WO2016170350A1 - Bottle and method of preparation thereof - Google Patents

Bottle and method of preparation thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016170350A1
WO2016170350A1 PCT/GB2016/051118 GB2016051118W WO2016170350A1 WO 2016170350 A1 WO2016170350 A1 WO 2016170350A1 GB 2016051118 W GB2016051118 W GB 2016051118W WO 2016170350 A1 WO2016170350 A1 WO 2016170350A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
component
bottle
channel
compartment
neck
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2016/051118
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Amanda Barge
Original Assignee
Amanda Barge
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Amanda Barge filed Critical Amanda Barge
Publication of WO2016170350A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016170350A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3283—Cylindrical or polygonal containers, e.g. bottles, with two or more substantially axially offset, side-by-side compartments for simultaneous dispensing
    • B65D81/3288—Cylindrical or polygonal containers, e.g. bottles, with two or more substantially axially offset, side-by-side compartments for simultaneous dispensing composed of two or more separate containers joined to each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/02—Internal fittings
    • B65D25/04—Partitions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/26—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts
    • B65D47/261—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement
    • B65D47/265—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge with slide valves, i.e. valves that open and close a passageway by sliding over a port, e.g. formed with slidable spouts having a rotational or helicoidal movement between planar parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3283—Cylindrical or polygonal containers, e.g. bottles, with two or more substantially axially offset, side-by-side compartments for simultaneous dispensing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to bottles having more than one liquid- containing compartment and to methods of making such bottles.
  • the present invention relates to bottles for dispensing liquids from different liquid-containing compartments.
  • the bottles can be used to hold two or more different liquids in the same bottle, for example.
  • one person may wish to drink a wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 10% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, but another may wish to drink the same or a similar wine but to limit their alcohol intake to say 5% alcohol by volume.
  • a bottle comprising a first compartment for holding a first liquid and a second compartment for holding a second liquid; a neck comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being in fluid connection with the first compartment and the second channel being in fluid communication with the second compartment, the neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a closure assembly on the distal end of the neck, the closure assembly being operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel.
  • the closure assembly may comprise a valve operable to selectively open one of the first channel and the second channel while closing the other of the first channel and the second channel, such that the first liquid of the first compartment and the second liquid of the second compartment can be selectively dispensed.
  • the bottle may comprise a first component and a second component, the first component forming the first compartment and the first channel of the neck, and the second component forming the second compartment and the second channel of the neck, the first component and the second component being configured to nest together.
  • the first component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal shelf portion
  • the second component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal base portion.
  • the first component may support the second component.
  • the horizontal base portion of the second component may be supported by the horizontal shelf portion of the first component.
  • the vertical wall portion and the horizontal shelf portion of the first component may be joined by an oblique wall portion and/or the vertical wall portion and the horizontal base portion of the second component may be joined by an oblique wall portion.
  • the first channel and the second channel may be of substantially equal cross-sectional area and/or may be of substantially equal volume.
  • the closure assembly may comprise a sleeve encircling and secured to the neck, and a valve member in the form of an apertured disc rotatable with respect to the sleeve.
  • the neck may be provided with a circumferential rib, and the sleeve may be secured to the neck with the lower edge of the sleeve abutting said rib.
  • the sleeve may be secured to the neck by adhesive, and the surface of the neck above the rib may comprise a surface texture for promoting adhesion, such as ribs or grooves.
  • the sleeve may comprise an external screw thread, and the closure assembly may comprise an internally-threaded cap engageable therewith.
  • the bottle may be made of glass.
  • the bottle may have an overall shape comprising a generally upright cylindrical body portion with a generally cylindrical neck extending therefrom, such that the bottle is visually similar to a standard wine bottle.
  • the first compartment and the second compartment may contain different liquids.
  • One of the first compartment and the second compartment may contain wine having from about 8 to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the other of the first compartment and the second compartment may contain wine having from about 0 to about 7% alcohol by volume.
  • a method of making a bottle comprising:
  • the method may comprise the further step of applying a closure assembly comprising a valve operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel.
  • the closure assembly may comprise a valve operable to selectively open one of the first channel and the second channel while closing the other of the first channel and the second channel, such that the first liquid of the first compartment and the second liquid of the second compartment can be selectively dispensed.
  • the first component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal shelf portion
  • the second component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal base portion
  • the first component may support the second component.
  • the horizontal base portion of the second component may be supported by the horizontal shelf portion of the first component.
  • the vertical wall portion and the horizontal shelf portion of the first component may be joined by an oblique wall portion and/or the vertical wall portion and the horizontal base portion of the second component may be joined by an oblique wall portion.
  • the first channel and the second channel may be of substantially equal cross-sectional area and/or may be of substantially equal volume.
  • the closure assembly may comprise a sleeve encircling and secured to the neck, and a valve member in the form of an apertured disc rotatable with respect to the sleeve.
  • the neck may be provided with a circumferential rib, and the sleeve may be secured to the neck with the lower edge of the sleeve abutting said rib.
  • the sleeve may be secured to the neck by adhesive, and the surface of the neck above the rib may comprise a surface texture for promoting adhesion, such as ribs or grooves.
  • the sleeve may comprise an external screw thread, and the closure assembly may comprise an internally-threaded cap engageable therewith.
  • the bottle may be made of glass.
  • the bottle may have an overall shape comprising a generally upright cylindrical body portion with a generally cylindrical neck extending therefrom, such that the bottle is visually similar to a standard wine bottle.
  • the method may comprise the further step of providing the first
  • One of the first component and the second component may be provided with wine having from about 8 to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the other of the first compartment and the second compartment may be provided with wine having from about 0 to about 7% alcohol by volume.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bottle and closure forming one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a side view from one side
  • Figure 3 is a side view from the other side
  • Figure 4 is a front view
  • Figure 5 is a rear view
  • Figure 6 is a top plan view
  • Figure 7 is an underneath plan view.
  • a bottle 10 comprises a first bottle component 12 and a second bottle component 14 which are configured to nest together to form a conventional wine bottle shape having a generally upright cylindrical form from which extends a neck 16.
  • the neck 16 is divided into separate channels leading to separate mouths 18a and 18b.
  • the bottle 10 thus provides two separate liquid- holding compartments.
  • neck 16 forms two channels of approximately equal cross-section. This allows the pouring characteristics of the two
  • the interface between the bottle components 12 and 14 comprises, on the first bottle component 12, a vertical wall portion 20, an oblique wall portion 22, and a horizontal shelf portion 24; and the second bottle component is formed with suitable mating surfaces.
  • the bottle components 12 and 14 are, in this embodiment, moulded separately from glass, and thereafter secured together by adhesive bonding.
  • the provision of the horizontal shelf portion 24 provides positive support to the weight of the component 14 and its contents.
  • the bottle 10 is provided with a closure assembly comprising a sleeve 26, a valve member 28, and a cap 30. It should be noted that in Figure 1 the valve member 28 is shown above the sleeve 26 for clarity, but in use the valve member 28 is positioned between the sleeve 26 and the mouths 18.
  • the sleeve 26 is generally cylindrical with an external screw thread 32 and an end lip 34. After the bottle components 12 and 14 are assembled and secured together, the valve member 28 is inserted inside the sleeve 26, and the latter is secured on the neck 16 by adhesive.
  • the cap 30 has an internal screw thread (not seen in the drawings) by which it is secured on the sleeve 26.
  • the neck 16 is formed with a circumferential rib 42 which acts as a stop against which the sleeve 26 can be seated.
  • the exterior of the neck 16 above the circumferential rib 42 may be formed with a finish to promote adhesion of the sleeve 26 such as axial ribs or grooves (not shown).
  • the use of the sleeve 26 also assists in holding the two components 12 and 14 together.
  • the valve member 28 is divided diametrically to provide an open sector 36 and a closed sector 38, a rib 40 being provided between the two sectors.
  • the bottles will be produced at a first location by moulding the components, bonding them together, and attaching the closure assembly.
  • the bottles may then be transferred to another location for filling, where the two components will be filled with different liquids.
  • the smaller component 14 is filled with wine at a higher strength, typically from about 8% to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the larger component 12 with wine at a lower strength, typically from about 0% to about 7% alcohol by volume.
  • the smaller component 14 will have a capacity of 250ml, and the larger component 12 will have a capacity of 500ml.
  • the consumer unscrews the cap 30 and selects the liquid to be dispensed by rotating the valve member 28, using a fingertip against the rib 40, until the open sector 36 is in registry with the appropriate mouth 18.
  • the liquid can then be poured as with a conventional bottle.
  • the bottle of the present invention therefore provides the ability to retain and dispense two different liquids from a single bottle, which has the general shape and form of a wine bottle. This enables a person, or a group of persons, to drink a similar beverage with different alcohol contents.
  • the bottle of the present invention enables a person or persons to purchase, open and/or consume one bottle of wine, without consuming the entire alcohol content of a normal strength bottle of wine.
  • the person or persons may consume initially wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 8% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, followed by the same or a similar wine of lower strength, say 0% alcohol by volume to 7% alcohol by volume.
  • one person may wish to drink a wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 8% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, but another may wish to drink the same or a similar wine but to limit their alcohol intake to say 0% alcohol by volume to 7% alcohol by volume.
  • both of the examples outlined above would require the use of two different bottles, which might result in some wine being unused, or watering of some of the wine, which is culturally unacceptable in many countries.
  • two bottles of wine would have to be opened, there may be an inclination to drink the full contents of both bottles (to avoid wastage, or due to lack of willpower) and therefore the overall alcohol intake would not be reduced.
  • the bottle of the present invention enables two wines of different alcohol content to be consumed, but only requires the purchase and opening of one bottle of wine.
  • the bottle of the present invention looks in outline and feels like a normal wine bottle leading to the same user experience of opening and consuming a bottle of wine, but with reduced alcohol intake for one or more persons. It is envisaged that this will lead to an increase in compliance with recommendations to reduce alcohol intake.
  • the bottle may be made from a material other than glass, such as HDPE or PET.
  • a material other than glass such as HDPE or PET.
  • glass is preferred to preserve taste and character, and for aesthetic reasons.
  • the bottle may be formed integrally by use of a partition wall.
  • the term "bottle” is used herein to denote a container adapted to hold a liquid and suitable for pouring the liquid by hand into a receptacle.
  • the bottle may be of any suitable liquid-impermeable material and need not be of generally cylindrical shape; it could for example be oval, square or triangular in section.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

There is described a bottle (10) having more than one liquid- containing compartment and methods of making such bottles. The bottle has a first compartment (12) for holding a first liquid and a second compartment (14) for holding a second liquid; a neck (16) comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being in fluid connection with the first compartment and the second channel being in fluid communication with the second compartment, the neck having a distal end (18a, 18b) and a proximal end; and a closure assembly (30, 28, 26) on the distal end of the neck, the closure assembly being operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel. The bottle can be used to hold two or more different liquids in the same bottle, for example.

Description

BOTTLE AND METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to bottles having more than one liquid- containing compartment and to methods of making such bottles. In particular, the present invention relates to bottles for dispensing liquids from different liquid-containing compartments. The bottles can be used to hold two or more different liquids in the same bottle, for example. Background to the Invention
There are situations in which a person, or a group of persons, may wish to drink a similar beverage but with different alcohol contents. In particular, there is growing awareness of the benefits of reducing alcohol intake. For example, a person or persons may wish to purchase, open and/or consume one bottle of wine, but may not wish to consume the entire alcohol content of a normal strength bottle of wine. It may be desirable, therefore, to consume initially wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 10% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, followed by the same or a similar wine of lower strength, say 5% alcohol by volume.
In another example, one person may wish to drink a wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 10% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, but another may wish to drink the same or a similar wine but to limit their alcohol intake to say 5% alcohol by volume.
In both of the scenarios outlined above, currently, this would require the use of two different bottles, which might result in some wine being unused, or watering of some of the wine, which is culturally unacceptable in many countries. Moreover, as two bottles of wine have been opened, there may be an inclination to drink the full contents of both bottles (to avoid wastage, or due to lack of willpower) and therefore the overall alcohol intake would not be reduced.
There is therefore a need for a way of serving drinks of different alcoholic strengths in a simple and convenient manner. Where the drink concerned is wine, there is also a need for the bottle to have the appearance of a conventional wine bottle.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
Disclosure of Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bottle comprising a first compartment for holding a first liquid and a second compartment for holding a second liquid; a neck comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being in fluid connection with the first compartment and the second channel being in fluid communication with the second compartment, the neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a closure assembly on the distal end of the neck, the closure assembly being operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel.
The closure assembly may comprise a valve operable to selectively open one of the first channel and the second channel while closing the other of the first channel and the second channel, such that the first liquid of the first compartment and the second liquid of the second compartment can be selectively dispensed.
The bottle may comprise a first component and a second component, the first component forming the first compartment and the first channel of the neck, and the second component forming the second compartment and the second channel of the neck, the first component and the second component being configured to nest together. Typically, at the interface between the first component and the second component the first component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal shelf portion, and the second component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal base portion. The first component may support the second component.
The horizontal base portion of the second component may be supported by the horizontal shelf portion of the first component. The vertical wall portion and the horizontal shelf portion of the first component may be joined by an oblique wall portion and/or the vertical wall portion and the horizontal base portion of the second component may be joined by an oblique wall portion. The first channel and the second channel may be of substantially equal cross-sectional area and/or may be of substantially equal volume.
The closure assembly may comprise a sleeve encircling and secured to the neck, and a valve member in the form of an apertured disc rotatable with respect to the sleeve.
The neck may be provided with a circumferential rib, and the sleeve may be secured to the neck with the lower edge of the sleeve abutting said rib. The sleeve may be secured to the neck by adhesive, and the surface of the neck above the rib may comprise a surface texture for promoting adhesion, such as ribs or grooves. The sleeve may comprise an external screw thread, and the closure assembly may comprise an internally-threaded cap engageable therewith.
The bottle may be made of glass. The bottle may have an overall shape comprising a generally upright cylindrical body portion with a generally cylindrical neck extending therefrom, such that the bottle is visually similar to a standard wine bottle.
The first compartment and the second compartment may contain different liquids.
One of the first compartment and the second compartment may contain wine having from about 8 to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the other of the first compartment and the second compartment may contain wine having from about 0 to about 7% alcohol by volume.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a bottle, the method comprising:
making a first component which comprises a first liquid
compartment and a first neck channel extending therefrom;
making a second component which comprises a second liquid compartment and a second neck channel extending therefrom;
the first component and the second component being configured to nest together to form a body portion with a neck extending therefrom; and bonding the first component and the second component together. The method may comprise the further step of applying a closure assembly comprising a valve operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel.
The closure assembly may comprise a valve operable to selectively open one of the first channel and the second channel while closing the other of the first channel and the second channel, such that the first liquid of the first compartment and the second liquid of the second compartment can be selectively dispensed.
Typically, at the interface between the first component and the second component the first component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal shelf portion, and the second component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal base portion.
The first component may support the second component.
The horizontal base portion of the second component may be supported by the horizontal shelf portion of the first component.
The vertical wall portion and the horizontal shelf portion of the first component may be joined by an oblique wall portion and/or the vertical wall portion and the horizontal base portion of the second component may be joined by an oblique wall portion.
The first channel and the second channel may be of substantially equal cross-sectional area and/or may be of substantially equal volume. The closure assembly may comprise a sleeve encircling and secured to the neck, and a valve member in the form of an apertured disc rotatable with respect to the sleeve. The neck may be provided with a circumferential rib, and the sleeve may be secured to the neck with the lower edge of the sleeve abutting said rib.
The sleeve may be secured to the neck by adhesive, and the surface of the neck above the rib may comprise a surface texture for promoting adhesion, such as ribs or grooves.
The sleeve may comprise an external screw thread, and the closure assembly may comprise an internally-threaded cap engageable therewith. The bottle may be made of glass.
The bottle may have an overall shape comprising a generally upright cylindrical body portion with a generally cylindrical neck extending therefrom, such that the bottle is visually similar to a standard wine bottle.
The method may comprise the further step of providing the first
component and the second component with different liquids.
One of the first component and the second component may be provided with wine having from about 8 to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the other of the first compartment and the second compartment may be provided with wine having from about 0 to about 7% alcohol by volume. Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a bottle and closure forming one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a side view from one side;
Figure 3 is a side view from the other side;
Figure 4 is a front view;
Figure 5 is a rear view;
Figure 6 is a top plan view; and
Figure 7 is an underneath plan view.
Modes for Carrying out the Invention
Referring to the drawings, a bottle 10 comprises a first bottle component 12 and a second bottle component 14 which are configured to nest together to form a conventional wine bottle shape having a generally upright cylindrical form from which extends a neck 16. As best seen in Figure 1 , the neck 16 is divided into separate channels leading to separate mouths 18a and 18b. The bottle 10 thus provides two separate liquid- holding compartments.
It will be noted that the neck 16 forms two channels of approximately equal cross-section. This allows the pouring characteristics of the two
compartments to be similar.
In this embodiment, the interface between the bottle components 12 and 14 comprises, on the first bottle component 12, a vertical wall portion 20, an oblique wall portion 22, and a horizontal shelf portion 24; and the second bottle component is formed with suitable mating surfaces. The bottle components 12 and 14 are, in this embodiment, moulded separately from glass, and thereafter secured together by adhesive bonding. The provision of the horizontal shelf portion 24 provides positive support to the weight of the component 14 and its contents.
The bottle 10 is provided with a closure assembly comprising a sleeve 26, a valve member 28, and a cap 30. It should be noted that in Figure 1 the valve member 28 is shown above the sleeve 26 for clarity, but in use the valve member 28 is positioned between the sleeve 26 and the mouths 18.
The sleeve 26 is generally cylindrical with an external screw thread 32 and an end lip 34. After the bottle components 12 and 14 are assembled and secured together, the valve member 28 is inserted inside the sleeve 26, and the latter is secured on the neck 16 by adhesive. The cap 30 has an internal screw thread (not seen in the drawings) by which it is secured on the sleeve 26.
The neck 16 is formed with a circumferential rib 42 which acts as a stop against which the sleeve 26 can be seated. The exterior of the neck 16 above the circumferential rib 42 may be formed with a finish to promote adhesion of the sleeve 26 such as axial ribs or grooves (not shown).
The use of the sleeve 26 also assists in holding the two components 12 and 14 together.
The valve member 28 is divided diametrically to provide an open sector 36 and a closed sector 38, a rib 40 being provided between the two sectors.
It is envisaged that the bottles will be produced at a first location by moulding the components, bonding them together, and attaching the closure assembly. The bottles may then be transferred to another location for filling, where the two components will be filled with different liquids. In one example, the smaller component 14 is filled with wine at a higher strength, typically from about 8% to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the larger component 12 with wine at a lower strength, typically from about 0% to about 7% alcohol by volume.
In a typical embodiment, the smaller component 14 will have a capacity of 250ml, and the larger component 12 will have a capacity of 500ml.
In use, the consumer unscrews the cap 30 and selects the liquid to be dispensed by rotating the valve member 28, using a fingertip against the rib 40, until the open sector 36 is in registry with the appropriate mouth 18. The liquid can then be poured as with a conventional bottle.
The bottle of the present invention therefore provides the ability to retain and dispense two different liquids from a single bottle, which has the general shape and form of a wine bottle. This enables a person, or a group of persons, to drink a similar beverage with different alcohol contents.
Specifically, and given the growing awareness of the benefits of reducing alcohol intake, the bottle of the present invention enables a person or persons to purchase, open and/or consume one bottle of wine, without consuming the entire alcohol content of a normal strength bottle of wine.
For example, the person or persons may consume initially wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 8% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, followed by the same or a similar wine of lower strength, say 0% alcohol by volume to 7% alcohol by volume. Alternatively, one person may wish to drink a wine of full alcoholic strength, typically 8% alcohol by volume to 15% alcohol by volume, but another may wish to drink the same or a similar wine but to limit their alcohol intake to say 0% alcohol by volume to 7% alcohol by volume.
Previously, both of the examples outlined above would require the use of two different bottles, which might result in some wine being unused, or watering of some of the wine, which is culturally unacceptable in many countries. Moreover, as two bottles of wine would have to be opened, there may be an inclination to drink the full contents of both bottles (to avoid wastage, or due to lack of willpower) and therefore the overall alcohol intake would not be reduced. In contrast, the bottle of the present invention enables two wines of different alcohol content to be consumed, but only requires the purchase and opening of one bottle of wine.
Importantly, the bottle of the present invention looks in outline and feels like a normal wine bottle leading to the same user experience of opening and consuming a bottle of wine, but with reduced alcohol intake for one or more persons. It is envisaged that this will lead to an increase in compliance with recommendations to reduce alcohol intake.
Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiment within the scope of the invention. For example, the bottle may be made from a material other than glass, such as HDPE or PET. However, for wine, glass is preferred to preserve taste and character, and for aesthetic reasons. Instead of being formed as two distinct components which are then bonded together, the bottle may be formed integrally by use of a partition wall. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "bottle" is used herein to denote a container adapted to hold a liquid and suitable for pouring the liquid by hand into a receptacle. Accordingly, the bottle may be of any suitable liquid-impermeable material and need not be of generally cylindrical shape; it could for example be oval, square or triangular in section.
Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes of carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be covered by the present invention.

Claims

A bottle comprising a first compartment for holding a first liquid and a second compartment for holding a second liquid; a neck comprising a first channel and a second channel, the first channel being in fluid connection with the first compartment and the second channel being in fluid communication with the second compartment, the neck having a distal end and a proximal end; and a closure assembly on the distal end of the neck, the closure assembly being operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel.
A bottle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the closure assembly comprises a valve operable to selectively open one of the first channel and the second channel while closing the other of the first channel and the second channel, such that the first liquid of the first compartment and the second liquid of the second compartment can be selectively dispensed.
A bottle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bottle comprises a first component and a second component, the first component forming the first compartment and the first channel of the neck, and the second component forming the second
compartment and the second channel of the neck, the first component and the second component being configured to nest together.
4. A bottle as claimed in claim 3, wherein at the interface between the first component and the second component the first component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal shelf portion, and the second component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal base portion.
A bottle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first component supports the second component.
A bottle as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the horizontal base portion of the second component is supported by the horizontal shelf portion of the first component.
A bottle as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the vertical wall portion and the horizontal shelf portion of the first component are joined by an oblique wall portion and/or the vertical wall portion and the horizontal base portion of the second component are joined by an oblique wall portion.
A bottle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first channel and the second channel are of substantially equal cross- sectional area and/or are of substantially equal volume.
A bottle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the closure assembly comprises a sleeve encircling and secured to the neck, and a valve member in the form of an apertured disc rotatable with respect to the sleeve.
A bottle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the neck is provided with a circumferential rib, and the sleeve is secured to the neck with the lower edge of the sleeve abutting said rib.
A bottle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the sleeve is secured to the neck by adhesive, and the surface of the neck above the rib comprises a surface texture for promoting adhesion, such as ribs or grooves.
A bottle as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the sleeve comprises an external screw thread, and the closure assembly comprises an internally-threaded cap engageable therewith.
A bottle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bottle is made of glass.
A bottle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bottle has an overall shape comprising a generally upright cylindrical body portion with a generally cylindrical neck extending therefrom, such that the bottle is visually similar to a standard wine bottle.
A bottle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment contain different liquids.
A bottle as claimed claim 15, wherein one of the first compartment and the second compartment contains wine having from about 8% to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the other of the first compartment and the second compartment contains wine having from about 0% to about 7% alcohol by volume.
17. A method of making a bottle, the method comprising:
making a first component which comprises a first liquid compartment and a first neck channel extending therefrom; making a second component which comprises a second liquid compartment and a second neck channel extending therefrom;
the first component and the second component being configured to nest together to form a body portion with a neck extending therefrom; and
bonding the first component and the second component together.
A method as claimed in claim 17, comprising the further step of applying a closure assembly comprising a valve operable to selectively open the first channel and/or the second channel.
A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the closure assembly comprises a valve operable to selectively open one of the first channel and the second channel while closing the other of the first channel and the second channel, such that the first liquid of the first compartment and the second liquid of the second compartment can be selectively dispensed.
A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at the interface between the first component and the second component the first component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal shelf portion, and the second component comprises a vertical wall portion and a horizontal base portion.
A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first component supports the second component.
A method as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein the horizontal base portion of the second component is supported by the horizontal shelf portion of the first component.
A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the vertical wall portion and the horizontal shelf portion of the first component are joined by an oblique wall portion and/or the vertical wall portion and the horizontal base portion of the second
component are joined by an oblique wall portion.
A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the first channel and the second channel are of substantially equal cross- sectional area and/or are of substantially equal volume.
A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the closure assembly comprises a sleeve encircling and secured to the neck, and a valve member in the form of an apertured disc rotatable with respect to the sleeve.
A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the neck is provided with a circumferential rib, and the sleeve is secured to the neck with the lower edge of the sleeve abutting said rib.
A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the sleeve is secured to the neck by adhesive, and the surface of the neck above the rib comprises a surface texture for promoting adhesion, such as ribs or grooves.
28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the sleeve comprises an external screw thread, and the closure assembly comprises an internally-threaded cap engageable therewith.
A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the bottle is made of glass.
A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the bottle has an overall shape comprising a generally upright cylindrical body portion with a generally cylindrical neck extending therefrom, such that the bottle is visually similar to a standard wine bottle.
A method as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 30, comprising the further step of providing the first component and the second component with different liquids.
A method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein one of the first component and the second component is provided with wine having from about 8% to about 15% alcohol by volume, and the other of the first compartment and the second compartment is provided with wine having from about 0% to about 7% alcohol by volume.
PCT/GB2016/051118 2015-04-22 2016-04-21 Bottle and method of preparation thereof WO2016170350A1 (en)

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GB1506808.3 2015-04-22

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GB201506808D0 (en) 2015-06-03

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