WO2021007637A1

WO2021007637A1 - Device for opening and closing bottles

Info

Publication number: WO2021007637A1
Application number: PCT/BR2020/050262
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabio SILVA; Elias SANTOS; José Celso BECCA JUNIOR; Carlos Eduardo PODESTÁ
Original assignee: Silva Fabio
Priority date: 2019-07-16
Filing date: 2020-07-15
Publication date: 2021-01-21
Also published as: BR102019014645A2

Abstract

A device for opening and closing bottles (10) is disclosed, comprising a main body (11) associated with an elongated element (12), the main body (11) being provided with a cylindrical opening (13) that receives a bottle neck, the device for opening and closing bottles (10) comprising, in a cavity (16) in the main body (11), a cap (14) incorporated concentrically into the cylindrical opening (13) and a ratchet element (15) associated and interacting with the cap (14) so that it rotates the cap (14) as a result of torque applied to the elongated element (12).

Description

“DEVICE FOR OPENING AND CLOSING BOTTLES”

[001] The present invention relates to a device for opening and closing bottles, particularly a device that allows the perfect closure of bottles of carbonated drinks in order to maintain the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and guarantee the flavor of the drink without, however, requiring physical efforts to close or open the drink.

Description of the state of the art

[002] The lids of carbonated drinks bottles, such as sodas, after being opened for consumption and, if not properly closed, provide leakage of carbon dioxide (CO2) and, consequently, modify the characteristic flavor of the drink in the bottle.

[003] In this sense, people with little muscle strength, especially children and the elderly, are unable to apply the necessary strength to the lids of these bottles to ensure a good seal, resulting in the escape of gas and changes in the taste of the drink. Also, the shape of the lids does not allow a good grip, making it difficult to tighten, to open and manipulate the bottle during transport.

[004] Some developments were made in an attempt to facilitate the opening of the bottle caps, but none of them aimed to solve the problems of gas leakage in closing the bottle after the partial consumption of the liquid filled. The document US 201 1/0226093, for example, describes a cap opener for PET bottles, this opener has a quadratic shape that comprises, inside, locks with toothed portions projected towards the grooves of the original cap of the bottle to be opened, in order to provide greater adhesion for the removal of this cover and facilitate the rotation when the torque is applied. This opener is provided with an articulated body and cover, so that when the cover is extended it acts as a lever to facilitate the application of the torque force for opening the bottle cap. [005] Although it opens the lid of a bottle, the opener described in document US 201 1/0226093 is constructed in such a way that it does not act in closing the bottle lid. The projections internal to the opener that interact with the slots in the lid are willing to provide the torque in the direction of its easier opening, but do not allow its use for stronger and easier closing which, in this case, does not help in the prevention escape of carbon dioxide from the bottled drink.

[006] JP 201 1073779 describes a plastic bottle cap opener that can be used as a replacement for the bottle cap after it has been opened and that can be used as a handle for transporting this bottle. After opening the bottle, when the opener is used as a replacement for the original cap, it is threaded on the neck of the bottle so that its inner sealing ring contacts the walls of the bottle neck, providing a better seal. Additionally, the handle of this opener has a cavity that can be used as a handle, helping to transport the bottle. However, this cavity is not anatomical and may cause injury to the user. In addition, for opening the original bottle cap, this opener is provided with a toothed portion which, when in contact with the grooves in the cap, provides friction and adhesion so that the applied torque is transferred sufficiently to the cap to facilitate opening or closing.

[007] Also in the case of this document JP 201 1073779, the objective is to facilitate the opening of the lid of a bottle and the object in question allows this to be done by applying little force. However, nothing is described or designed for closing the lid, when it is also necessary to apply a lot of force to prevent the escape of the gas, when the drink is carbonated. In addition, the external shape of the opener does not provide a lever that would, in fact, facilitate opening the bottle cap by applying minimal force.

[008] JP 2009 249035, on the other hand, describes an opener for bottle lids and cans and this opener comprises two elongated bases connected to each other by a pin, a circular opening at one of its ends and a toothed lock inside that circular opening. This lock has the function of providing better contact with the bottle cap to guarantee its rotation when the torque is applied. Thus, in this contact between the lock and the lid surface, the elongated bases become levers generating torque and facilitating the opening of the bottle lid.

[009] However, even if they have the elongated bases as a lever, it is necessary to keep them closed so that the toothed lock contacts the surface of the bottle cap and generates friction during torque. If the user has difficulty applying force to keep the elongated bases closed, the toothed lock will slide on the lid surface and will not open this bottle. In addition, if this opener is used to close the bottle cap, the same or even greater force is required to keep the elongated bases closed and the toothed lock in correct contact with the lid surface.

[010] Therefore, although devices developed to facilitate the opening of a bottle cap, in particular plastic caps, are known in the prior art, these devices do not facilitate the closing of the bottle cap in the same way, especially the closure that requires force so that there is no gas escape from the bottled drink.

Objectives of the invention

[01 1] Thus, the present invention aims to provide a device for opening and closing bottles that requires minimal physical effort for both opening and closing, ensuring an adequate seal of the bottle after closing and avoiding the change in the taste of the bottled drink.

[012] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a device for opening and closing bottles that makes it possible to also be used for transporting the bottle in an easy way.

Brief description of the invention [013] The object of the present invention is a device for opening and closing bottles comprising a main body associated with an elongated element, the main body provided with a cylindrical opening that receives a bottle neck, the device for opening and closing bottles comprising, in a cavity of the main body, a lid concentrically integrated with the cylindrical opening and a ratchet element associated and cooperating with the lid in order to rotate the lid from a torque force applied to the elongated element.

Brief description of the drawings

[014] Figure 1 - is an exploded view of the device for opening and closing bottles, object of this invention;

[015] Figure 2 - is a perspective view of the device for opening and closing bottles, object of the present invention;

[016] Figure 3 - is a top view of the device for opening and closing bottles, object of this invention;

[017] Figure 4 - is a top view in section BB of the device for opening and closing bottles, object of this invention;

[018] Figure 5 - is a front view of the device for opening and closing bottles, object of this invention; and

[019] Figure 6 - is a frontal view in section device for opening and closing bottles, object of this invention.

Detailed description of the invention

[020] According to a preferred embodiment and as illustrated in figures 1 to 6, the device for opening and closing bottles 10, object of this invention, comprises a main body 11 associated with an elongated element 12.

[021] The main body 1 1 has a cylindrical opening 13 (figure 4) that receives a bottle neck, preferably without its original cap, when the device for opening and closing bottles 10 is used to open and close bottles already in use. However, this device for opening and closing bottles 10 can also be supplied in new bottles, replacing the original caps.

[022] As can be seen in figure 1, the main body 11 further comprises a cavity 16 in which a lid 14 is arranged concentrically integrated with the cylindrical opening 13 and a ratchet element 15 associated and cooperating with the lid 14 of in order to rotate this cap 14 from a torque force applied to the elongate member 12.

[023] More specifically and as illustrated in figure 4, the cap 14 comprises a cylindrical receptacle 141, provided with a diameter compatible with the diameter of the neck of the bottle neck that the device 10 will close and provided with thread, with a step compatible with the thread pitch of this bottle nipple. The receptacle 141 is also provided, in its internal part, with a shoulder 143 in the shape of a "C" that acts as a compartment to receive a sealing ring 17 that is inserted in this shoulder 143 and as a guide for the bottle mouth. In this way, at the end of the stroke of the cap 14, the coupling provides a perfect seal of the mouth of the bottle with the cap 14.

[024] Sealing ring 17 can be made of elastomer, fluorinated polymer or other materials inert to the type of beverage filled.

[025] The lid 14 also comprises a grooved perimeter 142 cooperating with the ratchet element 15, as illustrated in figures 1 and 4. The grooves in the grooved perimeter 142 consist of multiple teeth arranged along the outer perimeter of the lid 14 and which fit a pair of first and second toothed latches 151, 151 'of the ratchet element 15.

[026] Toothed latches 151, 151 'are fixed by a pair of pins 153 in the cavity 16 of the main body 11 in a competing manner forming a vertex 152 in the junction region of the main body 11 with the elongated element 12 ( figure 4). The ends of the toothed latches 151, 151 'opposite the ends of the apex 152 comprise multiple teeth that fit together teeth of the grooved perimeter 142 of the cover 14. Springs 18 are concurrently associated with the external walls of each of the toothed locks 151 and with the internal wall of the cavity 16 of the main body 11.

[027] The toothed latches 151 are kept attached to the teeth of the grooved perimeter 142 by means of the spring forces 18, that is, the force of the springs 18 allows the alternating engagement and disengagement of the first and second toothed locks 151, 151 'in teeth of the grooved perimeter 142 and also keeps the first and second toothed latches 151, 151 'in contact with these teeth of the grooved perimeter 142 as long as necessary for the rotation of the lid 14.

[028] The alternating contact of the first and second toothed locks 151, 151 'with the grooved perimeter 142 is defined by a selector key 19 associated with the ratchet element 15. As illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the selector key 19 comprises a selector pin 191. Selector switch 19 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, pushing one of the first and second toothed locks 151, 151 'towards the internal wall of the cavity 16 of the main body 11, disengaging this toothed lock 151, 151 'from contact with the grooved perimeter 142 and keeping the spring 18 compressed. The other toothed lock 151, 151 ’that is not being pushed by the selector pin 191 maintains its engagement with the grooved perimeter 142 and rotates the cover 14 clockwise.

[029] The ratchet 15 is activated clockwise or counterclockwise by means of the elongated element 12, depending on the torque force applied to it. For this purpose, the elongated element 12 comprises an anatomical recess 121 for gripping the torque force, handling the device 10 and transporting the bottle.

[030] A cover 20 encloses the cavity 16 of the main body 11 in order to protect the parts and prevent the entry of dirt. This cover 20 has the same shape as the main body 11 and is fixed to it by means of screws 30, pins, glue or other equivalent means. [031] As already mentioned, this device for opening and closing bottles 10 can be used on bottles already in use or can be supplied in new bottles, replacing the original caps.

[032] When supplied in new bottles, the cap 14 of this device comprises a security seal (not shown), just like the usual plastic bottle caps.

[033] For the user to open the bottle containing device 10, it is necessary to turn the selector switch 19 counterclockwise. In this situation, the selector pin 191 presses the second tooth lock 151 'by uncoupling this second tooth lock 151' from the grooved perimeter 142 and keeping the first tooth lock 151 attached to the grooved perimeter 142 of the cap 14. Applying torque to the elongated element 12 in the opening cap 14, that is, counterclockwise, the first tooth lock 151 that is fitted to the grooved perimeter 142 of the cap 14 receives the torque force applied to the elongated element 12 and transfers it to that cap 14, rotating the cap 14 in order to break the safety seal and open the bottle counterclockwise.

[034] The anatomical recess 121 for gripping the torque force of the elongated element 12 facilitates the grip and application of the torque by the user.

[035] Once the cap 14 is rotated counterclockwise, the user does not need to rotate the elongated element 12 by 360 ^Q. Depending on the ratchet element 15, the user applies a small torque force to the elongated element 12 which is transferred to the lid 14 by means of the toothed lock 151 causing the lid 14 to rotate, however, for the complete opening of the lid 14, the user rotates the elongated element 12 clockwise, without rotating the 14, but bringing the first toothed lock 151 for a new fit with the grooved perimeter 142 to then apply the torque force to the elongated element 12 in a counterclockwise direction again for the transfer of that force to the first tooth lock 151 which rotates the cap 14 again in a counterclockwise direction. These back-and-forth movements of the elongated element 12 are repeated so that in the clockwise direction the ratchet element 15 turns “false” and counterclockwise the first tooth lock 151 transfers torque to the cap 14 until the cap 14 reaches the end of its thread and open the bottle.

[036] Once the bottle is opened, device 10 is decoupled from the bottle nozzle so that the user has access to the filled liquid.

[037] After use and for closing the bottle, the device 10 is coupled to it so that the bottle nozzle is received by the cylindrical opening 13 and the cap 14 is positioned on top of this nozzle. The selector key 19 is then turned clockwise so that the selector pin 191 then presses the first tooth lock 151, uncoupling that first tooth lock 151 from the grooved perimeter 142 and keeping the second tooth lock 151 'attached to the grooved perimeter. 142 of the cap 14. Applying torque to the elongated element 12 in the direction of closing of the cap, that is, clockwise, the second tooth lock 151 'that is fitted to the grooved perimeter 142 of the cap 14 transfers the torque force to that cap 14, rotating the cap 14 so as to close the bottle.

[038] The user rotates the elongated element 12 in a counterclockwise direction, without rotating the 14, bringing the second toothed lock 151 'for a new fit with the grooved perimeter 142 to then apply the torque force to the elongated element 12 clockwise again to transfer that force to the second tooth lock 151 'which again rotates the cap 14 clockwise. These back-and-forth movements of the elongated element 12 are repeated so that in the counterclockwise direction the ratchet element 15 turns “in false” and clockwise the second tooth lock 151 'transfers torque to the cap 14 until cap 14 is to reach the end of its thread and close the bottle.

[039] Once the bottle is closed, the device 10 allows the user to apply a small torque force to the elongated element 12 which will be transmitted by the ratchet element 15 to the cap 14 causing it to be perfectly closed in the bottle mouth, avoiding gas leak and changes in the beverage filled by the applied closing force and the sealing ring 17.

[040] In this way, device 10 is a lid that allows perfect bottle closure with minimum user effort, maintaining C02 levels and guaranteeing the drink's flavor.

[041] In addition to the lever function for activating the ratchet element 15, the elongated element 12 also assists in the transport and handling of the bottle, facilitating, for example, the removal of the bottle from inside a refrigerator.

[042] The device for opening and closing bottles 10 can be made of thermoplastic or metal and can be used in any type of bottle, glass or plastic, which uses a screw cap.

[043] Having described an example of preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention covers other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including the possible equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for opening and closing bottles (10) comprising a main body (11) associated with an elongated element (12), the main body (11) provided with a cylindrical opening (13) which receives a bottle neck , the device for opening and closing bottles (10) being characterized by the fact that it comprises, in a cavity (16) of the main body (11), a cap (14) integrated concentrically to the cylindrical opening (13) and an element of ratchet (15) associated and cooperating with the cover (14) in order to rotate the cover (14) from a torque force applied to the elongated element (12).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap (14) comprises a receptacle (141) that receives a neck of the bottle and a grooved perimeter (142) cooperating with the ratchet element (15) ).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the receptacle (141) is provided with a shoulder (143) in which a sealing ring (17) is inserted, said sealing ring (17) being constituted of an elastomer or fluorinated polymer.

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the ratchet element (15) comprises a pair of toothed locks (151) that fit into the grooved perimeter (142) of the cover (14) and are kept attached to the grooved perimeter (142) by means of spring forces (18) associated with the toothed locks (151).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the springs (18) allow fitting and disengaging between the toothed locks (151) and teeth of the grooved perimeter (142) of the cover (14).

6. Device, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a selector switch (19) associated with the ratchet element (15) and directing the engagement of the toothed locks (151) in the grooved perimeter (142 ) in order to allow the cover (14) to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

7. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the elongated element (12) drives the ratchet element (15) clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the torque force applied to it.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the elongated element (12) comprises an anatomical recess (121) for handling the torque force, handling the device (10) and transporting the bottle.

9. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises a cover (20) that encloses the cavity (16) of the main body (11).