US3670915A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-purpose stopper
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-02-12
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Granted: 1972-06-20
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Expires: 1991-02-12
Abstract
Abstract A stopper having a tubular adapter provided with flexible flanges which are deflected into sealing engagement with the side of an opening in a wine jug when the adapter is pressed therein. The tubular adapter will support a fermentation lock in operating position on the jug or, alternatively, a cap is fitted to the adapter in one position to act as a normal closure for the jug and in another inverted position to serve as a combined closure and safety valve.
Inventors
- 👤 William E Forman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:40
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12L; C12L9/00; B; B65; B65D; B65D39/00; B65D39/0005; B65D39/0017; B65D2539/00; B65D2539/001; B65D2539/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A stopper for a wine jug or the like comprising a tubular adapter insertable into the neck of the jug and having an upper rim, a cap attachable to the upper rim to close the tubular adapter, interlocking members on the upper rim and the cap, said cap being attachable to the upper rim in a safety position or in a locked position inverted with respect to said safety position, said interlocking members yielding to release the cap from the safety position in response to a predetermined pressure developed within the jug.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A stopper for a wine jug or the like comprising a tubular adapter insertable into the neck of the jug and having an upper rim, a cap attachable to the upper rim to close the tubular adapter, interlocking members on the upper rim and the cap, said cap being attachable to the upper rim in a safety position or in a locked position inverted with respect to said safety position, said interlocking members yielding to release the cap from the safety position in response to a predetermined pressure developed within the jug.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 1, in which said tubular adapter has a side wall, a plurality of flexible flanges projecting laterally of the side wall, said flanges being deflected upwardly by insertion of the tubular adapter into the neck of the jug whereby to seal the opening therein.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 1, in which said adapter has a top wall below the upper rim, and a sleeve extending through the top wall adapted to receive and support a tube projecting therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
133 words
A stopper for a wine jug or the like comprising a tubular adapter insertable into the neck of the jug and having a cylindrical side wall, a top wall, and an upper rim, said side wall having a plurality of flexible sealing flanges projecting laterally therefrom, a sleeve extending through the top wall, a cap insertable into the upper rim to close the tubular adapter and having a beveled edge, an inwardly projecting bead on the upper rim cooperating with the beveled edge to retain the cap within the upper rim, said cap having a safety position and locked position inverted with respect to said safety position, said beveled edge and inwardly projecting bead yielding to release the cap from the safety position in response to a predetermined pressure developed within the jug.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
133 words
A stopper for a wine jug or the like comprising a tubular adapter insertable into the neck of the jug and having a cylindrical side wall, a top wall, and an upper rim, said side wall having a plurality of flexible sealing flanges projecting laterally therefrom, a sleeve extending through the top wall, a cap insertable into the upper rim to close the tubular adapter and having a beveled edge, an inwardly projecting bead on the upper rim cooperating with the beveled edge to retain the cap within the upper rim, said cap having a safety position and locked position inverted with respect to said safety position, said beveled edge and inwardly projecting bead yielding to release the cap from the safety position in response to a predetermined pressure developed within the jug.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 4, in which said upper rim is formed of flexible material and is momentarily expanded by insertion of the cap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 4, in which the entire adapter is formed of plastic.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 4, in which said sleeve projects above the top wall to provide a stop limiting movement of the cap into the upper rim.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 4, and including a plurality of ribs reinforcing the upper rim against distortion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 8, in which some of said plurality of ribs extend radially of the recess to interconnect the top wall, the upper rim, and the upper end of the sleeve.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A stopper as claimed in claim 9, in which other of the plurality of ribs are circumferentially spaced around the outer periphery of the upper rim.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-20 | 1975-12-20 | 1976-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-20 | 1979-12-20 | 1980-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-20 | 1983-12-20 | 1984-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |