WO2009034088A1

WO2009034088A1 - Device for opening, closing and carrying bottles

Info

Publication number: WO2009034088A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/061950
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Hartmann
Original assignee: Ronald Hartmann
Priority date: 2007-09-10
Filing date: 2008-09-09
Publication date: 2009-03-19

Abstract

Device (2) for opening and closing a screw cap (10) of a bottle (1) made of PET, the device (2) comprising a gripping part (5) and a clamping mechanism (8, 17) firmly attached to the gripping part (5), the clamping mechanism (8, 17) being able to engage with the peripheral wall of the cap (10) so as to allow the opening or closing of the cap (10) by applying a force to the gripping part (5), characterized in that the device (2) also comprises a fastening mechanism (4, 19) capable of attaching the gripping part (5) to the bottle (1).

Description

Device for opening, closing and carrying bottles

Technical area

The invention relates to a device for assisting the opening and closing of a bottle having a threaded cap, which is easy to use and allows the opening and repeated closing of the bottle. The invention also relates to a device that can be used to carry the bottle and as an aid to the opening and closing of the bottle.

State of the art

Threaded caps bottles, for example PET bottles containing a drink, can sometimes be difficult to open, especially for children, the elderly, or people with reduced mobility, but also for a person of strength and average skill in the case of the first opening, when breaking the security seal or when the cap has been screwed too strongly.

[0003] A number of help devices for opening a threaded cap of a bottle are known. For example, the document

US20070204726 claims a device comprising a gripping portion having the shape of a handle and a conical housing in which can be housed plugs of different diameters. The inner wall of the housing has ribs, extending in the direction of the axis of the housing, and to engage frictionally with the plug.

In the patent application JP2003002397, a device comprises a housing conforming to the outer shape of the plug and comprising splines so as to engage with the grooves of the plug. Part extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the housing plays the role 2 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

lever, facilitating the application of force for opening or closing a threaded plug.

In the above documents, the device is only used at the time of opening and / or closing the bottle cap. It must typically be kept separate from the bottle with the risk of not having it available when it is required.

In the application JP2000085807, a device for assisting the opening and closing of threaded plugs is disposed on a threaded cap of a PET bottle and is secured to the bottle with a belt passed. around the neck of the bottle, under the collar, and attached to the cap. The device is however not mounted fixed on the cap, it can easily detach and take along the bottle, which can become annoying for the user.

Brief summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for opening and closing a screw cap of a PET bottle without limitations of the state of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for the opening and closing of a bottle having a threaded cap, which allows the repeated opening and closing of the bottle and which can be also used to carry the bottle.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved in particular by means of a device comprising a gripping portion and a clamping member integral with the gripping portion and engageable with the peripheral wall of the plug, so as to allow the opening or closing the stopper by applying a force on the gripping portion. 3 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

The device also comprises a fixing member capable of securing the gripping portion with the bottle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the clamping member comprises at least two flexible strips mounted integral with the gripping portion, one of the faces comprises a profile engaging with the periphery of the plug when the insertion of the device on the bottle. The fixing member also comprises at least two hooks mounted integral with the gripping portion and at least one actuating member arranged to move the hooks so that they engage under a collar of the bottle and / or disengage from it.

In a variant of the embodiment, the actuating member is a push button mounted concentrically in the gripping portion and movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion, so as to separate the hooks and to disengage them from the collar when the button is depressed.

In a variant of the embodiment, the actuating member is an annular portion mounted screwed on the lower periphery of the gripping portion and having a projected portion, arranged to push the hooks and engage under the collar when the annular portion is screwed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the clamping member comprises a first concentric housing with the gripping portion and having a first peripheral wall comprising a profile engageable with the periphery of the plug during the insertion of the device on the bottle; the device also comprising a fixing member comprising a second housing, disposed above and concentric with the first housing, the second housing comprising a second peripheral wall comprising a screw thread, capable of screwing 4 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

instead of the cap for securing the gripping portion with the bottle.

This solution has the advantage over the prior art to offer not only an aid to the opening of the bottle, but also to facilitate the transport of the bottle. It is also possible to leave the device on the closed bottle and remove it easily when the bottle is empty. The device acts as a handle and may be provided with a strap to carry it on the shoulder or to attach it to a support. When the device is attached to a support, (backpack for example) it is easy to remove the bottle from the device and put the device on the bottle once you have drunk.

Brief description of the figures

Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows the device of the invention in a first embodiment;

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in a section perpendicular to the plane of the device, before its introduction a cap of a bottle;

Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 2, after its introduction the cap;

Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 2, disengaged from the plug;

Figure 5 shows the device in a section perpendicular to the plane of the device, in another embodiment;

Figure 6 shows the device of Figure 5, engaged on the plug; 5 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the device of Figure 5;

Figure 8 illustrates the device in a section perpendicular to the plane of the device, in another embodiment;

Figure 9 illustrates the device of Figure 8 engaged on the plug;

Figure 10 illustrates the device of Figure 2 in an alternative embodiment;

Figure 11 illustrates the device of Figure 10 engaged on the plug;

Figure 12 illustrates the device in a section perpendicular to the plane of the device, in another embodiment;

Figure 13 illustrates the device of Figure 12 engaged on the plug;

Figure 14 illustrates a top view of the device of Figure 12;

Figure 15 illustrates another top view of the device of Figure 12;

Figure 16 illustrates a side view of the device of Figure 12;

Figure 17 illustrates another side view of the device of Figure 12;

Figure 18 illustrates another top view of the device of Figure 12;

Figure 19 shows the device in a section perpendicular to the plane of the device, in another embodiment; and

Fig. 20 shows the device of Fig. 19 after removal of the plug. 6 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

Example (s) of embodiment of the invention

Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a device 2 for opening and closing bottles in one embodiment of the invention. An overview of the device is illustrated in Figure 1 which shows the device 2 which has a gripping portion 5 having the shape of a hollow handle, into which can be introduced a screw cap 10 of a bottle 1. In In the example of FIG. 1, the plug 10, visible through the device 2, has ridges on its periphery, as is typically the case with the PET bottle caps containing a beverage. Also visible in Figure 1, openings 3 formed in the gripping portion 5 allow the passage of a strap (not shown) serving, for example, to carry the assembly formed by the device 2 and the bottle 1 on the shoulder. The openings can also be used to attach any other strap or clip system, which can be attached, for example, to a bag, belt, seat, bike frame, or any other place where it is useful to attach the bottle 1.

The device 2 comprises a clamping member, also housed inside the gripping portion 5, comprising two tongues 8. These are preferably made of a flexible material, and fixed in opposite manner one by relative to the other on the gripping portion 5, substantially parallel to an axis A of symmetry of the gripping portion 5, so as to come to press against the periphery of the plug 10 when the device 2 is introduced thereon . The face of the tongues 8 coming into contact with the periphery of the plug 10 comprises a profile 9, for example, formed of grooves substantially similar to those of the plug 10, and being able to engage mechanically and / or by friction with the peripheral wall plug 10, so as to transmit on the plug 10 the force applied on the gripping portion 5. With the lever arm provided by the gripping portion 5, the opening and closing of the plug 10 is facilitated. Once the cap 10 has been unscrewed, the pressure exerted by the tongues 8 makes it possible to retain it in the gripping portion 5. 7 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

Other configurations of the clamping member are also possible. For example, the clamping member may comprise one or more tongues 8 distributed equidistantly or otherwise in the gripping portion 5. The profile 9 may comprise streaks of various shapes and orientations, for example triangular grooves or grooves. rectangular ribs more or less spaced. In a variant, the lamellae 8 comprise only one groove or rib.

The device 2 also comprises a fixing member comprising two hooks 4, preferably made of a flexible material, and have a finger 6 at their lower end. The hooks 4 are fixed by their upper end to the gripping portion 5, substantially parallel to the axis A, opposite to each other. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 4, the two hooks 4 form a cross arrangement with the two strips 8. The fastener may also comprise one or more hooks 4.

The hooks 4 are actuated by an actuating member comprising a push button 13 having the shape of an inverted capsule in the example of Figures 1 to 4, mounted concentrically in the gripping portion 5, and capable of move in the direction of the axis A.

The operation of the fastener is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, showing a view of the device 2 in a section perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion 5. More particularly, Figure 2 shows the device 2 before its introduction on the cap 10. When introducing the device 2 on the cap 10 (Figure 3), the flexible hooks 4 deviate so as to let the cap 10 and the collar 7. The rounded shape of the fingers 6 facilitates the spacing of the hooks 4 during their passage over the cap 10 and the collar 7. After the passage, the hooks 4 return to their starting position, the fingers 6 coming to rest under the collar 7. In this position of the fixing member 2, the gripping portion 5 is secured to the bottle 1 and can be used to lift and carry the bottle 1. 8 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

When the button 13 is depressed, as shown in Figure 4, the latter is pressed and slide along an inclined portion 22 of the hook 4 and moves the hooks 4 by bending so as to disengage the fingers 6 of the collar 7 and, thus, disengage the gripping portion 5 of the bottle 1. When the device 2 is introduced again on the cap 10, the button 13 back to its original position and the hooks 4 return to their original position.

Other configurations of the hooks 4 is also possible. For example, the hooks 4 may be fixed so as to form an angle relative to the axis A. In this configuration, the button 13 slides along the hooks 4 by spreading them when pressed.

Preferably, the tongues 8 and the hooks 4 are made in one piece with the gripping portion 5. The various parts of the device 2 can be made of a plastic material by a method of injection, molding or any other known method for making such parts sufficiently accurately.

In a variant of the embodiment of the device 2, illustrated in Figures 10 and 1 1 in a section perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion 5, the tongues 8 are fixed on the lower periphery of the gripping portion 5. Figure 10 shows the device 2 before its introduction on the cap 10 and the figure 1, after its introduction. During the introduction of the device 2 on the plug 10, the profiled face 9 of the tongues 8 press on the plug 10, so as to transmit the force applied on the device 2 on the plug 10. In FIGS. 10 and 11 , the openings 3 made in the gripping portion 5 are also visible.

In another embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 9 showing a view of the device 2 in a section perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion 5, the hooks 4 are fixed to the gripping portion 5, substantially parallel to the axis A, so as to let pass 9 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

10 and the flange 7. The actuating member is an annular portion 11 comprising a projected portion 23, substantially parallel to the plane of the gripping portion 5. The annular portion 1 1 is screwed onto a threaded portion 12 on the lower periphery of the gripping portion 5, so as to move the annular portion 1 1 axially upwards.

More particularly, Figure 5 shows the device 2 before its introduction on the plug 10. After the introduction of the device 2 on the plug 10 (Figure 6), the annular portion 11 is screwed onto the threaded portion 12 and is moves upwards so that the projected part 23 comes to press on the hooks 4. In the example of FIGS. 5 to 9, the end of the projected part 23 slides along an inclined part, being at the level of the fingers 6, bending the hooks 4 gradually as the annular portion 1 1 moves upwards, until the hooks 4 are engaged under the collar 7. In the screwed position, the hooks are engaged under the collar 7 and the gripping portion 5, integral with the bottle 1, can be used to lift and carry the bottle 1. The hooks 4 can be disengaged from the collar 7 by unscrewing the annular portion 1 January.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the device 2, showing the gripping portion 5, the annular portion 1 1 and the threaded portion 12. The openings 3, made in the upper part 5, are also visible.

Figures 8 and 9 show the device 2 according to another section perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion 5, where two tabs 8 are visible, before the introduction of the device 2 in the plug 10 in the case of the figure 8, and after the introduction in Figure 9, when they come to press against the periphery of the plug 10 by moving slightly. 1 0 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

Other configurations of the annular portion 11 are also possible. For example, the annular portion 11 has the shape of a cylindrical ring having a projected portion 23 in the form of an annular disc or any other projections, perpendicular to the plane of the annular portion 11. The annular portion 11 can also be move axially along a helical ramp or with a bayonet system.

In yet another embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 to 18, the actuating member comprises a first pair of buttons 14, each of the buttons of the first pair 14 being integral with a hook 4. The body of actuation also comprises a second pair of buttons 14a, the first and second pairs 14, 14a being mounted on the periphery of the gripping portion 5, in a cross arrangement. The buttons of the first and second pairs 14, 14a can move radially in the plane of the gripping portion 5.

Figure 12 shows the device 2 in a section perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion 5, before the introduction of the device 2 in the cap 10. More particularly, the figure shows the first pair of buttons 14 and the hooks 4 in a position spaced so that the fingers 6 of the hooks 4 pass the plug 10 and the collar 7 during the introduction of the device 2 on the plug 10.

After introduction, the first pair of buttons 14 can be pressed radially towards the center of the gripping portion 5 (Figure 13) so as to engage the hooks 4 under the collar 7 and to secure the gripping portion 5 with the bottle 1. The tongues 8 in the disengaged and engaged position are also shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 respectively.

Figures 14 and 15 show a top view of the device 2, wherein each of the buttons of the two pairs 14 and 14a are interconnected by a rod 15 so that when the first pair of 1 1 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

14 is pressed towards the center of the gripping portion 5 (Figure 14), the second pair of buttons 14a is pushed outwardly from the periphery of the gripping portion 5. Preferably, the rods 15 are made of plastic and are of identical length. The plastic material and the shape of the rods 15 make it possible to obtain rigid push rods and flexible at their fastening with the buttons (14, 14a). Similarly, when the second pair of buttons 14a is pressed toward the center of the gripping portion 5 (Figure 15), the first pair of buttons 14 is pushed towards the periphery of the gripping portion 5, disengaging the hooks 4 7. In Figures 14 and 15, the direction of movement of the pairs of buttons 14, 14a is indicated by the arrows.

Figures 16 and 17 show a side view of the device 2 in the absence of the gripping portion 5. The first pair of buttons 14 in a configuration where the hooks 4 are disengaged from the collar 7, and a button of the second pair 14a, are visible in Figure 16, Figure 17 shows the hooks 4 when engaged under the collar 7.

Fig.18 shows a top view of the device 2, in a section in the plane of the gripping portion 5, in which there are cavities 16 for the first and second pairs of buttons 14, 14a, and that the tabs 8, sectional view and arranged in a circle, their profiled face 9 directed inwardly. The figure also shows the openings 3. Preferably, the button 14 is manufactured in one and the same piece with the hook 4.

Still in another embodiment illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, showing a view in a section perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion 5, the device 2 comprises a clamping member, comprising a first housing 17 cylindrical, concentric with the gripping portion 5 and having a first peripheral wall 18 having a profile 9. The diameter of the first housing 17 is slightly larger than that of the plug 10 so that when 1 2 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

the gripping portion 5 is introduced on the plug 10 the profile 9 engages mechanically and / or by friction with the peripheral wall of the plug 10, so as to transmit on the plug 10 the force applied on the gripping portion 5. Through the lever arm provided by the gripping portion 5, the opening and closing of the plug 10 is facilitated. Once the cap 10 has been unscrewed, the mechanically and / or frictionally engaging of the profile 9 with the peripheral wall of the plug 10, so as to transmit on the plug 10 makes it possible to retain it in the gripping portion 5.

The profile may comprise ribs, for example three or more ribs, also distributed around the first peripheral wall 18, as in the example of Figures 19 and 20, or else distributed differently. Alternatively, the profile may also include ridges or teeth as in the case of jaws of a clamp.

The device 2 also comprises a fixing member comprising a second housing 19, disposed above and concentric with the first housing 17. The second housing 19 comprises a second peripheral wall 20 comprising a screw thread 21, substantially the same as that of the cap 10, and which is screwed onto the bottle 1 in place of the cap thus making it possible to secure the gripping portion 5 to the bottle 1.

FIG. 19 shows the device 2 when it is inserted on the plug 10, the profile 9 comprising ribs being engaged with the periphery of the plug 10. In FIG. 20, the device 2 is shown ready to be screwed on on the bottle 1, once the cap 10 is unscrewed and removed.

In this embodiment, the device 2 also serves as a stopper for the bottle 1. For this purpose, the second housing 19 and the 1 3 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

second peripheral wall 20 with its thread allow to seal the bottle 1.

The openings 3 made in the gripping portion, also visible in Figures 19 and 20, allow the passage of a strap (not shown) serving, for example, to carry the assembly formed by the device 2 and the bottle 1 on the shoulder. The openings can also be used to attach any other strap or clip system, which can be attached, for example, to a bag, belt, seat, bike frame, or any other place where it is useful to attach the bottle 1.

14 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

Reference numbers and symbols used in the figures

bottle device for opening and closing bottles openings hook gripping part finger collar tongue profile plug ring part threaded part push button first pair of buttons a second pair of buttons rods cavity first housing first peripheral wall

Second housing second peripheral wall no screw inclined part of the hook projected part

Axis

Claims

1 5 HARTMA- 1 -PCTRevendications

1. Device (2) for opening and closing a screw cap (10) of a PET bottle (1), the device (2) comprising a gripping part (5) and a clamping member (8, 17) integral with the gripping portion (5), the clamping member (8, 17) being engageable with the peripheral wall of the plug (10) so as to allow the opening or closing of the plug (10). ) by applying a force on the gripping portion (5), characterized in that the device (2) also comprises a fixing member (4, 19) capable of securing the gripping portion (5) to the bottle (1) .

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping member comprises at least two flexible strips (8), at least one face comprises a profile (9), the lamellae (8) being secured to the portion of gripping (5) perpendicular to the plane of the latter, so that the profile (9) comes into engagement with the periphery of the plug (10) during the insertion of the device (2) on the bottle (1) .

3. Device according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing member comprises at least two hooks (4) mounted integral with the gripping portion (5) and at least one actuating member (11, 13). arranged to move the hooks (4) so that they engage under a collar (7) of the bottle (1) and / or disengage therefrom.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the hooks (4) are flexible and arranged to engage under the collar (7) or disengage it by bending induced by the action of the organ actuating means (11, 13).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuating member is a push button (13) mounted concentrically 1 6 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

in the gripping portion (5) and movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the gripping portion (5), so as to spread the hooks (4) and disengage them from the collar (7) when the button (13) is pressed.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating member is an annular portion (11) mounted screwed on the lower periphery of the gripping portion (5) and having a projected portion (23), arranged for push the hooks (4) and engage them under the collar (7) when the annular part (11) is screwed.

7. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating member comprises at least a first pair of buttons (14), each of the buttons of the first pair (14) being integral with a hook (4), and a second pair of buttons (14a), the two pairs of buttons (14, 14a) being mounted on the periphery of the gripping portion (5) in a cross arrangement and adapted to move radially in the plane of the portion of gripping (5); each of the buttons of the two pairs (14, 14a) being further interconnected by a rod (15) so that when one of the two pairs (14, 14a) is moved in one direction, the other moves in the opposite direction, so as to engage the hooks under the collar (7) and disengage them, respectively.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the buttons of the first pair (14) are made in one piece with the hooks (4).

9. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping member comprises a first housing (17) concentric with the gripping portion (5) and having a first peripheral wall (18) comprising a profile (9) engageable with the periphery of the plug (10) during the insertion of the device (2) on the bottle (1); the device (2) also comprising a fixing member comprising a second 1 7 HARTMA- 1 -PCT

housing (19), disposed above and concentric with the first housing (17), the second housing (19) having a second peripheral wall (20) comprising a thread (21), capable of being screwed in place of the cap (10) for securing the gripping portion (5) on the bottle (1).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the profile (9) comprises one or more ribs.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the gripping portion (5) has openings (3) for attaching a strap or clip system for the port of the bottle ( 1).