WO2022028683A1

WO2022028683A1 - A device and method for sealing a bottle

Info

Publication number: WO2022028683A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/071935
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Alan FENNER
Original assignee: Paul Alan Fenner
Priority date: 2020-08-04
Filing date: 2020-08-04
Publication date: 2022-02-10

Abstract

The invention provides a device and method for sealing a bottle after opening. The device comprises: a plug for inserting into the opening of a bottle creating an air tight seal, an outer housing connected to the plug, a central passage through the outer housing and plug that a pressuring gas can pass through, a pressure activated valve within the central passage that seals off gas into a bottle after pressurising, and a means, attached to the outer housing, for securing the device to the bottle when in use.

Description

A Device and Method for Sealing a Bottle

The present invention relates to a device and method for sealing a bottle. In embodiments the invention relates to a device for sealing an opened bottle of sparkling wine, and preserving its contents by increasing internal air pressure within the bottle.

It is known that once a bottle of wine has been opened, i.e. its original cork or closure mechanism removed, there is a limited amount of time in which it is best to drink the wine. This is due to a chemical reaction that occurs when wine is exposed to oxygen in the air. When exposed to oxygen the wine oxidises. This spoils the wine’s flavour and makes it unpleasant to drink. In order to reduce this oxidation, increasing the time one is able to enjoy the wine, it is necessary to adopt a method of preserving the wine after opening.

One method for preserving wine is to create a vacuum in the bottle after opening, the aim being to remove any oxygen which may oxidise the wine once opened. This method of preservation works well for still wine but when applied to sparkling wine it is not appropriate and will cause sparkling wine to go flat. When a vacuum is created in an unfinished bottle of sparkling wine the wine expands due to the decreased air pressure in the bottle. This causes bubbles to be produced more rapidly as the system adjusts to a new equilibrium state. An alternative method is therefore required to preserve sparkling wine.

The industry standard method for preserving sparkling wine is instead to increase the pressure within the bottle in order to reduce the rate at which the sparkling wine releases CO2, the gas dissolved in the wine. There are many gases that may be pumped into the bottle to preserve the sparkling wine and typically any gas may be chosen that is not reactive or dangerous. The most popularly used gases are Argon, CO2 and air.

Whilst air does contain oxygen it is still a viable option for pressurising a bottle. Increasing the air pressure in the bottle reduces the rate CO2 is released by the wine, keeping the wine from going flat. However, CO2 will still be released into the bottle by the wine until equilibrium in pressure is reached and as CO2 is denser than most components in air it sinks to the bottom of the empty volume within the bottle creating a layer of CO2 in-between the wine and air, stopping further oxidisation of the wine.

There are a number of devices designed to stop the degradation of sparkling wine after opening. US 2018/0257841 A1, discloses a method of preserving sparkling wine by replacing the air within the bottle with a mix of Argon and CO2 gas. A handheld device, with canisters of the relevant gas mixture attached, works with a stopper device attached to the bottle for injecting and containing the gas in the bottle. Gas is forced into the bottle through one of the valves in the stopper and the existing air in the bottle is flushed out through a second valve.

WO 2004/022695 A1 , discloses apparatus for preserving the contents of an opened bottle of sparkling wine by pumping in an excess of CO2 into the bottle. The device has three components; a CO2 pump, a first stopper with a flutter valve, and a second stopper with a valve designed to fit over the top of the first stopper securing it in place in the pressurised bottle.

CN 107697450, discloses a device including a Champagne plug with a built in manual pump for pressurising the bottle with air. In addition, a contraption for attaching the plug in place on the bottle is provided. Air is pumped into the device by mechanical means built into the Champagne plug. Pumping a button component on the device draws air through the device and into the bottle until the button cannot be depressed anymore due to increased internal pressure.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for sealing a bottle after opening, the device comprising of a plug for inserting into the opening of the bottle creating an air tight seal, an outer housing connected to the plug, a central passage through the plug and outer housing through which a pressuring gas can pass into the bottle; a pressure activated valve that seals the central passage when the internal pressure of the bottle is higher than the external pressure, and means attached to an outer housing of the device, for securing the device to the bottle. Therefore, to preserve sparkling wine the device does not rely on replacing the existing gas from within the bottle or multiple devices and valves being used in conjunction. The device is composed of as few mechanically active and moving components as possible and is not limited to work with a specific pump or pressurising gas to achieve the preservation of the sparkling wine.

Preferably the pressure activated valve has a free moving component that allows for air to be pumped into the bottle but inhibits the escape of air out of the bottle when pressurised.

Preferably the free moving component is asymmetrical.

Preferably the free moving component has a tapered profile. Preferably the free moving component has a pressure receiving lower surface.

Preferably the free moving component has a surface consisting of at least part of a cone pointing along the longitudinal axis that runs outwards through the bottles neck.

Preferably an outer housing sits above the opening to the bottle and is disposed above and connected to the plug in the bottle.

Preferably the means of securing the device is moveably attached to the outer housing of the device.

Preferably the means of securing the device is pivotally attached to the outer housing.

Preferably the means of securing the device comprises resilient arms to engage the neck of the bottle.

Preferably the resilient arms extend enough to engage around the neck of the bottle the other side of a flange from where the arms connect to the outer housing.

Preferably the plug comprises of a ridged component surrounded by a compressible and flexible sealing component for creating a hermetic seal with a bottle.

Preferably the ridged component of the plug has a plurality of radial lobes extending radially inwards into the central passage.

Preferably the radial lobes are designed such that when the free moving component sits flush against them there is a clear pathway for a pressurising gas to flow into the bottle.

Alternatively, there is a ridged column within and attached to the ridged component of the plug.

Alternatively, the ridged column protrudes above the plug and into the outer housing.

Alternatively the protruding ridged column protrudes out of the plug and into the housing such that when pressurising gas being pumped through the device it forces the free moving component to sit on the protruding surface of the ridged column leaving an unobstructed path for gas to flow into the bottle.

Preferably the inner plug and surrounding material has an annular groove for receiving in the circular rim of the bottle.

There is also an according aspect of the present invention relating to the method of sealing a bottle. This comprising of inserting a plug into the opening of the bottle to create an airtight seal, then securing the plug in the bottle. This being followed by pumping a pressurising gas through a central passage, passing through the plug and any outer housing, into the bottle, to increase the internal pressure of gas in the bottle and after sufficiently increasing the internal pressure of gas in the bottle, the resulting force of said internal pressure moving a pressure activated valve into a sealing position in the central passage, sealing the bottle.

In summary the devices disclosed in the prior art work in different ways to the present device. The device disclosed in US 2018/0257841 A1 is designed to evacuate the air in the bottle as Argon and CO2 gas are pumped into the bottle. In WO 2004/022695 A1 the device requires the use of two components, each with a separate valve, to preserve the sparkling wine. CN 107697450 discloses an all in one device with a built in manual pump. The present device relies on increasing the internal pressure of gas within the bottle, it being unnecessary to remove any of the existing gas. The design of the valve in the present device allows for a variety of pumps to be used and different compositions of gases to be pumped into the bottle. The present device requires only one valve for the effective preservation of sparkling wine and has means of securing to the bottle built onto it. The design of the valve is such that it relies on internal pressure within the bottle to force a freely movable component into a position creating an airtight seal so gas cannot escape, the wine thus being preserved and not going flat.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for sealing a bottle after opening, the device comprising: a plug for inserting into the opening of the bottle creating an air tight seal; a central passage through the plug through which a pressuring gas can pass into the bottle; a pressure activated valve that seals the central passage when the internal pressure of the bottle is higher than the external pressure. Preferably, the device includes means attached to an outer housing of the device, for securing the device to a bottle. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for sealing a bottle after opening, the device comprising: a plug for inserting into the opening of the bottle creating an air tight seal; a passage through the plug through which a pressuring gas can pass into the bottle; a biased valve that seals the passage. Preferably, the device comprises means attached to an outer housing of the device, for securing the device to the bottle.

Preferably, the device comprises a biasing means to act on the valve to seal the central passage.

Preferably, the biasing means is a spring.

Preferably, the spring is a helical spring.

Preferably, the plug comprises a lower stopper and an upper stopper and in which the valve is biased towards the upper stopper to seal the device.

Preferably, the valve comprises a compressible O-ring to form a seal between the valve and the upper stopper.

Preferably, the valve has an extending member arranged such that a visual indication is given of the status of the valve.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sealing a bottle comprising: inserting a plug including a spring controlled valve into the opening of the bottle to create an airtight seal; securing the plug in the bottle; pumping a pressurising gas through a central passage, passing through the plug and any outer housing, into the bottle, to increase the internal pressure of gas in the bottle; after sufficiently increasing the internal pressure of gas in the bottle, using the spring controlled valve in a sealing position in the central passage to seal the bottle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A and 1 B show a cut-away section and perspective view, respectively, of an example of a device for sealing a bottle; Figure 2 is a cross section of the upper portion of the outer housing of the device of Figure 1 , with the pressure activated valve in a sealed position;

Figure 3A is a top down view of the cross-section A in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3B is a further example of a valve for use in a device for sealing a bottle;

Figure 4A shows an example of the device and the preferred positions of its components so a gas can be pumped into the bottle

Figure 4B is an alternate embodiment of the valve design so a gas can be pumped into the bottle.

Figure 5 is a side view of another example of the device.

Figure 6 is an example of a cross sectional view through a further embodiment of a valve assembly for use in a device for sealing a bottle;

Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the valve assembly of Figure 6 in different positions of use;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of Figures 6 to 8 in engagement with a pressure generator;

Figures 10A and 10B are a plan and perspective view of an upper stopper forming part of the valve assembly of Figures 6 to 9;

Figures 11A to 11C are a sectional, perspective and side view of a lower stopper forming part of the valve assembly of Figures 6 to 9;

Figures 12A and 12B are a perspective and sectional view of a valve forming part of the valve assembly of Figures 6 to 9; Figure 1A is a three dimensional representation of an embodiment of the sparkling wine bottle stopper 100 with a cross section removed to display detail of the internal workings of the device. Figure 1 B is a perspective view showing the stopper in position on a bottle. The device comprises an upper stopper in the form of outer housing 12 that is disposed above and connected to a plug 13. Movable arms 54, preferably pivotally attached arms, are connected to the outer housing 12 for securing the device 100 to the bottle when in use.

Within the central upper portion of the outer housing 12 there is a recess 14 for accepting a pump or a suitable means for connection to a pump. Therein starts an upper central passageway 44. The upper central passageway 44 is a section of what is defined more generally as the central passageway 40 which extends longitudinally through the device to the bottom of the plug 13. In this embodiment there is a membrane 15 affixed to recess 14 that is able to create an airtight seal with a pump when the pump is positioned in engagement with the device. The membrane is preferably formed of a compressible elastomeric material such as rubber.

Plug 13 includes a lower stopper in the form of rigid component 16 that provides support to a flexible sealing component 28 which creates a hermetic seal with the inner surface of the neck of a bottle. The rigid component 16 has one or more annular ridges 18 formed on its upper surface. The or these interlock and connect with one or more correspondingly opposing annular recesses 20 on the underside of outer housing 12. In this embodiment outer housing 12 extends over and is affixed to the outer surface 24 of the rigid component 16. There are a number of ways in which outer housing 12 can be connected with the rigid component 16. The outer housing 12 could for example be fixed onto the rigid component 16 by one or more of the following: glue, a clasp, a clip, a screw or threaded together.

The rigid component 16 is in this example a unitary component and is preferably formed of one continuous piece of material that includes annular ridge or ridges 18, an outer surface 24, plug support columns 32 and a plurality of radial lobes 34. The support columns 32 ensure the sealing component 28 retains an optimal shape to create a good seal within the bottle. Sealing component 28 is compressible and preferably made out of a thermos plastic elastomer such as, but not limited to, Marfran (registered trademark).

Inside, and connected to, the outer surface 24 is sealing ring 26 which helps create the hermetic seal on the bottle. Sealing ring 26 adjoins plug 13 and the sealing component 28. The sealing component 28 is ideally made out of a thermos plastic elastomer such as, but not limited to, Marfran (registered trademark) to create an airtight seal in the bottle. The sealing component 28 surrounds the lower part of the rigid component 16, all of which is inserted into a bottle when in use. In the central portion of the base of the sealing component 28 there is a hole 30 for the flow of a pressurising gas through the device into a bottle. Rigid component 16 may only be partially rigid and be able to flex, enabling ease of insertion of the plug 13 into a bottle and to accommodate bottles with different sized openings.

Referring to figures 3A and 4A, radial lobes 34 are located approximately midway up and extend radially into the central passageway 40. Radial lobes 34 are positioned to allow the free moving component 36 to rest on them freely and to be movable from and below the upper central passageway 44. The upper central passageway 44 extends longitudinally away from the opening in the bottle generally through the middle of outer housing 12. The radial lobes 34 inhibit the free moving component 36 from moving down into the lower central passageway 42, which extends longitudinally into the bottle opening from the radial lobes 34 to the hole 30. This configuration of components allows for the flow of a pressurising gas to be pumped in through the outer housing 12, down the upper central passageway 44 past the free moving component 36, in its rest position on the radial lobes 34, into the lower central passageway 42 and through the hole 30 into the bottle. This will be referred to as air flow passage 45 from now on.

The free moving component 36 has a conical surface 46 that extends longitudinally within the central passageway 40 out of the bottle and into the upper central passageway 44. The function of this conical surface 46 is to ensure the free moving valve component is always in the correct orientation for operation and to guide the free moving component into the upper central passageway 44 when the bottle is pressurised by a gas. The free moving component 36 is generally sized such that even when it is in its lowest relative position to the outer housing 12, i.e. sitting on the radial lobes 34, its upper portion, conical surface 46, is located within the upper central passageway 44.

When the stopper 100 is in use and a pressurising gas has been pumped into a bottle the pressure receiving surface 48, on the opposing side of the free moving component 36 from the conical surface 46, has a force F applied to it by the internal pressurised gas of the bottle. This force F is delivered to the free moving component 36 driving it upwards, the conical surface 46 guiding the free moving component 36 as it interlocks with a receiving groove 50, formed in the lower portion of the upper central passageway 44. A seal is formed between the free moving component 36 and the receiving groove 50 and maintained by the internal pressure of gas in the bottle. It is the internal pressure in the bottle caused by the pressurising gas that preserves the sparkling wine. The outer housing 12 includes a handle 55 coupled to the housing. The outer housing 12 has one or more engagement components for engaging with any handle. An example is described below. In the example shown, the engagement components are projections 52 which extend outwardly to the longitudinal axis that extends outwards through the opening of a bottle. These projections 52 provide a pivoting point for the handle 55. The handle 55 includes arms 54 that extend down over the outside of the bottle and connect to a sheath 53. In an alternate embodiment of this device the projections 52 could instead be fixed to or formed integrally with the arms 54 and be arranged to engage with the outer housing 12, e.g. by extending into recesses in the outer housing 12 wherein they are movable and able to pivot.

The handle 55 also includes gripping arms 56 connected to and inside sheath 53. The gripping arms 56 clasp to the outer surface of the neck of a bottle, under the cover of sheath 53, the other side of any flange on the bottle’s neck. In this example, the gripping arms 56 are formed of a resilient material and are shaped generally to engage and grip the bottle neck. As can be seen, typically these gripping arms 56 are semi-circular or arc shaped. In another embodiment of this device, arms 54 and gripping arms 56 may be formed of one continuous piece of material, shaped as part of a cylinder that curves around the neck of a bottle pivoting on projections 52. The gripping arms 56 secure the sparkling wine stopper 100 when the plug 13 has been inserted into a bottle for use and a pressurising gas has been delivered into the bottle with a pump via the central passageway 40 following the air flow passage 45.

The arms 54 and gripping arms 56 are made of a material similar in nature to, but not limited to, steel. At the lower part of the pivoting arms 54 there is a tongue 58 for the user to grip. It protrudes radially away from the bottle neck and is to aid in moving and or pivoting the arms 54 towards or away from the neck of the bottle, subsequently clasping or unclasping the gripping arms 56 to or from the neck of the bottle. This allows for the user to secure the sparkling wine stopper 100 onto the bottle during use or to remove it afterwards.

Figure 2 is a cross section schematic view displaying how the outer housing 12 interacts with the free moving component 36 to create a seal in order to maintain the internal pressure of the gas within the bottle. In this embodiment the conical surface 46 tapers to a point within upper central passageway 44 and the pressure receiving surface 48 is disk shaped. The free moving component 36 is asymmetric and resembles a witch’s hat or road cone in shape. In alternate embodiments the conical surface 46 may resemble part of a cone or any shape which extends linearly into the upper central passageway 44 when the free moving component 36 is resting on the radial lobes 34. The pressurised gas exerts a force F onto the pressure receiving surface 48 on the lower portion of the free moving component 36. A receiving groove 50 shaped to receive the free moving component 36 is located in the lower portion of the upper central passageway 44. A force exerted on the pressure receiving surface 48 results in the free moving component 36 being forced into the receiving groove 50 in the upper central passageway 44. The force F from the internal pressurised gas maintains the free moving component 36 in the position as displayed in figure 2. An airtight seal is created at the boundary between the free moving component 36 and the receiving groove 50.

Figures 3A and 3B are possible cross sections along the line A, A’ in figure 1, displaying embodiments of the radial lobes 34 and the freely movable valve component’s platform 38. In figure 3A the radial lobes 34 are all separate and unconnected. They do not connect at the centre of the central passageway 40. In figure 3B, the radial lobes 34 extend radially inwards and are connected at the centre of the central passageway 40 creating a platform 38.

Figure 4A is a view of a longitudinal cross section through the sparkling wine bottle stopper 100. The features shown will be understood with reference to the corresponding features shown in and described above with reference to the Figures including Figures 1A, 1B and 2. What is made clear here is how the free moving component 36 interacts with the radial lobes 34. The plurality of radial lobes 34 extend radially into the central passageway 40, they may join together at a central point as in figure 3B or they may all be separate entities as in figure 3A. The plurality of radial lobes 34 must extend enough into the central passageway obstructing the free moving component 36 from entering into the lower central passageway 42. In alternate embodiments the radial lobes 34 may also extend towards or raise into the upper central passageway 44 providing a platform for the free moving component 36 to rest upon and exposing more of the pressure receiving surface to a pressurising gas in this configuration. A pressurised gas being pumped into the bottle acts against the conical surface 46 of the free moving component 36 positioned under gravity on the radial lobes 34. There is therefore provided a clear pathway for air to enter into the bottle, along air flow passage 45.

In another embodiment, a single radial lobe 34 is provided. What is important is that it provides a supporting platform for the free moving component 36 whilst still allowing for a pressurising gas to be pumped into a bottle along air flow passage 45. Figure 4B displays an alternative embodiment of the platform 38. There is a supportive central column 60 which protrudes into the space between the rigid component 16 and the outer housing 12. It is on this supportive central column 60 that the free moving component 36 rests when a pressuring gas is being pumped through the device and into a bottle during use.

Figure 5 is a side view of an example of the sparkling wine bottle stopper 100. In this example there is no sheath 53. One of projections 52 is shown with a moveable arm 54 attached to it. Projection 52 acts as a pivoting point for arms 54. In this embodiment the arms 54, gripping arms 56 and tongue 58 are all fashioned out of the same piece of material. A ball and socket joint could be used as an alternative way of connecting the arms 54 to the outer housing.

A method of use of the device will now be described. Initially the plug 13 of the sparkling wine bottle stopper 100 is inserted into an opening of a bottle such that outer housing 12 surrounds the opening and a seal is created in the bottle’s neck by sealing component 28. Then by gripping tongue 58 the handle 55 is moved or pivoted onto the bottle so that gripping arms 56 clasp around the neck of the bottle below any flange that may be present. A pump is then introduced to recess 14 and a pressurising gas is pumped into the bottle via central passageway 40. When pumping a gas through central passageway 40, the gas interacts with the upper conical surface 46 of the free moving component 36. Once there is pressure within the bottle that acts upwardly on the pressure receiving surface 48, the pumped gas forces the free moving component 36 down onto radial lobes 34 and thereby opens up (or maintains open) the air flow passage 45,. This allows the gas to travel into the lower central passageway 42 and the bottle.

After the desired internal pressure of the bottle has been reached pumping can be stopped and the pump may be removed. The internal pressure of the gas will then exert a force F onto the pressure receiving surface 48 of the free moving component 36. This force F results in the free moving component 36 entering into a sealing position with receiving groove 50, guided into position by the upper conical surface 46 in the upper central passageway 44.

The internal pressure of the gas in the bottle maintains this force F on the pressure receiving surface 48 and subsequently the free moving component 36 retains its seal with receiving groove 50. The pressure of the gas within the bottle is maintained by the valve system of the device and preserves the wine. To remove the device, and gain access to the wine, the handle 55 is pulled until gripping arms 56 unclasp from their position around the bottle’s neck. Then the outer housing 12 may be pulled so as to remove the plug 13 from within the opening of the bottle, leaving the wine accessible from the bottle.

The device described above works well. However, in some embodiments, it is desired to provide an additional closing force to the valve assembly to ensure that irrespective of pressure within the bottle a seal can be formed. An example of a valve assembly will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 12 in which this is addressed.

Referring to Figure 6, components that are the same as or corresponding to those of the valve assembly of Figures 1 to 5 will not be described in detail. However, in the present example, instead of a conical valve 36 as shown in, say, Figure 1 , a valve 60 is provided. The valve 60 is arranged within a lower stopper 63 and is arranged to interact with an upper stopper 64. A biasing member 66 in the form of a spring in this example, is provided which provides a biasing force to bias the valve 60 away from the lower stopper 63 and to form a touching engagement with the upper stopper 64. A compressible O-ring 68 is provided which, is arranged upon engagement with the upper stopper 64 to form a sealing engagement and thereby seal the bottle.

The lower stopper 63 has a generally upwardly directed longitudinal stem 70 which is typically cylindrical and around which the spring 66 is positioned. The valve 60 itself has a lower generally downwardly projecting cylinder 72 which is arranged to fit within an upper end of the spring 66. An under surface 74 of the valve is generally annular in shape and acts as a contact surface for the upper coil 76 of the spring 66. Absent any other forces, the spring 66 therefore biases the valve 60 against the under surface 78 of the upper stopper 64. The dimensions of the O-ring 68 are such that before any part of the surface of the valve itself, such as annular surface 80 engages with the lower surface 78 of the upper stopper 64, the O-ring 68 will engage the surface 78. Thus, the O-ring is compressed and deformed slightly so as to form an airtight seal between the O-ring 68 and the upper stopper 64. In a preferred example, the compression of the O-ring is approximately 15-25% and preferably 20%.

It will be appreciated that throughout where expressions such as upwardly or downwardly, e.g. “upwardly directed” or “downwardly projecting” such expressions refer to the general arrangement with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device or assembly that would in use be arranged within the neck of the bottle. The assembly is arranged generally to sit on top of a bottle 82 and has a bottle neck seal 84 similar to that described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

In the position in Figure 6, the valve 60 is depressed slightly with respect to the upper stopper 64 and accordingly gas is able to pass between the space 86. The function of the valve assembly will be described in greater detail below.

Looking now at Figure 7, the valve assembly is shown in a closed configuration. The O-ring 68 is in a closed engagement with the surface 78 of the upper stopper 64. In addition, the upper surface 80 of the valve itself is engagement with the surface 78 of the upper stopper 64. The engagement of the upper surface 80 of the valve with the surface 78 of the upper stopper defines the ultimate limit of the movement of the valve 60.

Figure 8 shows an example of the assembly in which the valve 60 is depressed with respect to the upper stopper 64. Accordingly, in this configuration, gas is able to pass through the space between the lower surface 78 of the upper stopper and the surface of the O-ring 68 such that it can pass between the interior volume of the bottle 82 and a volume 86 exterior to the bottle. The movement of the valve will typically be until the top surface 114 of upper body 92 is flush with the rubber interface, i.e. the lowermost point of the conical side of the frustoconical interface.

It will be understood, that in normal use, the valve will be in a closed position given the force exerted on the valve 60 by the spring 66. When it is desired to seal the bottle and provide some pressurised atmosphere within the space in the bottle between the upper surface of whatever liquid is contained within it and the lower surface of the valve assembly a wine pump or pressure generator is used. Referring to Figure 9, there is shown the engagement between a wine pump 88 and the valve 60 of the valve assembly. The wine pump 88 has a general housing and construction 90 that serves to engage with the upper body 92 of the valve that extends beyond the lower surface of a nozzle interface 94.

As can be seen in Figure 7, in the closed configuration, the upper elements 92 extend into the recess formed by the interface 94. Typically, the interface 94 is formed of a silicon rubber material so as to be compressible upon engagement with the wine pump or pressure generator 88. The compressible nature of the interface enables, or simplifies and improves the formation of, an airtight seal between the lower region 96 of the wine pump 90 and the valve assembly positioned in a bottle neck. Accordingly, when the wine pump 88 is brought into contact with the upper members 92 of the valve 60, the valve 60 is forced to compress the spring 66 and thereby allow an opening of the valve assembly. Thus, a gas such as carbon dioxide can be injected into the bottle to pressurise it as described above.

The details of the construction of the wine pump 88 are not considered particularly pertinent to the present invention, other than that the lower region 96 is shaped so as to fit into the region defined by the rubber nozzle interface and so as to enable engagement with the upper member 92 of the valve 60. As can be seen, in the example of Figure 9, a channel 98 is provided through which a pressurised gas can be provided to the interior of the bottle when the wine pump is in engagement with the valve.

Figures 10a and 10b are a plan and perspective view of an upper stopper forming part of the valve assembly. With respect to, say, Figure 6, Figure 10a is a view from below looking upwards axially along the length of the bottle neck and Figure 10b is a perspective view seen from below. As can be seen, the upper stopper 64 has radial ribs 101 that provide strength and structural integrity to the upper stopper. A generally recessed frustoconical region 100 is defined which, in use has arranged within it a rubber interface such as a silicon rubber nozzle interface 94 (not shown in Figure 10b). Projecting bosses 102 are provided for engagement with the outer elements of the valve assembly such as the metallic housing and arms described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Indeed, the bosses 102 correspond to the bosses 52 provided on the example shown in, say, Figure 1b.

Figures 11a to 11c show various views of a lower stopper which would, in use be arranged to fit within the neck of the bottle. Typically, the lower stopper has a generally downwardly projecting housing 104 which is substantially cylindrical. The housing 104 is arranged to fit within the bottle neck seal 84 described above.

As can be seen, the lower stopper has a generally upwardly projecting cylindrical boss 106 which is the structure around which the spring (not shown in Figure 11) is arranged.

Openings are provided within the lower stopper for the passage of gas, when the valve assembly is in an open configuration. Looking at, say, Figure 11b, or indeed Figure 11a, openings 108 are provided at the lower ends of downwardly projecting members 110.

The structure of the lower stopper is robust and provided with radial supporting fins 112 so as to maintain structural integrity. Figures 12a and 12b show respectively a perspective view from above of the valve 12a and a vertical cross sectional view of the valve 60. It will be appreciated that in Figure 12a, a quarter of the valve has been cut away but this is merely for explanation of the cross sectional profile. The valve has a downwardly projecting cylindrical component 72 around which, in use the spring 66 is positioned. The spring will generally press upwardly on the under surface 74 of the valve. Upper members 92 are sized and positioned such as to extend into the region within the silicon rubber nozzle interface 94 when in use. Thus, to open the valve, some downwards force is required on the upper surface 114 of the upwardly projecting members 92.

Accordingly, the valve assembly of this embodiment works in a similar manner to that of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, but, a biasing member, such as spring 66 is provided to ensure that the closure is maintained irrespective of the pressure within the bottle.

In one example the spring compression force when the valve is closed is between 10 and 30N and more preferably between 12 and 20N. Most preferably the spring compression force is about 15N. In one example the spring compression force when the valve is open is higher than when closed. Typically, when open the spring compression force is between 15 and 33N and more preferably between 18 and 27N. Most preferably the spring compression force is about 21 N.

The dimensions of the various components may be selected as require or application, but in use are determined so as to fit into a bottle neck such as a typical sparkling wine bottle neck, e.g. champagne. When dimensions are shown in the figures, these are exemplary and not limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A device for sealing a bottle after opening, the device comprising: a plug for inserting into the opening of the bottle creating an airtight seal; an outer housing connected to the plug; a central passage through the plug and outer housing through which a pressuring gas can pass into the bottle; a pressure activated valve that seals the central passage when the internal pressure of the bottle is higher than the external pressure; and means attached to an outer housing of the device, for securing the device to the bottle.

2. A device according to claim 1 in which the pressure activated valve has a free moving component that allows for air to be pumped into the bottle but inhibits the escape of air out of the bottle when pressurised.

3. A device according to claim 2 in which the free moving component is asymmetrical.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 in which the free moving component has a tapered profile.

5. A device according to claim 2, 3 or 4 in which the free moving component has a pressure receiving lower surface.

6. A device according to any number of the previous claims in which the free moving component has a surface consisting of at least part of a cone pointing along the longitudinal axis that runs outwards through the bottles neck.

7. A device according to any of the previous claims in which an outer housing sits above the opening to the bottle and is disposed above and connected to the plug in the bottle.

8. A device according to claim 7 in which the means of securing the device is moveably attached to the outer housing of the device.

9. A device according to claim 8 in which the means of securing the device is pivotally attached to the outer housing.

10. A device according to claim 7, 8 or 9 in which the means of securing the device comprises resilient arms to engage the neck of the bottle.

11. A device according to claim 10 in which the resilient arms extend enough to engage around the neck of the bottle the other side of a flange from where the arms connect to the outer housing.

12. A device according to claim 2 or any of the following dependant claims in which the plug comprises of a ridged component surrounded by a compressible and flexible sealing component for creating a hermetic seal with a bottle.

13. A device according to claim 12 in which the ridged component of the plug has a plurality of radial lobes extending radially inwards into the central passage.

14. A device according to claim 13 in which the radial lobes are designed such that when the free moving component sits flush against them there is a clear pathway for a pressurising gas to flow into the bottle.

15. A device according to claim 12 in which there is a ridged column within and attached to the ridged component of the plug.

16. A device according to claim 15 in which the ridged column protrudes above the plug and into the outer housing.

17. A device according to claim 16 in which the protruding ridged column protrudes out of the plug and into the housing such that when pressurising gas being pumped through the device it forces the free moving component to sit on the protruding surface of the ridged column leaving an unobstructed path for gas to flow into the bottle.

18. A device according to any of claims 12 to 17 in which the inner plug and surrounding material has an annular groove for receiving in the circular rim of the bottle.

19. A method of sealing a bottle comprising: inserting a plug into the opening of the bottle to create an airtight seal; securing the plug in the bottle; pumping a pressurising gas through a central passage, passing through the plug and any outer housing, into the bottle, to increase the internal pressure of gas in the bottle; after sufficiently increasing the internal pressure of gas in the bottle, the resulting force of said internal pressure moving a pressure activated valve into a sealing position in the central passage, sealing the bottle.

20. A device for sealing a bottle after opening, the device comprising: a plug for inserting into the opening of the bottle creating an airtight seal; an outer housing connected to the plug; a passage through the plug and outer housing through which a pressuring gas can pass into the bottle; a biased valve that seals the passage;

18 and means attached to an outer housing of the device, for securing the device to the bottle.

21. A device according to claim 20, comprising a biasing means to act on the valve to seal the central passage.

22. A device according to claim 21 , in which the biasing means is a spring.

23. A device according to claim 22 in which the spring is a helical spring.

24. A device according to any of claims 20 to 23, in which the plug comprises a lower stopper and an upper stopper and in which the valve is biased towards the upper stopper to seal the device.

25. A device according to claim 24, in which the valve comprises a compressible O-ring to form a seal between the valve and the upper stopper.

26. A device according to any of claims 20 to 25 in which the valve has an extending member arranged such that a visual indication is given of the status of the valve.

27. A method of sealing a bottle comprising: inserting a plug including a spring controlled valve into the opening of the bottle to create an airtight seal; securing the plug in the bottle; pumping a pressurising gas through a central passage, passing through the plug and any outer housing, into the bottle, to increase the internal pressure of gas in the bottle; after sufficiently increasing the internal pressure of gas in the bottle, using the spring controlled valve in a sealing position in the central passage to seal the bottle.

19