Flange screw closure and bottle having internal threads

Abstract

An apparatus for retrofitting the opening of the neck of a bottle with a screw closure. An insert is provided that is configured to be positioned within the neck of the bottle for receiving the external threads of the lower end of a screw closure which is inserted into the opening of the bottle and rotated for securement therein. In one embodiment the insert may be secured in the neck by an adhesive. The positioning of the threads in the lower portion of the neck of the bottle affords a smooth and consistent pour of the wine from the bottle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for retrofitting the opening of the neck of a bottle with a screw closure comprising: 
 an insert configured for introduction into said opening of said bottle and for positioning within said neck of said bottle, said insert having an internal surface provided with internally disposed threads spaced from said opening for providing a smooth and consistent pour of liquid from said bottle; and    a screw closure having an upper end, a lower end and a body portion extending between said upper and lower ends, said lower end provided with external threads for engaging said internally disposed threads of said insert when said screw closure is directed into said insert.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 1   , wherein said insert and said screw closure are fabricated from a plastic material.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 1   , wherein said internally disposed threads in said insert are spaced in the range of approximately 1 to 1¾ inches from said opening of said bottle.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 1   , wherein said insert further comprises a smooth exterior surface which creates a fluid tight seal with said neck portion of said bottle when said insert is positioned in said neck portion.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 4   , wherein said smooth exterior surface of said insert is configured to frictionally engage said neck portion of said bottle.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 4   , wherein said smooth exterior surface of said insert is provided with an adhesive for enhancing said fluid tight seal created between said smooth exterior surface and said neck portion of said bottle.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 6   , wherein said adhesive is a quick-drying food-grade cement.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 1   , wherein said neck of said bottle is provided with support walls upon which said insert rests when positioned within said neck portion.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 8   , wherein said support walls are integrally molded as part of said bottle.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as recited in    claim 1   , wherein said insert further comprises a flange portion that is configured to sit atop said neck portion of said bottle.