Closable containers

Abstract

Disclosed are containers for wine and other beverages which will avoid the problem of cork taint, be easy to manufacture and use, and have consumer acceptance. In particular, disclosed is a container which is characterized by a body having an axial bore defining an opening for the container, a cylindrical stopper within the bore, and a screw cap for closing off the bore, wherein the cylindrical stopper is made of synthetic material.

1 . A container comprising a body having an axial bore defining an opening for the container, a cylindrical stopper within the bore, and a screw cap for closing off the bore, wherein the cylindrical stopper is made of synthetic material.  
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1  which is a wine bottle.  
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the wine bottle contains wine.  
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the wine is a still wine.  
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the wine is a sparkling wine.  
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic material is an elastomer.  
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the elastomer is a foodstuff grade elastomer.  
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the axial bore comprises a seat that contacts the cylindrical stopper and forms a seal.  
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the screw cap may be opened and closed repeatedly.  
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the screw cap has a cylindrical extension and a separation line that allows the screw cap to be separated from the cylindrical extension  7 , thus simulating the foil sleeve on the neck of a wine bottle.  
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 1  which is a wine bottle containing wine, wherein the synthetic material is a foodstuff grade elastomer, the axial bore comprises a seat that contacts the cylindrical stopper and forms a seal, wherein the screw cap may be opened and closed repeatedly, and wherein the screw cap has a cylindrical extension and a separation line that allows the screw cap to be separated from the cylindrical extension  7 , thus simulating the foil sleeve on the neck of a wine bottle.