the inner component 430 applying less pressure on the sealing part 422, therefore reducing the frictional or adhesive force applied by the sealing part 422 on the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The release of the pressure is further increased by the fact that, as described earlier, the upper part of the upper portion of the inner component, which after pushing remains inside the outer component of the sealing element, has a smaller diameter than the lower part. All this has the effect that the push results in bringing the sealing element from the at least partially sealed position represented in FIG. 22 to the unsealed position represented in FIG. 23.

[0358] Consequently, by unscrewing the stopper followed by a push of the stopper into the bottle, the user can bring the sealing element from the sealed position represented in FIG. 21 to the unsealed position represented in FIG. 23.

[0359] As outlined above, in the position represented in FIG. 23, the end of the sealing element abuts at the junction between the first portion 414 and the second portion 415 of the stopper part 412, due to the difference of diameter between the spring 437 of the sealing element 440 and the second portion 415 of the stopper part 412. In order to completely open the bottle, the user only needs to pull the stopper out of the bottle after unsealing. His pulling force will allow for removing any remaining adherence of the sealing part to the inner wall of the bottle, caused, e.g., by the adjacent ribs. Consequently, the whole system comprising the stopper 410 and the sealing element 440 can be easily removed from the mouth of the bottle.

[0360] In case the outer component 420 contains only the sealing part 422, a vertical movement made on the stopper might push the outer component further into the mouth of the bottle, due to the absence of an upper part 421. However, it is not moved to the same extent as the inner component, due to the higher frictional force between the sealing part 422 and the mouth of the bottle compared to the frictional force between the inner component 430 and the outer component 420. Therefore, release of pressure may be smaller, and there may still be some frictional force between the mouth of the bottle and the outer component 420. In such a case, the glass stopper 410 is then wriggled out to a certain extend and again pushed into the mouth of the bottle. This repeated action of wriggling the stopper 410 and pushing it in leads to a release of under-pressure between the ribs and the inner wall of bottle, therefore reducing the frictional force and enabling removing of the stopper from the bottle.

[0361] Resealing Action

[0362] In order to reseal the bottle, the user simply puts the stopper 410 along with the sealing element 440 back into the mouth of the bottle until the sealing element (440) is inside the mouth of the bottle and the upper part 421 of the outer component touches the mouth of the bottle. The user then rotates the stopper in the opposite direction as for opening. The spring 437 on the inner component 430 of the sealing element pushes the inner component 430 up, thereby enabling engagement of the screw threads 435 of the inner component 430 with the threads 416 of the stopper part 412, in case engagement was lost. The rotation allows for screwing back the stopper part 412 onto the screw thread 435 of the inner component 430. In accordance with the sixth embodiment, this rotation will lead to the inner component 430 moving up, towards the head part 413 of the stopper, thereby moving inside the outer component 420 along the stopper part 412. When being reintroduced into the outer component, the increasing diameter of the upper portion of the inner component 430 results in pressing the sealing part back against the wall of the mouth of the bottle. The protrusion 433 on the inner component 430 ensures that the outer component 420 stays on top of the inner component and does not slide over it.

[0363] Tamper Proof Element for a Closure System of the Present Invention

[0364] In another embodiment of the invention, a tamper proof element for the closure system of the present invention is provided. When the system is in a fully assembled state, this tamper proof element 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 allows the user to find out whether the stopper has been rotated with respect to the sealing element, whereby in the preferred embodiments the stopper also moves upwards with respect to the sealing element, or if the stopper has been pulled away from the sealing element. The tamper proof element 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 with respect to the sealing element from its fully assembled state, the tamper proof element is broken.

[0365] This connection between the tamper proof element 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 and the sealing element 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.

[0366] Multiple types of connections are provided for both connections; thereby it provides a foolproof tamper proof element which performs it function even if one type of connection fails. Furthermore since different types of connections a possible, a simpler and cheaper type of connection can be utilized for the tamper proof element in order to reduce bottling costs.

[0367] FIG. 24a to 24e show a tamper proof element according to a preferred implementation of the tamper proof element.

[0368] The tamper proof element 450 comprises a ring 451 as illustrated in the FIGS. 24a to 24e. In a preferred embodiment, the ring is round. However, as it can be seen by the person skilled in the art, the ring may be implemented in other shapes such as a polygon or a hexagon.

[0369] In the preferred embodiment of the ring being round ring, the inner diameter of the ring 451 is greater than to the outer diameter of the sealing element 440. This inner diameter is provided such that it is possible for the sealing part of the sealing element to penetrate the ring as will be explained later. Similarly, the outer diameter of the ring is not greater than the outer diameter of the stopper. This outer diameter is provided such that the ring of the tamper proof element stays underneath the head part of the stopper when the stopper part is introduced through the ring 451 of the tamper proof element. This forms at least an interlocking connection in the axial direction and a frictional connection in the radial direction.

[0370] The tamper proof element 450 further comprises one or more strips 452 connected to and extending to the outside of the ring. In the preferred embodiment, the tamperproof element 450 comprises two strips 452a and 452b. The strips have a length such that they can be connected with the head part of the stopper.

[0371] FIG. 25a illustrates the tamper proof element 450 connected to the sealing element. The ring 451 of the tamperproof element is located on the stopper part of the stopper below the upper part of the sealing element. Since the diameter of the ring is smaller than the upper part of the sealing element, the tamperproof element 450 stays interconnected to the sealing element 440 when the sealing element is placed through the ring 451. This forms an interlocking connection between the tamperproof element 450 and the sealing element 440. However, additional connection might be provided between the tamper proof element and the sealing element such as an adhesive to provide an adhesive connection.

[0372] FIG. 25b illustrates how the tamper proof element 450 is connected to the stopper 410. As seen in the figure, when the system is fully assembled, the strips 452a, 452b are wrapped around the lateral surface on the notch 413a, 413b of the head part 413 of the stopper 410 all the way to the upper surface of the head part 413 of the stopper. The notches on the sides provide additional interlocking and frictional connection between the tamperproof element and the head portion of the stopper in radial direction. The ends of the strips which meet on the upper surface are joined together and glued by means of an adhesive, thereby forming an interlocking connection with the head part of the stopper in axial direction. As a person skilled in the art will understand, the ends of the strip may be not joined together, and therefore they can also be glued either onto the lateral surface or onto the upper surface of the stopper, depending on the length of the strip, thereby forming an adhesive connection with the head part of the stopper.

[0373] Alternatively, the strips may also be merely wrapped onto the upper surface of the head portion and covered by means of a cover 460, which is then glued on the upper surface. In this case, the cover 460 becomes a part of tamper proof element. In other words, the tamper proof element can comprise more than one element. FIG. 25c illustrates a fully assembled system with the tamper proof element 450 and the cover 460.

[0374] The tamper proof element is preferably made from thin materials such as aluminium sheet or a tin foil material or plastic, such that it is soft enough to be broken easily when opening, but hard enough to withstand normal wear and tear during transportation.

[0375] As illustrated in FIG. 25d, the tamper proof element which is connected to the fully assembled system is broken when the stopper is rotated in comparison to the sealing element. This broken tamperproof element helps the user to find out whether the stopper has been moved in relation to the sealing element, thereby signifying that the closure system has been opened from the sealed bottle.

[0376] Bottling

[0377] It will now be explained how a bottle is initially sealed using the closure system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. First, the inner component 430 of the sealing element is introduced into the sealing part 422 of the outer component 420, such that the inner component is at least partially inside the outer component 420. The combined sealing element 440 is then introduced onto the stopper part 412 of a stopper 410 by screwing the sealing element 440 onto the stopper. The lower end of the inner component 430 comprises an assembly grip 434 as seen in FIG. 19, which allows an assembly unit to screw the sealing element 440 onto the stopper, preferably all the way up. At this stage, the closure system is fully assembled, such that the stopper and the sealing element are in the same configuration as in the sealed position, however not yet bottled. In particular, in the fully assembled state, the sealing element is expanded, so that when the stopper with the sealing element assembled onto it is pushed into the bottle, the sealed position is reached without the need to rotate the stopper. Furthermore, in the fully assembled state, the outer component is expanded when the inner component is introduced, and in this stretched state it is shipped for bottling. This pre-expanded stretched system allows for easier bottling since the stress on the stretched component is less.

[0378] The tamperproof element is then introduced to the fully assembled system such that the system passes through the ring of the tamperproof element. The strips of the tamperproof element are then wrapped around the head portion as described earlier, and the cover is placed on the upper surface of the head portion.

[0379] The fully assembled system with the stopper part 412 and the sealing element 440 along with the tamper proof element 450 arranged thereon is then introduced into the mouth of the bottle and pressed until the sealed position is reached. Since the fully assembled closure system according to this invention can simply be pressed into the bottle during the bottling process without the need to perform any other action, it allows for a faster and simpler bottling.

[0380] Preferably, the stopper part 412 along with the sealing element 440 is introduced into the bottle by first dropping the stopper into the mouth of the bottle and then pushing it. To ensure that during dropping the stopper lands in an upright longitudinal position in the mouth of the bottle, the stopper is designed to be in equilibrium when subjected to gravity. This equilibrium is achieved by designing the second portion 415 to have adequate volume and mass, by means of having an optimal length and diameter in comparison to other portions of the stopper, and by considering the material used for manufacturing the stopper. The diameter should be neither too small nor too large. A second portion 415 should have a larger diameter in comparison to the first portion 414 to ensure that be sealing element is retained on the stopper. At the same time, the second portion 415 should have adequately smaller diameter than the mouth of the bottle so as to not hinder the bottling process. Furthermore, the fully assembled system has an overall conical shape to enable easy introduction of the system into the bottle. This result is furthered by the lower end of the inner component 430 having a tapered end.

[0381] It is to be noted once more that the fully assembled closure system with the tamperproof element can be bottled just by pressing and does not require rotating the stopper into the mouth of the bottle to achieve a sealed position. Since it does not require any complex method for bottling, it does not require complex and expensive bottling machinery, thereby reduces the overall cost of bottling.

[0382] Since the tamperproof element only requires a connection between the sealing element and the stopper, it can be used on a system having a sealing element and stopper in order to determine if the stopper has been moved with respect to the sealing element. Therefore, as can be envisaged by a person skilled in the art, the tamperproof element as described herein can be implemented on any system comprising such a stopper separate sealing element which can be assembled outside the bottle, and it is not limited to the stopper and sealing element as described in the context of the present invention.

[0383] Bottle/System with Special Mouth

[0384] In another embodiment of the invention, a bottle for use with the closure system of the present invention is provided.

[0385] FIG. 26a illustrates a top view of the bottle according to an embodiment of the invention. A ridge or a wall is formed on the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle. This ridge is circular and runs around the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle to cover the entire perimeter of the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle. That is, the ridge runs along the total circular portion of the upper surface to complete itself back at the starting position.

[0386] However, as can be seen in FIG. 26a, the ridge can be broken (interrupted) at a number of different positions. In the present embodiment, the ridge is broken at two positions to form two substantially semicircular parts of the ridge, and the breaks provide two areas of the upper surface of the mouth of the bottle without a ridge or wall, the purpose of which will be explained subsequently.

[0387] The ridge is placed substantially away from the inner circumference of the mouth of the bottle. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 26a and 26b, the ridge is placed on the outer extreme, such that the outer circumference of the outer side of the mouth of the bottle is in flush with the outer side of the mouth of the bottle. FIG. 26c shows a side view of the bottle showing the bottle neck and the ridge being flush.

[0388] FIG. 26b illustrates an angular side view of the bottle according to this embodiment. As can be seen in the figure, the ridge formed has a substantially triangular cross section. However, a skilled person may introduce a ridge in form of a wall having a rectangular or other cross section. The height of the ridge is preferably 1 mm, and it is spaced away from the inner circumference of the mouth of the bottle by at least 1 mm.

[0389] However, the dimensions may vary depending on the shape and size of the mouth of the bottle and the thickness of a sealing part of the bottle stopper, and thereby the height of the ridge or wall may preferably be anywhere between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, while the distance of the ridge from the inner circumference of the mouth of the bottle is preferably between 1 mm to any distance depending on the thickness of the mouth of the bottle.

[0390] The bottle as described above is advantageous in combination with any closure system having a stopper having a stopper part and a head part having a diameter that is larger than that of the stopper part, and a sealing element comprising a part adapted for sealing the head part of the stopper against the top (i.e. the upper) surface of the mouth. The stopper part of the stopper is introduced into the mouth of the bottle, and the head part of the stopper remains outside the bottle. In the case of the preferred embodiments of such a closure system as described above in relation with FIGS. 8, 18a and 18b, the part of the sealing element which is adapted for sealing the head part of the stopper against the top is called upper part (41, 421) of the sealing element. As it will be appreciated by the skilled person, the bottle described above can be used for any such closure system and not only for the closure systems as described above, where the stopper part comprises an interlocking mechanism for engaging with a counterpart interlocking mechanism of the sealing element, and where the interlocking mechanisms are configured to permit bringing the sealing element into an unsealed position by an unsealing action which comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle. For example, the bottle can advantageously be used in combination with the prior art stopper as described in EP 1 456 092 B1.

[0391] With such a closure system, due to the thickness of the part of the sealing element which is adapted for sealing the head part of the stopper against the top, there may be a gap formed between the head part of the stopper and the mouth of the bottle. This may cause problems such as accumulation of dust or dirt on the sealing element through the gap formed between them, which might lead to health related issues. The gap may also be aesthetically unpleasing for the customer. In order to overcome these problems, the bottle as described earlier is provided with a ridge which is formed along the perimeter of the upper surface of its mouth, such that it covers at least partially the gap between the bottle and the stopper.

[0392] The inner diameter of the ridge should be greater than the outer diameter of the part of the sealing element which is adapted for sealing the head part of the stopper against the top, to ensure that part of the sealing element which is adapted for sealing the head part of the stopper against the top is well accommodated within the ridge.

[0393] Preferably, the height of the ridge is lesser than the thickness of part of the sealing element which is adapted for sealing the head part of the stopper against the top, such that the head part is not in direct contact with the bottle. In fact, the height of the ridge should be chosen such that when bottling, even on a forced pushing of the stopper into the bottle, the ridge is not damaged due to contact with the head part of the stopper.

[0394] The ridge may be broken at one or more positions in such a manner that it forms breaks (i.e. interruptions or cut-outs) which allow the placement of a strip of a tamper proof element as described above.

[0395] The number, the widths and the positions of the breaks on the ridge should be such that they can accommodate the number of strips with their positions and widths. In the preferred embodiment, the ridge has two breaks at diagonally opposite sides to accommodate a tamper proof element having two strips at the diagonally opposite sides. For a closure system having a tamper proof element as shown in FIGS. 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e, the ridge is provided with one, three, four or five breaks, respectively, equidistant from each other (in the case of three, four or five) in order to accommodate the strips on the tamper proof element.

[0396] When the strips of the tamper proof element are placed in the breaks of the ridge, the ridge also acts as an interlocking mechanism in the axial direction for the strips of the tamper proof element. Therefore, when the stopper is rotated in an axial direction, causing a rotation of the tamper proof element connected to the stopper, the strips break off due to the interlocking with the ridge.

[0397] Furthermore, the ridge on the mouth of the bottle, which reduces the space between the bottle and underside of the head of the stopper, makes it more difficult to insert a tool, e.g. a knife, to try to wedge the stopper out of the bottle without damaging the sealing element and/or tamper proof element. In other words, the ridge provides an extra protection against opening the bottle without this being noticeable for other parties. This in turn provides comfort for the consumer as well as for the wine producer because especially for higher end wines, it is not uncommon that, after the original wine has been consumed, cheaper wine is filled into the bottle carrying the label of the higher end wine, and the bottle is re-closed with the closure of the original bottle, which had been carefully removed when opening the bottle.

[0398] Thus, in this embodiment, the ridge provides the additional advantage of improving the tamper protection.

[0399] Sealing Element According to a Different Embodiment of the Invention

[0400] Another embodiment of the invention provides a sealing element having greatly improved sealing properties compared to a sealing element as known from the prior art, such as the one disclosed in the European patent EP 1 456 092 B1. A sealing element according to such an embodiment of the present invention comprises a sealing part for sealing a stopper part of the stopper against an inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the sealed position. Preferably, it also comprises an upper part for sealing a head part of the stopper against a mouth of a bottle in a sealed position in the mouth of the bottle. Adjacent ribs are formed on an outer portion of the sealing part. The ribs are preferably located next to a junction between the second part and the first part. The two adjacent ribs are adapted to be pressed against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle upon introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the sealed position. These adjacent ribs could be identical to those described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 or FIG. 18. When a sealing element according to this embodiment of the invention is provided on a stopper according to the prior art, such as the one disclosed in the European patent EP 1 456 092 B1, a more secure and reliable sealing than with the conventional sealing element used in combination with the stopper according to the prior art can be achieved.