CN112722523A

CN112722523A - Container and assembly for liquid substance and method for discharging liquid substance from container

Info

Publication number: CN112722523A
Application number: CN202011173493.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 法比奥·贾
Original assignee: Polcherana Ltd
Current assignee: Polcherana Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2021-04-30
Also published as: IT201900019860A1

Abstract

A container (2) for a liquid substance (L) of known density and/or viscosity comprises a closed rigid structure (3) defining an internal volume (Vin). The rigid structure (3) comprises a single orifice (5) adapted to allow the liquid substance (L) to flow out of the container from the interior thereof; and allowing air (a) to flow into the container from outside the container. Said rigid structure (3) being adapted not to collapse when the pressure outside the container exceeds the pressure in said internal volume (Vin); the diameter of the single orifice (5) depends on the density and/or viscosity of the liquid substance. The single orifice (5) is designed in such a way that, even if the container (2) is turned upside down, with the single orifice (5) facing downwards, the liquid substance (L) contained in the internal volume (Vin) of the container (2) does not flow out of the container through the single orifice (5).

Description

Container and assembly for liquid substance and method for discharging liquid substance from container

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a container for liquid substances, such as beverages, in particular alcoholic beverages. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a container and a cannula. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for obtaining an outflow of a liquid substance contained in such a container.

Background

Conventional containers or vessels, in particular bottles, are currently known, which are characterized by an orifice wide enough to allow the liquid to flow out of the bottle by gravity in proportion to the amount of air that can easily enter through the same hole when the container is partially inverted. The difficulty of liquid outflow when turning the container upside down, for example with the orifice facing vertically downwards, is considered to be an operational limitation of the existing bottles, whose design is also intended to overcome this limitation, taking particular attention to the diameter and shape of the neck and of the liquid outflow hole.

It is known that the ratio between the diameter of the orifice and the volume of the bottle is related in size to the ratio between the volume of the container and the surface of the liquid exposed to the air, and is of great importance in the wine industry for improving the wine bottle refining process.

It is also known that the container comprises a small hole into which a straw can be inserted. This type of container allows to extract the liquid contained in the container by suction and/or by reducing the volume of the container (e.g. container invagination). Such containers therefore have a yielding structure, and as a result, the container collapses when the pressure inside the container is reduced compared to the pressure outside the container, and vice versa. Such containers are designed to ensure that the liquid substance contained in the container can flow out of the container through the orifice even if the container is turned upside down. Furthermore, currently known container/straw assemblies are designed to fail to ensure that liquid can only exit through the holes in the container, while only air can enter through the straw.

In the beverage industry, in particular in the field of high quality beverages (wine, spirits, distillates etc.), it is well known that slow and non-turbulent motion is two very important aspects from production to consumption when drinking and/or pouring out the beverage at least partially.

Rigid, i.e. non-collapsible, containers are known, provided with a tap in the lower or upper part of the container, and another orifice, possibly equipped with an additional tap, in the upper or lower part of the same container, respectively, the latter orifice being suitable for allowing the air to enter the internal volume of the container. If either or both of the upper and lower ports are closed, respectively, liquid will cease to flow from the lower port.

Obviously, in order for the liquid to flow out of the rigid container correctly, air must be admitted into the container.

Devices are also known which are able to extract liquids from bottles sealed with cork or synthetic material stoppers by injecting an inert gas to compensate for the liquid flowing out, while maintaining the integrity of the liquid remaining inside the sealed bottle. Such a device is shown and disclosed, for example, in international patent application WO2005058744a 2. Such devices require the injection of pressurized inert gas into the bottle, which creates a safety risk in the event of failure of the device and/or weakening of the bottle structure.

Since this type of device is not suitable for other types of stopper, for example made of wood, glass, etc., it can only be used for bottles comprising stoppers made of cork or synthetic material.

The commercial containers currently available, designed to allow the refining of high-quality liquids (such as wine) follow a model which envisages the use of airtight bottles and airtight stoppers, for example made of cork, other wood types and/or synthetic materials, etc.; this aspect means that the punctual air flow is not uniform with respect to the liquid volume, and moreover the non-negligible dimensions of the plug itself, compared to the wine volume, cause an additional risk of organoleptic contamination.

Furthermore, the bottles have an upwardly elongated shape, and therefore, if they are not kept in a horizontal position throughout the aging process, they may adversely affect the refining liquid in some cases. The choice of keeping the bottle in a horizontal position anyway leads to contact between the liquid and the stopper during horizontal ageing, thus requiring the use of materials that are resistant to prolonged contact with acid and alcohol substances.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to solve these technical problems, as well as others, by providing a rigid container comprising a single orifice with a sufficiently small diameter to prevent the outflow of the liquid substance contained in the container when it is turned upside down. This effect is due to the resistance exerted by the liquid substance itself on the single orifice, thus preventing the entry of air.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a container having the features set forth in the appended claim 1.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a container and a cannula having the features set forth in appended claim 5.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for obtaining an outflow of a liquid substance contained in a container having the characteristics set forth in the appended claim 10.

The dependent features of the container, assembly and method are set out in the corresponding dependent claims.

Drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the container, assembly and method will become apparent from the following description of several possible embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, and which can be seen in the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A and 1B show one possible embodiment of a container according to the invention under different conditions; in particular, fig. 1A shows the container in an idle state, in which the single aperture is facing upwards; FIG. 1B shows the same container of FIG. 1A in an inverted state with a single aperture facing downward;

2A-2C show the phases of the sequence of transition from the idle condition to the overturned condition, according to another embodiment of the container, wherein such container is placed on a support structure suitable for supporting the container, the structure of the container allowing rotation about an axis to vary the position of the single orifice, with the single orifice facing downwards; in particular, fig. 2A shows the container in an idle state, in which a single aperture is closed by a closing element; fig. 2B shows the container still in an idle state, in which the closure element has been removed from the single aperture; FIG. 2C shows the container in an inverted state with the single aperture facing downward;

fig. 3A-3C show the stages of the sequence carried out in order to allow the outflow of the liquid substance from the container according to fig. 1A-1B, in which there is a cannula having a diameter smaller than that of the single orifice of the container; such a cannula is adapted to be inserted into said single aperture; in particular, fig. 3A shows an unassembled assembly of a container and a cannula; FIG. 3B shows the assembled components in a state in which gaseous substances are still prevented from entering the container through the cannula; FIG. 3C illustrates a container with a liquid substance flowing out of the container due to a gaseous substance entering the interior volume of the container through the cannula;

fig. 4 shows a different embodiment of a cannula that makes it possible to introduce an inert gas into the internal volume of the container, instead of other types of gaseous substances, such as air containing oxygen;

fig. 5 shows the outflow of the liquid substance from the container according to fig. 2A-2C, wherein the cannula according to the embodiment of fig. 4 allows the outflow of the liquid substance from the container.

Detailed Description

With reference to the figures listed above, the reference numeral 2 indicates as a whole a container for liquid substances according to the invention.

The reference "L" generally denotes a liquid substance, the density and/or viscosity and/or specific gravity of which are known. Preferably, the liquid substance is a beverage suitable for human consumption, more preferably an alcoholic beverage, such as wine, beer, spirits, distillates and the like.

The container 2 according to the invention is particularly suitable for containing a liquid substance "L" having a known density and/or viscosity.

The container 2 comprises a rigid structure 3 which encloses and defines an internal volume "Vin".

The rigid structure 3 comprises a single aperture 5. Said single orifice 5 is adapted to allow said liquid substance "L" to flow out of the container 2 from the inside of the container 2, i.e. from the internal volume "Vin" of the container; and allows the gaseous substance "a", for example air or another gas or gas mixture, to flow from the outside of the container 2 into the container 2, i.e. into the internal volume "Vin".

Said rigid structure 3 of the container 2 is adapted not to collapse when the pressure outside the container 2 exceeds the pressure in said internal volume "Vin" of the same container 2.

The diameter of the single orifice 5 depends on the density and/or viscosity of the liquid substance "L".

Said single orifice 5 is designed in such a way that, even if said container 2 is turned upside down with said single orifice 5 facing downwards, the liquid substance "L" contained in said internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 does not flow out of said container 2 through said single orifice 5.

The dimensions of the single orifice 5 should ensure that the liquid substance "L" will not flow out of the container 2 by gravity when said single orifice 5 is facing downwards, for example aligned with the vertical axis "Z", i.e. in the overturned condition in which the liquid substance "L" is maximally subjected to the force of gravity, in particular because the gaseous substance "a" is prevented from entering the internal volume "Vin". In fact, the combined supply of the container 2 with the rigid structure 3 that is not collapsible, i.e. the structure with constant internal volume, and the single orifice 5 of suitable dimensions also prevents the outflow of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2, even when the closing element 7 (if present) is removed from said single orifice 5.

For the purposes of the present description, container 2 for liquid substances means a container having any shape, which can be made of any rigid material, whether impermeable to oxygen or permeable to oxygen, so that it cannot be invaginated, and has walls of any thickness.

The density and viscosity of the liquid substances "L" that may be contained in such containers 2 may vary from substance to substance, which means that the ideal diameter or in any case the maximum permitted diameter of said single orifice 5 must be carefully selected for each liquid substance "L" in order to be able to achieve the desired effect. In fact, for each liquid substance "L", the maximum diameter of the single orifice 5 can be calculated or empirically determined so that the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 does not flow from the inverted container 2 in the inverted condition. Once the maximum diameter is determined, it is certain that any diameter of the single orifice 5, smaller than the maximum diameter, will be able to obtain the desired technical effect in the presence of a specific liquid substance "L".

For the purposes of the present invention, the diameter of a single orifice 5 is generally referred to as the diameter (for a circular orifice) or equivalent diameter (for a non-circular orifice), calculated as known in the art.

Generally, in order to allow the outflow of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2, it is necessary to let the gaseous substance "a" enter the internal volume of the container 2 and occupy the volume removed by the liquid substance "L" flowing out of the container 2. Such gaseous substance "a" may be air and/or an inert gas. In this respect, since it is necessary to preserve the remaining part of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 after the liquid substance "L" contained in the container is partially poured out, in particular after the partial outflow of the liquid substance "L", an inert gas, such as argon, may be used in order not to be altered by the additional intake of oxygen. Fig. 1A-1B and 2A-2C show by way of example different possible embodiments of a container 2 according to the invention.

In one possible embodiment of the container 2 according to the invention, the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 is in the range 0.1 liters to 100 liters.

Thus, container 2 may be a small container, for example, for storing liquid substance "L" for subsequent sale and use (e.g., in a single dose), or a large container, for example, suitable for processing, storing and/or refining liquid substance "L" contained therein. Referring to the drawings, fig. 1A and 1B show a container 2 that may have an internal volume of 0.5 liters to 2 liters. On the other hand, fig. 2A-2C show a container 2 that may have an internal volume of 20 liters to 100 liters, for example 50 liters to 60 liters.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the container 2, said single orifice 5 has a diameter comprised between 3mm and 12 mm. This range of diameters is particularly suitable for containers comprising an internal volume "Vin" comprised between 0.1 and 100 liters, more preferably between 0.375 and 60 liters, wherein the liquid substance "L" contained in the internal volume "Vin" is an alcoholic drink.

Preferably, the diameter of said single orifice 5 is also chosen in proportion to the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2, so as to allow the phase of adding the liquid substance "L" into the container 2 to be carried out in a reasonably short time. In a possible but only illustrative and non-limiting embodiment of the container 2 according to the invention, the ratio between the diameter of said single orifice 5 and the internal volume "Vin" of said container 2 is comprised between 0.05 and 30 mm/l. More generally, the diameter of said single orifice 5 is selected on the basis of the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 and/or of the density and/or viscosity of the liquid substance "L" to be contained in the container 2.

More generally, the container 2 according to the invention can be made of at least one of the following materials: glass, ceramic, plastic, wood, metal, and the like. The container 2 may be made of one or more of the materials listed above.

The container 2 made of at least one of the materials listed above ensures that the rigid structure 3 of the container 2 does not collapse, either under the pressure exerted on the outer wall of the rigid structure 3 itself or due to the pressure drop of the internal volume "Vin" with respect to the external environment.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the container 2 according to the invention, said rigid structure 3 defines a projection or neck 32. Said single aperture 5 is formed at said protrusion or neck 32, more preferably at the distal end of said protrusion or neck 32 with respect to the rigid structure 3.

Fig. 1A and 1B show one possible embodiment of a container 2 according to the invention, in which the container 2 is spherical, comprising a protrusion or neck 32 comprising said single orifice 5 at the distal end with respect to the rigid structure 3. As can be seen in fig. 1A and 1B, container 2 is movable from the idle condition shown in fig. 1A to an overturned condition shown in fig. 1B, when container 2 is in said overturned condition, the liquid substance "L" contained in the internal volume "Vin" does not flow out of container 2 through said single orifice 5, since the gaseous substance "a" is prevented from entering the internal volume "Vin" of container 2.

The container 2 according to the invention allows to reduce the ratio between the diameter of the protrusion or neck 32 and/or of the single orifice 5 and the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2. In fact, according to the solution of the invention, the volume of the container 2 is equal, by using a single orifice 5 of smaller diameter than those normally used, a ratio between the diameter of the orifice 5 and the internal volume "Vin" is obtained, which is very low, even by an order of magnitude. This aspect makes it possible to reduce the area of the container 2 that may interact in a direct way with the external environment, thus reducing the risk that the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 may be contaminated and/or that it may react significantly with the air in the external environment and/or with a smaller surface of the closure element (such as a stopper), to a degree that is certainly less than that of the containers of the prior art.

It is evident that it is necessary to determine the most suitable diameter of the single orifice 5, according to the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 and to the density and/or viscosity of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2. Furthermore, the location and configuration of the protrusion or neck 32 may contribute to the above-described technical effect for certain specific combinations of volume of the container 2, diameter of the single orifice 5 and/or density/viscosity of the liquid substance "L".

The container 2 may optionally be sealed by a closure element 7, for example a plug, preferably a sealing plug, associated with said single orifice 5. The closing element 7 may be impermeable to oxygen or permeable to oxygen, according to the specific requirements.

Said closing element 7 substantially functions to prevent contamination of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 and/or to control the passage of gaseous substances (for example oxygen) for preserving and/or maturing and/or brewing the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2, in particular when the container 2 is in the idle condition. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2A-2C, the container 2, which is oval in shape, comprises a protrusion or neck 32 forming a single aperture 5. A closing element 7 is associated with said single aperture 5. In the embodiment shown, the closing element 7, for example a stopper, is removed from the single orifice 5 when the container 2 is in the idle state. Alternatively, when container 2 is in the overturned condition, closure element 7 can also be removed from a single orifice 5 without causing an uncontrolled outflow of liquid substance "L" contained in container 2 and, in the latter case, preventing air from entering container 2.

Preferably, said single orifice 5 has a constant or tapered diameter, even in embodiments where said single orifice 5 is located at the distal end of the protrusion or neck 32.

The container 2 according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as a component of an assembly, which is also the subject of the invention. The assembly according to the invention comprises: a container 2 for a liquid substance "L" according to the invention; and a cannula 6 having, at least in part, a diameter smaller than the diameter of said single aperture 5 of said container 2.

The container 2 is suitable for containing at least one liquid substance "L" in its internal volume "Vin". Said cannula 6 is adapted to be inserted into said single aperture 5 present in said container 2. Said cannula 6 is also adapted to allow the gaseous substance "a", for example air and/or an inert gas, to flow from outside the container 2 into the container 2.

The assembly allows the liquid substance "L" to flow out of the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 with a single orifice 5.

The cannula 6 may be made of at least one of the following materials: glass, plastic, ceramic, wood, metal, and the like. Preferably, said cannula 6 comprises a bendable portion, for example, due to the nature of the material, which is made or provided by a suitable structure to obtain the most suitable configuration, for example, according to the shape of the container 2 and/or to facilitate the handling by the user. Alternatively, the cannula 6 may have a determined shape, e.g. unchangeable or rigid, depending on the configuration of the container 2, e.g. the outer shape.

More generally, the cannula 6, or even a portion thereof, may have any shape, for example a "U" shape, an "L" shape, a straight shape or a "V" shape with an internal angle of 60 ° to 80 °, or any other combination of the above listed shapes by way of non-limiting example.

Preferably, said cannula 6 has at least one portion, in particular a portion suitable for being inserted into a single orifice 5 of the container 2, whose cross section is similar to and/or compatible with the cross section shape of the single orifice 5. Preferably, the external diameter of said cannula 6 (at least in the portion adapted to fit into the container 2) is smaller than the diameter of said single orifice 5 by at least 1/3. More generally, said cannula 6 is of such a size that the internal diameter is suitable for letting a sufficient quantity of gaseous substance "a" (for example air and/or inert gas) flow towards the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2, and the external diameter is such that the liquid substance "L" can flow out through the remaining part of said single orifice 5, which is not occupied by said cannula 6.

The present solution ensures that the single orifice 5 still has a portion not occupied by the cannula 6, allowing the gaseous substance "a", for example air and/or an inert gas such as argon, to occupy a portion of the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 when the liquid substance "L" flows out of the container 2 through the same cannula 6.

The liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 is only allowed to flow out through said single orifice 5 if the gaseous substance "a" can enter said container 2 through said cannula 6, in particular into the internal volume "Vin". The possibility of selectively allowing the gaseous substance "a" to flow from the outside towards the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2, makes it possible to stop and/or selectively allow the outflow of the liquid substance "L" from the container 2.

More generally, said cannula 6 comprises a first end 62 suitable for being inserted into the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 through said single aperture 5 and a second end 64 suitable for remaining outside the container 2.

In the embodiment shown by way of non-limiting example in fig. 3A, the cannula 6 has a rigid structure comprising at least one U-shaped portion. In the embodiment described, said first end 62 is located on an arm of length at least equal to the height of the container 2 starting from said single aperture 5. The second end 64 is located on the other arm, which may be shorter than the other arm.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said first end 62 is adapted to be inserted into the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 through said single orifice 5 until it reaches the portion of the internal volume "Vin" not occupied by the liquid substance "L". Such a solution avoids any direct interaction between the gaseous substance "a" and the liquid substance "L", thus preventing the gaseous substance "a" from generating movements that could agitate, even if only partially or locally, the liquid substance "L".

Preferably, the assembly according to the invention is designed to prevent the gaseous substance "a" from flowing through said cannula 6 until the first end 62 of the cannula 6 reaches the portion of the internal volume "Vin" not occupied by the liquid substance "L".

Preferably, said cannula 6 (e.g. tube and/or straw) may in turn comprise a closing element (e.g. a plug) and/or a valve element 82 (e.g. a tap or a valve) so that the delivery of the gaseous substance "a" (e.g. air or a gas such as an inert gas) from the cannula 6 to the inner volume "Vin" of the container 2 can be easily controlled (e.g. stopped) and thus the outflow of the liquid substance "L" from the container 2 can be controlled (e.g. stopped) without the need to put a finger on the second end 64 of the cannula 6.

In one possible embodiment, said gaseous substance "a" is stored in a tank 8. The canister 8 is connectable to the second end 64 of the cannula 6, preferably through a valve element 82, to control the intake of gaseous substance "a" in the container 2 through the cannula 6.

With reference to fig. 4, one possible embodiment is seen in which said cannula 6 has a configuration of at least two curvatures, in which the canister 8 (for example a balloon) is connected to the second end 64 by a valve element 82, so that the flow of the gaseous substance "a" towards said first end 62 of the cannula 6 can be controlled.

More generally, in a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises a liquid substance "L" adapted to prevent, by the effect of adhesion of the liquid to the surface, the liquid substance leaving the single orifice 5 from travelling along the cannula 6 inserted in said single orifice 5. This adhesion effect will result in a flow of liquid substance in a direction which is not perpendicular to the individual orifices 5. One possible embodiment comprises a closing element 7 suitable for being inserted into said single orifice 5, into which said cannula 6 or at least a portion thereof is incorporated and/or fixed, and said closing element 7 comprising a through hole through which said liquid substance "L" can flow out in a controlled, laminar and non-turbulent manner.

The assembly according to the invention preferably comprises a support structure 1.

The support structure 1 is adapted to support the container 2. Said support structure 1 is adapted to obtain the necessary operations for the outflow (possibly for partial pouring) of the liquid substance "L" from the container 2 through said single orifice 5.

Furthermore, it is also convenient to provide the cannula 6 and/or the container 2 with a system allowing a stable and constant coupling over time, without the need to use stabilizing hands, for example third elements, possibly rigid or elastic, cords or the like, for mounting the assembly on the supporting structure 1. More generally removable elements, for example incorporated in the closing element for said single orifice 5.

In a possible but non-limiting and merely exemplary embodiment, the support structure 1 comprises a rotating element 12. Said rotating element 12 is adapted to allow the container 2 to rotate about an axis "X" to change the position, for example in space, of said single aperture 5. In particular, said support structure 1 makes it possible to position said single aperture 5 of the container 2 downwards, for example by aligning the axis of said single aperture with said vertical axis "Z", so as to bring the container 2 in an overturned condition. The present solution allows said container 2 to be kept in the correct position, in particular by arranging said single orifice 5 in the desired position for the extraction or anyway at least partial pouring of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 through the cannula 6 into the other container "C", thus constituting the assembly according to the present invention. This solution therefore contributes to obtain the necessary operation of outflow of the liquid substance "L" from the container 2. Preferably, said axis "X" is perpendicular to said vertical axis "Z". Fig. 2A-2C show an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment comprising a support structure 1 adapted to support a container 2. The same support structure 1 comprises a rotation element 12 which allows the container 2 to rotate about a horizontal axis "X" so that the container 2 can move from an idle condition to an overturned condition and vice versa.

More generally, the assembly according to the invention, when correctly used, will allow a slow, non-turbulent and more laminar outflow of the liquid substance "L" from the container 2 through said single orifice 5, in particular the suction of the gaseous substance "a" towards said internal volume "Vin", as long as the cannula 6 remains inserted in the container 2.

According to the invention, with this assembly, once the container 2 is arranged in an overturned condition above the area (for example, in the container "C", in particular a glass) where the liquid substance "L" is to fall (for example, poured), in order to let the liquid substance "L" flow out, said cannula 6 (for example, a tube or a straw) must be inserted into the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 through the above-mentioned single orifice 5.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for obtaining an outflow of a liquid substance "L" contained in a container 2 for liquid substances according to the invention. The method of the invention comprises the following stages:

-providing an assembly according to the invention comprising a container 2 and a cannula 6;

turning the container 2 upside down, with the single aperture 5 facing downwards;

-inserting said cannula 6 into said single aperture 5, so that at least one gaseous substance "a", for example air and/or gas (for example inert gas), can pass through said cannula 6 into the internal volume "Vin" defined by said rigid structure 3 of said container 2;

allowing the outflow of the liquid substance "L" which occurs only in a slow and laminar manner through said orifice 5.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises a phase of interrupting the outflow of the liquid substance "L". Preferably, this phase is carried out by at least temporarily blocking the flow of said at least one gaseous substance "a" through said cannula 6 towards said internal volume "Vin".

The stage of providing the assembly envisages the use of a container 2 containing a liquid substance "L" and of a cannula 6 suitable for insertion into a single orifice 5 of the container 2 according to the invention. In a possible embodiment, the stage of providing the assembly envisages providing an assembly comprising the support structure 1.

The phase of turning the container 2 upside down can be performed manually or by using a support structure 1 on which the container 2 is placed, for example by rotating it about the axis "X".

In a possible implementation of the method, the phase of turning the container upside down envisages turning the container 2 by 180 ° from the idle position or condition, in order to reach the turned position or condition, for example by rotating it about said axis "X".

The phase of inserting the cannula 6 into the single aperture 5 is preferably carried out in such a way that: the first end 62 of the cannula 6 is inserted into the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 through said single orifice 5 until it reaches the portion of the internal volume "Vin" occupied by the gaseous substance, in particular the portion of the internal volume "Vin" not occupied by the liquid substance "L".

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the stage of insertion of the cannula 6 comprises the following sub-stages:

-placing said cannula 6 in a vertical position to allow the introduction of the gaseous substance "a", for example an inert gas, into the cannula 6, preferably through the second end 64 of the cannula 6, preferably slowly, preferably while holding said cannula by hand;

vertically inserting a first end 62 of cannula 6 into said single orifice 5 of container 2 until it reaches a portion of internal volume "Vin" free from liquid substance "L" (occupied for example by air and/or inert gas), preferably about 1/5mm from the inner wall of rigid structure 3 of container 2, without coming into contact therewith;

firmly fixing the cannula 6 to the container 2.

Fig. 3A, 3B and 3C show a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein fig. 3A shows the stages of providing the assembly according to the invention and turning the container 2 upside down. Figure 3B shows a stage of insertion of the cannula 6; and figure 3C shows the phase in which the outflow of the liquid substance "L" is allowed. In fig. 3B, the relative position of the cannula 6 and the container 2 can be seen, and in particular the position of the first end 62 of the cannula 6 with respect to the liquid substance "L" present in the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 and with respect to the walls defining said rigid structure 3.

In fig. 3C, it can be seen how the liquid substance "L" is poured out, in particular into a container "C", for example a glass. From this figure it can be understood how the gaseous substance "a" enters from said second end 64 of the cannula 6 and reaches the inside of the container 2, while exiting through said second end 62 of the cannula 6, to occupy the portion of the internal volume "Vin" corresponding to the volume of the liquid substance "L" flowing out of said single orifice 5.

In a preferred, but merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the method, it is envisaged that after the stage of turning the container 2 upside down and before the stage of inserting the cannula 6, there is a sub-stage of removing the closure element 7 from the single orifice 5. This phase is performed if the single aperture 5 has been closed with a closing element 7. The phase of allowing the outflow of the liquid substance substantially occurs when the gaseous substance "a" is able to reach said internal volume "Vin" through said cannula 6.

When using the container 2 and the assembly according to the invention, the liquid substance "L" flows out through said orifice 5 in a slow and laminar manner.

Preferably, the method according to the invention comprises a phase of interrupting the outflow of the liquid substance "L". Said phase is carried out by at least temporarily blocking the flow of said at least one gaseous substance "a" (for example air and/or inert gas) through said cannula 6 towards said internal volume "Vin". This phase is particularly useful when the volume of the container is greater than 0.5 litres (for example greater than 1 litre).

This phase can be achieved by using a cannula 6 comprising a closure device, so as to be able to selectively and easily interrupt the flow of the gaseous substance "a" and therefore the outflow of the liquid substance "L", for example without having to put a finger permanently on the second end 64 of the cannula 6.

In a preferred embodiment of the process, the gaseous substance "a" is an inert gas. In fact, as previously mentioned, it is possible to add inert gas as gaseous substance "a" to the internal volume "Vin" of container 2, thanks to the fact that it is not modified by additional oxygen intake, due to the necessity of retaining the portion of liquid substance "L" still remaining in container 2 after being partially poured out into another container "C". In order to carry out the selection accurately with as little oxygen intake as possible, it would be necessary to provide a system for storing and releasing the inert gas, such as argon, edible nitrogen, etc. In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, said inert gas "a" is stored in a tank 8. The canister 8 is for example a gas cylinder or an inflatable element, for example as a balloon previously filled with an inert gas.

The canister 8 is connected to the cannula 6 to allow the inert gas "a" to flow, in particular from the canister 8, towards the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2. The canister 8 and/or the cannula 6 comprise at least one valve element 82. The valve element 82 is adapted to selectively prevent the flow of inert gas "a" through the cannula 6 to the internal volume "Vin".

In the present embodiment, since the pressure in tank 8 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, it can be determined that the inert gas will reach the inside of container 2, thereby allowing liquid substance "L" to flow out. In this embodiment, the assembly allows the outflow of the liquid substance "L", even if the second end 62 of the cannula 6 does not reach the portion of the internal volume "Vin" not occupied by the liquid substance "L".

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the assembly comprising a support structure 1 in addition to said container 2 and said cannula 6. Said figure essentially shows the phase of the method according to the invention in which the outflow of the liquid substance "L" is allowed. In fig. 5 it can be seen that a gaseous substance, in particular an inert gas, such as argon, can flow from a canister 8 (e.g. a balloon) through the cannula 6 to the container 2. The flow of inert gas "a" is regulated by a valve element 82 (e.g., a stopcock) to control the amount of inert gas entering the interior volume "Vin" of the vessel 2. The liquid substance "L" leaving the container 2 is poured out, in particular into a container "C", in particular a glass. In fig. 5, the path followed by the inert gas from the tank 8 to the internal volume "Vin" of the container 2 can be seen.

More generally, the assembly according to the invention is able to allow the outflow of the liquid substance "L" at atmospheric pressure without any need to create any overpressure inside the container 2, thus allowing the outflow of the liquid substance "L" from the container 2 through said single orifice 5. In fact, the assembly according to the invention can operate at atmospheric pressure, since said first end 62 of cannula 6 can be positioned in the portion of the internal volume "Vin" of container 2 free of liquid substance "L".

More generally, after the phase of allowing the outflow of the liquid substance "L", which can be supplied by suitably controlling, for example opening and closing, said at least one valve element 82 (for example a tap) is comprised in said cannula 6 and/or in said tank 8.

In the embodiment using inert gas, when the partial pouring is completed, the liquid substance "L" can be preserved in an environment with little or no oxygen, thus keeping the characteristics of the liquid substance "L" contained in the container 2 unchanged.

In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, at the end of the phase in which the outflow of the liquid substance "L" is allowed, there are the following additional phases:

-removing said cannula 6, for example by vertical movement, preferably after releasing the mechanical connection connecting said cannula 6 to the container 2;

rotating the container 2, which is now partially filled with the liquid substance "L" and with the previously introduced gaseous substance "a" (for example inert gas), for example by rotating 180 to bring said container into an idle state with the single orifice 5 facing upwards;

reclosing the container 2 by associating the closing element 7 with said single orifice 5, in order to avoid any contamination of the liquid substance "L" remaining in the container 2, for example to avoid the ingestion of large quantities of oxygen.

The present invention provides a particularly innovative, notably scenic way of using the container 2, which, due to its uniqueness, may be of great interest and commercial value when carried out in public places and/or handled autonomously by the end customer.

The invention makes it possible to reduce the cost of the closing element (for example a stopper) because the single orifice 5 is small and there is less material of any nature required to manufacture the closing element or stopper.

The present invention provides a potential improvement of the treatment phase of transferring the liquid substance "L", i.e. pouring the liquid from a container into another container "C", for example a glass. This transfer step is carried out slowly, in particular in proportion to the internal diameter of the cannula 6, with a non-turbulent and more laminar outflow of the liquid from the container 2, so that the liquid substance "L" can be poured and/or supplied in a particularly palatable manner, and with minimal stress, thus providing a continuous oxidation of the liquid substance "L".

Furthermore, still thanks to the potentially significantly lower and constant outflow speed, the invention also allows the person pouring or supplying the liquid substance "L" to better align his/her movements to stop the pouring operation at a certain desired level, thus avoiding wasting any liquid.

In the particular field of alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer, spirits, distillates and the like, the present invention makes it possible to use, in the context of bottle preservation/conching/ageing processes, containers 2 having a small ratio between the surface of the beverage exposed to the air and the volume of the container 2 itself, which is important to prevent oxidation and to obtain a slow conching in the container.

In particular in the field of wine brewing, the invention allows the manufacture of large containers, for example so-called Melchiz é dech bottles with a capacity of more than 30 litres, or even small mouth bells (demijohn) with a capacity of more than 54 litres, which can be easily used by means of a dedicated support structure 1, as shown in the examples in figures 2A-2C and in figure 5.

The invention makes it possible to keep the liquid in an elongated container in a rest position, e.g. horizontal, without contact between the liquid substance and the inner surface of the closure element, e.g. a stopper.

The invention makes it possible to obtain a container mould which is completely gas-permeable except for the part in which the closure element (for example a stopper) can be placed.

The invention allows the introduction into the container of a corresponding volume of gaseous substance "a" of any nature, from air to inert gas, in proportion to the volume of liquid "L" flowing out, to prevent any possibility of oxygen being sucked into the container. The invention allows to reclose the container to preserve liquid substances, for example food drinks, such as wine, also for a long time, even for months, in the same container 2 after partial pouring. In particular, in the addition of the inert gas to the solution of the internal volume "Vin", the liquid substance "L" remains substantially unchanged, since no oxygen is introduced, otherwise the liquid substance "L" will inevitably oxidize and therefore can be consumed substantially unchanged.

The present invention makes the closure element or stopper less important to the function of preserving the liquid substance contained in the container, since the area of said single orifice is very small, substantially eliminating the possible influence of the liquid substance inlet/outlet orifice on the preservation of the liquid substance contained in the container.

Reference numerals

Support structure 1

Rotating element 12

Container 2

Rigid structure 3

Projection or neck 32

Orifice 5

Insertion tube 6

First end 62

Second end 64

Closure element 7

Tank 8

Valve element 82

Gaseous substance "A"

Container "C"

Liquid substance "L"

Internal volume "Vin"

Axis "X"

Vertical axis "Z"

Claims

1. A container (2) for a liquid substance (L) of known density and/or viscosity, comprising a closed rigid structure (3) defining an internal volume (Vin);

the rigid structure (3) comprises a single orifice (5) adapted to:

-allowing the liquid substance (L) to flow out of the container (2) from inside the container (2); and

-allowing a gaseous substance (a), such as air, to flow into the container (2) from outside the container (2);

said rigid structure (3) being adapted not to collapse when the pressure outside the container (2) exceeds the pressure in said internal volume (Vin);

the diameter of the single orifice (5) depends on the density and/or viscosity of the liquid substance (L);

the single orifice (5) is designed in such a way that, even if the container (2) is turned upside down, with the single orifice (5) facing downwards, the liquid substance (L) contained in the internal volume (Vin) of the container (2) does not flow out of the container through the single orifice (5).

2. The container of claim 1, wherein:

-the internal volume (Vin) of the container (2) is comprised between 0.1 and 100 liters;

-the diameter of the single orifice (5) is from 3mm to 12 mm.

3. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (2) is made of at least one of the following materials: glass, ceramic, plastic, wood, metal.

4. Container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid structure (3) defines a projection or neck (32);

the single aperture (5) is formed at the protrusion or neck (32).

5. An assembly, comprising:

-a container (2) for liquid substances (L) according to claim 1, suitable for containing at least one liquid substance (L) in its internal volume (Vin);

-a cannula (6) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the single orifice (5) present in the container (2);

said cannula (6) being suitable for being inserted into said single aperture (5) present in said container (2);

the cannula (6) is adapted to allow a gaseous substance (a), such as air, to flow from outside the container (2) into the container (2).

6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein the cannula (6) is made of at least one of the following materials: glass, plastic, ceramic, wood, metal.

7. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the cannula (6) has a "U" -shape, an "L" -shape, a rectilinear shape or a "V" -shape with an internal angle of 60 ° to 80 °.

8. Assembly according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the outer diameter of the cannula (6) is at least 1/3 smaller than the diameter of the single orifice (5).

9. Assembly according to one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a support structure (1) suitable for supporting the container (2);

the support structure (1) comprises a rotating element (12) adapted to allow the container (2) to rotate about an axis (X) to vary the position of the single aperture (5) so as to position the single aperture (5) facing downwards.

10. Method for obtaining an outflow of a liquid substance (L) contained in a container (2) for liquid substances according to claim 1, comprising the phases of:

-providing an assembly according to claim 5, said assembly comprising a container (2) and a cannula (6);

-turning the container (2) upside down with the single aperture (5) facing downwards;

-inserting said cannula (6) into said single aperture (5) so that at least one gaseous substance (a) can pass through said cannula (6) into an internal volume (Vin) defined by the rigid structure (3) of the container (2);

-allowing an outflow of the liquid substance (L) which occurs only in a slow and laminar manner through said orifice (5).

11. Method according to claim 10, comprising a phase of interrupting the outflow of the liquid substance (L); said phase is carried out by at least temporarily blocking the flow of said at least one gaseous substance (a) through said cannula (6) towards said internal volume (Vin).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the gaseous substance (a) is an inert gas.

13. The method according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the inert gas (a) is stored in a tank (8) connected to the cannula (6) to allow the flow of inert gas (a);

the canister (8) and/or the cannula (6) comprise at least one valve element (82) adapted to selectively prevent the inert gas (A) from flowing towards the inner volume (Vin) through the cannula (6).

14. Method according to claim 10, wherein after the stage of turning the container (2) upside down and before the stage of inserting the cannula (6), there is a sub-stage of removing the closure element (7) from the single aperture (5).