Systems, devices and methods for opening a bottle sealed with a stopper and for sealing a bottle

Abstract

An apparatus for removing a stopper from a bottle by rotating a threaded capsule surrounding the threaded neck of a bottle. The capsule is preferably received over a narrowed neck of the bottle to maintain the appearance of a foil-wrapped and cork-closed bottle. The bottle may be sealed with plugs (natural cork, synthetic cork, molded plugs), planar seals, or a combination thereof. The capsule may engage the stopper directly or by way of a stopper anchor. Aspects of the invention include preventing uncontrolled egress of stoppers from pressurized bottles, the resealing of various forms of bottles after removal of the stopper, locking the closure in place, and providing evidence of tampering.

1 - 64  (canceled)  
     
     
         65 . An apparatus for sealing a bottle, comprising: 
 a stopper for sealing a pouring spout within a neck portion of a bottle;    a shank member retained within said stopper; and    means for attaching said shank member to a head member to which a stopper extraction force may be applied in response to rotation of a threaded sleeve retained about the neck portion of the bottle.    
     
     
         66 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 65 , wherein the assembly of said stopper and shank member is configured for being installed within the neck of the bottle prior to being engaged by said head member.  
     
     
         67 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 65 , wherein said stopper comprises cork material formed into a shape suitable for sealing the pouring spout within the neck of a bottle for retaining fluids therein.  
     
     
         68 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 65 , wherein said stopper comprises a compliant material retained about a frame formed by said shank member, wherein said stopper is suitably shaped for sealing the pouring spout and retaining fluids in the bottle.  
     
     
         69 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 68:   wherein said frame comprises a first polymer material configured from which to form a rigid structure; and    wherein said compliant material comprises a second polymer material having greater elasticity than said first polymer material.    
     
     
         70 . An apparatus for removing a stopper from a bottle, comprising: 
 a stopper frame of a substantially rigid material;    an elastic sealing material retained upon said stopper frame to form a stopper having a size and shape adapted for sealing a pouring spout in a neck portion of a bottle; and    means for attaching said stopper frame to a head member to which a stopper extraction force may be applied in response to rotation of a threaded sleeve retained about the neck portion of the bottle.    
     
     
         71 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 70:   wherein said stopper frame and said elastic sealing material form a stopper; and wherein said stopper is configured for being installed within the neck of the bottle prior to being engaged by the head member.    
     
     
         72 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 71 , wherein said means for attaching said stopper frame to said head member comprises a press fit connector.  
     
     
         73 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 72:   wherein said press fit connector is configured for engaging said head member in response to application of a first level of force; and    wherein disengagement requires utilizing a substantially larger second level of force.    
     
     
         74 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 73 , wherein said second level of force exceeds approximately fifty pounds.  
     
     
         75 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 73 , wherein said stopper and said head member are configured for engagement in response to at least one protrusion on one member being received into at least one mating aperture in the other member.  
     
     
         76 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 73:   wherein said stopper frame comprises a first polymer material for forming a rigid structure; and    wherein said elastic sealing material comprises a second polymer material having greater elasticity than said first polymer material; said second polymer material for forming a seal about a portion of said rigid structure.    
     
     
         77 . An apparatus as recited in  claim 73 , further comprising an annular lip of said elastic material disposed proximal a top portion of said stopper frame and configured for retention between a sleeve and bottle as a compression gasket.  
     
     
         78 - 220  (canceled)