[0001] The present invention relates to a spout for a beverage bottle and a method of producing
a spout preform.
Background
[0002] For several centuries it has been known to store beverages in bottles having the
characteristic shape of a large body portion for containing the majority of the beverage
and a slender neck portion defining a rim, which will be called a mouth in the present
context, for controlled pouring of the beverage. During storage, the mouth of the
beverage bottle is closed off by a closure typically in the form of a cork or cap.
Thus, the mouth of the beverage bottle must necessarily define a certain rigidity
and thickness in order to be able to accommodate and apply a sufficient sealing pressure
onto the closure for preventing any leakage of beverage.
[0003] The thickness of the mouth of the beverage bottle constitutes a problem during pouring
because it does not define a well defined flow separation point between the bottle
and the air when the bottle is tilted from the upright non-pouring state to the substantially
vertical pouring state. Thus, a certain skill and swiftness is required during pouring
for achieving flow separation and avoiding that all of the beverage sticks to the
bottle and flowing on the outside of the bottle typically missing the intended target
being a beverage glass. However, as the skills in pouring beverage in most cases are
mastered even by small children, an even more important issue is that of preventing
a small amount of beverage, such as a few drops, to accumulate at the mouth when the
pouring is ended by tilting the beverage bottle back to vertical state. The small
amount of beverage remaining at the mouth of the bottle may flow along the outside
of the beverage bottle and cause stains etc when hitting the table cloth.
[0004] The present inventor is the inventor of the pouring device covered by the European
patent
EP 0 560 777 B1. The above mentioned prior art document describes a piece of a suitable elastic and
flexible sheet material which may be inserted into the bottle opening as a tubular
shaped roll. The present inventor is also the creator of the trade mark Dropstop®.
(A trade mark owned by Schur Intellectuals A/S, VR 1994 03146 and CTM 009313421)
[0005] Similar kinds of spouts have been described in the following prior art documents:
WO0023337 describes a sheet of flexible material that can be formed into a pouring device with
an opening limiter that is bendable into the pouring channel.
DE 3736245 A1 describes a technology of using a fluid repelling material at the mouth of the beverage
bottle.
EP 0 329 883 describes a container having a neck having an integral dispesning spout.
EP 2 065 312 A1 and EP 2070829 A1 both describe a spout device having a strap which may be put around the neck of the
beverage bottle.
EP 2 409 926 A1 describes a spout comprising a foil which has a rough surface for aerating the beverage
flowing through the spout.
EP 2 620 382 A1 describes a drip catcher for aerating beverage. The drip catcher comprises a resilient
flexible sheet material which can be deformed into a tubular roll and having a plurality
of cuts and fold lines which can be deformed to project into the hollow interior of
the tubular roll to form obstacles.
FR 589.771 relates to a beverage container having a slit which is closed during transport and
which may be opened by means of a card for allowing the beverage to pour into the
mouth of a user.
FR 1.198.362 relates to a pourer comprising a rectangular strip having in one edge a tab which
may mate with the opposing edge.
GB 467,339 relates to an appliance to be fitted into the mouth of a bottle. The appliance is
resilient in order to not injure the bottle whatever downward pressure may be put
on the appliance.
GB 2 180 817 A relates to a drip collecting collar for a container for collecting drips from the
container.
SE 52197 relates to a tapping spout having a sloped channel located at the outer wall of the
spout and interconnecting with the inside of the spout in order to collect and guide
any from the spout dripping liquid back to the inside of the spout.
US 1749253 relates to a pouring spout, in which any drips of liquid forming at a pouring mouth
or tip are caught in a gutter arranged round this pouring mouth or lip and are returned
to the interior of the vessel.
US 2005/0023308 relates to a device for the insertion of an anti drip element into the mouth of a
bottle.
WO2012/175571 A relates to a drip-prevention system comprising a drip cutter that can be inserted
into a bottle neck and a capsule that completely encloses the drip cutter. The capsule
has a removable part and a part that can be used as a retainer for inserting the drip
cutter.
WO2013/030363 relates to a drip stop device comprising a second plate like element for improving
the oxygenation of the liquid.
Summary of the invention
[0007] Going back to the sheet technology originally described in
EP 0 560 777 B1, the roll of the sheet material defines a spout comprising a short channel and a
very thin mouth constituting the edge of the sheet material which mouth firstly constitutes
a very well defined flow separation point allowing even slow pouring, and secondly
prevents any accumulation of beverage at the mouth, thus preventing any drops of beverage
flowing outside the bottle after the bottle has been returned to the vertical state.
This is a very simple but yet effective spout for most beverages such as carbonated
beverages, non-carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages.
The typical usage will be for wine and sparkling wine, however, other drinks such
as beer, cola, water etc. may be poured using the present spout. Further, it is evident
that the present spout may also be used for liquid products which are non-beverages
such as oil, petrol etc.
[0008] The drawback which has been most apparent to the users of the above prior art spouts
is the fact that the spout, once inserted into the bottle mouth, prevents the ordinary
closing of the beverage by sealing off the mouth. Thus, the user must remove the spout
in case the bottle should be sealed and the removing of the spout does involve the
risk of spillage and the problem of accommodating the spout during the closed off
state of the beverage bottle. Alternatively, leaving the spout in the bottle mouth
may allow foreign substances to enter the beverages, such as dirt, dust, pollen, insects
etc, and further may allow some of the volatile aroma of the beverage to escape.
[0009] Thus, there is a need for technologies for closing off a beverage bottle provided
with a spout.
[0010] The above object together with numerous other objects, which will be evident from
the below detailed description, are according to a first aspect of the present invention
obtained by a spout for a beverage bottle comprising a sheet of flexible material,
the spout defining a first state constituting a substantially flat preform state,
in which the sheet of flexible material defines an outer circumferential edge, the
sheet of flexible material being elastically bendable into a second state in which
the sheet of flexible material defines a pipe for being inserted into the mouth of
the beverage bottle, the sheet of flexible material defining, when in the first state,
a substantially semi elliptical fold line extending from a first point on the outer
circumferential edge to a second point on the outer circumferential edge delimiting
a first region of the sheet of flexible material being substantially semi elliptical
and the first region when in the second state being bendable between an open state,
in which the sheet of flexible material defines an unobstructed channel within the
pipe, and a closed state in which the semi elliptical region of the sheet of flexible
material is folded into the channel and obstructing the pipe.
[0011] The present spout is provided and stored in the first state, i.e. the flat preform
state occupying minimal space. When a new beverage bottle is opened, the sheet of
flexible material is rolled up to form a pipe in the second state. The sheet of flexible
material is elastically bendable, i.e. when in the second state, the sheet of flexible
material has a tendency to return to the first state provided it is released. By placing
the pipe in the mouth of the bottle, the second state is retained and a sealing force
is applied by the tube onto the mouth. The thickness of the material is typically
in the sub millimeter range and chosen together with the materials such that the sheet
of flexible material may by hand force be elastically deformed into a tube without
plastically deforming of the flexible material.
[0012] The substantially semi elliptical fold line may e.g. be a stamped or partially cut
out line which will allow the user to fold the semi elliptical region in a simple
and well defined manner. It is understood that the substantially semi elliptical fold
line is extending from the outer circumferential edge along an elliptical curve inwardly
and back outwardly to another point at the outer circumferential edge substantially
producing a semi-ellipse. The word line should in the present context be understood
as encompassing also curves other than straight lines. When in the second state, i.e.
the pipe state, the semi elliptical region, i.e. the first region, may follow the
general cylindrical outline of the pipe generating a channel within the pipe for the
beverage. This constitutes the open state of the spout and corresponds to the state
which the above mentioned prior art device is used.
[0013] The closed state corresponds to a state in which the semi elliptical region is pushed
inwardly into the channel thereby blocking the channel. Although the elliptical region
may not hermetically seal of the channel, it will prevent the above mentioned drawbacks,
i.e. the ingress of foreign particles and the escape of aroma particles. It will also
at least to a certain extend prevent oxygen from entering the bottle and may thus,
at least for a short time storage, replace the ordinary closure. The cylindrical shape
of the spout and the first region in principle act bi-stable and only allow the two
states of the first region relative to the rest of the pipe, one being the open state
and one being the closed state.
[0014] According to a further embodiment, the circumferential edge defines a circle. The
circular shape of the spout in the first state yields in the second state a cylindrical
wedge. Preferably, the pipe is formed such that the first region constitutes the top
of the wedge. In this way, the closing and the opening of the spout will be simplified.
[0015] According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material is made of a plastic
coated metal sheet. In this way the material may be made thin, flexible and elastically
bendable, taking advantage of the elasticity of the plastic and the rigidity of the
metal.
[0016] According to a further embodiment, the major axis of the first region is directed
towards the center of the sheet of flexible material. Preferably, the first region
defines a larger distance from the outer circumferential edge to its most inward point
than between the first and second point in order to allow a suitable elongated closing
lip having an elliptical shape to form. When closed, the first region will define
an angle in relation to the rest of the pipe of between about 10° and 90°, preferably
between about 10° and 45°.
[0017] According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material defining when in
the first state a further substantially semi elliptical fold line extending from a
third point on the outer circumferential edge to a fourth point on the outer circumferential
edge delimiting a second region of the sheet of flexible material being substantially
semi elliptical, the second region being separated from and having a longer major
axis than the first region. It is generally known that the mouth diameter may vary
between different kinds of bottles. Typically, a smaller bottle, such as a demi sized
bottle, will have a mouth of smaller diameter compared to a standard sized bottle,
whereas a larger bottle, such as a magnum sized bottle, will have a mouth of larger
diameter compared to a standard sized bottle. Thus, the pipe formed by rolling up
the sheet of flexible material will as well have a diameter which may vary depending
on the bottle. Thus, the first region which is typically made suitable for the mouth
of a standard sized bottle may be less suitable for closing off a magnum- or demi
sized bottle. Thus, the sheet of flexible material may define when in the first state
a further substantially semi elliptical fold line in order to allow the formation
of a second region being a second substantially semi elliptical region. This second
region may be either larger or smaller than the first region in order to be more suitable
for closing off smaller or larger bottles. The non-used region will simply remain
in the open state. It is understood that even more regions may be used, such as a
third semi elliptical region. The complete first semi elliptical region should be
located outside the bottle neck in order to allow a simple change between the open
and closed states.
[0018] According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material defines, when in
the first state, a straight fold line extending from a fifth point on the outer circumferential
edge to a sixth point on the outer circumferential edge delimiting a third region,
the third region fully encompassing the first region. The straight fold line will
form a stop line which will aid the user, both when introducing the pipe into the
mouth of the bottle and when switching between the open state and the closed state.
[0019] According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material defines, when in
the first state, a further straight fold line extending from a seventh point on the
outer circumferential edge to a eighth point on the outer circumferential edge delimiting
a fourth region, the fourth region fully encompassing the second region. A second
straight line may be used in relation to the second region in the same way as above
provided such second region is present.
[0020] According to a further embodiment, the straight fold line defines an indentation
being 1-3mm deep, preferably 2mm deep. The depth is suitable in order to provide a
sufficiently large circular protrusion in the pipe.
[0021] According to a further embodiment, the straight fold line defines a center point
being located 16-26 mm from the outer circumferential edge, preferably 18-24 mm, more
preferably 20-22 mm, most preferably 21mm. The straight fold line will form a circular
line which will act as a stop bulge at the mouth of the beverage bottle preventing
the pipe from falling into the bottle and allowing the pipe to be positioned at an
optical position within the mouth. In the optimal position, about 1/3 of the pipe
is located outside the mouth of the bottle and about 2/3 of the pipe is located within
the neck of the bottle. In this way there is a minimal risk that the pipe will loosen
from the bottle.
[0022] According to a further embodiment, the fold line comprises a pressed line or alternatively
a series of perforations. Preferably, the series of perforations define apertures
sufficiently small to prevent beverage flow at normal beverage pouring pressures.
A pressed line will allow the semi elliptical region to be easily folded between the
open state and the closed state, while a fold line comprising a series of small holes
will be slightly more difficult to fold while being more esthetically acceptable since
the holed will not be as visible as the pressed fold. An aperture having a diameter
of up to some hundred µm will allow the beverage to remain within the spout due to
the surface tension, whereas a larger aperture such as an aperture larger than one
mm will allow beverage to flow through the hole which in the present context is undesired.
[0023] According to a further embodiment, the fold line defines a straight line adjacent
the outer circumferential edge. In this way the folding of the first region between
the open state and the closed state will be simplified. Further, the straight line
part of the fold line yield a well defined closed state and thus prevent the first
region from accidentally moving from the closed state to the open state.
[0024] According to a further embodiment, the sheet of flexible material defines, when in
the first state, a surface area of between 1cm
2 and 1dm
2, preferably between 10cm
2 and 50cm
2. The size of the sheet of flexile material should not be too small since it should
be able to fold to a pipe within the mouth of the beverage bottle, whereas a too large
size of the sheet of flexible material will produce a large spout being rolled multiple
times, which evidently is a waste of material. The above sizes achieve a tube which
is rolled up in a standard wine bottle with a circumferential overlap of about 50%.
[0025] The above object together with numerous other objects, which will be evident from
the below detailed description, are according to a second aspect of the present invention
obtained by a method of producing a spout for a beverage bottle, the method comprising
the steps of:
providing a sheet of flexible material,
stamping the sheet of flexible material into a substantially flat preform defines
an outer circumferential edge,
stamping a substantially semi elliptical fold line extending from a first point on
the outer circumferential edge to a second point on the outer circumferential edge
delimiting a first region of the sheet of flexible material being substantially semi
elliptical.
[0026] The present method according to the second aspect is preferably used to manufacture
the spout according to the first aspect. The stamping procedure may be used for achieving
both the cut for the circumferential edge and the fold for the substantially semi
elliptical region.
[0027] According to a further embodiment, the stamping is made simultaneously in the same
process step.
Brief description of the drawings
[0028]
FIG. 1A is a view of a flat spout in the preform state.
FIG. 1B is a view of a spout being rolled up from the preform state to the tubular
state.
FIG. 1C is a view of a spout in the tube state.
FIG. 2A is a view of a spout in the open state.
FIG. 2B is a view of a spout in the closed state.
FIG. 2A is a view of a spout in the open state
FIG. 3 is a view of a first square spout
FIG. 4 is a view of a second square spout
FIG. 5 is a view of a third square spout
FIG. 6 is a view of a second circular spout
FIG. 7 is a view of a manufacturing plant for rotational stamping of spouts
Detailed description of the drawings
[0029] FIG. 1A shows a front view of a spout 10 for a beverage bottle (not shown). The spout
10 is in the present view in a preform state and comprises a flat sheet of flexible
material 12 defining a circumferential edge 14 having a circular form. The piece of
flexible material 14 comprises a semi elliptical fold line 16 which extends from a
first point 18 on the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet of flexible material 12,
inwardly along a substantially elliptical curve in a direction towards the centre
of the sheet of flexible material 12, reaching an innermost point and returning to
a second point 20 on the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet of flexible material
12.
[0030] The semi elliptical fold line 16 defines a semi elliptical region 22 on the sheet
of flexible material 12. Further, the sheet of flexible material 12 comprises a straight
fold line 24 following a straight line from a fifth point 26 on the circumferential
edge 14 to a sixth point 28 on the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet of flexible
material 12. The first and second points 18 and 20 are closer together than the fifth
and sixth points 26 28.
[0031] In the present embodiment, the fold line 16 define an optional straight portion adjacent
the circumferential edge 14. This straight portion simplifies the folding of the semi
elliptical region 22 from the open state to the closed state as will be explained
further below.
[0032] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a spout 10 when being rolled up to a tube as
shown by the arrow. The sheet of flexible material 12 is rolled up by bending opposite
parts of the circumferential edge 14 together. The sheet of flexible material 12 is
elastically deformable and thus a force is required for deforming it from the flat
shape. The sheet of flexible material 12 is bent such that the semi elliptical region
22 forms the top portion of the tube. The sheet of flexible material 12 is preferably
made of a plastic coated aluminum foil.
[0033] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a spout 10' when rolled up to a tube and inserted
into the mouth 30 of a beverage bottle 32. The elastic deformation force causes the
sheet of flexible material 12' to seal against the inner wall of the neck part of
the bottle 32. The circumferential edge 14 forms a well defined flow separation line
preventing any spillage or drops of beverage. The spout 10' forms a tube having an
internal channel 34 allowing beverage 36 to flow from the bottle 32 to the outside.
The straight line fold 24 forms a circular bulge preventing the spout 10' from being
pushed into the bottle 32.
[0034] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a rolled up spout 10' inserted into the mouth
30 of a beverage bottle 32 when in the open state. The semi elliptical region 22'
is unfolded and follows the general form of the rest of the sheet of flexible material
12' such that the channel 34 is unobstructed and beverage may be poured.
[0035] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a rolled up spout 10" inserted into the mouth
30 of a beverage bottle 32 when in the closed state. The semi elliptical region 22"
is bent or folded inwardly as shown by the arrow along the fold line 16 in order to
obstruct the channel 34 of the spout 10". In this way, the spout 10" is closed off
preventing any objects from entering the bottle 32 and preventing the escape of volatile
aroma substances from the bottle 32. By unfolding the semi elliptical region 22",
the beverage bottle 32 may be opened again.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a front view of a spout 10a having a square shape in the preform state.
Although the circular form may be preferred since it allows easy access to the semi
elliptical region for simple opening and closing, it will be equally feasible to manufacture
a square spout. In the present embodiment, the semi elliptical region 22 is located
adjacent the side of the square.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a spout 10b having a square shape in the preform state.
The present embodiment differs from the previous spout 10a in that the semi elliptical
region 22 is located at the corner of the square. In this way, the same advantages
as by a circular spout may be achieved.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a spout 10c having a square shape in the preform state.
In the present embodiment, the semi elliptical region 22 protrudes from the side of
the square. In this way, the same advantages as by a circular spout may be achieved.
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a front view of a spout 10d having a circular shape in the preform state.
The present spout 10d defines a first semielliptical region 22 and a second semi elliptical
region 22a, defined by a further semi elliptical fold line 16a, extending from a third
point 18a to a fourth point 20a on the outer circumferential edge, the second elliptical
region 22a being opposite the first semielliptical region 22. In this way, the spout
may be used for bottle mouths having two different diameters. The first semielliptical
region 22 has additional perforations 23 which gives the first semielliptical region
22 additional flexibility and aids in shaping the spout in the open position and simplifies
the closing of the spout. Spout 10d also denies a further straight fold line 24a,
extending from a seventh point 26a to an eighth point 28a on the outer outer circumferential
edge. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a manufacturing plant 38, in which spouts
10 are manufactured by stamping. The plant 38 comprises a first roller 40 and a second
roller 42 located opposite the first roller. A large sheet 44 of the flexible material
is introduced between the rollers 40 42 as shown by the arrow. The first roller 40
comprises a multitude of dies 46, which each comprise a circumferential cutting blade
48 for generating the circumferential edge 14 of the sheet of flexible material 12
of the spout 10, a substantially semi elliptical profile 50 for generating the semi
elliptical fold line 16 and a straight profile 52 for generating the straight fold
line 24.
[0040] Although the above mentioned spout according to the present invention preferably
is used as an operable and closable spout, it is evident that it may also be used
as a permanently open spout in accordance with
EP 0 560 777 B1.
List of parts with reference to the drawings:
[0041]
10. Spout
12. Sheet of flexible material
14. Outer circumferential edge
16. Semielliptical fold line
18. First point
20. Second point
22. Semielliptical region
23. Additional perforations
24. Straight line
26. fifth point
28. sixth point
30. Mouth
32. Bottle
34. Channel
36. Beverage
38. Manufacturing plant
40. First roller
42. Second roller
44. Large sheet
46. Profile
48. Cutting blade
50. Semielliptical profile
52. Straight line profile
1. A spout (10) for a beverage bottle comprising a sheet of flexible material (12), said
spout defining a first state constituting a substantially flat preform state in which
said sheet of flexible material defines an outer circumferential edge (14), said sheet
of flexible material being elastically bendable into a second state in which said
sheet of flexible material defines a pipe for being inserted into the mouth (30) of
said beverage bottle (32), said sheet of flexible material defining, when in said
first state, a substantially semi elliptical fold line (16) extending from a first
point (18) on said outer circumferential edge to a second point (20) on said outer
circumferential edge delimiting a first region (22) of said sheet of flexible material
being substantially semi elliptical and said first region, when in said second state
being bendable between an open state in which said sheet of flexible material defines
an unobstructed channel (34) within said pipe, and a closed state in which said semi
elliptical region of said sheet of flexible material is folded into said channel and
obstructing said pipe.
2. The spout (10) according to claim 1, wherein said circumferential edge (14) defines
a circle.
3. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet of flexible
material (12) is made of a plastic coated metal sheet.
4. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the major axis of
said first region (22) is directed towards the center of said sheet of flexible material.
5. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet of flexible
material (12) defines, when in said first state, a further substantially semi elliptical
fold line (16a) extending from a fifth point (18a) on said outer circumferential edge
to a sixth point (20a) on said outer circumferential edge delimiting a second region
(22a) of said sheet of flexible material being substantially semi elliptical, said
second region being separated from and having a longer major axis than said first
region.
6. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet of flexible
material (12) defines, when in said first state, a straight fold line (24) extending
from a third point (26) on said outer circumferential edge to a fourth point (28)
on said outer circumferential edge delimiting a third region, said third region fully
encompassing said first region.
7. The spout (10) according to claim 5 in combination with claim 6, wherein said sheet
of flexible material (12) defines, when in said first state, a further straight fold
line (24a) extending from a seventh point (26a) on said outer circumferential edge
to an eighth point (28a) on said outer circumferential edge delimiting a fourth region,
said fourth region fully encompassing said second region.
8. The spout (10) according to any of the claims 6-7, wherein said straight fold line
defines an indentation being 1-3mm deep, preferably 2mm deep.
9. The spout (10) according to any of the claims 6-8, wherein said straight fold line
(24) defines a center point being located 16-26 mm from said outer circumferential
edge, preferably 18-24 mm, more preferably 20-22 mm, most preferably 21mm.
10. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said fold line (16)
comprises a pressed line.
11. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said fold line (16)
defines a straight line part adjacent said outer circumferential edge (14).
12. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said fold line (16)
comprise a series of perforations, preferably said series of perforations define apertures
sufficiently small to prevent beverage flow at normal beverage pouring pressures.
13. The spout (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sheet of flexible
material (12) defines, when in said first state, a surface area of between 1cm2 and 1dm2, preferably between 10cm2 and 50cm2.
14. A method of producing a spout (10) for a beverage bottle, said method comprising the
steps of:
providing a sheet of flexible material (12), stamping said sheet of flexible material
into a substantially flat preform defining an outer circumferential edge (14), stamping
a substantially semi elliptical fold line (16) extending from a first point (18) on
said outer circumferential edge to a second point (20) on said outer circumferential
edge delimiting a first region (22) of said sheet of flexible material being substantially
semi elliptical.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said stamping is made simultaneously in
the same process step.
1. Ausgiesser (10) für eine Getränkeflasche umfassend einen Bogen aus flexiblem Material
(12), wobei der Ausgiesser einen ersten Zustand definiert, der einen im Wesentlichen
flachen Vorformzustand bildet, in welchem der Bogen aus flexiblem Material einen Außenumfangsrand
(14) definiert, wobei der Bogen aus flexiblem Material in einen zweiten Zustand elastisch
biegbar ist, in welchem der Bogen aus flexiblem Material ein in die Mündung (30) der
Getränkeflasche (32) einzuführendes Rohr definiert, wobei der Bogen aus flexiblem
Material, wenn er in dem ersten Zustand ist, eine im Wesentlichen halbelliptische
Faltlinie (16) definiert, die sich von einem ersten Punkt (18) an dem Außenumfangsrand
zu einem zweiten Punkt (20) an dem Außenumfangsrand erstreckt und einen ersten Bereich
(22) des Bogens aus flexiblem Material abgrenzt, der im Wesentlichen halbelliptisch
ist, und wobei der erste Bereich, wenn er in dem zweiten Zustand ist, biegbar ist
zwischen einem offenen Zustand, in welchem der Bogen aus flexiblem Material einen
unversperrten Kanal (34) innerhalb des Rohrs definiert, und einem geschlossenen Zustand,
in welchem der halbelliptische Bereich des Bogens aus flexiblem Material in den Kanal
gefaltet ist und das Rohr versperrt.
2. Ausgiesser (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Umfangsrand (14) einen Kreis definiert.
3. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Bogen aus flexiblem
Material (12) aus einem kunststoffbeschichteten Metallblech hergestellt ist.
4. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Hauptachse des ersten
Bereichs (22) auf die Mitte des Bogens aus flexiblem Material gerichtet ist.
5. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Bogen aus flexiblem
Material (12), wenn er in dem ersten Zustand ist, eine weitere im Wesentlichen halbelliptische
Faltlinie (16a) definiert, die sich von einem fünften Punkt (18a) an dem Außenumfangsrand
zu einem sechsten Punkt (20a) an dem Außenumfangsrand erstreckt und einen zweiten
Bereich (22a) des Bogens aus flexiblem Material abgrenzt, der im Wesentlichen halbelliptisch
ist, wobei der zweite Bereich von dem ersten Bereich getrennt ist und eine längere
Hauptachse als diesen aufweist.
6. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Bogen aus flexiblem
Material (12), wenn er in dem ersten Zustand ist, eine gerade Faltlinie (24) definiert,
die sich von einem dritten Punkt (26) an dem Außenumfangsrand zu einem vierten Punkt
(28) an dem Außenumfangsrand erstreckt und einen dritten Bereich abgrenzt, wobei der
dritte Bereich den ersten Bereich völlig umfasst.
7. Ausgiesser (10) nach Anspruch 5 in Kombination mit Anspruch 6, wobei der Bogen aus
flexiblem Material (12), wenn er in dem ersten Zustand ist, eine weitere gerade Faltlinie
(24a) definiert, die sich von einem siebenten Punkt (26a) an dem Außenumfangsrand
zu einem achten Punkt (28a) an dem Außenumfangsrand erstreckt und einen vierten Bereich
abgrenzt, wobei der vierte Bereich den zweiten Bereich völlig umfasst.
8. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 6-7, wobei die gerade Faltlinie eine Vertiefung
definiert, die 1-3mm tief, bevorzugt 2mm tief ist.
9. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 6-8, wobei die gerade Faltlinie (24) einen
Mittelpunkt definiert, der 16-26 mm, bevorzugt 18-24 mm, mehr bevorzugt 20-22 mm,
am meisten bevorzugt 21mm von dem Außenumfangsrand gelegen ist.
10. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Faltlinie (16) eine
gepresste Linie umfasst.
11. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Faltlinie (16) einen
geraden Linienteil benachbart zu dem Außenumfangsrand (14) definiert.
12. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Faltlinie (16) eine
Reihe von Perforationen umfasst, wobei die Reihe von Perforationen bevorzugt Öffnungen
definiert, die genügend klein sind, um Getränkefluss bei normalen Getränkegiessdrücken
zu verhindern.
13. Ausgiesser (10) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Bogen aus flexiblem
Material (12), wenn er in dem ersten Zustand ist, einen Oberflächenbereich von zwischen
1cm2 und 1dm2, bevorzugt zwischen 10cm2 und 50cm2 definiert.
14. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Ausgiessers (10) für eine Getränkeflasche, wobei das
Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
Bereitstellen eines Bogens aus flexiblem Material (12),
Einstanzen des Bogens aus flexiblem Material in eine im Wesentlichen flache Vorform,
die einen Außenumfangsrand (14) definiert,
Einstanzen einer im Wesentlichen halbelliptischen Faltlinie (16), die sich von einem
ersten Punkt (18) an dem Außenumfangsrand zu einem zweiten Punkt (20) an dem Außenumfangsrand
erstreckt und einen ersten Bereich (22) des Bogens aus flexiblem Material abgrenzt,
der im Wesentlichen halbelliptisch ist.
15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 14, wobei das Einstanzen gleichzeitig in dem gleichen Verfahrensschritt
durchgeführt wird.
1. Bec verseur (10) pour bouteille de boisson comprenant une feuille de matériau flexible
(12), ledit bec verseur définissant un premier état constituant une préforme essentiellement
plate dans laquelle ladite feuille de matériau flexible définit un bord circonférentiel
extérieur (14), ladite feuille de matériau flexible étant pliable de manière élastique
afin d'atteindre un deuxième état dans lequel ladite feuille de matériau flexible
définit un tuyau pour être inséré dans l'ouverture (30) de ladite bouteille de boisson
(32), ladite feuille de matériau flexible définissant, lorsque dans le premier état,
une ligne de pli essentiellement semi-elliptique (16) s'étendant à partir d'un premier
point (18) sur ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur à un deuxième point (20) sur ledit
bord circonférentiel extérieur délimitant une première zone (22) de ladite feuille
de matériau flexible étant essentiellement semi-elliptique et ladite première zone,
lorsque dans ledit deuxième état étant pliable entre un état ouvert dans lequel ladite
feuille de matériau flexible définit un canal non-obstrué (34) à l'intérieur dudit
tuyau, et un état fermé dans lequel ladite zone semi-elliptique de ladite feuille
de matériau flexible est pliée dans ledit canal et obstrue ledit tuyau.
2. Bec verseur (10) selon la revendication 1, où le bord circonférentiel extérieur (14)
définit un cercle.
3. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
feuille de matériau flexible (12) est faite d'une feuille métallique enrobée de plastique.
4. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où l'axe majeur
de ladite première zone (22) est dirigée vers le centre de ladite feuille de matériau
flexible.
5. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
feuille de matériau flexible (12) définit, lorsque dans ledit premier état, une ligne
de pli ultérieure essentiellement semi-elliptique (16a) s'étendant à partir d'un cinquième
point (18a) sur ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur à un sixième point (20a) sur
ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur délimitant une première zone (22a) de ladite
feuille de matériau flexible étant essentiellement semi-elliptique, ladite deuxième
zone étant séparée de ladite première zone et ayant un axe majeur plus long que ladite
première zone.
6. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
feuille de matériau flexible (12) définit, lorsque dans ledit premier état, une ligne
de pli droite (24) s'étendant à partir d'un troisième point (26) sur ledit bord circonférentiel
extérieur à un quatrième point (28) sur ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur délimitant
une troisième zone, ladite troisième zone couvrant ladite première zone.
7. Bec verseur (10) selon la revendication 5 en combinaison avec la revendication 6,
où ladite feuille de matériau flexible (12) définit, lorsque dans ledit premier état,
une ligne de pli droite ultérieure (24a) s'étendant à partir d'un septième point (26a)
sur ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur à un huitième point (28a) sur ledit bord
circonférentiel extérieur délimitant une quatrième zone, ladite quatrième zone couvrant
complètement ladite première zone.
8. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 7, où ladite ligne
de pli droite définit une encoche étant de 1 à 3 mm de profondeur, préférablement
de 2 mm de profondeur.
9. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, où ladite ligne
de pli droite (24) définit un point central étant localisé de 16 à 26 mm du bord circonférentiel
extérieur, préférablement de 18 à 24 mm, plus préférablement de 20 à 22 mm, encore
plus préférablement de 21 mm.
10. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
ligne de pli (16) comprend une ligne comprimée.
11. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
ligne de pli (16) définit une partie de ligne droite adjacente ledit bord circonférentiel
extérieur (14).
12. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
ligne de pli (16) comprend une série de perforations, de préférence, ladite serie
de perforations définit des ouvertures suffisamment petites pour empêcher l'écoulement
de boisson à des pressions de versement normales.
13. Bec verseur (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite
feuille de matériau flexible (12) définit, lorsque dans un premier état, une zone
de surface d'entre 1cm2 et 1dm2, de préférence entre 10cm2 et 50cm2.
14. Procédé de production d'un bec verseur (10) pour une bouteille de boisson, ledit procédé
comprenant les étapes de:
fournir une feuille de matériau flexible (12),
estampiller ladite feuille de matériau flexible dans une préforme essentiellement
plate définissant un bord circonférentiel extérieur (14),
estampiller une ligne de pli essentiellement semi-elliptique (16) s'étendant à partir
d'un premier point (18) sur ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur à un deuxième point
(20) sur ledit bord circonférentiel extérieur délimitant une première zone (22) de
ladite feuille de matériau flexible étant essentiellement semi-elliptique.
15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, où ledit estampillage est fait simultanément dans
la même étape du procédé.