Abstract:
A screw top cap with a tube attached through the center of the cap. The tube is plugged with stopper material. The arrangement combines a screw top cap with a plug stopper.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the capping of a bottle. Specifically, the present invention relates to combining the convenience of opening a bottle, capped with a screw top cap, along with a plug stopper capping method such as cork, synthetic cork, or other stopper material. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Wine, for example, in a bottle is typically capped with either a screw top cap or a plug stopper such as cork, synthetic cork, or other type stopper material. To open the wine bottle, one must either twist the screw top cap off, for those bottles with screw top caps or employ a bottle opener, such as a cork screw, for bottles capped with a plug stopper. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the device (hereafter referred to as Screw Stopper) combines the convenience of a screw top cap with a plug stopper. (Hereafter the word Plug Stopper will be used to describe cork, synthetic cork, or other stopper material) 
         [0004]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the Screw Stopper has a hole in the center of the screw top cap for the placement of a tube. The top of the tube has an attachment ring which is affixed around the tube. The tube fits on the underside top of the inside of the cap with the attachment ring at the top. A sealing ring fits around the tube and is located on the inside of the screw cap beneath the attachment ring. The Screw Stopper opens as a screw top cap and has characteristics of a plug stopper. 
         [0005]    According to an embodiment of the invention, the Screw Stopper provides the convenience of a screw top cap, which does not require the use of a bottle opener such as a cork screw, with the sealing characteristics of a plug stopper. 
         [0006]    Other embodiments of the invention are disclosed and may be claimed, including a method for modifying the Screw Stopper. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  Illustrates the Side View of the Screw Stopper 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  Illustrates the Top View of the Screw Stopper 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    In the wine industry there are two common methods for bottle capping wine. A plug stopper or a screw top cap. Each cap type has it benefits and disadvantages. 
         [0011]    The benefit of the plug stopper is that it allows the wine to exchange air which is important, especially for red wine, as it helps soften the tannins and acidity in the wine as it ages. This allows for a smoother and a balanced taste of the full characteristics of the wine. The disadvantage of the plug stopper is that one needs a cork screw or other type opening device to open the bottle. 
         [0012]    The benefit of the screw top cap is that it is convenient. A person does not need an opening device to open the wine bottle, the person twists off the screw top cop. The disadvantage is that the cap does not allow air in or out of the bottle. 
         [0013]    The Screw Stopper combines the convenience of a screw top with a plug stopper. Wine producers of full bodied, complex, red wine would be able to bottle their wine and allow it to exchange air whilst at the same time provide the convenience of opening without the need for a cork screw or other type of opening tool. 
         [0014]    Reference to  FIG. 1 , the construction of the arrangement is shown which incorporates a plug stopper located in a tube within a screw top cap.  FIG. 1D  illustrates the screw top cap structure.  FIG. 1C  illustrates the tube which extends to the top of the screw top cap D and is level with the top of the screw top cap.  FIG. 1A  illustrates the attachment ring. The attachment ring is connected around the top of the tube C to prevent air exchange between the outside of the tube and the center opening in the screw top cap.  FIG. 1B  illustrates the sealing ring which creates a seal between the bottom of the attachment ring A and the top of the bottle F.  FIG. 1E  illustrates the plug stopper. The plug stopper material is contained inside tube C.  FIG. 1F  illustrates the bottle. 
         [0015]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , this is the top view of the arrangement.  FIG. 2A  illustrates the plug stopper which is contained inside tube C.  FIG. 2B  illustrates the screw top cap.  FIG. 2C  illustrates the tube which contains the plug stopper A. 
         [0016]    Those skilled in the art having read this disclosure will recognize that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.