Closure device, apparatus and method

Abstract

A diaphragm, seal or membrane ( 30, 130, 230 ) and a container ( 14, 114, 214 ) with a main body or chamber ( 113, 213 ) for containing fluid and a mouth or opening ( 115, 215 ) for inserting and/or removing fluid to and/or from the main body or chamber ( 113, 213 ) of the container ( 10, 110, 210 ). The container ( 10, 110, 210 ) comprises a neck portion ( 12, 112, 212 ) between the mouth or opening ( 115, 215 ) and the main body or chamber ( 113, 213 ), with the diaphragm, seal or membrane ( 30, 130, 230 ) mounted in the neck portion ( 12, 112, 212 ). The diaphragm, seal or membrane ( 30, 130, 230 ) is located at a position between the mouth or opening ( 115, 215 ) and the main body or chamber ( 113, 213 ) of the container ( 10, 110, 210 ).

1 . A diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or a support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane for mounting in or on a container, such as a container for liquid,
 wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane is/are configured for mounting within a neck portion of a container.   
     
     
         2 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane comprises a frangible diaphragm, such as configured to be broken on initial opening. 
     
     
         3 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member comprise/s a precious or semi-precious material or collectible and/or a metallic material, such as a food grade metallic material, such as food grade stainless steel and/or optionally a metallic and/or polymeric film, foil or sheet material and/or food grade material. 
     
     
         4 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm, membrane or seal is configured to be spaced from an opening or outlet of a container and/or a closure. 
     
     
         5 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm, membrane or seal comprise/s an inserts positionable at least partially within or inserted into a mouth or neck portion of a container. 
     
     
         6 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm, seal or membrane is/are configured to be mounted within a fluid passage or throughbore of a container neck or mouth portion. 
     
     
         7 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane and the diaphragm, seal or membrane is/are configured to be mounted upstream of a fluid outlet or exit from the container and/or a closure. 
     
     
         8 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm, seal or membrane is/are substantially non-detachably attached to or adhered to or integrated into the container. 
     
     
         9 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm, membrane or seal is configured to be located at a position between the mouth or opening and the main body or chamber of the container. 
     
     
         10 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane is a rigid, member, such as a rigid annular member. 
     
     
         11 . The diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane of  claim 1 , wherein the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane comprises an upper aperture or opening configured to be more distal to a body of the container than a lower aperture or opening that is configured to be more proximal to a body of the container, and wherein the upper aperture is smaller than the lower aperture, the seal, membrane or diaphragm being mounted to an underside of the upper annular portion of the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane. 
     
     
         12 . A seal or closure assembly comprising the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane as claimed in  claim 1 , the seal or closure assembly optionally being adapted for mounting in or on a neck portion of a container, such as a container for liquid, such as a bottle or glass bottle. 
     
     
         13 . A container, such as a glass container for liquid, the container comprising the diaphragm, membrane or seal of any  claim 1  and/or the support member for a/the diaphragm, membrane or seal of  claim 1 ; and/or the closure assembly of  claim 12 . 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13 , the container comprising:
 a main body or chamber for containing fluid;   a mouth or opening for inserting and/or removing fluid to and/or from the main body or chamber of the container;   a neck portion between the mouth or opening and the main body or chamber; wherein the container comprises the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member mounted in the neck portion.   
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member is/are located at a position in the neck portion distal to the mouth or opening. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member is/are mounted in an intermediate or mid-section of the neck portion. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member is/are separated or spaced from the mouth or opening such that the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member is/are visible through an unobscured portion of the container, such as visible laterally through a transparent or translucent portion of the container that is not covered or concealed. 
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm support member is/are separated or spaced from the mouth or opening so as to provide a portion of the neck between the mouth or opening and the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm support member for receiving a further closure means, such as a stopper, lid or top for additional closure or sealing prior to initial opening and/or subsequent closure or sealing of the container, such as following initial opening of the container by breaking the diaphragm, seal or membrane. 
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member is/are separated or spaced from the mouth or opening so as to impede access to the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member to impede removal and/or replacement of the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member. 
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member is/are separated or spaced from the mouth or opening of the container, for example, so as to provide an apparently floating or suspended diaphragm, seal or membrane. 
     
     
         21 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm support member for a/the diaphragm, membrane or seal is/are non-removably mounted in the neck portion. 
     
     
         22 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the neck portion comprises a portion or section of reduced thickness along a length of the neck portion between the opening or mouth and the main body or chamber, the portion or section of reduced thickness being located at an intermediate position along the length of the neck portion between the opening or mouth and the main body or chamber, the intermediate position corresponding to the mounting position of the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member. 
     
     
         23 . The container of  claim 22 , wherein the section of reduced thickness is defined by an internal recess for receiving the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the support member for a diaphragm, membrane or seal. 
     
     
         24 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or the diaphragm support member form/s a first portion of a closure assembly, the first portion of the closure assembly being mounted to the container prior to the formation or mounting or attachment of a portion of the container, the portion of the container to be mounted or attached at least partially defining the mouth or opening. 
     
     
         25 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the diaphragm support member is mounted to the container such that the diaphragm, seal or membrane is visible at least beneath the diaphragm support member when mounted in the container at least when the diaphragm, seal or membrane is opened, ruptured or broken, the broken or ruptured membrane being visible such as to allow an indication of previous opening or tampering. 
     
     
         26 . A method of sealing a container, such as a glass container for an alcoholic beverage, the method comprising locating a diaphragm, seal or membrane and/or a support member for a/the diaphragm, seal or membrane at a position between a mouth or opening of a container and a main body or chamber of a container, such as at an intermediate position in a neck portion of the container. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the method comprises:
 mounting or installing a first portion of a closure assembly with a first installation method to the container in order to seal the container after the container has been filled, the first portion of the closure assembly comprising the support member and/or the diaphragm, seal or membrane for sealing the container; and   mounting a second portion of the closure assembly to the container with a second installation method;   wherein the first installation method comprises an approved foodgrade installation method.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the second installation method comprises a glass joining technique, such as UV bonding, of the second portion of the closure assembly so as to form a substantially continuous or homogenous glass container with a glass neck and mouth portion. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising a step of providing a further closure means, such as by inserting or applying a cork or stopper or the like. 
     
     
         30 . A container, such as a container for liquid, comprising a body or component or member comprising a precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible. 
     
     
         31 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material or collectible is attached or fixed to the container such that removal or detachment of the precious or semi-precious material or and/or collectible from the container substantially prevents reuse of the container. 
     
     
         32 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible is non-detachably attached or fixed to the container. 
     
     
         33 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible comprises a coating or an insert or an attachment of the container and/or closure assembly or device. 
     
     
         34 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the container comprises a bottle, such as a glass bottle, such as for an alcoholic beverage. 
     
     
         35 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the container comprises a neck or mouth portion and the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible or member is provided in or on the mouth or neck portion of the container. 
     
     
         36 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible comprises a ring or annular member, such as within the neck portion. 
     
     
         37 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible comprises an annular or cylindrical member or sleeve on the neck portion, such as mounted on an exterior of the neck portion. 
     
     
         38 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible is made from a conventional precious or semi precious material such as a precious or semi-precious stone or gem or a precious metal, such as gold, silver, platinum or the like, or alloys, mixtures or other derivatives thereof;
 and/or a semi-precious metal such as brass, pewter, steel, nickel or the like, or alloys, mixtures or other derivatives thereof.   
     
     
         39 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the container and/or the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible is made from a food grade material. 
     
     
         40 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible represents a substantial value relative to the container or the rest of the container or the other materials of the container. 
     
     
         41 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material or collectible is made from or comprised in a plastic or polymer, such as included as an additive to a master batch. 
     
     
         42 . The container of  claim 30 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material or collectible or member comprises or is attached or operatively associated with a diaphragm, seal or membrane. 
     
     
         43 . A closure assembly or device configured to be applied to a mouth or neck portion of a container, such as a container for liquid, the assembly or device comprising a precious or semi-precious material and/or collectible. 
     
     
         44 . The closure assembly or device of  claim 43 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material or collectible is configured to be attached to the container such that removal or detachment of the precious or semi-precious material or collectible from the container substantially prevents reuse of the container. 
     
     
         45 . The closure assembly or device of  claim 43 , wherein the precious or semi-precious material or collectible is non-detachably attached to the container. 
     
     
         46 . A precious or semi-precious component or member adapted for use in or on the container of  claim 13 . 
     
     
         47 . The precious or semi-precious component or member of  claim 46 , wherein the precious or semi-precious component or member is configured to be provided in or on the mouth or neck portion of the container. 
     
     
         48 . The precious or semi-precious component or member of  claim 46 , wherein the precious or semi-precious component or member is configured to be attached to or comprised in the container such that the precious or semi-precious component or member is only detachable or removable from the container by damaging the container such that the container becomes substantially non-reusable. 
     
     
         49 . The precious or semi-precious component or member of  claim 46 , wherein the precious or semi-precious component or member is configured to be non-detachably attached to the container, such as integration, adhesion, welding or the like. 
     
     
         50 . The precious or semi-precious component or member of  claim 46 , wherein the precious or semi-precious component or member comprises at least one of:
 a ring or disc or sleeve, and/or   a frangible diaphragm.   
     
     
         51 . A kit comprising:
 a container, such as a glass container for liquid, the container comprising a diaphragm, seal or membrane;   and an elongate member for breaking or opening or puncturing the diaphragm, seal or membrane to open the container.   
     
     
         52 . The kit of  claim 51 , wherein the container comprises the diaphragm, membrane or seal of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         53 . The kit of  claim 51 , wherein the elongate member comprises a handle and a blade, such as a sgian dubh, dagger, knife or the like. 
     
     
         54 . The kit of  claim 51 , wherein the kit comprises a further closure means, the further closure means being in addition to the diaphragm, membrane or seal. 
     
     
         55 . The kit of  claim 51 , wherein the kit is provided in a box, such as a presentation box. 
     
     
         56 . A method of opening a container, such as a container according to  claim 13 , the method comprising breaking, rupturing or perforating a diaphragm, seal or membrane located at a position between, such as intermediate, a mouth or opening of the container and a main body or chamber of the container, wherein the method comprises breaking, rupturing or perforating the diaphragm, seal or membrane with an elongate member, such as a sgian dubh or other ceremonial dagger. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , further comprising a preceding step of removing a further closure means, such as a cork or stopper, from the mouth or opening of the container prior to the breaking, rupturing or perforating of the diaphragm, seal or membrane with the elongate member. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 56 , further comprising a succeeding step of applying a/the further closure means, such as a cork or stopper, to the mouth or opening after the breaking, rupturing or perforating of the diaphragm, seal or membrane with the elongate member, such as to re-close or re-seal the container.