Tubular body for bottles

Abstract

Tubular body (1) of the type adapted to be attached internally to a neck (3) of a container, the neck (3) having an internal surface (30) and an opening (31) for the passage of liquids, the tubular body (1) having a central axis (X) and comprising: an external side surface (11) which can be facing the internal surface (30) of the neck (3) of the container; at least one annular protrusion (2) protruding from the external side surface (11), the annular protrusion (2) comprising an inner zone (21) and an edge zone (22) surrounding the inner zone (21), the edge zone (22) being configured to be pressed against the internal surface (30) of the neck (3), the inner zone (21) having a reinforcement portion (20), the annular protrusion (2) having an upper face (23) turned towards the opening (31) and a lower face (24) opposite to the upper face (23); the reinforcement portion (20) being defined on the upper face (23).

Description

[0001] Title: “Tubular body for bottles”

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a tubular body to be stably coupled to a container for liquids having a neck, for example a bottle. In particular, the tubular body in accordance with the present invention can be usefully employed in the food field, for example for bottles of oil, wine or alcoholic beverages in general.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a pourer comprising the aforesaid tubular body.

[0006] Description of the prior art

[0007] Pourers are known which comprise a flange, adapted to come into abutment near the opening of the neck, and a tubular body having a lower portion adapted to stably couple to the neck of the container.

[0008] Pourers thus made are known, for example, from documents EP 2941389 and EP 1226076.

[0009] In particular, a tubular body of a pourer is known comprising one or more annular seals for constraining the pourer to the neck of the container, so as to make it more difficult to remove the pourer from the container. In more detail, in document EP 1226076 annular seals are shown having an internal end and a flexible external end, which is configured to deform during insertion of the pourer into the neck. These known annular seals have a reduced thickness of the external end and a rib in the internal end. In detail, the known rib is made on a lower face of the annular seal, and extends longitudinally in the opposite direction with respect to an upper face of the annular seal. The annular seals thus made provide that, once the tubular body has been inserted into the neck of the container, the external end deforms and the rib of the internal end comes into abutment on the internal surface of the neck. Further known tubular bodies are described in patent publications GB 2436560 A and US 6357614 Bl.

[0010] Problem of the prior art

[0011] Disadvantageously, the tubular body of the known pourers does not guarantee a correct insertion and attachment of the pourer itself inside the neck of the container. In particular, the structure of the annular seals is not able to allow a correct stiffening of the seals themselves when they are coupled with the neck of the container.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] In this context, the object of the present invention is to realise a tubular body to be constrained to a neck of a container that overcomes the problems of the prior art.

[0014] In particular, the object of the present invention is to realise a tubular body that is stably constrainable to the neck of the container.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to strengthen the constraint between the tubular body and the neck of the container.

[0016] The technical task set and the objects specified are substantially achieved by a tubular body comprising the technical characteristics set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0017] In particular, a tubular body in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be attached internally to a neck of a container having an opening and an internal surface. The tubular body has a central axis and comprises an external side surface and at least one annular protrusion protruding from the external side surface. The annular protrusion comprises an inner zone, provided with a reinforcement portion, and an edge zone, configured to be pressed against the internal surface of the neck of the container. The annular protrusion also has an upper face turned towards the opening of the container and an opposite lower face. The reinforcement portion is defined on the upper face.

[0018] Advantages of the invention

[0019] Advantageously, during the insertion of the tubular body in the neck of the container, the reinforcement portion stiffens the annular protrusion when the latter deforms to be pressed against the neck of the container, in such a way as to guarantee a greater sealing of the tubular body and make the constraint between the tubular body and the neck of the container more stable.

[0020] Still advantageously, when the annular protrusion is deformed to be pressed against the neck of the container, the reinforcement portion allows to block the edge zone of the annular protrusion between the neck of the container and the reinforcement portion itself, in order to stiffen the annular protrusion and, therefore, strengthen the constraint between the tubular body and the neck of the container. As a result, the operation of removing the tubular body from the neck of the container is more complex and harder following a more tenacious sealing being established in the neck of the container. In detail, the forced removal of the tubular body may cause a deformation thereof and / or the relative breakage at weakening portions of the tubular body.

[0021] Still advantageously, the stiffening of the annular protrusion by means of the reinforcement portion allows to obtain a uniform adaptation of the annular protrusion and a consequent narrowing thereof and optimal and symmetrical positioning of the tubular body inside the neck of the container.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a tubular body illustrated with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: - figure 1 schematically shows a top view of the tubular body according to the present invention;

[0024] - figure 2 schematically shows a section of the tubular body of figure 1;

[0025] - figure 3 shows a detail of the tubular body of figure 2;

[0026] - figure 4 shows an example of application of the tubular body according to the present invention in a container.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] With reference to the appended figures, 1 denotes a tubular body according to the present invention. This tubular body 1 is adapted to be attached internally to a neck 3 of a container (not illustrated in the attached figures). Such a container may for example be a bottle. The neck 3 of the container has an internal surface 30 and an opening 31 for the passage of liquids. Advantageously, the tubular body 1 is stably attached to the neck 3 of the container so as not to favour a forced removal of the tubular body 1 from the container, which would lead to a difficult removal of the tubular body 1.

[0029] The tubular body 1 has a central axis X. In the embodiment described, the tubular body 1 has an external structure that is axially symmetrical with respect to the central axis X and has a circular cross section, as shown in figure 1.

[0030] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in figures 2 and 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 be resting with an edge of the opening 31, so as to favour the sealing of the tubular body 1 with respect to the neck 3 of the container.

[0031] The tubular body 1 further comprises an external side surface 11 which can be facing the internal surface 30 of the neck 3 of the container. Preferably, the tubular body 1 has an internal side surface 13, a first opening 12 and a second opening 14 opposite to the first opening 12. In particular, the first opening 12 can be facing an environment internal to the container and allows the entry of liquids into the tubular body 1, while the second opening 14 allows the exit thereof. In more detail, the first opening 12 and the second opening 14 allow the content of the container to outflow and / or the air to enter.

[0032] Optionally, the tubular body 1 may comprise a valve (not illustrated) located at the internal side surface 13, so as to allow the content of the container to outflow according to a flowing direction parallel to the central axis X and / or the air to enter in the opposite direction.

[0033] The tubular body 1 further comprises at least one annular protrusion 2 protruding from the external side surface 11. In particular, the annular protrusion 2 is arranged in proximity to the first opening 12. Even more particularly, the annular protrusion 2 can directly face the inside of the container. Note that, in accordance with the present invention, no other element extends from the external side surface 11 between the annular protrusion 2 and the first opening 12.

[0034] As shown for example in figure 2, the tubular body 1 may comprise a plurality of annular protrusions 2, separated along a direction parallel to the central axis X. In this case, at most only other annular protrusions 2 are present between each annular protrusion 2 and the first opening 12.

[0035] Advantageously, the annular protrusion 2 is at least partly elastically deformable along a direction parallel to the central axis X. Still preferably, the annular protrusion 2 extends along a radial direction R perpendicular to the central axis X, as shown in figures 1 and 2.

[0036] In detail, the annular protrusion 2 comprises an inner zone 21 and an edge zone 22 surrounding the inner zone 21. Preferably, the inner zone 21 has a greater stiffness than the edge zone 22. In use, the edge zone 22 is pressed against the internal surface 30 of the neck 3 of the container in order to ensure the sealing and attachment of the tubular body 1 to the neck 3 of the container.

[0037] The annular protrusion 2 also has an upper face 23 turned towards the opening

[0038] 31 and a lower face 24 opposite to the upper face 23.

[0039] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower face 24 of the annular protrusion 2 is inclined with respect to the central axis X by an angle comprised between 0° and 15°.

[0040] The inner zone 21 of the annular protrusion 2 has a reinforcement portion 20. Such reinforcement portion 20 is defined on the upper face 23.

[0041] It is worth noting that the reinforcement portion 20 is adapted to ensure a stiffening of the annular protrusion 2 when the tubular body 1 is inserted into the neck 3 of the container.

[0042] In greater detail, during the insertion of the tubular body 1 into the neck 3 of the container, the edge zone 22 of the annular protrusion 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 reinforcement portion 20 of the inner zone 21.

[0043] In further detail, as shown in figure 4, during insertion of the tubular body 1 into the neck 3 of the container, the edge zone 22 deforms along 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 the reinforcement portion 20 itself and the internal surface 30 of the neck 3 of the container.

[0044] Advantageously, it is worth noting that the reinforcement portion 20 allows to improve the positioning of the tubular body 1 in the neck 3 of the container. In more detail, by means of the reinforcement portion 20 that locks the edge zone 22 between the reinforcement portion 20 itself and the internal surface 30 of the neck 3, it is possible to achieve a symmetrical positioning of the tubular body 1 inside the neck 3 of the container and, consequently, a greater sealing of the tubular body 1 with respect to the neck 3 of the container.

[0045] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement portion 20 of the annular protrusion 2 comprises an annular projection 25 at the inner zone 21. The annular projection 25 defines the upper face 23 at the inner zone 21 and is opposite to the lower face 24 of the annular protrusion 2.

[0046] Within the scope of the present description, annular projection is intended to mean a rib, a thickening or a projecting of the annular protrusion at the inner zone 21. In accordance with the present invention, said annular projection 25 is integrally formed with the annular protrusion 2. Preferably, the tubular body 1 is preferably made one- piece by means of 3D printing techniques.

[0047] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in figures 2 and 3, the annular projection 25 of the reinforcement portion 20 has a first surface 27 defining at least in part the upper face 23. The edge zone 22 has a second surface 28 defining at least in part the upper face 23. Preferably, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are separated along a direction parallel to the central axis X.

[0048] Preferably, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are parallel to each other.

[0049] Still preferably, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are joined by a concave connection surface 29. Even more preferably, the connection surface 29 is defined by a connection radius comprised between 0 and 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the first surface 27 and the second surface 28 are joined by a connection chamfer. Preferably, the connection chamfer is defined by a 45° angle.

[0050] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in 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, as they do not have any reinforcement portion defined above.

[0051] In summary, the external side surface 11 has a course that, from the first 12 to the second opening 14, sequentially presents: a divergent profile 41, one or more annular protrusions 2, one or more further annular protrusions 26, a profile having a substantially constant section 42, a flange 110.

[0052] In accordance with an embodiment, shown in figure 1, the tubular body 1 comprises stiffening means 4 of the tubular body 1. Preferably, the stiffening means 4 comprise a plurality of fins 5 extending along a direction parallel to the central axis X of the tubular body. Still preferably, the fins 5 are projecting from the internal side surface 13 of the tubular body 1 internally to the tubular body 1. In greater detail, the fins 5 intersect internally to the tubular body 1, at the central axis X, in order to guarantee that the shape of the tubular body 1 is held correctly when it is inserted into the neck 3 of the container.

[0053] In accordance with an embodiment not illustrated, the tubular body 1 may comprise connection means for coupling the tubular body 1 itself with a pourer.

[0054] Alternatively, as shown in figures 2 and 4, the tubular body 1 itself defines at least in part a pourer 100, also object of the present invention. The pourer 100 can therefore be constrained internally to a neck 3 of a container, as shown in figure 4.

[0055] The pourer 100 therefore comprises a tubular body 1 according to the present description. Preferably, the pourer 100 comprises at least one connecting portion, not illustrated, connected to the tubular body 1.

[0056] 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 unless deformation thereof and / or breakage of the tubular body 1. It is worth noting that in case of fraudulent removal of the pourer 100 from the neck 3 of the container, the tubular body 1 of the pourer 100 separates from the connecting portion, which remains inside the container following deformation and / or breakage of the pourer 100. According to a non-illustrated embodiment of the invention, the pourer 100 is of the non-refill type. In more detail, within the scope of the present description, a pourer of the non-refill type is intended to mean a pourer that, once it is constrained by means of the tubular body 1 to the neck of the container, does not allow filling said container, for example with a liquid different from the original content, thanks to the valve placed at the internal side surface 13 of the tubular body 1.

[0057] In particular, said pourer 100 is preferably adapted to prevent the content of the container from being modified, unless alteration, deformation or breakage of the pourer itself. According to an embodiment not illustrated, the pourer 100 is preferably constrained to a closure for containers, not shown in the attached figures. Even more preferably, the pourer 100 is comprised in a closure for containers.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 25 July 2024 (25.07.2024)1. Tubular body (1) of the type attachable to a neck (3) of a container, for example a bottle, the neck (3) having an internal surface (30) and an opening (31) for the passage of liquids, the tubular body (1) having a central axis (X) and comprising:- an external side surface (11) which can be facing the internal surface (30) of the neck (3) of the container;- an internal side surface (13);- a first opening (12) configured to face an internal environment of the container;- a second opening (14) opposite to the first opening (12);- at least one annular protrusion (2) protruding from the external side surface (11), the annular protrusion (2) comprising an inner zone (21) and an edge zone (22) surrounding the inner zone (21), the edge zone (22) being configured to be pressed against the internal surface (30) of the neck (3), the inner zone (21) having a reinforcement portion (20), the annular protrusion (2) having an upper face (23) turned towards the second opening (14) and a lower face (24) opposite to the upper face (23), the reinforcement portion (20) is defined on the upper face (23), characterized in that the annular protrusion (2) is arranged in proximity to the first opening (12).

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

3. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein no other element protrudes from the external 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 it comprises a weakening zone (40), the annular protrusions (2) being placed between the weakening zone (40) and the first opening (12).

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

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

7. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the annular projection(25) of the reinforcement portion (20) has a first surface (27) defining at least in part the upper face (23), the edge zone (22) having a second surface (28) defining at least in part the upper face (23), the first surface (27) and the second surface (28) being separated along 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. Tubular body (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first surface (27) and the second surface (28) are joined by a concave connection surface (29).

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

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

12. Tubular body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of annular protrusions (2), the annular protrusions (2) being separated along a direction parallel to the central axis (X) of the tubular body (1).

13. Tubular body (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein along a direction parallel to the central axis (X) between each annular protrusion (2) and the first opening(12) are present at most only other annular protrusions (2).

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

15. Pourer (100) which can be constrained internally to a neck (3) of a container, comprising:- a tubular body (1) according to any one 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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