WO2001083312A1

WO2001083312A1 - Security and pouring stopper

Info

Publication number: WO2001083312A1
Application number: PCT/DK2001/000275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jørgen Rødhus; Erik Schelde Petersen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-05-01
Filing date: 2001-04-20
Publication date: 2001-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2002-11-01
Also published as: DK173685B1; DK200000713A; AU2001250293A1

Abstract

A security and pouring stopper is provided with a channel (3), in which a ball (2) is situated which is able to move between two positions (5, 8). At one side of the channel (3) a radially inwardly arranged projection (13) which is able to stop or retain the ball (2) during ordinary pouring where liquid flows through the openings (15) between the lamellae (10) which surround the channel (3). The ball (2) has a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter for the channel (3). If the bottle is overturned, the ball will be thrown or pressed into the outer part of the channel (3) which is formed by a tubular channel (9). Thus, it comes into a position against a valve seat (8) which is situated at the outlet of the stopper. Here the ball will be stuck in friction or in a squeeze. When the stopper subsequently is to be made ready, the ball (2) is pressed free manually and will then place itself in a position against the bottom (7) nearest to the container (6) on which the stopper is mounted. The stopper will then be ready for use.

Description

SECURITY AND POURING STOPPER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a security and pouring stopper comprising a channel which contains a ball that is retained in the channel, the inside of said channel having a cross section which is only slightly larger than the diameter of the ball in connection to which the ball is retained in the channel in a resting position of use when emptied ordinarily where it is in a position against a stopping surface which is situated nearest to the container on which the stopper is mounted.

Different types of pouring stoppers designed for bottles are known which make it possible to close off the contents of the bottle when not pouring. Such pouring stoppers may be opened and closed manually by means of lids or the like.

An example of a pouring stopper is known for instance from US patent No. 3,152,712. The pouring stopper known from that patent is able - when the bottle is in a normal upright position - to close the outlet and thus hinder evaporation or the like. In an ordinary pouring situation, the ball is able to position itself in a circumferential and ra- dially outwardly arranged chamber. In this manner liquid may run through the chamber past the ball. The stopper disclosed makes it possible to close the outlet if the bottle is placed upside down. However, the stopper will not function as a security stopper hindering liquid discharge if a bottle is overturned.

Another example of a stopper of the type mentioned in the introduction is known from

European patent application No. 264,181. According to this application the stopper consists of a ball positioned in a cavity in a bottle neck. The ball may be pressed into a tightening position against the bottle neck and thus ensure that an excess pressure is maintained in the bottle. When the bottle is to be emptied of its contents, a manual pressure is conveyed to the ball which is consequently pressed down into the bottle neck which is provided with a circumferential and radially outwardly arranged chamber in which the ball is received while the content of the bottle is being poured out. This construction does not offer any security against unintented discharge if the bottle is overturned either.

A security and pouring stopper of the type mentioned in the introduction is also known for European patent No. 684925. This stopper is produced with a channel where the inside has a circular cross section with a diameter which is only slightly larger than the diameter of the ball. The retainment of the ball in the tubular channel is by means of a annular valve seat at each end of the channel in which a radial chamber is provided containing a stopping surface and having a size which is substantially equivalent to the half of the ball size. The chamber is positioned immediately above the ball when, in a resting position of use, said ball will be in a position against the valve seat situated nearest to the container on which the stopper is mounted.

This stopper has proven to function satisfactionally and provides a satisfactory secu- rity against unintended discharge when the bottle is overturned. However, it is difficult to produce as it requires fine margins when making the radial chamber in order to avoid that liquid tears the ball through the circular channel when pouring ordinarily and thus closes off the emptying at an unintended time.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a security and pouring stopper which rectifies the disadvantages of the known stoppers, as it allows easy and effortless emptying of a container, preferably a bottle, while at the same time automatically closing off the discharge when the bottle is overturned unintendedly, where said stopper is technically simple to produce with an effective retainment of the ball when emptying ordinarily.

According to the present invention this is achieved with a stopper of the type mentioned in the introduction which is characterized in that the channel is made of a number of axially directed lamellae which form openings between them through which liquid is able to flow when emptying the container ordinarily and in that one of the lamellae is provided with a projection which extends into the channel and which com- prises the stopping surface for the ball and in that the channel comprises a tubular channel with a circular cross section at the outlet.

As the projection is not a circumferential annular chamber, the ball is most likely to pass the projection when, in case of overturning the bottle, it is thrown through the channel through the lamellae and into the tubular channel. Even in the case of a relatively slow fall of the container, closure is obtained because the ball only will roll into a position against the stopping surface of the projection when the projection is directed substantially downwards while overturning the container and when the "overturning" occurs as a slow overturning. If an initial slow overturning occurs, the ball may also be brought into a position against the projection, but at an increased speed of overturning before the container falls, the ball may be thrown past the projection and ensure the closure in a secure way.

During ordinary pouring the ball will, upon initial pouring, roll to or in its resting position and remain retained against the stopping surface on the projection. The liquid will flow in a secure way through the radial openings which are formed between the lamellae, without risking that the liquid tears the ball to a closing position inside the tubular outer part of the chanel.

The stopper will preferably be asymmetric with a spout so that the user always will pour with the spout turned forward towards the glass, cup or the like into which the content of the container is to be poured. In this manner it is particularly certain that the ball always will position itself against the projection which is placed on a lamellae which is oriented in the same direction as the spout.

The projection which extends radially into the channel is of a such size which does not allow the ball to pass, not even when the container is being emptied in a position substantially with the bottom up. In practice it has turned out that the ball will not be torn out of the chamber during ordinary emptying of the container. The liquid can flow freely through the openings without tearing the ball past the projection.

When the container overturns, the ball will be thrown through the channel and into the outer tubular channel. This channel is formed with a slight rise so that a wedging effect is obtained through the inertia which is in the ball when it is thrown out. The outer part of the channel is preferably made of af flexible yielding material so that the ball will be wedged or squeezed into a position against the valve seat at the outlet. This means that the stopper may also be used for liquids containing a gas, e.g. carbon dioxide. By throwing the ball against said valve seat a gas-proof closure is obtained so that the carbon dioxide or another gas is not released from the liquid. This effect can be used when it is desired to cork a bottle inbetween pouring. This is obtained by a tipping movement of the wrist.

Alternatively the ball may be coated with a flexible yielding material which promotes wedging effect in an embodiment with a channel of a rigid material, e.g. steel.

As the channel is only slightly larger than the diameter of the ball, it has surprisingly turned out that the ball always will be thrown out and get into a position in the tubular outlet when the bottle overturns. It is assumed that this effect is obtained because the ball does not risk losing its kinetic inertia owing to shock effects which might occur if during its movement forward the ball is thrown back and forth between the opposed lateral walls in the channel.

The invention thus achieves that in case of an accident the ball will automatically block unintended discharge when the container overturns. At the same time the stopper may be used as a pouring stopper as the ball, in ordinary use, will be placed against the projection. In order to ensure a rapid flow of the container content during pouring, the stopper may advantageously consist of a few lamellae, preferably three, each covering a small circular bow preferably of between 3 and 10°. At the end of the pouring the wrist can be turned so that the ball can pass by the projection. Thus the ball can be used for closure at the end of a pouring.

When after pouring, or after being raised, a container is put in its normal position the stopper will be situated with the channel substantially vertically oriented. Thus, the ball is able to fall down automatically into a position against the bottom which is nearest to the container. In case the container has been overturned, a manual freeing of the ball from a friction hold or elastic squeeze may be required. Thus the ball vil automatically be returned to its point of original position allowing resoumed pouring or making the stopper ready again as a security stopper that will close off for unintended discharge if the container is overturned.

When the ball is returned to the bottom nearest to the container, the remaining liquid in the channel will not place itself on top or around the ball. The passing of said liquid into the container may, in a simple way, take place through the openinges past the ball.

By designing the stopper with a oblique front and a bevel to form a spout, drops are prevented form running down the outside of the stopper and the container. At the same time this will also permit unproblematic pouring since the ball is automatically placed against the projection which is situated in the same radial position as the spout.

It has turned out that the stopper may have a length of approximately 2 to 7 times the diameter of the ball, however, the best results are obtained with a stopper in which the tubular channel has a length that is approximately 3 to 4 times the diameter of the ball.

In order to better retain the ball in a closing position in a position against the valve seat it is possible to provide the ball or valve seat with magnets. Thus, a magnetic retainment will work together with the wedging effect.

It is also possible to use two balls (2) in the secondary channel 3. Thus, a shock effect may be obtained which improves the throw of the ball into a position against the tubular channel 9 and thus ensures a more secure closure. Further embodiments and advantages appear form the attached claims, and in the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached schematic drawing, where

fig. 1 shows a view of a security and pouring stopper in a resting position

(the starting position) mounted in a container, fig. 2 a view corresponding to fig. 1 in normal use (pouring) as seen from above, fig. 3 a view of the security and pouring stopper in an accident (bottle overturned) and, fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the security and pouring stopper.

Figure 1 shows a view of a first embodiment of a security and pouring stopper according to the invention. The stopper 1 comprises a ball 2 placed in a channel 3 inside a house 4. The house 4 comprises a conic portion 5 for fastening a container, preferably a bottle 6. Inside the tubular channel 3 the ball 2 is provided for movement between the position shown in figures 1 and 2 and the position shown in figure 3. In figures 1 and 2 the ball is in a position against a bottom 7 which is situated at the side of the channel 3 which is directed towards the bottle 6. In another position which is illus- trated in figure 3 the ball 2 is in a position against an annular valve seat 8 which is provided inside a tubular channel portion 9 of the channel 3. In this position the ball 2 will block unintended flow of liquid through the tubular channel 9 in case the bottle 6 is overturned so that the ball 2 is thrown or pressed against the valve seat 8.

^* In the shown embodiment the ball 2 is made of stainless steel and the house 4 of plastic material. The house 4 is preferably made with a bushing which constitutes the conic portion 5. For this it is preferred to use a rubber or a softer plastic which adapts more easily to variations in the opening of a bottle neck. In the remaining portion of the house 4 it is preferred to use a harder plastic material. Alternatively, it is possible to use other materials, it only has to be ensured that the ball has sufficient weight to be able to be thrown against the valve seat 8 and that the materials provide mutual tight- ening when the ball 2 is in a friction hold or squeezed in the valve seat 8. Alternatively, the ball 2 may be covered with plastic or rubber.

The stopper 1 may also be used for ordinary pouring. This is illustrated in figure 2 as a view seen from above as placed when pouring, but where the bottle is left out for the sake of clarity. The channel consists of three lamellae 10 which define the channel with a cross section that is between Vi and 5 % bigger than the diameter of the ball 2. The stopper 1 has preferably an oblique cut front edge 11 with formation of a sprout 12. The sprout 12 is placed with the same radial position as a lamella 10' which is provided with a proj ection 13.

When pouring normally the ball 2 will from its position against the bottom 7 slowly roll into a position against the lateral wall 14 of the projection 13 (see fig. 14) which constitutes a stopping surface for the ball. Alternatively, the ball is placed so that the ball is in a position against the lateral wall 14 while at the same time being in a position against the bottom 7. This position will allow the liquid to pass through the openings 15 which are formed between the lamellae 10 and into the tubular channel 9 and out through the outlet at the front edge 11.

The projection 13 will thus always be downwards directed because the user always will orient the sprout 12 against the glass or the cup into which the pouring is done. In this manner it is particularly certain that during ordinary pouring the ball 2 will roll into a position against the projection 13.

After use the ball will automatically roll back into a position against the bottom 7 when the bottle 6 is placed in its upright position.

When the bottle overturns, the ball 2 will be thrown or pressed against the front valve seat 8. The ball will get stuck and block unintended discharge. In order to obtain that the ball gets stuck in its position against the valve seat 8, said seat is designed with a slight rise so that a wedging effect is achieved due to the interia of ball 2. After accidents, the ball 2 is easily pressed free and will return to its position against the bottom 7. The bottom 7 may be oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the channel. This insures that the ball 2 is lead behind the projection 13.

Figure 14 shows a detail of the stopper 1. In this embodiment the house 4 ends in a > ring 16 which connects the lamellae 10. This ring is provided with a bottom 7' which after the ball 2 has been mounted in the channel 3 is attached through wedging into or welding onto the ring 16. Thus, a simple assembly is achieved since the ball 2 can be placed simpy in the channel 3. The connection between the lamellae 10 does not have to be a ring. Alternatively, upright bars may be provided between the lamellae 10.

The stopper 1 can be made of two compounded elements or cast in one piece.

The sprout 12 is provided with a bevel for the formation of a sharp edge in the sprout 12. This ensures that liquid will run back into the tubular channel 9 and not down the outside of the stopper 1.

For cleaning, the ball 2 may be pressed out of the tubular channel 9 or be taken out by dismounting the bottom 7.

Claims

1. A security and pouring stopper comprising a channel which contains a ball that is retained in the channel, the inside of said channel having a cross section with a diameter which is only slightly larger than the diameter of the ball in connection to which the ball is retained in the channel in a resting position of use when emptying ordinarily where it is in a position against a stopping surface which is situated nearest to the container on which the stopper is mounted, characterized in that the channel is formed by a number of axially directed lamellae which form ope- nings between them through which liquid may flow when emptying the container ordinarily and that one of the lamellae is provided with a projection which extends into the channel, said projection comprising a stopping surface for the ball and that the channel comprises a tubular channel with a circular cross section at the outlet.

2. A stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of the channel is between Vi % and 5 % larger than the diameter of the ball.

3. A stopper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ball is of metal, preferably stainless steel.

4. A stopper according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel is made of three lamellae each covering a circular bow of between 3 and 10° and which are made of an elastically yielding material which permits the ball to be pressed out for cleaning.

5. A stopper according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection has a lateral wall turning away form the outlet of the stopper and forming the stopping surface.

6. A stopper according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet of the tubular channel is bevelled in order to form a sprout with a sharp edge which is provided in the same radial position as the lamellae provided with the projection.

7. A stopper according to claim 6, characterized in that the outlet of the tubu- lar channel has a substantially oblique direction so that the sprout appears as a forwardly directed extension.

8. A stopper according to claim 1, characterized in that when resting on the bottom of the channel which is situated nearest to the container, the ball is at the same time located at a front lateral wall of the radially inwardly arranged projection.

9. A stopper according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom of the channel which is situated nearest to the container is mounted after the ball is placed in the channel and that the bottom is attached to a ring which surrounds the lamellae.

10. A stopper according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular channel has a length between two and seven times the diameter of the ball, preferably a length of approximately three to four times the diameter of the ball.