EP2409926A1 - Pouring device designed to be inserted in the outlet nozzle of a receptacle, in particular of a bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a unitary element (10) made from a sheet material. The material is flexible for allowing cylindrical winding of the element and is elastic for allowing the element to be held in a mouth piece of a container by a single contact force exerted by an outer surface (12) of the wound element. An inner surface (11) of the element forms a flow guide for a liquid to be poured, till a free edge (16) of the wound element. The inner surface is bristled with asperities (15) e.g. relief patterns, spikes or tips, providing aeration for the liquid during pouring of the liquid.

Description

The present invention relates to a pouring device for insertion into an outlet end of a container, in particular a bottle.

BACKGROUND

Fifty years ago, it was designed a pouring device of the type consisting of a unitary element of a sheet material both flexible to allow a cylindrical winding of said element on itself and elastic to allow maintenance in place in the outlet mouthpiece by the single contact force exerted by the outer surface of said wound element, the inner surface of said wound element forming to its free edge a flow guide for the liquid to be poured. As such, please refer to the document FR 1 198 362 A .

The pouring device of the aforementioned document is constituted by an elastic and transparent unitary element, with a geometry of its free edge which is chosen to avoid the final dripping at the end of the pouring operation of the liquid, when the bottle is raised.

Reference may also be made to other documents concerning pouring devices, in particular to documents EP 0 329 883 A1 , FR 589 771 A , GB 467 339 A , SE 52 197 B , DE 3,736,245 A , GB 2,180,817A , and US 1,749,253 A .

About fifteen years ago, the aforementioned pouring device was improved, opting for a realization in the form of a circular disk so as to form a free edge better adapted to the shearing of the drops, and with an inner surface to both smooth and repulsive for liquids and low surface adhesion for the liquid in question to effectively prevent drops from traveling down the edge of the outlet port on the outside of the bottle or of the container upon completion of the spill, that is, when the bottle is returned to the upright position. As such, please refer to the document EP-0 560 777 B1 .

Similar arrangements in the form of discs no longer circular, but in the form of cardioid or arrowhead or notched disc, have also been proposed (it will be possible to refer to the documents US 6,073,816 A , US 5,121,779 A , and WO 95/19917 A1 ). All these pouring devices were also made in the form of a flexible and elastic unitary element whose surface, which becomes the inner surface once the unitary element set up in a bottle neck, is perfectly smooth.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to further improve the above-mentioned pouring devices, keeping the concept of a flexible and elastic element wound cylindrically on itself, but able to intervene actively on the liquid to be poured during the passage of the latter. ci through the pouring device.

The invention particularly relates to a pouring device promoting the development of the flavors of the liquid, in particular a wine or a liquor.

GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned technical problem is solved according to the invention by means of a pouring device intended to be inserted into an outlet end of a container, in particular of a bottle, said device being constituted by a unitary element of a material made of sheet both flexible to allow a cylindrical winding of said element on itself and elastic to allow a hold in place in the outlet tip by the only contact force exerted by the outer surface of said wound element, the inner surface of said wound element forming to its free edge a flow guide for the liquid to be poured, said pouring device being remarkable in that the inner surface of the unitary element is at least partially bristled with at least one roughness that provides aeration of the liquid during the payment thereof.

Thus, when the container, in particular the bottle, is inclined to proceed to the pouring of the liquid, the liquid necessarily passes on the roughness or asperities bristling the inner surface of the unitary element, and undergoes a slight stirring which provides aeration of the liquid, that is to say an oxygenation, when the payment thereof. Of course, as will be specified later, this or these asperities should be arranged for the stirring procured remains light, so as not to cause any creation of bubbles or excessive movements that would adversely affect the organoleptic properties of the liquid.

It can be provided that the inner surface of the unitary element is in all bristling with one or more asperities, or alternatively is partly only bristling with one or more asperities, preferably then on the only part that extends to beyond the outlet mouthpiece when said device is put in place.

According to a particular embodiment, the asperities of the inner surface of the unitary element are of point type, being constituted by a plurality of pellets or pins in relief.

According to another embodiment, the asperities of the inner surface of the unitary element are of substantially continuous type, being constituted by at least one geometrical pattern or figurative relief.

According to still another embodiment, the inner surface of the unitary element is bristled with a single asperity, in particular in the form of bulge or rib.

Preferably, the above-mentioned pellets, pins, relief pattern, bulge or rib are added elements, whether or not they are of the same material as that constituting the unitary element, or alternatively, are local deformations of unitary element.

According to still another embodiment, the asperities of the inner surface of the unitary element are constituted by a plurality of punctures. In particular, the punctures have a substantially triangular shape with an upwardly pointed tip, or alternatively have an elongated bar shape.

In general, it may be possible to provide that the asperities of the inner surface of the unitary element are arranged in a predetermined pattern, regular or not.

In particular, the asperities of the inner surface of the unitary element all protrude by the same distance in height. Alternatively, it can be provided that these asperities protrude different distances in height, in particular increasing or decreasing distances in the liquid flow direction.

In a particular embodiment, the unitary element has a triangular general shape with axial symmetry, the axis of symmetry being a generatrix of the unitary element wound cylindrically on itself, the tip of the triangle constituting the end of the edge. free of said element. Alternatively, it can be provided that the unitary element has a generally asymmetrical shape, with a tip constituting the end of the free edge said element.

Advantageously then, the unitary element has a transverse dimension which is sufficient to ensure overlapping of the two lateral edges when said wound element is in place in the outlet nozzle.

It can also be provided that the unit element has a slightly rounded tip geometry to promote the shear formation of liquid drops.

Advantageously finally, it may be advantageous to provide that the unitary element carries a printed pattern on its inner surface and / or outer, or in the mass of said element.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly in the light of the following description and the accompanying drawings relating to particular embodiments of the invention given by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 illustre en perspective un dispositif verseur conforme à l'invention, dans son état à plat, permettant de distinguer les aspérités, ici sous forme de pastilles, qui hérissent la surface supérieure de l'élément unitaire constituant ledit dispositif (qui deviendra la surface intérieure de l'élément unitaire lorsque celui-ci est enroulé cylindriquement) ;
• les figures 2A et 2B illustrent le dispositif verseur enroulé cylindriquement sur lui-même et mis en place dans un goulot de bouteille (figure 2A), ledit dispositif étant alors prêt à fonctionner de manière opérationnelle, en procurant une aération du liquide lors du versement de celui-ci (figure 2B) ;
• la figure 3A est une coupe selon III-III de la figure 1, permettant de mieux distinguer les enfoncements localisés de la paroi de l'élément unitaire au niveau des pastilles constituant les aspérités d'aération ;
• la figure 3B est une variante de la figure 3A , illustrant des pastilles de forme analogue, mais rapportées sur la paroi principale ;
• la figure 4 illustre une variante du dispositif verseur précité, dans laquelle la surface intérieure de l'élément unitaire est en totalité hérissée d'aspérités ;
• la figure 5 illustre encore une autre variante dans laquelle une partie seulement de la surface intérieure de l'élément unitaire est hérissée d'aspérités ;
• la figure 6 illustre en perspective une autre variante dans laquelle les aspérités de la surface intérieure de l'élément unitaire sont constituées par des picots en relief ;
• la figure 7 est une coupe selon VII-VII de la figure 6, permettant de mieux distinguer les enfoncements localisés de la paroi de l'élément unitaire, au niveau des picots ;
• la figure 8 illustre encore une autre variante du dispositif verseur, dans laquelle les aspérités ne sont plus de type essentiellement ponctuel, mais de type continu, en étant par exemple constituées par un motif géométrique ou figuratif en relief, ici en forme de nervurage de feuille, cette figure illustrant également la présence optionnelle d'un motif imprimé, en particulier publicitaire ;
• la figure 9 illustre une autre variante du dispositif verseur dans laquelle les aspérités sont constituées par des crevés, ici de forme triangulaire à pointe tournée vers le haut ;
• la figure 10 illustre une variante du dispositif de la figure 9, dans laquelle les crevés ont une forme de barrette allongée ; et
• la figure 11 illustre encore une autre variante du dispositif verseur, dans laquelle il est prévu une unique aspérité, ici en forme de bombement.

Reference will be made to the figures of the appended drawing in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates in perspective a pouring device according to the invention, in its flat state, to distinguish the asperities, here in the form of pellets, which bristle the upper surface of the unit element constituting said device (which will become the inner surface of the unitary element when it is rolled cylindrically);
• the Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the pouring device wound cylindrically on itself and placed in a bottleneck ( Figure 2A ), said device then being ready to operate in an operational manner, by providing aeration of the liquid during the pouring thereof ( Figure 2B );
• the figure 3A is a section III-III of the figure 1 , making it possible to better distinguish the localized depressions of the wall of the unitary element at the level of the pellets constituting the asperities of aeration;
• the figure 3B is a variant of the figure 3A , illustrating pellets of similar shape, but reported on the main wall;
• the figure 4 illustrates a variant of the aforementioned pouring device, in which the inner surface of the unitary element is in all bristling with asperities;
• the figure 5 illustrates yet another variant in which only a portion of the inner surface of the unitary element is bristling with asperities;
• the figure 6 illustrates in perspective another variant in which the asperities of the inner surface of the unitary element are constituted by raised pins;
• the figure 7 is a section according to VII-VII of the figure 6 , making it possible to better distinguish the localized depressions of the wall of the unitary element, at the level of the pins;
• the figure 8 illustrates yet another variant of the pouring device, in which the asperities are no longer of essentially point type, but of continuous type, being for example constituted by a geometric or figurative relief pattern, here in the form of leaf ribbing, this figure also illustrating the optional presence of a printed motif, in particular advertising;
• the figure 9 illustrates another variant of the pouring device in which the asperities are constituted by punctured, here of triangular shape with tip upwards;
• the figure 10 illustrates a variant of the device of the figure 9 wherein the punctures have an elongated bar shape; and
• the figure 11 illustrates yet another variant of the pouring device, in which there is provided a single asperity, here in the form of a bulge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

On the figure 1 , there is a pouring device according to the invention, which is intended to be inserted into an outlet tip of a container, in particular a bottle. It is represented on this figure in its free state, not coiled, so essentially flat, while on the Figures 2A and 2B the same device is shown rolled cylindrically on itself, that is to say after lifting the lateral edges 13 of the unitary element 10, as shown schematically by the arrows 100 of the figure 1 .

In accordance with the well-known interior technique for about fifty years, the pouring device is constituted by a unitary element denoted 10 of a sheet material both flexible to allow a cylindrical winding of said element on itself and elastic to allow a retention in place in the outlet end by the single contact force exerted by the outer surface denoted 12 of said wound element, the interior surface denoted 11 of said wound element forming to its free edge denoted 16 a flow guide for the liquid to pour.

The Figure 2A illustrates precisely the pouring device thus designed, once it is wound on itself and inserted into an outlet tip, in this case the neck 1 of a bottle, in which it is held in place by its own elasticity own .

Indeed, and in accordance with conventional technology, a rear part rated 17 of the element unitary 10 is inserted inside the bottle neck 1, the rear portion for ensuring the holding in place of said unitary element rolled cylindrically on itself. The portion that protrudes from the edge 2 of the neck 1 constitutes the centerpiece of the pouring device, which operates functionally on the liquid to be poured to the free edge 16 and the pointed tip 14 thereof. The free edge 16 may be rectilinear or curved, but it will be advantageous to provide a rounded tip geometry to promote the shearing of liquid drops in formation, in the manner of the flexible anti-drip verses of the prior art.

According to an essential feature of the invention, the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10, which is the upper surface in the view of the figure 1 , is at least partly bristled with at least one asperity that provides aeration of the liquid during the pouring thereof, as illustrated in Figure 2B .

We thus distinguish on the figure 1 , and the Figures 2A and 2B the presence of a plurality of asperities 15, which are here of point type, being constituted by raised pellets.

We see on the figure 1 that the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 is partly only bristling with asperities 15, in this case on the only part that extends beyond the neck 1 of the bottle when said device is set up as this is illustrated on the Figures 2A and 2B , so that the inner surface 11 is then perfectly smooth at the rear portion 17.

As is best seen on the associated section of the figure 3A , the embossed pellets 15 are local deformations of the unitary element 10, which deformations may be for example performed by passing the flexible element between two complementary calendering rollers.

Alternatively, and as illustrated on the figure 3B , it can be provided that the asperities are inserts, as is visible for the pellets 15.1, then being or not of the same material as that constituting the unitary element 10.

When it comes to indentations of the outer wall 12 as illustrated on the figure 3A there could be a risk of liquid leaking between the inner surface of the bottle neck and the outer surface of the unitary element 10 wound on itself. This is the reason why, in such a situation, it will be preferable to provide that the asperities concern the only part that is external to the bottle neck. Such a constraint does not exist, however, with asperities which are added elements, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3B .

On the figure 4 there is illustrated a variant of the same general shape, but in which the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 is wholly bristled with a plurality of asperities 15, in this case pellets.

On the figure 5 there is illustrated another variant in which the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 is partly only bristling with a plurality of asperities 15, here also pellets, but this part only concerns a median zone of the unitary element 10, again releasing the rear portion 17 which is smooth.

The Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another embodiment of the aforementioned asperities, always of point type, which are then constituted by pins noted 15.2. As can be seen on the associated section of the figure 7 the embossed pins 15.2 are associated with local deformations of the outer surface 12 of the unitary element 10.

On the figure 8 another variant is distinguished in which the asperities of the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 are of the non-point type, but essentially continuous, being for example constituted by a geometric or figurative relief pattern, such as the pattern 15.3 shown here which is a leaf ribbing pattern. A slightly different type of stirring will then be obtained, with an active surface that may be greater than that of the abovementioned pellets or pins.

The figure 8 also illustrates the possibility that the unitary element 10 further carries a pattern printed on its inner surface 11 and / or outer 12, or in the mass of said element. This printed pattern, noted A, is in this case represented by a series of small circles aligned in a transverse direction.

The figures 9 and 10 still illustrate other variants in which the asperities of the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 are constituted by a plurality of punctures. These punctures result from a punching of the wall constituting the unitary element 10 with tools of shape adapted to the desired shape of the asperities.

On the figure 9 , there are 15.4 flat slats that have a predominantly triangular shape with an upward-pointing tip, while on the figure 10 we distinguish 15.5 flat slits that have an elongated bar shape.

In the case of a realization of asperities in the form of punctures, it will be preferable to provide such punctures on the only part of the unitary element 10 which extends beyond the outlet tip, in order to avoid any risk of fluid leakage along the inner surface bottleneck, as already mentioned above. The rear portion 17 of the unitary element 10 is then free of punctures.

In all the examples which have been mentioned above, the asperities 15 to 15.5 of the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 are each arranged in a predetermined pattern, generally substantially regular. This is of course only one example, and we can provide a more random distribution depending on the desired aeration effect.

It will generally be provided that the asperities 15 to 15.5 of the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 all protrude by the same distance in height. As a variant, varying heights, for example increasing or decreasing in the direction of flow of the liquid (variations not illustrated here), may be provided.

The figure 11 illustrates another variant in which the inner surface 11 of the unitary element 10 is bristling with a single roughness 15.6, in particular in the form of bulge or rib as is visible here.

In general, a thermoformable plastic material will be used as the constituent material, and a thickness of 10 to 12 tenths of a millimeter may then be provided. Any type of plastic or metal material likely to be suitable for the application in question, in particular PET, or coated aluminum foils may be used as the constituent material.

In all the embodiments described above, it has been observed that the unitary element 10 has a triangular general shape with axial symmetry, the axis of symmetry denoted X being a generatrix of the unitary element wound cylindrically on itself, the rounded tip 14 of the triangle then forming the end of the edge 16 of said element, in the manner of a feather writing. In this case, the lateral edges 13 of the unitary element 10 are raised as shown by the arrows 100 on the figure 1 for winding said element on itself, on either side of the axis of symmetry X, to then arrive at the conformation illustrated on the Figures 2A and 2B .

However, this is only a preferred variant, it being understood that it will be possible to use different shapes, in particular an asymmetrical general shape, or else shapes with a free rounded edge and not a point-like shape, as is the case here. already well known to foresee it (variants not illustrated here).

In general, whatever the shape chosen, it will be preferable to provide that the unitary element has a transverse dimension which is sufficient to ensure overlapping of the two lateral edges 13 when said wound element is in place in the endpiece. of exit, as is visible on the Figures 2A and 2B . Indeed, the presence of this overlap zone is a guarantee of a sufficient reserve of elasticity which contributes to the natural maintenance of the unitary element wound on itself in the bottle neck.

It has thus been possible to produce a flexible pouring device capable of providing, in addition to a well-known anti-drip function, a function of gentle aeration of the liquid during the pouring thereof, while of course avoiding violent mixing which break the aromas of the liquid.

The pouring device of the invention is also extremely simple in structure and easy to manufacture under economically interesting conditions.

It is therefore in particular very far from past attempts to achieve a rigid pouring device enveloping a venturi to generate a flow turbulent liquid poured.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, but on the contrary covers all variants using, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics mentioned above.

In particular the asperities of aeration may be constituted by surface roughness.

Claims (19)

Pouring device intended to be inserted into an outlet end of a container, in particular of a bottle, said device being constituted by a unitary element (10) of a sheet material both flexible to allow a cylindrical winding of said element on itself and resilient to allow holding in place in the outlet end by the single contact force exerted by the outer surface (12) of said wound element, the inner surface (11) of said wound element forming up to its free edge (16) is a flow guide for the liquid to be poured, characterized in that the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) is at least partly bristled with at least one asperity (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6) which provides aeration of the liquid upon pouring thereof. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) is wholly bristled with one or more asperities (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) is partially bristling with one or more asperities (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.4, 15.5, 15.6). , preferably on the only part which extends beyond the outlet end when said device is put in place. Device according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, characterized in that the asperities of the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) are of the point type, being constituted by a plurality of pellets (15, 15.1) or spikes (15.2) in relief. Device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the asperities of the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) are of substantially continuous type, being constituted by a geometric or figurative pattern (15.3) in relief. Device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) is bristled with a single roughness (15.6), in particular in the form of bulge or rib. Device according to Claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the pellets, spikes, embossed pattern, bulge or rib (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.6) are attached elements, with or without the same material as that constituting the unitary element (10). Device according to claim 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that the pellets, pins, raised pattern, bulge or rib (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.3, 15.6) are the local deformations of the unitary element (10) . Device according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the asperities of the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) consist of a plurality of punctures (15.4, 15.5). Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the punctures (15.4) have a substantially triangular shape with an upward pointing point. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the slits (15.5) have an elongated bar shape. Device according to claim 4 or claim 9, characterized in that the pellets, raised pimples, or punctured (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.4, 15.5) of the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) are arranged in a predetermined pattern, regular or not. Device according to claim 4 or claim 9, characterized in that the asperities (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.4, 15.5) of the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) all project at the same height distance. . Device according to claim 4 or claim 9, characterized in that the asperities (15, 15.1, 15.2, 15.4, 15.5) of the inner surface (11) of the unitary element (10) project from different distances in height, particular of increasing or decreasing distances in the direction of circulation of the liquid. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the unitary element (10) has a triangular general shape with axial symmetry, the axis of symmetry (X) being a generatrix of the unitary element wound cylindrically on itself, the tip (14) of the triangle constituting the end of the free edge (16) of said element. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the unitary element (10) has a generally asymmetrical shape, with a tip constituting the end of the free edge of said element. Device according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that the unitary element (10) has a transverse dimension which is sufficient to ensure a covering of the two lateral edges (13) when said wound element is in place in the endpiece Release. Device according to one of Claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the unitary element (10) has a slightly rounded tip geometry (14). to promote the shearing of liquid drops in formation. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the unitary element (10) carries a pattern (A) printed on its inner surface (11) and / or outer (12), or in the mass of said element .

Images