Patent ID: 7207454
Filing Date: 2007-04-24
Classification: B01F,B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A stopper assembly for sealing an opening of a vessel containing liquid comprising: a screw stem body having a tapered head on one end, a threaded portion on the other end and a waist portion between the tapered head and the threaded portion having a smaller diameter than both the tapered head and the threaded portion; an elastic enclosure fitted over at least half the length of the screw stem body including the tapered head contacting the smaller diameter of the waist portion and is thereby retained by the waist portion, such that the screw stem body is separated by the elastic enclosure from any contact with the vessel to be sealed; a retention housing fitted to the elastic enclosure at the end opposite the tapered head, the retention housing retaining the enclosure from lateral displacement, and having a central opening through which the threaded extension passes; and a turning nut attached to the retention housing and threaded to the extension of the screw stem body on a side opposite the tapered head; characterized in that a user inserts the stopper assembly into a vessel opening, holds the retention housing stable, and turns the turning nut causing travel of the screw stem body through the retention housing within the elastic enclosure and deformation of the elastic enclosure by the tapered head, deformation thereof directed radially outward from an area of the waist portion to make peripheral contact with an inner surface of the opening thereby sealing the opening and preventing any liquid from escaping the vessel.