Synthetic cork with a natural cork appearance and method of making it

Abstract

A method of producing random and irregular markings and impressions on synthetic cork stoppers so as to closely mimic the surface texture of natural cork, and the stoppers produced thereby. In one embodiment, the stopper is produced in a mold featuring a textured inner surface. In another embodiment, the stopper is extruded.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 751,299.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the field of container closures commonly utilizing natural or basic synthetic cork. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Producers of wine and other products that are sold in bottles or other containers that are traditionally closed and sealed with cork stoppers have long been concerned about contamination of the cork, which can lead to spoilage of the product within the container. In the case of wine or olive oil, for example, such spoilage is immediately noticeable by the consumer and renders the product unfit for consumption. [0004] For that reason, there has been a movement in recent times toward the use of synthetic stoppers in place of cork. The material used in the synthetic stopper will depend on the characteristics of the container's contents. If the synthetic materials used are non-reactive with the contents of the container, the synthe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] In order to more accurately simulate the appearance of natural cork, the appearance of the exterior surface of the synthetic stopper should feature random and irregular holes, markings, or dimples. The surface may also feature color variations as found in natural cork. Viewed broadly, the invention provides a method of producing random and irregular holes, markings, and dimples on the surface of a synthetic stopper. The invention includes, in another aspect, the stopper made to appear as if it was formed of natural cork.

Problems solved by technology

Producers of wine and other products that are sold in bottles or other containers that are traditionally closed and sealed with cork stoppers have long been concerned about contamination of the cork, which can lead to spoilage of the product within the container.

In the case of wine or olive oil, for example, such spoilage is immediately noticeable by the consumer and renders the product unfit for consumption.

However, penetration of synthetic stoppers into the food and wine container industry has been slow.

However, these references disclose only methods of effectively “drawing” a cork-like appearance on the stopper surface in two dimensions.

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