Retention device, especially for champagne corks, can be integrated into the filling and sealing process.

Abstract

Retaining device for, in particular, sparkling wine or champagne bottles, consisting of a cork, one or more wire connecting elements and a retaining ring, characterized in that the retaining ring is arranged below the rim of the bottle and the cork remains permanently connected to the retaining ring via the connecting element.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to bottle closures, in particular the closure and opening of sparkling wine and champagne bottles sealed with natural or agglomerated corks and a metal wire cage. The invention relates to a retaining device that prevents the cork from being ejected uncontrollably during opening, and this retaining device can be integrated into existing or new bottling and capping systems. State of the art

[0002] From DE 198 55 067 A1, a retaining device for bottle corks is known in which a connecting element is arranged between a bottle-side and a cork-side connection. The connecting element has a length such that the released cork is held at a defined distance from the bottle opening. Spiral or elastic connecting elements can be provided to dampen the movement of the cork after release. The device can be connected to the wire closure (graffe), but is primarily designed as a separate unit.

[0003] This known solution therefore relates exclusively to the retention device itself, but not to its industrial integration into high-performance filling systems or its direct structural integration into the closure mechanism. Object of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a retention device for bottle corks that • can be integrated into existing production lines without significant changes to the existing bottle, cork or machine geometry, • ensures the cork is retained permanently and reliably, • and discloses devices with which the retaining device can be automatically attached during the filling and closing process. Solution to the task

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and the description. General description of the invention

[0006] The invention comprises both a retention device and devices for its integration into the filling process.

[0007] The retaining device mechanically secures the cork when opening a bottle of sparkling wine or champagne by connecting the cork via at least one metallic connecting element (wire) to a retaining ring positioned below the bottle's rim. This ensures the cork remains attached to the bottle after opening.

[0008] The invention can be implemented in several equivalent embodiments: 1. Design - Pre-assembled unit

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the restraint device consists of: • a cork (natural or pressed cork), • a wire that is inserted horizontally through the center of the cork and is firmly integrated, as well as • an open metal ring attached to the lower end of the wire.

[0010] After corking, the ring is mechanically placed around the bottle neck below the bead and formed into a closed, yet rotatable ring by a ring press module. This additional assembly step can be performed directly in the existing corking machine. 2. Design - Wire feed-through during corking

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the cork is inserted into the bottle without a pre-mounted wire. During the corking process, the wire is inserted into the partially inserted cork through a guide nozzle positioned transversely to the cork axis. Once fully inserted, the wire is connected below the bead to a pre-mounted open ring, which is then pressed into a closed ring in the same cycle. This method allows for easy integration into existing corking machines with minimal mechanical modifications. 3. Design - Integration into the clip

[0012] In another preferred variant, the retaining device is integrated directly into the clip.

[0013] In this process, two of the four typical clasp wires are extended by 2-6 cm and fitted at their lower end with an open ring or a connecting piece of wire.

[0014] This open ring is formed into a closed ring by a newly developed additional module during the closing of the clip in the clip closing machine, or fixed by a rotary movement so that the ring remains below the bead but is movable.

[0015] The cork remains permanently attached to the bottle after opening; wire and ring materials correspond to the agraffe materials already in recycling (galvanized or coated wire).

[0016] This variant requires no additional device on the cork itself and can be fully implemented within the existing production process. Demarcation from the state of the art (DE 198 55 067 A1)

[0017] DE 198 55 067 A1 discloses a restraint device, but not machines for industrial integration.

[0018] The present invention differs in particular by the following features: • Machine integration: The retaining device is not attached manually or afterwards, but is formed and fixed during the filling process by a machine-based add-on module. • Clip as a functional element: The retaining device is part of or an extension of the clip itself. In contrast, the known systems according to DE 198 55 067 A1 use separate components that can be removed after opening. • Long-term retention and environmental aspect: The system remains fully attached to the bottle and, along with the wire cage, enters the recycling loop. This improves both safety and sustainability.

[0019] The invention is therefore based on an independent inventive concept that is not suggested by combining known teachings. Advantages of the invention • No change to the bottle neck design required • Use of existing materials and manufacturing processes • Integration into high-speed lines without significant modifications • Fully recyclable metal components • Permanent retention of the cork - no risk of injury • Reduction of environmental pollution caused by uncontrolled dispersal of corks Reference symbol list:

[0020] Graphic 1: a. Cork b. Metal wire that is passed through the cork and extends downwards to the right and left, and is connected to an open ring. c. Ring that is placed around the bottle neck below the bead and sealed by a new module of the corking machine. Figure 2: a. Cork b. Clip with 2 extended wire ends attached at the lower end to an open ring which is pressed into a closed ring by a newly integrated module in the clip closing machine during twisting of the clip. c. open ring that is pressed into a ring. Figure 3: a. Cork b. A wire clip with two extended wire ends, connected at the lower end to a wire piece with loops. During the twisting of the wire clip by another module of the wire clip closing machine, the ends are also twisted, but only until a loop is formed that is still movable on the bottle neck, but does not fit over the rim. c. piece of wire with loops QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 198 55 067 A1 [0002, 0017, 0018]

Claims

[1] Retaining device for especially sparkling wine or champagne bottles, consisting of a cork, one or more wire connecting elements and a retaining ring, characterized by that the retaining ring is positioned below the rim of the bottle and that the cork remains permanently connected to the retaining ring via the connecting element. [2] Retaining device according to claim 1, characterized by The wire is inserted through the center of the cork and connected to an open ring, which is formed around the neck of the bottle after corking. (Figure 1) [3] Retaining device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by The wire is guided through the cork during the corking process and subsequently connected to a ring located below the bead. (Figure 1) [4] Restraint device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat two wires of the clip are extended by 2-4 cm and an open ring is pre-mounted at their ends, which is pressed into a closed ring by an additional module of the clip closing machine when the clip is closed. (Figure 2) [5] Retaining device according to claim 4, characterized by The extended wires are connected at their lower end by a wire segment with loops, which lies below the bead around the bottle neck and is closed by a rotary or press module of the wire clamping machine to such an extent that the wire can be rotated but not removed. (Figure 3) [6] Integration of a retention device according to one of the preceding claims into a filling and capping system, comprising: • Inserting the cork into the bottle neck, • Positioning and fixing the connecting element, • Applying an open ring, • Forming or pressing the ring into a closed, rotatable holding unit. [7] Device for assembly according to claim 6, characterized by that it includes a ring press module, a wire guide and tensioning device, and a control unit for synchronization with the clip closing machine.

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