U.S. patent application number 15/573095 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-24 for closure system for bottles comprising a stopper and a sealing element.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pieter Henderikus LANGELAAN. Invention is credited to Pieter Henderikus LANGELAAN.
Application Number | 20180141722 15/573095 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53180560 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180141722 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LANGELAAN; Pieter
Henderikus |
May 24, 2018 |
CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR BOTTLES COMPRISING A STOPPER AND A SEALING
ELEMENT
Abstract
The present invention relates to a closure system for a bottle
designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food,
preferably a wine bottle. The closure system comprising a stopper
having a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the bottle
and a head part for remaining outside of the mouth, the head part
having a diameter which is larger than that of the stopper part.
The closure system also comprises a sealing element which is
separate from the bottle and from the stopper. The closure system
is configured such that the sealing element is forced against the
inner wall of a mouth of the bottle, upon introduction of the
stopper into the mouth, bringing the closure system into a locked
state, and the stopper part comprises interlocking means to engage
with counterpart interlocking means on the sealing element. The
said interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the
closure system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises
rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle. The stopper part
of the stopper also comprises a holding means configured to form an
interlocking connection with counterpart holding means of the
sealing element, to hold the stopper in a secured position with
respect to the sealing element when the closure system is in a
preassembled state. The present invention also describes a method
of preassembling the closure system for a bottle and a method of
closing a bottle using the preassembled closure system.
Inventors: |
LANGELAAN; Pieter Henderikus;
(Escaldes-Engordany, AD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LANGELAAN; Pieter Henderikus |
Escaldes-Emgprdany |
|
AD |
|
|
Family ID: |
53180560 |
Appl. No.: |
15/573095 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
May 12, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/060621 |
371 Date: |
November 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 39/12 20130101;
B65D 47/121 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 39/12 20060101
B65D039/12; B65D 47/12 20060101 B65D047/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 2015 |
EP |
15167396.0 |
Claims
1. A closure system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling
of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, the closure
system comprising: a stopper comprising a stopper part for
introduction into a mouth of the bottle; and a head part for
remaining outside of the mouth, the head part having a diameter
which is larger than that of the stopper part; and a sealing
element which is separate from the bottle and from the stopper;
wherein the closure system is configured such that the sealing
element is forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle,
upon introduction of the stopper into the mouth, thereby bringing
the closure system into a locked state; wherein the stopper part
comprises interlocking means configured to engage with counterpart
interlocking means comprised by the sealing element; wherein the
interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the closure
system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises rotating
the stopper with respect to the bottle; and wherein the stopper
part of the stopper comprises holding means configured to form an
interlocking connection with counterpart holding means of the
sealing element, to hold the stopper in a secured position with
respect to the sealing element when the closure system is in a
preassembled state.
2. The closure system according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
element comprises a flange positioned at the upper end of the
sealing element.
3. The closure system, according to claim 1, wherein in the
preassembled state of the closure system, the stopper part of the
stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element and the
interlocking means of the stopper part are not engaged with the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; and wherein
holding the stopper in the secured position prevents at least a
substantial rotational displacement of the stopper with respect to
the sealing element and/or axial displacement of the stopper with
respect to the sealing element.
4. The closure system according to claim 1, wherein the sealing
element comprises a sealing section configured to be at least in
part radially expanded upon full introduction into the sealing
element; and wherein in the preassembled state, the outer diameter
of the sealing section is radially expanded, at the point of the
largest expansion, by at most 1 mm in diameter, preferably at most
0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.2 mm and most preferably not
expanded at all, when the closure system is not introduced into the
mouth of the bottle.
5. The closure system, according to claim 1, wherein holding the
stopper in the secured position prevents that the stopper part of
the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element before the
sealing element is fully introduced into the mouth of the
bottle.
6. The closure system, according to claim 2, wherein holding the
stopper in the secured position prevents that the stopper part of
the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element before the
flange of the sealing element has made contact with the upper end
of the mouth of the bottle.
7. The closure system, according to claim 1, wherein the
interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper comprise one
or more grooves arranged on the circumference of the stopper part
of the stopper; wherein each groove comprises a starting section;
wherein the holding means of the stopper part of the stopper
comprise one or more depressions arranged below a starting section
of a groove on the stopper part of the stopper; wherein the
counterpart holding means of the sealing element are or comprise at
least a portion of the counterpart interlocking means of the
sealing element; and wherein the one or more depressions are
configured such that when the counterpart holding means of the
sealing element are engaged with the depressions in the
preassembled state, the counterpart holding means transition to the
starting sections of the respective grooves of the interlocking
means when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into
the sealing element by pushing.
8. The closure system according to claim 2, comprising a tamper
proof element which allows the user to find out whether the
stopper, after the system had been fully assembled, has been moved
with respect to the sealing element in radial and/or axial
direction; wherein the tamper proof element is configured to be
placed on to the closure system in a preassembled state, in which
there is a predetermined gap between the head part of the stopper
and the flange of the sealing element; and wherein a section of the
tamper proof element between the head part of the stopper and
flange is configured to fold inwardly towards the center of the
closure system when the stopper part is fully introduced into the
sealing element.
9. A stopper or a sealing element configured for use in a closure
system claim 1.
10. A method of preassembling a closure system for a bottle
designed for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food,
preferably a wine bottle, the closure system comprising a stopper
with a head part and a stopper part, and a sealing element into
which the stopper can be introduced, wherein the stopper part
comprises interlocking means and the sealing element comprises
counterpart interlocking means, the method comprising the step of:
partially introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the
sealing element such that preferably the interlocking means of the
stopper part are not engaged with the counterpart interlocking
means of the sealing element.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the stopper part of
the stopper comprises holding means configured to form an
interlocking connection with counterpart holding means comprised by
the sealing element; and wherein during the step of partially
introducing the stopper part into the sealing element, the holding
means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart holding means
of the sealing element.
12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the sealing element
comprises a sealing section configured to be at least partially
radially expanded when the stopper part is fully introduced into
the sealing element; and wherein during the step of partially
introducing the stopper part into the sealing element, the sealing
section is radially expanded at most 1 mm in diameter, preferably
at most 0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.2 mm, and most preferably
not expanded at all.
13. The method according to claim 10, the method further comprising
a step of wrapping the closure system with a tamper proof element,
after the step of partially introducing the stopper part of the
stopper into the sealing element; wherein the tamper proof element
is at least partially wrapped around the lateral portions, at least
parts of the upper surface of the head part of the stopper, and at
least part of the lower surface of a flange positioned at the upper
end of the sealing element; and wherein the tamper proof element is
retained in a substantially stretched position between the head
part of the stopper and the flange of the sealing element as a
result of wrapping.
14. A method of closing a bottle designed for commercial bottling
of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, by means a
closure system comprising a stopper with a head part and a stopper
part, and a sealing element into which the stopper can be
introduced, wherein the stopper part of the stopper comprises
interlocking means and the sealing element comprises counterpart
interlocking means, the method comprising the steps of: inserting
the closure system in a preassembled state into a mouth of the
bottle, wherein in the preassembled state, the stopper part of the
stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element, and the
interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper are
preferably not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of
the sealing element; and pushing the closure system further into
the mouth of the bottle, whereby the stopper part of the stopper is
fully introduced into the sealing element and the interlocking
means of the stopper part of the stopper preferably engage with the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the stopper part of
the stopper comprises holding means configured to form an
interlocking connection with the counterpart interlocking means of
the sealing element; wherein in the preassembled state, the holding
means of the stopper part of the stopper are engaged with the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; wherein
during the step of pushing the closure system further into the
mouth of the bottle, the counterpart interlocking means of the
sealing element disengage from the holding means and then engage
with the interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a closure system for a bottle,
preferably a beverage bottle, like a wine bottle, and a stopper and
sealing element for sealing the stopper for a bottle. The invention
further relates to a method of sealing a bottle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A sealable bottle is known from European patents EP 1 451
081 B1 and EP 1 456 092 B1. A bottle disclosed in these patents
comprises a stopper which is made of glass and can be inserted into
the bottle opening. The bottle further comprises a fixing element
that is attached to the bottle body in a detachable manner and
retains the stopper inserted in the bottle opening in place.
However, such a bottle presents several drawbacks. It is expensive
since the fixing element needs to be attached to the bottle body.
It is not reusable since once the detachable fixing element is
removed it cannot generally be reattached. Therefore, proper
sealing cannot be achieved any longer once the bottle has been
opened. As a consequence, it cannot be stored any more, e.g., in
horizontal position.
[0003] The closure systems disclosed in EP 1 451 081 B1 and EP 1456
092 B1 present another drawback, when used in the wine industry for
closing a wine bottle. Indeed, since the closure systems cannot
cope with the manufacturing tolerances of ordinary wine bottles,
these closure systems require a specific wine bottle, the mouth of
which is specifically adapted to the shape and dimensions of the
stopper. Therefore, wine producers wishing to adopt such a closure
system for sealing their wine bottles instead of corks made of
natural or synthetic cork will be forced to change their bottling
processes and adapt them to these specific bottles, which are more
expensive than standard bottles and are also only available from a
few glass bottle manufacturers.
[0004] A bottle stopper arrangement which does not need a fixing
element attached to the bottle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,245,569. The bottle stopper arrangement described therein is
specifically designed for a bottle in which a fluid is maintained
under pressure, in particular a Champagne wine bottle. The bottle
stopper arrangement comprises a tubular insert adapted to be
secured in the mouth of the bottle, and a bottle stopper adapted to
be inserted into the tubular insert. The tubular insert has an
inner face defining a passage, the cross-sectional area of which
decreases in the direction from its outer end in the mouth of the
bottle and its inner end within the bottle. When the stopper is
inserted into the tubular insert, the insert is spread in the lower
part, due to m the decreased width of the passage in the lower part
of the insert. By doing so, the spread lower part of the insert
comes into an interlocking connection with the inner wall of the
bottle neck because going downwards, the bottle neck widens up in
the area of the spread lower part of the insert. The inner face of
the tubular insert has at its outer end a screw-threaded annular
surface portion and the bottle stopper has at its outer end a
screw-threaded annular surface portion for engaging with the
screw-threaded annular surface portion of the inner face of the
tubular insert. Due to the above-mentioned interlocking connection
(which is supported by an additional interlocking connection
outside at the rim of the mouth of the bottle), no fixing element
is needed to hold the stopper securely on the bottle.
[0005] However, also the bottle stopper arrangement disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,245,569 has several drawbacks. For example, at
least two steps have to be carried out during sealing the bottle in
the bottling plant: in a first step, the insert needs to be put on
the bottle, and only in a second step, the stopper can be placed on
the bottle. The need for two steps makes bottling expensive.
Further, the user needs to rotate the stopper over several turns
before completely unscrewing the stopper, which makes the opening
process cumbersome.
[0006] Another stopper configuration is disclosed in European
patent application EP 2 692 657 A1 which provides a closure system
for a bottle which allows sealing the stopper in the bottle
sufficiently strong for transportation and/or storage of the bottle
in horizontal position even in the absence of a fixing element
attached to the bottle body. However, it has been found that the
closure system of the above application could be improved in
certain aspects. For example, although the stopper of EP 2 692 657
A1 is primarily made of glass, a short plastic sealing element is
always retained on the stopper. Therefore, the user sometimes
mistakes the stopper to be made of more robust material than glass
which leads to the breaking of the stopper due to misuse.
Furthermore, the design of the stopper requires that its bottom
part is relatively thin, which makes it breakable if the stopper is
realized in glass. Moreover, the stopper of EP 2 692 657 A1 is held
in the sealed position by way of a frictional connection between
the sealing element and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle.
This connection is provided by pressing the sealing element by a
portion of the stopper. However, the same portion is also provided
with an interlocking means in form of screw threads to engage with
the sealing element to bring it to the locked and unlocked states.
This makes it difficult to provide a tight seal because liquid may
go into the windings of the screw thread. It also causes the
problem of providing a balance between a tighter sealing between
the stopper and the sealing element and reduced friction between
the interlocking means. That is, if a tighter seal is provided, it
causes additional friction in the interlocking means making it
difficult to rotate the stopper for unlocking.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved and robust
closure system which allows for proper sealing and at the same time
easy operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a closure system
for a bottle that overcomes any one or all of the above-mentioned
drawbacks of the above mentioned systems. Some or all of these
objects are solved individually and/or in combination by the
subject matter of the claims. Preferred embodiments are subject to
the dependent claims.
[0009] A 1.sup.st embodiment of the present invention is a closure
system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage
or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, the closure system
comprising a stopper comprising a stopper part for introduction
into a mouth of the bottle; and a head part for remaining outside
of the mouth, the head part having a diameter which is larger than
that of the stopper part; and the closure system further comprising
a sealing element which is separate from the bottle and from the
stopper; the closure system is configured such that the sealing
element is forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle,
upon introduction of the stopper into the mouth, thereby bringing
the closure system into a locked state; the stopper part comprises
interlocking means configured to engage with counterpart
interlocking means comprised by the sealing element; and the
interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the closure
system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises rotating
the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0010] A 2.sup.nd embodiment of the present invention is a stopper
for a closure system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling
of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, the stopper
comprising a stopper part for introduction into a mouth of the
bottle; and a head part for remaining outside of the mouth, the
head part having a diameter which is larger than that of the
stopper part; wherein the closure system is configured such that a
sealing element which is separate from the bottle and from the
stopper is forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle,
upon introduction of the stopper part into the mouth, thereby
bringing the closure system into a locked state; wherein the
stopper part comprises interlocking means configured to engage with
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; and wherein
the interlocking means are configured to permit bringing the
closure system into an unlocked state by an action which comprises
rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0011] A 3.sup.rd embodiment of the present invention is a sealing
element for a closure system for a bottle designed for commercial
bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle,
the closure system comprising a stopper with a stopper part for
introduction into a mouth of the bottle and a head part for
remaining outside of the mouth, the head part having a diameter
which is larger than that of the stopper part, wherein the sealing
element is separate from the bottle and from the stopper; wherein
the closure system is configured such that the sealing element is
forced against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle, upon
introduction of the stopper into the mouth, thereby bringing the
closure system into a locked state; and wherein the sealing element
comprises counterpart interlocking means which are configured to
engage with interlocking means comprised by the stopper part of the
stopper, the interlocking means being configured to permit bringing
the closure system into an unlocked state by an action which
comprises rotating the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0012] According to a 4.sup.th embodiment, in the 1.sup.st,
2.sup.nd, or 3.sup.rd embodiments, respectively, in the locked
state, a force exceeding 50N, preferably 100N, more preferably
200N, most preferably 300N is required to pull the stopper or the
closure system out of the mouth of the bottle.
[0013] According to a 5.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, in the locked state, the forcing the sealing
element against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle forms a
seal between the stopper and the mouth of the bottle such that no
liquid can exit through the mouth of the bottle.
[0014] Consequently, the bottle is tightly closed, and even turning
the bottle upside down would not cause the liquid inside to exit
the bottle.
[0015] According to a 6.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, in the locked state, the closure system is
retained in the mouth of the bottle against a pressure of at least
up to 1 bar inside the bottle, preferably at least up to 2 bar,
more preferably at least up to 3 bar, most preferably at least up
to 4 bar.
[0016] Such a high pressure resilience enables the closure system
to remain inside bottles even if they are filled with highly
pressurized liquids such as sparkling wines. Furthermore, a user
unfamiliar with the closure system will immediately realize that
simply pulling the stopper will not open the closure system.
[0017] According to a 7.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
5.sup.th or 6.sup.th embodiments, the seal is sufficiently tight
such that in the locked state, no signs of leakage such as bubble
formation are observed at the stopper of a bottle filled with red
wine after 1 minute at a pressure of at least up to 1 bar inside
the bottle, preferably of at least up to 2 bar, more preferably of
at least up to 3 bar and most preferably at a pressure of at least
up to 4 bar.
[0018] By being able to withstand such high pressures, the closure
system can be used with most liquids, including sparkling wines,
and provides reliable sealing from outside influences such as dirt
or moisture.
[0019] According to an 8.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, in the unlocked state, the stopper can be
pulled out of the mouth of the bottle by a force of less than 20N,
preferably less than 5N, more preferably less than 2N, most
preferably by a force which substantially corresponds to the weight
of the stopper.
[0020] A low force required to remove the stopper in the unlocked
state indicates to the user that the closure system is in the
unlocked state. It also makes it easier for the user to remove the
stopper compared to conventional systems such as cork-based closure
systems where a large force is required to pull the cork stopper
out of the bottle.
[0021] According to a 9.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, in the unlocked state, no seal is formed
between the stopper and the mouth of the bottle such that liquid
can exit through the mouth of the bottle.
[0022] According to a 10.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the mouth of the bottle is configured to
comply with DIN EN 12726:2000.
[0023] According to an 11.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the length of the stopper part of the
stopper is at least 19 mm, preferably at least 24 mm, more
preferably at least 29 mm, most preferably at least about 31
mm.
[0024] According to a 12.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the length of the stopper part of the
stopper is at most 43 mm, preferably at most 38 mm, more preferably
at most 33 mm, most preferably at most about 31 mm.
[0025] This is a suitable length to co-operate with a sealing
element having a length of 26 mm to 45 mm, preferably 32 mm. The
advantages of a sealing element of that length are explained
below.
[0026] According to a 13.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element is configured to receive
the stopper part of the stopper by way of introduction.
[0027] Such a shape facilitates providing a seal such that the
stopper part of the stopper does not come in contact with the mouth
of the bottle. For forming the seal, the sealing element can be
expanded by the stopper part of the stopper.
[0028] According to a 14.sup.th embodiment, in the 13.sup.th
embodiment, the sealing element has essentially the shape of a ring
or tube.
[0029] Since such a shape corresponds to the shape of the mouth of
the bottle, the sealing element can form a better contact with the
bottle and can thus form a better seal between the sealing element
and the mouth of the bottle.
[0030] According to a 15.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
13.sup.th or 14.sup.th embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper
is fully introduced into the sealing element when the stopper and
the sealing element have the positional relationship to each other
as intended for the locked state.
[0031] The head part of a stopper whose stopper part is "fully
introduced" into the sealing element will in general be in contact
with the upper end of the sealing element. However, there may also
be a small gap between the head part of the stopper and the upper
end of the sealing element, or even a larger gap, if this is
intended by the design of the closure system. E.g., if the upper
end of the sealing element is not intended to protrude from the tip
of the mouth of the bottle when the sealing element is fully
introduced into the bottle, there will be no contact between the
head of the stopper and the sealing element.
[0032] According to a 16.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element has a length of at least
18 mm, preferably at least 26 mm, more preferably at least mm, most
preferably at 32 mm.
[0033] According to a 17.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element has a length of at most
45 mm, preferably of at most 38 mm, more preferably of at most 34
mm, most preferably of at most 32 mm.
[0034] Such a length not only provides a reliable and tight seal,
it also allows the sealing element to be in contact with the
section of increasing diameter from the top to the bottom in the
neck of a standard wine bottle which may start about 25 mm below
the tip of the mouth of the bottle, and to form an interlocking
connection in this section.
[0035] According to a 18.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the head part of the stopper has a diameter
which deviates from the largest outer diameter of the top of the
mouth of the bottle by not more than 4 mm, preferably not more than
3 mm, more preferably not more than 2 mm, and most preferably
substantially corresponds the largest outer diameter of the top of
the mouth of the bottle.
[0036] According to a 19.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the head part of the stopper has a diameter
of at least 22 mm, preferably at least 26 mm, more preferably at
least 28 mm, most preferably at least about mm.
[0037] According to a 20.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the head part of the stopper has a diameter
of at most 38 mm, preferably at most 34 mm, more preferably at most
32 mm, most preferably at most about 30 mm.
[0038] 30 mm is the largest outer diameter of the top of the mouth
of a standard wine bottle.
[0039] According to a 21.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the head part of the stopper has a diameter
of at least 150% of the largest diameter stopper part, preferably
at least 170%, more preferably at least 190%, most preferably at
least about 210%.
[0040] According to a 22.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the head part of the stopper has a diameter
of at most 260% of the largest diameter stopper part, preferably at
most 240%, more preferably at most 230%, most preferably at most
about 210%.
[0041] According to a 23.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element comprises a covering
section configured to remain outside the mouth of the bottle and
configured to prevent the head part of the stopper from contacting
the mouth of the bottle.
[0042] According to a 24.sup.th embodiment, in the 23.sup.rd
embodiment, the covering section is a flange positioned at the
upper end of the sealing element.
[0043] The covering section serves as a stop for the sealing
element, thereby preventing the sealing element from being pushed
too far into the bottle. Additionally, it prevents dirt and
moisture from entering the bottle. Finally, it protects the tip of
the mouth of the bottle because it prevents contact with the head
part of the stopper, which is of particular importance in the
bottling process.
[0044] According to a 25.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
23.sup.rd or 24.sup.th embodiments, the width of the covering
section is at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, more
preferably at least 1.5 mm, most preferably at least about 2
mm.
[0045] According to a 26.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
23.sup.rd to 25.sup.th embodiments, the width of the covering
section is at most 6 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, more preferably
at most 3 mm, most preferably of at most about 2 mm.
[0046] The covering section should be as narrow as possible.
However, it must be sufficiently large to achieve the advantages
described above. The inventors found that a width of about 2 mm is
the preferred optimum width.
[0047] According to a 27.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
23.sup.rd to 26.sup.th embodiments, the covering section has a
height of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, more
preferably at least 0.7 mm, most preferably at least about 1
mm.
[0048] According to a 28.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
23.sup.rd to 27.sup.th embodiments, the covering section has a
height of at most 1.8 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, more
preferably at most 1.2 mm, most preferably of at most about 1
mm.
[0049] A thickness of about 1 mm makes the covering section robust
enough to not break during assembly and provides good enough
protection to the head part of the stopper. It provides a good
compromise between material usage and robustness.
[0050] According to a 29.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
23.sup.rd to 28.sup.th embodiments, the covering section is
configured to prevent or reduce dripping of liquid at the end of
the process of pouring liquid out of the mouth of the bottle.
[0051] By configuring the covering section in such a way, e.g. by
providing it with an edge which is sharper then the edge of the tip
of the mouth of the bottle, the covering section can serve as a
drop stop. The normal edge of the mouth of bottles is rounded and
thus tends to cause dripping of the liquid after pouring.
[0052] According to a 30.sup.th embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment, or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 29.sup.th embodiments, the distance between the highest point of
the mouth of the bottle and the top end of the section where the
seal is formed is at most 5 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, more
preferably at most 2 mm, most preferably at most 1 mm.
[0053] Providing a seal which starts only at a very small distance
from the tip of the mouth of the bottle prevents that dirt and
moisture enter into a gap between the stopper and the sealing
element or between the sealing element and the bottle at the top
section of the sealing element.
[0054] According to a 31.sup.st embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 30.sup.th embodiments, the section where the seal is formed is
located at least in part at a section of the mouth of the bottle
with an increasing diameter from top to bottom.
[0055] This makes it possible that the connection between the
sealing element and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in
the section where the seal is formed is in part an interlocking
connection, which increases the holding force on the closure system
in the locked state.
[0056] According to a 32.sup.nd embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 31.sup.st embodiments, the length of the section where the seal
is formed is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm, more
preferably at least 6 mm, most preferably at least about 8 mm.
[0057] According to a 33.sup.rd embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 32.sup.nd embodiments, the length of the section where the seal
is formed is at most at 14 mm, preferably at most 12 mm, more
preferably at most 10 mm, most preferably at most about 8 mm.
[0058] Providing a sufficiently long seal enhances the capability
of the closure system to withstand high pressures as well as the
capability of preventing the liquid from exiting while the closure
system is in the locked state. It further allows for compensating
any manufacturing tolerances the mouth of the bottle and/or the
closure system may have.
[0059] According to a 34.sup.th embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 33.sup.rd embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper comprises
a first section configured to force the sealing element against the
inner wall of the mouth in the locked state, to form the seal
between the stopper part and the mouth of the bottle.
[0060] According to a 35.sup.th embodiment, in the 34.sup.th
embodiment, the first section of the stopper part of the stopper
has a substantially even surface.
[0061] An even surface allows to create a particularly tight seal
between the stopper part of the stopper and the sealing element. It
also makes it easier to introduce the first section into the
sealing element.
[0062] According to a 36.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th or 35.sup.th embodiments, the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a substantially cylindrical
shape.
[0063] A cylindrical shape of the first section the stopper part of
the stopper allows this section to have as great a diameter as
possible, and therefore to provide a particularly robust stopper,
even if it is manufactured from breakable material such as glass.
This is particularly important in the case where the stopper part
comprises a hollow channel in its center for allowing controlled
oxygen exchange. In particular in this configuration, every
millimeter by which the diameter of the stopper part can be
increased is extremely valuable.
[0064] According to a 37.sup.th embodiment, in the 36.sup.th
embodiment, the first section of the stopper part of the stopper
has a slightly conical shape, with decreasing diameter in the
direction from the top to the bottom.
[0065] A slightly conical shape of the first section makes it
easier to introduce the first section into the sealing element
while keeping a substantially cylindrical shape.
[0066] According to a 38.sup.th embodiment, in the 37.sup.th
embodiment, the diameter of the first section of the stopper part
of the stopper decreases from top to bottom by at most 1 mm,
preferably at most 0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.3 mm, most
preferably at most 0.2 mm.
[0067] According to a 39.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th or 35.sup.th embodiments, the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a substantially conical shape, with
decreasing diameter in the direction from the top to the
bottom.
[0068] A conical shape of the first section makes it easier to
introduce the first section into the sealing element.
[0069] According to a 40.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 39.sup.th embodiments, the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a maximum diameter of at least 2 mm
less than the minimum inner diameter of the top of the mouth of the
bottle, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 3.5 mm,
most preferably at least about 4 mm.
[0070] According to a 41.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 40.sup.th embodiments, the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a maximum diameter of at most 6 mm
less than the minimum inner diameter of the top of the mouth of the
bottle, preferably at most 5 mm, more preferably at most 4.5 mm,
most preferably at most about 4 mm.
[0071] A diameter of the first section of the stopper part of this
size allows the wall of the sealing element in the sealing section
to be about 2 mm thick, which is appropriate for providing a tight
seal and for balancing out manufacturing tolerances.
[0072] According to a 42.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 41.sup.st embodiments, the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a maximum diameter of at least 12.5
mm, preferably at least 13.5 mm, more preferably at least 14.0 mm,
most preferably at least about 14.4 mm.
[0073] According to a 43.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 42.sup.nd embodiments, the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a maximum diameter of at most 16.0
mm, preferably at most 15.2 mm, more preferably at most 14.8 mm,
most preferably at most about 14.4 mm.
[0074] 14.4 mm is the preferred diameter in the case of a closure
system for a standard wine bottle. In a standard wine bottle, the
inner diameter at the top of the mouth of the bottle is 18.5
mm.
[0075] According to a 44.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 43.sup.rd embodiments, the first section starts at
most at 4 mm below the head part of the stopper, preferably at most
at 2 mm, more preferably at most at 1 mm, most preferably at about
0 mm.
[0076] By arranging the first section at this position from the
head part, the closure system can form a seal as close to the tip
of the mouth as possible, which prevents that dirt particles and
liquid can enter at the top. Furthermore, it improves the tightness
of the closure system. For example, standard wine bottles have a
particularly well-defined inner section within the first about 10
mm from the tip of the mouth of the bottle, which allows for a very
good adaptation of the closure system to the mouth of the bottle in
this section.
[0077] According to a 45.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 44.sup.th embodiments, the length of the first section
is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, more preferably at
least 9 mm, most preferably at least about 11 mm.
[0078] According to a 46.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
34.sup.th to 45.sup.th embodiments, the length of the first section
is at most 18 mm, preferably at most 15 mm, more preferably at most
13 mm, most preferably at most about 11 mm.
[0079] This length provides an optimal area in which the first
section forces the sealing element against the inner wall of the
mouth of the bottle, thus providing an optimally dimensioned seal.
This is in particular true for standard wine bottles because they
have a particularly well-defined inner section within the first
about 10 mm from the tip of the mouth of the bottle, and many of
them have a section with an increasing diameter from the top to the
bottom after about 10 mm, which allows the formation of an
interlocking connection between the sealing element and the mouth
of the bottle in the area where the seal is formed.
[0080] According to a 47.sup.th embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 46.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element comprises a sealing
section configured to be at least in part radially expanded by the
stopper part of the stopper upon full introduction into the sealing
element, the sealing section thereby at least in part being forced
against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked
state, to form the seal between the stopper part and the mouth of
the bottle.
[0081] This radial expansion enables the sealing section to form a
tight connection with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle,
thus improving the tightness of the closure system. It is
understood that no expansion of the outer surface may take place if
the sealing element has already been full introduced into the mouth
of the bottle because expansion may be blocked by the inner wall of
the mouth of the bottle. However, even in this case, there will
typically be a radial expansion at least of the inner surface of
the sealing section.
[0082] According to a 48.sup.th embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment, the sealing section of the sealing element
substantially has the shape of a ring or tube.
[0083] Since this shape corresponds to the shape of the mouth of
the bottle, the sealing element can make better contact with the
bottle and can thus form a better seal between the sealing element
and the mouth of the bottle.
[0084] According to a 49.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th or 48.sup.th embodiments, the sealing section comprises a
constricted section having a smaller inner diameter than other
parts of the sealing section.
[0085] According to a 50.sup.th embodiment, in the 49.sup.th
embodiment, the constricted section is configured to be forced
radially outward upon full introduction of the stopper part of the
stopper into the sealing element.
[0086] According to a 51.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th or 50.sup.th embodiments, the constricted section is
located within the section where the seal is formed.
[0087] The constricted section improves forcing the sealing section
against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, thus improving
the seal of the closure system. It also makes it possible that the
length of the area where the seal is formed is greater than length
of the upward movement of the stopper which is necessary to bring
the closure system from the locked state to the unlocked state.
[0088] According to a 52.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 51.sup.st embodiments, the constricted section is
positioned substantially at the center of the sealing section.
[0089] Such a positioning ensures that the strongest point of the
seal is centrally located and the pressure in the locked state is
evenly distributed across the sealing section.
[0090] According to a 53.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 51.sup.st embodiments, the constricted section is
positioned within or overlaps with the section where the seal is
formed.
[0091] According to a 54.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 53.sup.rd embodiments, the length of the constricted
section is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably
at least 4 mm, most preferably at least about 5 mm.
[0092] According to a 55.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 54.sup.th embodiments, the length of the constricted
section is at most 10 mm, preferably at most 8 mm, more preferably
at most 6 mm, most preferably at most about 5 mm.
[0093] According to a 56.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 55.sup.th embodiments, the length of the constricted
section is smaller than the length of the section where the seal is
formed.
[0094] According to a 57.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 56.sup.th embodiments, the length of the section where
the seal is formed is at least 120% of the length of the
constricted section, preferably at least 130%, more preferably at
least 140% and most preferably at least about 160%.
[0095] According to a 58.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 57.sup.th embodiments, the inner surface of the
constricted section comprises a section which is substantially
convex when the stopper part of the stopper is not introduced into
the sealing element.
[0096] A convex section is relatively easy to manufacture, allows
for an even distribution of the pressure in the locked state, and
for easy introduction of the stopper part into the constricted
section.
[0097] According to a 59.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 58.sup.th embodiments, the inner surface of the
constricted section comprises a section which has substantially the
shape of one or more waves when the stopper part of the stopper is
not introduced into the sealing element.
[0098] A constricted section in the shape of a wave further
improves the above-mentioned properties of a constricted section
having a convex section.
[0099] According to a 60.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 58.sup.th embodiments, the outer shape of the sealing
section of the sealing element is substantially cylindrical when
the stopper part of the stopper is not introduced into the sealing
element.
[0100] Since the mouth of a standard wine bottle has its smallest
diameter at the top, a cylindrical outer shape of the sealing
section allows the sealing section to come as close as possible to
the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the preassembled or
unlocked state, and at the same time not to touch the inner wall or
to reduce the friction during introduction of the sealing element
into the mouth of the bottle.
[0101] According to a 61.sup.st embodiment, in the 60.sup.th
embodiment the outer shape of the sealing section of the sealing
element is slightly convex when the stopper part of the stopper is
not introduced into the sealing element.
[0102] This is due to manufacturing tolerances.
[0103] According to a 62.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 61.sup.st embodiments, the sealing section of the
sealing element has a substantially even outer surface when the
stopper part of the stopper is not introduced into the sealing
element.
[0104] An even outer surface allows for a particularly tight seal
because the inner wall of the mouth of most bottles is also
even.
[0105] According to a 63.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 62.sup.nd embodiments, the outer surface of the
sealing section of the sealing element comprises a section which is
substantially convex when the stopper part of the stopper is fully
introduced into the sealing element and the closure system is not
introduced into the bottle.
[0106] This is a consequence of the constricted section of the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0107] According to a 64.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 63.sup.rd embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a
maximum inner diameter of at least 8 mm, preferably at least 11 mm,
more preferably at least 13 mm, most preferably at least 14 mm.
[0108] According to a 65.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 64.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a
maximum inner diameter of at most 21 mm, preferably at most 17 mm,
more preferably at most 16 mm, most preferably at most 15 mm.
[0109] With such a diameter, which essentially deviates from the
maximum diameter of the first section of the stopper part of the
stopper by at most 2 mm, preferably at most 1 mm, more preferably
at most 0.5 mm, most preferable at most 0.2 mm, the sealing section
can be easily introduced into the mouth of the bottle while being
sufficiently in contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the
bottle to form a seal when the stopper is introduced.
[0110] According to a 66.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 65.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the minimum inner diameter of
the sealing section in the constricted section is at least 0.2 mm
smaller than the inner diameter of the sealing section at the upper
and/or lower end of the constricted section and/or than the inner
diameter of the sealing section of the sealing element at its upper
end and/or than the maximum inner diameter of the sealing section
of the sealing element, preferably at least 0.6 mm, more preferably
at least 0.8 mm, most preferably at least about 1 mm.
[0111] According to a 67.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
49.sup.th to 66.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the minimum inner diameter of
the sealing section in the constricted section is at most 1.8 mm
smaller than the inner diameter of the sealing section at the upper
and/or lower end of the constricted section and/or than the inner
diameter of the sealing section of the sealing element at its upper
end and/or than the maximum inner diameter of the sealing element,
preferably at most 1.4 mm, more preferably at most 1.2 mm, most
preferably at most about 1 mm.
[0112] By dimensioning the constricted section in this manner, the
improvement of the seal provided by the constricted section is
optimized.
[0113] According to a 68.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 67.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a
maximum outer diameter of at least 17.5 mm, preferably at least
18.0 mm, more preferably at least 18.1 mm, most preferably at least
about 18.3 mm.
[0114] According to a 69.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 68.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a
maximum outer diameter of at most 19.0 mm, preferably at most 18.7
mm, more preferably at most 18.5 mm, most preferably at most about
18.3 mm.
[0115] 18.3 mm is the preferred value in the case of closure
systems for standard wine bottles. The inner diameter at the top of
the mouth of such a bottle is specified to be 18.5 mm.
[0116] According to a 70.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 70.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a
maximum outer diameter of at most 1 mm less than the minimum inner
diameter of the top of the mouth of the bottle, preferably at most
0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.3 mm, most preferably at most
about 0.2 mm.
[0117] According to a 71.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 70.sup.th embodiments, when the stopper part is not
introduced into the sealing element, the sealing section has a
maximum outer diameter of at most 0.2 mm more than the minimum
inner diameter of the top of the mouth of the bottle, preferably at
most the minimum inner diameter of the top of the mouth of the
bottle, more preferably at least 0.1 mm less than the minimum inner
diameter of the top of the mouth of the bottle, more preferably at
least about 0.2 mm less than the minimum inner diameter of the top
of the mouth of the bottle.
[0118] This diameter renders it easy to introduce the sealing
element into the mouth of the bottle during assembly and at the
same time provides a minimum distance between the sealing section
of the sealing element and the mouth of the bottle. A minimum
distance is preferable because it reduces the amount by which the
sealing section has to be expanded for bringing the system into the
locked position.
[0119] According to a 72.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 71.sup.st embodiments, the closure system is
configured such that the sealing section is radially expanded upon
full introduction of the stopper part of the stopper into the
sealing element, at the point of the largest expansion, by at least
0.4 mm in diameter, preferably by at least 0.6 mm, more preferably
by at least 0.7 mm, most preferably by at least about 0.8 mm, when
the closure system is not introduced into the bottle.
[0120] According to a 73.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 72.sup.nd embodiments, the closure system is
configured such that the sealing section is radially expanded upon
full introduction of the stopper part of the stopper into the
sealing element, at the point of the largest expansion, by at most
2.5 mm in diameter, preferably by at most 1.6 mm, more preferably
by at most 1.2 mm, most preferably by at most about 0.8 mm, when
the closure system is not introduced into the bottle.
[0121] A maximum expansion ("radial stroke") of about 0.8 mm allows
the formation of a sufficiently tight seal, and it also allows to
compensate manufacturing tolerances, while at the same time the
pressure created by the expansion in the section where the seal is
formed is small enough so that the torque required to bring the
closure system into an unlocked position is not too high.
[0122] According to a 74.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 73.sup.rd embodiments, the closure system is
configured such that in the unlocked state, the sealing section of
the sealing element is radially expanded, at the point of the
largest expansion, by at most 1 mm in diameter, preferably at most
0.5 mm, more preferably at most 0.2 mm and most preferably not
expanded at all, even if the closure system was not introduced into
the bottle.
[0123] Having the expansion of the sealing section of the sealing
element reduced to a minimum or even to zero in the unlocked state
allows to minimize the friction which works against the removal of
the stopper from the bottle in the unlocked state.
[0124] According to a 75.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 73.sup.rd embodiments, the sealing section of the
sealing element starts at least 5 mm below the upper end of the
sealing element, preferably at least 4 mm, more preferably at least
2 mm, most preferably at least about 1 mm.
[0125] Arranging the sealing section at this location ensures that
the seal is formed in the locked state as close as possible to the
tip of the mouth of the bottle.
[0126] According to a 76.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 75.sup.th embodiments, the sealing section of the
sealing element has a length of at least 2 mm, preferably at least
5 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, most preferably at least about
10 mm.
[0127] According to a 77.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
47.sup.th to 76.sup.th embodiments, the sealing section of the
sealing element has a length of at most 17 mm, preferably at most
14 mm, more preferably at most 12 mm, most preferably at most about
10 mm.
[0128] This length provides an optimally sized area for forming a
seal of about 8 mm length.
[0129] According to a 78.sup.th embodiment, in the 36.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 47.sup.th .sub.to 77.sup.th
embodiments, in the locked state, at least a part of the first
section of the stopper part of the stopper is located within the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0130] Locating at least part of the first section of the stopper
part within the sealing section in the locked state ensures that
the first section, which has a relatively large diameter, can
expand the sealing section of the sealing element to form the
seal.
[0131] According to a 79.sup.th embodiment, in the 49.sup.th and
78.sup.th embodiments, in the locked state, at least a part of the
first section of the stopper part of the stopper is located within
the constricted section of the sealing section of the sealing
element.
[0132] This ensures expansion of the sealing section in preferred
embodiments in which the first section of the stopper part exerts
radial pressure primarily in the constricted section.
[0133] According to an 80.sup.th embodiment, in the 36.sup.th and
any one of the 47.sup.th to 79.sup.th embodiments, in the locked
state, at least a part of sealing section has received at least a
part of the first section of the stopper part of the stopper.
[0134] Receiving at least a part of the first section of the
stopper part within the sealing section enables expansion of the
sealing section by the first section of the stopper part in the
locked state.
[0135] According to an 81.sup.st embodiment, in the 80.sup.th
embodiment, in the locked state, at least the part of the sealing
section which has the smallest inner diameter has received at least
a part of the first section of the stopper part of the stopper.
[0136] Receiving at least a part of the first section of the
stopper part within the part of the sealing section which has the
smallest diameter ensures expansion of the sealing section by the
first section of the stopper part in the locked state in preferred
embodiments in which the first section of the stopper exerts radial
pressure primarily in a constricted section.
[0137] According to an 82.sup.nd embodiment, in the 49.sup.th and
any one of the 80.sup.th or 81.sup.st embodiments, in the locked
state, at least a part of constricted section of the sealing
section has received at least a part of the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper.
[0138] Receiving at least a part of the first section of the
stopper part within the constricted section enables expansion of
the sealing section by the first section of the stopper part in the
locked state in preferred embodiments in which the first section of
the stopper exerts radial pressure primarily in the constricted
section.
[0139] According to an 83.sup.rd embodiment, in the 36.sup.th
embodiment, and the 49.sup.th embodiment or the 49.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 50.sup.th to 82.sup.nd embodiments,
in the unlocked state, the first section of the stopper part of the
stopper is not located within the constricted section of the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0140] Removing the first section of the stopper part from the
constricted section of the sealing section of the sealing element
may allow removing the pressure exerted on the sealing section by
the stopper part.
[0141] According to an 84.sup.th embodiment, in the 34.sup.th
embodiment or the 34.sup.th and any one of the 35.sup.th to
83.sup.rd embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper comprises a
second section, which is arranged below the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper.
[0142] According to an 85.sup.th embodiment, in the 84.sup.th
embodiment, the second section of the stopper part of the stopper
has a substantially cylindrical shape.
[0143] A cylindrical shape of the second section of the stopper
part allows this section to have as great a diameter as possible,
and therefore to provide a particularly robust stopper, even if it
is manufactured from breakable material such as glass. This is
particularly important in the case where the stopper part comprises
a hollow channel in its center for allowing controlled oxygen
exchange. In particular in this configuration, ever millimeter by
which the diameter of the stopper part can be increased is
extremely valuable.
[0144] According to an 86.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.th or 85.sup.th embodiments, the smallest diameter of the
second section of the stopper part of the stopper, without
considering any recesses and/or protrusions, is at least 85% of the
largest diameter of the first section of the stopper part of the
stopper, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 92% and
most preferably at least about 94%.
[0145] Dimensioning the second section of the stopper with a
smaller diameter than the first section allows to bring the closure
system into the unlocked state when the stopper is moved upward
such that the second section of the stopper part enters into the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0146] According to an 87.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.th to 86.sup.th embodiments, the smallest diameter of the
second section of the stopper part of the stopper, without
considering any recesses and/or protrusions, is at most 97% of the
largest diameter of the first section of the stopper part of the
stopper, preferably at most 96%, more preferably at most 95% and
most preferably at most about 94%.
[0147] Although the diameter of the second section of the stopper
part should be smaller than the diameter of the first section of
the stopper part, the difference in diameter should be as small as
possible in order to provide a robust stopper, even if it is
manufactured from breakable material such as glass.
[0148] According to an 88.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.th to 87.sup.th embodiments, the smallest diameter of the
second section of the stopper part of the stopper, without
considering any recesses and/or protrusions, is at least 10 mm,
preferably at least 12 mm, more preferably at least 13 mm, most
preferably at least about 13.5 mm.
[0149] According to an 89.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.th to 88.sup.th embodiments, the largest diameter of the
second section of the stopper part of the stopper, without
considering any recesses and/or protrusions, is at most 16 mm,
preferably at most 15 mm, more preferably at most 14 mm, most
preferably at most about 13.5 mm.
[0150] 13.5 mm is the preferred diameter of the second section of
the stopper part where the diameter of the first section is 14.4 mm
as mentioned above.
[0151] According to a 90.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.th to 89.sup.th embodiments, the length of the second
section of the stopper part of the stopper is at least 6 mm,
preferably at least 8 mm, more preferably at least 9 mm, most
preferably at least about 10 mm.
[0152] According to a 91.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.th to 90.sup.th embodiments, the length of the second
section of the stopper part of the stopper is at most 15 mm,
preferably at most 12 mm, more preferably at most 11 mm, most
preferably at most about 10 mm.
[0153] According to a 92.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
84.sup.thto 91.sup.st embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper
comprises a transition section between the first section and the
second section of the stopper part of the stopper.
[0154] According to a 93.sup.rd embodiment, in the 92.sup.nd
embodiment, the length of the transition section is at least 0.4
mm, preferably at least 0.8 mm, more preferably at least 1.2 mm,
most preferably at least about 1.5 mm.
[0155] According to a 94.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
92.sup.nd or 93.sup.rd embodiments, the length of the transition
section is at most 3.0 mm, preferably at most 2.5 mm, more
preferably at most 2.0 mm, most preferably at most about 1.5
mm.
[0156] According to a 95.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
92.sup.nd to 94.sup.th embodiments, the transition section has a
substantially conical shape.
[0157] A substantially conical transition section between the first
and the second section of the stopper part and of a length as
specified above allows a smooth insertion of the stopper into the
sealing element, for example to bring the closure system into the
locked position.
[0158] According to a 96.sup.th embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 84.sup.th .sub.to 95.sup.th
embodiments, in the unlocked state, at least a part of the second
section of the stopper part of the stopper is located within the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0159] Locating at least part of the second section of the stopper
part within the sealing section of the sealing element in the
unlocked state ensures that the second section, which has a
relatively small diameter, can relax the sealing section.
[0160] According to a 97.sup.th embodiment, in the 49.sup.th and
96.sup.th embodiments, in the unlocked state, at least a part of
the second section of the stopper part of the stopper is located
within the constricted section of the sealing section of the
sealing element.
[0161] This ensures relaxation of the sealing section in preferred
embodiments in which the stopper part exerts radial pressure
primarily in the constricted section.
[0162] According to a 98.sup.th embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 84.sup.th to 97.sup.th embodiments,
in the unlocked state, at least a part of sealing section has
received at least a part of the second section of the stopper part
of the stopper.
[0163] Receiving at least a part of the second section of the
stopper part within the sealing section enables relaxation of the
sealing section by the stopper part in the unlocked state.
[0164] According to a 99.sup.th embodiment, in the 98.sup.th
embodiment, in the unlocked state, at least the part of the sealing
section which has the smallest inner diameter has received at least
a part of the second section of the stopper part of the
stopper.
[0165] Receiving at least a part of the second section of the
stopper part within the part of the sealing section which has the
smallest diameter ensures relaxation of the sealing section by the
second section of the stopper part in the unlocked state in
preferred embodiments in which the stopper exerts radial pressure
primarily in a constricted section of the sealing element.
[0166] According to a moth embodiment, in the 49.sup.th and
99.sup.th embodiments, in the unlocked state, at least a part of
the constricted section of the sealing section has received at
least a part of the second section of the stopper part of the
stopper.
[0167] Receiving at least a part of the second section of the
stopper part within the constricted section enables relaxation of
the sealing section by the second section of the stopper part in
the unlocked state in preferred embodiments in which the stopper
part exerts radial pressure primarily in the constricted
section.
[0168] According to a 101.sup.st embodiment, in the 49.sup.th and
any one of the 84.sup.th to tooth embodiments, in the locked state,
the second section of the stopper part of the stopper is not
located within the constricted section of the sealing section of
the sealing element.
[0169] Removing the second section of the stopper part from the
constricted section of the sealing section of the sealing element
may allow exerting maximum pressure on the sealing section by the
stopper part.
[0170] According to a 102.sup.nd embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment or the 47.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 48.sup.th
to 95.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element comprises a second
section which is positioned below the sealing section.
[0171] According to a 103.sup.rd embodiment, in the 102.sup.nd
embodiment, the second section is configured to be radially
expanded by at most 1 mm in diameter, preferably at most 0.5 mm,
more preferably at most 0.2 mm and most preferably not expanded at
all, upon full introduction of the stopper part into the sealing
element.
[0172] This facilitates introduction of the stopper into the
sealing element and prevents that radial pressure is exerted on the
interlocking means of the closure system if the interlocking means
of the sealing element are located within the second section.
[0173] According to a 104.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
102.sup.nd or 103.sup.rd embodiments, the second section of the
sealing element, without considering any recesses and/or
protrusions, has an outer diameter which is smaller than the
smallest inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle, preferably even
when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the
sealing element.
[0174] This allows introduction of the sealing element without the
second section of the sealing element touching the inner wall of
the mouth of the bottle, thereby reducing the friction during
introduction.
[0175] According to a 105.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
102.sup.nd to 104.sup.th embodiments, the second section of the
sealing element, without considering any recesses and/or
protrusions, has an outer diameter of at least 12 mm, preferably at
least 14 mm, more preferably at least 15 mm, most preferably at
least about 15.4 mm when the stopper part of the stopper is fully
introduced into the sealing element and/or when the stopper part of
the stopper is not fully introduced into the sealing element.
[0176] According to a 106.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
102.sup.nd to 105.sup.th embodiments, the second section of the
sealing element, without considering any recesses and/or
protrusions, has an outer diameter of at most 18 mm, preferably at
most 17 mm, more preferably at most 16 mm, most preferably at most
about 15.4 mm when the stopper part of the stopper is fully
introduced into the sealing element and/or when the stopper part of
the stopper is not fully introduced into the sealing element.
[0177] The inner diameter of the mouth of a standard wine bottle is
18.5 mm. Therefore, dimensioning the second section of the sealing
element in this manner prevents contact of the second section of
the sealing element with the inner wall of the mouth of the
bottle.
[0178] According to a 107.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
102.sup.nd to 106.sup.th embodiments, the second section of the
sealing element has a length of at least 6 mm, preferably at least
8 mm, more preferably at least 10 mm, most preferably at least
about 11 mm.
[0179] According to a 108.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
102.sup.nd to 107.sup.th embodiments, the second section of the
sealing element has a length of at most 17 mm, preferably at most
14 mm, more preferably at most 12 mm, most preferably at most about
11 mm.
[0180] Interlocking Means
[0181] According to a 109.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the interlocking means are positioned in a
section where the sealing element is not forced against the inner
wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked state.
[0182] A decoupling of the pressure zones from the zone where the
interlocking means are located allows for a smooth and
pressure-free interaction between the interlocking means on the
stopper part of the stopper and the counterpart interlocking means
on the sealing element, which in turn allows the user to easily
bring the closure system from the locked position to the unlocked
position or vice versa.
[0183] According to a 110.sup.th embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment or the 5.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 6.sup.th
to 109.sup.th embodiments, in the locked state, the section where
the seal is formed is located above the interlocking means.
[0184] When the pressure zones are decoupled from the zone where
the interlocking means are located, it is advantageous to arrange
the pressure zone where the seal is formed above the zone where the
interlocking means are located and not vice versa, in order to
properly seal the sealing element at its top so that dirt particles
or liquid cannot enter at the top or the seal.
[0185] According to a 111.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the interlocking means are configured not to
prevent a rotation of the stopper with respect to the sealing
element at least in one direction.
[0186] This allows rotation of the stopper at least in one
direction at any stage, thereby allowing to bring the closure
system in the locked or unlocked state, respectively, by rotation.
According to a 112.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the preceding
embodiments, the interlocking means are configured to prevent an
axial displacement of the stopper with respect to the sealing
element in the upward direction in the locked state.
[0187] Holding the stopper in the sealing element, in the locked
state, by the interlocking connection provided by the interlocking
means allows the holding force provided by the frictional
connection between the stopper part and the sealing section of the
sealing element to be reduced. A lower friction in the area where
the seal is formed allows the torque required to rotate the stopper
for bringing the closure system into the unlocked position can also
be reduced.
[0188] According to a 113.sup.th embodiment, in the 112.sup.th
embodiment, the retention force provided by the interlocking means
in the locked state corresponds to at least 60% of the force
preventing axial displacement of the stopper with respect to the
sealing element in the locked state, preferably at least 70%, more
preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%.
[0189] For the reason explained above, it is advantageous to shift
as much of the holding force between the stopper and the sealing
element in the locked position to the interlocking connection
provided by the interlocking means.
[0190] According to a 114.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the interlocking means of the stopper are
configured not to prevent an axial displacement of the stopper with
respect to the sealing element in the upward direction in the
unlocked state.
[0191] This allows removal of the stopper from the sealing element
in the unlocked state, which allows the sealing element to remain
in the mouth of the bottle when the stopper is removed from the
mouth of the bottle.
[0192] According to a 115.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the interlocking means are configured to
move the stopper, when in the locked state, upward until the
unlocked state is reached, upon clockwise or counterclockwise
rotation of the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0193] This ensures that the second section of the stopper part,
which has a smaller diameter than the first section of the stopper
part, can be brought at least in part into at least a part of the
sealing section, whereby the sealing section is relaxed and the
seal is released.
[0194] According to a 116.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the interlocking means are configured to
move the stopper, when in the unlocked state, downward until the
locked state is reached, upon counterclockwise or clockwise
rotation of the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0195] This ensures that the first section of the stopper part,
which has a larger diameter than the second section of the stopper
part, can be brought at least in part into at least a part of the
sealing section, whereby the sealing section is expanded and the
seal is formed.
[0196] According to a 117.sup.th embodiment, in the 115.sup.th or
116.sup.th embodiments, respectively, the interlocking means are
configured to move the stopper upward or downward, respectively, by
at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 4
mm, most preferably at least about 5 mm, upon rotation of the
stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0197] It is necessary that there is a certain amount of distance
the stopper travels upwards or downwards for transitioning between
the locked and the unlocked state (the axial "stroke" provided by
the interlocking means) because there has to be a certain length
over which the first section of the stopper part is replaced by the
second section for bringing the closure system into the unlocked
state, and vice versa for bringing the system into the locked
state. This length depends, inter alia, from the length of the
section where the seal is formed.
[0198] According to a 118.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
115.sup.th to 117.sup.th embodiments, the interlocking means are
configured to move the stopper upward or downward, respectively, by
at most 10 mm, preferably at most 7 mm, more preferably at most 6
mm, most preferably at most 5 about mm, upon rotation of the
stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0199] It is preferable to keep the axial stroke provided by the
interlocking means to a minimum because, for example, this allows
the amount of rotation required to transition from one state to the
other to be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, it allows the distance
to be travelled by the stopper to transition from the preassembled
state to the locked state to be kept to a minimum because in the
preferred embodiment and as explained below, this distance
substantially corresponds to the axial stroke provided by the
interlocking means.
[0200] According to a 119.sup.th embodiment, in the 34.sup.th and
49.sup.th embodiments and any one of the 115.sup.th to 118.sup.th
embodiments, the interlocking means are configured to move the
stopper upward or downward, respectively, by at least 70% of the
distance between the lower end of the first section of the stopper
part and the upper end of the constricted section, when the stopper
is fully introduced into the sealing element, preferably at least
80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least about
100%.
[0201] According to a 120.sup.th embodiment, in the 34.sup.th and
49.sup.th embodiments and any one of the 115.sup.th to 119.sup.th
embodiments, the interlocking means are configured to move the
stopper upward or downward, respectively, by at most 150% of the
distance between the lower end of the first section of the stopper
part and the upper end of the constricted section, when the stopper
is fully introduced into the sealing element, preferably at most
130%, more preferably at most 110%, most preferably at most about
100%.
[0202] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the axial
stroke required for a full transition between locked and unlocked
state corresponds to about the distance between the lower end of
the first section of the stopper part and the upper end of the
constricted section, when the stopper is fully introduced into the
sealing element.
[0203] According to a 121.sup.st embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 115.sup.th to 118.sup.th embodiments,
the interlocking means are configured to move the stopper upward or
downward, respectively, by at least 20% of the length of the
section where the seal is formed, preferably at least 40%, more
preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least about 62%, upon
rotation of the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0204] According to a 122.sup.nd embodiment, in the 5.sup.th and
any one of the 115.sup.th to 121.sup.st embodiments, the
interlocking means are configured to move the stopper upward or
downward, respectively, by at most 100% of the length of section
where the seal is formed, preferably at most 80%, more preferably
at most 70%, most preferably at most about 62%, upon rotation of
the stopper with respect to the bottle.
[0205] As mentioned above, the axial stroke provided by the
interlocking means depends, inter alia, from the length of the
section where the seal is formed. In the preferred embodiment of
the invention, due to the use of a constricted section in the
sealing section of the sealing element, the axial stroke only needs
to be about 62% of the length of the section where the seal is
formed. Without a constricted section, the axial stroke would
essentially have to be at least 100% of the length of the section
where the seal is formed.
[0206] According to a 123.sup.rd embodiment, in the 34.sup.th
embodiment or the 34.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 35.sup.th
to 122.sup.th embodiments, the interlocking means of the stopper
part of the stopper are not located within the first section of the
stopper part of the stopper.
[0207] Since the first section of the stopper part is the section
which exercises pressure on the sealing section of the sealing
element in the locked state, the interlocking means of the stopper
part of the stopper should not be located within the first section
of the stopper part, for achieving the above-mentioned goal of
decoupling the pressure zones from the zone where the interlocking
means are located.
[0208] According to a 124.sup.th embodiment, in the 84.sup.th and
123.sup.rd embodiments, the interlocking means of the stopper part
of the stopper are located within the second section of the stopper
part of the stopper.
[0209] This achieves the above-mentioned end of decoupling the
pressure zones from the zone where the interlocking means are
located because the second section of the stopper part in the
preferred embodiment of the invention is not a pressure zone.
[0210] According to a 125.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd or 124.sup.th embodiments, the interlocking means of the
stopper part of the stopper comprise one or more grooves arranged
on the circumference of the stopper part of the stopper.
[0211] According to a 126.sup.th embodiment, in the 125.sup.th
embodiment, a groove spans at least 86.degree. of the circumference
of the stopper part, preferably at least 93.degree., more
preferably at least 100.degree., most preferably at least about
110.degree..
[0212] The circumference of the groove determines the amount of
rotation required to transition the closure system between the
locked and the unlocked state. This amount should be large enough
to prevent accidental or unintentional unlocking of the system.
[0213] According to a 127.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd or 126.sup.th embodiments, a groove spans at most
180.degree. of the circumference of the stopper part, preferably at
most 160.degree., more preferably at most 140.degree., most
preferably at most about 110.degree..
[0214] On the other hand, the amount of rotation required to
transition the closure system between the locked and the unlocked
state should not be small enough so that the closure system can be
locked or unlocked with a quick and comfortable movement. The
inventors found that a rotation of about 110.degree. strikes a good
balance between the two requirements.
[0215] According to a 128.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd to 127.sup.th embodiments, the interlocking means of the
stopper part comprise two or more grooves of substantially
identical shape arranged on the circumference of the stopper
part.
[0216] Providing two or more grooves results in interlocking means
which hold the stopper more securely in the sealing element.
Furthermore, it allows to reduce the amount of searching required
for the user to find the entry point of the pins into the grooves
for screwing the stopper back into the sealing element.
[0217] According to a 129.sup.th embodiment, in the 128.sup.th
embodiment, the two or more grooves are distributed opposite and/or
symmetrically to each other and/or equidistant from each other
around the circumference of the stopper part.
[0218] With such an arrangement, any pin on the sealing element can
enter into any groove on the stopper, which allows to reduce the
amount of searching required for the user to find the entry point
of the pins into the grooves for screwing the stopper back into the
sealing element.
[0219] According to a 130.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd to 129.sup.th embodiments, a groove comprises a main
section, which extends diagonally downward from a higher position
to a lower position on the stopper part.
[0220] This enables the stopper to move up- and downward,
respectively, upon rotation.
[0221] According to a 131.sup.st embodiment, in the 130.sup.th
embodiment, a groove further comprises a starting section which
extends substantially horizontally or with a lower inclination than
the main section, from the upper end of the main section.
[0222] The horizontal starting section reduces the amount of torque
required to start the rotation of the stopper to unlock the system
by not requiring the force to move the stopper up or down,
respectively. Furthermore, the horizontal starting section provides
a secure interlocking connection with the pins to hold the stopper
in the sealing element in the locked position. In particular, there
is no risk that a stopper under pressure rotates itself out of the
sealing element.
[0223] According to a 132.sup.nd embodiment, in the 130.sup.th
embodiment, in the locked state, respective counterpart
interlocking means of the sealing element are located at the
starting section of a groove at least with 60% of the width of the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element, preferably
at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at
least 90%.
[0224] The starting section of the grooves on the stopper part
should be sufficiently long to accommodate a large enough part of
the pins to provide a secure interlocking connection with the pins
to hold the stopper in the sealing element in the locked position
and to avoid the risk that a stopper under pressure rotates itself
out of the sealing element.
[0225] According to a 133.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
131.sup.st or 132.sup.nd embodiments, the starting section has a
length of at least 60% of the width of the counterpart interlocking
means of the sealing element, preferably at least 70%, more
preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%.
[0226] The starting section of the grooves on the stopper part need
not accommodate the pins on their entire width because a secure
interlocking connection with the pins to hold the stopper in the
sealing element in the locked position can be provided even if a
part of the pins protrudes into the diagonal main section of the
grooves.
[0227] According to a 134.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
131.sup.st to 133.sup.rd embodiments, the starting section has a
length of at least 2.5 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more
preferably at least 3.5 mm and most preferably at least about 4
mm.
[0228] According to a 135.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
131.sup.st to 134.sup.th embodiments, the starting section has a
length of at most 5.5 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, more preferably
at most 4.5 mm and most preferably at most about 4 mm.
[0229] Such a length of the starting section of the grooves is
preferred if the pins have a width of 4 to 5 mm.
[0230] According to a 136.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
131.sup.st to 135.sup.th embodiments, the starting section has a
surface which is configured to serve as a stop for the counterpart
interlocking means of the sealing element.
[0231] This provides an indication to the user that the locked
state has been reached when transitioning the closure system into
the locked state, so that the user knows when he can stop rotating
the stopper.
[0232] According to a 137.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
130.sup.th to 136.sup.th embodiments, a groove further comprises an
end section which extends substantially vertically or with a higher
inclination than the main section, downward from the lower end of
the main section.
[0233] A vertical end section provides a stop function for the
pins, the purpose of which will be explained below.
[0234] According to a 138.sup.th embodiment, in the 130.sup.th
embodiment, in the unlocked state, respective counterpart
interlocking means of the sealing element are located at the end
section of a groove at least with 60% of the width of the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element, preferably
at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at
least 90%.
[0235] Such a width ensures that the pins on the sealing element
sit securely in the grooves on the stopper when the pins are at the
end section.
[0236] According to a 139.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
137.sup.th or 138.sup.th embodiments, the end section is open
toward a lower end thereof, thereby being configured to stop
engaging the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing
element.
[0237] This allows the pin to be removed from the groove when the
stopper is to be removed from the bottle after the closure system
has been brought to the unlocked state. On the other hand, it
allows the pin to be inserted into the groove when the stopper is
introduced into the sealing element in the unlocked state.
[0238] According to a 140.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
137.sup.th or 139.sup.th embodiments, the opening of the end
section has a tapered shape.
[0239] This further facilitates inserting the pin on the sealing
element when introducing the stopper part into the sealing element
in the unlocked state.
[0240] According to a 141.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
137.sup.th to 140.sup.th embodiments, the end section has a surface
which is configured to serve as a stop for the counterpart
interlocking means of the sealing element.
[0241] This provides an indication to the user that the unlocked
state has been reached when transitioning the closure system into
the unlocked state, so that the user knows when he can stop
rotating the stopper.
[0242] According to a 142.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd to 141.sup.st embodiments, a groove has a depth of at
least 0.3 mm, preferably at least 0.6 mm, more preferably at least
0.8 mm and most preferably at least about 1 mm.
[0243] According to a 143.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd to 142.sup.nd embodiments, a groove has a depth of at
most 2 mm, preferably at most 1.5 mm, more preferably at most 1.2
mm and most preferably at most about 1 mm.
[0244] According to a 144.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd to 143.sup.rd embodiments, a groove has a width of at
least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, more preferably at least 2.5
mm and most preferably at least about 3 mm.
[0245] According to a 145.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rdto 144.sup.th embodiments, a groove has a width of at
most 5 mm, preferably at most 4 mm, more preferably at most 3.5 mm
and most preferably at most about 3 mm.
[0246] According to a 146.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
123.sup.rd to 145.sup.th embodiments, a groove has one of a
rectangular, u-shape, circular or oval cross-section.
[0247] According to a 147.sup.th embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment or the 47.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 54.sup.th
to 146.sup.th embodiments, the counterpart interlocking means of
the sealing element are not located within the sealing section of
the sealing element.
[0248] Since the sealing section of the sealing element is the
section on which pressure is exercised in the locked state, the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element should not be
located within the sealing section, for achieving the
above-mentioned goal of decoupling the pressure zones from the zone
where the interlocking means are located.
[0249] According to a 148.sup.th embodiment, in the 102.sup.nd
embodiment or the 102.sup.nd embodiment and any one of the
103.sup.rd to 147.sup.th embodiments, the counterpart interlocking
means of the sealing element are located within the second section
of the sealing element.
[0250] This achieves the above-mentioned end of decoupling the
pressure zones from the zone where the interlocking means are
located because the second section of the sealing element in the
preferred embodiment of the invention is not a pressure zone.
[0251] According to a 149.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the counterpart interlocking means of the
sealing element are or comprise one or more protrusions on the
inner wall of the sealing element.
[0252] According to a 150.sup.th embodiment, in the 123.sup.rd
embodiment and the 149.sup.th embodiment, the protrusions are pins
configured to run in the grooves of the stopper part of the
stopper.
[0253] This provides a secure way of holding the stopper inside the
sealing element. Screw threads need to be perfectly uniform and
even throughout the entire thread. On the other hand, a pin can run
in a groove even if the groove changes its angle along the way.
[0254] Therefore, the pin can run in a groove having a starting
section and an end section as described above. Advantageously the
grooves are located on the stopper part and the pins on the sealing
element, and not the other way round, because the stopper part will
typically be manufactured from a harder material such as glass than
the sealing element. A groove made from a relatively hard material
ensures that the pin runs smoothly in the groove.
[0255] According to a 151.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th or 150.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions are located
on portions of the inner wall of the sealing element, which are
partially or completely attached to the second section of the
sealing element.
[0256] According to a 152.sup.nd embodiment, in the 151.sup.st
embodiment, the portions of the inner wall of the sealing element
are tabs.
[0257] According to a 153.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
151.sup.st or 152.sup.nd embodiments, the portions of the inner
wall are mounted resiliently in the radial direction.
[0258] Having the protrusions sitting on pads which can slightly
move in a radial direction allows for an easier transition of the
pins from the holding means on the stopper part as described below,
to the grooves, when the closure system is brought from the
pre-assembled to the locked state.
[0259] According to a 154.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th or 153.sup.rd embodiments, the centroids of the
protrusions are located at least 10 mm below the upper end of the
sealing element, preferably at least 13 mm, more preferably at
least 15 mm, most preferably at least about 16 mm.
[0260] According to a 155.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th or 154.sup.th embodiments, the centroids of the
protrusions are located at most 22 mm below the upper end of the
sealing element, preferably at most 19 mm, more preferably at most
17 mm, most preferably at most about 16 mm.
[0261] According to a 156.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 155.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions are at least
1 mm wide, preferably at least 1.3 mm, more preferably at least 1.7
mm, most preferably at least about 2 mm.
[0262] According to a 157.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 156.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions are at most 5
mm wide, preferably at most 3 mm, more preferably at most 2.5 mm,
most preferably at most about 2 mm.
[0263] According to a 158.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 157.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions protrude at
least 0.25 mm from the inner surface of the sealing element,
preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 0.75 mm, most
preferably at least about 1 mm.
[0264] According to a 159.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 158.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions protrude at
most 1.75 mm from the surface of the sealing element, preferably at
most 1.5 mm, more preferably at most 1.25 mm, most preferably at
most about 1 mm.
[0265] According to a 160.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 159.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions have a
substantially rectangular, u-shape, circular or oval cross
section.
[0266] The inventors found out that these dimensions and shapes
ensure a secure fit with the interlocking means of the stopper.
[0267] According to a 161.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 160.sup.th embodiments, the interlocking means of the
sealing element comprise two or more protrusions distributed
opposite to each other and/or equidistant from each other around
the inner circumference of the sealing element.
[0268] This further improves holding the stopper part securely
inside the sealing element. Furthermore, it allows to reduce the
amount of searching required for the user to find the entry point
of the pins into the grooves for screwing the stopper back into the
sealing element.
[0269] According to a 162.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
149.sup.th to 161.sup.th embodiments, the one or more protrusions
are configured to engage with the interlocking means of the
stopper.
[0270] According to a 163.sup.rd embodiment, in the 131.sup.st
embodiment and any one of the 149.sup.th or 162.sup.nd embodiments,
a bottom surface of the protrusion is substantially parallel to the
surface of the starting section of the groove with which is
configured to make contact when the protrusion is located at the
starting section.
[0271] This allows the bottom surface of the protrusions to provide
an effective blocking (interlocking connection) in an upward axial
direction.
[0272] According to a 164.sup.th embodiment, in the 130.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 149.sup.th or 163.sup.rd embodiments,
a lower diagonal surface of the protrusion which is configured to
make contact with the lower surface of the main section of the
groove is substantially parallel to the lower surface of the main
section; and/or an upper diagonal surface of the protrusion which
is configured to make contact with the upper surface of the main
section of the groove is substantially parallel to the upper
surface of the main section.
[0273] The diagonal sides facilitate the movement of the
protrusions in the diagonal main sections of the grooves by
enlarging the contact surface.
[0274] According to a 165.sup.th embodiment, in the 136.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 149.sup.th or 164.sup.th embodiments,
a side surface of the protrusion which is configured to make
contact with the surface of the starting section which is
configured to serve as a stop for the counterpart interlocking
means is substantially parallel to the surface of the starting
section which is configured to serve as a stop.
[0275] This allows the side surface of the protrusions to provide
an effective blocking (interlocking connection) in one rotational
direction.
[0276] According to a 166.sup.th embodiment, in the 141.sup.st
embodiment and any one of the 149.sup.th or 165.sup.th embodiments,
a side surface of the protrusion which is configured to make
contact with the surface of the end section which is configured to
serve as a stop for the counterpart interlocking means is
substantially parallel to the surface of the end section that is
configured to serve as a stop.
[0277] This allows the side surface of the protrusions to provide
an effective blocking (interlocking connection) in the other
rotational direction.
[0278] According to a 167.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
163.sup.rd to 166.sup.th embodiments, the substantially parallel
surfaces deviate in an angle at most be 20 degrees, preferably at
most 10 degrees.
[0279] According to a 168.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper comprises
holding means configured to form an interlocking connection with
counterpart holding means of the sealing element, to hold the
stopper in a secured position with respect to the sealing element
when the closure system is in a preassembled state.
[0280] According to a 169.sup.th embodiment, in the 168.sup.th
embodiment, in the preassembled state of the closure system, the
stopper part of the stopper is partially introduced into the
sealing element and the interlocking means of the stopper part are
not engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing
element.
[0281] According to a 170.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
168.sup.th or 169.sup.th embodiments, holding the stopper in the
secured position prevents at least a substantial rotational
displacement of the stopper with respect to the sealing
element.
[0282] According to a 171.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
168.sup.th to 170.sup.th embodiments, holding the stopper in the
secured position prevents at least a substantial axial displacement
of the stopper with respect to the sealing element.
[0283] According to a 172.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
168.sup.th to 171.sup.st embodiments, holding the stopper in the
secured position prevents that the stopper part of the stopper is
fully introduced into the sealing element before the sealing
element is fully introduced into the mouth of the bottle.
[0284] For example, if none of the sealing section or retaining
section (described below) of the sealing element is expanded in the
preassembled state, i.e. as long as the stopper is not fully
introduced into the sealing element, preventing that the stopper
part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing element
before the sealing element is fully introduced into the bottle
ensures that the friction between the sealing element and the mouth
of the bottle remains small until the sealing element is fully
introduced into the mouth of the bottle.
[0285] According to a 173.sup.rd embodiment, in the 23.sup.rd
embodiment and any one of the 168.sup.th to 172.sup.nd embodiments,
holding the stopper in the secured position prevents that the
stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing
element before the covering section of the sealing element has made
contact with the upper end of the mouth of the bottle.
[0286] This is because in the preferred embodiment, the sealing
element is fully introduced into the mouth of the bottle as soon as
the covering section of the sealing element has made contact with
the upper end of the mouth of the bottle.
[0287] According to a 174.sup.th embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 168.sup.th to 173.sup.rd embodiments,
in the preassembled state, the radial expansion of the sealing
section of the sealing element is as defined as in the context of
the 74.sup.th embodiment with regard to the unlocked state.
[0288] In the preferred embodiment described above, the sealing
section of the sealing element is not expanded in the unlocked
state. This is advantageous also for the preassembled state in
order to avoid friction during introduction of the sealing element
into the mouth of the bottle.
[0289] According to a 175.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
168.sup.th to 174.sup.th embodiments, in the preassembled state,
the positional relationship between the stopper part of the stopper
and the sealing section of the sealing element is as defined in the
context of the 83.sup.th embodiment or any one of the 96.sup.th to
100.sup.th embodiments with regard to the unlocked state.
[0290] The positional relationship between the stopper part of the
stopper and the sealing section of the sealing element as defined
for the unlocked state ensure that the sealing section of the
sealing element is not expanded in the unlocked state. This is
advantageous also for the preassembled state for the reason
mentioned above.
[0291] According to a 176.sup.th embodiment, in any of the
168.sup.th to 175.sup.th embodiments, the holding means of the
stopper part of the stopper comprise one or more depressions
arranged on the stopper part of the stopper.
[0292] Depressions are advantageous because they can accommodate
the above-described pins on the sealing element of the preferred
embodiment of the invention as the counterpart holding means.
[0293] According to a 177.sup.th embodiment, in the 176.sup.th
embodiment, the one or more depressions are open at the lower side
of the depressions.
[0294] This allows for easy positioning of the holding means when
the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element to
produce a preassembled closure system. However, the openings have
the advantage that when the user re-introduces the stopper into the
bottle to bring the closure system back to the locked state, he may
mistake the openings of the holdings means for the end sections of
the interlocking means.
[0295] According to a 178.sup.th embodiment, in the 123.sup.rd
embodiment and any one of the 176.sup.th or 177.sup.th embodiments,
the one or more depressions are configured such that when the
counterpart holding means of the sealing element are engaged with
the depressions in the preassembled state, the counterpart holding
means transition to respective grooves of the interlocking means,
when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the
sealing element by pushing.
[0296] This allows to concentrate the functions of the counterpart
interlocking means and the counterpart holding means in the same
elements, preferably pins.
[0297] According to a 179.sup.th embodiment, in the 153.sup.rd and
178.sup.th embodiments, the resilient mounting of the counterpart
holding means facilitates the transition.
[0298] According to a 180.sup.th embodiment, in the 179.sup.th
embodiment, the distance between the holding means and the
interlocking means is at least 80% of the distance that the stopper
is moved upward or downward in the groove, preferably at least 87%,
more preferably at least 95%, most preferably at least about
100%.
[0299] According to a 181.sup.st embodiment, in the 178.sup.th or
180.sup.th embodiments, the distance between the holding means and
the interlocking means is at most 130% of the distance that the
stopper is moved upward or downward in the groove, preferably at
least 120%, more preferably at least 110%, most preferably at least
about 100%.
[0300] As already mentioned above, the distance to be travelled by
the stopper to transition from the preassembled state to the locked
state should substantially correspond to the axial stroke provided
by the interlocking means. This is because as likewise mentioned
above, the positional relationship between the stopper part of the
stopper and the sealing section of the sealing element in the
preassembled state should be the same as in the unlocked state, in
order to ensure that the sealing section is not expanded in both of
the states.
[0301] According to a 182.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
176.sup.th or 181.sup.st embodiments, the holding means of the
stopper part of the stopper comprise two or more depressions
arranged on the stopper part.
[0302] This is to accommodate the two or more counterpart
interlocking means of the preferred embodiment mentioned above.
[0303] According to a 183.sup.rd embodiment, in the 182.sup.nd
embodiment, the two or more depressions are distributed opposite
and/or symmetrically to each other and/or equidistant from each
other around the circumference of the stopper part of the
stopper.
[0304] This is to accommodate the preferred arrangement of the two
or more counterpart interlocking means of the preferred embodiment
mentioned above.
[0305] According to a 184.sup.th embodiment, in the 123.sup.rd
embodiment and any one of the 176.sup.th to 183.sup.rd embodiments,
each depression is arranged below a groove on the circumference of
the stopper part.
[0306] This is to facilitate that the counterpart holding means
(preferred the pins) can transition from the depressions to the
grooves on the stopper part as mentioned above.
[0307] According to a 185.sup.th embodiment, in the 131.sup.st
embodiment and the 184.sup.th embodiment, each depression is
arranged below the starting section of a groove on the
circumference of the stopper part.
[0308] This is to ensure that when the counterpart holding means
transition from the depressions to the grooves on the stopper part
as mentioned above, they arrive at the starting section of the
groove, which is the preferred section for the counterpart holding
means (counterpart interlocking means) to be in the locked
position.
[0309] According to a 186.sup.th embodiment, in the 185.sup.th
embodiment, the distance between the holding means and the
interlocking means is at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, more
preferably at least 4 mm, most preferably at least about 4.5
mm.
[0310] According to a 187.sup.th embodiment, in the 185.sup.th or
186.sup.th embodiments, the distance between the holding means and
the interlocking means is at most 7 mm, preferably at most 6 mm,
more preferably at most 5 mm, most preferably at most about 4.5
mm.
[0311] This distance corresponds substantially to the axial stroke
provided by the interlocking means in the preferred embodiment.
[0312] According to a 188.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
176.sup.th to 187.sup.th embodiments, the depressions have a
profile which forms a counterpart profile matching the profile of
the counterpart holding means of the sealing element and/or the
depth of the depressions and the height of the counterpart holding
means of the sealing element are substantially equal.
[0313] This may help the depressions and the counterpart holding
means to engage with less leeway.
[0314] According to a 189.sup.th embodiment, in the 84.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 168.sup.th to 188.sup.th embodiments,
the holding means of the stopper part of the stopper are arranged
on the second section of the stopper part.
[0315] This is because the interlocking are arranged on the second
section of the stopper part as well.
[0316] According to a 190.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
168.sup.th to 189.sup.th embodiments, the counterpart holding means
of the sealing element are or comprise at least a portion of the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element.
[0317] This concentration of the functions of the counterpart
interlocking means and the counterpart holding means in the same
elements, preferably pins, allows a reuse of the counterpart
holding means and therefore save a requirement for an additional
counterpart interlocking means. In addition, the counterpart
holding means have to be "stored" in some depression in the
locked/unlocked state, which depression is conveniently provided by
the grooves of the interlocking means if the counterpart holding
means are the counterpart interlocking means as well.
[0318] According to a 191.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the closure system is configured such that
the sealing element remains in the mouth of the bottle after the
closure system has been brought into the locked position, even when
the stopper is subsequently removed from the mouth of the
bottle.
[0319] This provides several advantages. First of all, since the
look of the sealing element, which is typically made of plastic, is
not particularly pleasing to the user, the sealing element should
be as short as possible if the sealing element is to be removed
from the bottle together with the stopper. However, a short sealing
element is very limited in the quality of the sealing it can
achieve. Therefore, leaving the sealing element in the mouth of the
bottle allows to achieve a better sealing quality. Secondly, in a
case where the stopper is made of glass, the stopper part of the
stopper is fragile. However, if the plastic sealing element remains
on the stopper part when the stopper is removed from the mouth of
the bottle, the fragility of the stopper part is not recognizable
any more by the user, which may lead to careless handling of the
stopper and in the end to a breaking of the stopper part. This is
avoided by leaving the sealing element in the bottle.
[0320] According to a 192.sup.nd embodiment, in the 191.sup.st
embodiment, a force exceeding 10N, preferably exceeding 20N, more
preferably exceeding 50N, most preferably more than 100N is
required to pull the sealing element out of the mouth of the bottle
after the closure system has been brought into the locked position,
even when the stopper is subsequently removed from the mouth of the
bottle.
[0321] This has the advantage that it will be very difficult for
the user to remove the sealing element from the mouth of the
bottle, even when the stopper has been removed. As a consequence,
the sealing element, which will be needed later for re-closing the
bottle, will not get lost, or improperly reintroduced into the
mouth of the bottle. Furthermore, this ensures that the sealing
element can perform a drip stop function as described above or an
aerator function as will be described below.
[0322] According to a 193.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element comprises a retaining
section configured to retain the sealing element in the mouth of
the bottle by the retaining section being forced against the inner
wall of the mouth of the bottle.
[0323] This provides an additional connection between the sealing
element and the mouth of the bottle, so that the connection
provided by the seal in the area where the seal is formed is not
the only connection. As a consequence, the connection in the area
where the seal is formed can be made weaker so that the torque
required to rotate the stopper to bring it from the locked to the
unlocked position can be reduced. In fact, in the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the largest part of the force holding
the sealing element in the mouth of the bottle is provided by the
retaining section rather than the sealing section.
[0324] According to a 194.sup.th embodiment, in the 193.sup.rd
embodiment, the connection between the outer surface of the
retaining section and the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle
created by the forcing of the retaining section against the inner
wall of the mouth of the bottle is at least in part an interlocking
connection.
[0325] Such an interlocking connection can typically provide a much
greater holding force than a mere frictional connection.
[0326] According to a 195.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
193.sup.rd to 194.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section is
located at least in part at a section of the mouth of the bottle
with an increasing diameter from top to bottom.
[0327] This location of the retaining section allows the retaining
section to form an interlocking connection with the mouth (or neck)
of the bottle.
[0328] According to a 196.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
193.sup.rd to 195.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section starts
at least at 18 mm below the upper end of the sealing element,
preferably at least at 20 mm, more preferably at least at 22 mm,
most preferably at least at about 24 mm.
[0329] According to a 197.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
193.sup.rd to 196.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section starts
at most at 40 mm below the upper end of the sealing element,
preferably at most at 33 mm, more preferably at most at 27, most
preferably at most at about 24 mm.
[0330] In a standard wine bottle, although considerable freedom is
given to the manufacturers, it is very likely that a section of the
mouth of the bottle with an increasing diameter from top to bottom
is found at a section starting about 24 mm below the tip of the
mouth of the bottle.
[0331] According to a 198.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
193.sup.rd to 197.sup.th embodiments, the length of the retaining
section is at least 4 mm, preferably at least 6 mm, more preferably
at least 8 mm, most preferably at least about 10 mm.
[0332] According to a 199.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
36.sup.th to 48.sup.th embodiments, the length of the first section
is at most 23 mm, preferably at most 17 mm, more preferably at most
13 mm, most preferably at most about 10 mm.
[0333] According to a 200.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
193.sup.rd to 195.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section is
configured to be activated upon introduction of the stopper part of
the stopper into the sealing element, whereby the retaining section
is radially expanded.
[0334] Consequently, the interlocking connection in the preferred
embodiment may be formed only when transitioning from the
preassembled state to the locked state, and not before, which
allows for easier introduction of the sealing element into the
mouth of the bottle.
[0335] According to a 201.sup.st embodiment, in the 200.sup.th
embodiment, an outer diameter of the retaining section is
configured to be radially expanded upon activation by at least 1
mm, preferably by at least 1.6 mm, more preferably by at least 1.9
mm, most preferably by at least about 2.1 mm, when the closure
system is not introduced into the bottle.
[0336] According to a 202.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th or 201.sup.st embodiments, the outer diameter of the
retaining section is configured to be radially expanded upon
activation by at most 3.1 mm, preferably by at least 2.6 mm, more
preferably by at least 2.3 mm, most preferably by at least about
2.1 mm, when the closure system is not introduced into the
bottle.
[0337] As will be described below, the outer diameter of the
retaining section should preferably be the same as the outer
diameter of the sealing section of the sealing element, i.e. 18.3
mm in the preferred embodiment tailored for a standard wine bottle.
In this case, the inventors found out that a radial stroke of 2.1
provided by the radial expansion of the retaining section is
preferred to provide for a secure connection if the retaining
section is located in the preferred area defined above.
[0338] According to a 203.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 202.sup.nd embodiments, the retaining section
comprises one more cutouts which facilitate expansion of the
retaining section.
[0339] According to a 204.sup.th embodiment, in the 203.sup.rd
embodiment, the retaining section consists of or comprises one or
more wings.
[0340] These wings are the "negatives" of the cutouts, i.e. they
are what is left of the retaining section after the cutouts have
been cut out.
[0341] According to a 205.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
193.sup.rd to 204.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section of the
sealing element has a substantially even outer surface when the
retaining section is not activated.
[0342] Such an even outer surface allows to form a particularly
strong connection with the likewise even inner surface of the mouth
(or neck) of the bottle.
[0343] According to a 206.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
203.sup.rd to 205.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section
comprises two or more cutouts which are arranged opposite to each
other and/or equidistant from each other.
[0344] According to a 207.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 206.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section
comprises a constricted section, having a smaller inner diameter
than other parts of the retaining section.
[0345] This constricted section allows to provide for similar
advantages as described above for the constricted section of the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0346] According to a 208.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 207.sup.th embodiments, an inner surface of the
constricted section of the retaining section comprises a section
which is substantially convex at least when the retaining section
is not activated.
[0347] This substantially convex section of the constricted section
allows to provide for similar advantages as described above for the
substantially convex section of the constricted section of the
sealing section of the sealing element.
[0348] According to a 209.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 208.sup.th embodiments, the outer shape of the
retaining section is substantially cylindrical when the retaining
section is not activated.
[0349] This substantially cylindrical outer shape of the retaining
section allows to provide for similar advantages as described above
for the substantially cylindrical outer shape of the sealing
section of the sealing element.
[0350] According to a 210.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
150.sup.th to 209.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section is not
activated, it has a maximum outer diameter as defined in the
context of any one of the 68.sup.th to 70.sup.th embodiments with
regard to the sealing section of the sealing element.
[0351] This is because the retaining section has to enter the mouth
of the bottle through the same top opening as the sealing section.
In most bottles, including a standard wine bottle, the smallest
diameter of the mouth is at the opening at the top of the
mouth.
[0352] According to a 211.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 210.sup.th embodiments, the outer shape of the
retaining section comprises a section which is substantially
tapered with increasing diameter from top to bottom when the
retaining section is activated and the closure system is not
introduced into the bottle.
[0353] This outer shape allows to increase the interlocking
connection with the counter-tapered inner shape of the mouth or
neck of the bottle.
[0354] According to a 212.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 211.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element is
configured such that the retaining section remains activated when
the stopper part of the stopper is removed from the sealing
element.
[0355] This allows to achieve the force described above in the
context of the 192.sup.nd embodiment, required to pull the sealing
element out of the mouth of the bottle when the stopper is removed
from the mouth of the bottle.
[0356] According to a 213.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
200.sup.th to 212.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element comprises
a retainer element as a separate object and is configured such that
the retaining section of the sealing element is activated by the
stopper part of the stopper pushing the retainer element down along
the longitudinal axis of the sealing element when the stopper part
is fully introduced into the sealing element.
[0357] This allows to achieve that the retaining section is
activated when the closure system is transitioning from the
preassembled state to the locked state, and that the retaining
section remains activated when the stopper part of the stopper is
removed from the sealing element.
[0358] According to a 214.sup.th embodiment, in the 213.sup.th
embodiment, the retaining section is activated by the retainer
element being pushed down by the bottom end of the stopper, the
stopper part enters the retainer element at least partially.
[0359] This allows for a particularly secure interface between the
stopper part of the stopper and the retainer element, to ensure
that the retainer element is reliably pushed down when the stopper
is fully introduced into the sealing element.
[0360] According to a 215.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th or 214.sup.th embodiments, the retainer element has the
shape of a ring.
[0361] According to a 216.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th to 215.sup.th embodiments, the retainer element has a
minimum inner diameter of at least 6 mm, preferably at least 9 mm,
more preferably at least 10.5 mm, most preferably at least about
11.5 mm.
[0362] According to a 217.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th to 216.sup.th embodiments, the retainer element has a
minimum inner diameter of at most 17 mm, preferably at most 14 mm,
more preferably at most 12.5 mm, most preferably at most about 11.5
mm.
[0363] According to a 218.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th to 217.sup.th embodiments, the retainer element has a
maximum outer diameter of at least 8 mm, preferably at least 11 mm,
more preferably at least 13 mm, most preferably at least about 14
mm.
[0364] According to a 219.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th to 218.sup.th embodiments, the retainer element has a
maximum outer diameter of at most 20 mm, preferably at most 17 mm,
more preferably at most 15 mm, most preferably at most about 14
mm.
[0365] According to a 220.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th to 219.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element is
configured such that the retaining section is activated by the
retainer element expanding the retaining section.
[0366] According to a 221.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
213.sup.th to 220.sup.th embodiments, the retaining section is
configured to hold the retainer element after being activated.
[0367] This ensures that the retaining section remains activated
when the stopper part of the stopper is removed from the sealing
element.
[0368] According to a 222.sup.nd embodiment, in the 221.sup.st
embodiment, the retaining section is configured to hold the
retainer element by an interlocking connection between an outer
surface of the retainer element and an inner surface of the
retaining section.
[0369] An interlocking connection is preferred because it is
typically stronger than a frictional connection.
[0370] According to a 223.sup.rd embodiment, in the 222.sup.nd
embodiment, a section of the inner surface of the retaining section
configured to be engaged to form the interlocking connection is
substantially convex, and a section of the outer surface of the
retainer element configured to be engaged to form the interlocking
connection is substantially concave.
[0371] to Surfaces in with such a shape are easy to manufacture,
and the interlocking connection is easy to engage when the retainer
element is pushed down. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment,
an inner surface of the retaining section is already convex, and
having a concave counter-shape at the outer surface of the retainer
element allows reuse of that convex shape for the interlocking
connection.
[0372] According to a 224.sup.th embodiment, in the 208.sup.th and
223.sup.rd embodiments, the substantially convex section of the
inner surface of the retaining section configured to be engaged to
form the interlocking connection is the inner surface of the
constricted section of the retaining section which is substantially
convex at least when the retaining section is not activated.
[0373] According to a 225.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper comprises a
third section configured to form an interface with a retainer
element which is separate from the stopper and the sealing element,
in such a way that the retainer element can be pushed down by the
third section and/or the bottom of the section above the third
section when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced
into the sealing element.
[0374] According to a 226.sup.th embodiment, in the 213.sup.th and
225.sup.th embodiments, the third section of the stopper part of
the stopper is configured to at least partially enter into the
retainer element of the sealing element.
[0375] This is in order to provide a particularly secure interface
with the retainer element as described above.
[0376] According to a 227.sup.th embodiment, in the 84.sup.th and
any one of the 225.sup.th or 226.sup.th embodiments, the third
section of the stopper part of the stopper is located below the
second section of the stopper part of the stopper
[0377] According to a 228.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
225.sup.th to 227.sup.th embodiments, the third section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a diameter which is smaller than
the diameter of the section above the third section.
[0378] According to a 229.sup.th embodiment, in the 228.sup.th
embodiment, the third section of the stopper part of the stopper
has a minimum diameter of at least 63% of the diameter of the
section above the third section, preferably at least 70%, more
preferably at least 78%, most preferably at least about 85%.
[0379] According to a 230.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
228.sup.th or 229.sup.th embodiments, the third section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a minimum diameter of at most 95%
of the diameter of the section above the third section, preferably
at most 90%, more preferably at most about 85%.
[0380] According to a 231.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
225.sup.th to 230.sup.th embodiments, the third section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a minimum diameter of at least 7
mm, preferably at least 9 mm, more preferably at least 10.5 mm,
most preferably at least about 11.5 mm.
[0381] According to a 232.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
225.sup.th to 231.sup.st embodiments, the third section of the
stopper part of the stopper has a maximum diameter of at most 16
mm, preferably at most 14 mm, more preferably at most 12.5 mm, most
preferably at most about 11.5 mm.
[0382] According to a 233.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
225.sup.th to 232.sup.nd embodiments, the third section of the
stopper part of the stopper ends at a distance of least 1 mm below
the section above the third section, preferably at least 3 mm, more
preferably at least 4 mm, most preferably at least about 5 mm.
[0383] According to a 234.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
225.sup.th to 233.sup.rd embodiments, the third section of the
stopper part of the stopper ends at a distance of at most 9 mm
below the section above the third section, preferably at most 7 mm,
more preferably at most 6 mm, most preferably at most about 5
mm.
[0384] According to a 235.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
proceedings embodiments, the sealing element further comprises one
or more protrusions provided on the outer surface of the sealing
element and configured to contact the inner wall of the mouth of
the bottle during and/or introduction of the sealing element and/or
closure system into the mouth of the bottle.
[0385] According to a 236.sup.th embodiment, in the 235.sup.th
embodiment, the protrusions are configured to center the sealing
element and/or closure system within the mouth of the bottle during
and/or after introduction into the mouth of the bottle.
[0386] The protrusions ensure that the sealing element and/or
closure system is centered within the mouth of the bottle to avoid
the sealing element to be in an inclined position which causes
higher friction when it is in uneven contact with the mouth of the
bottle. Such a higher friction may even have the consequence that
the softer components of the sealing element (described below) roll
off from the sealing element.
[0387] According to a 237.sup.th embodiment, in any of the
235.sup.th or 236.sup.th embodiments, the protrusions are
configured to wipe at least parts of the inner wall of the mouth of
the bottle during introduction of the sealing element and/or
closure system into the mouth of the bottle.
[0388] The protrusions may also wipe the mouth of the bottle to be
free from liquid or dirt prior to sealing. This enables a better
seal between the sealing element and the inner surface of the mouth
of the bottle.
[0389] According to a 238.sup.th embodiment, in the 5.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 235.sup.th to 237.sup.th embodiments,
the protrusions are located at least in part on the outer surface
of the sealing element below the section where the seal is
formed.
[0390] This allows for a centering and a wiping in the area of the
sealing section and therefore at the same time protects and
improves the efficiency of the sealing section.
[0391] According to a 239.sup.th embodiment, in the 238.sup.th
embodiment, the upper end of at least a part of the protrusions is
located at most 15 mm below the lower end of section where the seal
is formed, preferably at most 10 mm, more preferably at most 5 mm,
most preferably at most 3 mm.
[0392] According to a 240.sup.th embodiment, in the 102.sup.nd
embodiment and any one of the 235.sup.th to 239.sup.th embodiments,
the protrusions are positioned at least in part at the upper half,
preferably the upper third, more preferably at the upper quarter of
the second section of the sealing element.
[0393] According to a 241.sup.st embodiment, in the 147.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 235.sup.th to 240.sup.th embodiments,
the protrusions are located at least in part on the outer surface
of the sealing element below the retaining section of the sealing
element.
[0394] This allows for a centering and a wiping in the area of the
retaining section. Since the retaining section in the preferred
embodiment is located at the lower end of the sealing element,
having the protrusions below the retaining section in addition
ensures that the closure system is centered during introduction
into the mouth of the bottle from the moment on the system enters
the mouth.
[0395] According to a 242.sup.nd embodiment, in the 241.sup.st
embodiment, the upper end of at least a part of the protrusions is
located at most 10 mm below the lower end of section to retain the
sealing element in the mouth of the bottle, preferably at most 5
mm, more preferably at most 3 mm, most preferably at most 2 mm.
[0396] The protrusions are provided close to the retaining section,
in order to keep the overall length of the sealing element to a
minimum.
[0397] According to a 243.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
235.sup.th to 242.sup.nd embodiments, the protrusions have a
substantially longish shape and are substantially horizontally
oriented.
[0398] According to a 244.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
235.sup.th to 242.sup.nd embodiments, the protrusions have a
substantially longish shape and are substantially vertically
oriented.
[0399] The orientation is selected according to the desired
configuration of the protrusions and to balance between different
effects to be achieved. Horizontal orientation is preferred for
better wiping but has higher friction and the vertical orientation
is preferred for better centering having a lower friction.
[0400] According to a 245.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
235.sup.th to 244.sup.th embodiments, at least a part of the
protrusions are arranged on the circumference of the outer surface
of the sealing element, forming an overall outer diameter on the
sealing element greater than or equal to the minimum inner diameter
of the mouth of the bottle.
[0401] This ensure that the protrusions contact the mouth of the
bottle and at the same time do not cause higher friction or make a
hindrance in entry of the closure system.
[0402] According to a 246.sup.th embodiment, in any of the
235.sup.th to 245.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element comprises
a plurality of protrusions at least in part distributed opposite
and/or symmetrically to each other and/or equidistant from each
other around the circumference of the sealing element.
[0403] This feature ensures that the closure system is suitably
balanced such that it is not in an inclined position and causes
higher friction.
[0404] According to a 247.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element is or comprises an
aerator configured to mix a liquid in the bottle with air when
pouring the liquid out of the bottle, thereby increasing the oxygen
content of the liquid.
[0405] The aerator provides an additional benefit to the sealing
element and the overall closure system by allowing to aerate for
example wine during the pouring into a glass. It is known that
aerating and in particular providing oxygen to wine is important
for the wine to develop its full flavor and taste.
[0406] According to a 248.sup.th embodiment, in the 247.sup.th
embodiment, the aerator is configured to yield an average dissolved
oxygen saturation in a wine, preferably red wine, of at least 45%,
preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 55%, more
preferably at least 60% and most preferably at least 65% by
directly pouring the wine containing almost no dissolved oxygen out
of the bottle.
[0407] The preferred embodiments of the aerator allow for high
aerating function, which is in particular advantageous to the taste
of e.g. wine, such as red wine.
[0408] According to a 249.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
247.sup.th or 248.sup.th embodiments, the aerator is configured
such that the pouring time for pouring 750 ml of wine contained in
the bottle can be effected in less than 10 seconds, preferably less
than 8 seconds more preferably less than 6 seconds and most
preferably less than 5 seconds.
[0409] Increased aerating function usually comes at the expense of
prolonged pouring times. In preferred embodiments of the aerator,
the pouring times are hardly increased as compared to a standard
bottle not equipped with a sealing element with an aerator.
[0410] According to a 250.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
247.sup.th to 249.sup.th embodiments, the aerator is configured
such that it allows for a smooth pouring of the wine.
[0411] The wine should not spatter into the glass for optical
reasons or even spatter such that wine drops next to a wine glass
during pouring. In preferred embodiments the aerator allows for a
smooth pouring of the wine such avoiding these scenarios.
[0412] According to a 251.sup.st embodiment, in any of the
247.sup.th to 250.sup.th embodiments, the aerating function is
substantially provided by a ring or tube shaped element.
[0413] According to a 252.sup.nd embodiment, in the 180.sup.th
embodiment, the aerating function is achieved or enhanced by the
ring or tube shaped element forming or having a constricted section
with an inner diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of
other parts of the tube shaped element or other parts of the
sealing element.
[0414] The constricted section provides for good ventilation. It is
believed that the aerating function and the resulting dissolved
oxygen in the poured wine is achieved or increased by a
constriction of the inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped
element, such as via the described venturi effect.
[0415] According to a 253.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 252.sup.nd embodiments, the minimum inner diameter of
the ring or tube shaped element in the constricted section is
between 7.5 and 11.5 mm, preferably between 8 and 11 mm, more
preferably between 8.5 and 10.5 mm and most preferably between 9
and 10 mm.
[0416] These preferred diameters allow for both, good aerating
function and good pouring speed.
[0417] According to a 254.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 253.sup.rd embodiments, the minimum inner diameter of
the ring or tube shaped element in the constricted section is
constricted over a length of less than 20 mm, preferably less than
15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm,
preferably less than 2.5 mm and most preferably less than 1.25
mm.
[0418] Aerating is optimized when the constricted section is
minimized.
[0419] According to a 255.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 254.sup.th embodiments, the ring or tube shaped
element is located at least within the lower two thirds, preferably
the lower half, more preferably the lower third, most preferably
the lower quarter of the length of the sealing element.
[0420] According to a 256.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 255.sup.th embodiments, the ring or tube shaped
element is located within the lower 21 mm, preferably the lower 16
mm, more preferably the lower 11 mm, most preferably the lower 8 mm
of the length of the sealing element.
[0421] The inventors found out that the lower the aerator is
located in the mouth of the bottle, the better is the aerating
function.
[0422] According to a 257.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 256.sup.th embodiments, the constricted section in
the ring or tube shaped element is constricted over the inner
diameter of the other parts of the ring or tube shaped element or
the other parts of the sealing element by a ring-shaped protrusion
from the ring or tube shaped element towards the central axis of
the closure system, stopper, or sealing element, the ring-shaped
protrusion may be a continuous or discontinuous structure.
[0423] According to a 258.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 257.sup.th embodiments, the ring or tube shaped
element comprises turbines, blades or wings positioned at least
partially inside the constricted section of the ring or tube shaped
element, the turbines, blades or wings are preferably configured to
increase the oxygen content of a liquid in the bottle when pouring
the liquid out of the bottle.
[0424] These features of the preferred embodiments allow for a
further increase in aerating effectiveness.
[0425] According to a 259.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
251.sup.st to 258.sup.th embodiments, the ring or tube shaped
element is releasably attached to the bottom of the sealing
element.
[0426] In this way, the same sealing element may or may not be
combined with the ring or tube shaped element acting as an aerator,
depending on the configuration preferred by the customer.
[0427] According to a 260.sup.th embodiment, in the 213.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 251.sup.st to 259.sup.th embodiments,
the ring or tube shaped element is the retainer element.
[0428] According to a 261.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the closure system comprises a tamper proof
element which allows the user to find out whether the stopper,
after the system had been fully assembled, has been moved with
respect to the sealing element in radial and/or axial
direction.
[0429] Since the closure system is configured such that the stopper
must be displaced with respect to the sealing element in order to
open the bottle, the tamper proof element provides a secure
indication of whether or not the bottle has been opened after
bottling.
[0430] According to a 262.sup.nd embodiment, in the 184.sup.th
embodiment, the tamper proof element 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 at least partially broken.
[0431] The tamper proof element allows the user to find out if the
bottle has already been opened or moved in either the radial or the
axial direction. Any axial or radial movement which occurs in a
bottled state breaks the tamper proof element which signifies that
the bottle has been opened or tampered with.
[0432] According to a 263.sup.rd embodiment, in the 262.sup.nd
embodiment, the connection between the tamper proof element and the
stopper is an interlocking connection, an adhesive connection, or a
frictional connection in radial and/or axial direction.
[0433] At least in the axial direction, a connection which is at
least in part interlocking is preferable.
[0434] According to a 264.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 263.sup.rd embodiments, the tamper proof element
comprises or consists of a material chosen out of the group
consisting of aluminium, laminated aluminium, or preferably
plastic, preferably a foil.
[0435] The material is selected for the tamper proof element such
that it is soft enough to be broken easily when opening, but hard
enough to withstand normal wear and tear during transportation.
[0436] According to a 265.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 264.sup.th embodiments, the tamper proof element is a
shaped in the form of a tube.
[0437] The tube shaped tamper proof element allows establishing a
reliable connection between the tamper proof element and the
stopper and/or the sealing element easily by way of wrapping and
thereby allows for an easier preassembly process.
[0438] According to a 266.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 265.sup.th embodiments, when the system is fully
assembled, the tamper proof element is at least partially wrapped
around the lateral portions and at least parts of the upper surface
of the head part of the stopper.
[0439] This allows establishing the connection between the tamper
proof element and the stopper.
[0440] According to a 267.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 266.sup.th embodiments, when the system is fully
assembled, the tamper proof element is at least partially wrapped
around the sealing element.
[0441] This allows establishing the connection between the tamper
proof element and the sealing element. The strength of the
interlocking connection and/or a frictional connection will depend
on the portion of the sealing element and stopper which is
wrapped.
[0442] According to a 268.sup.th embodiment, in the 23.sup.rd and
267.sup.th embodiments, the tamper proof element is at least
partially wrapped around the lateral portions and at least parts of
the lower surface of the covering section of the sealing
element.
[0443] The covering section, in particular a covering section in
the form of a flange, provides the possibility to create an
interlocking connection in the axial direction. Also, since the
covering section will remain outside of the mouth of the bottle, it
allows the tamper proof element to fully remain outside of the
bottle.
[0444] According to a 269.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
266.sup.th to 268.sup.th embodiments, the tamper proof element is
wrapped around by means of a shrink wrap mechanism. Shrink wrap is
a particularly easy and cost-efficient way of wrapping a tamper
proof element around the closure system such that a reliable
connection is created between the tamper proof element and the
stopper/the sealing element.
[0445] According to a 270.sup.th embodiment, in the 268.sup.th
embodiment or the 268.sup.th and the 269.sup.th embodiments, the
lower part of the tamper proof element is connected to the covering
section by means of an interlocking and/or frictional connection in
radial and/or axial direction.
[0446] The connection between the tamper proof element and the
sealing element should be made so strong that the tamper proof
element does not move along with the stopper on rotating.
[0447] According to a 271.sup.st embodiment, in the 270.sup.th
embodiment, the covering section is provided with means for
increasing the connection between the tamper proof element and the
covering section in radial and/or axial direction.
[0448] The means for increasing the connection ensure that the
tamper proof element does not move along with the stopper on
rotating without damaging the tamper proof element.
[0449] According to a 272.sup.nd embodiment, in the 271.sup.st
embodiment the means of increasing the connection are one of more
teeth provided on at least part of the lateral portion and/or lower
surface of the covering section, and preferably not on the upper
surface of the covering section.
[0450] Teeth provided on at least part of the lateral portion
and/or lower surface of the covering section are suitable for
increasing the frictional radial connection between the tamper
proof element and the covering section, and may even be suitable
for creating in part an interlocking connection in the radial
direction. The position is at the lower and lateral surface of the
covering section as this portion encounters the maximum restraint
when rotation takes place. It is preferable that the teeth are not
provided on the upper surface of the covering portion. This is to
ensure that when the bottle is opened, the upper surface is smooth
to avoid injury to the user when handing the bottle.
[0451] According to a 273.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
271.sup.st or 272.sup.nd embodiments, the one or more teeth are
provided along the circumference on at least a part of the covering
section.
[0452] According to a 274.sup.th embodiment, in any of the
261.sup.st to 273.sup.rd embodiments, the tamper proof element is
provided with a predetermined breaking point or line, preferably a
perforation.
[0453] The perforations on the tamper proof element are provided to
enable easier breaking at the appropriate point without the need to
provide excessive rotational force.
[0454] According to a 275.sup.th embodiment, in the 274.sup.th
embodiment, the predetermined breaking point or line is located at
a position corresponding to the position of the lower half of the
head of the stopper, preferably the lower third, more preferably
under the head part of the stopper.
[0455] The position is selected to ensure that the breaking is not
affected by holding of the stopper by the user, thereby providing
easier breaking.
[0456] According to a 276.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 275.sup.th embodiments, the tamper proof element is
configured to be placed on to the closure system in a preassembled
state, in which there is a predetermined gap between the head part
of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing element.
[0457] Wrapping the closure system with the tamper proof element
already in the preassembly stage has the advantage that in the
bottling line, the closure system only needs to be placed into the
mouth of the bottle, and no additional step of adding a tamper
proof element is required in the bottling stage. Furthermore,
wrapping the closure system before placing it into the mouth of the
bottle allows the tamper proof element to be wrapped around at
least parts of a flange positioned at the upper end of the sealing
element. As explained above, in the preferred embodiment, the
stopper part is not fully introduced into the sealing element
during preassembly. Therefore, there is a gap between the head part
of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing element.
[0458] According to a 277.sup.th embodiment, in the 276.sup.th
embodiment, a section of the tamper proof element between the head
part of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing element
is configured to fold inwardly towards the center of the closure
system when the stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing
element.
[0459] This ensures that the lateral surface of the closure system
in the area of lower surface of the head part of the stopper and
the covering section is clean in the fully assembled state.
[0460] According to a 278.sup.th embodiment, in the 277.sup.th
embodiment, the section of the tamper proof element between the
head part of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing
element is configured to fold between the head part of the stopper
and the covering section of the sealing element.
[0461] This is one way to ensure that the lateral surface of the
closure system in the area of lower surface of the head part of the
stopper and the covering section is clean in the fully assembled
state. The excess material of the tamper proof element in the fully
assembled state, i.e. after removal of the gap between the head
part of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing
element, which in the preassembled state bridges the gap is stored
away by folding (into the now very small gap) between the head part
of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing element.
[0462] According to a 279.sup.th embodiment, in the 269.sup.th and
any one of the 276.sup.th to 278.sup.th embodiments, the tamper
proof element has a thickness such that it is retained in a
stretched position between the head part of the stopper and the
covering section of the sealing element as a result of shrink
wrapping.
[0463] It is advantageous to keep the section of the tamper proof
element which bridges this gap in a stretched position, thereby
keeping this section as short as possible. This allows storing the
excess material of the tamper proof element away more easily when
during the full introduction of the stopper part into the sealing
element the gap will be (largely) closed.
[0464] According to a 280.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 279.sup.th embodiments, the thickness of the tamper
proof element is more than 35 .mu.m, preferably more than 40 .mu.m,
more preferably more than 45 .mu.m, most preferably more than about
50 .mu.m.
[0465] According to a 281.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
261.sup.st to 280.sup.th embodiments, the thickness of the tamper
proof element is at most 100 .mu.m, preferably at most 70 .mu.m,
more preferably at most 60 .mu.m, most preferably at most about 50
.mu.m.
[0466] This thickness is selected for the tamper proof element such
that it is soft enough to be broken easily when opening, but hard
enough to be retained in a stretched position when shrink wrapped
in the preassembled state.
[0467] According to a 282.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the stopper is made of one or more materials
chosen out of the group comprising glass, ceramic, plastic, metal
and wood.
[0468] According to a 283.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element has a main body
configured to form the entire or at least a portion of the part of
the sealing element which is in contact with the side surface of
the stopper part of the stopper when the stopper part is introduced
in the sealing element.
[0469] The main body provides the contour and shape of the sealing
element. In a preferred embodiment, the main body is tubular.
[0470] According to a 284.sup.th embodiment, in the 235.sup.th and
283.sup.rd embodiments, the one or more protrusions are part of the
main body of the sealing element.
[0471] This is because in the preferred embodiment described below,
the main body is made of a relatively hard material. The
protrusions should be made of a relatively hard material so that
they can perform the function of centering the closure system
during introduction into the mouth of the bottle.
[0472] According to a 285.sup.th embodiment, in the 283.sup.rd or
284.sup.th embodiments, the main body is made of or comprises
polypropylene and/or polyethylene.
[0473] The inventors found out that these materials provide for a
good stiffness of the sealing element while being food safe.
Stiffness is inter alia required for pushing the sealing element
into the mouth of the bottle and for transmitting pressure
uniformly and extensively.
[0474] According to a 286.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
283.sup.rd or 285.sup.th embodiments, the material of the main body
has a shore D hardness between 40 and 130 Rockwell (R-scale),
preferably between 50 and 120, more preferably between 60 and 110,
most preferably between 70 and 100.
[0475] The inventors found out that this hardness confers a
stiffness that is suitable for the main body to fulfill its
above-mentioned functions.
[0476] According to a 287.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
283.sup.rd to 286.sup.th embodiments, at least a part of the
material configured to be in contact with the inner wall of the
mouth of the bottle is a material which is different from the
material of the main body.
[0477] This allows giving specifically tailored properties like
hardness or friction coefficient to the material configured to be
in contact with the stopper part and to the material configured to
be in contact with the mouth of the bottle.
[0478] According to a 288.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the different material is softer than the
material of the main body.
[0479] The softer material allows for a smooth adaptation of the
sealing element to the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. Due
to the softness of the material, the different material can also
correct for small deviations in the shape of the inner wall of the
mouth of the body, this way allowing for a better grip to the mouth
of the bottle and thus for a better leak tightness. At the same
time, the softness of the material also provides for an increased
radial stroke while maintaining more or less a similar radial
pressure built-up, such as while bringing the closure system into
the locked state.
[0480] According to a 289.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
287.sup.th or 288.sup.th embodiments, the different material is or
comprises a thermoplastic elastomer and/or a thermoset
elastomer.
[0481] The inventors found out that these materials provide for an
appropriate softness of the different material while being food
safe.
[0482] According to a 290.sup.th embodiment, in the 289.sup.th
embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer and/or the thermoset
elastomer has a Shore A hardness between 25 and 90.
[0483] The inventors found out that this hardness is suitable for
the different material of the sealing element to fulfill its
above-mentioned functions.
[0484] According to a 291.sup.st embodiment, in the 188.sup.th
embodiment, the different material has a higher friction
coefficient with respect to glass than the material of the main
body configured to be in contact with the side surface of the
stopper part of the stopper.
[0485] The higher friction of the different material inter alia
ensures that the sealing element does not spin when the stopper is
brought from the locked state in the unlocked-state.
[0486] According to a 292.sup.nd embodiment, in the 47.sup.th
embodiment and/or the 190.sup.th embodiment and any one of the
287.sup.th to 291.sup.st embodiments, the different material is
arranged on an outer surface of the sealing section and/or the
retaining section.
[0487] These two sections are the ones which are configured to be
brought in contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle
in the preferred embodiment.
[0488] According to a 293.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
287.sup.th to 292.sup.nd embodiments, the different material is not
arranged on an outer surface of a section of the sealing element
which is not configured to be forced against the inner wall of the
mouth of the bottle in the locked state of the closure system.
[0489] The discontinuous distribution of the different material on
the one hand aims to ensure that the friction of the sealing
element at the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle is not too
strong during introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of
the bottle. On the other hand, for a preferred embodiment in which
sections of the sealing element which are not configured to be
forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the
locked state of the closure system are configured to not be brought
in contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle at all,
applying the different material in such a section is unnecessary
and will typically increase manufacturing costs.
[0490] According to a 294.sup.th embodiment, in the 102.sup.nd
embodiment and any one of the 287.sup.th to 293.sup.rd embodiments,
the different material is not arranged on an outer surface of the
second section of the sealing element.
[0491] This is because the second section of the sealing element in
the preferred embodiment is not configured to be forced against the
inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked state of the
closure system.
[0492] According to a 295.sup.th embodiment, in the 213.sup.th
embodiment or the 213.sup.th embodiment and any one of the
214.sup.th to 294.sup.th embodiments, the retainer element is made
of homo-polypropylene.
[0493] The inventors found out that this material provides for an
appropriate hardness of the retainer element while being food
safe.
[0494] According to a 296.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
preceding embodiments, the sealing element is manufactured by a
two-component injection molding method.
[0495] This manufacturing method is a particularly reliable and
economical one for manufacturing a sealing element having a main
body configured to form the part of the sealing element which is in
contact with the stopper part of the stopper and a different
material configured to be in contact with the inner wall of the
mouth of the bottle.
[0496] According to a 297.sup.th embodiment, in the 283.sup.rd
embodiment and any one of the 287.sup.th to 296.sup.th embodiments,
the main body and the different material are unreleasably connected
with one another during manufacturing of the sealing element.
[0497] This increases the stability of the sealing element and
ensures that the different material is held on the main body of the
sealing element, in particular during the introduction of the
sealing element into the mouth of the bottle.
[0498] According to a 298.sup.th embodiment, in the 297.sup.th
embodiment, the unreleasable connection is obtained by melting at
least one contacting surface of the different material and the main
body.
[0499] This is a particularly reliable and economical method for
manufacturing a sealing element having two different unreleasably
connected materials.
[0500] A 299.sup.th embodiment of the present invention is a method
of preassembling a closure system for a bottle designed for
commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food, preferably a wine
bottle, the closure system comprising a stopper with a head part
and a stopper part, and a sealing element into which the stopper
can be introduced, wherein the stopper part comprises interlocking
means and the sealing element comprises counterpart interlocking
means, the method comprising the step of partially introducing the
stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element such that
preferably the interlocking means of the stopper part are not
engaged with the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing
element.
[0501] The preassembling of the closure system may allow closing
the bottle with the same bottling plant that is used for
conventional corks. Introducing the stopper only partially into the
sealing element, and not fully, has the advantage that there is
less force needed to introduce the closure system in the
preassembled state, as the sealing element is not expanded or at
least not to the extent the sealing element is expanded when the
stopper is full introduced into the sealing element, so that the
closure system can easily be introduced into the mouth of the
bottle.
[0502] According to a 300.sup.th embodiment, in the 299.sup.th
embodiment, the stopper part of the stopper comprises holding means
configured to form an interlocking connection with counterpart
holding means comprised by the sealing element; and during the step
of partially introducing the stopper part into the sealing element,
the holding means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart
holding means of the sealing element.
[0503] The holding means may hold the stopper in a secured position
with respect to the sealing element, thereby preventing at least a
substantial rotational and/or axial displacement of the stopper
with respect to the sealing element. Prevention of a rotational
displacement ensures that the counterpart interlocking means on the
sealing element arrive at the correct starting position on the
stopper part when the stopper part is fully introduced into the
sealing element. Prevention of an axial displacement ensures that
that the stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing element
only once the sealing element has been fully introduced into the
bottle. Therefore, there is no expansion of the sealing element
until the sealing element has been fully introduced into the
bottle.
[0504] According to a 301.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th or 300.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element comprises
a sealing section configured to be at least partially radially
expanded by the stopper part when the stopper part is fully
introduced into the sealing element; and during the step of
partially introducing the stopper part into the sealing element,
the sealing section is radially expanded at most 1 mm in diameter
by the stopper part of the stopper, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more
preferably at most 0.2 mm and most preferably not expanded at
all.
[0505] This allows an easy introduction of the sealing element into
the mouth of the bottle in the preassembled state, with low force
and without damaging the sealing section of the sealing element. At
the same time, it allows a configuration of the closure system such
that the sealing section of the sealing element is forced against
the mouth of the bottle with a relatively high force.
[0506] According to a 302.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th to 301.sup.st embodiments, the sealing element comprises
a retaining section configured to be radially expanded in order to
be forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle upon
introduction of the closure system into the mouth of the bottle,
and during the step of partially introducing the stopper part into
the sealing element, the retaining section is radially expanded at
most 1 mm in diameter, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more preferably
at most 0.2 mm and most preferably not expanded at all.
[0507] This allows an easy introduction of the sealing element into
the mouth of the bottle in the preassembled state, with low force
and without damaging the retaining section of the sealing element.
At the same time, it allows a configuration of the closure system
such that the retaining section of the sealing element is forced
against the mouth of the bottle with a relatively high retaining
force after the activation of the retaining element.
[0508] According to a 303.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th to 302.sup.nd embodiments, the method further comprises
the step of wrapping the closure system with a tamper proof
element, after the step of partially introducing the stopper part
of the stopper into the sealing element.
[0509] Wrapping the closure system with the tamper proof element
already in the preassembly stage has the advantage that in the
bottling line, the closure system only needs to be placed into the
mouth of the bottle, and no additional step of adding a tamper
proof element is required in the bottling stage. Furthermore,
wrapping the closure system before placing it into the mouth of the
bottle allows the tamper proof element to be wrapped around at
least parts of a flange positioned at the upper end of the sealing
element.
[0510] According to a 304.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th to 303.sup.rd embodiments, the tamper proof element is
at least partially wrapped around the lateral portions, at least
parts of the upper surface of the head part of the stopper, and at
least parts of the lower surface of a flange positioned at the
upper end of the sealing element.
[0511] This allows to establish a secure connection between the
head part of the stopper and the sealing element which will
necessarily have to be broken if the stopper is displace axially
and/or radially with respect to the sealing element. Since the
closure system is configured such that the stopper must be
displaced with respect to the sealing element in order to open the
bottle, the tamper proof element provides a secure indication of
whether or not the bottle has been opened after bottling.
[0512] According to a 305.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
303.sup.rd or 304.sup.th embodiments, wrapping the closure system
is performed by way of a shrink wrap mechanism.
[0513] Shrink wrap is a particularly easy and cost-efficient way of
wrapping a tamper proof element on the closure system such that a
reliable connection is created between the tamper proof element and
the head part of the stopper/the flange of the sealing element.
[0514] According to a 306.sup.th embodiment, in the 304.sup.th
embodiment, or the 304.sup.th and 305.sup.th embodiments, the
tamper proof element is retained in a stretched position between
the head part of the stopper and the covering section of the
sealing element as a result of wrapping.
[0515] Since in the preassembled closure system, the stopper part
is only partially introduced into the sealing element, there will
be a gap between the head part of the stopper and the flange of the
sealing element. It is advantageous to keep the section of the
tamper proof element which bridges this gap in a stretched
position, thereby keeping this section as short as possible. When
during the closing of the bottle the gap will be closed, the excess
material of the tamper proof element can then be stored away more
easily.
[0516] A 307.sup.th embodiment of the present invention is a method
of closing a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage
or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle, by means a closure system
comprising a stopper with a head part and a stopper part, and a
sealing element into which the stopper can be introduced, wherein
the stopper part of the stopper comprises interlocking means and
the sealing element comprises counterpart interlocking means, the
method comprising the steps of inserting the closure system in a
preassembled state into a mouth of the bottle, wherein in the
preassembled state, the stopper part of the stopper is partially
introduced into the sealing element, and the interlocking means of
the stopper part of the stopper are preferably not engaged with the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element; and pushing
the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, whereby
the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the
sealing element and the interlocking means of the stopper part of
the stopper preferably engage with the counterpart interlocking
means of the sealing element.
[0517] Closing the bottle may be performed using the same bottling
plant that is used for conventional corks. It is advantageous that
the closure system is preassembled such that the stopper part of
the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element. This
allows insertion of the sealing element and the stopper at the same
time, wherein the sealing element is not expanded or at least not
to the extent the sealing element is expanded when the stopper is
full introduced into the sealing element, so that the closure
system can easily be introduced into the mouth of the bottle. When
the stopper is only partially introduced into the sealing element,
the interlocking means will typically not yet be engaged.
Therefore, they engage during the step of pushing the closure
system further into the mouth of the bottle whereby the stopper
part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing
element.
[0518] According to a 308.sup.th embodiment, in the 307.sup.th
embodiment, the interlocking means of the stopper part of the
stopper comprise a starting section, and during the step of pushing
the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, the
interlocking means of the sealing element engage with the
interlocking means of the stopper part of the stopper at the
starting section.
[0519] Where the interlocking means on the stopper part of the
stopper have a well-defined starting section, the interlocking
means of the sealing element should engage with the interlocking
means of the stopper part of the stopper at the starting section so
that the starting section can perform its intended function.
[0520] According to a 309.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
307.sup.th or 308.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element comprises
a covering section positioned at the upper end of the sealing
element and configured to remain outside the mouth of the bottle
and to prevent the head part of the stopper from contacting the
mouth of the bottle.
[0521] The covering section protects the head part of the stopper
as well as the mouth of the bottle from damages during the closing
of the bottle. In particular, the covering section may serve as a
softer layer between the head part and the mouth of the bottle.
[0522] According to a 310.sup.th embodiment, in the 309.sup.th
embodiment, during the step of pushing the closure system further
into the mouth of the bottle, the stopper part of the stopper is
further introduced into the sealing element only after the covering
section of the sealing element has made contact with the upper end
of the mouth of the bottle.
[0523] This assures that the sealing element is fully expanded only
after full introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of
the bottle, which facilitates the introduction of the sealing
element.
[0524] According to a 311.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
307.sup.th to 310.sup.th embodiments, during the step of pushing
the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, a seal is
formed between the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle and the
stopper part of the stopper.
[0525] According to a 312.sup.th embodiment, in the 309.sup.th and
311.sup.th embodiments, the seal is only formed after the covering
section of the sealing element has made contact with the upper end
of the mouth of the bottle.
[0526] This assures that the sealing section of the sealing element
is fully expanded only after full introduction of the sealing
element into the mouth of the bottle, which facilitates the
introduction of the sealing element.
[0527] According to a 313.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
307.sup.th to 312.sup.th embodiments, during the step of pushing
the closure system further into the mouth of the bottle, the
stopper part of the stopper activates a retaining section of the
sealing element by radially expanding the retaining section and
thereby forcing the retaining section against the inner wall of the
mouth of the bottle.
[0528] The advantages of such a retaining section are explained
above in the context of the 193.sup.rd embodiment of the
invention.
[0529] According to a 314.sup.th embodiment, in the 313.sup.th
embodiment, the sealing element comprises a retainer element as a
separate object, and the stopper part of the stopper activates the
retaining section of the sealing element by pushing the retainer
element down along the longitudinal axis of the sealing
element.
[0530] The advantages of such a retainer element are explained
above in the context of the 213.sup.th embodiment of the
invention.
[0531] According to a 315.sup.th embodiment, in the 309.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 313.sup.th or 314.sup.th embodiments,
the retaining section is activated only after the covering section
of the sealing element has made contact with the upper end of the
mouth of the bottle.
[0532] This assures that the retaining section of the sealing
element is fully expanded only after full introduction of the
sealing element into the mouth of the bottle, which facilitates the
introduction of the sealing element.
[0533] According to a 316.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
307.sup.th to 310.sup.th embodiments, the stopper part of the
stopper comprises holding means configured to form an interlocking
connection with counterpart holding means comprised by the sealing
element; and in the preassembled state, the holding means of the
stopper part of the stopper are engaged with the counterpart
holding means of the sealing element.
[0534] The purpose of such holding means is explained above in the
context of the 168.sup.th to 171.sup.st embodiments.
[0535] According to a 317.sup.th embodiment, in the 316.sup.th
embodiment, during the step of pushing the closure system further
into the mouth of the bottle, the counterpart holding means of the
sealing element disengage from the holding means of the stopper
part of the stopper.
[0536] The holding means are provided to hold the stopper with
respect to the sealing element only in the preassembled state.
Therefore, when the closure system transitions to the locked state
during full assembly, the holding means disengage.
[0537] According to a 318.sup.th embodiment, in the 309.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 316.sup.th or 317.sup.th embodiments,
the counterpart holding means of the sealing element disengage from
the holding means of the stopper part of the stopper only after the
covering section of the sealing element has made contact with the
upper end of the mouth of the bottle.
[0538] It is the task of the holding means to ensure that the
stopper part is introduced further into the sealing element only
after the covering section of the sealing element has made contact
with the upper end of the mouth of the bottle. Therefore the
holding means should disengage only in or after that moment.
[0539] According to a 319.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
316.sup.th to 318.sup.th embodiments, the counterpart holding means
of the sealing element are the counterpart interlocking means of
the sealing element; and during the step of pushing the closure
system further into the mouth of the bottle, counterpart holding
means engage with the interlocking means of the stopper part of the
stopper after disengaging from the holding means of the stopper
part of the stopper.
[0540] The advantage of the counterpart interlocking means on the
sealing element being the counterpart holding means on the sealing
element are explained above in the context of the 190.sup.th
embodiment. In this case, during the step of pushing the closure
system further into the mouth of the bottle, the counterpart
holding means need to engage with the interlocking means of the
stopper part of the stopper after disengaging from the holding
means of the stopper part of the stopper.
[0541] According to a 320.sup.th embodiment, in the 309.sup.th
embodiment or the 309.sup.th embodiment and any one of the
310.sup.th to 319.sup.th embodiments, the closure system has a
tamper proof element wrapped on in the preassembled state, and
during the step of pushing the closure system further into the
mouth of the bottle, a section of the tamper proof element between
the head part of the stopper and the covering section of the
sealing element folds inwardly towards the center of the closure
system.
[0542] The advantages of the closure system having a tamper proof
element wrapped on in the preassembled state are explained above in
the context of the 303.sup.rd embodiment. The advantages of the
section of the tamper proof element folding inwardly towards the
center of the closure system are explained above in the context of
the 277.sup.th embodiment.
[0543] According to a 321.sup.st embodiment, in any one of the
319.sup.th or 320.sup.th embodiments, the section of the tamper
proof element between the head part of the stopper and the covering
section of the sealing element is configured to fold between the
head part of the stopper and the covering section of the sealing
element.
[0544] The advantages of this are explained above in the context of
the 278.sup.th embodiment.
[0545] According to a 322.sup.nd embodiment, in any one of the
307.sup.th to 319.sup.th embodiments, the steps of inserting the
closure system into the mouth of the bottle and pushing the closure
system further into the mouth of the bottle are performed in one
single step.
[0546] According to a 323.sup.rd embodiment, in any one of the
307.sup.th to 322.sup.nd embodiments, prior to the step of
inserting the closure system into the mouth of the bottle, the
closure system is preassembled by the method according to any one
of the 299.sup.th to 302.sup.nd embodiments.
[0547] According to a 324.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th to 323.sup.rd embodiments, the closure system is the
closure system according to any one of the 1.sup.st or 4.sup.th to
296.sup.th embodiments.
[0548] According to a 325.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th to 324.sup.th embodiments, the stopper is the stopper
according to any one of the 2.sup.nd or 4.sup.th to 296.sup.th
embodiments.
[0549] According to a 326.sup.th embodiment, in any one of the
299.sup.th to 325.sup.th embodiments, the sealing element is the
sealing element according to any one of the 3.sup.rd to 296.sup.th
embodiments.
[0550] According to a 327.sup.th embodiment, in the 35.sup.th
embodiment or the 35.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 36.sup.th
to 326.sup.th embodiments, the 62.sup.nd embodiment or the
62.sup.nd embodiment and any one of the 63.sup.rd to 326.sup.th
embodiments, or the 205.sup.th embodiment or the 205.sup.th
embodiment and any one of the 206.sup.th to 326.sup.th embodiments,
any irregularities or deviations in the substantially even surface
like protrusions or recesses have an amplitude which is smaller
than 0.5 mm, preferably smaller than 0.4 mm, more preferably
smaller than 0.3 mm, most preferably smaller than 0.1 mm.
[0551] According to a 328.sup.th embodiment, in the 60.sup.th
embodiment or the 60.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 61.sup.st
to 327.sup.th embodiments, or the 36.sup.th embodiment or the
36.sup.th embodiment and any one of the 37.sup.th to 327.sup.th
embodiment, or the 85.sup.th embodiment or the 85.sup.th embodiment
and any one of the 86.sup.th to 327.sup.th embodiment, or the
209.sup.th embodiment or the 209.sup.th embodiment and any one of
the 210.sup.th to 327.sup.th embodiment, wherein, without
considering any recesses and/or protrusions, the difference between
the minimum and the maximum outer diameter of the substantially
even surface is at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, more
preferably at most 0.3 mm, most preferably at most 0.2 mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0552] The present invention will be best understood with reference
to the following detailed description and the drawings, in which
like reference signs throughout the drawings indicate like
elements.
[0553] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a stopper of the closure
system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0554] FIG. 2a shows a side view of one side of the stopper of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0555] FIG. 2b shows a side view of another side of the stopper of
the closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0556] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a sealing element of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0557] FIG. 4a shows a side view of one side of the sealing system
of the closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0558] FIG. 4b shows a side view of another side of the sealing
element of the closure system according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0559] FIG. 5a shows a top view of a sealing element of the closure
system according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0560] FIG. 5b shows a section view of a sealing element of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0561] FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of a retainer elements of
the closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0562] FIG. 6b shows a top view of a retainer element of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0563] FIG. 6c shows a side view of a retainer element of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0564] FIG. 7a to c show a section view of the closure system in
the preassembled, locked and unlocked states, respectively,
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0565] FIG. 8 shows an x-ray of the closure system in the locked
state according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0566] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a sealing element of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0567] FIG. 10a shows a perspective view of a retainer element
within an aerator of the closure system according to one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0568] FIG. 10b shows a top view of a retainer element with an
aerator of the closure system according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0569] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the sealing element
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0570] FIG. 12a shows a side view of the sealing element according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0571] FIG. 12b shows a side view of the sealing element according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0572] FIG. 13a shows a perspective view of an aerator of the
closure system according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0573] FIG. 13b shows a side view of an aerator of the closure
system according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0574] FIG. 14 shows the sealing element of FIGS. 11 to 12b
combined with the aerator of FIGS. 13a and 13b according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0575] FIG. 15a to d show four different aerators fixedly attached
to a sealing element according to different embodiments of the
present invention;
[0576] FIG. 16 shows the aerating results obtained by example
embodiments of the present invention;
[0577] FIG. 17a shows a side view of the closure system in the
preassembled state with a tamper proof element according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0578] FIG. 17b shows a side view of the closure system in the
locked state with a tamper proof element according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0579] The following detailed description relates to a closure
system for a bottle designed for commercial bottling of a beverage
or liquid food, preferably a wine bottle. The closure system
comprises a stopper and a sealing element, which is separate from
the bottle and from the stopper. The stopper will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 2b, the sealing element will be described
with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7b and the functioning of the closure
system will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Further
embodiments will be described with regard to FIGS. 9 to 13.
[0580] The stopper of the closure system comprises a stopper part
for introduction into a mouth of the bottle and a head part for
remaining outside of the mouth, wherein the head part has a
diameter which is larger than that of the stopper part. The closure
system is configured such that the sealing element may be forced
against the inner wall of a mouth of the bottle, upon introduction
of the stopper into the mouth, thereby bringing the closure system
into a locked state. The stopper part comprises interlocking means
configured to engage with counterpart interlocking means comprised
by the sealing element, wherein the interlocking means are
configured to permit bringing the closure system into an unlocked
state by an action which comprises rotating the stopper with
respect to the bottle.
[0581] In the context of the present invention, "bottle" may refer
to, but is not limited to, a bottle having a mouth whose dimensions
comply with the DIN EN 12726:2000 standard.
[0582] This standard defines the measurements of the mouth of wine
bottles using closure systems such as natural corks or capsules.
According to this standard, the mouth of the bottle is defined as
going from the tip of the bottle 45 mm downwards. The diameter of
the mouth of the bottle has to be 18.5 mm, with a tolerance of
.+-.0.5 mm. Additionally, the mean inner diameter in the section 10
mm below the tip of the mouth of the bottle must not be more than 1
mm larger than the diameter at the entry of the bottle, wherein the
entry is defined as the section located 3 mm below the tip of the
bottle. The inner diameter increases from the top to the bottom of
the mouth of the bottle and has to be 20 mm with a tolerance of
.+-.1 mm at 45 mm downwards from the tip of the mouth of the
bottle. The outer diameter at the very tip of the bottle has to be
27 mm with a tolerance of .+-.0.5 mm. The largest outer diameter of
the mouth of the bottle has to be 29.5 mm with a tolerance of
.+-.0.5 mm.
[0583] Throughout this specification, terms which express relative
locations or directions, like "above", "under", "up", "down",
"upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc., refer to the natural
position of the bottle, the stopper, and the sealing element, when
the bottle is standing.
[0584] FIG. 1 shows a stopper 100 for a closure system for a bottle
defined for commercial bottling of a beverage or liquid food,
preferably a wine bottle. The stopper 100 comprises a stopper part
102 which may be introduced into the mouth of a bottle. In one
embodiment, the stopper part has a length of 31 mm. The length of
the stopper part 102 is defined as the part of the stopper 100
which can be entirely introduced into the sealing element, as shown
in FIG. 7b.
[0585] Furthermore, the stopper 100 comprises a head part 101 for
remaining outside of the mouth, which may be arranged directly
above the stopper part 102. In one embodiment, the head part 101
may have an even lower surface, which is directly connected to the
stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. However, the lower surface of
the head part 101 may also be curved or exhibit any other design
that directly transitions into the stopper part 102 of the stopper
100.
[0586] The head part 101 has a diameter which is larger than that
of the stopper part 102. In one embodiment, the diameter of the
head part corresponds to the outer diameter of the mouth of the
bottle, i.e. the inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle plus
twice the thickness of the glass of the bottle. In one embodiment,
the diameter of the head part is about 30 mm.
[0587] The stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may comprise a first
section 110. In one embodiment, the first section starts exactly
below the head part 101 of the stopper 100 and has a diameter of
14.4 mm, as well as the length of 11 mm. As shown in FIG. 1, the
first section no may have a substantially even surface and a
substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the first section no may
also have a slightly conical shape with a decreasing diameter in
the direction from top to bottom, wherein the diameter decreases
from top to bottom by 0.2 mm.
[0588] The stopper part 102 may further comprise a second section
120, which is arranged below the first section 110 of the stopper
part 102 of the stopper 100. In one embodiment, the second section
120 has a diameter of about 13.5 mm. Furthermore, the second
section 120 may have a length of 10 mm. The shape of the second
section may be a substantially cylindrical one. In one embodiment,
a minimum diameter of the second will section 120 is 0.2 mm smaller
than a maximum diameter of the second section 120. Interlocking
means 121 and holding means 122 may be arranged on the surface of
the second section. The interlocking means 121 and the holding
means 122 will be described in greater detail with reference to
FIGS. 2a and 2b.
[0589] Between the first section 110 and the second section 120,
the stopper part 102 may comprise a transition section 115. The
transition section 115 may be 1.5 mm long. Furthermore, the
transition section 115 may have a substantially conical shape.
[0590] The stopper part 102 may further comprise a third section
130, which is in one embodiment positioned below the second section
120. In an embodiment without the second section 120, however, the
third section 130 may be positioned directly below the first
section 110. The diameter of the third section 130 may be smaller
than the diameter of the second section 120. In one embodiment, the
diameter of the third section 130 is 11.5 mm. Additionally, in an
embodiment, the third section 130 is 5 mm long.
[0591] FIGS. 2a and 2b show two different side views of the stopper
100, which illustrate the interlocking means 121 and the holding
means 122.
[0592] The interlocking means 121, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, are
located within the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 of
the stopper 100. However, the interlocking means 121 may be located
in different sections of the stopper part 102, in particular as
long as they do not interfere with a seal formed between the
closure system and the mouth of the bottle, which will be explained
later with reference to FIG. 8.
[0593] In one embodiment, the interlocking means 121 ore one or
more grooves arranged on the circumference of the stopper part 102
of the stopper 100. This can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b, where two
grooves 121 run along the circumference of the second section 120,
starting approximately in the center of the second section 120 in
FIG. 2a and ending at the lower end of the second section 120 in
FIG. 2b. The one or more grooves 121 may span 110.degree. of the
circumference of the stopper part 102. In some embodiments, the
grooves 121 have an identical shape. Furthermore, the grooves 121
may be distributed opposites and/or symmetrically to each other
and/or equidistant from each other. The grooves 121 may have a
depth of about 1 mm, and they may be 3 mm wide.
[0594] In some embodiments, the grooves 121 may have a rectangular,
u-shape, circular or oval cross-section.
[0595] The grooves 121 may comprise a main section, which extends
diagonally downward, as can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In some
embodiments, the grooves 121 also comprise a starting section,
which extends substantially horizontally. This starting section may
start from the upper end of the main section, as can be seen in
FIG. 2a. In some embodiments, the starting section has a length of
4 mm.
[0596] The grooves 121 may also comprise an end section, which
extends vertically downwards from the lower end of the main
section. The end section is illustrated in FIG. 2b at the lower end
of the second section 120. The end section may be open toward a
lower end thereof. In some embodiments, in which the end section is
open toward the lower end, this opening has a tapered shape.
[0597] The stopper part 102 may further comprise holding means 122.
In some embodiments these holding means 122 comprise one or more
depressions. In some embodiments (not shown), these depressions are
open to a lower side thereof. Furthermore, the depressions 122 may
be arranged on the second section 120 of the stopper part 102. This
can be seen in FIG. 2a, which shows an exemplary depression 122 at
the lower end of second section 120.
[0598] The depressions 122 may be distributed opposite and/or
symmetrically to each other and/or equidistant from each other
around the circumference of the stopper part 102 of the stopper
100. Furthermore, the depressions 122 may be arranged below grooves
120, as seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In particular, the depressions 122
may be arranged below the starting sections of the grooves 120, as
can be seen in FIG. 2a. In some embodiments, the depressions or
holding means 122, respectively, are arranged 4.5 mm below the
interlocking means.
[0599] FIGS. 3 to 5b show a sealing element 200 for a closure
system for the bottle which has been previously defined with regard
to FIG. 1.
[0600] The sealing element 200 is configured to be introduced into
the mouth of the bottle. The sealing element may receive the
stopper part of the stopper by way of introduction. In some
embodiments, the stopper part of the stopper may be regarded as
fully introduced into the sealing element when the stopper and the
sealing element have the positional relationship to each other as
intended for the locked state. In some embodiments, the sealing
element 200 has the shape of a ring or tube. In one embodiment, the
sealing element 200 has a length of 32 mm.
[0601] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sealing element 200
of the closure system, and FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show side views of
the sealing element 200 of the closure system according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The side view of FIG. 4b shows
a view which is rotated by 90 degrees compared to the side view of
FIG. 4a.
[0602] FIG. 4a shows the sealing element 200, comprising a covering
section 201 that remains outside of the mouth of the bottle. The
covering section 201 is positioned at the upper end of the sealing
element 200. In one embodiment, the covering section 201 is a
flange which protrudes from the upper surface of the mouth of the
bottle.
[0603] The covering section 201 may prevent or reduce dripping of
liquid at the end of the process of pouring liquid out of the mouth
of the bottle. For example, the dripping of liquid is reduced when
the edge of the flange is sharper than the edge tip of the mouth of
the bottle. The flange may also have a rounded inner edge to assure
that drips flow back into the bottle.
[0604] The sealing element 200 may further comprise a sealing
section 210. The sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 may
have a shape of a ring or tube. The sealing element may have a
shape which is adapted to the shape of the mouth of the bottle,
i.e. the shape may be or comprise the counterpart profile of the
mouth of the bottle. In some embodiments, when the stopper part of
the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200, the
sealing section 210 is substantially cylindrical. The outer surface
of the sealing section 210 may be substantially even when the
stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200. In one
embodiment, the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 is
slightly convex. In the illustrated embodiment, the difference
between the minimum and the maximum outer diameter of the sealing
section 210 is about 0.2 mm.
[0605] In one embodiment, the sealing section 210 of the sealing
element 200 starts at about 1 mm below the upper end of the sealing
element 200 and the sealing section 210 has a length of about 10
mm.
[0606] The sealing element 200 may further comprise a second
section 220 which is to positioned below the sealing section 210.
In some embodiments, the length of the second section 220 of the
sealing element 200 is about 11 mm. The second section 220 may be
not expanded at all upon full introduction of the sealing part into
the sealing element 200.
[0607] The second section 220 may comprise interlocking means 221,
which are the counterpart interlocking means of the interlocking
means 121 on the stopper part. In the preferred embodiment, the
interlocking means 221 are also the counterpart holding means of
the holding means 122 on the stopper part.
[0608] In some embodiments, the interlocking means 221 are not
located within the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.
Instead, the interlocking means may be positioned in a section
where the sealing element 200 is not forced against the wall of the
mouth of the bottle in the locked state.
[0609] In some embodiments, the interlocking means 221 of the
sealing element 200 are protrusions, for example in the form of
pins 221, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5b. These pins 221 may be
positioned on portions of the inner wall of the sealing element 200
which are partially or completely attached to the second section
220 of the sealing element, the portions of the inner wall being
tabs 222, for example. In particular, the protrusions may be formed
on u-shaped portions of the wall, which are attached to the wall of
the second section of the sealing element by their upper part, as
shown in FIG. 4a. The tabs 222 may protrude towards the inside of
the sealing element and/or may be resiliently mounted and/or have
an elastic effect in the radial direction.
[0610] The sealing element 200 may further comprise a retaining
section 230. The retaining section 230 may retain the sealing
element 200 in the mouth of the bottle by being forced against the
inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The connection between the
outer surface of the retaining section 230 and the inner wall of
the mouth of the bottle created by the forcing of the retaining
section 230 against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle may
be at least in part be an interlocking connection. An interlocking
connection is possible, for example, if the retaining section 230,
after full introduction into the mouth of the bottle, is located at
least in part at a section where the mouth of the bottle increases
in diameter from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the retaining
section 230 starts at about 24 mm below the upper end of the
sealing element.
[0611] In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 may be
activated upon introduction of the stopper part of the stopper into
the sealing element 200, whereby the retaining section 230 may be
radially expanded. An outer diameter of the retaining section 230
may be radially expanded upon activation by about 2.1 mm, when the
closure system is not introduced into the bottle. The retaining
section 230 may comprise one more cutouts which facilitate
expansion of the retaining section 230 by the retainer element. For
example, the retaining section 230 may consist of or comprise one
or more wings. Some embodiments may comprise two or more cutouts
and/or wings which are arranged opposite to each other and/or
equidistant from each other.
[0612] The outer shape of the retaining section 230 may be
substantially cylindrical and may have a substantially even outer
surface when the retaining section 230 is not activated. In some
embodiments, the retaining section 230 comprises a section whose
outer shape is substantially tapered with increasing diameter from
top to bottom when the retaining section 230 is activated and the
closure system is not introduced into the bottle. The retaining
section 230 may comprise one or more constricted sections 232,
which will be described in more detail with regard to FIG. 5b.
[0613] FIG. 5a shows a top view of a sealing element 200 of the
closure system according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0614] In particular, FIG. 5a shows a top view of the covering
section 201. The covering section 201 should be as narrow as
possible, while still providing protection to the tip of the mouth
of the bottle against contact with the head part of the stopper. In
the illustrated embodiment, the width of the covering section 201
is about 2 mm and to height of the covering section 201 is about 1
mm.
[0615] Furthermore, FIG. 5a shows two pins 221 protruding from the
inner surface of the sealing element 200. The two pins 221 are
arranged opposite to each other. In other embodiments, there may be
only one pin or more than two pins 221. If there are several pins
221, they are preferably distributed opposite to each other and/or
equidistant from each other around the inner circumference of the
sealing element 200.
[0616] The cross section of the pins 221 may be rectangular,
circular, u-shaped or oval shape or may have any other suitable
cross section for an interlocking mechanism. FIG. 5b shows a cross
section view of a sealing element 200 of the closure system of
[0617] FIG. 4a according to one embodiment of the present
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 200
comprises a main body 204 and a different namely softer material
203 arranged on the main body 204. The softer material will be
described later. As shown in FIG. 5b, the softer material may be
located in the sealing section and/or in the retaining section of
the sealing element.
[0618] As also shown in FIG. 5b, the sealing section 210 may
comprise a constricted section 211. The constricted section 211 has
a smaller diameter than other parts of the sealing section 210. In
some embodiments, the constricted section 211 is positioned
substantially at the center of the sealing section 210. The length
of the constricted section 211 may be about 5 mm. In some
embodiments, the sealing section 210 comprises more than one
constricted section 211. Although the constricted section 211 of
FIG. 5b is illustrated having the shape of a wave with a
substantially convex section when the stopper is not introduced in
the sealing element 200, other shapes of the constricted section
211 are possible, such as a triangular shape or a shape of several
waves, possibly with different amplitudes.
[0619] When the stopper part of the stopper is introduced into the
sealing element 200, the outer shape of the sealing section 210 may
be substantially convex, when the sealing element 200 is not
introduced into the bottle. This results from pushing the
constricted section in a radial direction. The softer material is
thereby expanded and forms a convex shape on the outer surface of
the sealing section.
[0620] In some embodiments, when the stopper is not introduced into
the sealing element 200, the sealing section 210 has a maximum
inner diameter of about 14 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, when
the stopper is not introduced into the sealing element 200, the
minimum inner diameter of the sealing section 210 at the top of the
wave formed by the constricted section 211 is about 1 mm smaller
than the inner diameter of the sealing section 210 at the upper and
lower end of the constricted section 211, which corresponds to the
inner diameter of the sealing section 210 at its upper end and is
the maximum inner diameter of the sealing section 210 of the
sealing element 200.
[0621] In some embodiments, when the stopper is not introduced into
the sealing element 200, the sealing section 210 has an outer
diameter of about 18.3 mm. In some embodiments, when the stopper
part is not introduced into the sealing element, the sealing
section has a maximum outer diameter of about 0.2 mm less than the
minimum inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle in the section
where the seal is formed.
[0622] In some embodiments, the sealing section 210 is radially
expanded upon full introduction of the stopper part of the stopper
into the sealing element 200, at the point of the largest expansion
by about 0.8 mm, when the closure system is not introduced into the
bottle.
[0623] In some embodiments, the closure system is configured such
that in the unlocked state, the sealing section 210 of the sealing
element 200 is not be expanded at all in the radial direction, even
if the closure system is not introduced into the bottle.
[0624] As shown in FIG. 5b, the second section 220 of the sealing
element may have an outer diameter which is smaller than the
smallest inner diameter of the mouth of the bottle, even when the
stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into the sealing
element. In some embodiments, the outer diameter may be about 15.4
mm when the stopper part of the stopper is fully introduced into
the sealing element and/or when the stopper part of the stopper is
not fully introduced into the sealing element.
[0625] Furthermore, FIG. 5b shows the shape and location of some
embodiments of one of the pins 221 in detail. The centroids of the
pins 221 may be located about 16 mm below the upper end of the
sealing element 200. The pins 221 may be 1 mm wide, and they may
protrude 1 mm from the inner surface of the sealing element 200.
The pins 221 may have a rectangular, circular, u-shaped or oval
shape or any other shape suitable for a pin of an interlocking
mechanism where the pin runs in a groove. As shown in FIG. 5b the
pins 221 may also have pairs of horizontal, vertical and diagonal
sides.
[0626] As shown in FIG. 5b, the retaining section 230 may comprise
a constricted section 232, having a smaller inner diameter than
other parts of the retaining section 230. In some embodiments, the
constricted section 232 has a convex shape when the retaining
section 230 is not activated. The properties of the constricted
section 211 of the sealing element discussed above may also apply
for the constricted section 232 of the retaining section.
[0627] In some embodiments, the retaining section 230 may have a
maximum outer diameter as defined with regard to the sealing
section 210.
[0628] FIGS. 6a to 6c show a retainer element of the sealing
element as a separate object. The retainer element may also be
attached to the sealing element and therefore not a separate
object. The retainer element may have the shape of a ring, with a
minimum inner diameter of about 11.5 mm and a maximum outer
diameter of about 14 mm. The retainer element 300 may comprise an
outer surface 301, which may be substantially concave. The retainer
element may have protrusions on the inner wall of the retainer
element. These protrusions may form a web 302 as shown in FIGS. 6a
and 6b.
[0629] FIGS. 7a to 7c show the interaction between the different
elements of the closure system. FIG. 7a shows the closure system in
a preassembled state, FIG. 7b shows the closure system in a locked
state and FIG. 7c shows the closure system in an unlocked state.
The different states, as well as the transitions from one state to
another, will now be described in detail.
[0630] Preassembled State
[0631] FIG. 7a illustrates the closure system in the pre-assembled
state before the closing of the bottle. In this state, the
respective elements of the closure system may be arranged such that
the bottle may be closed in a similar way as a bottle with a
conventional wine bottle cork.
[0632] The sealing element 200 may be fully introduced into the
mouth of the bottle and the stopper 100 is only partially
introduced into the sealing element and the mouth of the bottle.
Therefore, the head part of the stopper 100 is not in contact with
the covering section in this state.
[0633] In some embodiments, the second section 120 of the stopper
100 element, which has narrower diameter than the first section, is
partially located within the sealing section 210 of the sealing
element 200, such that the sealing section 210 is not radially
expanded, and no seal is formed between the stopper 100 and the
mouth of the bottle.
[0634] In fact, the radial expansion of the sealing section 210 of
the sealing element 200 in the preassembled state is as defined
below with regard to the unlocked state and with regard to the
description of the sealing element 200 of FIG. 5b. Furthermore, the
positional relationship between the stopper part 102 of the stopper
100 and the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 is as
defined with regard to the unlocked state and will be described
below.
[0635] In some embodiments, the holding means of the stopper part
102 of the stopper 100, i.e. the depressions, may be in an
interlocking connection with the counterpart holding means of the
sealing element 200, i.e. pins 221, to hold the stopper 100 in a
secured position with respect to the sealing element 200. The
interlocking means of the stopper part 102 may not be engaged with
the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200.
[0636] Holding the stopper 100 in the secured position may prevent
at least a substantial rotational displacement of the stopper 100
with respect to the sealing element 200. Due to tolerances of the
interlocking connection of the holding means, smaller displacements
(by about 1 or 2 mm) of the stopper 100 may still be possible. In
some embodiments, holding the stopper 100 in the secured position
may furthermore prevent at least a substantial axial displacement
of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200.
[0637] When the sealing element of the preassembled closure system
is not yet fully introduced into the mouth of the bottle (not
displayed), the holding of the stopper 100 in the secured position
may prevent the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 from being
fully introduced into the sealing element 200 before the sealing
element 200 is fully introduced into the bottle. In particular,
holding the stopper 100 in the secured position may prevent that
the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 is fully introduced into
the sealing element 200 before the covering section of the sealing
element 200 has made contact with the upper end of the mouth of the
bottle.
[0638] The holding means on the stopper part of the stopper may be
depressions with a profile which forms a counterpart profile
matching the profile of the pins 221 of the sealing element 200.
The depth of the depressions of the stopper part 102 and the height
of the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 may be substantially
equal. This may help the depressions and the pins 221 to engage
with less leeway.
[0639] In some embodiments, in the preassembled state, the retainer
element is located above the constricted section 232 of the
retaining section 230. In that case, the constricted section 232 of
the retaining section 230 may not be expanded in the radial
direction. Thus, the retaining section 230 may not retain the
sealing element 200 in this state.
[0640] Transition to the Locked State
[0641] The transition from the preassembled state to the locked
state may be achieved by pushing the stopper 100 in the downward
direction. This transition is made during the closing of the
bottle. The closure system may be completely assembled after the
transition. In some embodiments, the closure system transitions
from the preassembled state to the locked state only once in the
lifetime of the system.
[0642] The changes in the configuration of the closing system
during the transition from the preassembled state to the locked
state will now be explained in detail.
[0643] The counterpart holding means (the pins) 221 of the sealing
element 200, which are engaged with the holding means of the
stopper part (the depressions) 102 of the stopper in the
preassembled state, transition to the respective grooves 121 of the
interlocking means, when the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 is
fully introduced into the sealing element 200 by pushing. To
facilitate the transition, the depressions may have an upper
surface that is flatter than the other surfaces of the depression.
In this way, disengaging from the depressions may be easier for the
pins 221 of the sealing element 200. Also the elastic effect of the
tabs 222 may facilitate the disengaging of the pins 221 from the
depressions and the engaging with the respective grooves 121 of the
interlocking means. The elastic tabs 222 may spring outwardly to
enable and/or facilitate the radial displacement of the pins
221.
[0644] The distance of the axial displacement of the stopper with
respect to the sealing element during the transition from the
preassembled state to the locked state, which will correspond to
the distance between the holding means and the interlocking means,
may be about the same as the axial stroke of the stopper 100 when
it is moved upward or downward in the grooves 121, as will be
described below.
[0645] During the transition, the first section of the stopper 100,
which as a larger diameter than the second section, is moved
(further) into the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200,
thereby causing a radial expansion of the sealing section 210 of
the sealing element 200.
[0646] The pins 221, as described in FIG. 5b, may be or comprise at
least a portion of the counterpart interlocking means of the
sealing element 200. In this case, after the transition, the pins
221 are located in the interlocking means, i.e. in the grooves 121,
in particular in the starting sections of the grooves 121.
[0647] The retaining section 230 of the sealing element 200 may be
activated by the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 pushing the
retainer element 300, as described with regard to FIGS. 6a to 6c,
down along the longitudinal axis of the sealing element 200 when
the stopper part 102 is fully introduced into the sealing element
200. The third section 130 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper
100 may form an interface with the retainer element 300 in such a
way that the retainer element 300 can be pushed down by the third
section 130 and/or the bottom of the section above the third
section 130 when the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 is fully
introduced into the sealing element 200. Thereby, the third section
130 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100 may at least
partially enter into the retainer element 300 of the sealing
element 200. By entering the retainer element 300, the stopper part
102 may make contact with the web 302 of the retainer element 300.
The web 302 may be adapted to prevent that the stopper passes
through the retainer element 300. Therefore, the retainer element
may be pushed together with the stopper in a downward direction,
when the stopper makes contact with the web 302.
[0648] The retainer element 300 may expand the retaining section
230 during its activation. Hence, the outer wall of the retaining
section 230 may make contact with and be forced against the inner
wall of the bottle. The diameter at the bottom of the retainer
element may increase more than the diameter at the top of the
retainer element during activation. In this way, the retaining
section 230 may be additionally adapted to the shape of the bottle,
which may also have an increasing diameter from top to bottom in
the section where the retainer element is located.
[0649] Locked State
[0650] FIG. 7b illustrates the locked state of the closure system,
after the closing of the bottle. In this state, the seal is formed
between the mouth of the bottle and the stopper. Hence, no liquid
can leave the mouth of the bottle in this state.
[0651] In the locked state, the head part of the stopper 100 may be
in contact with the covering section. The stopper 100 and the
sealing element 200 may have a positional relationship as described
below.
[0652] At least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper part
102 of the stopper 100 may be located within the sealing section
210 of the sealing element 200. In particular, at least a part of
the first section 110 may be located within the constricted section
211 of the sealing section 210. In that case, at least a part of
sealing section 210 has received at least a part of the first
section 110 of the stopper part 102. In particular, at least a part
of constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 has received
at least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 of
the stopper 100. In some embodiments, at least the part of the
sealing section 210 which has the smallest inner diameter has
received at least a part of the first section 110 of the stopper
part 102. In some embodiments, the second section 120 of the
stopper part 102 is not located within the constricted section 211
of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200.
[0653] The described positional relationship may result in the
formation of a seal between the stopper part and the mouth of the
bottle as described below.
[0654] The first section 110 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper
100 may force the sealing element 200 against the inner wall of the
mouth of the bottle to form the seal between the stopper part 102
and the mouth of the bottle. The sealing section 210 of the sealing
element 200 may be at least in part radially expanded by the
stopper part 102 upon full introduction into the sealing element
200, whereby the sealing section 210 may at least in part be forced
against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle to form the seal
between the stopper part 102 and the mouth of the bottle. There
will be one side of the seal between the stopper part 102 and the
sealing element 200 forming an inner seal, and another side of the
seal between the sealing element 200 and the inner wall of the
mouth of a bottle forming an outer seal. The inner seal and the
outer seal may be located in the same section (axial position). In
the preferred embodiment, the inner seal and the outer seal
partially overlap.
[0655] To form the seal, the constricted section 211 of the sealing
element 200 may be forced radially outward upon full introduction
of the stopper part 102 into the sealing element 200. The
constricted section 211 may be positioned within or overlaps with
the section where the seal is formed. The length of the constricted
section 211 may be smaller than the length of the section where the
seal is formed. Throughout this description, the "section where the
seal is formed" refers to the section where the outer seal is
formed. In this way, the length of the section where the seal is
formed may be greater than the axial stroke of the stopper 100 for
bringing the closure system from the locked state to the unlocked
state, therewith providing a more effective seal. Preferably, the
length of the section where the seal is formed is about 160% of the
length of the constricted section 211. The softer material 203 on
the sealing element 200 located in the constricted section 211 may
partially expand in an axial direction, i.e. in an upward and/or
downward direction. The expansion of the softer material 203 leads
to a larger and/or longer sealing section 210 and thereby to a more
effective seal. In some embodiments, the length of the section
where the seal is formed is about 8 mm.
[0656] FIG. 7b shows also the contours of the cross section of the
sealing element 200 of FIG. 7a in a relaxed state to clearly
illustrate the positional relationship between the sealing element
200 and the stopper part 202 in the locked state. However, it is
understood that in actuality, the sealing section of the sealing
element 200 will be compressed and/or expanded, as will now be
described with reference to FIG. 8.
[0657] FIG. 8 shows a representation of an x-ray image taken of the
closure system in the locked state according to one embodiment of
the present invention. It can be observed where the seal is formed
in the mouth of the bottle. The first section of the stopper part
of the stopper 100 may expand the constricted section 211 of the
sealing element 200 in a radial direction so that the constricted
section 211 becomes almost flat, i.e. vertical. In addition, the
length of the seal can be observed, which is formed between the
sealing element 200 and the mouth of the bottle. It is larger than
the length of the constricted section 211 of the sealing section
210 of the sealing element 200.
[0658] In FIG. 8, the top end of the section where the seal is
formed is about 1 mm under the highest point of the mouth of the
bottle. The section where the seal is formed is located in part
(with its lower end) in a section of the mouth of the bottle with
an increasing diameter from top to bottom. As previously stated,
the DIN EN 12726:2000 standard allows that inner diameter of the
bottle in the section 10 mm below the top to be up to 1 mm larger
than in the section 3 mm below the top, which may lead to the
mentioned section with an increased diameter. When the softer
material 203 is pushed outward in the radial direction, it adapts
to the profile of the inner surface of the mouth of the bottle and
may hence provide a stronger seal.
[0659] Although this disclosure describes merely the formation of
one seal, multiple seals at different locations are possible and
incorporated in the scope of this invention. There may be, for
example, multiple smaller seals in the sealing section 210 and/or
there may be one or more seals formed by the retaining section
230.
[0660] In the locked state, the one or more pins 221 of the sealing
element 200 are engaged with the grooves of the stopper 100.
[0661] In some embodiments, the interlocking means (pins and
grooves) are arranged on sections of the stopper part 102 and the
sealing element 200 where the sealing element is not forced against
the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle in the locked state. The
side of the seal between the stopper part and the sealing element
can therefore be formed by an even surface of the (first section of
the) stopper part pushing against an even counter-surface of the
(sealing section of the) sealing element, thereby providing a more
effective seal. Additionally, this has the advantage that the
interlocking means are disburdened from radial pressure so that the
pins can run smoothly within the grooves. Advantageously, the
section where the seal is formed is located above the interlocking
means so that a seal can be formed at the very top of the mouth of
the bottle, avoiding that dirt particles or liquid can enter a gap
between the sealing element and the mouth of the bottle, or between
the sealing element and the stopper part of the stopper.
[0662] In the locked state, the interlocking means do not prevent a
rotation of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200
at least in one direction but may prevent a rotation of the stopper
100 with respect to the sealing element 200 in the other direction.
The rotation of the stopper 100 may be used to unlock the closure
system as will be described further below. The interlocking means
may prevent an axial displacement of the stopper 100 with respect
to the sealing element 200 in the upward direction in the locked
state. Hence, the stopper 100 has to be rotated to bring the
closure system into the unlocked state.
[0663] The retention force provided by the interlocking means in
the locked state corresponds to about 90% of the force preventing
axial displacement of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing
element 200 in the locked state. The counterpart interlocking
means, i.e. the pins 221 of the sealing element 200 are located in
the starting sections of the grooves 121 by about 90% of their
width.
[0664] The retainer element presses the constricted section 232 of
the retaining section 230 outward in the radial direction, which
exerts a force to the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, and
thereby fixes the sealing element 200 in the bottle. The
constricted section 232 may have a substantially convex shape and
may be expanded in the same way as already described with regard to
the constricted section 211 of the sealing element.
[0665] The retaining section 230 holds the retainer element 300
once it has been activated. In some embodiments, the retaining
section 230 holds the retainer element 300 at least in part by an
interlocking connection between the outer surface of the retainer
element 300 and the inner surface of the retaining section 230. A
section of the inner surface of the retaining section 230 which is
engaged to form the interlocking connection may be substantially
convex, i.e. it may be formed by the constricted section 232, and a
section of the outer surface 301 of the retainer element 300 which
is engaged to form the interlocking connection may be substantially
concave. In this way, the retainer element can be held in the
retaining section. The shape of the constricted section 232 and the
outer surface of the retainer element may have other shapes,
wherein the constricted section 232 may have a counterpart profile
of the shape of the outer surface of the retainer element.
[0666] Transition to the Unlocked State
[0667] The transition between the locked state to the unlocked
state is achieved by rotating the stopper 100 in one direction. The
changes in the configuration of the closing system during the
transition between the locked state to the unlocked state will now
be described in detail.
[0668] The interlocking means may move the stopper 100, when in the
locked state, upward until the unlocked state is reached, upon
clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the stopper 100 with
respect to the bottle. On the other hand, when in the unlocked
state, the interlocking means may move the stopper 100 downward
until the locked state is reached, upon rotation of the stopper 100
in the opposite direction with respect to the bottle.
[0669] The axial stroke of the stopper when fully being moved
upward or downward by the interlocking means may be about 5 mm. The
axial stroke may correspond to about the distance between the lower
end of the first section 110 of the stopper part 102 and the upper
end of the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of
the sealing element 200, when the stopper is fully introduced into
the sealing element 200. The axial stroke may correspond to about
50% of the length of the section where the seal is formed, upon
rotation of the stopper 100 with respect to the bottle.
[0670] As previously described, the constricted section 211 and the
softer material 203, which may be partially expanded in axial
directions, may lead to a larger sealing section 210 and thereby to
a more effective seal. Put differently, it allows to reduce the
stroke, while maintaining the length of the sealing section
210.
[0671] The movement of the second section of the stopper part of
the stopper 100 into the sealing section 210 of the sealing element
200, during the rotation of the stopper 100, may cause a lessening
of the expansion of the sealing section 210 of the sealing element
200.
[0672] The starting sections of the interlocking means (grooves) of
the stopper part 102 may have a surface which serves as a stop for
the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200.
Additionally, the end sections of the interlocking means (grooves)
of the stopper part 102 may have a surface which serves as a stop
for the counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element 200
in the other direction.
[0673] The pins 221 may run in the grooves 121 of the stopper part
102, during the rotation of the stopper 100. The pins 221 run from
the starting sections through the main sections to the end sections
of the grooves 121.
[0674] As illustrated by FIG. 5b, the pins 221 may have a pair of
horizontal sides. One of the horizontal sides may be the bottom
surface of the pins 221, and it may be substantially parallel to
the surface of the starting sections of the grooves 121 with which
it makes contact when the pins 221 are located in the starting
section. Thus, the bottom surface of the pins 221 may provide an
effective blocking (interlocking connection) in an upward axial
direction.
[0675] The pins 221 may also have diagonal sides. One side of the
diagonal sides may be the lower diagonal surface of the pins 221
which makes contact with the lower surface of the main section of
the groove, and it may be substantially parallel to the lower
surface of the main section of the groove. Another side of the
diagonal sides may be an upper diagonal surface of the pins 221
which makes contact with the upper surface of the main section of
the groove, and it may be substantially parallel to the upper
surface of the main section of the groove. The diagonal sides
facilitate the movement of the pins 221 in the main section of the
groove by enlarging the contact surface.
[0676] The pins 221 may also have vertical sides. One of the
vertical sides may be the side surfaces of the pins 221 which is in
contact with the surface of the starting section which serves as a
stop for the counterpart interlocking means, and it may be
substantially parallel to the surface of the starting sections
which may be configured to serve as a stop. Another one of the
vertical sides may be the side surface of the pins 221 which is in
contact with the surface of the end section which serves as a stop
for the counterpart interlocking means, and it may be substantially
parallel to the surface of the end section which serves as a
stop.
[0677] The expansion of the (constricted section 232 of the)
retainer element remains unchanged during the transition to the
unlocked state.
[0678] Unlocked State
[0679] In the unlocked state, the stopper 100 may be removed from
the bottle and the liquid may leave the bottle.
[0680] The sealing element 200 of the closure system remains in the
mouth of the bottle after the closure system has once been brought
into the locked position, even when the stopper 100 is subsequently
removed from the mouth of the bottle. Even in this case, the force
required to pull the sealing element 200 out of the mouth may
exceed 100N.
[0681] In the unlocked state, the head part of the stopper 100 is
not in contact with the covering section of the sealing element 200
anymore. The stopper 100 and the sealing element 200 may have a
positional relationship as described below.
[0682] In the unlocked state, at least a part of the second section
120 of the stopper part 102 may be located within the sealing
section 210 of the sealing element 200. In particular, at least a
part of the second section 120 of the stopper part 102 may be
located within the constricted section 211 of the sealing section
210 of the sealing element 200. In that case, at least a part of
the sealing section 210 may have received at least a part of the
second section 120 of the stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. In
particular, at least the part of the sealing section 210 with the
smallest inner diameter may have received at least a part of the
second section 120 of the stopper part 102. In that case, at least
a part of the constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210
has received at least a part of the second section 120 of the
stopper part 102 of the stopper 100. In some embodiments, the first
section 110 of the stopper part 102 is not located within the
constricted section 211 of the sealing section 210 of the sealing
element 200.
[0683] This positional relationship may lead to a lessening of the
pressure on the sealing section 210 of the sealing element 200 and
thereby to a reduction and/or removal of the seal between the
stopper 100 and the sealing element 200. However, there may still
remain the side of the seal between the mouth of the bottle and the
sealing element 200. This side of the seal may be needed to prevent
that liquid passes between the sealing element 200 and the mouth of
the bottle.
[0684] In the unlocked state, the pins 221 of the sealing element
200 may still be engaged with the (end sections of the) grooves 121
of the stopper 100 element. However, the end sections of the
grooves 121 of the stopper 100 do not prevent an axial displacement
of the stopper 100 with respect to the sealing element 200 in the
upward direction. Thus, the stopper 100 can be removed from the
closure system, wherein the pins 221 of the sealing element 200
leave the grooves through the bottom of the end sections. The
tapered shape of the end sections as described with regard to FIGS.
2a and 2b may facilitate the alignment with the pins 221 of the
sealing element 200 and therefore reintroducing the stopper 100
into the sealing element 200, once taken off.
[0685] The retaining section 230 may remain activated even when the
stopper 100 is removed from the sealing element 200. In this case,
the retaining section may be hold the sealing element in the same
position as in the locked state.
[0686] Materials
[0687] Stopper
[0688] The stopper can be made, e.g., of one or more materials
chosen out of the group comprising glass, ceramic, plastic, metal
and wood. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the stopper is
glass.
[0689] Sealing Element
[0690] The sealing element of the closure system comprises two
parts in the preferred embodiment.
[0691] One part is a main body of the sealing element 204, cf. FIG.
5b. The main body is configured to form the entire or at least a
portion of the part of the sealing element which is in contact with
the side surface of the stopper part of the stopper when the
stopper part is introduced in the sealing element. It provides the
skeleton for the sealing element. The covering section 201, the
pins 221, the pads 222 and the protrusions 224 form part of the
main body, cf. FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. In a preferred
embodiment, the main body basically defines the shape of the
sealing element and is therefore for example substantially tubular.
In a preferred embodiment, the main body is made of or comprises
polypropylene and/or polyethylene. The material of the main body
should be a relatively hard material, e.g. having a shore D
hardness between 50 and 120 Rockwell (R-scale), preferably between
70 and 100.
[0692] Another part of the sealing element is the part that is at
least in part configured to be in contact with the inner wall of
the mouth of the bottle. It is the part which is of a material
which is different from the material of the main body, as mentioned
above. This other part is at least partially arranged on the outer
side of the main body of the sealing element, i.e. the side which
is opposed to the side of the main body that contacts the side
surface of the stopper part of the stopper when the stopper part is
introduced in the sealing element.
[0693] In a preferred embodiment, the different material 203 is
softer than the material of the main body 204. In this embodiment,
the main body provides stability to the sealing element in the
axial direction, which is particularly important to prevent an
upsetting during the introduction of the sealing element into the
mouth of the bottle. It also assures that the softer material is
not or only to some minor extent displaced under persistent high
pressure, such as in the locked state of the closure system in the
mouth of the bottle. Also, the hardness of the main body is
required to transmit pressure more uniformly across a larger area.
The softer material allows for a smooth adaptation of the sealing
element to the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. Due to the
softness of the material, the different material can also correct
for small deviations in the shape of the inner wall of the mouth of
the body, this way allowing for a better grip to the mouth of the
bottle and thus for a better leak tightness. At the same time the
softness of the material also provides for an increased radial
stroke while maintaining more or less a similar radial pressure
built-up, such as while bringing the closure system into the locked
state. In a preferred embodiment, the different material is or
comprises a thermoplastic elastomer and/or a thermoset elastomer.
Preferably, the thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoset elastomer
has a Shore A hardness between 25 and 90.
[0694] However, the different material should not be too soft as
the different material would otherwise be squeezed out of the
pressure zones, such as at the sealing section 210.
[0695] It also preferred that different material has a higher
friction coefficient with respect to glass than the material of the
main body that is configured to be in contact with the side surface
of the stopper part of the stopper. The higher friction of the
different material ensures inter alia that the sealing element does
not spin when the stopper is brought from the locked state in the
unlocked-state.
[0696] Preferably, the different material 203 is arranged on the
outer surface of the sealing section 210 and/or the retaining
section 230 because these section are configured to be in contact
with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, cf. FIG. 5b. It is
further preferred that the different material is not arranged on
the outer surface of a section of the sealing element which is not
configured to be forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the
bottle in the locked state of the closure system. For example, in a
preferred embodiment, the different material is not arranged on the
outer surface of the second section 220 of the sealing element.
This ensures that the friction of the sealing element at the inner
wall of the mouth of the bottle is as small as possible.
[0697] The sealing element is preferably manufactured by a
two-component injection molding method. In a preferred embodiment,
the main body and the different material are unreleasably connected
with one another during manufacturing of the sealing element. The
unreleasable connection is obtained for example by melting at least
one contacting surface of the different material and the main body.
While other manufacturing processes that do not result in an
unreleasable but in a releasable connection between the main body
and the different material can also be considered and may even be
advantageous due to the resulting lower production costs, injection
molding is the preferred manufacturing method, because it ensures
that the other part, made from the different material, is held on
the main body of the sealing element, in particular during the
introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of the
bottle.
[0698] Retainer Element
[0699] In a preferred embodiment, the retainer element is made of
homo-polypropylene.
[0700] Pressure Resilience and Leak Tightness
[0701] In a preferred embodiment, in the locked state, a force
exceeding 50N, preferably 100N, more preferably 200N, most
preferably 300N is required to pull the stopper or the closure
system out of the mouth of the bottle. Preferably, in the locked
state, the forcing the sealing element against the inner wall of
the mouth of the bottle forms a seal between the stopper and the
mouth of the bottle such that no liquid can exit through the mouth
of the bottle.
[0702] In another preferred embodiment, the closure system is
retained in the mouth of the bottle against a pressure of at least
up to 1 bar inside the bottle, preferably at least up to 2 bar,
more preferably at least up to 3 bar, most preferably at least up
to 4 bar. Preferably, the seal is sufficiently tight such that in
the locked state, no signs of leakage such as bubble formation are
observed at the stopper of a bottle filled with red wine after 1
minute at a pressure of at least up to 1 bar inside the bottle,
preferably of at least up to 2 bar, more preferably of at least up
to 3 bar and most preferably at a pressure of at least up to 4
bar.
[0703] In another preferred embodiment, in the unlocked state, the
stopper can be pulled out of the mouth of the bottle by a force of
less than 20N, preferably less than 5N, more preferably less than
2N, most preferably by a force which substantially corresponds to
the weight of the stopper. Preferably, in the unlocked state, no
seal is formed between the stopper and the mouth of the bottle such
that liquid can exit through the mouth of the bottle.
[0704] The following experiments have been conducted to test the
functionality of certain embodiments the closure system according
to the invention.
[0705] To assess the leak tightness of the closure system according
to the invention a stainless steel closure system according to the
invention was equipped with two different embodiments of the and
was tested according to the following protocol:
[0706] Commercially available Saverglass wine bottles of 750 ml
volume complying with the DIN EN 12726:2000 standard were equipped
with a pressure port. Stainless steel stoppers were equipped with
two variants of the sealing element according to the invention.
[0707] Initial testing was conducted at ambient temperature and 1
hour after the closure system was installed in the bottle. A second
test series with new closure systems was conducted 24 hours after
the closure system was installed. In this second test, the bottles
were placed into the pressure test apparatus, and equilibrated to
35.degree. C. for 10 minutes.
[0708] Gas pressure was applied to the interior of the bottles as
follows: [0709] 0-1 min (during the 1.sup.st minute): 1 bar [0710]
1-2 min (during the 2.sup.nd minute): 2 bar [0711] 2-3 min (during
the 3.sup.rd minute): 3 bar [0712] 3-4 min (during the 4.sup.th
minute): 4 bar
[0713] The individual testing of a bottle-closure system set-up was
deemed completed when leakage or closure ejection occurred. For
each set-up, three independent repetitions were conducted. The
following table summarizes the obtained results:
TABLE-US-00001 Sealing Time Time till completion element Repetition
sealed Temperature of test model I 1 1 hour ambient 3 min 45 sec
model I 2 1 hour ambient 3 min 35 sec model I 3 1 hour ambient 3
min 7 sec model II 1 1 hour ambient 2 min 28 sec model II 2 1 hour
ambient 2 min 30 sec model II 3 1 hour ambient 2 min 22 sec model I
1 24 hours 35.degree. C. 3 min 9 sec model I 2 24 hours 35.degree.
C. 3 min 20 sec model I 3 24 hours 35.degree. C. 3 min 10 sec model
II 1 24 hours 35.degree. C. 2 min 10 sec model II 2 24 hours
35.degree. C. 2 min 15 sec model II 3 24 hours 35.degree. C. 2 min
12 sec
[0714] In summary, the tests demonstrate that the closure systems
equipped with both sealing elements, model I and model II,
withstand a pressure within the bottle as compared to the
surrounding, atmospheric pressure of at least 2 bar without showing
any leakage.
[0715] Aerator
[0716] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing element is or
comprises an aerator configured to mix a liquid in the bottle with
air when pouring the liquid out of the bottle, thereby increasing
the oxygen content of the liquid. Preferably, the aerator is
configured to yield an average dissolved oxygen saturation in a
wine, preferably red wine, of at least 45%, preferably at least
65%, by directly pouring the wine containing almost no dissolved
oxygen out of the bottle.
[0717] In one embodiment of the aerator, the aerator is configured
such that the pouring time for pouring 750 ml of wine contained in
the bottle can be effected in less than 10 seconds, preferably less
than 6 seconds and, in a further preferred embodiment, the aerator
is configured such that it allows for a smooth pouring of the wine.
Increased aerating function usually comes at the expense of
prolonged pouring times. In preferred embodiments of the aerator,
the pouring times are hardly increased as compared to a standard
bottle not equipped with a sealing element with an aerator.
[0718] In one embodiment, the aerating function is substantially
provided by a ring or tube shaped element. Preferably, the minimum
inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped element in the
constricted section 232 is between 7.5 and 11.5 mm, preferably
between 8 and 11 mm, more preferably between 8.5 and 10.5 mm and
most preferably between 9 and 10 mm.
[0719] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the
ring or tube shaped element in the constricted section 232 is
constricted over a length of less than 20 mm, preferably less than
15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm,
preferably less than 2.5 mm and most preferably less than 1.25
mm.
[0720] Preferably, the ring or tube shaped element is located at
least in the lower 2/3, preferably the lower half, more preferably
the lower 1/3 and most preferably the lower 1/4 of the length of
the sealing element. In this or another preferred embodiment, the
ring or tube shaped element is located at least in the lower 21 mm,
preferably the lower 16 mm, more preferably the lower 11 mm and
most preferably the lower 8 mm of the length of the sealing
element.
[0721] It is believed that the aerating function and the resulting
dissolved oxygen in the poured wine is achieved or increased by a
constriction of the inner diameter of the ring or tube shaped
element, an effect which is also described as the "venturi" effect.
Furthermore, it is believed that the quality of the aerating is
improved if the ring or tube shaped element is positioned as deeply
as possible in the mouth or neck of the bottle. A combination of
both, i.e. a large constriction of the inner diameter of the ring
or tube shaped element and the ring or tube shaped element being
positioned deeply in the mouth or neck of the bottle, yield the
best aerating function. Nevertheless, an overly large constriction
if the inner diameter of the ring is in conflict with the
requirement of fast flow of the liquid, respectively short pouring
times.
[0722] In a preferred embodiment, the constricted section 232 in
the ring or tube shaped element is constricted in comparison with
the inner diameter of the other parts of the ring or tube shaped
element or the other parts of the sealing element by a ring-shaped
protrusion from the inner side wall of the ring or tube shaped
element towards the central axis, wherein the ring-shaped
protrusion may be a continuous or discontinuous structure.
[0723] Also, in a preferred embodiment, the ring or tube shaped
element comprises turbines, blades or wings positioned at least
partially inside the constricted section 232 of the ring or tube
shaped element, wherein the turbines, blades or wings are
preferably configured to increase the oxygen content of a liquid in
the bottle when pouring the liquid out of the bottle.
[0724] In a preferred embodiment, the ring or tube shaped element
is the retainer element. FIG. 10a and 10b show an embodiment of a
retainer ring 300 which functions at the same time as an aerator.
The retainer ring 300 depicted in FIG. 10a and 10b also exhibits
blades 303.
[0725] In other embodiments, the ring or tube shaped element is
releasably attached to the bottom of the sealing element.
Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 11, FIGS. 12a and 12b, the sealing
element 200 in these embodiments has a recess 223. As shown in FIG.
13a, the aerator 350 has a nib 304 which can clip into the recess
223 of the sealing element 200, thereby attaching the aerator 350
in a releasable manner to the sealing element 200. FIG. 14 shows an
aerator 350 releasably attached to the sealing element 200.
[0726] To assess the functionality of the aerator that may
optionally be employed in the closure system, four different
embodiments of an aerator according to the invention were tested
for their ability to increase the amount of oxygen which is
dissolved in red wine. The pouring time was equally measured for
each set-up.
[0727] The following protocol was adhered to:
[0728] A sealing element according to the invention was used as a
basis and 4 different embodiments of aerator termed "Oenologic
decanting 1" to "Oenologic decanting 4" designed as depicted
respectively in FIGS. 15a to 15d. The four tested aerators are
specific embodiments of the retainer ring. Accordingly, the
aerators are located at the very bottom of the sealing element, in
the retaining section 200.
[0729] Commercially available Saverglass wine bottles of 750 ml
volume were filled with a red wine (13.0% alcohol) which had been
in bottle for >6 months, which leads to nearly 0 mg/1 dissolved
oxygen, DO). The four different closure systems were compared to
the aerating performance of the bottle alone, of a typical wine
decanter and of a venturi type wine aerator. The temperature of the
wine bottle was adjusted to 17.degree. C., i.e. a representative
cellaring temperature. The cork was removed and 150 ml of the wine
were poured with the respective treatment (e.g. with the installed
sealing element in the bottle neck) in an ISO standard wine glass
fitted with a Pst3 oxygen sensor. The pouring of 150 ml of the wine
into the wine glass was then repeated three times (in total four
glasses of wine). The comparative wine decanter was filled only
just before pouring the wine again in the four glasses. The
theoretical maximum dissolved oxygen level in the wine at the
indicated conditions is 7.9 mg/l.
[0730] The results, which are shown in FIG. 16, demonstrate that
the sealing element equipped with the different aerators all
exhibit superior oxygen saturation properties as compared to the
wine bottle alone or a conventional wine decanter. Also, while
there is a correlation between good aeration and increased pouring
time, the pouring time is not unduly increased by the four
different aerator embodiments according to the invention. Also, it
was noted that embodiment "Oenologic decanting 4" depicted in FIG.
15d exhibits the smoothest pouring characteristic.
[0731] Guiders/Wipers
[0732] FIG. 9 shows the sealing element according to another
embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, one or more
protrusions 224 are provided on the outer surface of the sealing
element 200. The protrusions 224 are provided such that they make
contact with the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. This
contact is made when the sealing element (with the closure system)
is introduced into the mouth of the bottle.
[0733] It is advantageous that the sealing element and/or closure
system is centered within the mouth of the bottle during and/or
after introduction into the mouth of the bottle. This avoids the
sealing element to be in an inclined position, and also avoids
higher friction caused by the soft components on the sealing
element having an uneven contact with the mouth of the bottle. Such
a higher friction may have the consequence that the softer
components roll off from the sealing element and cause difficulties
during the bottling process. To overcome this problem, the one or
more protrusions 224 provided enable the centering of the sealing
element and/or the closure system within the mouth of the bottle
during and/or after introduction into the mouth of the bottle. The
shape and placement of the protrusions 224 on the sealing element
are selected to appropriately balance between the proper centering
and avoiding too high a friction caused by the protrusions during
the introduction of the sealing element into the mouth of the
bottle. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid the protrusions
from impairing the seal formed by the sealing section of the
sealing element or the holding properties of the retaining section
of the sealing element.
[0734] The centering can be achieved by providing the protrusions
224 at appropriate sides of the sealing element, of appropriate
shape, and of appropriate rigidity. The protrusions have a
substantially longish shape, i.e. the length is significantly
longer than the width/height of the protrusions, and the
protrusions are substantially horizontally and/or vertically (not
shown in FIG. 11) oriented. In order to ensure that the protrusions
224 make contact with the mouth of the bottle, the size of the
protrusions 224 is such that the overall outer diameter of the
sealing element at least at one point of the protrusion is greater
than or equal to the (minimum) inner diameter of the mouth of the
bottle. The protrusions 224 of the preferred embodiment are part of
the main body of the sealing element. Thereby, the materials used
for the main body of the sealing element is also used for the
protrusions. That is, the protrusions are made of harder materials
than the softer parts of the sealing element which are configured
to contact the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle, like the
sealing section and/or the retaining section of the sealing
element.
[0735] Additionally, it is preferred that at least part of the
plurality of protrusions are distributed opposite to and/or
symmetrically to each other, and they may also be equidistant from
each other around the circumference of the sealing element. Such a
symmetrical configuration along the circumference is provided in
order to maintain the overall symmetry of the sealing element and
the closure system and to improve the effect of centering. As a
skilled person may understand, a single protrusion may also be
provided along the entire circumference of the sealing element in
order to form a closed ring. However, it is preferred that
protrusions are divided at least at one point. This is to enable
easier manufacturing process and designing a mold with parting line
provided at appropriate position. Additionally, the sealing element
may also contain a channel which forms a connection of the softer
material between the sealing section and the retaining section in
order to assist in manufacturing of the sealing element 200.
[0736] The protrusions 224 may also be tapered appropriately to
form one or more chords along the circumference. That is, the
protrusions may not be perfectly circular but may have flat sides
with tapered corners or edges. This may be provided to aid in
guiding the closure system to be centered during its introduction
into the mouth of the bottle.
[0737] An additional advantage of the protrusions will be described
herein. As it can be understood, it is advantageous that the mouth
of the bottle is free from liquid or dirt prior to sealing. This is
to enable a better sealing between the sealing element and the
surface of the bottle. The protrusions 224 make contact with the
inner wall of the mouth and wipe at least a part of the inner
surface of the mouth of the bottle when the sealing element is
introduced into the mouth of the bottle. As it can be understood,
the area of inner wall of the mouth which is wiped depends on the
length of the protrusion and the placement of the protrusion on the
sealing element.
[0738] Taking the above into consideration, the protrusions 224 are
preferably placed below the sealing section of the sealing element
or the section where the seal is formed. That is, the protrusions
224 are formed on the second section 220 of the sealing element
such that the upper end of the protrusion is below the sealing
section of the sealing element or the section where the seal is
formed. The upper end of the protrusions 224 is located anywhere
between 1 mm and 15mm below the lower end of the section where the
seal is formed. It is preferable to have the protrusion close to
the sealing section or the section where the seal is formed to
avoid unnecessary wiping in an area other than the area where the
seal is formed. They are therefore preferably provided at most 10
mm, more preferably at most 5 mm and most preferably at most 3 mm
below the lower end of the sealing section of the sealing element
or the section where the seal is formed. However, in order to not
impair the seal, they should not be placed too close to the sealing
section or the section where the seal is formed. If they are too
close to the seal they could impair the seal because in the
preferred embodiment, the protrusions form an overall outer
diameter on the sealing element which is greater than the inner
diameter of the mouth of the bottle.
[0739] Elements on the second section 220 are also considered when
placing the protrusion. For example, the protrusions are provided
above the tap 221 for ease of the manufacturing process.
[0740] Other or additional placements of the protrusions 224 are
also possible. For example, in an embodiment not shown in the
Figures, the protrusions 224 are provided below the retaining
section 230 of the sealing element to ensure that the sealing
element is centered already at the moment when the retaining
section enters the mouth of the bottle during insertion of the
sealing element. The advantage of having the protrusions below the
retaining section is that it ensures that the closure system is
centered during introduction into the mouth of the bottle from the
moment on the system enters the mouth. They are provided preferably
close to the retaining section of the sealing element, e.g. between
about 2 mm to 10 mm below the lower end of the retaining section,
for the reasons described above, and also in order to keep the
overall length of the sealing element to a minimum.
[0741] Tamper Proof Element
[0742] In another embodiment of the invention, a tamper proof
element 400 for the closure system of the present invention is
provided. As it will be described in further detail below, the
fully assembled state is a state which is reached when the
preassembled closure system is brought to a closed state during
bottling. Since the closure system is configured such that the
stopper must be displaced with respect to the sealing element in
order to open the bottle, the tamper proof element provides a
secure indication of whether or not the bottle has been opened
after bottling. When the closure system is in a fully assembled
state, this tamper proof element 400 allows the user to find out
whether the stopper has been moved in an axial direction and/or in
a radial direction with respect to the sealing element. That is,
the tamper proof element 400 allows the user to find out whether
the stopper has been rotated with respect to the sealing element.
As discussed above, the stopper moves upwards with respect to the
sealing element on rotation, therefore has an axial and radial
movement at the same time. Furthermore, even if the stopper has
been pulled by force in the axial direction, the tamper proof
element 400 allows the user to find if the stopper was moved.
[0743] The tamper proof element 400 is connected to the stopper on
the one hand and is connected to the sealing element on the other
hand, in such a way that, in case the stopper is moved either in
the radial and/or axial direction with respect to the sealing
element in its fully assembled state, the tamper proof element 400
is at least partially broken. This connection between the tamper
proof element 400 and the stopper can be made by either one of or
combination of an interlocking connection or a frictional
connection or an adhesive connection in the radial and/or axial
direction. Similarly, the connection between the tamper proof
element 400 and the sealing element can be made by either one of or
a combination of an interlocking connection or a frictional
connection or an adhesive connection in the radial and/or axial
direction.
[0744] The tamper proof element 400 is shaped in the form of a tube
for easy wrapping for providing a reliable connection by way of
wrapping and allows for an easier preassembly process. However,
other shapes of the element can be envisaged by the skilled person
depending on the shape of the closure system and method of
wrapping. The tamper proof element 400 is preferably made from thin
materials such as aluminium sheet or laminated aluminium or plastic
materials such that it is soft enough to be broken easily when
opening, but hard enough to withstand normal wear and tear during
transportation. The element preferably is in the form of a film to
allow easy molding and wrapping as will be explained below.
[0745] FIG. 17a shows the closure system is in a preassembled state
having a tamper proof element 400 according to a preferred
embodiment. The upper part of the tamper proof element 400 is at
least partially wrapped around the stopper to form an interlocking
connection and/or a frictional connection. The portion of the
lateral surface and the upper surface of the head part 101 of the
stopper that is wrapped by the tamper proof element 400 depends on
the strength of the interlocking connection and/or the frictional
connection which is required.
[0746] Similarly, the lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is
connected to the sealing element. In the preferred embodiment, the
lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the
covering portion of the sealing element and thereby connected by
means of an interlocking and/or frictional connection. The tamper
proof element 400 is at least partially wrapped around the lateral
portions and at least parts of the lower surface of the covering
section 201 of the sealing element. As it can be seen, the lower
surface of the covering section of the sealing element is the
surface in contact with the mouth of the bottle. The covering
section provides the possibility to create an interlocking
connection in the axial direction.
[0747] In a preferred embodiment, the covering section 201 is also
provided with a means for increasing the connection between the
tamper proof element 400 and the covering section 201 in radial
and/or axial direction as seen in FIG. 9. This means for increasing
the connection is preferably in form of one or more teeth 202 which
are provided on at least a part of the lateral portion. The teeth
ensure that the tamper proof element does not move along with the
stopper on rotating without damaging the tamper proof element. In
addition to or alternatively, the teeth 202 may also be provided on
the lower surface of the covering section 201. However, it is
preferable that the teeth are not provided on the upper surface of
the covering portion. This is to ensure that when the bottle is
opened, the upper surface is smooth to avoid injury to the user
when handing the bottle. The teeth 202 are provided along the
circumference on at least a part of the covering section 201 or the
entire circumference of the covering section 201. The preferable
design of the teeth is such that they are at the same time both on
the lower surface and on the lateral surface and have a
circumference smaller than the circumference of the upper surface
of the covering section 201.
[0748] When the tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the
covering section 201, the teeth 202 on the covering section 201
provides a surface which provides higher frictional and
interlocking force on the tamper proof element 400. This ensures
that the lower part of the tamper proof element 400 is securely
connected to the sealing element and thereby does not slip or
rotate along with the rotation of the stopper. The teeth 202 also
ensure that the tamper proof element 400 breaks at least at the
part where it is in contact with the teeth to enable the user to
find out that the stopper has been moved in the radial and/or axial
direction.
[0749] In order to further assist in determining if the stopper was
moved, the tamper proof element 400 may be also provided with a
breaking point or line at a predetermined position on the tamper
proof element 400. This breaking point or line is preferably a
perforation. The perforation is provided on at least part of the
circumference of the tamper proof element 400 when wrapped around
the closure system, such that the tamper proof element 400 breaks
along the perforation when the stopper is moved in the radial
and/or axial direction.
[0750] To enable easier breaking, the predetermined breaking point
or line is located at a position corresponding to the position of
the lower half of the head of the stopper when the tamper proof
element 400 is wrapped around the closure system. This is to ensure
that in the fully assembled state, the breaking point or line is
preferably below or relatively at the same line as the thumb of the
user when holding and rotating the stopper. It is also preferable
to provide the predetermined breaking point or line at the lower
third or even completely under the under the head part 101 of the
stopper to ensure that the breaking is not affected by holding of
the stopper by the user. For example, the breaking point or line is
provided along the same position where the teeth on the closure is
provided. Additionally, since the closure system requires axial and
radial movement at the same time, it is preferable that the
perforations are provided such that it is easily broken by
rotational as well as upward movement. Therefore, the perforations
are preferably provided in a diagonal manner across the
circumference in the direction of rotation of the head part.
[0751] As will be explained in detail later with regard to the
preassembly and closing process, the tamper proof element 400 is
placed on the closure system in a preassembled state before the
closing of the bottle is performed. In order to ensure that the
tamper proof element 400 can be wrapped around the preassembled
closure system, the tamper proof element 400 is provided with a
predetermined length. As shown in in FIG. 7a, a space which is
formed between the head part of the stopper 200 and the covering
section of the sealing element 201 forms a gap in the preassembled
state. Therefore, the length of the tamper proof element 400
includes a part to accommodate the gap which is formed between the
head part 101 of the stopper and the covering section 201 of the
sealing element. That is, the tamper proof element 400 contains a
part between the upper part that is wrapped on the head part 101 of
the stopper and the lower part which is wrapped on the covering
section 201 of the sealing element.
[0752] During closure of the bottle, when the stopper part is fully
introduced into the sealing element, at least a section of the part
of the tamper proof element which is between the upper and lower
part of the tamper proof element is folded inwardly towards the
center of the closure system. FIG. 17b shows the tamper proof
element is folded into the gap in between the head part 101 and the
sealing element. That is, in the fully assembled state of the
closure system, the part of the tamper proof element 400 which
accommodates the gap is now in between the head part of the stopper
and the sealing element when the closure is fully introduced into
the sealing element. In an alternative embodiment, the
predetermined breaking point or line on the tamper proof element
400 may be located such that it is on the part which is between the
upper and lower part and is folded into the gap between the head
part 101 and the sealing element. Wrapping the closure system with
the tamper proof element already in the preassembly stage has the
advantage that in the bottling line, the closure system only needs
to be placed into the mouth of the bottle, and no additional step
of adding a tamper proof element is required in the bottling
stage.
[0753] The skilled person will understand that the tamper proof
element 400 may be wrapped around the stopper and sealing element
by means of any possible mechanism, including heat wrapping or
gluing. In the preferred embodiment, the tamper proof element 400
is wrapped using a shrink wrap mechanism. This mechanism provides
for easy and cost-efficient way of wrapping a tamper proof element
and faster bottling mechanism. It also may allow folding of the
tamper proof element 400 towards the closure system. The thickness
of the tamper proof element is provided such that it is retained in
a stretched position between the head part of the stopper and the
covering section of the sealing element as a result of shrink
wrapping. The thickness is preferably selected to be between 35
.mu.m and 100 .mu.m, more preferably 50 .mu.m.
[0754] Method of Bottling--Preassembling
[0755] The method of bottling using the closure system according to
the present invention will now be described. The method includes
preassembling a closure system and then closing the bottle with the
closure system. As a skilled person may understand, both these
actions may be performed within a short period of time one after
another or separately at a different periods of time.
[0756] For preassembling the closure system, the stopper part of
the stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element. As
described above, in the preassembled state, the holding means of
the stopper part are preferably engaged with the counterpart
holding means of the sealing element. By partially introducing the
stopper part of the stopper into the sealing element, the
interlocking means of the stopper part are not engaged with the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element but only the
holding means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart
holding means of the sealing element. This partial introduction is
ensured, e.g., by providing only an adequate amount of force when
introducing the stopper into the sealing element. The amount of
force is determined in advance and depends on the strength of the
interconnection formed between the holding means of the stopper and
the sealing element.
[0757] Going back to FIG. 7a, this figure shows the closure system
with the sealing element and the stopper in the preassembled state.
As already discussed, the stopper part of the stopper comprises
holding means which engage when the stopper is partially
introduced, to form an interlocking connection with counterpart
holding means of the sealing element.
[0758] As described above, the sealing element is designed to be at
least partially radially expanded by the stopper part when the
stopper part is fully introduced into the sealing element. However,
the configuration of the sealing element and the stopper is
preferably such that when the stopper is partially introduced, the
sealing section is not radially expanded, or by a maximum of 0.5
mm.
[0759] Similarly, the sealing element is also provided with a
retaining section 230 which is radially expanded in order to be
forced against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle upon
introduction of the closure system into the mouth of the bottle.
However, the configuration of the sealing element and the stopper
is preferably such that when the stopper is partially introduced,
the retaining section 230 is not radially expanded at all. At most,
the retaining section 230 is radially expanded by a maximum of 0.5
mm. The radial expansion of the sealing element is reduced to the
minimum in order to ensure that the sealing element can be
introduced into the mouth of the bottle with incurring additional
friction during the bottling step.
[0760] At this stage, it is preferable to also perform the step of
wrapping the tamper proof element 400 after the step of partially
introducing the stopper part of the stopper into the sealing
element. However, this is dependent on the supply chain management
of the bottling process. For example, the wrapping may either be
performed on the preassembled closure system during preassembling.
On the other hand, wrapping may also be performed on the
preassembled closure system prior to closing the bottle.
[0761] The tamper proof element 400 is wrapped around the stopper,
preferably on the lateral portions and the upper surface of the
head part 101 of the stopper. Similarly, the tamper proof element
400 is wrapped around the sealing element, preferably around a
flange positioned at the upper end of the sealing element to
provide an interlocking and/or frictional connection. The wrapping
is performed such that the lower part of the tamper proof element
400 is held by the flange by means of an interlocking and/or
frictional connection. However, as discussed above, the portion of
the surface of stopper and sealing element that is wrapped by the
tamper proof element 400 depends on the strength of interlocking
connection and/or a frictional connection which is required.
[0762] In the preferred embodiment, the wrapping of the closure
system is performed by way of a shrink wrap mechanism. However, as
described above and as a skilled person will understand, the tamper
proof element 400 may be wrapped around the stopper and sealing
element by means of any possible mechanism.
[0763] Method of Bottling--Closing the Bottle
[0764] The method of closing the bottle using the preassembled
closure system will now be explained.
[0765] The closing of the bottle includes inserting the closure
system in a preassembled state into a mouth of the bottle. Going
back to FIG. 7a, this figure shows the closure system in the
preassembled state inserted in the mouth of the bottle. As
described above, in the preassembled state, the stopper part of the
stopper is partially introduced into the sealing element such that
the holding means of the stopper part engage with the counterpart
holding means of the sealing element. That is, the interlocking
means of the stopper part of the stopper are not engaged with the
counterpart interlocking means of the sealing element.
[0766] To ensure that the closure system is inserted properly into
the mouth of the bottle, one or more protrusions 224 are preferably
provided on the sealing element as described above. These
protrusions 224 allow the closure system to be axially centered
with respect to the mouth of the bottle in order to ensure that the
sealing element is not skewed to one side. Centering of the sealing
element avoids friction and enables the easy insertion of the
closure system into the mouth of the bottle.
[0767] Going back to FIG. 7b, this figure shows a cross section in
the next stage where the closure system in the bottle is in the
locked state. After inserting the closure system into the mouth of
the bottle, the closure system is pushed further into the mouth of
the bottle to bring the bottle into the locked state. On pushing,
the covering section 201 of the sealing element makes contact with
the upper end of the mouth of the bottle and remains there. This is
because the diameter of the covering section 201 is larger than the
mouth of the bottle. Thereafter, on further pushing, the sealing
element abuts to the bottle and only the stopper part of the
stopper moves further until it is fully introduced into the sealing
element in a way that the counterpart holding means (the pins) of
the sealing element disengage from the holding means of the stopper
part of the stopper and engage with the interlocking means (the
groove) of the stopper part of the stopper, preferably at their
starting section. The covering section which is provided between
the lower side of the head part of the stopper and the tip of the
mouth of the bottle to avoid the contact of the stopper with the
tip of the mouth of the bottle. Since the stopper and bottle may be
made of materials such as glass, the covering section of the
sealing element ensures that the stopper and/or bottle is not
damaged when the stopper is further pushed into the mouth of the
bottle, by forming an elastic layer between them.
[0768] The pushing of the stopper also enables forming of a seal
between the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle and the stopper
part of the stopper. Preferably, as described above, the pushing
the stopper part of the stopper also activates the retaining
section 230 of the sealing element by radially expanding the
retaining section 230 and thereby forcing the retaining section 230
against the inner wall of the mouth of the bottle. The radial
expansion of the retaining section 230 retains the sealing element
inside the bottle. As a skilled person will understand, inserting
the closure system into the mouth of the bottle and pushing the
closure system further into the mouth of the bottle may be
performed in one single step instead of different steps by the
bottling plant.
[0769] In the preferred embodiment, a tamper proof element 400 is
provided to the closure system. When pushing the closure system
further into the mouth of the bottle, the section of the tamper
proof element 400 which stretches between the head part 101 of the
stopper and the flange 201 of the sealing element folds inwardly
towards the closure system, preferably between the head part 101 of
the stopper and the flange 201 of the sealing element as seen in
FIG. 17b. However, a skilled person would understand that the
tamper proof element may also be designed such that this section is
folded into the cavity formed between the tip of the mouth of the
bottle and the head part of the stopper depending on their
dimensions.
* * * * *