Tubular body for bottle

Abstract

A tubular body (1) of the type adapted to be attached internally to a neck (3) of a container, the neck (3) having an inner surface (30) and an opening (31) for the passage of a liquid, the tubular body (1) having a central axis (X) and comprising: an outer side surface (11) capable of facing the inner surface (30) of the neck (3) of the container; at least one annular projection (2) projecting from the outer side surface (11), the annular projection (2) comprising an inner region (21) and an edge region (22) surrounding the inner region (21), the edge region (22) being configured to press against the inner surface (30) of the neck (3), the inner region (21) having a reinforcing portion (20), the annular projection (2) having an upper face (23) turning towards the opening (31) and a lower face (24) opposite the upper face (23); a reinforcing portion (20) is defined on the upper face (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tubular body stably coupled to a container (e.g., bottle) for liquid having a neck. Specifically, the tubular body according to the present invention can be usefully employed in the food field, e.g., bottles for oil, wine, or general alcoholic beverages.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a pourer comprising the aforementioned tubular body. Background Art

[0003] The known pourer comprises a flange adapted to come into abutment close to the opening of the neck and a tubular body having a lower portion adapted to be stably coupled with the neck of the container.

[0004] Pourers made in this way are known, for example, from documents EP 2941389 and EP 1226076.

[0005] In one embodiment, the tubular body of a known pourer comprises one or more annular seals, which are used to constrain the pourer to the neck of the container so that the pourer is more difficult to remove from the container. In more detail, in document EP 1226076, annular seal is shown with an inner end and a flexible outer end, and this outer end is configured to be deformed during the pourer is inserted into the neck. These known annular seals have the outer end and the rib in the inner end that reduce thickness. In detail, known rib is made on the lower face of the annular seal and extends longitudinally in opposite directions with respect to the upper face of the annular seal. The annular seal regulation of making thus, in case the tubular body has been inserted into the neck of the container, the outer end is just deformed, and the rib of the inner end just enters into the abutment on the inner surface of the neck.

[0006] Further known tubular bodies are described in patent publications GB 2436560 A and US 6357614 B1.

[0007] Problems with existing technology

[0008] Disadvantageously, the tubular body of the known pourer does not ensure correct insertion and attachment of the pourer itself inside the neck of the container. Specifically, the structure of the annular seal does not allow for correct stiffening of the seal itself when the seal is coupled to the neck of the container. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In this context, an object of the present invention is to achieve a tubular body constrained to the neck of a container that overcomes the problems of the prior art.

[0010] In particular, an object of the present invention is to achieve a tubular body that can be constrained stably to the neck of a container.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to enhance the constraint between the tubular body and the neck of the container.

[0012] The set technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a tubular body comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0013] Specifically, the tubular body according to the present invention is adapted to be internally attached to a container neck having an opening and an interior surface. The tubular body has a central axis and includes an exterior side surface and at least one annular protrusion projecting from the exterior side surface. The annular protrusion comprises an inner region provided with a reinforcement portion and an edge region configured to press against the interior surface of the container neck. The annular protrusion further comprises an upper face oriented toward the container opening and an opposing lower face. The reinforcement portion is defined on the upper face.

[0014] Advantages of the present invention

[0015] Advantageously, during insertion of the tubular body into the neck of the container, the reinforcement rigidifies the annular projection as it deforms to press against the neck of the container, thereby ensuring a better seal to the tubular body and a more stable constraint between the tubular body and the neck of the container.

[0016] Advantageously, when the annular projection deforms to press against the container neck, the reinforcement portion allows the edge region of the annular projection to be trapped between the container neck and the reinforcement portion itself, thereby reinforcing the annular projection and thereby strengthening the bond between the tubular body and the container neck. As a result, after a more secure seal is established in the container neck, removing the tubular body from the container neck becomes more complicated and difficult. Specifically, forcible removal of the tubular body may result in deformation and / or relative fracture at weakened portions of the tubular body.

[0017] Advantageously also, the rigidification of the annular projection by means of the reinforcing portion allows obtaining a uniform fit of the annular projection and the resulting narrowing thereof, as well as an optimal and symmetrical positioning of the tubular body inside the neck of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a tubular body illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] - Figure 1 Schematically shows a top view of a tubular body according to the present invention;

[0020] - Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 The cross section of the tubular body;

[0021] - Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Details of the tubular body;

[0022] - Figure 4 An example of applying the tubular body according to the present invention in a container is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 represents a tubular body according to the present invention. The tubular body 1 is adapted to be internally attached to a neck 3 of a container (not shown in the drawings). Such a container may be, for example, a bottle. The neck 3 of the container has an interior surface 30 and an opening 31 for passage of liquid. Advantageously, the tubular body 1 is stably attached to the neck 3 of the container, thereby hindering forced removal of the tubular body 1 from the container, which would make it difficult to remove.

[0024] The tubular body 1 has a central axis X. In the embodiment described, the tubular body 1 has an outer structure that is axisymmetric with respect to the central axis X and has a circular cross section, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 shown.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the tubular body 1 comprises an abutment surface 10, preferably defined by a flange 110, adapted to come into abutment at the opening 31 of the neck 3 of the container. In more detail, the flange 110 is adapted to bear against the edge of the opening 31 so as to facilitate sealing of the tubular body 1 relative to the neck 3 of the container.

[0026] The tubular body 1 further comprises an outer side surface 11, which can face the inner surface 30 of the neck 3 of the container. Preferably, the tubular body 1 has an inner side surface 13, a first opening 12, and a second opening 14 opposite the first opening 12. Specifically, the first opening 12 can face the environment inside the container and allow liquid to enter the tubular body 1, while the second opening 14 allows liquid to flow out. More specifically, the first opening 12 and the second opening 14 allow the contents of the container to flow out and / or air to enter.

[0027] Optionally, the tubular body 1 may comprise a valve (not illustrated) located at the inner side surface 13 so as to allow the contents of the container to flow out according to a flow direction parallel to the central axis X and / or the air to enter in the opposite direction.

[0028] The tubular body 1 further comprises at least one annular projection 2 protruding from the outer side surface 11. Specifically, the annular projection 2 is arranged proximal to the first opening 12. Even more specifically, the annular projection 2 may directly face the inner side of the container. Note that, according to the present invention, no other elements extend from the outer side surface 11 between the annular projection 2 and the first opening 12.

[0029] For example Figure 2 As shown, the tubular body 1 may include a plurality of annular protrusions 2 separated in a direction parallel to the central axis X. In this case, at most only other annular protrusions 2 exist between each annular protrusion 2 and the first opening 12 .

[0030] Advantageously, the annular protrusion 2 is at least partially elastically deformable in a direction parallel to the central axis X. Also preferably, the annular protrusion 2 extends in a radial direction R perpendicular to the central axis X, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0031] In detail, the annular protrusion 2 comprises an inner region 21 and an edge region 22 surrounding the inner region 21. Preferably, the inner region 21 is more rigid than the edge region 22. In use, the edge region 22 presses against the inner surface of the neck 3 of the container to ensure sealing and attachment of the tubular body 1 to the neck 3 of the container.

[0032] The annular projection 2 further comprises an upper face 23 turned toward the opening and a lower face 24 opposite the upper face 23 .

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower face 24 of the annular projection 2 is inclined relative to the central axis X by an angle comprised between 0° and 15°.

[0034] The inner zone 21 of the annular projection 2 has a reinforcement portion 20 . Such reinforcement portion 20 is defined on an upper face 23 .

[0035] It is worth noting that the reinforcement portion 20 is adapted to ensure a rigid reinforcement of the annular projection 2 when the tubular body 1 is inserted into the neck 3 of the container.

[0036] In more detail, during insertion of the tubular body 1 into the neck 3 of the container, the edge zone 22 of the annular projection 2 deforms when pressed against the internal surface 30 of the neck 3 and positions itself between the internal surface 30 of the neck 3 and the reinforced portion 20 of the inner zone 21 .

[0037] In detail, Figure 4As shown, during insertion of the tubular body 1 into the neck 3 of the container, the edge zone 22 is deformed in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction R. It should be noted that the reinforcement portion 20 is adapted to lock the edge zone 22 between itself and the inner surface 30 of the neck 3 of the container.

[0038] Advantageously, it is worth noting that the reinforcement portion 20 allows an improved positioning of the tubular body 1 in the neck 3 of the container. In more detail, thanks to the reinforcement portion 20 locking the edge zone 22 between the reinforcement portion 20 itself and the internal surface 30 of the neck 3, a symmetrical positioning of the tubular body 1 inside the neck 3 of the container and therefore a better sealing of the tubular body 1 relative to the neck 3 of the container can be achieved.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement portion 20 of the annular projection 2 comprises an annular protrusion 25 at the inner region 21. The annular protrusion 25 defines an upper face 23 at the inner region 21 and is opposite to a lower face 24 of the annular projection 2.

[0040] Within the scope of this description, annular protrusion is intended to mean a rib, thickening or protrusion of the annular projection at the inner zone 21. According to the invention, said annular protrusion 25 is formed integrally with the annular projection 2. Preferably, the tubular body 1 is made in one piece, preferably by means of 3D printing technology.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the annular protrusion 25 of the reinforcing portion 20 has a first surface 27 that at least partially defines the upper face 23. The edge region 22 has a second surface 28 that at least partially defines the upper face 23. Preferably, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are separated in a direction parallel to the central axis X.

[0042] Preferably, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are parallel to each other.

[0043] It is also preferred that the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are joined by a concave connecting surface 29. Even more preferably, the connecting surface 29 is defined by a connecting radius comprised between 0 mm and 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are joined by a connecting chamfer. Preferably, the connecting chamfer is defined by a 45° angle.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 , the tubular body 1 comprises at least one further annular protrusion 26. Optionally, the tubular body 1 comprises a plurality of further annular protrusions 26 separated along a direction parallel to the central axis X of the tubular body 1. It should be noted that the further annular protrusions 26 are different from the annular protrusions 2 in that they do not have any reinforcement portion as defined above.

[0045] In summary, the outer side surface 11 has a course which presents, from the first 12 to the second opening 14 , in sequence: a diverging profile 41 , one or more annular projections 2 , one or more further annular projections 26 , a profile 42 of substantially constant cross-section, a flange 110 .

[0046] According to an embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the tubular body 1 includes a rigidifying device 4 for the tubular body 1. Preferably, the rigidifying device 4 includes a plurality of fins 5 extending in a direction parallel to the central axis X of the tubular body. Also preferably, the fins 5 protrude from the inner side surface 13 of the tubular body 1 within the interior of the tubular body 1. More specifically, the fins 5 intersect at the central axis X within the interior of the tubular body 1 to ensure that the shape of the tubular body 1 is correctly maintained when it is inserted into the neck 3 of the container.

[0047] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the tubular body 1 may comprise connection means for connecting the tubular body 1 itself to a pourer.

[0048] Alternatively, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the tubular body 1 itself at least partially defines the pourer 100, which is also the object of the present invention. The pourer 100 can thus be constrained internally to the neck 3 of the container, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0049] Thus, the pourer 100 comprises the tubular body 1 according to the present description. Preferably, the pourer 100 comprises at least one connection portion connected to the tubular body 1, not illustrated.

[0050] Advantageously, the pourer 100 is stably attached to the neck 3 of the container by means of the tubular body 1 so as to prevent its removal without deformation thereof and / or breaking of the tubular body 1. It is worth noting that if the pourer 100 is fraudulently removed from the neck 3 of the container, the tubular body 1 of the pourer 100 becomes detached from the connection portion which remains inside the container after deformation and / or breaking of the pourer 100.

[0051] According to a non-exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pourer 100 is of the non-refillable type. More specifically, within the scope of this description, a non-refillable pourer is intended to mean a pourer that, once constrained to the neck of a container by means of the tubular body 1, does not allow the container to be filled, for example, with a liquid different from the original content, thanks to a valve placed on the internal side surface 13 of the tubular body 1.

[0052] In particular, the pourer 100 is preferably adapted to prevent the contents of the container from being modified unless the pourer itself is altered, deformed or broken.

[0053] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the pourer 100 is preferably constrained to a closure for a container, not shown in the drawings. Even more preferably, the pourer 100 is included in a closure for a container.

Claims

1. A tubular body (1) of the type attachable to a neck (3) of a container, such as a bottle, said neck (3) having an inner surface (30) and an opening (31) for the passage of a liquid, said tubular body (1) having a central axis (X) and comprising: - an external side surface (11) capable of facing the internal surface (30) of the neck (3) of the container; - an inner side surface (13); - a first opening (12) configured to face the interior environment of the container; - a second opening (14) opposite to the first opening (12); - at least one annular projection (2) protruding from the outer side surface (11), the annular projection (2) comprising an inner region (21) and an edge region (22) surrounding the inner region (21), the edge region (22) being configured to press against the inner surface (30) of the neck (3), the inner region (21) having a reinforcement portion (20), the annular projection (2) having an upper face (23) turned toward the opening (31) and a lower face (24) opposite the upper face (23), the reinforcement portion (20) being defined on the upper face (23) It is characterized in that the annular protrusion (2) is arranged on the proximal side of the first opening (12).

2. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The annular protrusion (2) is configured to directly face the inner side of the container.

3. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein No other elements protrude from the outer side surface (11) between the annular protrusion (2) and the first opening (12).

4. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tubular body comprises a weakened area (40), the annular protrusion (2) being placed between the weakened area (40) and the first opening (14).

5. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The edge region (22) of the annular projection (2) is configured to deform when pressed against the inner surface (30) of the neck (3), thereby positioning itself between the inner surface (30) of the neck (3) and the reinforced portion (20) of the inner region (21).

6. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The reinforcement portion (20) comprises an annular protrusion (25) at the inner region (21), the annular protrusion (25) defining the upper face (23) at the inner region (21) and being opposite to the lower face (24) of the annular projection (2).

7. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The annular protrusion (25) of the reinforcing portion (20) has a first surface (27) that at least partially defines the upper surface (23), and the edge area (22) has a second surface (28) that at least partially defines the upper surface (23), and the first surface (27) and the second surface (28) are separated in a direction parallel to the central axis (X).

8. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The first surface (27) and the second surface (28) are substantially parallel to each other.

9. The tubular body (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The first surface (27) and the second surface (28) are joined by a concave connecting surface (29).

10. The tubular body (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The first surface (27) and the second surface (28) are joined by a connecting chamfer.

11. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The lower face (24) of the annular projection (2) is inclined relative to the central axis (X) by an angle comprised between 0° and 15°.

12. The tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of annular projections (2) separated in a direction parallel to the central axis (X) of the tubular body (1).

13. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein In a direction parallel to the central axis (X), there is at most only one other annular protrusion (2) between each annular protrusion (2) and the first opening (2).

14. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein From the first (12) to the second opening (14), the outer side surface (11) has: - Divergent profile (41); - one or more annular protrusions (2); - one or more further annular projections (26); - a profile (42) having a substantially constant cross-section; - Flange (110).

15. A pourer (100) capable of being internally constrained to a neck (3) of a container, comprising: - Tubular body (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a flange (110) extending along a plane perpendicular to the central axis (X) and adapted to abut at the opening (31) of the neck (3) of the container.

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