Abstract:
Provided is a stopper for a liquid dispensing opening of a container which includes a main cavity, the opening having a diameter d smaller than the size of the cavity. The stopper includes a body having a central axis and being provided with a first, bottom limiter configured for preventing extraction of the stopper through the liquid dispensing opening in a first direction. The bottom limiter includes an expandable arrangement configured for assuming a first, retracted position and having a diameter D 2 ′&lt;d allowing the bottom limiter to pass through said liquid dispensing opening and a second, expanded position having a diameter D 2 &gt;d configured for preventing said extraction; the stopper also includes a second limiter configured for at least partially preventing displacement of the stopper through the liquid dispensing opening in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to barriers for beverage containers, specifically, ones configured for preventing extraction of elements from the container. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below: 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,202; 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,940,012; 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,917,533; and 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,712 
         [0007]    Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0008]    Beverage containers such as jars, pitchers, decanters, carafes etc. are commonly used for containing a beverage and allowing pouring the same into dedicated receptacles such as cups. 
         [0009]    Some beverages are only constituted by liquid while other beverages are provided with various ingredients such as pulp, bits of fruit or any other edible ingredient used for providing a desired flavor/texture to the beverage. 
         [0010]    In addition, for cooled beverages, ices cubes (or ice of other forms) are added to the beverage for floating therein and cooling it. 
         [0011]    The above listed prior art discloses various devices configured for preventing such ingredients and/or ice from being dropped into the receptacle together with the beverage upon pouring. 
       GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    According to one aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a stopper for a liquid dispensing opening of a container comprising a main cavity, the opening having a diameter d smaller than the size of the cavity, said stopper comprising a body with a central axis and provided with a first, bottom limiter configured for preventing extraction of the stopper from the container through the liquid dispensing opening in a first direction, said bottom limiter comprising an expandable arrangement configured for assuming a first, retracted position, characterized by a diameter D 2 ′≦d allowing the bottom limiter to pass through said liquid dispensing opening and a second, expanded position, characterized by a diameter D 2 &gt;d configured for preventing said extraction, and a second limiter configured for at least partially preventing displacement of the stopper through the liquid dispensing opening in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a blocking arrangement configured for blocking passage of particles of a predetermined size through the liquid dispensing opening, and wherein said stopper is configured for allowing free passage of liquid through the liquid dispensing opening, at least between said body and an inner surface of said liquid dispensing opening. 
         [0013]    The term ‘the size of the cavity’ can refer to a nominal size of the container in a cross-section taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Thus, for a cylindrical container, the nominal dimension is the diameter while for a polygonal container it can be either a cross-sectional length between two opposite sides of the container or the diameter of the inscribed/inscribing circle thereof. 
         [0014]    In general, the container has a central axis which, when the container is positioned on a leveled surface is generally perpendicular to the surface. Thus, when the stopper is placed within the container, the central axis of the stopper and the central axis of the container are at least parallel to one another and in some cases even co-linear or coinciding. 
         [0015]    The container can comprise a narrowed neck portion serving as the liquid dispending opening thereof. Alternatively, the container may be fitted and/or integrated with a cover/lid formed with an opening constituting the liquid dispensing opening. 
         [0016]    According to some examples, the arrangement can be such that at least one of the top limiter and the bottom limiter are mounted onto the body of stopper. According to other examples, the arrangement can be such that at least one of the top limiter and the bottom limiter are integrally formed with the body of stopper. According to yet further examples, the arrangement can be such that the shape of the body is such that a portion thereof constitutes at least one of the top limiter and the bottom limiter. 
         [0017]    The stopper is configured for being received within the cavity of the container by first contracting the expandable arrangement into its first, retracted position so as to allow it to pass through the neck portion and thereafter allowing it to expand back to its second, expanded position, within the cavity thereby preventing its extraction from the container. 
         [0018]    The displacement of the expandable arrangement between the first, retracted position into its second, expanded position can be performed manually. Alternatively, the arrangement can be such that the expandable arrangement is constantly urged into the second, expanded position. 
         [0019]    According to a specific example of the latter, the expandable arrangement can be displaced into its first, retracted position by virtue of contact with the neck portion. Specifically, the expandable arrangement can be configured for being pushed against the neck portion, thereby applying pressure on the expandable arrangement, causing it to displace into it retracted position. 
         [0020]    According to a particular design, the expandable arrangement can be in the form of two or more projections radially extending from the stem, each projection having a proximal end at the stem and a distal end remote from the stem. The arrangement can be such that each of the two or more projections can change its angle with respect to the central axis so as to bring the distal ends closer/father to one another, thereby defining the diameters D 2 , D 2 ′. 
         [0021]    According to one example, the projections can be integrally formed with the stem so that displacement between the first and second position of the expandable arrangement is provided by the elasticity of the material of which the projections and stem are made. Alternatively, the projections can be hinged to the stem requiring manual displacement between the positions. 
         [0022]    In all of the above described examples, the expandable arrangement can be designed such that when the container is tilted or even turned over, the weight of liquid and/or ice/ingredients contained within the container is not sufficient for displacing the bottom limiter into its first, retracted position and causing extraction thereof from the container. 
         [0023]    The projections of the bottom limiter can be configured to function as the blocking arrangement. Thus, the angular distance between the projections can be designed in order to prevent passage of the ice/ingredients from the main cavity through the neck portion. 
         [0024]    In connection with the above, when the container is placed on a leveled surface, the second limiter is configured for preventing the stopper from falling into the container. Specifically, the second limiter can be in the form of a disc or a plate of diameter D 1 &gt;d configured for suspending the stopper from the neck portion, and for bearing against the inner surface of the container above the neck portion, thereby preventing falling of the stopper. 
         [0025]    According to a specific example, the second limiter can be in the form of a grid configured for preventing passage of the ice/ingredients therethrough. Specifically, the disc can comprise a central portion configured for mounting thereof on the stem, a peripheral portion configured for bearing against the neck portion and one or more extension members extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion. 
         [0026]    In accordance with another example, the second limiter can be formed with one or more radially extending arms. At least one of the arms can be designed to have a size and shape complementary to that of the size and shape of the container above the neck portion. 
         [0027]    Alternatively, the second limiter can be constituted by an extension of the stem, wherein an end portion of the stem rests on the bottom of the container, thereby preventing displacement of the stopper into the container. 
         [0028]    According to an alternative design, the stopper can be designed such that the body is configured for at least partial passage therethrough of liquid into and from the container. According to one example, the body can be in the form of a hollow sleeve, tube or stem configured for passage of the liquid therethrough. According to another example, the body can be in the form of a wireframe construction (skeleton) configured for allowing free passage of the liquid therethrough and thereabout. 
         [0029]    The stopper can be in the form of a flexible sleeve having a top opening, a bottom opening and a neck portion therebetween having a diameter smaller than that of the top opening and the bottom opening, said sleeve being provided with the blocking arrangement. 
         [0030]    The second limiter can have a smaller predetermined size than that of the bottom limiter 
         [0031]    The stopper can further include an advertising platform mounted onto the stem and configured for having advertising material printed thereon, or information/indication of the liquid and/or beverage contained within the container. Alternatively, the advertising platform can comprise a seat for accommodating therein printed material e.g. business cards, brochures, pamphlets, name cards, indication cards (regarding the flavor of the liquid) etc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0033]      FIGS. 1A to 1C  are schematic isometric, side and top views of a stopper according to the present application; 
           [0034]      FIG. 1D  is a schematic enlarged view of a detail of the stopper shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic isometric and side views of the stopper shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1D , when positioned within a container; 
           [0036]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic 3 isometric view of a stopper according to the present application 
           [0037]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic isometric view of another example of a stopper when placed within a container; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic isometric view of the stopper shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic isometric view of still another example of a stopper when placed within a container; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic isometric view of the stopper shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic isometric view of yet another example of a stopper when placed within a container; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic isometric view of the stopper shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic isometric view of a further example of a stopper when placed within a container; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6B  is a schematic isometric view of the stopper shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0045]      FIGS. 7A to 7C  are schematic isometric, front and bottom views of another example of the stopper of the subject matter of the present application; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a schematic isometric view of the stopper shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7D  when positioned within a container; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9A  is a schematic isometric view of the stopper shown in  FIGS. 7A to 7D , when equipped with an advertisement member; 
           [0048]      FIG. 9B  is a schematic isometric view of the advertisement member shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 9C  is a schematic front view of a portion of the advertisement member shown in  FIG. 9B , when equipped with an advertising card; and 
           [0050]      FIG. 9D  is a schematic isometric view of another example of an advertisement member. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    Attention is first drawn to  FIGS. 1A to 1D  in which a stopper according to the present application is shown, generally designated as  1 . The stopper  1  comprises a stem  10 , a bottom limiter  20 , a top limiter  30  and an advertizing platform  40 . 
         [0052]    The stem  10  extends along a central axis X and has a top end portion  14  and a bottom end portion  16 , the former being associated with the bottom limiter  20  and the latter with the advertizing platform  40 . 
         [0053]    The bottom limiter  20  is constituted by a plurality of leg extensions  22  projecting from the bottom end portion  16  of the stem  10  and angled to the central axis X. Specifically, the leg extensions  22  are integrally formed with the bottom end portion  16  of the stem  10 . 
         [0054]    The leg extensions  22  are spread out similar to the ribs of an umbrella, and define, in the position shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1D , a characterizing diameter D2. It should be made clear that the diameter D2 refers to the diameter of the inscribing circle of the tips  24  of the leg extensions. 
         [0055]    Specifically, since the stopper is made of plastic material and since the leg extensions  22  are integrally formed with the stem  10 , the leg extensions can be configured for assuming another, retracted position (not shown) in which the tips  24  of the leg extensions are brought closer to one another, thereby obtaining a characterizing diameter of D2′. 
         [0056]    The top limiter  30  is mounted onto the stem  10  between the top end portion  14  and the bottom end portion  16  and is in the form of a perforated disc  31 . The disc  31  has a peripheral ring  32  of diameter D 1 , a central portion  38  with a mounting bore  35 , and radial arms  34  extending between the central portion  38  to the peripheral ring  32  so as to form spaces  36  therebetween. 
         [0057]    The top limiter  30  can also be integrally formed with the stem  10 . Alternatively, it may be displaceable about the stem (axially) so as to assume various positions therealong. 
         [0058]    Finally, the stopper  1  comprises an advertizing platform  40  associated with the top end portion  14  of the stopper  1  and comprising a main advertizing wall  42  and an auxiliary wall  44  extending parallel to the main wall  42  but spaced therefrom to form a gap  46  therebetween. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the stopper  1  is shown positioned within a container  50  having a main body  52  defining a cavity of the container, a top portion  54  with a top opening  58 , and a neck portion  56  disposed between the top opening  58  and the main body  52 . It is observed that the neck portion is of a diameter D 3 . 
         [0060]    Since the diameter D 1  of the disc  31  is greater than the diameter D 3  of the neck portion, when the stopper is positioned within the container  50  as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the disc  31  of the top limiter  30  bears against the inner surface of the upper portion  54  of the container  50 . 
         [0061]    Similarly, since the diameter D 2  of the bottom limiter  20  is greater than the diameter D 3  of the neck portion  56 , the stopper  1  is prevented from extraction from the container  50  via the neck portion  56 . 
         [0062]    In this position, the container can be tilted and even flipped without the stopper  1  falling into or out of the container. In addition, it is observed that liquid can freely flow into and out of the container  50  via the neck portion  56  when most of the liquid passes around the stem  10 , i.e. between the stem and the inner surface of the container  50 . 
         [0063]    Furthermore, in the shown position, when the container  50  is tilted in order to pour liquid therefrom, while liquid can freely pass through the neck portion, ice cubes or ingredients of predetermined size (as shown within the container) will be arrested by either of the leg extensions  22  or the disc  31 . 
         [0064]    In order to place the stopper  1  within the container  50  as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the entire stopper  1  is lowered onto the neck portion  56  until the tips  24  of the legs  22  come into contact with the inner surface of the top portion  54 . From this position, applying axial force downwards, will entail retraction of the leg extensions  22 , bringing them closer to the stem  10  by virtue of the pressure exerted thereon by the inner surface of the container  50 . 
         [0065]    Under such pressure, the leg extensions  22  change their angle with respect to the central axis X and displace closer to it (similar to a closed umbrella) until they assume a characterizing diameter D 2′ ≦D 3 , allowing the bottom limiter  20  to pass through the neck portion  56 . 
         [0066]    Further axial force on the stopper  1  will cause the bottom limiter  20  to descend into the container  50  past the neck portion  56 . Since the leg extensions  22  are constantly urged into their deployed position (as shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1D ), once the bottom limiter  20  goes past the neck portion  56 , it expands back to assume the diameter D 2 . 
         [0067]    In addition, the stopper  1  is designed so that the distance between the top limiter  30  and the bottom limiter  20  and/or the length of the stem portion between the two limiters  20 ,  30  is such that allows slight axial movement of the stopper  1  within the container  50 . 
         [0068]    In order to remove the stopper  1  from the container  50 , the stopper  1  can simply be pulled out of the container  50 , wherein, during passage through the neck portion  56 , causing it to retract in a manner similar to the described above. When being pulled out, the user can either grab the advertizing platform  40  or grasp the disc  31  of the top limiter  30  via the perforations  36 . 
         [0069]    The advertizing platform  40  is configured for either receiving within its slot  46  a business card, pamphlet, brochure or any other advertizing material, or to have printed on its main wall  42  the desired advertizing material. 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIG. 2C , an example of a variation of the stopper  1  is shown, in which the top limiter  30  is replaced by an elongated portion  18  of the stem  10 . The elongated portion  18  extends all the way to the bottom of the container  50 , thereby preventing downward displacement of the stopper  1  and specifically of the bottom limiter  20 . 
         [0071]    Attention is now drawn to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  in which another example of a stopper is shown, generally being designated as  1 ′. The stopper  1 ′ is essentially similar to the previously described stopper  1 , with the difference being in the fact that the bottom limiter  20 ′ thereof is of an inverse configuration. 
         [0072]    In particular, the bottom limiter  20 ′ comprises four legs  22 ′ which are oriented transverse to the central axis of the step portion  10 ′, the angle with the central axis being such that when placed within the container  50 , the legs  22 ′ turn in an upwards direction. 
         [0073]    Specifically, in mounting the stopper  1 ′ into the container  50 , the legs  22 ′ are configured for assuming a retracted position in which they are folded so that the tips  24 ′ thereof displace in a direction towards the top limiter  30 ′. 
         [0074]    In removal of the stopper  1 ′ from the container  50 , two configurations are possible depending on the angle of the legs  22 ′:
       The legs  22 ′ again assume the above retracted position and the stopper  1 ′ is removed from the container  50 ; and   The legs  22 ′ assume an inverse retracted position in which the tips  24 ′ thereof displace in a direction away from the top limiter  30 ′.       
 
         [0077]    In the latter position, the legs  22 ′ may also be configured for being broken off upon removal of the stopper  1 ′ so that the stopper  1 ′ becomes dispensable. 
         [0078]    Attention is now drawn to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in which another example of a stopper is shown, generally being designated as  1 ″. The stopper is generally similar to the previously described stoppers  1  and  1 ′, with the difference being that the stem portion  10 ″ is now in the form of a sleeve  12 ″ configured for allowing passage of liquid therethrough. 
         [0079]    However, it is observed that the diameter of the sleeve  12 ″ is such that it does not come in contact with the inner wall of the container  50  at the neck portion  56  thereof, so that liquid from the container is free to pass between the inner wall and the sleeve  12 ″. 
         [0080]    The stem portion  10 ″ can be provided with a net and/or filter (not shown) positioned therein and configured for preventing passage of ice and/or ingredients in the liquid from the container during pouring. 
         [0081]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , still another example of a stopper is shown, generally being designated as  101 . As opposed to the previously described stoppers  1 ,  1 ′ and  1 ″, the presently described stopper  101  is in the form of a wireframe construction so that the shape of the body  110  itself constitutes at least the bottom limiter  120 . 
         [0082]    In particular, the body is constituted by four longitudinal members  112 , each having an extension  122  constituting an expandable arrangement similar to that constituted by the legs  22 ,  22 ′ and  22 ″ previously described. The elongated and flexible nature of the longitudinal members  112  and specifically of the leg extensions  122  allows the extensions to displace between a deployed position and a retracted position similar to that previously described with respect to the previous examples. 
         [0083]    In addition, the longitudinal members  112  are each of a wave-like shape so that a top portion of the body has an upper diameter D2 configured for constituting a top limiter  130  of the stopper. 
         [0084]    Furthermore, the longitudinal members  112  at the top portion thereof of diameter D2 are configured for accommodating a blocking arrangement  130  in the form of a disc  132  supporting a net  136  configured for blocking passage of ice and/or ingredients therethrough during pouring of liquid from the container. 
         [0085]    Finally, turning now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , still another example of a stopper is shown being generally designated as  201 . The stopper  201  is constituted by a single wire member designed in the form of a spiral having a top portion  130 , a middle portion  110  and a bottom portion  120 . The arrangement is such that the top portion  130  has a maximal diameter D1 greater than the diameter D of the neck portion  56 , the middle portion has a diameter which is smaller than D and the bottom portion  120  has a diameter D2, also greater than D. 
         [0086]    Thus, the top portion constitutes the top limiter, configured for preventing the stopper  201  from displacing into the container when mounted in the neck portion and the bottom portion  220  constitutes the bottom limiter preventing extraction of the s1 topper  201  from the container. 
         [0087]    In addition, the diameter of the middle portion is sufficiently small so as to provide for at least two functions:
       Allowing liquid to pass between the inner wall of the neck portion  56  of the container  50  and the stopper  201 ; and   Preventing ice and/or ingredients from being displaced out of the container during pouring of the liquid.       
 
         [0090]    Turning now to  FIGS. 7A to 7C , another example of a stopper is shown, generally designated  301 , and comprising (similar to previously described stopper  1 ), a stem  310 , a bottom limiter  320  and a top limiter  330 . 
         [0091]    As similar to previously described examples, the bottom limiter  320  comprises four legs  322  extending from the main stem  310  at a lower end  316  thereof, the legs  322  being upwardly angled to the central axis of the stopper  301 , in order to facilitate easy insertion of the bottom limiter  320  in to the container  50 ′ through the neck portion  56 ′ thereof while restricting extraction of the bottom limiter  320  out of the container  50 ′ through the neck portion  56 ′. 
         [0092]    One of the differences of the present stopper  301  with respect to previously described examples lies in that the top limiter  330  comprises several leaf-like members  332  (four in this case) having a concave shape, so that when the stopper  301  is positioned within the container, the leaf-like members  332  rest comfortably on the inner surface of a top portion  54  of the container (see  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0093]    The leaf-like members  332  are each formed with one or more apertures  336  which are configured for allowing fluid to pass therethrough from the container  50 ′ (e.g. when tilted or during a pouring operation) while blocking particles/components of greater size which are in the container (such as ice, pulp, bits of fruit etc.). 
         [0094]    With particular reference being made to  FIG. 7C , it is observed that the overall diameter of the bottom limiter  320  is greater than the diameter of the top limiter  330 . This difference stems from the design of the container  50 ′ in which the diameter D4 of the main body of the container  52 ′ is considerably greater than the diameter Dl of the top portion  54 ′ of the container  50 ′. Thus, the bottom limiter  320  is designed to be of a shape and size corresponding to the design of the container  50 ′. 
         [0095]    With particular reference being made to  FIG. 8 , it is appreciated that the bottom limiter  320  seems to be of smaller diameter than that of the top limiter  330 , but this is merely due to the fact that  FIG. 8  is a cross section taken between two leg members  322 , so that the leg members  322  shown are not seen in their full length (while the leaf-like members  332  are. 
         [0096]    In addition, the top end  314  of the stopper  301  is formed with an attachment socket  317  configured for receiving therein an advertizing platform  340  (shown  FIGS. 9A to 9D ). 
         [0097]    Attention is now made to  FIGS. 9A to 9C , the stopper  301  is shown provided with the advertizing platform  340 . The advertizing platform  340  comprises a main stem  341 , a main advertizing wall  342  and two auxiliary arms  344  extending parallel to the main wall  342 , slightly spaced therefrom by a gap  46 . The arms  344  are designed to be sufficiently elastically flexible to allow bending thereof in a direction perpendicular to the main wall  342  to allow insertion of advertizing material therein as shown in  FIG. 9C . 
         [0098]    The advertizing platform  340  also comprises a shank  347  at the bottom of the stem  341  which is configured for being received within the attachment socket  317 , thereby allowing various advertizing platforms  340  to be attached to the stopper  301 , depending on the circumstances. 
         [0099]    In the above example, the advertizing material is a business card. In particular, the advertizing platform  340  can serve personnel serving the beverage within the container (for example caterers seeking to advertize their business), but it can also be used by guests/members/people sitting at the table. 
         [0100]    Further reference is made to  FIG. 9D , in which another example of an advertizing platform is shown, designated as  340 ′. The platform  340 ′ also comprises a main stem  341 ′ and a shank  347 , but the main advertizing wall  342 ′ is used to convey to users of the container  50 ′ the nature of the beverage inside it. Specifically, in this example, the advertizing wall  342 ′ is shaped (and may even be colored) as an orange, which can be used for containers in which orange juice is served, indicating the flavor of the beverage to the user. 
         [0101]    It is appreciated that the advertizing wall  342 ′ is not limited to holding advertizing material or indication regarding the nature of the material in the container, and can carry various information depending on the circumstances/event in which the container  50 ′ is used. 
         [0102]    In particular, under different examples it can also serve as an indication of the table number (if people are to be seated), contain information about the hosts of an event, be provided with a blank platform for people to add information etc. 
         [0103]    Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modification can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.