Vacuum plug and assembly of plug and container

Abstract

A vacuum plug and a combination of the plug and a container. A vacuum plug (1) is disclosed. The vacuum plug is configured to be positioned in a neck (9), which is the neck of a bottle. The plug comprises: an elastic shoulder (4) provided at the upper end of an elongated body (2), wherein the elastic shoulder is arranged to be placed on the upper side of the neck of the bottle; a stopper ring (5) provided at the upper end of the elongated body and located above the elastic shoulder; and a valve (6) provided inside the elongated body for allowing air to be sucked out of the container in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum stopper for a container, in particular to a vacuum stopper for a container such as a wine bottle. Background Art

[0002] Vacuum plugs are widely used and are available in different arrangements and sizes. Vacuum plugs are usually used in conjunction with a dedicated vacuum pump.

[0003] A typical vacuum stopper has a tapered body for insertion into the neck of a container. The tapered body provides an inner diameter for accommodating the neck of containers of different sizes. The body has a head in which a valve is disposed. The head is compatible with a dedicated pump. Due to the contact between the tapered body and the neck of the bottle, a vacuum seal can be obtained.

[0004] A disadvantage of these known stoppers is that they may be rather bulky and / or may have a large head. The head may make the bottle rather tall, which makes it difficult to store bottles with stoppers in conventional storage elements (e.g., refrigerators). In addition, bottles with conventional stoppers may not be suitable for horizontal storage due to the risk of fluid spillage and / or accidental release of the vacuum. Due to the protruding head and / or bulky appearance, users, especially professional users (e.g., restaurant owners, etc.) are reluctant to use stoppers because the stoppers may spoil their view of their visible wine bottle inventory. For example, when handling vacuum bottles, such conventional stoppers may also be prone to accidentally releasing the vacuum, but there may be no visible vacuum indication on the stopper. In addition, the diameter expansion of the neck of the wine bottle may increase, and conventional stoppers may not be able to accommodate the larger diameter expansion.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved vacuum plug that obviates at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum plug is provided, which is constructed to be positioned in the neck of a container for closing the container and enabling the container to be evacuated, the vacuum plug comprising: an elongated body, the elongated body being constructed to be inserted into the neck of the container; an elastic shoulder, the elastic shoulder being arranged at the upper end of the elongated body, wherein the elastic shoulder is arranged to be placed on the upper side of the neck of the container; a stop ring, the stop ring being arranged at the upper end of the elongated body, above the elastic shoulder; a valve, the valve being arranged inside the elongated body, for enabling air to be sucked out of the container during use; wherein the elongated body further comprises at least one radially protruding flange element.

[0007] By providing a vacuum stopper with a resilient shoulder and a stop ring located above the resilient shoulder, a compact and ingenious vacuum stopper can be obtained, wherein the valve is arranged inside an elongated body. By arranging the stop ring above the resilient shoulder, the vacuum stopper can have a limited height, so that when the vacuum stopper is inserted into the neck of a container and the resilient shoulder abuts on the upper side of the neck of the container, the stopper only extends to a limited extent above the upper side of the neck of the container. Thus, in the case where the stopper is inserted into a container (usually a bottle, such as a wine bottle), an ingenious and compact view can be provided. In contrast to conventional stoppers, the stopper is not provided with a head, but only with an elongated body in which a valve is arranged. By arranging the valve inside the elongated body, instead of arranging the valve at the head of the stopper as in conventional stoppers, the head of the stopper can be eliminated, so that the height of the stopper can be made lower, so that the stopper only extends to a limited extent above the neck of the container when in use.

[0008] By providing an elastic shoulder at the upper end of the elongated body, almost all of the elongated body can be inserted into the neck of the container so that only the limited height of the elongated body extends above the neck of the container. By providing a shoulder that elastically rests on the neck of the container when in use, the shoulder is deformed when the container is evacuated, and a tight seal between the shoulder and the neck of the container can be obtained. By sucking air out of the container through a valve arranged inside the elongated body, a negative pressure or so-called vacuum can be generated inside the container. Due to the negative pressure, the stopper may be stretched longer inside the container, resulting in the deformation of the elastic shoulder. The deformation of the elastic shoulder can provide a tight abutment between the shoulder and the neck of the container and a firm and / or reliable seal of the container in a vacuum. By providing such an elastic shoulder that is deformed when there is a vacuum in the container (for example, by making the deformed elastic member lower than the undeformed elastic member), a visible indication of a vacuum is possible. Negative pressure is considered to be a pressure below atmospheric pressure, also known as a downward pressure or vacuum.

[0009] By arranging the stop ring above the elastic shoulder, the stop ring can block the elastic shoulder and thus prevent the stopper from being sucked into the container when a vacuum is drawn. In contrast to conventional stoppers, an additional stop ring is provided as a separate stop ring or integral with the elastic shoulder. The stop ring is harder than the elastic shoulder so that the elastic shoulder can be deformed in use to closely abut against the upper side of the neck of the container when the container is evacuated. Furthermore, the stop ring is advantageously located above the elastic shoulder as a final stopper element preventing the stopper from fully entering the container.

[0010] The stop ring can be positioned substantially horizontally on the upper side of the elongated body, so that a compact stopper can be obtained, wherein the stop ring is the top member of the stopper and does not have a head extending above the stop ring or the body of the stop ring as in conventional stoppers. This makes the stopper compact and ingenious. Furthermore, by arranging the stop ring above the resilient shoulder and at the same level as the upper side of the elongated body, in use, only the shoulder and the stop ring are located above the neck of the container. Therefore, when the stopper is inserted into the neck of the container, the stopper only extends a limited height above the neck of the container, i.e. the height of the resilient shoulder and the stop ring. Due to this limited height, when the stopper is engaged on the neck of the container (usually a wine bottle), the container can still be stored in a normal storage position (e.g. a refrigerator or a cupboard).

[0011] The stop ring and the elastic shoulder can be provided by different materials and / or different configurations. The stop ring can be, for example, a metal material or a relatively hard plastic material. The stop ring can be configured as a radially extending ring. Advantageously, the stop ring is continuous in the circumferential direction, however, the stop ring can also be implemented as at least two annular segments. The stop ring can be firmly connected to the elongated body (for example, by snap connection), or can be integrated with the elongated body (for example, by two-component injection molding). The elastic shoulder can be a resilient elastic material, or can have an elastic configuration, or can be a combination of the two. For example, the lower side of the continuous stop ring can be provided with an elastic material (for example, a rubber material or a closed-cell foam) or other elastically deformable material. When the elastic member is close to the neck, the material will deform when vacuuming, so that a firm seal can be obtained. A harder stop ring can prevent the plug from being pulled into the container. In this example, the stop ring and the sealing member can be injection molded simultaneously, for example, by a two-component injection molding process. Alternatively, the more elastic material of the elastic shoulder can be bonded, or otherwise connected by adhesive and / or chemically bonded to the stop ring.In order to obtain a tight seal around the circumference of the neck, the elastic member is of continuous design in the circumferential direction.

[0012] The elastic member may also be an elastic or elastically deformable configuration, for example, a configuration more similar to a spring, for example, a leaf spring-like configuration or a wave spring-like configuration, etc. However, the material is a flexible material that enables deformation. Since the interior of the container is a vacuum, when the stopper is inserted into the neck of the container, the elastic configuration of the elastic shoulder is deformed until a close abutment of the elastic shoulder with the neck of the container is obtained. The elastic shoulder may be provided, for example, by a thermoplastic composite material or other material, such as silicone rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as a styrene block copolymer, such as SEBS.

[0013] When the stopper is located in the neck of the container and the interior of the container is evacuated, the elastic shoulder is advantageously capable of deforming between a rest position in which the elastic shoulder is not deformed and a use position in which the elastic shoulder is deformed. In the deformed position of the elastic shoulder, the height of the shoulder may be less than the height of the shoulder in the undeformed position and / or the length of the shoulder may be longer than the length of the shoulder in the undeformed position. The elastic shoulder can be adjusted to the deformed position because when the interior of the container is evacuated, the shoulder is squeezed between the stop ring above it and the neck of the container below it.

[0014] Alternatively and / or additionally, the elastic shoulder can be configured as a radially extending shoulder that is hinged to the elongated body. The hinge can be a living hinge, for example, provided by a bend in the material that is regenerated or acts as a hinge. The elastic shoulder can include a plurality of such living hinges, for example, a plurality of bends in the radial direction, which can result in a wavy pattern in the radial direction. When evacuating, when the stopper is inserted into the neck of the container, the elastic shoulder can be deformed at such a living hinge or bend, and can therefore be stretched in the radial direction until the elastic shoulder is firmly against the upper side of the neck of the container. For example, the elastic shoulder can be arranged at at least one position around which the elastic shoulder can be hinged from a rest position to a working position. Such a position can be predefined in the radial direction and preferably extends in a circumferential direction. Depending on the flexibility of the material, the position can be predefined, but can also be variable or non-predefined. How the elastic shoulder deforms when evacuating may depend on the position of the stopper in the neck of the container. Many variations of the elastic shoulder are possible.

[0015] Advantageously, the elastic shoulder can be adjusted between a rest position and a working position, the elastic shoulder being biased to the rest position so that when the stopper is engaged in the neck of the container, there is no vacuum in the container, and in the working position, the elastic shoulder seals the neck of the container so that when the stopper is engaged in the neck of the container, there is a vacuum in the container. In contrast to the deformed position in the working position of the elastic member, the rest position can generally be a basic position in which the elastic shoulder has its undeformed configuration. In the working position, the elastic member is deformed, and in fact, the elastic member is installed in the neck of the container, and there is a negative pressure in the container. By biasing the elastic shoulder to its rest position, once the vacuum is released, the elastic member can return to the predefined rest position to which it is biased. Once a vacuum leak occurs (whether accidental or intentional), the biasing force can help further remove the stopper from the neck of the container. Therefore, when the stopper is located in the neck of the container and the interior of the container is vacuum, the elastic shoulder can be deformed between the rest position in which the elastic shoulder is not deformed and the working position in which the elastic shoulder is deformed. In the deformed position of the elastic shoulder, the height of the shoulder can be less than the height of the shoulder in the undeformed position and / or the length of the shoulder can be longer than the length of the shoulder in the undeformed position. For example, the elastic shoulder can be adjusted to the deformed position because when the interior of the container is evacuated, the shoulder is squeezed between the stop ring above it and the neck of the container below it.

[0016] When the elastic shoulder is deformed due to the negative pressure in the container, the height of the elastic shoulder in its working position can be less than the height of its undeformed resting position. Due to the height difference between the undeformed resting position and the deformed working position, the user can visually check whether there is a vacuum in the container. When the height of the elastic member is low, there is still a vacuum in the container, and when the height of the elastic member is high and the elastic member is in its resting position, there is no vacuum in the container. This provides a visual indication for the user to easily identify the vacuum in the container. Therefore, the user can check whether there is still a vacuum in the container without first releasing the vacuum and then re-evacuating the vacuum as in a traditional stopper.

[0017] In addition, due to the firm and reliable deformation of the elastic member under the vacuum of the container, the container can be stored in a horizontal position without accidentally releasing the vacuum. This is usually difficult for traditional stoppers because the head protruding from the neck of the container is relatively bulky, so it is easy to accidentally release the vacuum. In addition, traditional stoppers usually seal the neck of the container, and its body is inserted into the neck of the container, which is relatively easy to leak in the case of horizontal storage. The stopper with an elastic member sealing the neck on the upper side of the neck of the container can prevent the leakage of vacuum and / or liquid when stored in a horizontal position. In addition, due to its compact size, the stopper according to the present invention can provide a more reliable seal for the neck of the container. In addition, due to its compact size, the stopper can be installed on the neck of the container (especially the wine bottle), and the nut can still be installed on the neck of the container and above the stopper. This can even provide more reliable storage, especially horizontal storage.

[0018] According to one aspect of the stopper, the elongated body can be provided with at least one flange element on its outside, wherein at least one flange element can be arranged as a circumferential continuous flange. The flange can for example be embodied as a radially outwardly protruding ring on the elongated body. The flange element helps to align and / or center the elongated body in the neck of the container so that the elongated body is substantially located at the center of the neck of the container. In addition, the variation of the inner diameter of the neck of the container can be adapted by providing at least one flange element. More than one circumferential flange can be provided, one circumferential flange being positioned on another circumferential flange. The flange element preferably protrudes radially outwardly from the outside of the elongated body so that the flange element can contact the inside of the neck of the container in use.

[0019] Alternatively, a plurality of flange elements extending in the circumferential direction or in the longitudinal direction at the same axial position of the elongated body may be provided.The flange element may have some flexibility such that the flange element can manipulate the elongated body in the neck of the container.

[0020] The elongated body may be cylindrical in shape, for example with a circular cross section, or may have a triangular or hexagonal cross section. Many variations are possible. By providing at least one flange element on the elongated body, centering and / or contact with the interior of the neck of the container may be provided, and variations in the internal diameter of the neck of the container may be accommodated.

[0021] The elongated body may also deform somewhat under the influence of the vacuum. When inserted into the neck of the container and air is sucked out of the container through the valve in the elongated body, the elongated body may also deform due to the negative pressure obtained in the container. Due to this deformation, the outer diameter of the elongated body may increase, thereby pressing the at least one flange element more towards the inside of the neck of the container. This can improve the alignment and fixation of the stopper in the neck of the container. Advantageously, the stop ring is harder than the elongated body, which in turn is harder than the elastic shoulder, so that a seal is obtained at the elastic shoulder and the stop ring can prevent the stopper from being sucked into the container when a vacuum is drawn.

[0022] Advantageously, the valve is completely located inside the elongated body, so that the upper side of the valve is lower than the upper side of the elongated body, so that the stop ring can form the upper side of the plug. Thus, a relatively compact plug is obtained. For example, the valve can be located approximately halfway inside the elongated body.

[0023] The upper side of the elongated body and / or the stop ring is configured to receive a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump may be a known manual pump. The upper side of the stopper may be relatively flat so as to engage with different types of vacuum pumps. Alternatively, the vacuum pump may engage around the valve inside the elongated body. The stopper is configured so as to have multiple possibilities for engaging with a vacuum pump to suck air out of the container through the valve. The valve may be a one-way valve so that air can be directed only in one direction (i.e., out of the container) and when the valve is closed, air is prevented from entering the container through the valve. A typical example of such a one-way valve is a duckbill valve, but other valve variants are also possible.

[0024] In one example of the stopper, the outer diameter of the stop ring is substantially 1.5 times the outer diameter of the elongated body, including at least one flange element in the non-vacuum resting position of the stopper. By making the stop ring have a relatively limited size relative to the rest of the stopper, it is sufficient to make the stop ring abut against the upper side of the neck of the container without the stop ring protruding too much from the neck of the container. Therefore, when the stopper is inserted into the neck of the container, the stopper, in particular the stop ring and the resilient member, can be wide enough to seal to the neck of the container, but can be small enough not to extend too much on the neck of the container. Therefore, the nut can be mounted on the neck of the container and the stopper is inserted into the neck of the container. This may be advantageous for storage purposes of the container.

[0025] Another aspect relates to a combination of a container and a vacuum flask. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These and other aspects will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings which include figures of exemplary embodiments. Corresponding elements are indicated by corresponding reference numerals. In the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1aa schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a stopper;

[0028] Figure 1b Figure 1a A cross section of the plug;

[0029] Figure 2a In the resting position in the neck of the container Figure 1a A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0030] Figure 2b In the working position in the neck of the container Figure 1a A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0031] Figure 3a a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a stopper in a rest position in a container neck;

[0032] Figure 3b In the working position in the neck of the container Figure 3a A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a stopper inserted into the neck of a container closed by a screw cap;

[0034] Figure 5a a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a stopper;

[0035] Figure 5b Figure 5a A cross section of the plug;

[0036] Figure 5c In the working position in the neck of the container Figure 5a A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug;

[0037] Figure 6a a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a stopper;

[0038] Figure 6b Figure 6a A cross section of the plug;

[0039] Figure 7a A perspective cross section of an alternative embodiment of the plug;

[0040] Figure 7b A perspective cross section of an alternative embodiment of the plug;

[0041] Figure 8a A front view of an alternative embodiment of the plug;

[0042] Figure 8b Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] It should be noted that the drawings are given by way of illustrative examples and do not limit the present disclosure. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1a A perspective view of an embodiment of a vacuum stopper 1 is schematically given, Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a A cross section of a stopper 1. The vacuum stopper 1 comprises an elongated body 2, which is configured to be inserted into the neck of a container. An elastic shoulder 4 is provided at the upper end 3 of the elongated body 2. The elastic shoulder 4 is arranged to abut or abut against the upper side of the neck of the container. In addition, the vacuum stopper 1 comprises a stop ring 5, which is located at the upper end 3 of the elongated body 2, and the stop ring 5 is arranged above the elastic shoulder 4. A valve 6 is arranged inside the elongated body 2 so that air can be sucked out of the container when the stopper is engaged with the neck of the container. The valve 6 is connected to the elongated body 2 via a valve seat 12. The elongated body 2 is further provided with at least one flange element 7, which protrudes radially from the outside 8 of the elongated body 2.

[0045] Here, the elongated body 2 is shown as a cylindrical body with a generally annular or circular cross section, but it can also have a different shape, for example, a prism with a polygonal cross section. Advantageously, the elongated body 2 can be generally straight, but it can also be tapered, conical or other shapes, as long as the outer diameter of the elongated body is not large enough to abut against the inside of the neck of the container, so as to avoid the elongated body replacing the elastic shoulder to seal the container.

[0046] In this embodiment, the flange element 7 is arranged as a continuous ring arranged around the elongated body 2. There are two rings 7 arranged above each other. The flange element 7 is intended to center and / or guide the stopper 1 in the neck of the container, in particular the elongated body 2. The flange element 7 also has a certain flexibility or elasticity to adapt to the change of the inner diameter of the neck of the container. Therefore, different inner diameters of the necks of relatively wide containers from relatively small diameters to larger diameters can be adapted. For glass wine bottles, this change in diameter of the neck can be approximately between 20mm and approximately 35mm. In addition, the diameter of the inner hole of the neck can also vary, because the inner hole of the neck can have an irregular surface. Such changes can also be adapted. When the flange element is arranged as a continuous ring, at least one cutout can be provided in the outer edge of the ring. By providing such a cutout, the annular flange element can be prevented from sealing the neck of the container to a vacuum. Alternatively, the elastic shoulder is configured to seal the neck of the container when the container is evacuated.

[0047] exist Figure 2aIn FIG. 1 , the stopper 1 is shown inserted into the neck 9 of a container (not shown). The container may be, for example, a bottle, such as a wine bottle or a flask. Figure 2a As can be seen in FIG, the flange element 7 is slightly deformed upwards due to friction during the insertion of the elongated body 2 into the neck 9 of the container. Thus, a more or less central positioning of the elongated body 2 in the neck 9 of the container is possible.

[0048] The resilient shoulder 4 is arranged to sit on the upper side 10 of the neck 9 of the container. The resilient shoulder 4 extends radially outwards from the elongated body 2 of the stopper 1. As can be seen here, the resilient shoulder 4 may be integrally formed with the elongated body 2, but may also be a separate part connected to the elongated body 2.

[0049] Figure 2a The stopper 1 is shown in a rest position in which the stopper is inserted into the neck 9 of the container, but no vacuum is present in the container. The resilient shoulder 4 is also in a rest position because the resilient shoulder sits on the neck 9 of the container. When the container is evacuated, air is sucked out of the container through the valve 6. As a result, the stopper 1, and in particular the elongated body 2, is pulled further into the neck of the container. Due to this downward movement, the resilient shoulder 4 is pressed more against the upper side 10 of the neck of the container, causing the resilient shoulder 4 to deform. Due to this deformation, the resilient shoulder 4 is in sealing engagement with the neck of the container, in particular with the upper side 10 of the neck of the container, so that a vacuum can be generated and maintained. As a result, the resilient shoulder 4 is deformed to the point where the resilient shoulder 4 is in a sealed ... Figure 2b The stopper 1 is shown in the working position shown. To release the vacuum inside the container, it is sufficient to lift or tilt the stop ring 5 upwards so that the stop ring 5 also pulls the elastic shoulder 4 upwards and the sealing engagement can be released. The stopper 1 can then be removed from the neck of the container by pulling the stop ring 5. Due to the firm sealing engagement of the elastic shoulder 4 with the neck of the container, the vacuum in the container that is accidentally released by contact with the stop ring can be minimized. The stop ring 5 is pushed upwards to remove the vacuum.

[0050] Advantageously, the elongated body 2 is made of a flexible and / or deformable and / or elastic and / or resilient material. These terms are used interchangeably throughout the present disclosure and mean that the shape of the elongated body can be changed (e.g. due to negative pressure, or due to insertion into the neck of the container) and that the stopper can return to its original, undeformed shape again when the stopper is removed from the neck of the container. Due to the vacuum inside the container, the valve 6 can also be pulled further downwards, since the valve seat 12 is relatively thin and flexible, thus enabling the valve 6 to move downwards relative to the connection 11 of the valve seat 12 on the elongated body 2. Due to this downward movement of the valve 6, the valve 6 pushes the elongated body 2 more outwards at the location 11 where it is connected to the elongated body 2. Due to this slight outward movement, the flange element 7 arranged on the outer side 8 of the elongated body 2 also rests more firmly against the inner wall 13 of the neck 9, so that the stopper 1 is more firmly engaged in the neck 9 of the container. In addition, due to the negative pressure inside the container, the valve 6 can move slightly downwards in the direction of the container interior. This can be achieved in particular in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b , albeit schematically and exaggeratedly.

[0051] The stop ring 5 arranged above the elastic shoulder 4 is firmly connected to the elongated body 2. Advantageously, the stop ring 5 is harder than the elastic shoulder 4, so that when the container is evacuated, the stopper 1 can be prevented from being sucked into the container. The stop ring 5 can be made of a different material than the elastic shoulder 4 and / or the elongated body 2, or it can be made of the same material but with a harder structure. The stop ring 5 can be integral with the elongated body 2, but it can also be a separate component firmly connected or fixed to the elongated body 2. For example, by Figure 1b The toothed connection 14 in the embodiment shown. Here, the stop ring 5 is provided with a circumferentially extending toothed protrusion 14a, which fits into a circumferential groove 14b of the elastic shoulder 4. Here, the stop ring 5 is also provided as a continuous circumferential ring, but the stop ring can also be constructed as one, two or more annular segments. The stop ring 5 can also have Figure 1a The ring shown is a different shape, and could be rectangular, triangular or any other shape. Many variations are possible.

[0052] In this example, the elastic shoulder 4 is hingedly connected to the elongated body 2 by a living hinge 15. The elastic shoulder 4 can be moved around the hinge 15 in a manner such as Figure 2a The static position shown and Figure 2bThe elongated body 2 is rotated between the working positions shown, so that the elongated body 2 can move downward in the neck 9 of the container. In addition, the elastic shoulder 4 is made of a material that can be elastically deformed, so that the elastic shoulder 4 can be compressed between the upper side 10 of the neck 9 of the container and the stop ring 5. Due to this compression of the elastic shoulder 4, the elastic shoulder 4 extends more radially outward, so that a larger engagement area with the upper side 10 of the neck 9 of the container can be obtained. This relatively large engagement can enable the elastic shoulder 4 to be firmly sealed with the neck 9 of the container. The sealing engagement between the elastic shoulder 4 and the upper side 10 of the neck 9 of the container is not a sealing engagement between the elongated body and the inside of the neck of the container as in the prior art, but enables the container to be stored in a horizontal position when it is evacuated without the risk of leakage or accidental release of the vacuum.

[0053] exist Figures 1a to 2b In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic shoulder 4 is toothed, wherein the teeth 16 are radially more outward than the grooves 14b, the teeth 16 being connected to the elongated body 2 by a living hinge 15. When the stopper 1 is inserted into the neck 9 of the container and the container is evacuated, the material of the teeth 16 of the elastic shoulder 4 is compressed, resulting in an elongation of the elastic shoulder 4. Due to the compression and elastic deformation of the elastic shoulder 4, there is a height difference between the rest position and the working position. In the rest position, the height H1R of the undeformed elastic shoulder 4 and the stop ring 5 extending above the upper side 10 of the neck of the container is greater than the height H1W in the working position when the elastic shoulder 4 is compressed and elastically deformed. Therefore, the user has a visual indication when there is a vacuum in the container, that is, when the height of the elastic shoulder 4 with the stop ring 5 is less than the height in the rest position. In the example, the height H1W can be between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm or between about 1 mm and about 4 mm.

[0054] The resilient shoulder 4 is biased towards its undeformed rest position so that when the vacuum in the container is released, for example by tilting the stop ring 5, the resilient shoulder 4 moves back to its undeformed position, so that once the user creates an opening in the sealing engagement, the biasing force can help to release the vacuum. The pressure acting on the resilient shoulder by the evacuation of the container is then greater than the biasing force that firmly presses the resilient shoulder 4 against the upper side 10 of the neck 9 of the container. Therefore, the vacuum in the container needs to be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the resilient shoulder 4, thereby providing a secure sealing engagement that cannot be easily released by accidental contact, but mainly by deliberate action of the user.

[0055] In the rest position of the stopper 1, the stopper 1 has a height HR. When the stopper 1 is installed in the neck of the container and the air is sucked out of the container, thereby obtaining a negative pressure in the container, the stopper 1 is pulled into the container under the influence of the negative pressure. The elongated body 2 made of elastic material becomes larger and the shoulder 4 is pressed against the neck of the container by the stop ring 5. The height of the stopper 1 in this working position becomes a height HW, which is less than the height HR in the rest position. This can be seen in FIG. Figure 2a and Figure 2b , although in these drawings the differences in heights H1R-H1W and HR-HW are exaggerated and not presented to scale.

[0056] The vacuum pump may be located on the upper side 18 of the plug 1 or may engage with the valve seat 12 of the valve 6 or anywhere in between. There are many possibilities for engaging the vacuum pump.

[0057] like Figures 1a to 2b As shown, the valve 6 is completely mounted inside the elongated body 2. The valve 6 is preferably a one-way valve (e.g. a duckbill valve), but other embodiments of the valve 6 are possible. By mounting the valve 6 inside the elongated body 2 so that the upper side 17 of the valve 6 is lower than the stop ring 5, the stopper 1 can be of compact design. The stop ring 5 then forms the upper side 18 of the stopper 1, and the bulky head in traditional stoppers can be omitted. Therefore, when the stopper 1 is inserted into the neck 9 of the container, only the elastic shoulder 4 and the stop ring 5 are located above the upper side 10. Its height is the height H1R of the undeformed rest position, which is relatively small compared to the total height HR of the stopper 1 in the undeformed position. Therefore, when the stopper 1 is inserted into the neck 9 of the container, this gives a smart and smooth appearance without affecting the overall visual appearance of the container. This is considered an advantage by the user. Furthermore, due to the compact size of the stopper 1 and the limited height of the stopper 1 above the neck of the container, containers with the stopper can be stored in known storage facilities (e.g., a refrigerator or a cupboard) without having a bulky head abutting against the storage facility like conventional stoppers.

[0058] Figure 3a and Figure 3b In addition to Figures 1a to 2b In addition to the embodiment of the embodiment, an alternative embodiment of the abutment element 19 is provided. In addition to the stop ring 5, the abutment element 19 prevents the stopper 1 from being sucked into the neck 9 of the container. Due to the compression of the elastic shoulder 4 and the downward movement of the elongated body 2 in the neck 9 of the container, the abutment element 19 abuts against the inner wall 13 of the neck 9 of the container, thereby further fixing the stopper 1 in the neck 9 of the container. Figure 3a The stopper 1 is shown with the abutment element 19 in an undeformed rest position, Figure 3b The stopper 1 is shown with the abutment element 19 in a deformed working position.

[0059] Advantageously, the outer diameter D1s of the stop ring 5 is substantially the same as the outer diameter D1r of the elastic shoulder 4 in the undeformed state. Figures 1a to 3b In the example shown, the outer diameters D1s and D1r are the same. In the deformed position of the elastic shoulder 4, the outer diameter D2r may be slightly larger than the outer diameter D1s of the stop ring 5 due to the deformation of the elastic shoulder 4 in the working position. The difference between the outer diameters D2r and D1r can be relatively small, for example, between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. Advantageously, the outer diameters D1r, D2r are large enough to accommodate the usual variations in the diameter of the neck 9 of the container, but not so large as to prevent extending too much on the neck of the container. For example, in the undeformed state, the outer diameters D1r, D2r are substantially 1.5 times the outer diameter D1e of the elongated body 2 including the flange element 7. Since the elastic shoulder 4 and the stop ring 5 do not extend too far outward, the stopper 1 can be covered by a nut 20 engaged with the neck 9 of the container when engaged with the neck 9 of the container, and the nut 20 is provided with a thread 21, such as Figure 4 This makes storage of containers even more convenient and ingenious even in a horizontal position.

[0060] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c An alternative embodiment of the stopper 1 is shown. In this embodiment, a plurality of flange elements 7 are provided which are arranged around the circumference of the elongated body 2. The flange elements 7 extend in the longitudinal direction along the outside of the elongated body 2. Here, too, the valve 6 embodied as a duckbill valve is completely mounted within the elongated body 2 such that the upper side 17 of the valve 6 is substantially level with or below the upper side 18 of the stop ring 5.

[0061] Here, the stop ring 5 and the elastic shoulder 4 are provided as separate parts, which are engaged with the elongated body 2, preferably, fixed on the elongated body 2, for example, by chemical bonding, adhesive connection or mechanical snap connection, etc. Here, in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, a mechanical connection is provided.

[0062] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, in the undeformed resting position of the elastic shoulder 4, the elastic shoulder 4 is provided with a wave-like or spring-like cross-sectional shape. Due to this shape and the flexibility of the material, the deformation of the elastic shoulder 4 can become relatively easy when the plug 1 is pulled downward under the influence of vacuum. Therefore, the elastic shoulder 4 can be deformed to the shape of Figure 5c Here, the elastic shoulder 4 has two predefined bends in the shoulders 4a, 4b, which are pulled under negative pressure until Figure 5c The elastic shoulder 4 is also biased to Figure 5bThe elastic shoulder 4 returns to its undeformed rest position when the vacuum is released and some of the pressure is released. The bends 4a, 4b may be formed as living hinges, or may be formed as a regeneration of the wall thickness of the elastic shoulder, or may be formed of a material with a greater local flexibility. Figure 5a As shown, by providing such a double wavy shape, upon deformation, the elastic shoulder 4 can be deformed until it abuts against the stop ring 5, in particular until it abuts against the corner 20 of the stop ring 5. Thus, a secure and tight seal of the elastic shoulder 4 on the upper side 10 of the neck 9 can be obtained. Figure 5c In the figure, the stopper 1 is shown in a deformed position, inserted into the neck 9 of the container and under vacuum. The elastic shoulder 4 is in the working position, deformed between the stop ring 5 and the upper side 10 of the neck 9 of the container. The flange element 7 contacts the inner wall 13 of the neck 9 of the container. Here, the valve 6 is completely inside the elongated body 2 and is connected to the inner side of the elongated body 2 by the valve seat 12. Here, the valve seat 12 is larger than in the Figures 1a to 4 In the embodiment of the stopper 1, the stopper 5 is stiffer, so that the valve 6 is hardly pulled downward by the vacuum in the container, but the flange element 7 provides centering and / or alignment of the elongated body 2 in the neck 9 of the container. The outer diameter D1s of the stopper ring 5 is slightly larger than the outer diameter D1r of the elastic shoulder 4, so that when the elastic shoulder is deformed, the outer diameter D2r of the elastic shoulder is substantially the same as the outer diameter D1s. Therefore, the stopper ring 5 and the elastic shoulder 4 do not protrude too much from the neck of the container and can be installed, for example, under a nut. The stopper ring 5 forms the upper side 18 of the stopper 1 and is substantially horizontal to the upper side of the elongated body 2. Therefore, the stopper ring 5 and the elastic shoulder 4 have a limited height relative to the elongated body 2 and extend only more than a few millimeters above the neck of the container. Therefore, a compact and / or ingenious stopper can be obtained. In this embodiment of the stopper 1, the vacuum pump can engage with the upper side 18 of the stopper 1 or with the valve seat 12 or anywhere in between.

[0063] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Shows Figure 5a to Figure 5c Here, the resilient shoulder 4 is in its undeformed position, in the shape of a spring with a single bend 4a. By providing this shape, when deformed, the resilient shoulder 4 is firmly pushed into the corner 20 of the stop ring 5 and abuts against the stop ring 5 to engage sealingly with the upper side of the neck of the container.

[0064] Figure 7a and Figure 7bAn alternative embodiment of the stopper 1 is shown in which a retaining member 22 is used. The retaining member 22 is arranged to retain the rigid stop ring 5 on the elastic or flexible elongated body 2 and shoulder 4. Due to the different elasticities of the stop ring 5 and the rest of the stopper 1, the two parts need to be firmly fixed to each other to prevent the stop ring 5 from loosening from the stopper 1 under the influence of negative pressure. Here, a retaining member 22 is provided, which firmly fixes the stop ring 5 to the elongated body 2 and / or shoulder 4. In Figure 7a and Figure 7b In the embodiment of the invention, the elongated body 2, the shoulder 4 and the valve 6 are made as a single part, but, as mentioned above, a multi-part stopper is also possible. The stop ring 5 can be a rigid part having a body 23 extending downwardly into a receiving space 24 of the elongated body 2, where the receiving space 24 is formed between the elongated body 2 and the shoulder 4. Figures 5a to 6b A similar structure of the stop ring 5 is provided in the embodiment of Figure 7a In the embodiment of, the retaining member 22 is configured to be a ring mounted around the elongated body 2. A groove is provided on the lower side of the body 23 of the stop ring 5. The ring is provided with a protrusion 25, which fits into the groove. When the ring is mounted on the elongated body 2, the protrusion 25 fits into the groove to firmly fix the stop ring 5 on the elongated body 2, thereby preventing the stop ring 5 from loosening from the plug 1. The ring can be made of an elastic material, or can be a metal spring, etc. There are many possible variations of the ring. It should be noted that the elongated body 2 is flexible, so a rigid ring can be installed around the elongated body 2. In Figure 7b In the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the retaining member 22 is configured as a rigid bushing inserted into the elongated body 2 . Figure 7b In the embodiment of the invention, the bushing is also partially inserted into the interior of the valve 6, but this is optional. The bushing is inserted far enough into the interior of the elongated body 2 so that the elongated body 2 is pressed outwardly against the stop ring 5, in particular against the body 23 of the stop ring 5. The retaining bushing thus mechanically locks the body 23 of the stop ring 5 in the accommodation space 24 of the elongated body 2 and provides a secure fixation of the stop ring 5 to the plug 1. Advantageously, therefore, the outer diameter of the bushing is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the elongated body 2, so that the bushing can apply pressure outwardly. Furthermore, other embodiments of the retaining member can be considered. For example, a hook-shaped element can be provided on the lower side of the body 23 of the stop ring 5, such as Figure 8b As shown, or a protrusion is provided, which is mechanically locked in the elongated body, for example, in an opening or aperture or recess of the elongated body. It is also conceivable that such a protruding element of the stop ring 5 engages the elastic material of the elongated body 2 without any predetermined opening or recess. It is conceivable that Figures 1a to 2bThe stop ring 5 of the embodiment of the invention can be fixed in the same or similar manner as described above. The stop ring 5 can for example be provided with protruding elements (e.g. hooks) for clamping or otherwise engaging to the elongated body. Alternatively, a chemical fixation can be provided between the stop ring 5 and the elastic elongated body. Many variations are possible.

[0065] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Another embodiment of a vacuum stopper 1 is shown, which has an elongated body 2, which is configured to be inserted into the neck of a container. An elastic shoulder 4 is provided at the upper end of the elongated body 2, which here extends radially outward from the elongated body 2 as a flange. The elastic shoulder is arranged to be placed on the upper side of the neck of the container. In addition, a stop ring 5 is arranged above the upper end of the elongated body 2 and the elastic shoulder 4. Here, the stop ring 5 has a body 23, which extends axially downward into a receiving space 24 between the elongated body 2 and the elastic shoulder 4. Here, the stop ring 5 has a hook-shaped element on the lower side of its body 23, which is engaged to the elongated body 2, for example, for mechanical connection. Chemical bonding can also be used in addition or alternatively. The stopper 1 further includes a valve 6, which is arranged inside the elongated body 2 for allowing air to be sucked out of the container in use. On the outside of the elongated body, at least one radially protruding flange element 7 is provided.

[0066] A vacuum plug is disclosed, which is configured to be positioned in the neck of a bottle, for closing the bottle and allowing the bottle to be evacuated, and comprises: an elongated body, which is configured to be inserted into the neck of the bottle; an elastic shoulder, which is arranged at the upper end of the elongated body, wherein the elastic shoulder is arranged to be placed on the upper side of the neck of the bottle; a stop ring, which is arranged at the upper end of the elongated body and is located above the elastic shoulder; and a valve, which is arranged inside the elongated body and is used to allow air to be sucked out of the container during use.

[0067] For the purpose of clear and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or different embodiments, however, it should be understood that the scope of the claims and the present disclosure may include embodiments having a combination of all or some of the features described. It should be understood that the embodiments shown have the same or similar parts except where they are described as different.

[0068] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in the claim. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" shall not be interpreted as being limited to "only one", but are used to mean "at least one", and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Many variants will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. All variants shall be understood to be included within the scope defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum plug, the vacuum plug being configured to be positioned in the neck of a container for closing the container and enabling the container to be evacuated, the vacuum plug comprising: - an elongated body configured to be inserted into a neck of the container; - a resilient shoulder provided at the upper end of the elongated body, wherein the resilient shoulder is arranged to rest on the upper side of the neck of the container; - a stop ring arranged at the upper end of the elongated body, above the elastic shoulder; - a valve arranged inside the elongated body for enabling air to be sucked out of the container in use; - wherein, when the vacuum plug is located in the neck of the container and the interior of the container is vacuum, the elastic shoulder is capable of deforming between a rest position in which the elastic shoulder is not deformed and a working position in which the elastic shoulder is deformed, wherein at least a portion of the elastic shoulder is spaced apart from the stop ring in the rest position, and a height of the elastic shoulder and the stop ring in the rest position is greater than a height of the elastic shoulder and the stop ring in the working position, and the elongated body further comprises at least one radially protruding flange element.

2. The vacuum plug according to claim 1, wherein: The stop ring is positioned level with an upper side of the elongated body.

3. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elongated body is cylindrical in shape.

4. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one flange element is configured as a circumferentially continuous flange.

5. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least three radially protruding flange elements are provided on the elongated body, the flange elements being located at the same axial position on the elongated body.

6. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one radially protruding flange element extends in a circumferential direction along the elongated body and / or extends in a longitudinal direction along the elongated body.

7. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elastic shoulder is provided by an elastic material and / or an elastic construction.

8. The vacuum plug according to claim 7, wherein: The elastic shoulder is hingedly connected to the elongated body.

9. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The resilient shoulder is adjustable between a rest position and a working position, wherein the resilient shoulder is biased to the rest position such that when the plug is engaged in the neck of the container, no vacuum exists in the container, and in the working position, the resilient shoulder seals the neck of the container such that when the plug is engaged in the neck of the container, a vacuum exists in the container.

10. The vacuum plug according to claim 1, wherein: In the rest position, the elastic shoulder is provided with at least one position, about which the elastic shoulder can be articulated and / or deformed from the rest position to the working position.

11. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The upper side of the elongated body is configured to receive a vacuum pump.

12. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elongate body is deformable, in use, under the influence of a vacuum, such that an outer diameter of the elongate body is at least partially increased.

13. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The retaining ring is harder than the resilient shoulder.

14. The vacuum plug according to claim 12, wherein: The retaining ring is stiffer than the elongated body, and the elongated body is stiffer than the resilient shoulder.

15. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The diameter of the stop ring is 1.5 times the diameter of the elongated body including the at least one flange element in the non-vacuum rest position.

16. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The valve is a one-way valve.

17. The vacuum plug according to claim 16, wherein: The valve is a duckbill valve.

18. The vacuum plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The valve is arranged at a position inside the elongated body such that an upper side of the valve is lower than an upper side of the elongated body.

19. A combination of a container and a vacuum stopper according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein: The container has a neck provided with a thread and a nut for engaging with the neck, wherein, in use, the stopper is inserted into the neck of the container and the nut fits over the stopper for engaging with the neck.

21. A combination according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The vacuum stopper is integrated into the screw cap of the container.

22. The assembly of claim 19, wherein: The container is a wine bottle.

Images