Bottle for a beverage

Abstract

Bottle for a beverage comprising: - a container (2) of the beverage provided with a dispensing opening (20) of the beverage; - a film (3) for closing the dispensing opening (20); said film (3) being irreversibly removable from the opening (20); - means (4) for connecting the film (3) to a zone (24) positioned along the container (2), said zone (24) being distanced from said dispensing opening (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] BOTTLE FOR A BEVERAGE

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The object of the present invention is a bottle for a beverage, such as water, milk, a soft drink, etc. Typically it is used for non-alcoholic beverages.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Solutions are known in which a bottle is provided with the container of the beverage and an opening and closing screw cap. The cap has a tamperproof annular strip (crown) that shows whether the cap has ever been opened previously; it therefore acts as a seal that assures the user of the fact that they are the first person to open the cap. In this regard, connecting bridges of the cap to the tamper-proof annular strip are present. Opening the cap for the first time breaks the bridges and confirms that opening has occurred. One or more connecting arms are also present that attach the cap to the strip, even after the connecting bridges are broken. Said arms allow the cap to be removed from a dispensing mouth of the container, but still keep the cap attached, minimising dispersion of microplastics into the environment.

[0007] One drawback of this solution is nonetheless linked to the high costs of the cap compared to those of the rest of the container and the beverage. A further drawback is linked to the fact that the user, by pulling energetically, can nonetheless separate the cap from the tamper-proof annular strip, and therefore possibly contribute to pollution with microplastics.

[0008] A further drawback is linked to the fact that the tamper-proof strip (crown) rotates around the neck when the bottle is inclined for dispensing, positioning the cap precisely along the trajectory of the beverage being dispensed (causing the outflowing beverage to deviate and risk spilling onto something).

[0009] Object of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a bottle that allows the construction components to be optimised, minimising the risk of the drawbacks described above.

[0011] The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a bottle comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

[0012] Brief description of the drawings

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following indicative and therefore nonlimiting description of a bottle as illustrated in the appended figures, in which:

[0014] - figure 1 shows a bottle according to the present invention in a first configuration;

[0015] - figure 2 shows a bottle according to the present invention in a second configuration;

[0016] - figure 3 shows a kit (pack) comprising a plurality of bottles according to the present invention.

[0017] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0018] A bottle for a beverage is indicated in the appended figures with reference number 1. Said bottle 1 is typically disposable, in the sense that it is thrown away when the contents have been used and is not filled again.

[0019] Said bottle 1 comprises a container 2 of the beverage provided with a beverage dispensing opening 20. Suitably, the bottle 1 comprises a single beverage dispensing opening 20 (or more generically has a single opening of connection with the outside).

[0020] The bottle 1 comprises a film 3 for closing the dispensing opening 20. Suitably, the film 3 is made of opaque material (not transparent). The film 3 is irreversibly removable from the opening 20. In particular, the film 3 is fully removable from the opening 20 in an irreversible manner. Once open, the film 3 can no longer be resealed.

[0021] The bottle 1 has a closed configuration in which the film 3 fully blocks the opening 20. The bottle 1 has an open configuration in which the film 3 allows dispensing of the beverage from the container 1 through the opening 20 (in said open configuration, the film 3 is preferably fully removed from the opening 20 and does not remain directly constrained to it at an edge). In order to pass from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the film 3 is not broken, but separated in one piece. The film 3 has an extension slightly higher than the one of the opening 20. The film 3 comprises a tab 300 that facilitates gripping by a user to facilitate its removal from the opening 20. Said tab 300 projects away from the opening 20. Suitably, the film 3 is constrained around an edge 21 of the dispensing opening 20. In particular, the film 3 is constrained through sealing around the edge 21 of the opening 20 (by way of example, ultrasound sealing or another type of sealing could be used). In particular, the film 3 could be constrained through hot gluing. In the closed configuration, the film 3 is constrained continuously, annularly, around the opening 20. There is therefore an annular edge that continuously constrains the film 3 to the container 2 (at the opening 20). Suitably, the film 3 has a portion counter-shaped to the opening 20. In particular, said portion is discoidal (possibly with folded edges to grip onto the container, particularly onto the neck 23 of the container 2). Preferably, the film 3 is made of a plastic material, for example a suitable plastic material for food use (which can suitably be sealed / glued at the end 20 of the bottle). The film 3 suitably has a thickness lower than 1 millimetre. Said thickness is suitably homogeneous. Suitably, the film 3 and the container 2 are made of different materials. The container 2 is made of a plastic material, for example PET. It could also be made of a different material, for example glass. Suitably, the container 2 is single-material. Moved away from the opening 20, suitably the film 3 is flexible.

[0022] The bottle 1 comprises means 4 for connecting the film 3 to a zone 24 positioned along the container 2. The zone 24 is distanced from the dispensing opening 20. Suitably, it is distanced by more than one centimetre, preferably by more than three centimetres. Suitably, the zone 24 is located on an outer surface of the container 2. Before removal of the film 3 from the opening 20 (i.e. when the bottle 1 contains all of the beverage), the zone 24 is located at one part of the container that is lapped internally by the beverage. Even in the open configuration of the bottle 1 (when the film 3 fully releases the opening 20 and is no longer connected to the container 2 at the opening 20), the connecting means 4 constrains the film 3 to the container 2 at the zone 24.

[0023] In the preferred solution, the connecting means 4 is made of the same material as the film 3. The connecting means 4 is suitably flexible.

[0024] The connecting means 4 is a single monolithic body with the film 3. Advantageously, the connecting means 4 is inseparable from the film 3 (unless they are tampered with or broken deliberately, for example with blades; but this is entirely contrary to their purpose).

[0025] The connecting means 4 comprises / is a band 40 that extends away from the closure film 3.

[0026] The container 2 comprises means 22 for containing the beverage and a dispensing neck 23 that extends from the means 22 for containing the beverage. The neck 23 is suitably cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. The neck 23 defines a sharp reduction in the cross-section close to the opening 20.

[0027] Typically, the container 2 comprises a stable resting surface 26 (a bottom of the container 2). The neck 23 is located at the opposite part to the base 26.

[0028] The means 22 for containing the beverage therefore defines a tank for the beverage. The dispensing opening 20 is located at an end of the neck 23. The zone 24 is located along the containment means 22 and not at the neck 23. The zone 24 is therefore interposed between the neck 23 and the base 26 of the container 2.

[0029] As exemplified in figure 1 , the container 2 comprises a lateral side 25 at which, without involving the neck 23, the zone 24 is located.

[0030] The connecting means 4 is connected to a side 25 of the container 2 through gluing by means of a layer of adhesive or through sealing.

[0031] The zone 24 is located along a lateral side 25 of the container. The lateral side 25 extends between two opposite ends of the container 2. In particular, it extends between the base 26 and the neck 23.

[0032] Suitably, a cap is applicable to the opening 20, after removal of the film 3. The film 3, irreversibly separated from the opening 20, remains connected to the container 2 by means of the zone 24. When the film 3, before removal, obstructs the opening 20, suitably no cap constrained to (in particular screwed onto) the neck 23 is present. When the opening 20 is closed, the film is directly accessible by a user.

[0033] An object of the present invention is also a system comprising:

[0034] - a beverage;

[0035] - a bottle 1 having one or more of the characteristics described above. The beverage is placed in the bottle 1.

[0036] An object of the present invention is also a kit comprising:

[0037] - a plurality of bottles 1 , each having one or more of the characteristics described above for the bottle 1 ;

[0038] - a pack 90 that constrains the bottles 1 to each other; for example, said pack 90 could be a plastic wrapping that encases the bottles 1 (it typically encases six bottles 1 and constrains them); it could also comprise a rigid plastic system that grips the neck of several bottles 1 and constrains them; the plastic wrapping is for example a flexible film, for example of a thickness lower than 0.5 millimetres.

[0039] - a cap 91 (advantageously a single cap) applicable (preferably through screwing or engagement) alternatively to each of the bottles 1 of said plurality (said cap is applicable alternatively to each of the bottles to allow opening or closing at the beverage dispensing opening).

[0040] The cap 91 is located inside the pack 90 or associated with the pack 90. For example, the cap 91 could be constrained to the side of one of the bottles 1 (or constrained to the pack 90). The cap 91 could also have a customised surface. Said customised surface is typically a flat surface from which the lateral zone of the cap extends. Typically it is the part of the cap intended to be turned towards the outside. For example, it could have a logo (for example printed or screen-printed or moulded). This is important, as it allows the area of business to be commercially expanded. Operation of the invention is as follows.

[0041] The film 3 is manually removed (completely or partially) from the opening 20 and remains constrained to the container 2 by means of the connecting means 4. In order to remove the film 3 (and separate it irreversibly from the opening 20), the user pulls the film 3, advantageously by means of a tab 300. Once the film 3 is removed from the opening 20, the connecting means 4 retains the film 3 constrained to the container 2 (solely) at the zone 24 described above. Said zone 24 is preferably a localised area, in particular a single area that extends continuously and not a group of areas. Complete removal of the film 3 from the opening 20 occurs without breaking the film 3 and without separating it into several pieces. In particular, it is not broken or pierced.

[0042] The present invention achieves important advantages.

[0043] In the first place, it allows a large saving of plastic, linked to the fact that the cap is no longer an essential element. At the same time, it continues to allow indication to the user of whether the bottle has been opened and to prevent dispersion into the environment of a film for closing the dispensing mouth.

[0044] Furthermore, with the use of the connecting means 4 and the zone 24, diverting the beverage during dispensing, caused by undesired rotation of the crown to which the cap is constrained, is avoided.

[0045] A further important advantage is linked to the fact that a cap could be shared by several bottles. This also allows a major saving of plastic.

[0046] A further important advantage is linked to the fact that the invention does not require a change of the industrial equipment for manufacture of bottles and caps. The workstation for application (typically sealing) of the film onto the end 20 must be inserted, advantageously removing the cap screwing workstation.

[0047] As explained above, the neck 23 therefore remains threaded to accept closure with the cap 91 provided with the multi-pack 90.

[0048] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept that characterises it. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. All the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may in practice be any whatsoever according to needs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bottle for a beverage comprising:- a container (2) of the beverage provided with a dispensing opening (20) of the beverage;- a film (3) for closing the dispensing opening (20); said film (3) being irreversibly removable from the opening (20); characterised in that it comprises means (4) for connecting the film (3) to a zone (24) positioned along the container (2), said zone (24) being distanced from said dispensing opening (20).

2. The bottle according to claim 1 , characterised in that the connecting means (4) is made of the same material as the film (3).

3. The bottle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connecting means (4) is a single monolithic body with the film (3).

4. The bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting means (4) comprises / is a band (40) that extends away from the closure film (3).

5. The bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said film (3), in a closed configuration of the opening mouth (20), is applied through sealing around an edge (21) of the dispensing opening (20).

6. The bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container (2) comprises means (22) for containing the beverage and a dispensing neck (23) that extends from the means (22) for containing the beverage; said dispensing opening (20) being positioned at an end of said neck (23); said zone (24) being positioned along the containment means (22) and not at the neck (23).

7. The bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting means (4) is connected to a side (25) of the container (2) through gluing by means of a layer of adhesive or through sealing.

8. The bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatsaid zone (24) is positioned along a lateral side (25) of the container.

9. A system comprising:- a beverage;- a bottle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the beverage is placed.

10. A kit comprising:- a plurality of bottles (1), each bottle being according to any one of claims 1 to 8;- a pack (90) that constrains the bottles to each other (1); - a single cap (91) applicable alternatively to each of the bottles (1) of said plurality; said cap (91) being placed inside said pack (90) or associated with said pack (90).

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