Cap holder for bottle

Abstract

 Support (1) for plugs (10) of containers (20), in particular flasks of the type used in laboratories, comprising an embracing portion (2) shaped to engage with the boundary of the container (20) and a holding portion (3) suitable for receiving the plug (10) and for arranging it in use at a distanced position from the container (20). The use of the support (1) unimpedes an access to the content (25) of the container (20) by a user (50). At the same time, owing to the special structure of the support (1), it is possible to keep the sample (25) in direct contact with a preserving liquid (26), for example a physiological solution, present in the container (20). More in detail, the embracing portion (2) can be U-shaped and have the bevelled end portions (12) to make easier the engagement of the support (1) with the boundary of the container (20). The holding portion (3) provides at least one couple of distanced elongated elements (4) extending from the support (1) and with the other end free, at which a gripping surface (24) can be provided that assists its grasping by an operator (50).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an implement for containers having closure members, for example plugs, and in particular it relates to a support for plugs of containers of glass, plastics or other material, applicable to the container same.

Description of the prior art

[0002] As known, containers exist of many kinds, for example bottles of different diameter, "becker" flasks, etc., made of glass, plastics, in particular PE and PET, and the like. These containers are associated to plugs that allow to protect the material in the container from "polluting" actions of environment agents or to avoid that, in case they contain substances dangerous to health, they can spill out and contact an operator.

[0003] For example, in case of a bottled drink, when it is not poured out completely, the bottle must be closed again to preserve the content, i.e. preventing that pollutant agents can affect its the organoleptic characteristics. However, the plug may be lost or it may contact with pollutant agents of many kinds, especially if the drinks are spilled out in open or public places.

[0004] Another type of containers is used in laboratories for preserving chemical, physical or biological samples of many kinds, such as organic tissues. In this case, it is necessary that in the container aseptic conditions are maintained that prevent the result of any analysis on the sample from being affected. This object is easily achieved by means of hermetic plugs capable of keeping the content of the container insulated from the outer environment, as long as the two elements are coupled. When removing the plug from the container, so that an operator can take a sample of the content and can subject it to analysis, it is possible that the plug contacts polluting agents when handling it or when putting it on a plane. These polluting agents can then pollute the content when the container is plugged again, thus negatively affecting any possible further analysis.

Summary of the invention

[0005] It is a feature of the present invention to provide a support for plugs of containers that avoids the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0006] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a support for plugs of containers that keeps the plugs in aseptic conditions, preserving the content from polluting actions of external agents also when applying again the plugs, as well as during all any possible operations that can be carried out on the content.

[0007] These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary support for plugs of containers, according to the invention, comprising an embracing portion for engaging the boundary of a container and a holding portion for the plug that in use occupies a distanced position from the container. This way, the plug can be arranged in a position that makes the content of the container easily accessible and the user not obstructed from it. The user can be for example a laboratory operator, deputed to analyse the content same.

[0008] Advantageously, the holding portion provides at least one couple of elongated elements distanced from each other fixed to the support at one end and having the other end free. In particular, in case of plugs comprising two sections of different diameter the elongated elements abut against the section of larger diameter from the side of that of smaller diameter.

[0009] Preferably, the elongated elements have triangular cross section, i.e. they are substantially wedge-shaped in order to assist its introduction between the plug and the container to which it is applied.

[0010] Advantageously, the holding portion has a shoulder portion opposite to the embracing portion. This way, the plug in use is held between the elongated elements and the shoulder portion.

[0011] Alternatively, instead of the shoulder portion the holding portion can provide a second couple of elongated elements in addition to the first couple.

[0012] In particular, at the free end the elongated elements have a gripping surface. More in detail, the user can press with the fingertips at the gripping surface, which are broader than the width of the elongated elements in order to be easily grasped by an user for bringing the elongated elements from a distanced position to a plug-holding position.

[0013] Advantageously, the holding portion is arranged inclined at an angle with respect to the embracing portion.

[0014] In particular, the angle is adjustable. To this end, for example, the holding portion can be connected to the embracing portion by a self-locking hinge so that it is possible to arrange the two sections at a desired mutual angle.

[0015] Advantageously, the embracing portion is a substantially U-shaped plate, for example of easily deformable metal or plastic material. This exemplary embodiment allows to adapt the embracing portion to the size of the container without affecting its gripping capacity.

[0016] In particular, the embracing portion can be provided with a beveled portion to assist the support when embracing the boundary of the container, and in particular a neck thereof. Depending on the shape of the container the embracing portion may have curvilinear shape or alternatively, it may provide rectilinear consecutive segments.

[0017] Advantageously, furthermore, a substantially chute shaped element can be provided for receiving possible droplets of the content that wets the plug and for leading them in the container. This exemplary embodiment avoids accidental loss of the content out of the container.

[0018] In a further exemplary embodiment, the holding portion can comprise a support plane for the plug.

Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Further characteristics and the advantages of the support for plugs of containers, according to the present invention, will be made clearer with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• figures from 1 to 4 show perspective views of a possible succession of steps through which it is possible to unplug a container, in particular a flask for laboratories, having a plug, and the application of the plug same in a position that does not obstruct the action of an operator;
• figure 5 shows, in detail, a perspective elevational side view of the support for plugs of containers of figures 1-4, in particular elements of interaction are illustrated for assisting an operator when grasping the elongated elements;
• figure 6 shows in detail a perspective view of a possible exemplary embodiment for an elongated element that can be associated to the support of figure 1;
• figures 2 and 3 show perspective side elevational views of the support for plugs of containers of figure 1 mounted on two possible types of containers;
• figures from 7 to 12 show perspective side elevational views of some possible exemplary embodiments of the support for plugs of containers shown in figures from 1 to 4.

Description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

[0020] In figures from 1 to 4 a possible use is diagrammatically shown of a support 1, according to the invention, for plugs 10 of containers 20. In particular, the succession of steps shown in said figures concerns a support 1 mounted on a small container, or flask, 20 for laboratories. In fact, frequently in laboratories such flasks 20 are used suitable for keeping samples ready for being repeatedly analysed for chemical or biological examinations, where a plug 10 is the means of protection of the content from external pollution.

[0021] Support 1 comprises an embracing portion 2 that can engage the boundary of flask 20 and a holding portion 3 suitable for receiving plug 10 in order to arrange it in use at a distanced position from flask 20. The use of support 1 allows easy access to the content 25 of flask 20, for example, by a laboratory user 50 that can then act unobstructed. At the same time, owing to the special structure of support 1, it is possible to keep the sample 25 in direct contact with a possible liquid 26, for example a physiological solution, which is present in flask 20.

[0022] More in detail, the embracing portion 2 can be U-shaped and can have ends 12 bent outwards, i.e. shaped in order to form substantially a beveled portion to make easier the engagement of support 1 with the boundary of flask 20.

[0023] The holding portion 3 provides at least one couple of distanced elongated elements 4 protruding from support 1 and with a free end, at which a gripping surface 24 can be provided that assists an user 50 (figure 5). More in detail, user 50 acting with the fingertips on the gripping surfaces 24 brings elongated elements 4 from a distanced position to an approached position. The holding portion 3 is, furthermore, provided with an upper shoulder portion 5, or alternatively, with a second couple of elongated elements 4' (figure 7). This way, in use, plug 10 is stably held between the two couples of elongated elements 4 and 4', or between the couple of elongated elements 4 and the shoulder portion 5.

[0024] Starting from a position where support 1 does not interact with plug 10 (figure 1), elongated elements 4 are progressively approached to each other so that they arrange themselves between plug 10 and flask 20 (figure 2). This step is assisted by a triangular cross section, i.e. wedge shaped, of elongated elements 4, with higher efficiency of penetration. Once forced elements 4 between plug 10 and flask 20, it is possible to remove easily plug 10 by pushing on enlarged portions 24 (figure 3). Just after unplugging flask 20, support 1 is fastened to flask 20 so that plug 10 is in suitable position and inclination. This procedure avoids the above described contamination of content 25 and allows user 50 during the analysis to work safely and unimpeded, for example when putting into the flask a certain amount of culture liquid 26 by a syringe 55. Support 1, furthermore, assures a continuity of contact between the samples 25 and the culture liquid 26, even if the sample is tied to plug 10, (figure 4).

[0025] In a possible exemplary embodiment of the invention, the embracing portion 2 can be made, for example, of thin metal or of deformable plastic material, in order to be easily adapted to the shape of flask 20. More in detail, it is possible to adapt embracing portion 2 to the size of flask 20 simply changing the distance between the ends 4 without affecting its gripping capacity. In particular, the embracing portion 2 may have curvilinear shape or alternatively, can provide successive rectilinear segments (figure 12).

[0026] In addition, support 1 has a substantially chute-shaped element 7 for receiving possible droplets 17 of the content 25 that wets plug 10 and leading them into flask 20, in order to avoid accidental loss of the content (figure 8).

[0027] As already said above, for arranging plug 10 in a position that does not interfere with the action of user 50, and at the same time saving material, the holding portion 3 is inclined at an angle with respect to the embracing portion 2.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment shown in figures from 8 to 10, the mutual inclination between portions 2 and 3 of support 1 is obtained connecting the embracing portion 2 to the holding portion 3 by a self-locking hinge 15. This exemplary embodiment allows adjusting easily the angle of inclination of the holding portion 3 with respect to the embracing portion 2, i.e. the angle between the two portions.

[0029] In the further exemplary embodiment of figure 12, the holding portion 3 of support 1 provides, in addition to a couple of elongated elements 4, a support plane 5 on which plug 10 rests, for example overturned with respect to the position of use. In this case, elongated elements 4 mainly hold laterally plug 10.

[0030] Support 1, as above described with reference to figures from 1 to 12, can be used whenever necessary to avoid contaminating or pouring out the content of a flask for missing arrangement of the plug or in case of loss of the same. For example, it can be used in connection with liquid or viscous drinks or dressings, arranged in suitable containers, in particular in public or open places where above described drawbacks can occur.

[0031] The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

1. Support for plugs of containers characterised in that it comprises an embracing portion for engaging the boundary of a container and a plug holding portion that in use occupies a distanced position from the container.

2. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 1, wherein a couple of distanced elongated elements is provided extending from the holding portion and having a free end.

3. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 2, wherein said elongated elements have triangular cross section, i.e. they are substantially wedge-shaped, in order to assist in use their introduction between the plug and the container.

4. Support for plugs of containers, according to claims 1 and 2, wherein said holding portion has, furthermore, a shoulder portion opposite to said embracing portion, said plug being arranged, in use, between said elongated elements and said shoulder portion.

5. Support for plugs of containers, according to claims 1 and 2, wherein said holding portion provides a further couple of distanced elongated elements is provided extending from the holding portion in addition to said couple of elongated elements.

6. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 2, wherein at said free end said elongated elements have a gripping surface.

7. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 1, wherein said holding portion is arranged inclined at an angle with respect to said embracing portion.

8. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 7, wherein said angle is adjustable.

9. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 1, wherein said embracing portion is a substantially U-shaped plate suitable for engaging with the boundary of the container.

10. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 1, wherein said embracing portion has a beveled portion suitable for assisting its engagement with the boundary of said container.

11. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 1, wherein, furthermore, a substantially chute shaped element is provided suitable for receiving possible droplets of the content wetting said plug and for leading them in said container.

12. Support for plugs of containers, according to claim 1, wherein said holding portion comprises a support plane for said plug.

Drawing