AU2002234439A1

AU2002234439A1 - A closure with concertina element and processing means

Info

Publication number: AU2002234439A1
Application number: AU2002234439A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael John Laybourne Hort; Dickory Rudduck
Original assignee: Telezygology Inc
Current assignee: Telezygology Inc
Priority date: 2001-03-07
Filing date: 2002-03-07
Publication date: 2003-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-07

Description

Improved Closures

Technical Field

This invention relates to closures for containers having ports or openings through which the contents thereof may be dispensed. However, as persons skilled in the art will appreciate, the invention may equally apply to any arrangement in which a closure is required to seal off an aperture or port. Although in the most part the invention will be described with reference to bottle closures, it will be understood that the invention has far wider ranging applications.

Background Art

For centuries, wine has been sealed into bottles using-natural cork~It is well known that natural cork can sometimes cause tainting o the wine. It is believed that the problem arises from the chemicals used to treat natural cork, or from adhesive in the case of corks made from cork particles. The tainting can be severe, in that the wine is "corked" and is undrinkable. A less severe result is that the wine, while still drinkable, has been spoiled to a sufficient degree to change the wine and to leave an undesirable impression on the consumer, who may not be aware that the wine may have been subject to tainting.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of wine sealed with natural cork is adversely affected by cork taint. This represents a sigtificant proportion of wine production and is most undesirable, both in terms of financial loss and also damage to titie substantial investment made in promotion of wine brands.

At least one attempt has been made to overcome the problem, by substituting for cork a solid or foam polymeric material which is not vulnerable to drawbacks of natural cork. The drawback with these prior art "synthetic cork" steppers arises from the difficulty of extraction. The "synthetic cork" stoppers are designed to be removed by a corkscrew. Once a corkscrew is inserted in the stopper, the circumference ofthe stopper may expand slightly to wedge it even more firmly in the bottle neck. As a result, much more force is require to remove such a "synthetic cork" stopper compared with a traditional cork stopper. Use of an auger-type corkscrew can cause some "synthetic cork" stoppers to crack. In most cases, it is necessary to use a particular type of lever corkscrew to remove a synthetic cork. It can be difficult to remove a "synthetic cork" stopper using auger-type corkscrews.

Disclosure ofthe Invention

It is an aim ofthe present invention, for at least some embodiments, to provide a closure which does not require the use of a corkscrew or similar extraction tool. The invention in these embodiments can have enormous advantages over traditional cork stoppers and "synthetic cork" stoppers. No longer will it be necessary to provide a corkscrew in order to gain access to bottled wine.

Further, the closures of he present invention, at least in some embodiments, can be made in forms which require far less effort, compared to prior art stoppers, to remove them from bottles.

In other embodiments, the closure ofthe present invention can be removed with the assistance of a special tool, as will be discussed below.

It is also an aim ofthe present invention, for at least some embodiments, to provide a closure which is capable of reporting data relating to the contents ofthe container and/or to conditions to which the contents have been exposed, such as temperature or quantity of light, for example.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, this invention provides a closure for a passageway having one or more walls and an opening defined by the wall or walls, the closure adapted in use to extend from the opening at least part way along the wall or walls, characterised in that the closure has a concertina element adapted to retain the closure in use in place between the wall or walls, the concertina element being capable of being released to allow the closure to be removed from the wall or walls. Typically, the passageway which the closure is to seal will be a bottle neck, having a single wall forming a passageway which is circular in cross-section. However, passageways of other configuration may also be sealed by the closure of he invention; such other passageways may have cross-sections which are oval, square, rectangular, triangular or other shapes.

Similarly, the passageway is preferably of regular cross-section but this need not necessarily be the case. The closure o the invention may be adaptable to passageways which are not of regular cross section, such as passageways of funnel shape, for example. In addition, the passageway may have walls which are ribbed or threaded, instead of smooth.

The closure is adapted, in use, to extend from the opening at least part way along the wall or walls of he passageway. Preferably, the closure seals the opening completely. In such case, the seal may extend only between the internal dimension of tihte wall or walls ofthe passageway, so that the seal does not cover the walls themselves. Alternately, the seal may extend to the external _^dimension of the walls. Embodiments of both versions are shown in the drawings, discussed below.

The length for which the closure ofthe invention extends from the opening at least part way along the wall or walls is preferably similar to that of a traditional cork, but may be more or less extensive if desired.

The concertina element is preferably adapted, when folded, to retain the closure in place between the wall or walls ofthe passageway. However, the invention includes embodiments where the closure is retained in place by means other than the concertina element, for example, by friction. The concertina element may have external folds which bear against the wall or walls ofthe passageway when the closure is in place. In another embodiment, the concertina element has folds which do not contact the walls ofthe passageway but which may bear against intermediate wall or walls of he closure. Such intermediate wall or walls, in turn, may bear against the wall or walls ofthe passageway. Other configurations may also be possible.

The term "concertina element" includes within its scope not only elements with traditional folds but also those with compressible folds and those with a spiral form which can be unfolded.

The concertina element is capable of unfolding (or being unfolded) or of being released from compression to allow the closure to be released from the wall or walls of he passageway. In the case where the concertina element has external folds contacting the passageway wall/s, there are various ways in which the concertina element can be caused or permitted to unfold. For example, there may be a collapsible core within the concertina element, holding the folds of he concertina element in contact with the passageway wall/s. When the core is collapsed, the tension between the concertina folds and the wall s is reduced and the closure can be progressively withdrawn from the passageway by pulling on the closure, so as to progressively unfold the folds ofthe concertina element. Depending on the precise structure ofthe closure in this embodiment, the collapsible core may be caused to collapse by insertion of a tool, such as a corkscrew, for example and the corkscrew can be used to withdraw the collapsible core, at the same time causing the folds ofthe concertina element to unfold and resulting in removal ofthe closure. It may also be possible to remove the closure in this embodiment by manual means, without the need to utilise a tool.

In a second embodiment, the concertina folds may be held against the walls ofthe passageway by tension which can be broken to permit or cause removal ofthe closure. An example of this embodiment is illustrated in the drawings, discussed below. The tension may be maintained by a flexible or rigid element connecting one end ofthe element with the other, for example.

In a third embodiment, the closure may include a pellet of suitable material which, when the closure is in position, helps to maintain contact between the folds ofthe concertina element and the passageway. Insertion of a corkscrew into the pellet permits the pellet to be withdrawn from the passageway, at the same time unfolding the folds ofthe concertina element and permitting the closure to be removed.

In yet a further embodiment, the concertina element may be unfolded by manipulation of a cord or ribbon attached to the closure, so that exertion of sufficient force will unfold the folds ofthe concertina element.

In further embodiments, the closure may be locked into place by a locking element which can be unlocked by remote activation means. Reference is made to international patent application No. PCT/AU99/00185, the contents of which are imported herein by reference. The closure ofthe present invention, in these embodiments, can contain any suitable remotely activatable locking element which can be unlocked by remote means. For example, the locking element may respond to application of a magnetic field to the closure, to move the locking element to an unlocked position and thus enable the closure to be removed. Illustrations are contained in the drawings, below.

In another embodiment, the concertina element may be compressed to bear against the passageway wall.

While the above embodiments are concerned with the version ofthe invention where the concertina element has external folds which contact the inner wall/s of the passageway, the concertina element may be designed differently, as mentioned above. For example, the concertina element may be contained within intermediate wall/s, so that it bears against those intermediate wall s which in turn bear against wall/s ofthe passageway, to form the closure. To release the closure, the concertina element is caused to unfold from between the inteπnediate wall/s. In doing so, the force retaining the intermediate wall s against the passageway wall/s is removed and the closure can be withdrawn from the passageway. Embodiments of this are illustrated in the drawings. Also illustrated in the drawings is a similar embodiment where, however, the concertina element is spiral and does not bear against the intermediate wall/s in such a way as to retain the closure in place. However, the concertina element can be used to extract the closure.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a closure including processing means capable of interacting with external processing means.

In a further aspect ofthe invention there is provided a closure including processing means adapted to receive, store and communicate data and/or information.

In still another aspect ofthe invention there is provided a closure including a processing means adapted to receive and/or send data and/or information from or to one or more sources internal and/or external to the closure.

In yet another aspect ofthe invention there is provided a closure including a processing means capable of storing information wherein not all ofthe information is pre-programmed.

In another aspect, there is provided a closure for a container adapted to store contents, the closure including:

seal means to resist the inadvertent escape ofthe contents from the container when in a sealed position and releasable to permit the dispensing ofthe contents in an open position;

processing means capable of interacting with external processing means and being adapted to receive, store and communicate data and/or information concerning the contents whilst the sealed means is in the sealed position,

wherein the processing means is physically housed in or on the closure and is adapted to receive and/or send data and/or information from or to one or more sources internal and/or external to the container. The container may include a large number of shapes, sizes, internal pressure and load capacities. The wide ranging applicability ofthe invention may exemplified by indicating that the container may be a concrete construction such as a dam wall or may be a small glass vial for medical purposes. The container may be adapted to store foodstuff or beverages such as milk, orange juice or wine. The container may be adapted to store pharmaceutical products in bulk for warehouse storage or for retail use. The container may be adapted to store, powdered, liquid and/or gaseous chemicals.

The closure may be in the form of a plug, cap or membrane seal. For example, the closure may be in the form of a plug made of plastics or cork material adapted to seal the contents of a wine bottle. The closure may be in the form of a threaded cap adapted to seal the contents of a fuel or chemical storage container. The closure may be in the form of a snap-on cap for use on a container holding vitamins or other consumable tablets. The closure may include tamper-evident or securing s means. Advantageously, the closure may include security or locking means to resist unauthorised access. The closure may permit unlocking whereby to enable opening ofthe containers upon receipt of an encrypted signal.

The seal means may include any suitable means adapted to seal the contents of he container against inadvertent escape. The seal means may be static whereby to seal o the container by, for example, friction fit, such as in the case of a cork, or positive engagement means, such as in the case of a threaded or snap-on cap. The seal means may include the closure described in the first aspect of this invention, above, or it may be different.

The processing means may include computer processing means. The processing 5 means may include state of the art miniaturised computer chips. The processing means may include an integrated circuit which is "hard-wired" to carry out processes in a predetermined manner. The processing means may be able to communicate remotely with an external processing means. Alternatively, the processing means may be programmable upon input from an external source and have read/write capabilities.

The processing means is preferably located in, rather than on, the closure. The processing means may have communication ports externally accessible to a user for interaction therewith. The processing means may facilitate commercial transactions or enable the provision of promotional material to potential customers. The processing means may be linked to sensing means capable of determining the real time status or characteristics ofthe contents. For example, the closure may include temperature, movement, pressure, chemical and or gaseous sensors.

As described in International application No. PCT/AU99/00185, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, the seal means may be activated by remote activation means. The activation means may include any one of a number of devices or mechanisms via which engagement to the container may be released. For example, the activation means may include one or more magnetic elements adapted to shift from a position corresponding to the closed position to a position enabling the release ofthe closure from the container. The activation means may include magnetic inductance means whereby to shift a magnetisable element. The activation means may include shape-memory material adapted to change dimension upon the application of heat, electrical current, electromagnetic radiation (such as radiowaves (RF)), and the like.

The activation means may be activatable on the physical docking of a control member adapted to dock into a corresponding port in or on the closure. Alternatively, the activation means may be activatable by remote means whereby the processing means is capable of receiving remote signals, such as infra red (IR) or radio frequency (RF) signals. Brief Description o the Drawings

Reference is now made to the drawings, which, it is to be understood, are intended to be illustrative of various embodiments of he invention but not limiting on the scope ofthe invention.

In the drawings, the first aspect of he invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 30, while subsequent aspects ofthe invention are illustrated in Figures 31 to 50. In the drawings:

Figures 1 and 2 show in cross-sectional view a first embodiment ofthe closure of the invention;

o Figures 3 and 4 show in cross-sectional view a second embodiment ofthe closure ofthe invention;

Figures 5 and 6 show in cross-sectional view a third embodiment of he closure of the invention;

Figures 7 and 8 show in cross-sectional view a fourth embodiment ofthe closure of s the invention;

Figures 9 and 10 show in cross-sectional view a fifth embodiment ofthe closure of the invention;

Figures 11 to 16 show in cross-sectional view a sixth embodiment ofthe invention, Figure 17 is a plan view of he closure of Figure 11, Figure 18 is a plan view ofthe o closure of Figure 12 and Figure 19 is a plan view ofthe closure of Figure 13;

Figures 20 and 21 are cross-sectional views of a further embodiment, being similar to the embodiment in Figures 9 and 10 but having an intermediate wall;

Figures 22 to 27 illustrate another embodiment having a spiral form of concertina element and an intermediate wall. Figure 22 is a side elevation, Figure 23 is a plan 5 view, Figure 24 is a cross section taken along the line A-A in Figure 23, Figure 25 is a side elevation ofthe spiral form of concertina element, Figure 26 is a plan view ofthe closure with the concertina element removed and Figure 27 is a cross section taken along the line A-A of Figure 26;

Figures 28, 29 and 30 illustrate in cross-section another embodiment in which the 5 concertina element bears against the passageway wall by friction occasioned by compression and is released by release ofthe compression;

Figure 31 is a perspective view of a closure according to a further embodiment;

Figure 32 is a plan view ofthe embodiment of Figure 31;

Figure 33 is a side view of he embodiment of Figures 31 and 32 in situ along a ιo cross-section A-A shown in Figure 32;

Figure 34 is a schematic representation of a commercial system incorporating the closure of he embodiment in Figures 31 to 33;

Figure 35 is a perspective view of a closure according to a further embodiment;

Figure 36 is a top plan view ofthe closure according to the embodiment of Figure 15 35;

Figure 37 is a side view ofthe closure ofthe embodiment of Figures 35 and 36 shown in cross-section A-A in Figure 36;

Figure 38 is a schematic representation of a commercial system incorporating the closure according to the embodiment of Figures 35 to 37;

20 Figure 39 is a perspective view of a closure according to a further embodiment;

Figure 40 is a side view ofthe closure according to the embodiment of Figure 39 shown in transverse section in situ;

Figure 41 is a schematic representation of a commercial system incorporating the closure o the embodiment of Figure 39; Figure 42 is a cross-sectional side view of a closure according to a further embodiment ofthe invention, shown in the sealed position;

Figure 43 shows the closure ofthe embodiment of Figure 42 in the process of assuming an open position;

Figure 44 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment ofthe invention;

Figure 45 shows the closure ofthe embodiment of Figure 44 being inserted into the neck of a container;

Figure 46 shows the closure ofthe embodiment of Figures 44 and 45 in situ;

Figure 47 is a top view of the closure shown in Figure 46;

Figure 48 is a cross-sectional side view of a closure according to a further embodiment in the sealed position in the neck of a container;

Figure 49 is a top view of he closure of Figure 48; and

Figure 50 shows the breaking of a seal of he embodiment of Figure 48.

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, closure 10 is shown located in a opening 1 defined by wall 14, being the neck of a bottle, the remainder of which is not shown. Closure 10 extends from opening 12 part way along wall 14, in an adequate manner so that closure 10 seals opening 12 and prevents contents ofthe bottle (not shown) from being removed from or leaking from the bottle while closure 10 is in place.

Closure 10 has a concertina element 16 with a plurality of external folds 18. In this embodiment, folds 18 mate with recesses 20 formed in wall 14 (refer Figure 2).

Closure 10 includes a collapsible or movable core 22, which includes a flanged portion 24 which is useful to seal to opening 12. The end of collapsible core 22 opposite flanged portion 24 is received in base 26 when the closure is in position within wall 14.

As can be seen from Figure 1, collapsible or movable core 22 contacts inner folds 28 of concertina element 16 causing external folds 18 to remain in contact with recesses 20 in wall 14.

When collapsible core 22 is caused to collapse - for example, because it is inflated and insertion of a corkscrew causes it to deflate, collapsible core 22 no longer presses concertina element 1 to remain in contact with recesses 20 in wall 14. As collapsible core 22 is withdrawn from opening 12, external folds 18 are caused to straighten progressively, collapsible core 22 no longer being in contact with base 26. Continued withdrawal of collapsible core 22 from opening 12 will cause all external folds 18 to be unfolded and the whole of closure 10 will be removed from within wall 14.

A tool other than a corkscrew may be used to deflate collapsible core 22 and remove it. Other methods of collapsing core 22 include, for example, the application of a partial vacuum. Once collapsible core 22 has collapsed, it takes less force to remove closure 10 than in the case of a conventional cork or a prior art synthetic cork.

Turning now to the embodiment in Figures 3 and 4, closure 30 is shown in Figure 3 in place within wall 14. Opening 12 is sealed by flanged portion 32 connected to concertina element 34 having external folds 38 which contact the inner part of wall 14. Concertina element 34 also has inner folds, such as shown at 36 but these do not contact a collapsible core as in the Figure 1 Figure 2 embodiment. Rather, flanged portion 32 is connected to base 40 by tension cord 42. Tension cord 42 is secured to flanged portion 32 by insertion in sleeve 44.

To open closure 30, it is first necessary to break the connection between flanged portion 32 and tension cord 42. The coupling of tension cord 42 to flanged portion 32 may be such that sufficient force applied to flanged portion 32 - for example, by inserting a pointed instrument in opening 12 between wall 14 and flanged portion 32 - will break the connection with tension cord 42 and enable the folds of connection element 34 to be unravelled, in a similar manner to that described for Figures 1 and 2. Alternately, flanged portion 32 may be decoupled from tension cord 42 by using the type of "smart" release systems described in International Patent Application No. PCT/AU99/00185.

With reference to the embodiment in Figures 5 and 6, closure 50 is shown in Figure 5 in situ within wall 14. Opening 12 is sealed by flanged portion 46, of which cork pellet 48 forms part. Cork pellet 48 may be made of natural cork or of some other suitable material.

Flanged portion 46 is also connected to concertina element 52 which has external folds 38 which contact the inner part of wall 14. Cork pellet 48 contacts some, but not all, of inner folds 36.

To open closure 50, a corkscrew or similar tool (not shown) may be inserted in cork pellet 48 so as to withdraw cork pellet 48 and surrounding flange 46 from opening 12. As this occurs, folds 36 and 38 of concertina element 52 will be caused to straighten, permitting closure 50 to be removed entirely from opening 12.

The embodiment in Figures 7 and 8 is similar to the embodiment in Figures 3 and 4, except that there is no tension rod or cord between flanged portion 32 and base 40. Rather, in the embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, closure 60 has inner and outer folds 36 and 38 maintained in position only by the suitability ofthe material from which closure 60 is made. Flanged portion 32 has connected to it (by knotting or other suitable means) a rip cord 54. Closure 60 is manufactured so that the exertion of sufficient force on rip cord 54 will cause inner folds 36 and outer folds 38 to straighten, permitting withdrawal of closure 60 from opening 12. For aesthetic reasons, and to minimise the possibility of rip cord 54 being pulled accidentally, rip cord 54 may take the form of a ribbon or ornamental cord which can be secured to the outer part of wall 14, such as at position 56 on the neck ofthe bottle (not shown), by adhesion or using suitable packaging such as that commonly used on wine bottles.

The embodiment in Figures 9 and 10 has a locking means as disclosed in international application No. PCT/AU99.00185. In this embodiment, closure 70 has contained within channel 58 a locking means 62 which is movable by remote activation means (not shown) between the locked position shown in Figure 9 and the unlocked position shown in Figure 10. Locking means 62 can be moved from one position to the other by remote activation means such as magnetic force, electromagnetic force, etc.

Channel 58 has at its open end rim 64 which fits into a complimentarily-shaped recess 66 in base 68 of closure 70.

To open closure 70, the remote activation means are used to unlock locking means 62 εo rim 64, thus freeing channel 58 from base 68. Flanged portion 32 can then be pried out of opening 12 and the folds of concertina element 72 can be pulled relatively straight as shown in Figure 10, as closure 70 is removed.

The embodiment in Figures 11 to 19 differs, it will be recalled, from the previous embodiments in the drawings in that the folds ofthe concertina element do not directly contact the wall ofthe passageway.

Specifically, in this embodiment closure 80 is moulded of polyethylene or other suitable material, having a concertina element 74 and an inteπnediate wall 76. Wall 76 is connected to one end of concertina element 74 while at the other end is located flange 77 having tab 78. Concertina element 74 includes a number of folded elements 82. Flange 77 optionally includes disc 84, made of wax or other frangible material and which can be printed or embossed with a trade mark or other material if desired (refer Figure 19).

Closure 80 is moulded in the form shown in Figure 11. Before insertion in a passageway, concertina element 74 is pushed down into intermediate wall 76, s which then wraps itself around concertina element 74 as shown in Figure 12. Closure 80 is then inserted within wall 14 of a bottle neck, as shown in Figure 13. In this position, flange 77 covers opening 12 and extends to cover substantially the thickness of wall 14. Depending on the construction of closure 80, it may be possible to use traditional corking equipment to insert closure 80 within wall 14.

o To remove closure 80 from opening 12, tab 78 is bent manually as shown in Figure 14, at the same time breaking disc 84 (which shows that an attempt has been made to remove closure 80 and thus can indicate tampering). Tab 78 is then used to withdraw closure 80 from opening 12, folded elements 82 gradually unravelling from concertina element 74 as force is exerted in an upward direction in the s context ofthe embodiment in Figures 13 to 16.

Figure 14 shows the commencement of withdrawal of closure 80 from opening 12, while Figures 15 and 16 show the inteπnediate and final stages of extraction of closure 80. It will be appreciated that once folded elements 82 are pulled out of their maximum folded position, pressure exerted by folded elements 82 on 0 intermediate wall 76 is reduced and this facilitates withdrawal of closure 80 from opening 12 and from within wall 14.

Closure 90 in Figures 20 and 21 is similar in its method of operation to closure 70 in Figures 9 and 10. Closure 90 differs, however, in that it includes intermediate wall 86. Inteπnediate wall 86, at the end opposite flange 32, has end 88 which 25 gives strength to closure 90. The parts of closure 90 which are substantially the same as those of closure 70 carry the same labels in Figures 20 and 21. Turning now to Figures 22-27, in this embodiment closure 100 has a spiral form concertina element 92 and an intermediate wall 94. Concertina element 92 includes edge 96 which can be used as a tab to withdraw concertina element 92 from closure 100. Base 98 of concertina element 92 is designed to fit into recess 102 of closure 100.

To extract closure 100 from a passageway (not shown), tab end 96 may be pulled in an upward direction in the view shown in Figure 22 so that the coils of spiral 104 of concertina element 92 are stretched out. Because base 98 is locked into recess 102, continued pulling on tab 96 will result in extraction of closure 100 from the passageway.

With reference to Figures 28 to 30, closure 106 is shown in "primed mode" in Figure 28, in "sealed mode" in Figure 29 and in "released mode" in Figure 30. Closure 106 has concertina element 108 which in turn has a plurality of folds, 109. Folds 109, when in the compressed state as shown in Figure 29, contact wall 14 and retain closure 106 therein by friction.

Closure 106 includes drive sleeve 81, loading ring 83, main body 85, cap screw 87, bayonet cavity 89, flex ring 91, outer sleeve 93 and end cap 95.

To insert closure 106 in opening 12, drive sleeve 81 is forced into contact with main body 85, which at the same time drives loading ring 83 downwardly, to compress folds 109 of concertina element 108. This is performed by the application of suitable pressure, for example by a tool (not shown).

Cap screw 87 is screwed into tensioning contact with outer sleeve 93, to assume the position shown in Figure 29. Cap screw 87 may be manipulated in this manner by a suitable tool (not shown).

In the sealed mode shown in Figure 29, closure 106 is retained in opening 12 by friction caused by distortion of concertina folds 109 under tension caused by loading ring 83 and the positioning of cap screw 87 near end cap 95. To release closure 106 from opening 12, extraction tool 97 (part of which is shown in Figure 30) is inserted in bayonet opening 99 in drive sleeve 81 and rotated in order to adopt the configuration shown in Figure 30, where ledge 101 engages bayonet opening 99. Extraction tool 97 is then drawn upwardly in a manner of a traditional cork pull. This draws drive sleeve 81, loading ring 83 and outer sleeve 93 away from folds 109 which are permitted to decompress, reducing friction between folds 109 and wall 14. Extraction tool 97 can then withdraw all of closure 106 from opening 12.

In Figure 31 there is shown a closure 110 including a base 112 from which extends a folded concertina element 114 and a display cap 116. On the top surface ofthe display cap 116 is an active display 118. The active display 118 may be in the form ofa-liquid crystal-display (LCD). As demonstrated in the drawing, the display 118 is adapted to display information concerning the expiry period relevant, for example to food, beverage, pharmaceutical or chemical contents, internal pressure relevant to gaseous contents or contents capable of becoming gaseous, temperature and chemical concentrations, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, alcohol or other chemical constituents which may indicate the status ofthe content The display also includes product description information and commercial information such as price. The closure 110 may be described as a "smart" closure in that the processing means (not shown) contained therein is adapted to process information and data from a number of sources. The closure 110 includes a number of sensors, including a temperature sensor 119 and light sensor 120, which may be important in applications where the contents are subject to deterioration upon exposure to excessive temperature or long exposure to light, such as may be the case with certain complex organic chemicals including pharmaceuticals, and various food and beverage products, such as wines.

The closure 110 also includes a movement sensor 122 which may be adapted to sense the presence of a potential customer. Upon tile detection of a potential customer, the closure 110 is provided with a speaker 124, which may be activated in response to movement sensor 122 input to provide the potential customer with product information which may relate to the real time status ofthe contents or merely provide general promotional information. The closure 110 is also provided with a microphone 126 capable of receiving voice input, which is able to be s processed by the processing means to either provide the manufacturer, stock controller or retailer with the capacity to update the product information stored in the processing means via voice input data, or to enable a potential customer to obtain product information via speaker 124 responsive to voice input via microphone 126.

o The closure 110 also includes a communication port 128 adapted to enable the transfer of data to and from the processing means using infra red (IR) signals. This feature is useful, particularly in recording a commercial transaction as will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 34.

Referring now to Figure 32, the closure 110 is shown in the closed position in the 5 neck 130 of a wine bottle (not fully shown). The closure 110 is sealably positioned in the neck 130 by the action of a concertina element 114 which, in its folded state as shown in Figure 33, seals the container. The closure 110 includes a processor 132 located immediately underneath the display 118. The processor 132 is a microcomputer chip. Immediately underneath the processor 132 is a o readable/writeable memory chip 134 and, in turn, immediately under the memory chip 134 is a power supply in the form of a wafer-thin nickel-cadmium battery 136. Surrounding and radially spaced from the memory chip 134 is an aerial coil 138 adapted to receive and transmit RF signals to enable remote interaction between the processor and an external processing means (not shown).

5 The closure 110 includes a release/fix arrangement 140 including an actuator 142. On application of certain conditions the actuator 142 is adapted to change dimensions and to release the closure 110 from the neck 130. Such conditions may be brought about by the radiation of the actuator 142 using RF, the passing of current through the actuator or the heating or cooling ofthe actuator as the case may be, using any one ofthe number of arrangements described in detail in application No. PCT/AU99/00185.

The actuator 142 is in the form of a solenoid capable of withdrawing wedge element 141 upwardly through a track defined by spaced downwardly depending arms 143. Upon upward movement ofthe wedge 141 the lower portions of arms 143 may be inwardly compressed to allow withdrawal ofthe closure 110 from the neck 130. A similar construction is described above with reference to Figures 9, 10, 20 and 21.

In the base 112 there are provided further sensors in communication with the processor 132. As shown in Figure 33, the closure 110 includes a pressure sensor 144, an olfactory sensor 146, an internal temperature sensor 148 and a chemical sensor 150. Each of these sensors 144-150 is adapted to measure the various properties ofthe contents and to convey this information to the processor 132, optionally for display on display 118.

In Figure 34 there is shown a commercial system 152 including the closure 110, a customer communication unit in the form of a mobile phone 154, a retail communication and transaction central processor schematically represented as a cash register 156, also referred to as the retail network 156, and the manufacture/wholesale/distribution component 158 of the commercial system 152. The mobile phone 154 enables title customer to communicate with the processor 132 to down-load information concerning the product, whereby to discern whether the product ought to be purchased. If satisfied, the customer may then effect a commercial transaction with the retail network 156 whereby to purchase the product. Utilising the RF data transmission and receiving and IR port features available on most mobile phones and palm pilots, the customer has the capacity to interact with the processor via the corresponding communication means in the form ofthe RF transmitter/receiver means or the IR communication port 128. To effect a transaction the customer may use the mobile phone 154 to interface with the retail network 156 whereby to effect the transfer of monies from the customer's account to the retailer's account. Once the transaction is complete, the retail network 156 interfaces with the closure 110 instructing the latter to unlock on instructions from the customer via the mobile phone 154. This enables the customer to trigger the release fix arrangement 140 and to interface fully with the processor 132 via the mobile phone 154.

Prior to sale, the processor 132 fully interfaces with the retail network 156, with the exception that the retail network 156 may not have authority to activate the release/fix arrangement 140. Immediately following a transaction, the retail network 156 communicates with the stock control, distribution and manufacturing facilities ofthe system 152-to place replacement orders for the product to maintain stock levels by ensuring timely manufacture and appropriate distribution. During the stock control, distribution and particularly the manufacturing process, there is capacity to interface with the processor 132 providing feedback to assist in external climate control via temperature sensor 119 and light sensor 120 and to monitor internal contents factors such as pressure, olfactory, temperature and chemical status via sensors 144, 146, 148, 150. This facilitates the maintenance of optimum external conditions for the product and can be used to monitor for signs of contamination or spoiling of the contents.

Figure 35 shows a second embodiment of a screw top closure 160 having corresponding features to that of closure 110, namely a display 118, temperature sensor 119, light sensor 120, movement sensor 122, speaker 124, microphone 126 and IR communications port 128. Such a screw top cap 160 may be used as a closure for pharmaceutical products, such as analgesics, mineral liquids, such as turpentine and any other product requiring a secure lid for practical or regulatory purposes. Figure 36 shows a top plan view ofthe closure 160 secured to a bottle 162. Figure 37 shows a cross-sectional side view ofthe closure 160 on the bottle 1 2. The closure 1 0 has similar features to closure 110 which are correspondingly referenced using the same numeral as in Figure 33, namely display 118, microphone 126, processor 132, memory chip 134, battery 136, RF aerial coil 138 and sensors 122, 144, 146, 148, 150.

The closure 160 is internally threaded to correspond with the external thread ofthe bottle 162 and has a tamper-evident security collar 164 depending downwardly from the closure skirt 166 below the threaded portions in the closed position. The closure 160 has an annular seal 168 adapted to be seated around the top annular surface ofthe threaded portion ofthe bottle 162, which is releasably secured to the skirt 166 by a release fix arrangement, 169 similar to the release/fix arrangement 140 described in Figure 33 but on a smaller scale, and may include two or more discreet arrangements 169 spaced around the collar 164, The collar 164 may or may not be frangibly attached to the skirt 166. Preferably, the collar 1 4 is engaged with the skirt 166 by the release/fix arrangement 169 and is detachable from the skirt 166 by the operation ofthe release/fix arrangement 169. Optionally, the release/fix arrangement 169 may not be restorable to its original closed position, whereby to indicate tampering if required.

Figure 38 shows a commercial system 1 2 analogous to the commercial system 152 described with reference to Figure 34.

Turning now to Figures 39 and 40, there is shown a snap-on cap 180 showing features analogous to those described for closure 110 in Figures 32 and 33, namely display 118, temperature sensor 119, light sensor 120, movement sensor 122, speaker 124, microphone 126, IR communications port 128, processor 132, memory chip 134, battery 136, RF aerial coil 138 and sensors 144, 146, 148, 150. A release/fix arrangement 182 is provided which is analogous in operation to the release fix arrangement 169 described with reference to Figure 37. Alternatively, the release/fix arrangement involves the use of shape-memory material adapted to alter its dimensions upon the application of a change in temperature by means of heating element, the passing of an electrical current through and like mechanism known to the art, such as those described in the aforementioned application No. PCT/AU99/00185.

Figure 41 shows a commercial system 184 incorporating snap-on cap 180 and is analogous to the commercial system 152 described with reference to Figure 34.

Figure 42 shows a closure 190 according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention secured in the neck 130 of a bottle. The basic function ofthe closure 190 is to serve as a cork and it has an arrangement similar to closure 110 described with reference to Figure 33 with regard to the provision of a concertina element 114 adapted to engage the internal cylindrical surface ofthe neck 130. The closure 190 has at its base a vapour porous membrane 192 adapted to permit material to migrate up the centre ofthe closure 190, being a hollow bore defined by arms 196. The arms 1 6 are formed integrally with the concertina element 114 via a base portion 199 to which the membrane 192 is adhered. At the upper end of each of arms 196 is an outwardly extending protrusion 198 adapted to engage complementarity shaped memory material 200. At the upper end of bore 194 is a temperature and olfactory sensor chip 202. The sensor chip 202 is in commimication with the contents ofthe bottle 1 2 via the membrane 192. Immediately above the sensor chip 202 is an encryption security tag 204 including an RF antenna for remote control. Immediately above the security tag 204 in the upper portion ofthe head of closure 190 is an mduction coil conductively connected to the memory material 200 via conductors 208. Upon receiving an encrypted signal from, for example a mobile phone or dedicated instrument, the security tag 204 activates an induction coil 206 whereby to heat the shape-memory material 200 causing expansion and permitting release of protrusions 198, whereby to permit the closure 190 to be removed from the neck 130 by unravelling the concertina element 114 as shown in Figure 43. Referring now to the embodiment in Figures 44 to 47, closure 210 has body 212 made of plastic or other suitable material. Inserted in cavity 214 is plastic ring 216 which has a memory of an expanded shape, capable of triggering by application of heat energy. Body 212 includes passage 218, which is shaped to receive insertion s tool 220. Closure 210 also includes chip 222 which is ofthe "Bluetooth" (trade mark) type, enabling wireless linking between the chip and other devices such as computers, mobile phones and other portable, hand-held devices.

In the configuration shown in Figure 44, closure 210 is in an uncompressed state. It includes olfactory chip 224.

o Figure 45 shows closure 210 during insertion into opening 12 of a bottle, only part of which is shown in Figure 45. Insertion tool 220 includes electrical contacts 226 which, once closure 210 is in position within wall 14, can be activated to cause heater element 228 in plastic ring 216 to heat plastic ring 216 to assume its memorised shape. This is illustrated in Figure 46, where it can be seen that plastic 5 ring 216 has expanded to force closure 210 to fill channel 230 in wall 14. This, and the push-fit between closure 210 and the rest of wall 14, ensures that closure 210 adequately seals opening 12 ofthe bottle.

The embodiment in Figures 49 and 50 is a development of that in Figures 44 to 47, in that tamper-evident lid and seal 232 has been added to the configuration in 0 Figure 46. Seal 232 may of course carry trade marks or other proprietary indicia such as that indicated at 234.

As shown in Figure 50, seal 232 may be broken and removed at the appropriate time.

In the case of either embodiment in Figure 46 or that in Figure 50, olfactory chip 25 224 is available to test if the contents ofthe bottle are fit for consumption or if they have been spoiled, etc. For example, where the contents ofthe bottle consist of wine, olfactory chip 224 can report whether the wine is ready for drinking or tainted or whether it should be cellared for a longer period. Information conveyed by olfactory chip 224 can be communicated to an enquirer via chip 222 or by any other suitable means.

Chip 222 can be encoded with a bottling time code and any other suitable consumer information, as required.

Throughout the specification the word "comprise" and its derivatives is intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the context requires otherwise.

It will be appreciate by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spiiit.or scope ofthe invention.

Without limiting the scope ofthe foregoing statement, features from various embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments disclosed herein.

Industrial Applicability

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the closures ofthe present invention have decided advantages over prior art closures. In some versions, the closures can be extracted without the need for any tools other than the fingers of the user. In others, simple tools can be used, including traditional corkscrews. Modern technology can also be applied, such as the use of a magnetic field to remotely ^<vunlock" the closure.

Sophisticated versions of closures can report on the state of contents of a container. The closure ofthe invention can also enable an efficient commercial system to be utilised, in which mobile phones or similar communication devices can be used to communicate with the product carrying the closure, with the option of releasing the closure during part ofthe commercial transaction.

Claims

1. A closure for a passageway having one or more walls and an opening defined by the wall or walls, the closure adapted in use to extend from the opening at least part way along the wall or walls, characterised in that the closure has a concertina element adapted to retain the closure in use in place between the wall or walls, the concertina element being capable of being released to allow the closure to be removed from the wall or walls.

2. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the passageway is a bottle neck.

3. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the passageway is of regular cross-section.

4. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the wall or walls are ribbed, threaded or smooth.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure seals the opening completely in situ.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the closure seals the opening defined by the wall or walls.

7. The closure of claim 5, wherein the closure seals the opening defined by the wall or walls and extends to the external dimension of die wall or walls.

8. The closure of claim 1 , wherein the concertina element is adapted to retain the closure in use in place between the wall or walls when folded, the concertina element being capable of being unfolded to allow the closure to be removed from the wall or walls.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure is retained in place by friction.

10. The closure of claim 1, wherein the concertina element has external folds which bear against the wall or walls of the passageway when the closure is in situ.

11. The closure of claim 1, wherein the concertina element includes an intermediate wall or walls and the concertina element has folds which bear against the intermediate wall or walls.

12. The closure of claim 11, wherein the intermediate wall or walls bear against the wall or walls ofthe passageway.

13. The closure of claim 1, wherein the concertina element has compressible folds.

14. The closure of claim 1, wherein the concertina element has folds forming a spiral.

15. The closure of claim 10, wherein a collapsible core is included within the concertina element.

16. The closure of claim 15, wherein the concertina folds are adapted to retain the closure in place by tension, release ofthe tension enabling removal ofthe closure.

17. The closure of claim 1, wherein the concertina element is adapted to be released by manipulation of a cord or ribbon attached to the closure.

18. The closure of claim 1, wherein the concertina element is adapted to retain the closure in place by a locking element adapted to be unlocked by remote activation means to allow the closure to be removed from the wall or walls.

19. The closure of claim 18, wherein the locking element is adapted to be tmlocked by application of a magnetic field.

20. The closure of claim 1, wherem the concertina element is adapted to be compressed in order to retain the closure in use between the wall or walls.

21. A closure including processing means, the processing means being adapted to carry out one or more ofthe following functions: interaction with external processing means, receipt, storage and communication of data and/or information, receipt and or sending of data and/or information from or two one or more sources internal and/or external to the closure, and storage of information wherein not all ofthe information is pre-programmed.

22. A closure for a container adapted to store contents, the closure including:

wherein the processing means is physically housed in or on the closure and is adapted to receive and/or send data and/or information from or to one or more sources internal and/or external to the container.

23. The closure of claim 22, wherein the container is adapted to store a beverage, a foodstuff, a pharmaceutical product or one or more chemicals in powdered, liquid and/gaseous form.

24. The closure of claim 22, which is in the form of a plug, cap or membrane seal.

25. The closure of claim 22, which includes tamper-evidence or securing means.

26. The closure of claim 22, which includes security or locking means to resist unauthorised access.

27. The closure of claim 22, wherein the seal means is releasable upon receipt of an encrypted signal.

28. The closure of claim 22, wherein the seal means includes the closure claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22.

29. The closure of claim 22, wherein the processing means includes computer processing means.

30. The closure of claim 29, wherein the processing means is capable of communicating remotely with an external processing means.

5 31. The closure of claim 29, wherein the processing means is programmable upon input from an external source and has read/write capabilities.

32. The closure of claim 22, wherein the processing means is physically housed in the closure.

33. The closure of claim 29 wherein the processing means includes o communication ports externally accessible to a user.

34. The closure of claim 29 wherein the processing means is linked to sensing means capable of determining real time status or characteristics ofthe contents.

35. The closure of claim 34, wherein the sensing means is adapted to sense one or more of: temperature, movement, pressure, chemical and gas.

is 36. The closure of claim 22, wherem the seal means is releasable by remote activation means.

37. The closure of claim 36, wherein the remote activation means includes one or more magnetic elements adapted to move from a position corresponding to the sealed position to a position enabling release of he closure from the container.

20 38. The closure of claim 37, wherein the remote activation means includes magnetic inductance means.

39. The closure of claim 22, wherein the seal means includes shape-memory material and is adapted to assume the sealed position or the open position upon application of heat, electrical current or electrical magnetic radiation.

40. A closure substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3 and 4 or Figures 5 and 6 or Figures 7 and 8 or Figures 9 and 10 or Figures 11 to 19 or Figures 20 and 21 or Figures 22 to 27 or Figures 28 to 30 ofthe accompanying drawings.

41. A closure substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 31 to 34 or Figures 35 to 38 or Figures 39 to 41 or Figures 42 and 43 or Figures 44 to 47 or Figures 48 to 50 ofthe accompanying drawings.