EP4289755B1 - Bottle for containing a liquid and associated analysis kit - Google Patents
Bottle for containing a liquid and associated analysis kit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4289755B1 EP4289755B1 EP23178524.7A EP23178524A EP4289755B1 EP 4289755 B1 EP4289755 B1 EP 4289755B1 EP 23178524 A EP23178524 A EP 23178524A EP 4289755 B1 EP4289755 B1 EP 4289755B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bottle
- liquid
- optical
- inspection
- neck
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/02—Bottles or similar containers with necks or like restricted apertures, designed for pouring contents
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- 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
- B65D25/54—Inspection openings or windows
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- 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
- B65D2201/00—Means or constructions for testing or controlling the contents
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the winegrowing industry and, more precisely, the related packaging industry.
- the invention regards a bottle for containing a liquid and, in particular, a bottle for containing a liquid that is suitably configured for the performance of one or more quality tests on the content thereof.
- the invention also regards a kit for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle, preferably the bottle as described above.
- wine understood as the alcoholic beverage obtained from the (total or partial) fermentation of the fruit of grapevines or must, may be divided into different types of higher or lower quality depending on a series of parameters, including the grape variety, the region of origin, the year of production, the processing techniques, aging, refinement, etc.
- Wine in fact, is commonly defined as a "live" product, since, even after the bottling stage, it continues its own process of refinement (generally desired and sought by the winemaker and/or oenologist) which leads to the definition of particular flavours and aromas.
- refinement generally desired and sought by the winemaker and/or oenologist
- wine does not remain unaltered, as various suitably controlled factors (the passing of time, micro-oxygenation through the cork, temperature, relative humidity of storage, etc.) enable a unique, quality product to be obtained.
- the wine could develop scents that were not intended, but are nonetheless pleasant and appreciated.
- the wine could show defects that irremediably compromise its drinkability.
- corks are of poor quality and/or defective, they could allow an excessive exchange of oxygen between the outside environment and the wine inside the bottle and thus induce an excessive oxidation thereof.
- the same corks could be a vehicle of fungi, mould and bacteria that inevitably lead to the formation, in the long term, but also in the short term, of trichloroanisole (TCA), a substance that imparts to the wine the unpleasant odours and flavours of cork (so-called "corky” smell and taste).
- TCA trichloroanisole
- a defective wine or one that is "past its prime" in fact means an economic loss for whoever purchased the bottle, or a lack of sales for the producer. Moreover, offering a defective wine to diners or wine connoisseurs will also cause displeasure and the loss of a tasting opportunity.
- GB 237 846 A discloses a bottle for wine in accordance with the preamble of independent claim 1.
- the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a bottle for containing a liquid that overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
- one object of the present invention is to provide a bottle for containing a liquid that enables an evaluation of the integrity of the wine contained therein without having to open the bottle itself to draw a sample to be analysed.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bottle for containing a liquid that is particularly suitable for containing wine. Therefore, more specifically, the invention has the object of providing a bottle endowed not only with the innovative characteristics described below, but also with the features and characteristics that the known wine bottles possess in order to assure the wine's quality and refinement.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a bottle for containing a liquid which can enable an analysis of the liquid contained therein by means of analyses that are not destructive either of the liquid or the bottle itself.
- the present invention also aims to provide a kit for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle.
- the invention relates to a bottle for containing a liquid in an internal volume thereof.
- the bottle comprises a main body adapted to delimit at least part of the internal volume of the bottle and, moreover, having a resting base configured to enable the bottle to remain in a stable upright position.
- the bottle also comprises a neck extending from said the body along a longitudinal direction up to a final open end thereof adapted to receive a closure.
- the neck has a pair of inspection windows opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction.
- Each inspection window comprises an optical shield adapted to allow the passage of a light beam for the carrying out of spectroscopic analysis techniques.
- the aforesaid bottle enables the liquid and the head space (i.e. the space comprised between the wine and the lower surface of the closure) contained therein to be analysed, without having to uncork the bottle to draw a sample to be analysed, by non-invasive spectroscopic techniques that can be repeated again and again over time without the occurrence of undesirable secondary effects.
- the liquid and the head space i.e. the space comprised between the wine and the lower surface of the closure
- the present invention relates to a bottle for containing a liquid which, with reference to the figures, has been generically indicated with the number 1.
- Figures 1-3 show a bottle 1 for containing a liquid in an internal volume V thereof.
- the bottle 1 comprises a main body 2 adapted to delimit at least part of the internal volume V of the bottle and, moreover, having a resting base 3 configured to enable the bottle 1 to remain in a stable upright position.
- the bottle 1 also comprises a neck 4 extending from the main body 2 along a longitudinal direction up to a final open end 5 thereof adapted to receive a closure 6 (which may be seen in figure 6 ).
- the neck 4 has a pair of inspection windows 7 opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction L. Moreover, each inspection window 7 comprises an optical shield 8 adapted to allow the passage of a light beam for the carrying out of spectroscopic analysis techniques.
- the optical shields 8 arranged at the corresponding inspection windows 7 are advantageously configured to perform the same function as the walls of a cuvette, i.e. the container that contains the sample to be analysed in a spectrophotometric or spectrophotofluorometric analysis.
- the neck 4 of the bottle 1 may be considered as an element similar to a cuvette.
- the bottle 1 is advantageously able to enable the performance of non-destructive analyses of the liquid and the head space contained therein.
- the inspection windows 7 allow for analysing the liquid contained in the bottle 1 or any "empty space" comprised between the closure 6 and the liquid itself.
- empty space refers to the portion (if present) of the internal volume V in which the liquid is not present.
- the aforesaid bottle 1 is advantageously configured to enable the performance of physicochemical analyses of the liquid contained therein without having to break the closure seal and, therefore, removing the closure 6 applied at the time of bottling.
- the analysis conducted being of the spectroscopic type (ultraviolet, NIR, Laser 7), has in no way any influence or secondary effects on the product analysed (the liquid contained in the bottle 1), much less on the bottle 1 itself.
- the analysis can be conducted infinite times without having undesirable effects on the liquid or on the bottle 1. Therefore, it is possible to schedule analyses at pre-established time intervals to monitor the evolution or possible deterioration of the bottled liquid.
- the analysis makes it possible to promptly discover the appearance and development of any defects that could preclude the consumption and/or use of the liquid and, for example if the liquid is wine, impair the economic value of the bottle 1.
- this type of analysis does not require any particular skills or specific preparation on the part of the operator who must carry it out, except for a brief initial training.
- the liquid to be analysed need not undergo any preparatory procedure except for a simple cleaning of the optical shields 8 to remove any elements of disturbance, such as dust, dirt or mould which may be present on the surface thereof.
- the result of the analysis is substantially immediate and one can thus assess in a short time whether the liquid contained is usable/fit for consumption or impaired.
- each optical shield 8 is made at least in part with a material that is transparent at the wavelengths in which the spectroscopic analysis is conducted and, therefore, does not produce a lowering of the signal-to-noise ratio, which would be to the detriment of the accuracy of the analysis.
- each optical shield 8 is completely made of the aforesaid transparent material.
- each optical shield 8 is made of optical glass, or quartz, or polymethylmethacrylate or another plastic or vitreous material, as a function of the range of wavelengths in which the spectroscopic analysis of the fluid will be conducted and, moreover, as a function of the liquid contained inside of the bottle 1.
- all the optical shields 8 are made of the same material. In this manner it is possible to obtain more precise results, since the interaction between the light beam and the optical shield 8 is the same on both the entry and exit sides.
- each inspection window of the pair of inspection windows 7 is fashioned along a same perpendicular direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.
- the optical path that the light beam must travel for the performance of the spectroscopic analysis is minimal and rectilinear.
- the inspection windows 7 are arranged facing each other, thus defining the two lateral ends of a fictitious tubular element that passes orthogonally through the neck 4 of the bottle 1.
- the optical shields 8 are arranged orthogonally to the perpendicular direction T and the longitudinal direction L.
- the optical shields 8 are arranged in such a way that their surfaces of incidence with the light beam of the spectroscopic analysis are parallel to each other.
- the optical shields 8 are substantially shaped like disks or plates of reduced thickness having two opposite passage surfaces. These surfaces are preferably parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction. Even more preferably, the surfaces are orthogonal to the aforesaid perpendicular direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.
- the optical shields 8 must be smooth and clean, i.e. they must be made and maintained free of scratches and/or nicks that can lead to undesirable refractions/reflections of the light beam and, therefore, to less accurate results.
- each optical shield 8 must be perfectly integrated within the respective window 7 and thus inside the bottle 1. Therefore, to reduce the possibility of deposits of undesirable products forming on each optical shield 8, each of the latter is disposed so as to be as aligned as much as possible with the inner surface of the bottle, i.e. the surface in contact with the liquid, in order to prevent or at least limit to a minimum the formation of steps on which undesirable substances could deposit/form which would be difficult to remove for the performance of the analysis.
- this type of alignment makes it possible to perfectly know the optical path parameter, as the latter would coincide with the inner diameter of the neck 4 of the bottle 1.
- At least one inspection window 7 has a tapered shape narrowing towards the internal volume V of the bottle 1.
- each inspection window 7 has the aforesaid tapered shape.
- the inspection windows 7 are advantageously tapered in shape so as to define a seat for the insertion of the optical shields 8 which is capable of aligning the latter with each other and orthogonally to the aforesaid perpendicular direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.
- the inspection windows 7 have a first active surface (obtained along the outer surface of the bottle 1) that is larger than the second active surface thereof (obtained along the inner surface of the bottle 1).
- This configuration of the inspection windows 7 can be obtained by machining with a conical diamond milling cutter adapted to ensure a regular taper as well as a precise bore gauge and clean, sharp edges.
- the taper angle is comprised between 15° and 45°, since angles that are more open than those within this range may overly reduce the light passing into the internal part of the bottle 1 through the respective inspection window 7.
- the inspection windows 7 can be made without tapers.
- the first and second active surfaces thereof have the same shape and extent.
- the inspection windows 7 can be made with a combination between a tapered section and a taperless section.
- the inspection windows 7 can have a first tapered section fashioned starting from the outer surface of the bottle 1 and a second regular (taperless) section fashioned after the first section and terminating at the inner surface of the bottle 1 so as to form a through hole.
- the second section has a smaller opening than the first section.
- a rest surface is formed, upon which the respective optical shield 8 can rest in order to be constrained in a position that is stable and unchanging over time.
- figures 4a-4c represent three different embodiments of the inspection windows 7, as well as three corresponding preferred embodiments of the optical shields 8, which are positioned solely in the inspection window 7 located on the right of the reader that observes the aforesaid images.
- each optical shield 8 is complementarily shaped relative to the corresponding inspection window 7 in which it is insertable.
- each optical shield 8 can be easily positioned in a stable position inside the respective inspection window 7 and, moreover, aligned with the corresponding optical shield 8, orthogonal to the aforesaid perpendicular direction T.
- the optical shield 8 is preferably complementarily shaped relative only to the tapered portion of the inspection window 7, as illustrated.
- the optical shield 8 has a tapered shape.
- the optical shield 8 can have a shape that is completely complementary to that of the inspection window 7 and thus likewise have a tapered portion and a regular portion that are joined and aligned.
- the optical shields 8 are positioned inside the respective inspection window 7 with the use of an adhesive material that is inert towards the liquid contained in the bottle 1, i.e. which does not alter or contaminate it in any way.
- the adhesive materials can comprise acrylic- or epoxy-based resins curable with UV or UV-LED light.
- the optical shields 8 are positioned inside the respective inspection window 7 by gluing after partial melting of the edge of the respective inspection window 7, i.e. by amalgamating the optical shield 8 directly within the bottle 1.
- the inspection windows 7 have a circular or square cross section.
- the inspection windows 7 and the optical shields 8 have a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape.
- the main body 2 and/or the neck 4 are made of glass, preferably opaque and/or coloured glass.
- Coloured glass generally green or brown, is used to increase the protection of liquids (wine, oil, beer%) against the destructive action of sunlight, which would strike them directly in the case of transparent glass.
- the bottles 1 are made of coloured glass (or another material)
- the optical shields 8 are advantageously made with a suitable high-transparency material, in particular one that is transparent to the light radiation used to perform the spectroscopic analysis without having to uncork the bottle 1 to draw a sample of liquid and, therefore, without having to spoil the seal and thereby impair the economic value of the bottle 1.
- the bottle 1 comprises a closure 6 provided at said open final end 5 of the neck 4 in order to close off the internal volume V of the bottle 1.
- the pair of inspection windows 7 is fashioned in a portion of the neck 4 comprised between the closure 6, more precisely the lower surface thereof facing towards the resting base 3 of the bottle 1, and a filling level 9 of the bottle 1 when, during use, the liquid is placed therein.
- the inspection windows 7, and thus the optical shields 8, are provided substantially at the base of the neck 4 of the bottle 1 in a position corresponding to the "empty space" between the closure 6 and the liquid inside the bottle 1.
- the optical path of the light beam comprised between the optical shields 8 does not pass through the liquid and enables an analysis of the volatile substances present in the layer of air comprised between the liquid and the closure 6 (suitably disposed so as not to overlap the optical shields). If the bottle is laid on its side, i.e. disposed horizontally or simply at least partially inclined, the optical path will be occupied by the liquid and, therefore, the spectroscopic analysis will be able to directly analyse the liquid itself and the components thereof.
- the inspection windows 7 fashioned at the base of the neck 4 of the bottle have little visual impact, because of their small size. However, if necessary, they can be masked by labels or plastic or aluminium capsules which can be easily removed in the event that an analysis needs to be performed.
- the optical shields 8 can be maintained visible to lend a distinctive appearance to the bottles 1 to be marketed.
- the optical shields 8 can be installed so as to be positioned laterally to the front face of the bottle 1 if the latter has a preferential face in the labelling phase or distinctive high reliefs.
- the optical shields 8 can be covered with an extendable protective plastic film or wrapper on the base of the neck 4 of the bottle 1 to keep them clean and intact.
- each inspection window of the pair of inspection windows 7 has a width greater than 2 millimetres, preferably less than 30 millimetres.
- each inspection window 7 has a width (or a diameter if circular in shape) comprised between 5 millimetres and 15 millimetres. This width can vary as a function of the type of bottle 1, and thus its size.
- each optical shield 8 has a thickness greater than 1 millimetre, preferably less than 15 millimetres.
- each optical shield 8 has a thickness comprised between 2 and 8 millimetres so that the material making it up does not alter the path of the light beam for the spectroscopic analysis. If possible, that is, for standard bottle sizes ("fillette”, “bouteille”, “litre"), the thickness of the optical shields 8 is substantially equal or in any case very similar to the thickness of the bottle 1.
- the optical shields 8 are preferably arranged in such a way as to be aligned with the inner surface of the bottle, as illustrated in figures 5a and 6 .
- a magnum bottle for example, is configured to contain a volume of 1.5 litres of liquid and is thus volumetrically larger than standard bottles having an internal volume V of 0.75 litres. For mechanical and technical reasons, the thickness of the glass will thus be greater, as will the distance between the optical shields 8.
- the optical shields 8 are preferably aligned with the surface of the bottle 1 in contact with the liquid in order to prevent, or at least limit to a minimum, the formation of steps on which deposits of dirt might form, which could alter the measurements.
- the invention also relates to a kit 100 for the spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle, preferably a bottle 1 having a or more of the features described previously.
- Figure 7 illustrates the kit 100, which comprises a bottle 1 and a device per spectroscopic analysis 101 configured to receive the bottle in one or more different operating positions and further configured to emit a specific light beam through the pair of inspection windows 7 so as to carry out a corresponding spectroscopic analysis technique according to the range of wavelengths of the aforesaid light beam.
- the device for spectroscopic analysis 101 has a work zone 102 in which the bottle 1 can be accommodated.
- the work zone is advantageously adaptable for the positioning of the bottle in its normal upright position or in a horizontal position, i.e. lying on one side, since the work zone 102 is tiltable and can thus be set at different inclinations during the performance of analyses.
- the device for spectroscopic analysis 101 is advantageously capable of arranging the emitter element 103 emitting the light beam and the receiver element 104 receiving the light beam always aligned with a respective optical shield 8 of the bottle 1.
- information regarding the length of the characteristic optical path of every bottle 1, as well as any additional notes, will be shown on each of them so as to provide the device 101 with all the information and settings necessary for performing an analysis that is as accurate and precise as possible.
- the analysis must be conducted in a closed space, devoid of external light that could alter or in any case distort the results.
- the work chamber 102 of the analyser 101 will thus be provided with a closure aimed at ensuring darkness.
- the device for spectroscopic analysis 101 by its nature, has the advantage of not requiring any particular or costly maintenance operations apart from routine checks, which can be planned in advance, and which entail the replacement of components subject to wear or deterioration. The latter are limited to an exiguous number of parts usually replaceable at a modest price.
- the aforesaid kit 100 allows the performance of analyses that are not destructive of the content of the bottle 1, which need not be opened beforehand in order to extract a sample to be analysed.
- Opening the bottle poses two main drawbacks: it removes the seal (capsule/sealing wax and closure) originally affixed at the bottling stage (thus reducing the economic value thereof) and, if not carried out in a controlled and/or inert environment, will cause an immediate contamination of the liquid with the atmosphere of the place in which uncorking takes place.
- Spectroscopic analyses by contrast, are not destructive and may thus be repeated a number of times (theoretically infinite) without the product analysed undergoing any secondary and/or undesirable modification.
- the wine contained in a bottle 1 can be analysed many times even after being bottled in order to keep its process of refinement and aging monitored. In this manner, therefore, winegrowers, oenologists, producers and sellers (i.e. the whole supply chain) are able to evaluate its evolution and discover any defects, even as they occur, in order to establish whether the product is saleable/fit for consumption or must be discarded.
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Description
- The present invention relates to the winegrowing industry and, more precisely, the related packaging industry.
- The invention regards a bottle for containing a liquid and, in particular, a bottle for containing a liquid that is suitably configured for the performance of one or more quality tests on the content thereof.
- The invention also regards a kit for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle, preferably the bottle as described above.
- It is well known that wine, understood as the alcoholic beverage obtained from the (total or partial) fermentation of the fruit of grapevines or must, may be divided into different types of higher or lower quality depending on a series of parameters, including the grape variety, the region of origin, the year of production, the processing techniques, aging, refinement, etc....
- Even within the same wine category, different bottles can have very variable costs. For example, a wine obtained from a particular grape variety may only be worth a few euros per bottle if processed with a particular technique or left to refine only in the bottle. In contrast, the same wine, if left to age for a longer period of time in wood barrels or barriques and subsequently left to refine in the bottle may even be worth tens or hundreds of euros.
- Wine, in fact, is commonly defined as a "live" product, since, even after the bottling stage, it continues its own process of refinement (generally desired and sought by the winemaker and/or oenologist) which leads to the definition of particular flavours and aromas. In other words, once bottled, wine does not remain unaltered, as various suitably controlled factors (the passing of time, micro-oxygenation through the cork, temperature, relative humidity of storage, etc.) enable a unique, quality product to be obtained.
- All this is also directly reflected in the final value of each bottle of wine, also from an economic standpoint.
- However, every bottle of wine is different from others, as the same wine bottled in different bottles stored in different places can evolve and mature differently from what was expected.
- In some cases, for example, the wine could develop scents that were not intended, but are nonetheless pleasant and appreciated.
- In other cases, however, the wine could show defects that irremediably compromise its drinkability. For example, if corks are of poor quality and/or defective, they could allow an excessive exchange of oxygen between the outside environment and the wine inside the bottle and thus induce an excessive oxidation thereof. Or else, the same corks could be a vehicle of fungi, mould and bacteria that inevitably lead to the formation, in the long term, but also in the short term, of trichloroanisole (TCA), a substance that imparts to the wine the unpleasant odours and flavours of cork (so-called "corky" smell and taste).
- Unfortunately, to date, there has been no chance of knowing the conditions of the wine contained inside sealed bottles without opening the bottle itself and thus breaking the seal (capsule/sealing wax and closure) applied by the winemaker at the time of bottling. In fact, analyses can be performed on the wine prior to bottling and thus before the stage of refinement in the bottle. Therefore, in the light of what was explained previously, the discovery of any defects in the wine occurs only after a bottle has been purchased and opened.
- This results in a series of drawbacks that the present invention aims to overcome.
- A defective wine or one that is "past its prime" in fact means an economic loss for whoever purchased the bottle, or a lack of sales for the producer. Moreover, offering a defective wine to diners or wine connoisseurs will also cause displeasure and the loss of a tasting opportunity.
- In addition, the opening of very valuable bottles of aged wine is irreversible due to the breaking of the original seal. Therefore, the discovery of any defects at the time of opening the seal will result both in a decrease in the economic value of the bottle and the impossibility of drinking its contents.
discloses a bottle for wine in accordance with the preamble ofGB 237 846 A independent claim 1. - In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a bottle for containing a liquid that overcomes the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
- In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a bottle for containing a liquid that enables an evaluation of the integrity of the wine contained therein without having to open the bottle itself to draw a sample to be analysed.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a bottle for containing a liquid that is particularly suitable for containing wine. Therefore, more specifically, the invention has the object of providing a bottle endowed not only with the innovative characteristics described below, but also with the features and characteristics that the known wine bottles possess in order to assure the wine's quality and refinement.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a bottle for containing a liquid which can enable an analysis of the liquid contained therein by means of analyses that are not destructive either of the liquid or the bottle itself.
- The present invention also aims to provide a kit for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle.
- The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a bottle for containing a liquid, which comprises the technical features disclosed in the independent claim. The dependent claims correspond to further advantageous aspects of the invention.
- It should be understood that this summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form, which will be further expanded on in the detailed description given below.
- The invention relates to a bottle for containing a liquid in an internal volume thereof.
- The bottle comprises a main body adapted to delimit at least part of the internal volume of the bottle and, moreover, having a resting base configured to enable the bottle to remain in a stable upright position. The bottle also comprises a neck extending from said the body along a longitudinal direction up to a final open end thereof adapted to receive a closure.
- The neck has a pair of inspection windows opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction. Each inspection window comprises an optical shield adapted to allow the passage of a light beam for the carrying out of spectroscopic analysis techniques.
- Advantageously, the aforesaid bottle enables the liquid and the head space (i.e. the space comprised between the wine and the lower surface of the closure) contained therein to be analysed, without having to uncork the bottle to draw a sample to be analysed, by non-invasive spectroscopic techniques that can be repeated again and again over time without the occurrence of undesirable secondary effects.
- Additional features and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the approximate and hence non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a bottle for containing a liquid, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
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figure 1 illustrates, according to a perspective view, a bottle for containing a liquid in accordance with the invention; -
figure 2 illustrates, according to a perspective view, a section of the bottle illustrated infigure 1 , according to a vertical plane; -
figure 3 illustrates, according to a perspective view, an exploded diagram of the bottle illustrated infigure 1 ; -
figures 4a-4c illustrate, according to a top view, different embodiments of the inspection windows fashioned on the bottle and of the corresponding optical shields; -
figures 5a-5b illustrate, according to a top view, respective cross sections of the neck of the bottle illustrated infigure 1 ; -
figure 6 illustrates, according to a side view, a section of the bottle illustrated infigure 1 filled with a liquid, according to a vertical plane; -
figure 7 illustrates, according to a perspective view, a possible configuration of a kit for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle. - With reference to the drawings, they serve solely to illustrate embodiments of the invention for the purpose of better clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles at the basis of the invention.
- The present invention relates to a bottle for containing a liquid which, with reference to the figures, has been generically indicated with the
number 1. - Any modifications or variants which, in the light of the description, would be evident to the person skilled in the art must be considered as falling within the scope of protection established by the present invention, according to considerations of technical equivalence.
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Figures 1-3 show abottle 1 for containing a liquid in an internal volume V thereof. Thebottle 1 comprises amain body 2 adapted to delimit at least part of the internal volume V of the bottle and, moreover, having aresting base 3 configured to enable thebottle 1 to remain in a stable upright position. - The
bottle 1 also comprises aneck 4 extending from themain body 2 along a longitudinal direction up to a finalopen end 5 thereof adapted to receive a closure 6 (which may be seen infigure 6 ). - The
neck 4 has a pair ofinspection windows 7 opposite each other relative to the longitudinal direction L. Moreover, eachinspection window 7 comprises anoptical shield 8 adapted to allow the passage of a light beam for the carrying out of spectroscopic analysis techniques. - In other words, the
optical shields 8 arranged at thecorresponding inspection windows 7 are advantageously configured to perform the same function as the walls of a cuvette, i.e. the container that contains the sample to be analysed in a spectrophotometric or spectrophotofluorometric analysis. - In still other words, therefore, the
neck 4 of thebottle 1 may be considered as an element similar to a cuvette. There are preferably at least twoinspection windows 7 andoptical shields 8, as a first inspection window-optical shield is used as the entry for the light radiation of the spectroscopic analysis, whilst a second inspection window-optical shield is used for the exit of the aforesaid light radiation. - In this manner, the
bottle 1 is advantageously able to enable the performance of non-destructive analyses of the liquid and the head space contained therein. - Even more advantageously, depending on the position in which the
bottle 1 is maintained (as better explained below), theinspection windows 7 allow for analysing the liquid contained in thebottle 1 or any "empty space" comprised between theclosure 6 and the liquid itself. The expression "empty space" refers to the portion (if present) of the internal volume V in which the liquid is not present. - In conclusion, the
aforesaid bottle 1 is advantageously configured to enable the performance of physicochemical analyses of the liquid contained therein without having to break the closure seal and, therefore, removing theclosure 6 applied at the time of bottling. - Even more advantageously, the analysis conducted, being of the spectroscopic type (ultraviolet, NIR, Laser ...), has in no way any influence or secondary effects on the product analysed (the liquid contained in the bottle 1), much less on the
bottle 1 itself. In other words, as already mentioned, it is a totally non-destructive analysis. Consequently, the analysis can be conducted infinite times without having undesirable effects on the liquid or on thebottle 1. Therefore, it is possible to schedule analyses at pre-established time intervals to monitor the evolution or possible deterioration of the bottled liquid. - In addition, the analysis makes it possible to promptly discover the appearance and development of any defects that could preclude the consumption and/or use of the liquid and, for example if the liquid is wine, impair the economic value of the
bottle 1. In addition to this, this type of analysis does not require any particular skills or specific preparation on the part of the operator who must carry it out, except for a brief initial training. Moreover, the liquid to be analysed need not undergo any preparatory procedure except for a simple cleaning of theoptical shields 8 to remove any elements of disturbance, such as dust, dirt or mould which may be present on the surface thereof. Finally, the result of the analysis is substantially immediate and one can thus assess in a short time whether the liquid contained is usable/fit for consumption or impaired. - Preferably, each
optical shield 8 is made at least in part with a material that is transparent at the wavelengths in which the spectroscopic analysis is conducted and, therefore, does not produce a lowering of the signal-to-noise ratio, which would be to the detriment of the accuracy of the analysis. - Even more preferably, each
optical shield 8 is completely made of the aforesaid transparent material. - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each
optical shield 8 is made of optical glass, or quartz, or polymethylmethacrylate or another plastic or vitreous material, as a function of the range of wavelengths in which the spectroscopic analysis of the fluid will be conducted and, moreover, as a function of the liquid contained inside of thebottle 1. - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, in order to simplify the analysis operations, all the
optical shields 8 are made of the same material. In this manner it is possible to obtain more precise results, since the interaction between the light beam and theoptical shield 8 is the same on both the entry and exit sides. - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, each inspection window of the pair of
inspection windows 7 is fashioned along a same perpendicular direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. - In this manner, the optical path that the light beam must travel for the performance of the spectroscopic analysis is minimal and rectilinear.
- In other words, the
inspection windows 7 are arranged facing each other, thus defining the two lateral ends of a fictitious tubular element that passes orthogonally through theneck 4 of thebottle 1. - Preferably, the
optical shields 8 are arranged orthogonally to the perpendicular direction T and the longitudinal direction L. - Even more preferably, the
optical shields 8 are arranged in such a way that their surfaces of incidence with the light beam of the spectroscopic analysis are parallel to each other. - In other words, the
optical shields 8 are substantially shaped like disks or plates of reduced thickness having two opposite passage surfaces. These surfaces are preferably parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction. Even more preferably, the surfaces are orthogonal to the aforesaid perpendicular direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. - Advantageously, the
optical shields 8 must be smooth and clean, i.e. they must be made and maintained free of scratches and/or nicks that can lead to undesirable refractions/reflections of the light beam and, therefore, to less accurate results. - In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, each
optical shield 8 must be perfectly integrated within therespective window 7 and thus inside thebottle 1. Therefore, to reduce the possibility of deposits of undesirable products forming on eachoptical shield 8, each of the latter is disposed so as to be as aligned as much as possible with the inner surface of the bottle, i.e. the surface in contact with the liquid, in order to prevent or at least limit to a minimum the formation of steps on which undesirable substances could deposit/form which would be difficult to remove for the performance of the analysis. - Advantageously, this type of alignment makes it possible to perfectly know the optical path parameter, as the latter would coincide with the inner diameter of the
neck 4 of thebottle 1. - In accordance with one aspect of the invention illustrated in
figure 4a , at least oneinspection window 7 has a tapered shape narrowing towards the internal volume V of thebottle 1. - Preferably, each
inspection window 7 has the aforesaid tapered shape. - In this manner, the
inspection windows 7 are advantageously tapered in shape so as to define a seat for the insertion of theoptical shields 8 which is capable of aligning the latter with each other and orthogonally to the aforesaid perpendicular direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. - In other words, the
inspection windows 7 have a first active surface (obtained along the outer surface of the bottle 1) that is larger than the second active surface thereof (obtained along the inner surface of the bottle 1). - This configuration of the
inspection windows 7 can be obtained by machining with a conical diamond milling cutter adapted to ensure a regular taper as well as a precise bore gauge and clean, sharp edges. - Preferably, the taper angle is comprised between 15° and 45°, since angles that are more open than those within this range may overly reduce the light passing into the internal part of the
bottle 1 through therespective inspection window 7. - In accordance with an alternative aspect illustrated in
figure 4b , theinspection windows 7 can be made without tapers. In other words, the first and second active surfaces thereof have the same shape and extent. - Alternatively, as illustrated in
figure 4c , theinspection windows 7 can be made with a combination between a tapered section and a taperless section. - In other words, the
inspection windows 7 can have a first tapered section fashioned starting from the outer surface of thebottle 1 and a second regular (taperless) section fashioned after the first section and terminating at the inner surface of thebottle 1 so as to form a through hole. - Preferably, the second section has a smaller opening than the first section. In this manner, a rest surface is formed, upon which the respective
optical shield 8 can rest in order to be constrained in a position that is stable and unchanging over time. - It should be noted that
figures 4a-4c represent three different embodiments of theinspection windows 7, as well as three corresponding preferred embodiments of theoptical shields 8, which are positioned solely in theinspection window 7 located on the right of the reader that observes the aforesaid images. - In accordance with another aspect of the invention, as illustrated in
figure 3 and infigures 5a, 5b , eachoptical shield 8 is complementarily shaped relative to thecorresponding inspection window 7 in which it is insertable. - In this manner, each
optical shield 8 can be easily positioned in a stable position inside therespective inspection window 7 and, moreover, aligned with the correspondingoptical shield 8, orthogonal to the aforesaid perpendicular direction T. - In reference to
figure 4c , theoptical shield 8 is preferably complementarily shaped relative only to the tapered portion of theinspection window 7, as illustrated. In other words, theoptical shield 8 has a tapered shape. Alternatively, theoptical shield 8 can have a shape that is completely complementary to that of theinspection window 7 and thus likewise have a tapered portion and a regular portion that are joined and aligned. Preferably, theoptical shields 8 are positioned inside therespective inspection window 7 with the use of an adhesive material that is inert towards the liquid contained in thebottle 1, i.e. which does not alter or contaminate it in any way. - For example, the adhesive materials can comprise acrylic- or epoxy-based resins curable with UV or UV-LED light.
- Alternatively, the
optical shields 8 are positioned inside therespective inspection window 7 by gluing after partial melting of the edge of therespective inspection window 7, i.e. by amalgamating theoptical shield 8 directly within thebottle 1. - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
inspection windows 7 have a circular or square cross section. - Consequently, as may be seen in
figure 3 , theinspection windows 7 and theoptical shields 8 have a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape. - In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
main body 2 and/or theneck 4 are made of glass, preferably opaque and/or coloured glass. - In this manner, the liquid contained inside the
bottle 1 is at least partly protected against the sun's rays. Coloured glass, generally green or brown, is used to increase the protection of liquids (wine, oil, beer...) against the destructive action of sunlight, which would strike them directly in the case of transparent glass. - In other words, although the
bottles 1 are made of coloured glass (or another material), theoptical shields 8 are advantageously made with a suitable high-transparency material, in particular one that is transparent to the light radiation used to perform the spectroscopic analysis without having to uncork thebottle 1 to draw a sample of liquid and, therefore, without having to spoil the seal and thereby impair the economic value of thebottle 1. - In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the
bottle 1 comprises aclosure 6 provided at said openfinal end 5 of theneck 4 in order to close off the internal volume V of thebottle 1. In particular, as shown infigure 6 , the pair ofinspection windows 7 is fashioned in a portion of theneck 4 comprised between theclosure 6, more precisely the lower surface thereof facing towards the restingbase 3 of thebottle 1, and afilling level 9 of thebottle 1 when, during use, the liquid is placed therein. - Preferably, the
inspection windows 7, and thus theoptical shields 8, are provided substantially at the base of theneck 4 of thebottle 1 in a position corresponding to the "empty space" between theclosure 6 and the liquid inside thebottle 1. - In this manner, when the
bottle 1 is kept in its normal upright position, the optical path of the light beam comprised between theoptical shields 8 does not pass through the liquid and enables an analysis of the volatile substances present in the layer of air comprised between the liquid and the closure 6 (suitably disposed so as not to overlap the optical shields). If the bottle is laid on its side, i.e. disposed horizontally or simply at least partially inclined, the optical path will be occupied by the liquid and, therefore, the spectroscopic analysis will be able to directly analyse the liquid itself and the components thereof. - In addition, the
inspection windows 7 fashioned at the base of theneck 4 of the bottle have little visual impact, because of their small size. However, if necessary, they can be masked by labels or plastic or aluminium capsules which can be easily removed in the event that an analysis needs to be performed. - Alternatively, the
optical shields 8 can be maintained visible to lend a distinctive appearance to thebottles 1 to be marketed. - Optionally, the
optical shields 8 can be installed so as to be positioned laterally to the front face of thebottle 1 if the latter has a preferential face in the labelling phase or distinctive high reliefs. - In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
optical shields 8 can be covered with an extendable protective plastic film or wrapper on the base of theneck 4 of thebottle 1 to keep them clean and intact. - In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each inspection window of the pair of
inspection windows 7 has a width greater than 2 millimetres, preferably less than 30 millimetres. - Even more preferably, each
inspection window 7 has a width (or a diameter if circular in shape) comprised between 5 millimetres and 15 millimetres. This width can vary as a function of the type ofbottle 1, and thus its size. - In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, each
optical shield 8 has a thickness greater than 1 millimetre, preferably less than 15 millimetres. - Preferably, each
optical shield 8 has a thickness comprised between 2 and 8 millimetres so that the material making it up does not alter the path of the light beam for the spectroscopic analysis. If possible, that is, for standard bottle sizes ("fillette", "bouteille", "litre"), the thickness of theoptical shields 8 is substantially equal or in any case very similar to the thickness of thebottle 1. - When the thickness of the
optical shields 8 is smaller than the thickness of thebottle 1, as it could be in the case of large sizes ("magnum", "double magnum", "Methuselah", etc.), the optical shields are preferably arranged in such a way as to be aligned with the inner surface of the bottle, as illustrated infigures 5a and6 . A magnum bottle, for example, is configured to contain a volume of 1.5 litres of liquid and is thus volumetrically larger than standard bottles having an internal volume V of 0.75 litres. For mechanical and technical reasons, the thickness of the glass will thus be greater, as will the distance between the optical shields 8. - In other words, as explained previously, the
optical shields 8 are preferably aligned with the surface of thebottle 1 in contact with the liquid in order to prevent, or at least limit to a minimum, the formation of steps on which deposits of dirt might form, which could alter the measurements. - The invention also relates to a
kit 100 for the spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle, preferably abottle 1 having a or more of the features described previously. -
Figure 7 illustrates thekit 100, which comprises abottle 1 and a device perspectroscopic analysis 101 configured to receive the bottle in one or more different operating positions and further configured to emit a specific light beam through the pair ofinspection windows 7 so as to carry out a corresponding spectroscopic analysis technique according to the range of wavelengths of the aforesaid light beam. - As explained previously, the device for
spectroscopic analysis 101 has awork zone 102 in which thebottle 1 can be accommodated. The work zone is advantageously adaptable for the positioning of the bottle in its normal upright position or in a horizontal position, i.e. lying on one side, since thework zone 102 is tiltable and can thus be set at different inclinations during the performance of analyses. In this manner, the device forspectroscopic analysis 101 is advantageously capable of arranging theemitter element 103 emitting the light beam and thereceiver element 104 receiving the light beam always aligned with a respectiveoptical shield 8 of thebottle 1. - Preferably, information regarding the length of the characteristic optical path of every
bottle 1, as well as any additional notes, will be shown on each of them so as to provide thedevice 101 with all the information and settings necessary for performing an analysis that is as accurate and precise as possible. - Preferably, the analysis must be conducted in a closed space, devoid of external light that could alter or in any case distort the results. The
work chamber 102 of theanalyser 101 will thus be provided with a closure aimed at ensuring darkness. - The device for
spectroscopic analysis 101, by its nature, has the advantage of not requiring any particular or costly maintenance operations apart from routine checks, which can be planned in advance, and which entail the replacement of components subject to wear or deterioration. The latter are limited to an exiguous number of parts usually replaceable at a modest price. - Advantageously, the
aforesaid kit 100 allows the performance of analyses that are not destructive of the content of thebottle 1, which need not be opened beforehand in order to extract a sample to be analysed. - Opening the bottle, in fact, poses two main drawbacks: it removes the seal (capsule/sealing wax and closure) originally affixed at the bottling stage (thus reducing the economic value thereof) and, if not carried out in a controlled and/or inert environment, will cause an immediate contamination of the liquid with the atmosphere of the place in which uncorking takes place.
- Spectroscopic analyses, by contrast, are not destructive and may thus be repeated a number of times (theoretically infinite) without the product analysed undergoing any secondary and/or undesirable modification.
- Therefore, the wine contained in a
bottle 1 can be analysed many times even after being bottled in order to keep its process of refinement and aging monitored. In this manner, therefore, winegrowers, oenologists, producers and sellers (i.e. the whole supply chain) are able to evaluate its evolution and discover any defects, even as they occur, in order to establish whether the product is saleable/fit for consumption or must be discarded. - The performance of many analyses on
different bottles 1, moreover, also makes it possible to assess the overall quality of lots and, for example, identify any systematic defects in the event that a number of bottles show the same defects.
Claims (12)
- A bottle (1) for containing a liquid in an internal volume (V) thereof, comprising:- a main body (2) adapted to delimit at least part of the internal volume (V) of said bottle (1) and having a resting base (3) configured to enable the bottle (1) to remain in a stable upright position;- a neck (4) extending from said main body (2) along a longitudinal direction (L) up to a final open end (5) thereof adapted to receive a closure (6);wherein said neck (4) has a pair of inspection windows (7) opposite each other relative to said longitudinal direction (L), characterized in that each inspection window (7) comprises an optical shield (8) adapted to allow the passage of a light beam for the carrying out of spectroscopic analysis techniques.
- The bottle (1) according to claim 1, wherein each inspection window of said pair of inspection windows (7) is fashioned along a same perpendicular direction (T) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (L).
- The bottle (1) according to claim 2, wherein said optical shields (8) are arranged orthogonally to said perpendicular direction (T) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (L).
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one inspection window (7) has a tapered shape narrowing towards the internal volume (V) of said bottle (1).
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each optical shield (8) is complementarily shaped relative to the corresponding inspection window (7) in which it is insertable.
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each optical shield (8) is made of optical glass, or quartz, or polymethylmethacrylate or another plastic or vitreous material, as a function of the range of wavelengths in which the spectroscopic analysis of the fluid will be conducted and/or a head space present in said bottle (1).
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said inspection windows (7) have a circular or square cross section.
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said main body (2) and/or said neck (4) are made of glass, preferably opaque and/or coloured glass.
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a closure provided at said open final end (5) of said neck (4) in order to close off said internal volume (V) of said bottle (1), said pair of inspection windows (7) being fashioned in a portion of said neck (4) comprised between the lower surface of the closure facing towards the resting base (3) of the bottle (1) and a filling level (9) of said bottle (1) when, during use, the liquid is placed therein.
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each inspection window of said pair of inspection windows (7) has a width greater than 2 millimetres, preferably less than 30 millimetres.
- The bottle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each optical shield (8) has a thickness greater than 1 millimetre, preferably less than 15 millimetres.
- A kit for spectroscopic analysis of the liquid contained in a bottle (1), comprising:- a bottle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11;- a device for spectroscopic analysis configured to receive said bottle (1) in one or more different operating positions and further configured to emit a specific light beam through said pair of inspection windows (7) so as to carry out a corresponding spectroscopic analysis technique.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT102022000012329A IT202200012329A1 (en) | 2022-06-10 | 2022-06-10 | “BOTTLE FOR CONTAINING A LIQUID AND RELATED ANALYSIS KIT” |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP4289755A1 EP4289755A1 (en) | 2023-12-13 |
| EP4289755B1 true EP4289755B1 (en) | 2025-01-15 |
Family
ID=83188694
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP23178524.7A Active EP4289755B1 (en) | 2022-06-10 | 2023-06-09 | Bottle for containing a liquid and associated analysis kit |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4289755B1 (en) |
| IT (1) | IT202200012329A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB237846A (en) * | 1925-04-30 | 1925-08-06 | Tanqueray Gordon & Company Ltd | Improved bottle |
| WO2002033404A2 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2002-04-25 | Trauner Kenneth B | Integrated wine quality sensor |
| AU2009319963A1 (en) * | 2008-11-03 | 2010-06-03 | Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. | Light blocking container with content viewing window and contrast background |
-
2022
- 2022-06-10 IT IT102022000012329A patent/IT202200012329A1/en unknown
-
2023
- 2023-06-09 EP EP23178524.7A patent/EP4289755B1/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IT202200012329A1 (en) | 2023-12-10 |
| EP4289755A1 (en) | 2023-12-13 |
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