ES2689040T3 - Gollete for a bottle of drink and production procedure of a preform of a neck - Google Patents

Abstract

A neck (10) for a beverage bottle comprising a sheet (12) of flexible material, said neck defining a first state that constitutes a substantially flat preform state in which said sheet of flexible material defines an outer circumferential edge (14 ), said sheet of flexible material being elastically curved to a second state in which said sheet of flexible material defines a tube to be inserted into the mouth (30) of said beverage bottle (32), said sheet of flexible material defining, when in said first state, a substantially semi-elliptical folding line (16) extending from a first point (18) in said outer circumferential edge to a second point (20) in said outer circumferential edge and delimiting a first region ( 22) of said sheet of flexible material that is substantially semi-elliptical and said first region, in said second state, can be folded between an open state rto in which said sheet of flexible material defines an unobstructed channel (34) within said pipe and a closed state in which said semi-elliptical region of said sheet of flexible material is folded into said channel and obstructs said tube.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Gollete for a bottle of beverage and procedure for the production of a neck preform Description

The present invention relates to a neck for a beverage bottle and a method for producing a neck preform.

Background

For centuries it has been known to store drinks in bottles that have the characteristic shape of a wide body portion to contain most of the beverage and a narrow neck portion that defines an edge, which will be called mouth in the present context, for the controlled pouring of the drink. During storage, the mouth of the beverage bottle is closed by a closure typically in the form of a cork or stopper. Therefore, the mouth of the beverage bottle must necessarily have a stiffness and thickness that allows the closure to be accommodated and a sufficient sealing pressure applied thereto to prevent any beverage leakage.

The thickness of the mouth of the beverage bottle constitutes a problem during pouring because it does not define a well-defined flow separation point between the bottle and the air when the bottle is tilted from the upright state, without spillage, to the substantially state vertical discharge. Therefore, a certain skill and speed is required during the pouring to achieve separation of the flow and prevent all the drink from adhering to the bottle and flowing out of the bottle, normally erring the intended objective that is a glass of drink. However, since in most cases even young children have the ability to pour beverages, the most important problem is to prevent a small amount of drink, such as a few drops, from accumulating in the mouth when The pouring ends and the beverage bottle is returned to the vertical state. The small amount of drink left in the mouth of the bottle can flow along the side of the drink bottle and cause stains, etc., when falling onto the tablecloth.

The present inventor is the inventor of the pouring device covered by European patent EP 0 560 777 B1. The prior art document mentioned above describes a piece of a suitable, elastic and flexible sheet material, which can be inserted into the opening of the bottle as a tubular shaped roll. The present inventor is also the creator of the Dropstop® brand. (A brand owned by Schur Intellectuals A / S, VR 1994 03146 and CTM 009313421)

Similar types of necklaces have been described in the following prior art documents:

WO0023337 describes a sheet of flexible material with which a pouring device can be formed, with an opening limiter, which can be curved and introduced into the pouring channel.

Document DE 3736245 A1 describes a technology for the use of a fluid repellent material in the mouth of the beverage bottle.

EP 0 329 883 describes a container with a neck having an integral dispensing neck.

EP 2 065 312 A1 and EP 2070829 A1 both describe a neck device that has a strap that can be placed around the neck of the beverage bottle.

EP 2 409 926 A1 describes a neck comprising a sheet having a rough surface to aerate the beverage flowing through the neck.

EP 2 620 382 A1 describes a drip collector for aerating drinks. The drip collector comprises a flexible and elastic sheet material, which can be deformed into a tubular roll and has a plurality of cuts and fold lines that can be deformed to project into the hollow interior of the tubular roll to form obstacles.

Document FR 589.771 refers to a beverage container that has a groove that closes during transport and that can be opened by means of a card to be able to pour the beverage into a user's mouth.

Document FR 1,198,362 refers to a spout comprising a rectangular strip having a tongue on one edge that can coincide with the opposite edge.

GB 467,339 refers to an apparatus that fits in the mouth of a bottle. The apparatus is elastic so as not to damage the bottle, whatever the downward pressure that may be exerted on the apparatus.

Document GB 2 180 817 A refers to a drip collection collar for a container, to collect the drips from the container.

Document SE 52197 refers to a tap neck having an inclined channel, located on the outer wall

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of the neck, which is interconnected with the inside of the neck to collect and guide any liquid dripping from the neck and return it to the inside of the neck.

Document US 1749253 refers to a pouring neck, in which any drop of liquid that forms in a mouth or pouring tip is trapped in a channel arranged around this mouth or pouring lip and returned to the inside of the vessel.

US 2005/0023308 refers to a device for inserting an anti-drip element into the mouth of a bottle.

WO2012 / 175571 A refers to a drip prevention system comprising a drip cutter, which can be inserted into the neck of a bottle, and a capsule that completely encloses the drip cutter. The capsule has a removable part and a part that can be used as a retainer to insert the drip cutter.

WO2013 / 030363 refers to a drip prevention device comprising a second plate type element for improving the oxygenation of the liquid.

GB 886484, US 4063493, US 4674377, US 4715250, US 5033201, US 5189935 and US 5220858 describe different procedures for drilling and folding sheet materials.

Summary of the invention

Returning to the sheet technology originally described in EP 0 560 777 B1, the roll of the sheet material defines a neck comprising a short channel and a very thin mouth that constitute the edge of the sheet material, whose mouth constitutes first place a very well defined flow separation point that allows a slow and uniform pouring and, secondly, prevents any accumulation of drink in the mouth, thus preventing any drop of drink from flowing out of the bottle after the bottle has been returned to the vertical state. This is a very simple but effective neck for most drinks such as carbonated drinks, non-carbonated drinks, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks. Normal use will be for wine and sparkling wine, although using the present neck can be poured other beverages such as beer, cola, water, etc. Additionally, it is clear that the present neck can also be used for liquid products other than beverages, such as oil, gasoline, etc.

The most obvious drawback for the users of the prior art necklaces is the fact that the necklet, once inserted into the mouth of the bottle, prevents the ordinary closing of the beverage by sealing the mouth. Therefore, the user must remove the neck in case of having to seal the bottle and the withdrawal of the neck implies the risk of spillage and the problem of where to leave the neck during the closed state of the beverage bottle. Alternatively, leaving the neck in the mouth of the bottle may allow the entry of foreign substances into beverages, such as dirt, dust, pollen, insects, etc., and may also allow some of the volatile aroma of the beverage to escape.

Therefore, there is a need for technologies to close a bottle of beverage provided with a neck.

The above object, together with numerous other objects, which will be apparent from the detailed description below, is in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention obtained by a neck for a beverage bottle comprising a sheet of flexible material, the neck defining a first state that constitutes a substantially flat preform state, in which the flexible material sheet defines an outer circumferential edge, the flexible material sheet being able to be elastically curved to a second state in which the flexible material sheet defines a tube to be inserted into the mouth of the beverage bottle, the sheet of flexible material defining, when in the first state, a substantially semi-elliptical folding line extending from a first point on the outer circumferential edge to a second point at the outer circumferential edge, delimiting a first region of the sheet of material flexible that is substantially semi-elliptical, and the first region can be folded, when it is in the second state, between an open state, in which the sheet of flexible material defines an unobstructed channel within the tube, and a closed state in which The semi-elliptical region of the sheet of flexible material is folded into the channel and clogs the tube.

The present neck is supplied and stored in the first state, that is, the state in which the flat preform occupies a minimum space. When a new beverage bottle is opened, the sheet of flexible material is rolled to form a tube in the second state. The sheet of flexible material can be elastically curved, that is, when it is in the second state the sheet of flexible material has a tendency to return to the first state when it is free. By placing the tube in the mouth of the bottle, the second state is maintained and the tube applies a sealing force on the mouth. The thickness of the material is normally in the sub-millimeter range and is chosen together with the materials so that, with the strength of the hands, the sheet of flexible material can be elastically deformed in a tube, without plastically deforming the flexible material.

The substantially semi-elliptical folding line can be, for example, a stamped or partially cut line that allows the user to fold the semi-elliptical region in a simple and well-defined manner. It is understood that the substantially semi-elliptical folding line extends from the outer circumferential edge, along

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an elliptical curve inward, and returns outward to another point on the outer circumferential edge producing substantially a semi-ellipse. The word line should be understood, in the present context, as also encompassing curves in addition to straight lines. When it is in the second state, that is, the tube state, the semi-elliptical region, that is, the first region, can follow the general cylindrical contour of the tube that generates a channel within the tube for the beverage. This constitutes the open state of the neck and corresponds to the state in which the previously mentioned prior art device is used.

The closed state corresponds to a state in which the semi-elliptical region is pushed into the channel, thus blocking the channel. Although the elliptical region may not seal the channel tightly, it will avoid the above-mentioned inconveniences, that is, the entry of foreign particles and the escape of aroma particles. It will also prevent, at least to some extent, the oxygen from entering the bottle and, therefore, can replace, at least for a short period of time, the ordinary closure. The cylindrical shape of the neck and the first region act in principle bistable and only allow the two states of the first region in relation to the rest of the tube, one being the open state and the other being the closed state.

According to a further embodiment, the circumferential edge defines a circle. The circular shape of the neck in the first state produces in the second state a cylindrical wedge. Preferably, the tube is formed so that the first region constitutes the upper part of the wedge. This will simplify the closing and opening of the neck.

According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material is manufactured with a sheet of metal coated with plastic. In this way, the material can be manufactured thin, flexible and elastically curved, taking advantage of the elasticity of the plastic and the rigidity of the metal.

According to a further embodiment, the main axis of the first region is directed towards the center of the sheet of flexible material. Preferably, the first region defines a distance from the outer circumferential edge to its innermost point greater than between the first and second points so that a suitable elongated closure lip having an elliptical shape can be formed. When closed, the first region will define an angle with respect to the rest of the tube between approximately 10 ° and 90 °, preferably between approximately 10 ° and 45 °.

According to a further embodiment, when in the first state, the sheet of flexible material defines an additional, substantially semi-elliptical folding line, which extends from a third point on the outer circumferential edge to a fourth point on the outer circumferential edge and delimits a second region of the sheet of flexible material that is substantially semi-elliptical, the second region being separated from the first region and having a major axis longer than this. In general, it is known that the diameter of the mouth can vary between different types of bottles. Normally, a smaller bottle, such as a medium-sized bottle, will have a smaller diameter mouth compared to a standard size bottle, while a larger bottle, such as a magnum-sized bottle, will have a larger diameter mouth in comparison with a standard size bottle. Thus, the tube formed by rolling the sheet of flexible material will also have a diameter that can vary depending on the bottle. Therefore, the first region that is normally suitable for the mouth of a standard-sized bottle may be less suitable for closing a magnum or a medium-sized bottle. Therefore, the sheet of flexible material can define, when in the first state, an additional fold line, substantially semi-elliptical, to allow the formation of a second region, this being a second substantially semi-elliptical region. This second region may be larger or smaller than the first region so that it is more suitable for closing smaller or larger bottles. The unused region will simply remain in the open state. It is understood that even more regions, such as a third semi-elliptical region, can be used.

According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material defines, when in the first state, a straight folding line that extends from a fifth point on the outer circumferential edge to a sixth point on the outer circumferential edge and delimits a third region, whose third region completely covers the first region. The straight folding line will form a stop line that will be of help to the user, both when introducing the tube into the mouth of the bottle and when switching between the open and closed state.

According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material defines, when in the first state, another straight folding line that extends from a seventh point on the outer circumferential edge to an eighth point on the outer circumferential edge and that delimits a fourth region, whose fourth region completely covers the second region. A second straight line may be used in relation to the second region, in the same manner as above, provided that said second region is present.

According to a further embodiment, the straight folding line defines an indentation of 1-3 mm deep, preferably 2 mm deep. The depth is suitable to provide a sufficiently large circular protuberance in the tube.

According to a further embodiment, the straight folding line defines a central point that is located 16-26 mm from the outer circumferential edge, preferably 18-24 mm, more preferably 20 to 22 mm, even more

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preferably 21 mm. The straight folding line will form a circular line that will act as a bump in the mouth of the beverage bottle, preventing the tube from falling into the bottle and allowing the tube to be placed in an optimal position inside the mouth. In the optimal position, approximately 1/3 of the tube is outside the mouth of the bottle and approximately 2/3 of the tube is inside the neck of the bottle. In this way, there is a minimal risk of the tube being released from the bottle.

According to a further embodiment, the folding line comprises a pressed line or, alternatively, a series of perforations. Preferably, the series of perforations defines openings small enough to prevent the flow of the beverage at normal pouring pressures of the beverage. A pressed line will allow the semi-elliptical region to fold easily between the open and the closed state, while a folding line that comprises a series of small holes will be a little more difficult to fold, although it will be more aesthetically acceptable since the fold does not It will be as visible as the pressed crease. An opening that has a diameter of up to a few hundred pm will allow the beverage to remain inside the neck due to surface tension, while a larger opening, such as an opening greater than one mm, will allow the beverage to flow through the hole, which is undesirable in the present context.

According to a further embodiment, the folding line defines a straight line adjacent to the outer circumferential edge. In this way, the folding of the first region between the open and closed states will be simplified. In addition, the straight line portion of the folding line produces a well-defined closed state and, therefore, prevents the first region from accidentally passing from the closed state to the open state.

According to a further embodiment, the flexible material sheet defines, when in the first state, a surface area between 1 cm2 and 1 dm2, preferably between 10 cm2 and 50 cm2 The size of the flexible material sheet should not be too small, since it should be able to be folded into a tube inside the mouth of the beverage bottle, while a too large size of the sheet of flexible material will produce a large neck that will be rolled several times, which obviously is a waste of material The above sizes achieve a tube that is rolled in a standard wine bottle with a circumferential overlap of approximately 50%.

The above object together with numerous other objects, which will be apparent from the following detailed description, are in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention obtained by a method for producing a neck for a bottle of beverage, the process comprising the steps from:

provide a sheet of flexible material,

stamping on the sheet of flexible material a substantially flat preform defining an outer circumferential edge,

stamping a substantially semi-elliptical folding line, which extends from a first point on the outer circumferential edge to a second point on the outer circumferential edge and that delimits a first region of the sheet of flexible material that is substantially semi-elliptical.

The present method according to the second aspect is preferably used to make the neck according to the first aspect. The stamping procedure can be used to achieve both the cut for the circumferential edge and the fold for the substantially semi-elliptical region.

According to a further embodiment, the stamping is performed simultaneously in the same process stage.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1A is a view of a neck in the flat preform state.

FIG. 1B is a view of a neck which is being rolled from the preform state to the tubular state.

FIG. 1C is a view of a neck in the tube state.

FIG. 2A is a view of a neck in the open state.

FIG. 2B is a view of a neck in the closed state.

FIG. 2A is a view of a neck in the open state

FIG. 3 is a view of a first square neck FIG. 4 is a view of a second square neck FIG. 5 is a view of a third square neck FIG. 6 is a view of a second circular neck

FIG. 7 is a view of a manufacturing plant for rotational stamping of necklaces Detailed description of the drawings

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a neck 10 for a bottle of drink (not shown). In the present view, the neck 10 is in a preform state and comprises a flat sheet 12 of flexible material defining a circumferential edge 14 having a circular shape. The piece 14 of flexible material comprises a folding semi-elliptical line 16 extending from a first point 18 on the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet 12

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of flexible material, inward and along a substantially elliptical curve, towards the center of the sheet 12 of flexible material, reaching a more internal point and returning to a second point 20 on the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet 12 of flexible material

The folding semi-elliptical line 16 defines a semi-elliptical region 22 in the sheet 12 of flexible material. Additionally, the sheet 12 of flexible material comprises a straight fold line 24 that follows a straight line from a fifth point 26 at the circumferential edge 14 to a sixth point 28 at the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet 12 of flexible material. The first and second points 18 and 20 are closer together than the fifth and sixth points 26, 28.

In the present embodiment, the folding line 16 defines an optional straight portion, adjacent to the circumferential edge 14. This straight portion simplifies the folding of the semi-elliptical region 22 from the open state to the closed state, as will be explained later.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a neck 10 when rolled in the form of a tube as shown by the arrow. The sheet 12 of flexible material is wound by curving and joining opposite parts of the circumferential edge 14. The sheet 12 of flexible material is elastically deformable and, therefore, a force is required to deform it from the flat shape. The sheet 12 of flexible material is curved so that the semi-elliptical region 22 forms the upper part of the tube. The sheet 12 of flexible material is preferably made of a plastic coated aluminum sheet.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a 10 'neck when it is rolled in a tube and inserted into the mouth 30 of a bottle 32 of beverage. The elastic deformation force causes the sheet 12 'of flexible material to seal against the inner wall of the neck portion of the bottle 32. The circumferential edge 14 forms a well-defined flow separation line that prevents any spillage or dripping of beverage . The neck 10 'forms a tube having an internal channel 34 that allows the beverage 36 to flow from the bottle 32 outwards. The fold 24 in a straight line forms a circular protrusion that prevents pushing the neck 10 'into the bottle 32.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a neck 10 'rolled and inserted into the mouth 30 of a bottle of beverage 32 when it is in the open state. The semi-elliptical region 22 'is deployed and follows the general shape of the rest of the sheet 12 of flexible material, whereby the channel 34 is not clogged and the beverage can be poured.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a neck 10 '' rolled and inserted into the mouth 30 of a bottle 32 of beverage when it is in the closed state. The semi-elliptical region 22 '' is folded or folded inward, as shown by the arrow, along the fold line 16 in order to obstruct the channel 34 of the neck 10 ". Thus, the neck 10" It is closed, preventing any object from entering the bottle 32 and preventing the escape of volatile aromatic substances from the bottle 32. By unfolding the semi-elliptical region 22 ", the beverage bottle 32 can be reopened.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a neck 10a that has a square shape in the preform state. Although the circular shape may be preferable, since it allows easy access to the semi-elliptical region for simple opening and closing, it will be equally feasible to manufacture a square neck. In the present embodiment, the semi-elliptical region 22 is located adjacent to the side of the square.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a neck 10b having a square shape in the preform state. The present embodiment differs from the previous neck 10a in that the semi-elliptical region 22 is located in the corner of the square. In this way, the same advantages as with a circular neck can be achieved.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a neck 10c having a square shape in the preform state. In the present embodiment, the semi-elliptical region 22 protrudes from the side of the square. In this way, the same advantages as with a circular neck can be achieved.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a neck 10d having a circular shape in the preform state. The present neck 10d defines a first semi-elliptical region 22 and a second semi-elliptical region 22a, defined by another folding semi-elliptical line 16a, which extends from a third point 18a to a fourth point 20a at the outer circumferential edge, the second elliptical region being 22a opposite the first semi-elliptical region 22. In this way, the neck can be used for bottle mouths having two different diameters. The first semi-elliptical region 22 has additional perforations 23 that provide additional flexibility to the first semi-elliptical region 22 and help shape the neck in the open position and simplify the closing of the neck. The neck 10d also has an additional straight fold line 24a, FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a manufacturing plant 38, in which necklets 10 are manufactured by stamping. Plant 38 comprises a first roller 40 and a second roller 42 located in front of the first roller. A large sheet 44 of the flexible material is inserted between the rollers 40, 42, as shown by the arrow. The first roller 40 comprises a multitude of dies 46, each comprising a circumferential cutting blade 48 for generating the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet 12 of flexible material of the neck 10, a substantially semi-elliptical profile 50 for generating the semi-elliptical line 16 of folding and a straight profile 52 to generate the straight line 24 of folding.

Although the aforementioned neck according to the present invention is preferably used as a

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operable and lovable neck, it is obvious that it can also be used as a permanently open neck according to EP 0 560 777 B1.

Parts list with reference to the drawings:

10. Gollete

12. Flexible material sheet 14. External circumferential edge 16. Semi-elliptical folding line 18. First point 20. Second point

22. Semi-elliptical region

23. Additional perforations

24. Straight line 26. Fifth point 28. Sixth point 30. Mouth

32. Bottle 34. Channel 36. Drink

38. Manufacturing plant 40. First roller 42. Second roller 44. Large sheet 46. Profile

48. Cutting blade 50. Semi-elliptical profile 52. Profile in a straight line.

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. A neck (10) for a beverage bottle comprising a sheet (12) of flexible material, said neck defining a first state that constitutes a substantially flat preform state in which said sheet of flexible material defines an outer circumferential edge (14), said sheet of flexible material being able to be elastically curved to a second state in which said sheet of flexible material defines a tube to be inserted into the mouth (30) of said beverage bottle (32), said sheet of material defining flexible, when in said first state, a substantially semi-elliptical folding line (16) extending from a first point (18) on said outer circumferential edge to a second point (20) on said outer circumferential edge and delimiting a first region (22) of said sheet of flexible material that is substantially semi-elliptical and said first region, in said second state, can be folded between a state of open in which said sheet of flexible material defines an unobstructed channel (34) within said pipe and a closed state in which said semi-elliptical region of said sheet of flexible material is folded into said channel and obstructs said tube. 2. The neck (10) according to claim 1, wherein said circumferential edge (14) defines a circle. 3. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet (12) of flexible material is made of a metal sheet coated with plastic. 4. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main axis of said first region (22) is directed towards the center of said sheet of flexible material. 5. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet (12) of flexible material defines, when in said first state, a substantially semi-elliptic folding line (16a) extending from a fifth point (18a) in said outer circumferential edge to a sixth point (20a) in said outer circumferential edge that delimits a second region (22a) of said sheet of flexible material that is substantially semi-elliptical, said second region being separated from said first region and having a main axis longer than this. 6. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet (12) of flexible material defines, when in said first state, a straight line (24) of folding extending from a third point (26) in said outer circumferential edge to a fourth point (28) in said outer circumferential edge and delimiting a third region, whose third region completely encompasses said first region. 7. The neck (10) according to claim 5 in combination with claim 6, wherein said sheet (12) of flexible material defines, when in said first state, an additional straight fold line (24a) extending from a seventh point (26a) in said outer circumferential edge to an eighth point (28a) in said outer circumferential edge and delimiting a fourth region, whose fourth region completely encompasses said second region. 8. The neck (10) according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein said straight folding line defines an indentation of 1-3 mm deep, preferably 2 mm deep. 9. The neck (10) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein said straight fold line (24) defines a central point located 16-26 mm from said outer circumferential edge, preferably 18 at 24 mm, more preferably from 20 to 22 mm, even more preferably 21 mm. 10. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said folding line (16) comprises a pressed line. 11. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said folding line (16) defines a part of a straight line adjacent to said outer circumferential edge (14). 12. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said folding line (16) comprises a series of perforations, said series of perforations preferably defining openings sufficiently small to prevent the flow of beverage at pressures Normal pouring of the drink. 13. The neck (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet (12) of flexible material defines, when in said first state, a surface area of between 1 cm2 and 1 dm2, preferably between 10 cm2 and 50 cm2. 14. A method for producing a neck (10) for a bottle of beverage, said method comprising the steps of: providing a sheet (12) of flexible material, stamping on said sheet of flexible material a substantially flat preform defining an outer circumferential edge (14), stamping a fold line (16), substantially semi-elliptical, extending from a first point (18) in said outer circumferential edge to a second point (20) in said outer circumferential edge and delimiting a first region (22) of said sheet of flexible material that is substantially semi-elliptical. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said stamping is performed simultaneously in the same process step.