U.S. patent application number 10/467186 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for easy opening closure.
Invention is credited to Boudreau, Mark S, Gzybowski, Michael S, Rose, Donald G.
Application Number | 20040238480 10/467186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27500892 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040238480 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gzybowski, Michael S ; et
al. |
December 2, 2004 |
Easy opening closure
Abstract
A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes a solid
cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or
spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical
core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures
can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To
remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical
core apart.
Inventors: |
Gzybowski, Michael S; (Ann
Arbor, MI) ; Rose, Donald G; (Paso Robles, CA)
; Boudreau, Mark S; (Wilmington, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael S Gzybowski
Butzel Long
Suite 300
350 S Main Street
Ann Arbor
MI
48104
US
|
Family ID: |
27500892 |
Appl. No.: |
10/467186 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
February 6, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US02/03622 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60266708 |
Feb 6, 2001 |
|
|
|
60277671 |
Mar 21, 2001 |
|
|
|
60290116 |
May 10, 2001 |
|
|
|
60308418 |
Jul 27, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/364 ;
215/254; 215/255; 215/256; 215/296 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 39/16 20130101;
B65D 2401/15 20200501; B65D 39/0052 20130101; B65D 39/0005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/364 ;
215/254; 215/255; 215/256; 215/296 |
International
Class: |
B65D 039/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A closure for receptacles which comprises: a solid cylindrical
core member having a frangible structure along which the solid
cylindrical core member can be stripped apart along an axial
direction by pulling an end thereof.
2. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein the
frangible structure comprises a groove or a perforation.
3. A closure for receptacles according to claim 2, wherein the
frangible structure has a non-linear cross-section.
4. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein the
frangible structure extends along an axis of the solid cylindrical
core member without extending through at least one end of the solid
cylindrical core member.
5. A closure for receptacles according to claim 1, wherein solid
cylindrical core includes two spiral shaped frangible structures
that are aligned along an axis of the solid cylindrical core member
and which are spaced apart from one another near a center of the
solid cylindrical core member and individually extend through
opposite ends of the solid cylindrical core member.
6. A closure for receptacles according to claim 2, wherein the
frangible structure has a spiral shape.
7. A closure for a receptacle according to claim 1, further
comprising a pulling structure on at least one end thereof.
8. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle which
comprises: providing a receptacle which is sealed with a closure
having a strippable solid core member; and pulling the strippable
core member apart along a frangible structure provided therein.
9. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 8, wherein the frangible structure comprises a groove or a
perforation.
10. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 9, wherein the frangible structure has a non-linear
cross-section.
11. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 9, the frangible structure extends along an axis of the solid
cylindrical core member without extending through at least one end
of the solid cylindrical core member.
12. A method of removing a closure from a receptacle according to
claim 8, further comprising a pulling structure on at least one end
thereof.
13. A closure for receptacles which comprises: a solid cylindrical
core member having a spiral cut that is centered about an axial
center of the solid cylindrical core member and extends along the
axial center of the solid cylindrical core member without extending
through at least one end of the solid cylindrical core member.
14. A closure for receptacles according to claim 13, wherein the
spiral cut has a non-linear cross-section.
15. A closure for receptacles according to claim 13, wherein the
solid cylindrical core includes two spiral shaped cuts that are
aligned along an axis of the solid cylindrical core member and
which are spaced apart from one another near a center of the solid
cylindrical core member and individually extend through opposite
ends of the solid cylindrical core member.
16. A method of manufacturing a rupturable solid closure which
comprises: providing a solid cylindrical core member; forming a
spiral cut along an axial center of the solid cylindrical core
member which spiral cut does not extend through at least one end of
the solid cylindrical core member.
17. A method of manufacturing a rupturable solid closure according
to claim 16, wherein the solid cylindrical core member includes an
outer cylindrical surface and the spiral cut does not extend
through the outer cylindrical surface.
18. A method of manufacturing a rupturable solid closure according
to claim 16, wherein the solid cylindrical core member includes an
outer cylindrical surface and the spiral cut extends through the
outer cylindrical surface and the method further comprises forming
a coating over the outer cylindrical surface and over the spiral
cut therein.
19. A method of manufacturing a rupturable solid closure according
to claim 18, wherein the solid cylindrical core member and the
coating are made of similar materials.
20. A method of manufacturing a rupturable solid closure according
to claim 18, wherein the solid cylindrical core member and the
coating are made of different materials.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to closures for
receptacles and containers. More particularly, the present
invention is directed to closures for receptacles and containers
which seal the contents thereof and which closures can be easily
removed without the use of auxiliary tools.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Various materials are often stored in receptacles and
containers in a sealed manner using closures such as caps,
stoppers, corks, plugs, etc. In order to access the contents of
such receptacles or containers, the closures have to be removed or
transgressed. In the case of threaded or "screw-off" caps, one
merely has to grasp and unscrew the cap. Closures such as corks are
typically removed using a corkscrew or a similar device.
[0003] The present invention provides closures for receptacles or
containers which can be easily removed without the use of auxiliary
tools.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to other features, characteristics, embodiments
and alternatives, the present invention provides a closure for
receptacles which includes:
[0005] a solid cylindrical core member having a frangible structure
along which the solid cylindrical core member can be stripped apart
along an axial direction by pulling an end thereof.
[0006] The present invention further provides a method of removing
a closure from a receptacle which involves:
[0007] providing a receptacle which is sealed with a closure having
a strippable solid core member; and
[0008] pulling the strippable core member apart along a
frangible-structure provided therein.
[0009] The present invention also provides a closure for
receptacles which includes:
[0010] a solid cylindrical core member having a spiral cut that is
centered about an axial center of the solid cylindrical core member
and extends along the axial center of the solid cylindrical core
member without extending through at least one end of the solid
cylindrical core member.
[0011] The present invention further provides a method of
manufacturing a rupturable solid closure which involves:
[0012] providing a solid cylindrical core member;
[0013] forming a spiral cut along an axial center of the solid
cylindrical core member which spiral cut does not extend through at
least one end of the solid cylindrical core member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will be described hereafter with
reference to the attached drawings which are given by way of
non-limiting examples only, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a closure according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the closure of FIG.
1 which depicts how the cylindrical core member is pulled, stripped
or unwound to remove the closure.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention which can be used in conjunction with a
conventional wine cork.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the wine cork of FIG. 9.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a closure according to
the present invention that includes integral portions on both ends
thereof.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a closure according to
the present invention that includes an integral portion at an
intermediate location between the ends of the closure.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention is directed to closures for
receptacles and containers which seal the contents thereof and
which closures can be easily removed without the use of auxiliary
tools. The closures of the present invention are designed to lose
their structural integrity and thereby be removable from a
receptacle or container.
[0028] The closures of the present invention include cylindrical
core members which can be used alone or in conjunction with various
annular sealing members which are radially supported by the
cylindrical core members. The cylindrical core members comprise
strippable or tearable structures that can be pulled apart in a
helical or spiral manner. According to one embodiment, the
cylindrical core members can be integral tubular structures which
include a helical or spiral perforation, groove, scoring, notch or
other weakened or frangible structure which allows the core members
to be pulled-apart, stripped apart or unwound as if they were made
from a helically or spirally wound web. In this regard, the
cylindrical core members of the present invention can be considered
(and are described herein) as being helically or spirally wound
webs which are joined along their edges by the weakened or
frangible structures. The cylindrical core members can be
fabricated by molding or tooling the weakened or frangible helical
or spiral structure into the walls of the cylindrical core
members.
[0029] In another embodiment, the cylindrical core members can
comprise helically or spirally wound web elements that are held in
a tubular form by the annular sealing member.
[0030] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
cylindrical core members can be provided with a pair or more of
grooves, perforations or other weakened or frangible structures
which extend axially and which can be parallel or non-parallel to
one another. In this embodiment, one or more longitudinal web
strips can be pulled internally from the cylindrical core members
to relieve radial pressure or compression acting or the annular
sealing members and allow the cylindrical core members to be
removed.
[0031] Due to the manner in which the cylindrical core members are
pulled apart, striped or unwound to effect removal of the closures
of the present invention, the closures have an inherent
tamper-evident characteristic which can be an important safety
factor.
[0032] The cylindrical core members can be made from various
plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, nylons,
fluorocarbons, polypropylene and other synthetic and resilient
materials, including those materials that are known for used in
synthetic wine corks. The cylindrical shape of the core members
enable these members to withstand or support large radial forces,
due to the manner in which such forces are evenly distributed
around the core members. Thus, as will be understood from the
following description of the invention, than in certain
embodiments, the cylindrical core members can be suitable
thin-walled, thereby enabling them to be easily pulled or torn
apart along their frangible structures.
[0033] The annular sealing members provide a seal between the
cylindrical core members and the inner surface of a receptacle or
container which is sealed by the closures of the present invention.
The annular sealing members are compressed or pressed into a
sealing relationship with the inner surface of a receptacle or
container by the cylindrical core members. In this regard, the
closures of the present invention can pressed into an opening of a
receptacle or container, e.g. a bottle, in much the same way that a
conventional cork or stopper is pressed into the opening in a neck
of a bottle or similar receptacle or container. Once the closures
of the present invention are pressed into a receptacle or
container, the cylindrical core members ensure that the compressive
sealing forces of the annular sealing members are maintained
against the inner surfaces of the receptacle or containers.
[0034] The annular sealing members can comprise any suitable
material which is sufficiently compressible or resilient to create
a seal between the cylindrical core members and the inner surface
of a receptacle or container. Suitable materials from which to
manufacture the annular sealing members include, cork, buna rubber,
butyl-nitrile rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, cork filled
rubbers, ENBR, EPDM, EPR, ethylene acetate copolymers, fluorocarbon
polymers such as Vikon, hydrin rubbers, hydrogenated nitrile
rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, neoprene rubber,
polyacrylates, polynorborene, polyurethane, silicon,
styrenebutadiene rubber, Teflon, and similar materials. According
to one embodiment of the present invention, the annular sealing
members can made from cork and have the appearance of conventional
wine corks.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
annular sealing members can be coupled or partially coupled to the
cylindrical core members so that the annular sealing members are
removed from a receptacle or container as the cylindrical core
members are pulled apart, stripped or unwound and removed from the
receptacles or containers. According to another embodiment of the
present invention, the annular sealing members are not coupled to
the cylindrical core members, so that the cylindrical core members
can be pulled apart, stripped or unwound and removed from the
receptacles or containers independently of the annular sealing
members. In this embodiment, the annular sealing members can be
easily removed once they are no longer radially supported by the
(removed) cylindrical core members.
[0036] The coupling of the annular sealing members to the
cylindrical core members can be accomplished using suitable
adhesives, thermal bonding, or by manufacturing the annular sealing
members from a resinous, elastomeric, or polymeric material which
is coated on the outer surface of the cylindrical core members.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a closure according to
one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 the closure is
depicted as being positioned in the neck of a bottle 1. The closure
includes a cylindrical core member 2 and an annular sealing member
3. As depicted in FIG. 1, the annular sealing member 3 is
positioned between the inner surface 4 of the bottle 1 and the
cylindrical core member 2. The sealing member 3 is preferably
compressed between the inner surface 4 of the bottle 1 and the
cylindrical core member 2 to provide a seal therebetween. The
cylindrical core member 2 includes a helical or spiral perforation,
groove, or other weakened or frangible structure generally
identified by reference numeral 5. This frangible structure 5
allows the cylindrical core members to be pulled apart as if they
were helically or spirally wound webs (as depicted in FIG. 2).
[0038] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1 the
closure includes a bottom 6 which is integral with the annular
sealing member 3. Also in this embodiment, the closure is provided
with a cover or top 7 which is integral with the cylindrical core
member 2. The top 7 can be grasped, lifted from the mouth of the
bottle 1 and used to pull apart, strip or unwind the cylindrical
core member 2. The top 7 can include a perforated tab 8, opening,
or other structure by which one can lift the top 7 from the mouth
of the bottle 1. Although the top 7 is shown as fitting in the
mouth of bottle 1, it is possible to use a top which extends above
the mouth of the bottle or one which even extends partially over
the sides of the bottle.
[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
cylindrical core member 2 is removed and separated from the annular
sealing member 3, by grasping a leading end of the helically or
spirally wound web that makes up the cylindrical core member 2. In
the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1, the top 7 of
the closure is connected to the leading end of the helically or
spirally wound web at 9. Once the cylindrical core member 2 is
removed, any compressive forces which the cylindrical core 2
maintained on the annular sealing member 3 are released and the
annular sealing member 3 can be pulled out of the mouth of the
bottle 1 with little resistance.
[0040] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1 a tab
10 is coupled to the bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3 and
can be used to pull the annular sealing member from the mouth of
the bottle 1. Tab 10 can comprise an elongate strip or cord which
can be rigid enough to extend towards the open end of annular
sealing member 3. Otherwise, tab 10 can be a non-rigid strip, cord,
etc., in which case the act of pulling, stripping or unwinding the
cylindrical core member 2 would cause tab 10 to be pulled towards
and out the open end of the annular sealing member 3.
[0041] Tab 10 is depicted as being anchored to the bottom 6 of the
annular sealing member 3 by an anchor member 11 which extends
through the bottom 6. Other manners of anchoring or coupling tab 10
to the bottom could be used, including gluing tab 10 to the bottom
6 of the annular sealing member 3 or embedding tab 10 into the
bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3.
[0042] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 1, the
bottom of the closure has a tapered portion 12 which rises above
the lowest point 13 of the cylindrical core member 2. This
configuration will ensure that all the compressive forces on the
annular sealing member 3 are released once the cylindrical core
member 2 is removed from the annular sealing member. While the use
of a tapered portion 12 is useful for eliminating substantially all
the compressive forces on the annular sealing member 3, it has been
determined that there would not be sufficient compressive forces
acting on the bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3, absent a
tapered portion 12 to prevent easy removal of the annular sealing
member 3 once the cylindrical core member 2 is removed.
Accordingly, the bottom 6 can be flat or curved.
[0043] In an alternative embodiment which can be similar to that
depicted in FIG. 1, the lower portion of the cylindrical core 2 can
be coupled to the annular sealing member 3 by a suitable adhesive,
glue, etc. In this embodiment, as the bottom portion of the
cylindrical core member 2 is pulled, stripped or unwound from the
annular sealing member 3, the coupled, lower portion of the
cylindrical core member 2 will pull out and remove the annular
sealing member 3 from the mouth of the bottle 1, so that tab 10
will not be required.
[0044] It is noted that the embodiment of the invention depicted in
FIG. 1 and similar embodiments which allow for the cylindrical core
member 2 to be removed independently of the annular sealing member
3, will allow for the bottle 1 to be resealed by merely inserting a
cylindrical element into the center of the (removed) annular
sealing member 3 and reinserting the thus reinforced annular
sealing member 3 into the opening of the bottle 1.
[0045] As discussed above, the annular sealing member can be made
from various materials, including cork. The use of cork will give
the closures of the present invention the appearance of
conventional cork closures, which may be desirable when using the
closures of the present invention for packaging wine. The closures
of the present invention can be covered with a label or seal which
will enhance the appearance of the closures, and the marketability
of the products contained in the bottles, receptacles, containers,
etc. Such labels can also include pictorial instructions regarding
the operation, i.e., removal of the closures.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the closure of FIG.
1 which depicts how the cylindrical core member is pulled, stripped
or unwound to remove the closure. In FIG. 2 the upper portion of
the cylindrical core member 2 is depicted as being pulled apart,
stripped or unwound, so that the web 14 of the cylindrical core
member 2, which is otherwise maintained in a wound state by the
weakened or frangible structure, can be seen in its unwound state.
Arrow "a" illustrates the direction in which the lead end of the
web 14 is pulled to remove the cylindrical core member 2 from the
annular sealing member 3. In FIG. 2 the lower portion of the
annular core member 2 is coupled to the annular sealing member 3 by
a suitable adhesive 15, so that pulling the tailing end portion of
web 14 from the annular sealing member 3 will effect removal of the
annular sealing member 3. It is noted that the lead end of the web
14 does not have to be coupled to the cover or top 7 which is
depicted in FIG. 1. In one alternative embodiment, the lead end of
web 14 can merely extend radially inward or have a radially
inwardly directed tab which can be grasped and pulled to remove the
cylindrical core member 2. Such a structure can be covered by a
separate cover or label which can be positioned in or above the
mouth of the bottle, receptacle or container.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In the
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 3, tab 10 is coupled
to the bottom 6 of the annular sealing member 3 by means of an
anchoring structure 16 which is structurally coupled in a groove 17
formed in the annular sealing member 3. In this embodiment, the tab
10 is coupled to the anchoring structure 16. In this embodiment,
the anchoring structure 16 can comprise a disk or any suitable
shaped structure.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In the
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 4, the bottom 6 of the
closure is integrally formed at the lower portion of the
cylindrical core member 2 or at the tailing end of the web 14 in a
manner similar to how the top 7 is coupled to the upper portion of
the annular core member (also depicted in FIG. 1). In this
embodiment, the bottom 6 of the closure is removed after the
cylindrical core member 2 is pulled apart, stripped or unwound, and
as the tailing end of web 14 is pulled from the mouth of bottle 1.
In this embodiment, an adhesive material 15 is provided at the
lower portion of the cylindrical core 2 to effect removal of the
annular sealing member 3, as discussed above.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. The
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 5 is similar to that
depicted in FIG. 4, the difference being that in FIG. 5 the annular
sealing member 3 includes a bottom 6' which extends beneath the
bottom 6 of the cylindrical core member 2. In this embodiment, an
adhesive layer 15 is provided between the bottom of the annular
sealing member 3 and the bottom of the cylindrical core member 2,
so that as the bottom of the cylindrical core member 2 is removed,
i.e. pulled from the mouth of bottle 1, the annular sealing member
3 is also removed.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. The
closure of FIG. 6 includes a cylindrical core member 2 which is
similar to that discussed above and an annular sealing member 3
which is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical
core member 2. For example, in this embodiment of the invention,
the annular sealing member 3 can comprise a resinous, elastomeric,
or polymeric material which is coated on the outer peripheral
surface of the cylindrical core member 2. Such coating can be
accomplished by dipping the cylindrical core member 2 in an uncured
resin or polymeric composition and thereafter curing the same to
form a compressible sealing element which is bonded to the
cylindrical core member 2. In this embodiment, as the cylindrical
core member 2 is pulled apart, stripped or unwound, the annular
sealing member 3 bonded thereto is also pulled apart, stripped or
torn and removed. Suitable materials from which the annular sealing
member 3 can be fabricated in this embodiment include
polymerizable, curable or moldable materials including those listed
above and similar materials which demonstrate sufficient
compressible characteristics for purposes of forming a seal and
which can be torn by relatively moderate sheer forces. These
materials can be applied by conventional coating techniques,
including dipping, spraying, brushing, etc. It is possible to form
a helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure on or in the annular sealing members 3 and
thereby use a sealing material which would be otherwise less
subject to being pulled apart, stripped or torn.
[0051] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In FIG.
7 the cylindrical core member 2 is provided with a pair of
frangible structures 5' which define a web 16 that can be striped
or pulled from the side of the cylindrical core member 2. In this
embodiment a pull tab 10' is connected to the bottom of the web 16
to allow it to be pulled from the bottom up. The tapering of the
side edges of the web 16 will allow it to gradually relieve radial
forces as it is torn from the side of the cylindrical core
member.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative
embodiment of a closure according to the present invention. In the
embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 8, the annular sealing
member has been eliminated. Instead of incorporating an annular
sealing member, the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 8
includes a cylindrical core member 2 in which a helical or spiral
perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible structure is
formed on the inside of the cylindrical core member 2. Forming the
helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure on the inside or inner surface of the
cylindrical core 2 allows the cylindrical core 2 to have a smooth
outer surface which can, by itself (without an annular sealing
member) form a seal against the inner surface 4 of a bottle 1.
[0053] It is noted that the embodiment of the invention depicted in
FIG. 8 can include a perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure similar to that depicted in FIG. 7, which can
extend into the bottom 6, if desired. It is also possible to
provide the outer surface of the cylindrical core member 2 with a
textured, e.g. ribbed, surface structure which helps assist
effecting a seal.
[0054] It is to be understood that there is no particular limit to
the wall thickness of the cylindrical core members 2 which can be
used as closures for the present invention. Thin wall thickness may
be suitable for more rigid materials and thicker wall thickness may
be more suitable for less rigid materials. As discussed below, wall
thickness up to diameter of the cylindrical core members 2, i.e.
solid cylindrical members, offer characteristics and properties
that may be particularly appealing to some consumers, and may
further be adaptable to different manufacturing and bottling
techniques.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
present invention which can be used in conjunction with a
conventional wine cork and cork screw. In FIG. 9, the wall
thickness of the cylindrical core member 2 is equal to the diameter
thereof so that the cylindrical core member 2 is essentially solid.
In this case, the helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other
weakened or frangible structure 5 extends to, or near to, the
center of the cylindrical core member 2. The outer surface 19 of
cylindrical core member 2 is continuous. That is, the helical or
spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible
structure 5 does not extend through the outer surface 19.
[0056] The embodiment of the cylindrical core members 2 depicted in
FIGS. 1-8 can be manufactured by conventional molding methods.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
embodiment of the cylindrical core member 2 depicted in FIG. 9 can
be fabricated by cutting a synthetic or plastic cork, made from
conventional materials, in a helical or spiral manner from the
outer surface to, or near to, the axial center. Thereafter, the
outer surface is subjected to a process such as coating, melting,
welding, cementing, bonding, curing, gluing, etc. which makes the
surface continuous so as to provide a seal against the inner
surface of a receptacle. According to one alternative embodiment;
the cylindrical core member 2 depicted in FIG. 9 could be
fabricated by driving a cutting blade along the axial center, thus
forming the helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other
weakened or frangible structure 5 without having it extend through
the outer surface 19. According to a further embodiment, an
under-diameter core member 2 can be formed by molding or extruding,
thereafter the helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other
weakened or frangible structure 5 can be cut into the core member 2
from the outer surface toward the center axis, and then a coating
can be applied by any convenient manner such as molding, extruding,
etc. It is to be understood that when a coating is used to seal a
core member 2 that has been cut as described, the coating and core
member 2 can be made from the same or different materials. It is
also possible to extrude a spiral shaped core structure and subject
the outer surface to a process such as coating, melting, welding,
cementing, bonding, curing, gluing, etc.
[0057] The embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 9 can be
stripped or torn apart along an axial direction by pulling an end
thereof. In this regard, a pulling tab, ring, etc. can be provided
on an end as discussed above. A pulling ring 20 is depicted in FIG.
9.
[0058] The embodiment of the closure depicted in FIG. 9 can also be
removed by a conventional cork screw and thus, may be more
appealing to persons who want to open wine bottles in a traditional
manner. The embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 9 can be
installed in wine bottles using conventional techniques. Once
removed from a receptacle, the closure depicted in FIG. 9 can
replaced to close or reseal the receptacle.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the present invention
which is somewhat similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the
cylindrical core member 2 depicted in FIG. 9 can be fabricated by
cutting a synthetic or plastic cork in a helical or spiral manner
from the outer surface to, or near to, the axial center, and
thereafter not processing the outer surface or otherwise providing
a continuous outer surface on the cylindrical core member 2.
According to this embodiment the bottom portion of the cylindrical
core member which is integral, i.e. extends beyond the point where
the helical or spiral cut terminates, provides a fluid tight seal
and the remaining portion of the cylindrical core member 2 which is
cut through to, or near to, the axial center can be sufficiently
pressed in the mouth or neck of a receptacle to maintain the
integrity of the closure and ensure that it retains its position
and provides a fluid tight seal for the receptacle.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the wine cork of FIG. 9. In the embodiment of the
invention depicted in FIG. 9, the helical or spiral perforation,
groove, or other weakened or frangible structure 5 which extends
to, or near to, the center of the cylindrical core member 2 has a
planar shape. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG.
10, the helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure 5 has a V-shape (exaggerated for illustration
purposes).
[0061] It has been determined that such a V-shape will cause
adjacent surfaces of the cork to interlock and thereby prevent
sliding which can occur between the adjacent surfaces when the cork
is pressed along the axial direction.
[0062] It is to be understood that although a V-shaped groove is
illustrated in FIG. 10, any non-planar or non-linear, interlocking
shape can be used, including, but not limited to, inverted
V-shaped, angular shaped, curved shaped, compound curved and/or
angular shapes.
[0063] The interlocking of the surfaces of the cork that are
adjacent to the perforation, groove, etc. and opposed to each
other, will prevent radial shifting of the cork as it is pressed
into the mouth of a bottle. This enables easier insertion of the
cork into the mouth of a bottle and also prevents the continuous
outer surface from being breached or broken as could occur with
excessive radial shifting of the cork.
[0064] The embodiment of the cork depicted in FIG. 10 can be
produced by similar methods used to make the embodiment of the cork
depicted in FIG. 9, and described above.
[0065] As noted above, the closures of the present invention can
have wall thicknesses that are up to diameter of the cylindrical
core members. The use of a non-planar or non-linear groove,
perforation, etc. as discussed above in reference to FIG. 10 can be
incorporated into closures which have wall thicknesses which are
less than the diameter of the cylindrical core members.
[0066] According to the embodiment of the invention depicted in
FIGS. 9 and 12, the bottom portion of the cylindrical core member
which is integral, i.e. extends beyond the point where the helical
or spiral cut terminates, provides a fluid tight seal and the
remaining portion of the cylindrical core member 2 which is cut
through to, or near to, the axial center can be sufficiently
pressed in the mouth or neck of a receptacle to maintain the
integrity of the closure and ensure that it retains its position
and provides a fluid tight seal for the receptacle.
[0067] As shown in the drawings, a portion, typically the bottom of
the closure, can be integral, i.e. the helical or spiral
perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible structure 5
does not extend through this integral portion of the closure and it
can thus serve as an integral plug to seal a receptacle when the
remaining portion of the closure is being stripped apart.
[0068] In order to provide a closure that can be used in any
orientation, i.e., does not have a functionally specific "top" or
"bottom", integral portions can be provided on both ends or at an
intermediate position between the ends, such as the middle of the
closure.
[0069] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a closure
according to the present invention that includes integral portions
on both ends thereof. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a
closure according to the present invention that includes an
integral portion at an intermediate location between the ends of
the closure.
[0070] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 11 the
helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure 5 extends along the central portion of the
cylindrical core member 2, which can comprise a conventional
synthetic or plastic cork, and terminates at a short distance "d"
from either end of the cylindrical core member 2. In the embodiment
of the invention depicted in FIG. 11, the closure is provided with
integral portions 21 and 22 at either end 23 and 24 either of which
can serve as an integral plug to seal a receptacle when the
remaining portion of the closure is being stripped apart. Each end
23 and 24 can also include a pulling tab or other pulling structure
25 if desired so that when the closure is inserted into a
receptacle to seal the same, the upper end which is exposed at the
mouth of the receptacle can be grasped and pulled to strip the
closure out of the receptacle.
[0071] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 12 the
helical or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or
frangible structure 5 extends along either end portion of the
cylindrical core member 2, which can comprise a conventional
synthetic or plastic cork, and terminates in at an intermediate
point so as to form an integral portion having a thickness "d."
This intermediate integral portion 26 defined between the helical
or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible
structure 5 which extends from either side thereof to or near the
opposite ends 23 and 24 of the closure, can serve as an integral
plug to seal a receptacle when one or both of the end portions of
the closure is being stripped apart. Each end 23 and 24 can also
include a pulling tab or other pulling structure 25 if desired so
that when the closure is inserted into a receptacle to seal the
same, the upper end which is exposed at the mouth of the receptacle
can be grasped and pulled to strip the closure out of the
receptacle.
[0072] In FIG. 12 it is noted that the two portions of the helical
or spiral perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible
structure 5 which extend from either side of the integral portion
26 are provided in opposite rotational directions, i.e. clockwise
and counter clockwise as viewed from either end 23 or 24. In an
alternative embodiment the two portions of the helical or spiral
perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible structure 5
which extend from either side of the integral portion 26 could be
provided in the same rotational direction, i.e. both being either
clockwise or counter clockwise as viewed from either end 23 or 24.
It is also to be understood that the pitch of the helical or spiral
perforation, groove, or other weakened or frangible structure in
any of the embodiments of the invention does not have to be
uniform. That is, the pitch could vary along the axis of the
closure or cylindrical core member as desired. In the embodiments
of the closure depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, the helical or spiral
perforation, groove or other weakened or frangible structure(s) can
either extend through the side wall of the cylindrical core member
or the side wall of the core member can have an integral structure
as discussed above.
[0073] As mentioned above, the bottom of closures of the present
invention can be tapered, flat or curved. It has also been found
that a slanted bottom, i.e. one that is planar, but not
perpendicular to the central axis of the closure, will aid in
resealing a solid, stripped apart closure. Alternatively, a
non-planar slanted bottom can also be used.
[0074] The closures of the present invention can be used in
conjunction with a variety of products including, but not limited
to wines and other beverages, medical and laboratory materials,
food products, etc. The materials from which the annular sealing
member 3 is made should be compatible with a desired use, e.g.
non-toxic, non-reactive, inert, etc. Likewise, the materials from
which the cylindrical core member 2 is made should be compatible
with a desired use.
[0075] The closures of the present invention are compatible with
conventional bottling techniques which compress and press corks,
stoppers and similar closures into bottles, receptacles,
containers.
[0076] A significant advantage of the closures of the present
invention is that they an be removed without the need for auxiliary
tools such as corkscrews. Thus, products which are packaged and
sealed by the closures of the present invention, such as for
example wine, can be opened easily at picnics, and other events or
locations wherein opening tools such corkscrews may not
be-available. It is believed that the closures of the present
invention can be manufactured so as to have the appearance of
conventional wine corks, and thus, in addition to reducing the use
of cork, will be readily accepted by wine consumers. The closures
also have use to close or seal any bored structure such as pipe
fittings, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices, etc.
[0077] Another advantage of the closures of the present invention
which relates to safety is that due to the manner in which the
cylindrical core members are pulled apart, striped or unwound to
effect removal of the closures of the present invention, the
closures have an inherent tamper-evident characteristic which can
be an important safety factor.
[0078] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present invention and various
changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *