BUNG DEVICE FOR CASKS AND BARRELS

Abstract

A bung device may include a resilient body and a plug. The resilient body may include a base that may be coupled to a body sidewall. A body cavity may be formed into the body sidewall and base. A top rim may be coupled to the body sidewall, and the top rim and the base may be separated from each other by the body sidewall. One or more ribs may be coupled to the body sidewall, and the ribs may each extend away from the body sidewall. The plug may include a plug top wall and a plug bottom wall separated from each other by a plug sidewall. A channel may extend longitudinally through the plug between the plug top wall and plug bottom wall. One or more grooves may be formed into the plug sidewall, and the plug may be fit into the body cavity so that each rib is positioned within a groove.

Claims

1. A bung device for casks and barrels, the device comprising: a resilient body having: i. a base coupled to a body sidewall; ii. a body cavity formed into the body sidewall and base; iii. a top rim coupled to the body sidewall, the top rim and the base separated from each other by the body sidewall, and the top rim having a top rim upper surface; and iv. a rib coupled to the body sidewall, the rib extending away from the body sidewall; a plug having: i. a plug top wall and a plug bottom wall separated from each other by a plug sidewall; ii. a channel extending longitudinally through the plug between the plug top wall and plug bottom wall; and iii. a groove formed into the plug sidewall, wherein the plug is configured to fit into the body cavity so that the rib is positioned within the groove and so that the plug top wall substantially level with the top rim upper surface.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an insert positioned within the channel, wherein the insert comprises an insert aperture having threading.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the resilient body comprises a base projection and the plug comprises a lower recess, and wherein the base projection is received in the lower recess when the plug is fit into the body cavity.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the rib is also coupled to the base.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the groove is also formed into the plug bottom wall.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the rib is elongated and extends longitudinally along the body sidewall, and wherein the groove is elongated and extends longitudinally along the plug sidewall.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pocket formed between the plug and resilient body when the plug is fit into the body cavity, and further comprising a radio frequency identification tag disposed in the pocket.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug comprises an upper recess forming a depression that extends below the plug top wall towards the plug bottom wall.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel has a conical frustum shape.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug bottom wall contacts the base when the plug is fit into the body cavity.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug sidewall comprises a substantially rigid material.

12. A bung device for casks and barrels, the device comprising: a resilient body having: i. a base coupled to a body sidewall, the body sidewall having a largest diameter; ii. a body cavity formed into the body sidewall and base; iii. a top rim coupled to the body sidewall, the top rim and the base separated from each other by the body sidewall, the top rim having a top rim upper surface, the top rim having a diameter, wherein the diameter of the top rim is larger than the largest diameter of the body sidewall; and iv. a rib coupled to the body sidewall, the rib extending away from the body sidewall, wherein the rib is elongated and extends longitudinally along the body sidewall; a plug made from a substantially rigid material, the plug having: i. a plug top wall and a plug bottom wall separated from each other by a plug sidewall; ii. a channel extending longitudinally through the plug between the plug top wall and plug bottom wall; and iii. a groove formed into the plug sidewall, wherein the groove is elongated and extends longitudinally along the plug sidewall, and wherein the plug is configured to fit into the body cavity so that the rib is positioned within the groove and so that the plug top wall substantially level with the top rim upper surface.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising an insert positioned within the channel, wherein the insert comprises an insert aperture having threading.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the resilient body comprises a base projection and the plug comprises a lower recess, and wherein the base projection is received in the lower recess when the plug is fit into the body cavity.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the rib is also coupled to the base.

16. The device of claim 12, wherein the groove is also formed into the plug bottom wall.

17. The device of claim 12, further comprising a pocket formed between the plug and resilient body when the plug is fit into the body cavity, and further comprising a radio frequency identification tag disposed in the pocket.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the plug comprises an upper recess forming a depression that extends below the plug top wall towards the plug bottom wall.

19. The device of claim 12, wherein the channel has a conical frustum shape.

20. The device of claim 12, wherein the plug bottom wall contacts the base when the plug is fit into the body cavity.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of a first example of a bung device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first example of a bung device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a sectional, through line 3-3 shown in FIG. 2, elevation view of a first example of a bung device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective exploded view of a second example of a bung device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second example of a bung device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows a sectional, through line 6-6 shown in FIG. 5, elevation view of a second example of a bung device according to various embodiments described herein.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of an example of a resilient body according to various embodiments described herein.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional, through line 8-8 shown in FIG. 7, elevation view of an example of a resilient body according to various embodiments described herein.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows a bottom plan view of an example of a plug according to various embodiments described herein.

[0022] FIG. 10 depicts a sectional, through line 10-10 shown in FIG. 9, elevation view of an example of a plug according to various embodiments described herein.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of an example of a resilient body and an RFID tag according to various alternative embodiments described herein.

[0024] FIG. 12 shows a side elevation view of another example of a plug according to various embodiments described herein.

[0025] FIG. 13 depicts a sectional, through line 13-13 shown in FIG. 12, elevation view of another example of a plug according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0028] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0029] For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, right, rear, front, side, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0030] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] As used in this application, the term about or approximately refers to a range of values within plus or minus 20% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term substantially means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, more preferably within about 5% of the actual desired value and even more preferably within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

[0032] A new bung device for sealing bungholes of casks, barrels, and the like is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0033] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[0034] The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments. FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples of a bung device (the device) 100A, 100B, for liquid storage containers 200, such as casks, barrels, and the like according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a resilient body 11 and a plug 31. The resilient body 11 may comprise a base 12 that may be coupled to a body sidewall 13. A body cavity 14 may be formed into the body sidewall 13 and base 12. A top rim 15 may be coupled to the body sidewall 13, and the top rim 15 and the base 12 may be separated from each other by the body sidewall 13. One or more ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may be coupled to the body sidewall 13, and the ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may extend away from the body sidewall 13. The plug 31 may comprise a plug top wall 32 and a plug bottom wall 33 separated from each other by a plug sidewall 34. A channel 35 may extend longitudinally through the plug 31 between the plug top wall 32 and plug bottom wall 33. One or more grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may be formed into the plug sidewall 34. In use, the device 100A, 100B, may be removably coupled or removably engaged to a liquid storage container 200, such as a cask, barrel, and the like, by having the resilient body 11 inserted into a bunghole 201 of the liquid storage container 200 so that the top rim 15 may rest on the exterior surface 202 of the liquid storage container 200. The plug 31 may be fit into the body cavity 14 so that each rib 16A, 16B, 16C, is positioned within a groove 36A, 36B, 36C. Once the plug 31 may be fit into the body cavity 14, the plug 31 may compress the body sidewall 13 into contact with the container wall 203 forming the bunghole 201 so as to frictionally seal the resilient body 11 to the container wall 203 forming the bunghole 201 as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

[0035] The device 100A, 100B, may comprise a resilient body 11. A resilient body 11 may have one or more elements, such as a base 12, body sidewall 13, top rim 15, ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, etc., that may be made from a resilient material that is substantially able to regain its shape after deformation. In preferred embodiments, the resilient body 11 may be made from a resilient material, such that the entire resilient body 11 is substantially able to regain its shape after deformation. In preferred embodiments, a resilient body 11 may be made from or may comprise food-grade silicone or food-grade rubber. In further embodiments, a resilient body 11 may be made from or may comprise any other food-grade material that may be resilient and substantially able to regain its shape after deformation. In further preferred embodiments, the resilient body 11 may comprise a base 12 and optionally a base projection 21 that may be made from a resilient material so that a sampling needle or other liquid sampling device may be inserted through the base 12 and base projection 21 to withdraw a liquid sample from a liquid storage container 200 that the device 100A, 100B, is coupled to, and the resilient material may reseal itself after the liquid sampling device is removed or withdrawn from the base 12 and base projection 21.

[0036] A resilient body 11 may be configured in any size and shape. In preferred embodiments, a resilient body 11 may comprise a generally planar, circular shaped base 12 with a hollow cylindrical or hollow conical frustum shaped body sidewall 13 coupled to the base 12 to form a body cavity 14 in the resilient body 11. The body sidewall 13 may comprise a body external surface 17 and a body internal surface 18. In use, the body external surface 17 may contact portions of a container wall 203 forming a bunghole 201 when portions of the resilient body 11 are positioned in the bunghole 201, and the body internal surface 18 may contact the plug sidewall 34 when the plug 31 is positioned in the body cavity 14.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the body external surface 17 may be generally cylindrical in shape such that width dimension A (body external surface 17 diameter proximate to top rim 15) may be substantially equal to width dimension B (body external surface 17 diameter proximate to base 12). In preferred embodiments, the body external surface 17 may be generally conical in shape or tapered in shape such that width dimension A (body external surface 17 diameter proximate to top rim 15) may be greater than width dimension B (body external surface 17 diameter proximate to base 12), such as between one percent and ten percent greater.

[0038] Also referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the body internal surface 18 may be generally cylindrical in shape such that width dimension C (body internal surface 18 diameter proximate to top rim 15) may be substantially equal to width dimension D (body internal surface 18 diameter proximate to base 12). In preferred embodiments, the body internal surface 18 may be generally conical in shape or tapered in shape such that width dimension C (body internal surface 18 diameter proximate to top rim 15) may be greater than width dimension D (body internal surface 18 diameter proximate to base 12), such as between one percent and ten percent greater.

[0039] In some embodiments, the resilient body 11 may comprise a top rim 15 that may be coupled to the body sidewall 13 so that the top rim 15 and the base 12 may be separated from each other by the body sidewall 13. Preferably, a top rim 15 may be annular in shape so as to encircle the upper portion of the body sidewall 13. The top rim 15 may comprise a top rim upper surface 19 and a top rim lower surface 20. The top rim lower surface 20 may be coupled to the body external surface 17, and the top rim upper surface 19 may be coupled to the body internal surface 18. In preferred embodiments, the top rim 15 may be larger in diameter (width dimension G in FIG. 8) than the largest diameter of the body sidewall 13 (e.g. width dimension A in FIG. 8).

[0040] In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the resilient body 11 may comprise a bottom rim 22 that may be coupled to the body sidewall 13 so that the bottom rim 22 and top rim 15 may be separated from each other by the body sidewall 13. Preferably, a bottom rim 22 may be annular in shape so as to encircle the lower portion of the body sidewall 13. The bottom rim 22 may comprise a bottom rim upper surface 23 and a bottom rim lower surface 24. The bottom rim upper surface 23 may be coupled to the body external surface 17. Optionally, the bottom rim lower surface 24 may be coupled to the base 12. Optionally, the bottom rim lower surface 24 may be coupled to the body sidewall 13 anywhere between the base 12 and the top rim 15. In preferred embodiments, the diameter of the top rim 15 (width dimension G in FIGS. 8 and 12) may be approximately 0.5 to 2.5 percent larger, and more preferably 0.75 to 1.25 percent larger, in diameter than the diameter of the bottom rim 22 (width dimension H in FIG. 12). In further preferred embodiments, the bottom rim upper surface 23 may be angled toward the body sidewall 13 (shown with angle N in FIG. 12) between approximately 1.0 and 15 degrees, and more preferably between 7.0 and 13 degrees, such as 9.9 degrees. In preferred embodiments, the bottom rim lower surface 24 may be level with or continuous with the bottom of the base 12. In further embodiments, the bottom rim lower surface 24 may be above or below the bottom of the base 12.

[0041] The resilient body 11 may comprise one or more ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, that may be configured to mate with or engage with grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, of the plug 31. Ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may be coupled to the body sidewall 13, and the ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may extend away from the body sidewall 13. Ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may generally comprise projections or protrusions of any shape and size that may extend away from the portion of the body internal surface 18 that they are respectively coupled to. For example, a first rib 16A may extend away from the portion of the body internal surface 18 that the first rib 16A is coupled to, and the first rib 16A may extend towards the portion of the body internal surface 18 that is opposingly positioned to the first rib 16A.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may be elongated in shape and may extend longitudinally (extend between base 12 and top rim 15) along the body sidewall 13, such as to extend a relatively greater distance along the body sidewall 13 between the base 12 and top rim 15. In further preferred embodiments, the resilient body 11 may comprise three ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, that may be coupled to the body sidewall 13 and substantially evenly spaced apart relative to each other. In still further preferred embodiments, the resilient body 11 may comprise three ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, coupled to the body sidewall 13 that may be equally spaced apart, and the ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may be elongated in shape and may extend longitudinally along the body sidewall 13, such as to extend a relatively greater distance along the body sidewall 13 between the base 12 and top rim 15. Optionally, one or more ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, may be coupled to both the body sidewall 13 and the base 12.

[0043] The device 100A, 100B, may comprise a plug 31 that may be configured to have all or portions of the plug 31 inserted within the body cavity 14 of the resilient body 11. One or more elements of the plug 31, such as a plug top wall 32, a plug bottom wall 33, a plug sidewall 34, etc., preferably may be made from a substantially non-resilient or rigid material that is substantially able to resist deformation. In preferred embodiments, the plug 31 may be made from or may comprise a substantially rigid material that may be engineered wood, formed by adding adhesives and then compressing layers of wood particles, strands, flakes, etc. In further preferred embodiments, the plug 31 may be made from or may comprise engineered wood chips from a cooperage or stave yard, common to the production of cask and barrel liquid storage container 200, that may be bound together with a biodegradable adhesive. In further embodiments, the plug sidewall 34 and/or the entire plug 31 may be made from or may comprise steel alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, other types of metal or metal alloys, ceramics such as alumina, porcelain, and boron carbide, earthenware, natural stone, synthetic stone, various types of hard plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) also known as acrylic, melamine, hard rubbers, fiberglass, carbon fiber, resins, such as epoxy resin, wood, other plant based materials, or any other material including combinations of materials that are substantially rigid (relative to the resilient material of the body sidewall 13 and/or of the entire resilient body 11) and capable of compressing the body sidewall 13 against the container wall 203 surrounding a bunghole 201 that the resilient body 11 and plug 31 may be inserted into to form a liquid and gas tight seal.

[0044] A plug 31 may be configured in any size and shape. In some embodiments, a plug 31 may comprise a plug top wall 32 and a plug bottom wall 33 that may be separated from each other by a plug sidewall 34. In preferred embodiments, the plug bottom wall 33 and plug sidewall 34 may be sized and shaped to fit into the body cavity 14 of the resilient body 11. In further embodiments, the plug top wall 32, plug bottom wall 33, and plug sidewall 34 may be sized and shaped to fit into the body cavity 14 of the resilient body 11 so that the plug top wall 32 may be substantially level (the plug top wall 32 being within 0.25 inches above or below the top rim upper surface 19) with the top rim upper surface 19 of the top rim 15 of the resilient body 11. In still further embodiments, the plug top wall 32, plug bottom wall 33, and plug sidewall 34 may be sized and shaped to fit into the body cavity 14 of the resilient body 11 so that the plug top wall 32 may be below or above the top rim upper surface 19 of the top rim 15 of the resilient body 11. Optionally, the plug top wall 32 and plug bottom wall 33 may be generally planar in shape and may be approximately parallel to each other, such as by being within ten degrees of being parallel with each other.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the plug sidewall 34 may have a plug sidewall surface 37 that may be generally cylindrical in shape such that width dimension E (plug sidewall surface 37 diameter proximate to plug top wall 32) may be substantially equal to width dimension F (plug sidewall surface 37 diameter proximate to plug bottom wall 33). In preferred embodiments, the plug sidewall surface 37 may be generally conical in shape or tapered in shape such that width dimension E (plug sidewall surface 37 diameter proximate to plug top wall 32) may be greater than width dimension F (plug sidewall surface 37 diameter proximate to plug bottom wall 33), such as between one percent and ten percent greater. In further preferred embodiments, the plug sidewall surface 37 may be generally conical in shape or tapered in shape such that when viewed in cross section as shown in FIG. 10, the plane formed by the plug sidewall surface 37 may be angled towards the plane formed by the plug top wall 32 between 80 and 89 degrees as shown by angle M. In further embodiments, angle M may be between one and ten percent less than 90 degrees.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, all or portions of the plug 31 may be configured to be nested within the body cavity 14, such that the majority of the plug sidewall surface 37 contacts the majority of the body internal surface 18, and preferably so that the plug bottom wall 33 contacts the base 12 when all or portions of the plug 31 are fit into the body cavity 14. In further preferred embodiments, all or portions of the plug 31 may be configured to be nested within the body cavity 14, such that width dimension E (plug sidewall surface 37 diameter proximate to plug top wall 32) may be equal to or may be between 0.5 and 10 percent greater than width dimension C (body internal surface 18 diameter proximate to top rim 15) and width dimension F (plug sidewall surface 37 diameter proximate to plug bottom wall 33) may be equal to or may be between 0.5 and 10 percent greater than width dimension D (body internal surface 18 diameter proximate to base 12).

[0047] In some embodiments, the plug top wall 32 may comprise an upper recess 38 that may comprise an upper recess sidewall 39 forming a depression that may extend below the plug top wall 32 towards the plug bottom wall 33. Optionally, an upper recess 38 may be generally cylindrical in shape, such as by having vertical upper recess sidewall 39. Preferably, an upper recess 38 may be generally conical in shape or tapered in shape, such as by having an angled upper recess sidewall 39 that becomes narrower the farther the upper recess sidewall 39 extends below the plug top wall 32.

[0048] In some embodiments, the plug 31 may comprise a channel 35, formed by a channel sidewall 46, that may extend longitudinally through the plug 31 between the plug top wall 32 (and therefore through an optional upper recess 38 of the plug top wall 32) and plug bottom wall 33. Generally, a channel 35 may comprise an opening or aperture that may extend longitudinally (extend between plug top wall 32 and plug bottom wall 33) through the plug 31. Preferably, a channel 35 may be positioned centrally in a longitudinal orientation through the plug 31. A channel 35 may be configured in any size and shape. In some embodiments, a channel sidewall 46 of a channel 35 may be generally cylindrical in shape, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3. In further embodiments, a channel sidewall 46 of a channel 35 may have a conical frustum shape or a tapered cylinder shape, such as by having a relatively larger diameter proximate to the plug bottom wall 33 that tapers to a relatively smaller diameter proximate to the plug top wall 32.

[0049] In some embodiments, and as shown by the example device 100B of FIGS. 4-6, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise an insert 40 which may be coupled to the plug 31 and which may be positioned within a channel 35. An insert 40 may be configured in any shape and size. In some embodiments, an insert 40 may comprise a generally cylindrical shape and may extend through all or portions of the plug 31. In preferred embodiments, an insert 40 may extend through the plug 31 between the plug top wall 32 and plug bottom wall 33.

[0050] In some embodiments, an insert 40 may comprise an insert aperture 41 which may extend into the insert 40, and preferably may extend through the insert 40. In preferred embodiments, an insert 40 may comprise internal threading 42A disposed within the insert aperture 41 which may enable various objects to be threadedly coupled to the insert 40. For example, a handle having a threaded portion may be threadedly engaged to the internal threading 42A disposed within the insert aperture 41, so that the handle may aid an individual in inserting and removing the plug 31 from the body cavity 14 such as to facilitate insertion and removal of the device 100B from a bunghole 201. Optionally, the insert 40 may be threadedly coupled to the channel sidewall 46 via external threading 42B

[0051] The plug 31 may comprise one or more grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, that may be configured to mate with or engage with ribs 16A, 16B, 16C, of the resilient body 11. Grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may be formed into the plug sidewall 34, and the grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may be depressed below the plug sidewall surface 37. Grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may generally comprise depressions or recesses of any shape and size that may extend below the portion of the plug sidewall surface 37 that they are respectively coupled to. For example, a first groove 36A may be depressed below the portion of the plug sidewall surface 37 that the first groove 36A is coupled to, and the first groove 36A may extend towards the portion of the plug sidewall surface 37 that is opposingly positioned to the first groove 36A.

[0052] In preferred embodiments, grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may be elongated in shape and may extend longitudinally along the plug sidewall 34, such as to extend a relatively greater distance along the plug sidewall 34 between the plug bottom wall 33 and plug top wall 32. In further preferred embodiments, the plug 31 may comprise three grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, that may be formed into the plug sidewall 34 and substantially evenly spaced apart relative to each other. In still further preferred embodiments, the plug 31 may comprise three grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, that may be formed into the plug sidewall 34 that may be equally spaced apart, and the grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may be elongated in shape and may extend longitudinally along the plug sidewall 34, such as to extend a relatively greater distance along the plug sidewall 34 between the plug bottom wall 33 and plug top wall 32. Optionally, one or more grooves 36A, 36B, 36C, may be formed into both the plug sidewall 34 and the plug bottom wall 33.

[0053] In some embodiments, the resilient body 11 may comprise a base projection 21. A base projection 21 may comprise a protrusion of any size and shape that may extend above or away from the base 12 and that may be disposed within the body cavity 14. Preferably, a base projection 21 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be centrally positioned on the base 12.

[0054] In some embodiments, the plug 31 may comprise a lower recess 43 that may comprise a portion of the plug bottom wall 33 that may be recessed into the plug 31 via a lower recess sidewall 45. A lower recess 43 may comprise a depression of any size and shape in the plug bottom wall 33 that may extend into the plug 31 above or away from the plug bottom wall 33. Preferably, a lower recess 43 may be generally complementary in shape to the shape of a base projection 21 so that the base projection 21 may be received in or mated with the lower recess 43 when the plug 31 is received in or fit into the body cavity 14.

[0055] In some embodiments, and as shown by the example device 100B in FIG. 6, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a pocket 44 that may be formed between the plug 31 and resilient body 11 when the plug 31 is fit into the body cavity 14 of the resilient body 11. Generally, a pocket 44 may comprise a void or hollow area in the device 100A, 100B. In preferred embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the device 100A, 100B, may comprise a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag) 50 that may be disposed or positioned in the pocket 44. In further preferred embodiments, a pocket 44 may comprise a void or hollow area that may be positioned between the base projection 31 and an insert 40 and/or channel 35 when the plug 31 is fit into the body cavity 14 of the resilient body 11. Optionally, a RFID tag 50 may be coupled to the resilient body 11, such as to a base projection 21, or a RFID tag 50 may be coupled to the plug 31. Optionally, a RFID tag 50 may be coupled to the resilient body 11 by being molded into the base 12, base projection 21, and/or other element of the resilient body 11. A RFID tag 50 may comprise a device configured to, when triggered by an electromagnetic interrogation pulse from a nearby RFID reader device, transmit digital data, usually an identifying inventory number, back to the reader that generated the interrogation pulse. A RFID tag 50 may comprise a Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT), an Active Reader Passive Tag (ARPT), an Active Reader Active Tag (ARAT), or any other type of RFID tag.

[0056] While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device 100A, 100B, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the resilient body 11, plug 31, and any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including T shaped, X shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0057] Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device 100A, 100B, may be made from or may comprise durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiberglass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or may comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100A, 100B, may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100A, 100B, may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device 100A, 100B, may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device 100A, 100B.

[0058] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.