CONTAINER CLOSURE DEVICE

Abstract

The closure device may be used to seal bottles or other liquid containers, while avoiding contamination by 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA). The closure device may include a sleeve that is inserted into the neck of a bottle. A stopper may be inserted into the sleeve to seal the bottle. To prevent TCA contamination, the stopper may include a stopper cap made of a TCA scavenger material, providing a barrier between the stopper and the contents of the bottle. A filter may be added to remove particulates and impurities from the contents when poured from the unstoppered bottle. Various types and shapes of filters may be used, and the filter may include a spring or other movement assistance or a ventilation mechanism. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be removably attached to the bottle, such as by interfacing threading, or to the filter, such as by frangible connectors.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/975,240, filed Apr. 4, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/871,680 filed Aug. 29, 2013, the entirety of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a closure device for bottles, such as those traditionally used for storing wine, and other containers of liquids.

BACKGROUND

Most bottles are closed with either a stopper or a cap. Both have been used in various forms since antiquity to seal in liquids such as oil and wine and to seal out contaminants such as dust, pollen, and air. Among these many liquids, wine presents particular challenges because of the widespread use of cork stoppers for historical reasons. Wine producers have struggled to find containers capable of protecting their beverage from the ravages of oxygen and other impurities, using skins, pots, and casks at various times. When the hotter coal fired furnace was invented in the 17th century it allowed for the creation of a thicker and darker glass, since which time glass bottles have predominated in the storage of wine and have been used with a wide range of other liquids, including water, oils, carbonated beverages, beer, and liquor. Other types of bottles are also known, including plastic bottles, which typically include a screw cap. Glass bottles, however, are typically sealed with either a screw cap or a cork stopper, although stoppers of other materials have been tried for some uses. Cork stoppers, however, remain the predominant means of closing wine bottles for a combination of historical, practical, and aesthetic reasons.

Screw caps have gained popularity as a viable alternative to seal wine bottles in recent years because of the susceptibility of traditional corks to contamination from various sources. Of particular concern are defective corks infected with 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA). Wine contaminated with TCA, commonly referred to as “corked” wine, exhibits a harmless but offensive odor similar to that of a wet newspaper or a moldy basement. Wine loss due to TCA is not new, but it became widespread in the 1980s when the demand for cork exceeded the industry's ability to produce high-quality closures. Numerous wineries began using screw caps as an alternative to cork stoppers to prevent TCA contamination. Although screw caps thus eliminate one source of TCA contamination, other sources of contamination may taint the wine with TCA prior to or during bottling. Therefore, screw caps alone do not solve the problem of TCA contamination.

In addition to susceptibility to TCA, the use of cork stoppers also typically necessitates the use of a cork screw or other apparatus to open a sealed bottle. Removing a cork stopper thus damages the stopper, both impairing its ability to reseal the bottle adequately and potentially introducing complications to the process of opening the bottle. During removal of a cork stopper, the cork stopper occasionally breaks, with a portion of the stopper still forming a seal, or crumbles, leaving small pieces of cork in the wine. Despite this, the act of removing a cork stopper has acquired an aesthetic or ceremonial significance that cannot be recreated with screw caps. Additionally, screw caps have long been dogged by a connotation of low quality, particularly with respect to wines. In addition to offering some protection from TCA, the lack of a cork stopper allows screw caps to be reliably and cleanly removed. Screw caps also offer the advantage of being able to be opened by hand, without additional equipment. For the reasons just discussed, however, this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Bottles today are generally closed with either a cork stopper or a screw cap, so bottlers must choose between the advantages described above for each. In situations where TCA is a major concern or where it is desirable to open the bottle without additional equipment, a screw cap is often used. In other situations, a cork stopper is often used. The bottler must, however, choose between these alternative closure mechanisms.

In addition to TCA contamination and opening mechanics, bottles and bottle closures must be able to remain in place for many years, as wines are typically stored for some years to allow them to age. During this aging process, sediment and fine particulates may settle out of the wine. These may be stirred up again when the bottle is handled and opened, or when the wine is poured. Therefore, filtration may be desirable in some situations. Filtration may likewise be desirable for other types of bottled liquids that may contain particulates or sediment, like beer. Filtration of such bottled liquids typically involves pouring the contents of the bottle through a separate filter to remove particulates prior to use.

In addition to removing particulates, filtration can be used to remove some chemical impurities in wine or other liquids, including beer. TCA may be remediated in various ways, including the addition of pellets or grains of TCA scavenger materials to contaminated wine. This process is slow, however, and may require the removal of TCA scavenger material from the wine after it has been healed. Other TCA healing methods include dipping stirring rods made of TCA scavenger material into the contaminated wine, likewise requiring an additional step to heal the wine. Similarly, TCA contamination may be removed by pouring contaminated wine through a filter, although this process is typically slow and requires that additional steps be taken.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, one embodiment of the disclosed bottle closure device includes a sleeve fitted to insert into the opening of a bottle and a stopper fitted to insert into the sleeve, such that the combination of the sleeve and stopper forms a removable seal to close the bottle. The stopper may include a stopper cap in some embodiments, which may be made of contaminant scavenger materials, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA, to form a barrier between the stopper and the contents stored within the interior of the bottle. In some embodiments, the stopper cap may further allow the passage of gas between the stopper and the interior of the bottle. In some embodiments, the sleeve may fit within a neck of the bottle, which may also contain an internal shoulder protruding from the interior surface of the neck. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be connected to the neck by a threading, comprising a threaded portion on the interior of the neck into which a threaded portion on the exterior of the sleeve may be inserted. In further embodiments, the threading may comprise a threaded portion on the exterior of the neck that may insert into a threaded portion on the interior of a portion of the sleeve (e.g., the interior of a portion of the sleeve that extends over the lip of the bottle and around the exterior of the portion of the neck of the bottle adjacent to the lip).

In some embodiments, the bottle closure device may further include a filter to remove sediment and impurities from the contents of the bottle. The filter may be made of any material, including the following: a mesh, a sieve, a membrane, a lattice, a basket, a cloth, or a sponge. Some or all of the filter may comprise a scavenger material such as polyethylene or zeolites to remove TCA or other chemical contaminants from the contents of the bottle. The filter may also include a spring, a ventilation tube, a ventilation mechanism, or a mechanism applying tension to the filter. In one embodiment, the filter may be connected to the stopper cap and stored within a filter base connected to the sleeve, such that when the stopper is removed, the filter is caused to move from the filter base into the sleeve. In some embodiments, the filter may abut one or both of the sleeve or the internal shoulder of the bottle, and the filter may be connected to the internal shoulder of the bottle by one or more of the following: adhesive, tabs, hooks, threading, clips, flanges, friction, or tension. In one embodiment, the filter may be further connected to the sleeve by one or more frangible connectors, such that the frangible connectors break and cause the filter and the sleeve to decouple when the sleeve is removed from the neck, leaving the filter within the bottle.

In another embodiment, the disclosed bottle closure device includes a removable cap fitted to seal an opening of the bottle and a lining fitted to form a barrier between the interior of the removable cap and the interior of the bottle, such that the combination of the lining and the removable cap forms a removable seal to close the bottle. The bottle closure device may include a filter, as above, which may be disposed within the neck of the bottle. The filter may be connected to the neck by various means, including one or more of the following: an adhesive, a tab, a hook, a threading, a clip, a flange, or by friction or tension between the filter and the neck. Some or all of the filter or the lining may comprise polyethylene or zeolites.

In another embodiment, the disclosed bottle closure device may include a filter and a removable cap or a removable stopper. The filter may be made of any material, including the following: a mesh, a sieve, a membrane, a lattice, a basket, a cloth, or a sponge. Some or all of the filter may comprise a scavenger material such as polyethylene or zeolites to remove TCA or other chemical contaminants from the contents of the bottle. The filter may also include a spring, a ventilation tube, a ventilation mechanism, or a mechanism applying tension to the filter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures described below depict various aspects of the applications, methods, and systems disclosed herein. It should be understood that each figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed applications, systems and methods, and that each of the figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Furthermore, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following figures, in which features depicted in multiple figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device in accordance with the described embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exaggerated sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device in accordance with the described embodiments;

FIGS. 3A-F illustrate sectional views of a sealed and unsealed exemplary bottle closure device incorporating a means of ventilation;

FIGS. 4A-H illustrate sectional views of several exemplary filters for bottle closure devices in accordance with the described embodiments;

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate sectional views of an exemplary bottle closure device incorporating a means of ventilation within a filter base;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device incorporating a fixed filter;

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate sectional and perspective views of a sealed and unsealed exemplary bottle closure device incorporating a spring-assisted filter;

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate sectional views of a sealed and unsealed exemplary bottle closure device incorporating a cork-assisted filter;

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device incorporating a detachable filter;

FIGS. 10A-E illustrate sectional and perspective views of an exemplary bottle closure device with a breached sleeve and without an internal shoulder;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device without a removable stopper or filter;

FIGS. 12A-F illustrate a sectional view of exemplary bottle closure devices without removable stoppers;

FIGS. 13A-C illustrate sectional views of exemplary bottle closure devices with filters that snap into place;

FIG. 14A-C illustrate a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device without a sleeve;

FIG. 15A-B illustrate a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device without a sleeve or a stopper cap;

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device without a filter;

FIG. 17 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device with a sleeve connected to a bottle by external threading on the bottle and internal threading on the sleeve;

FIG. 18 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device with an externally threaded cap;

FIGS. 19A-B illustrate an exemplary bottle closure device with a flange;

FIG. 20 illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device with a pilfer band and a clad cap; and

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary liquid container closure device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A number of exemplary embodiments of a bottle closure device that combines the advantages of screw caps and cork stoppers with contaminant protection and filtration are described herein. Some embodiments are directed toward particular aspects or configurations of the bottle closure device, while others are intended to illustrate the interaction of the parts. Although a wine bottle is used for exemplary purposes in the following description, it should be understood that the bottle closure device may be used with any sort of bottle containing any type of liquid. Beer, and particularly small-batch craft beer, presents similar challenges to those presented by wine, and it is often stored in bottles similar to wine bottles. Therefore, in addition to other contents that may be stored in bottles closed by the invention discussed herein, it should be understood that the bottle closure device can be used with bottles designed to store at least wine and beer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary bottle closure device 100, as used to seal a bottle 102. The exemplary bottle closure device 100 includes a sleeve 104 that fits within the neck of the bottle 102 and into which a stopper 106 is inserted to form a barrier to prevent the flow of liquid into or out of the bottle 102. The stopper 106 may include a stopper cap 108 to prevent TCA from tainting wine stored within the bottle 102 and to provide a more secure seal. In some embodiments, the stopper cap 108 may be permeable to allow the transfer of gases between the stopper 106 and the interior of the bottle. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes a filter 110 to remove particulates, such as sediment or impurities, from wine when poured from the bottle 102.

The sleeve 104 may be shaped to fit securely within the neck of the bottle 102 to reduce the amount of wine seeping between the bottle 102 and the sleeve 104, or, in some embodiments, to prevent wine from seeping between the bottle 102 and the sleeve 104 altogether. The sleeve 104 may be constructed of any material appropriate to a particular use, including any known plastic, metal, glass, wood, or other organic or inorganic material. In some embodiments, the sleeve 104 may be removably or irremovably attached to the bottle 102. The means of attaching the sleeve 104 to the bottle 102 may be located within or without the bottle neck and may apply pressure, adhesives, frangible or non-frangible connectors, clips, tabs, hooks, flanges, friction, tension, or other mechanical means to secure the components. In some embodiments, the bottle 102 and the sleeve 104 may be removably connected by an internal threading 112 on the bottle 102 and an external threading 113 on the sleeve 104. The bottle 102 and the sleeve 104 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the bottle 102 or the sleeve 104 while inserting the sleeve 104 into the bottle 102, such that the internal threading 112 of the bottle 102 receives the external threading 113 of the sleeve 104. In this manner, the sleeve 104 may be screwed into the bottle 102 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 112 and 113 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the sleeve 104 from the bottle 102.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 104 may be made, in whole or part, of a material that is a contaminant scavenger, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. Other scavenger materials may be used for different purposes, such as an oxygen scavenger material for removing oxygen from inside the bottle 102, such as a bottle 102 containing wine or beer. In one embodiment, the sleeve 104 may be coated with a polyethylene or similar coating on the surfaces potentially exposed to the contents of the bottle 102 during storage (e.g., the interior surface of the sleeve 104 facing the stopper 106 or the exterior surface of the sleeve 104 facing the neck of the bottle 102). Thus, the sleeve 104 may include an active packaging component for removing or sequestering oxygen, TCA, or other harmful chemicals from the interior of the sealed bottle 102. Some embodiments may include only one type of scavenger material (e.g., oxygen scavengers or TCA scavengers). Other embodiments may include materials that are scavengers of different contaminants, which may be integrally incorporated within or applied as coatings on the same or different parts of the surface of the sleeve 104. For example, a sleeve 104 may include oxygen scavengers on its interior surface adjacent to the stopper 106 and a TCA scavenger on its exterior surface adjacent or nearer to the neck of the bottle 102. In this manner, the TCA scavenger may remove TCA from the contents of the bottle 102 both while the bottle 102 is sealed and when the stopper 106 is removed. The oxygen scavenger on the interior surface of the sleeve 104, however, is only begins to remove oxygen from the interior of the bottle 102 when the stopper 106 is removed. In further embodiments, an additional second sleeve (not shown) may be inserted into the bottle neck between the bottle 102 and the sleeve 104, which second sleeve (not shown) may be irremovably attached to the interior of the bottle neck with an adhesive or by any other known means. The second sleeve (not shown) may include an interior threading to connect with external threading 113 on the sleeve 104 as described above with respect to the internal threading 112 of the bottle 102. The additional second sleeve (not shown) may also be made of or coated with a contaminant scavenger material to eliminate or sequester contaminants within the bottle 102. In yet further embodiments, all or a portion of the interior of the bottle 102 (e.g., the interior of the neck of the bottle 102) may be coated with a contaminant scavenger material.

In embodiments including an active packaging component, the active packaging component may be disposed to avoid exposure of the component to the contents of the bottle 102 until the bottle 102 is opened by removal of the sleeve 104 or the stopper 106. The active packaging component may further be disposed to avoid exposure of the component to the exterior of the bottle 102 or other potential influences that may activate the active packaging component. In some embodiments, the active packaging component may include a film, coating, adhesive, or covering applied to the interior face of the sleeve 104 adjacent to the stopper 106. Thus, the interface between the active packaging component and the stopper 106 may prevent the activation of the active packaging component until the stopper 106 is wholly or partially removed. Upon removal, the active packaging component may come into contact with the contents of the bottle 102 or the atmosphere around the bottle 102, at which point the active packaging component may remove or sequester contaminants.

For example, an oxygen-scavenging active packaging component may be applied as a film on the interior surface of the sleeve 104 prior to insertion of the stopper 106 when the bottle 102 is initially closed, such as when a wine is bottled. The stopper 106 may prevent the active packaging component from interacting with any incident oxygen within the closed bottle 102 or the wine. When the bottle 102 is opened by removing the stopper 106, the active packaging component may come into contact with oxygen in the atmosphere, which the active packaging component may sequester or convert to other chemical compounds. If the bottle 102 is then resealed (such as by the partial reinsertion of the stopper 106), the active packaging component may continue to remove oxygen from the gas trapped within the bottle 102. In so doing, the active packaging material may reduce the pace of degradation of the remaining contents of the bottle 102.

In further embodiments, the active packaging component may be otherwise disposed within bottle 102, the sleeve 104, or the stopper 106 in such manner as to prevent activation until the bottle is opened. For example, the active packaging component may be sealed by an additional inert materials onto a portion of the sleeve 104 of the neck of the bottle 102 adjacent to the sleeve 104, in such manner that the inert material prevents the activation of the active packaging component until the bottle 102 is opened. Upon opening, however, the inert material may be cracked, broken, or removed to expose the active packaging material to the interior of the bottle 102. Although the active packaging material may be included as a coating, film, adhesive, or other covering, the active packaging component may be included in some embodiments as a sachet, powder, or other feature within the bottle 102. In some embodiments, the sleeve 104 may be made in whole or part of an active packaging component material, or an active packaging component material may be integrally incorporated into the sleeve 104. The active packaging component may include any TCA or oxygen-scavenging material, such as polyethylene, zeolites, ferrous materials, activated carbon, sodium sulfite, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, or other enzymes or polymers.

In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1, the sleeve 104 may be screwed into place to seal the bottle 102. The sleeve 104 may likewise be unscrewed to open the bottle 102, as an alternative to opening the bottle 102 by removing the stopper 106. When the bottle 102 is unsealed by removing the sleeve 104, the sleeve 104 may later be reinserted to reseal the bottle 102. By screwing the sleeve 104 back into position using the internal threading 112 and the external threading 113, the bottle 102 may be securely resealed after opening. To prevent improper tampering with the contents of the bottle 102, a pilfer ring (not shown) may be added to the bottle closure device 100, such that a frangible portion of the pilfer ring (not shown) may be broken by removal of the sleeve 104 from the bottle 102.

In some embodiments, the interior of the sleeve 104 may be tapered to provide a more secure seal with the stopper 106. FIG. 2 illustrates an exaggerated cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 200 in which the interior side of a sleeve 204 is tapered. As above, the sleeve 204 is disposed within a bottle 202 and connected by threadings 212 and 213 of the bottle 202 and the sleeve 204, respectively. A stopper 206 is illustrated without a stopper cap for clarity, and other components shown in FIG. 1 are likewise omitted for clarity. The tapering of the sleeve 204 is exaggerated to illustrate the concept, as the actual tapering may involve only a few degrees difference between the angles of the interior and exterior sides of the sleeve 204. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the interior surface of the sleeve 204 is tapered such that the opening in the sleeve 204 reaches its narrowest point at a pressure point 205. The pressure point is positioned between the bottom end of the sleeve 204 located within the bottle 202 and the top end of the sleeve 204 located outside the bottle 202. The pressure point 205 creates a ridge around the interior of the sleeve 204 at which the greatest pressure is applied to the stopper 206. By so doing, the pressure point 205 holds the stopper 206 in place even where pressure from the interior of the bottle 202 or other forces cause the stopper 206 to become partially withdrawn from the sleeve 204. In one embodiment, the pressure point 205 may be positioned on the interior of the sleeve 204 at a location opposite the external threading 213 on the exterior of the sleeve 204 for added structural support, as illustrated in FIG. 2. While the pressure point 205 is thus illustrated at a particular location opposite the external threading 213, it should be understood that the pressure point 205 could be located at any location along the interior of the sleeve 204 (e.g., at the top or bottom of the sleeve 204). Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality of pressure points 205 may be included to hold the stopper 206 more securely.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the connection between the bottle 102 and the sleeve 104 may be made more secure by the inclusion of one or more seal rings 114. The seal rings 114 may be a gasket, adhesive layer, deformable ring, or other sealing mechanism placed within the bottle neck or at the lip of the bottle neck and may be attached to either or neither of the bottle 102 or the sleeve 104. When located within the bottle 102, the seal ring 114 may rest on an internal shoulder 116 within the bottle neck. It is advantageous, but not necessary, to construct the one or more seal rings 114 from a highly compressible material, such as rubber, plastic, foam, wax, cork, or similarly deformable materials. In one embodiment, the seal rings 114 may be made from foamed polyethylene, having a soft foam core finished with a solid polyethylene exterior. Polyethylene liners have excellent chemical resistance and a low moisture transmission rate. Polyethylene is also a scavenger of TCA, so its use in the seal rings 114 provides additional protection against TCA taint. Alternatively, the seal rings 114 may be constructed of other materials including but not limited to: polymers, elastomers, plastisol, cork, or multilayered liners. In some embodiments, one or more of the seal rings 114 may be replaced by a linerless flange, which compresses to provide a secure seal when the sleeve 104 is inserted within the neck of the bottle 102.

The stopper 106 may be inserted into the sleeve 104 to securely close the bottle 102 and create a removable seal in the same manner as a wine cork in a traditionally closed bottle of wine. The stopper 106 may be cylindrical, with two circular ends at its top and bottom that are joined along their circumferences by a continuous side, and may be constructed of any pliable material, including cork, plastic, rubber, foam, wax, or another organic or inorganic material that may be fitted to securely seal the interior of the sleeve 104. A pliable material is used to allow the stopper 106 to be held in place by and form a barrier with the sleeve 104 by compression and also to allow removal of the stopper 106 from the sleeve 104, such as with a corkscrew. In some embodiments, one end of the stopper 106 may include, be coated with, or be connected to the stopper cap 108. In another embodiment, the entire stopper 106 may be covered with the stopper cap 108, which may include a thicker section of the stopper cap 108 at one or both ends. The stopper 106 and the stopper cap 108 are integrated or connected in such a manner that the removal of the stopper 106 from the sleeve 104 causes the removal of the stopper cap 108 under normal operation.

The stopper cap 108 may serve as the interior face of the stopper 106 to create a barrier between the stopper material and the contents of the bottle 102. This feature may be of particular advantage in preventing TCA taint from a cork stopper 106 where the bottle 102 contains wine. In one embodiment, the stopper cap 108 may be made, partially or completely, of a material that is a contaminant scavenger, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. Other scavenger materials may be used for different purposes, such as an oxygen scavenger material for removing oxygen from the bottle 102. As discussed above, using a contaminant scavenger material for the stopper cap 108 increases the effectiveness of the barrier between the cork and the wine, and the stopper cap 108 may additionally remove contaminants from the stopper 106 or from tainted wine stored within the bottle 102. Additionally, or alternatively, the stopper 106 and the stopper cap 108 may be made of materials selected in whole or part to be gas permeable to allow the transfer of gases through the stopper 106 and the stopper cap 108. Such gas transfer may include vapors entering the stopper 106 from the interior of the bottle 102 or atmospheric gases such as oxygen entering the interior of the bottle 102 through the stopper 106 and the stopper cap 108. In some embodiments, the stopper 106 or the stopper cap 108 may be made of a porous or gas-permeable material or membrane allowing the controlled exchange of various gases at controlled rates, to permit a desirable level of gas exchange. A gas permeable stopper 106 may be used in situations where it is desirable to allow a controlled exchange of gas through the closure of the bottle 102. For example, a gas permeable stopper 106 may be used to mimic the permeability of an unenhanced cork stopper in a traditional wine bottle in order to allow wine within the bottle 102 to age at the same rate as wine in a traditionally closed wine bottle.

The filter 110 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 102 to filter particulates and impurities as the contents are poured. In various embodiments, the filter 110 may be planar, curved, compressible, rigid, flexible, fixed, or movable. The filter 110 may include a perforated sieve, a membrane, a multilayer lattice, a mesh, a foam or sponge, or any other known means of removing particulates or chemical impurities from a liquid. The filter 110 may likewise take a variety of shapes and be variously positioned within the bottle 102 or within the sleeve 104. In some embodiments, the filter 110 may be removably or irremovably connected to the sleeve 104 by an known means, including adhesives, injection molding, monolithic pouring, welding, soldering, or sonic welding. The filter 110 may further be integrally incorporated within the sleeve 104. For example, the sleeve 104 may be constructed such that a portion thereof forms a basket having perforations throughout the basket portion, though which the contents of the bottle 102 may pass. Additionally, the filter 110 may be constructed of a variety of materials, including stainless steel, polymers, elastomers, cloth, sponge, foam, or other organic or inorganic material, including a biodegradable organic material. In some embodiments, the filter 110 may further serve to aerate the contents of the bottle 102 when the contents are poured through the filter 110. For example, the filter 110 may cause the contents of the bottle 102 to combine with atmospheric gasses present within or around the bottle 102 when the contents are poured through the filter 110.

In some embodiments, the filter 110 may be made in whole or part of a material that removes, blocks, or sequesters one or more contaminants from the contents of the bottle 102. For example, the filter material may be charged in a manner that attracts and sequesters a contaminant, such as is polyethylene, which scavenges TCA contaminating wine and other liquids by the molecular charges of the material and the contaminant. As another example, the filter material may be an oxygen scavenger for some uses. As another example, the filter 110 may have a pore size designed to block the passage of particulate or chemical impurities (e.g., to block TCA). Additionally, or alternatively, the filter 104 may be made or coated in a material that scavenges other impurities, such as oxygen scavengers, including ferrous materials, activated carbon, sodium sulfite, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, or other enzymes or polymers. In some embodiments, the filter 104 may be further configured to remove or restrain specific additives from being poured out of the bottle 102. For example, spices or flavoring additives (e.g., herbs, cloves, etc.) may be added to a liquid such as wine or oil stored in the bottle 102, and the filter 104 may be configured with a pore size or other features that permit the wine or oil to pass but prevent the passage of the spices or additives. A number of exemplary embodiments are presented below. In some embodiments, the filter 110 may be reinforced or fixed in place by a filter ring 118, which may rest on the internal shoulder 116 or be connected to the sleeve 104. The filter ring 118 may also be held in place between the sleeve 104 and the internal shoulder 116, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the filter ring 118 may be constructed in a shape or of a compressible material (e.g., rubber, foam, cork, plastic, etc.) to form a more secure seal with the stopper cap 108 or the filter 110, as discussed above with respect to the seal ring 114. This may be particularly valuable in embodiments without the filter cap 108 or equivalent barriers between stoppers and filters.

In some embodiments, the bottle closure device 100 may allow the bottle 102 to be opened either by removing the stopper 106 or by removing the sleeve 104 together with the stopper 106. Where the stopper 106 alone is removed, removal may require the use of a removal device (not shown), such as a corkscrew. Where the sleeve 104 is removed concurrently with the stopper 106, removal may be accomplished by unscrewing the sleeve 104 from the bottle 102, such as where internal threading 112 on the bottle 102 connects the bottle 102 to the external threading 113 on the sleeve 104. When both the sleeve 104 and the stopper 106 are removed together, the filter 110 and the filter ring 118 may be removed with the sleeve 104 or may remain within the bottle 102.

The exemplary embodiments discussed above may be improved by the addition of a means of ventilation, such as a tube, hole, or other mechanism for causing a pressure differential across a filter to allow the inflow of air. FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 300 with a planar mesh filter 310 and a ventilation tube 320, and FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the filter 310 and the ventilation tube 320 of the same exemplary embodiment. As in the exemplary embodiment above, the bottle closure device 300 includes a stopper 306 disposed within a sleeve 304, which is inserted within a bottle 302 and connected thereto by connecting an internal threading 312 on the bottle 302 with an external threading 313 on the sleeve 304. The stopper 306 connects to a stopper cap 308, which forms a seal and may abut a filter ring 318 and the filter 310, which rests upon an internal shoulder 316 of the bottle 302. The ventilation tube 320 is added to the filter 310 to facilitate the flow of liquid out of the bottle 302 by introducing a lower-pressure point for air to enter the bottle 302. Without ventilation, the pressure on both sides of the filter 310 is approximately equivalent, inhibiting air from entering through the filter 310 or the contents from pouring out through the filter 310. Particularly when a planar filter such as the filer 310 is used in the bottle closure device 300, therefore, it is desirable to include a means of introducing a pressure differential because a failure to do so hinders the flow of liquid from the bottle 302. Even when other types of filters are used, the introduction of a hole, tube, or other ventilation mechanism creates an area of lower pressure through which air may enter the bottle 302 to replace the liquid poured out of the bottle 302. The introduction of the ventilation tube 320 into the bottle closure device 300 provides a sufficient pressure differential to allow air to enter and the contents of the bottle 302 to pour out through the filter 310.

Although the filter 310 illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B is a planar mesh, other types of filters may be used, as generally discussed above. The ventilation tube 320 may be cylindrical, conical, or fashioned in another shape. Similarly, the ventilation tube 320 may be placed at any point along the filter 310, and it may be attached to the filter 310 at any angle sufficient to allow ventilation. FIG. 3C illustrates an example of one such alternative placement, in which the ventilation tube 320 is located in the center of the filter 310. The ventilation tube 320 also may be of any size smaller than the filter and of any length shorter than the bottle 302, however, certain sizes are particularly advantageous. Specifically, an internal diameter of approximately one-eighth inch and a length between one and a half and two inches produces a desirable level of ventilation and liquid flow. Additionally, the ventilation tube 320 operates more effectively when located away from the center of the filter 310 and on the top side of the filter 310 relative to the direction of gravity when the bottle 302 is being poured. To ensure proper positioning of the ventilation tube 320 when pouring the contents of the bottle 302, a plurality of ventilation tubes 320 may be used in some embodiments, which may be attached symmetrically or asymmetrically to the filter 310. FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of a symmetric placement of a plurality of the ventilation tubes 320, and FIG. 3E illustrates a top view of an asymmetric placement of a plurality of the ventilation tubes 320. Ventilation may also be improved by adding one or more outlets on either end or along the length of the ventilation tube 320. FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of the filter 310 and the ventilation tube 320 in which the ventilation tube 320 has additional outlets along its length. In some embodiments, the ventilation tube 320 may have additional outlets on either end or along its length. In other embodiments, breaches or perforations in the sleeve 304 may obviate the need for a separate ventilation tube 320 by providing for ventilation, as illustrated in FIGS. 10D and 10E below.

As discussed above, various embodiments of the bottle closure device may include filters of varying types and shapes to facilitate liquid flow by introducing pressure differentials. FIGS. 4A-H illustrate cross sections of several exemplary filters 410 within a bottle 402. Some embodiments further depict ventilation tubes, but any filter 410 may be combined with one or more ventilation tubes 420. Alternatively, any of the filters 410 may be implemented without ventilation tubes 420. Although the illustrations do not depict other features (e.g., sleeves, stoppers, stopper caps, internal shoulders, threadings, ventilation holes, filter bases, etc.) for the sake of clarity, it should be understood that each filter 410 may be combined with the other features discussed throughout this specification. FIG. 4A illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is a conical mesh with a ventilation tube 420 within the cone and extending down into the bottle 402 and away from the opening of the bottle 402 to introduce a pressure differential. FIG. 4B illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is a conical mesh with its apex extending up into the neck of the bottle 402 and away from the interior of the bottle 402 to introduce a pressure differential. FIG. 4C illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is conical mesh with its apex extending up into the neck of the bottle 402 as in FIG. 4B, but in which the ventilation tube 420 extends down into the bottle 402, to illustrate that any of the illustrated embodiments may include ventilation tubes 420 disposed in any direction relative to the filter 410. FIG. 4D illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is a layer of porous or otherwise permeable material, such as a sponge, with a ventilation tube 420 extending down into the bottle 402. FIG. 4E illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is curved with a cup-shape and its center extending up into the neck of the bottle 402. FIG. 4F illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is curved with a cup-shape and its center extending down into the bottle 402. FIGS. 4E and 4F further illustrates that the filter 410 may be disposed at varying distances from the opening of the bottle 402. FIG. 4G illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is a cylindrical mesh extending up into the neck of the bottle 402 to introduce a pressure differential. The top of the cylinder of the filter 410 may likewise be mesh or a solid surface, and the bottom of the cylinder of the filter 410 is open to permit the flow of liquid out of the bottle 402. FIG. 4H illustrates the filter 410 wherein the filter 410 is a cylindrical mesh as in FIG. 4G but wherein the cylinder extends down into the bottle 402 to introduce a pressure differential. Although these exemplary embodiments of the filter 410 are depicted to illustrate the variety of filter types that may be used, other types of filters not depicted (such as the filter depicted in FIGS. 10A-D) may also be used.

Ventilation may be provided by a separate tube, as in FIG. 3, or by other means integrated into the design of a bottle closure device. FIG. 5A illustrates a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 500 with a filter 510 and a ventilation tube 520 disposed within a filter base 524. FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the bottle closure device 500, depicting the parabolic wedge shape of the filter base 524. As in the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the bottle closure device 500 includes a stopper 506 within a sleeve 504, which is inserted within a bottle 502 and connected thereto by an internal threading 512 on the bottle 502 and an external threading 513 on the sleeve 504. The stopper 506 connects to a stopper cap 508, which forms a seal with a filter ring 518. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the ventilation tube 520 has an opening near the narrow bottom end of the filter base 524, which is located away from the filter 510 and furthest within the bottle 502. The filter 510 is disposed within the top end of the filter base 524, adjacent to the stopper cap 508. Between the ends of the filter base 524, the ventilation tube 520 is disposed within the wedge portion of the filter base 524 as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Although only one ventilation tube 520 is illustrated in the bottle closure device 500, a plurality could be used, as discussed above.

The filter base 524 also contains a filter 510, illustrated as a planar disk filter, which functions as described above to remove particles and impurities from the contents of a bottle 502, including TCA. As discussed above, however, the filter 510 may be another type of filter disposed within or connected to the filter base 524. In some embodiments, the filter base 524 may be removably connected to the sleeve 504 by any known means, including tabs, hooks, clips, adhesives, rings, threading, pins, flanges, friction, or tension. In other embodiments, the filter base 524 may be irremovably connected to the sleeve 504 by any known means, including adhesives, monolithic pouring, welding, soldering, sonic welding, or other means. By separating the sleeve 504 and the filter base 524, various combinations of shapes and sizes of sleeves 504 and filters 510 may be more efficiently produced to fit the sizes and shapes of a range of bottles 502 and stoppers 506. In the exemplary embodiment, the filter base 524 connects to the sleeve 504 by the interlocking of a base tab 526 on the filter base 524 and a sleeve tab 527 on the sleeve 504, but other means of connection may be used in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the filter base 524 may be an integrated portion of the sleeve 504, such that no connective means are necessary. In other embodiments, the filter base 524 may be unconnected to the sleeve 504, such that the sleeve 504 may be removed without removing the filter base 524. Whether connected or unconnected, the filter base 524 may be made of any one or more materials from which the sleeve 504 or the filer 510 may be made, including biodegradable materials. The filter base 524 may rest upon an internal shoulder 516 of the bottle 502, and the seal between the internal shoulder 516 and the filter base 524 may be made more secure by the addition of a shoulder ring 522 made of a pliable or compressible material. In some embodiments, the filter base 524 may form a seal with the interior sides of the bottle 502 by friction or tension, and the internal shoulder 516 may be absent.

In addition to ventilation tubes, a pressure differential may be introduced by the shape of the filter. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 600 with a fixed curved filter 610. The filter 610 functions as described above to remove particles and impurities from the contents of a bottle 602, including TCA. The filter 610 introduces a pressure differential as discussed above by its curved shape, such that the internal pressure is higher in the center than at the edges of the filter 610. To further improve the flow of contents from the bottle 602, one or more ventilation holes 620 may be added to the filter 610. Thus, a pressure differential and a means for air to enter the bottle 602 are incorporated within the filter 610. Although the exemplary filter 610 is illustrated as having a bell shape, a conical, hemispherical, cubic, pyramidal, or any other convenient shape may be used to create a pressure differential by extending a part of the filter 610 further into the neck of the bottle 602.

As in the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the bottle closure device 600 includes a stopper 606 within a sleeve 604, which is inserted within a bottle 602 and connected thereto by an internal threading 612 on the bottle 602 and an external threading 613 on the sleeve 604. The stopper 606 connects to a stopper cap 608, which forms a seal with a filter ring 618. The stopper cap 608 contains a cavity at least of sufficient dimensions for the insertion of the filter 610 without deformation of either the stopper cap 608 or the filter 610. In some embodiments, the stopper cap 608 may be fitted to the dimensions of the filter 610 such that the stopper cap 608 forms to the filter 610, which may provide support from damage to the filter 610 during storage. Additionally, fitting the stopper cap 608 to the dimensions of the filter 610 prevents the accumulation of sediment or other particulates between the stopper cap 608 and the filter 610. Alternatively, the stopper cap 608 may include a cavity more than sufficient for the filter 610, such that a gap exists between the stopper cap 608 and the filter 610. As in the embodiments discussed above, the stopper cap 608 may be made in whole or part of a scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA, to protect the contents of the bottle 602 from contamination from the stopper 606 or other sources outside the bottle and to remove contaminants from the stopper 606 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 602.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the filter 610 is held in place by a filter base 624 connected to the sleeve 604 by tab 626 on the filter base 624 and tab 627 on the sleeve 604, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5A. As above, the filter base 624 may be connected to the sleeve 604 in ways other than those shown, or the filter base 624 may be formed as an integrated part of the sleeve 604. In other embodiments, the filter base 624 may not be connected to the sleeve 604. The filter base 624 may rest upon an internal shoulder 616 of the bottle 602, and may be sealed by a shoulder ring 622 made of a pliable or compressible material to form a more secure seal between the internal shoulder 616 and the filter base 624.

Unlike the fixed filter 610 in FIG. 6, other embodiments may utilize various means of moving filters into place to introduce pressure differentials. FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 700 with a flexible filter 710 assisted in expanding into place by a spring 728. As in the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the bottle closure device 700 includes a stopper 706 connected to a stopper cap 708 within a sleeve 704, which is inserted within a bottle 702 and connected thereto by an internal threading 712 on the bottle 702 and an external threading 713 on the sleeve 704. FIG. 7A illustrates the exemplary bottle closure device 700 when opened by removing the stopper 706, with the spring 728 uncompressed and the filter 710 expanded. FIG. 7B illustrates the exemplary bottle closure device 700 when closed with a stopper 706 and a stopper cap 708, in which position the filter 710 and spring 728 are compressed within a filter base 724 that connects to the sleeve 704. When closed, the filter 710 and spring 728 may be compressed within the filter base 724 by the stopper 706 and the stopper cap 708. Although a coil spring is illustrated, the spring 728 may alternately be another type of spring and may be connected directly to the filter base 724 or to a filter ring 718. The spring 728 may also be integrated with the filter 710 or may be a separate component causing the filter 710 to expand into the sleeve 704 when the stopper 706 is removed. FIG. 7C illustrates a perspective view of the bottle closure device 700 illustrating the spring 728 as a compressed spiral when closed. In other embodiments, the filter 710 may be made of a compressible material, such as a sponge, that may expand without the assistance of the spring 728.

When the bottle closure device 700 is opened, the filter 710 functions as described above to remove particles and impurities from the contents of a bottle 702. In some embodiments, the filter 710 may be disposed within the filter base 724 such that the contents of the bottle 702 may also come into contact with the filter 710 when the bottle closure device 700 is closed. In such embodiments, the filter 710 may also remove TCA from the stopper 706 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 702. The filter 710 may be made of any flexible material, such as a polymer mesh. In some embodiments, the filter 710 may be made of an elastic material that stretches while expanding into the sleeve 704. In other embodiments, the filter 710 may be substantially inelastic under the pressure of the spring 728, in which case the filter 710 may expand into the sleeve 704 by unfolding. The filter 710 or filter base 724 may include one or more ventilation holes 720 to introduce a pressure differential as discussed in the above embodiments when the filter 710 expands upon the bottle closure device 700 being opened.

The stopper cap 708 forms a seal with a cap ring 726 and the filter base 724. As in the embodiments discussed above, the stopper cap 708 may be made in whole or part of a scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA, to protect the contents of the bottle 702 from contamination from the stopper 706 or other sources outside the bottle and to remove contaminants from the stopper 706 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 702. The cap ring 726 may be made of a pliable or compressible material to form a more secure seal between the stopper cap 708 and the filter base 724. As described in the embodiments discussed above, the filter base 724 may be connected to the sleeve 704 in ways other than those shown, or the filter base 724 may be formed as an integrated part of the sleeve 704. In other embodiments, the filter base 724 may not be connected to the sleeve 704. The filter base 724 may rest upon an internal shoulder 716 of the bottle 702, and may be sealed by a shoulder ring 722 made of a pliable or compressible material to form a more secure seal between the internal shoulder 716 and the filter base 724.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate a cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 800 with a filter 810 assisted in rising into place by a connection to a stopper cap 808. As in the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the bottle closure device 800 includes a stopper 806 connected to a stopper cap 808 within a sleeve 804, which is inserted within a bottle 802 and connected thereto by an internal threading 812 on the bottle 802 and an external threading 813 on the sleeve 804. The sleeve 804 may be connected to a filter base 824, in which the filter 810 is contained until the stopper 806 is removed. As in the embodiments illustrated above, the filter 810 may introduce a pressure differential by its shape and may extend from the filter base 824 up into the sleeve 804 when the bottle closure device 800 is opened by removing the stopper 806. To further aid the flow through the filter 810, the filter 810 may include one or more ventilation holes 820. In some embodiments, the ventilation holes may be augmented or replaced by ventilation tubes (not shown). FIG. 8A illustrates the exemplary bottle closure device 800 when closed with the stopper 806, in which position the filter 810 is contained within the filter base 824. FIG. 8B illustrates the exemplary bottle closure device 800 when opened, with the filter 810 raised into position by the removal of the stopper 806.

When closed as shown in FIG. 8A, the filter 810 may be housed within the filter base 824, which may in turn be partially or wholly submerged in the contents of the bottle 802, regardless of whether the bottle 802 is standing upright, on its side, or inverted. In this manner, the filter 810 may come into contact with the contents of the bottle 802 while the bottle 802 is sealed. In some embodiments, the filter 810 may be made of polyethylene, zeolites, or another contaminant scavenger material allowing the filter 810 to remove contaminants such as TCA from the stopper 806 or from the contents of the bottle 802 prior to opening. In order to lift the filter out of the contents of the bottle 802 to introducing a pressure differential for better pouring as discussed above, the filter 810 may be connected to the stopper cap 808 by a cap connector 830, which is attached to the filter 810 or the stopper cap 808. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap connector 830 is a globular protuberance from the stopper cap 808, which fits within a socket 828 connected to the filter 810. The socket 828 includes a cavity connected to a portion of the filter 810, where the cap connector 830 resides until the stopper 806 is removed. During removal of the stopper 806, the cap connector 830 withdraws from the socket 828, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. In other embodiments, the cap connector 830 may instead detach from the stopper cap 808. In some embodiments, the cap connector 830 may include a frangible portion that breaks to decouple the stopper cap 808 and the filter 810 when the stopper 806 is removed. In such embodiments, the socket 828 may not be present. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates the cap connector 830 disposed within the socket 828, the stopper cap 808 may be connected by other means to assist the filter 810 into place, including tabs, hooks, adhesives, frangible connectors, compressible rings, flanges, friction, tensions, or other mechanisms. In some embodiments, the filter 810 may not be connected to the stopper 806 or the stopper cap 808 by any means, instead being moved into place by the force of the contents being poured through the filter 810 after the bottle is opened by removing the stopper 806.

When the stopper 806 is removed from the sleeve 804, the filter 810 is extracted from the filter base 824 into the sleeve 804 by the connection between the stopper cap 808 and the filter 810. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the cap connector 830 pulls the filter 810 partially out of the filter base 824 by its connection with the socket 828. When sufficient force is applied to the stopper 806, the cap connector 830 escapes the socket 828. In some embodiments utilizing other connectors between the stopper cap 808 and the filter 810, the connection between the stopper cap 808 and the filter 810 may be disengaged or broken in another manner. When the filter 810 has been lifted into the sleeve 804, a filter ring 818 may form a seal between the filter 810 and the filter base 824. In some embodiments, the filter 810 may be held in place by a plurality of notches 832 within the filter base 824. The notches 832 may hold the filter 810 in place directly or by fixing the position of the filter ring 818. In one embodiment, the notches 832 may be replaced by a lip or ring.

The stopper cap 808 may form a seal with a cap ring 826 and the filter base 824 when the bottle closure device 800 is closed. As discussed in the embodiments discussed above, the stopper cap 808 may be made in whole or part of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA, to protect the contents of the bottle 802 from contamination from the stopper 806 or other sources outside the bottle and to remove contaminants from the stopper 806 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 802. The cap ring 826 may be made of a pliable or compressible material to form a more secure seal between the stopper cap 808 and the filter base 824. As described in the embodiments discussed above, the filter base 824 may be connected to the sleeve 804 in ways other than those shown, or the filter base 824 may be formed as an integrated part of the sleeve 804. In other embodiments, the filter base 824 may not be connected to the sleeve 804. The filter base 824 may rest upon an internal shoulder 816 of the bottle 802, and may be sealed by a shoulder ring 822 made of a pliable or compressible material to form a more secure seal between the internal shoulder 816 and the filter base 824.

As discussed above, filters included in various embodiments of bottle closure devices may rest upon or be connected to internal shoulders. FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 900 with a filter 910 held in place by a plurality of tabs 920 connected to an internal shoulder 916 of a bottle 902. As in the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the bottle closure device 900 includes a stopper 906 within a sleeve 904, which is inserted within the bottle 902 and connected thereto by an internal threading 912 on the bottle 902 and an external threading 913 on the sleeve 904. The stopper 906 may connect to a stopper cap 908, which forms a seal with a filter ring 918 to seal the bottle 902. The filter ring 918 may be attached or connected to the sleeve 904 or to the filter 910 by various means, including adhesives, friction, pressure, interlocking tabs or grooves, flanges, or any other means. As discussed in the embodiments discussed above, the stopper cap 908 or the filter 910 may be made in whole or part of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA, to protect the contents of the bottle 902 from contamination from the stopper 906 or other sources outside the bottle and to remove contaminants from the stopper 906 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 902. In some embodiments, a seal ring 914 may be included to form a more secure seal between the bottle 902 and the sleeve 904, as discussed with respect to the embodiments described above.

The filter 910 may be connected to one or more tabs 920 that secure the filter to the internal shoulder 916. The filter 910 rests upon the upper ledge of the internal shoulder 916, and the tabs 920 hook to the lower ledge of the internal shoulder 916 to hold the filter 910 in place. In some embodiments, the tabs 920 may connect to the internal shoulder 916 by one or more hooks, rings, pliable sleeves, threadings, or other means. The tabs 920 may connect either to the filter 910 or to the filter ring 918. In some embodiments, the sleeve 904 may be connected to the filter 910, the filter ring 918, or the tabs 920. The connection with the sleeve may include a frangible portion that breaks when the sleeve 904 is removed from the bottle 902. This may provide a more secure seal and provide additional protection against accidental or intentional removal of the sleeve 904 while the bottle 902 is being transported or stored. The frangible portion may include a continuous interface between the sleeve 904 and the connected component, a plurality of connectors along the interface, or a frangible protuberance along the interface. In such embodiments, the filter 910 may remain connected to the internal shoulder 916 by the tabs 920 to allow the contents to pass through the filter when poured from the bottle 902. Additionally, or alternatively, the bottle 902 may be unsealed by removing only the stopper 906 and the stopper cap 908, in which case the contents would likewise pass through the filter 910 when poured.

FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate cross sectional views of a portion of the bottle closure device 900 in alternative embodiments to emphasize alternative means of removably connecting the sleeve 904 to the filter 910. FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of the bottle closure device 900 in which the sleeve 904 contains flanges 924 and 926 for form a seal with a portion of the tabs 920. When the sleeve 904 is securely inserted within the bottle 902, the flanges 924 and 926 deform plastically around the portion of the tabs 920 with which they come into contact. The tension created by this deformation provides a secure seal. In addition, the deformation increases the force required to remove the sleeve 904 from the bottle 902, providing additional protection against the sleeve 904 being partially or wholly removed from the neck of the bottle 902 while the bottle 902 is in storage or transit. FIG. 9C illustrates another embodiment of the bottle closure device 900 in which the sleeve 904 is securely connected to the tabs 920 by two ridges 928 and 930. The ridge 928 on the sleeve 904 may be connected to the ridge 930 on the tabs 920 by any known means, including the use of adhesives, single pour molding, heating, or sonic welding. When the sleeve 904 is removed from the neck of the bottle 902, the narrow cross sectional area at which the ridges 928 and 930 are connected provides initial resistance prior to deforming or breaking. This likewise provides additional protection against inadvertent or intentional removal of the sleeve 904 during storage or transportation.

Other embodiments may lack an internal shoulder, such as the embodiment in FIGS. 10A-E. FIG. 10A illustrates a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 1000 with a sleeve 1004 having one or more breaches 1020 and without an internal shoulder. As in the embodiments discussed above, the bottle closure device 1000 further includes a stopper 1006 and stopper cap 1008 disposed within the sleeve 1004, which is inserted within a bottle 1002 and connected thereto by an internal threading 1012 on the bottle 1002 and an external threading 1013 on the sleeve 1004 and sealed by a seal ring 1014. Without an internal shoulder, wine or other contents stored within the bottle 1002 may flow or seep between the outer surface of the sleeve 1004 and the inner surface of the neck of the bottle 1002. To allow the contents to flow out of the bottle 1002 when opened by the removal of the stopper 1006, the breaches 1020 may be added to the sleeve 1004. The breaches 1020 may be holes, slits, perforations, or other breaks in the surface of a portion of the sleeve 1004 adapted to allow liquid to flow through them, creating a pressure differential across the sleeve 1004 and facilitating the inflow of atmospheric gasses into the bottle 1002 when the contents are poured. FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve 1004 to provide a better depiction of one embodiments of the breaches 1020.

In some embodiments, the breaches 1020 and the interior opening 1022 of the sleeve 1004 near the stopper cap 1008 may be covered with a filter material, as illustrated in FIG. 10C. The filter material may be any of the types of material discussed above with reference to filters, including stainless steel, polymers, elastomers, cloth, sponge, foam, or other organic or inorganic material, including a biodegradable organic material. Moreover, the filter material may be connected to the sleeve 1004 by adhesives, monolithic pouring, injection molding, welding, soldering, sonic welding, or other know means. By covering the breaches 1020 and the interior opening 1022 with filter material, the sleeve 1004 may serve as a filter for the contents of the bottle 1002, in a similar manner to the filters described above. Additionally, or alternatively, a filter may be attached to or disposed to form a seal with the interior opening 1022, including any of the types of filters discussed with respect to the foregoing embodiments (e.g., the filters described in FIGS. 4A-H and 10D-E). As discussed above with reference to filters, the filter material may also be made of a contaminant scavenging material, such as polyethylene or zeolites. In some embodiments, the sides and internal opening 1022 of the sleeve 1004 may be perforated or made of a filter material to form a basket for filtering the contents of the bottle 1002.

In an embodiment illustrated by FIG. 10D, the sleeve 1004 may connect to the bottle 1002 by an external threading 1024 on the bottle 1002 and an internal threading 1025 on the sleeve 1004, thus extending the sleeve 1004 over the lip of the bottle 1002. The threadings 1024 and 1025 may be configured to fit together such that the sleeve 1004 may be inserted into the bottle 1002 and connected by the threadings 1024 and 1025 by rotating either or both of the bottle 1002 or the sleeve 1004. In this manner, the sleeve 1004 may be screwed into the bottle 1002 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1024 and 1025 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the sleeve 1004 from the bottle 1002. In some embodiments, the external threading 1024 on the bottle 1002 may be recessed or otherwise disposed such that the largest cross-sectional radius of the external threading 1024 is no greater than the cross-sectional radius of the unthreaded portion of the neck of the bottle 1002 that is adjacent to the portion of the neck of the bottle 1002 containing the external threading 1024. In this manner, the sleeve 1004 may fit over the lip of the bottle 1002 in line with the surface of the neck of the bottle 1002.

The bottle 1002 may be further sealed by inserting the stopper 1006 into the sleeve. As above, the seal ring 1014 may be added between the lip of the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004 to form a more secure seal for closing the bottle. As discussed with respect to other illustrated exemplary embodiments, flanges or other means of providing a secure seal may be used in place of the filter ring 1014, and the placement of the filter ring 1014 or other sealing means may be varied. For example, a flange might be added to the sleeve 1004 to provide a secure seal between the sleeve 1004 and the lip of the bottle 1002 by deformation of the flange when pressure is applied. The addition of the seal ring 1014 or other sealing means is particularly important in embodiments without an internal shoulder, where the contents of the bottle 1002 may seep or flow between the neck of the bottle 1002 and the surface of the sleeve 1004.

Also as discussed above, the breaches 1020 and the internal opening 1022 of the sleeve may be covered by a filter, mesh, of other covering. The breaches 1020 may be holes, slits, perforations, or other breaks in the surface of a portion of the sleeve 1004 adapted to allow liquid to flow through them. In the illustrated embodiment, the breaches 1020 may include a plurality of small holes through a portion of the surface of the sleeve 1004 that is inserted into the neck of the bottle 1002. The breaches 1020 may further be limited to a portion of the sleeve 1004 away from the internal opening 1022, thereby creating a pressure differential between the breaches 1020 and the internal opening 1022 to facilitate the inflow of atmospheric gasses into the bottle 1002 and the outflow of the contents of the bottle 1002. Such pressure differential is of particular value when the internal opening 1022 is covered with a filter. In some embodiments, the sleeve 1004 may fit within the bottle 1002 without any compression or friction between the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004. Some embodiments may further include a gap between the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004 to further facilitate the flow of air through the breaches 1020 and into the interior of the bottle 1002 when the stopper 1006 is removed. By facilitating the flow of air into the bottle, a pressure differential is introduced as discussed above with respect to other embodiments, and the flow of the contents through the internal opening 1022. Additionally, or alternatively, the sleeve 1004 may include gutters, channels, ridges, or other means of providing pathways or gaps through which gasses or liquids may flow between the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004 when the sleeve 1004 is inserted within the bottle 1004.

FIG. 10E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the bottle closure device 1000 in which a portion of the sleeve 1004 comprises a perforated basket 1005. As illustrated in FIG. 10E, the perforated basket 1005 may be integrated within the sleeve 1004 and, in some embodiments, may be made of the same material as the remaining portions of the sleeve 1004. For example, the perforated basket 1005 may comprise a portion of the sleeve 1004 containing numerous small holes or perforations through the sleeve 1004 material, which may act as a sieve or filter. In some embodiments, the perforated basket 1005 may be made of or further coated with a contaminant- or oxygen-scavenger material, such as polyethylene, zeolites, ferrous materials, activated carbon, sodium sulfite, sodium chloride, glucose oxidase, or other enzymes or polymers. Where the perforated basket 1005 is coated with an oxygen scavenger, the coating may be only on one side of the sleeve 1004 as an active packaging component, as described above. Also as describe above with respect to FIG. 10D, the sleeve 1004 may fit within the bottle 1002 without any compression or friction between the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004, or the sleeve 1004 or the bottle 1002 may include gutters, channels, ridges, or other means of producing pathways or gaps through which gasses or liquids may flow between the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004 when the sleeve 1004 is inserted within the bottle 1004.

In addition, the sleeve 1004 may connect to the bottle 1002 by an external threading 1024 on the bottle 1002 and an internal threading 1025 on the sleeve 1004, thus extending the sleeve 1004 over the lip of the bottle 1002. The threadings 1024 and 1025 may be configured to fit together such that the sleeve 1004 may be inserted into the bottle 1002 and connected by the threadings 1024 and 1025 by rotating either or both of the bottle 1002 or the sleeve 1004. In this manner, the sleeve 1004 may be screwed into the bottle 1002 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1024 and 1025 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the sleeve 1004 from the bottle 1002. In some embodiments, the external threading 1024 on the bottle 1002 may be recessed or otherwise disposed such that the largest cross-sectional radius of the external threading 1024 is no greater than the cross-sectional radius of the unthreaded portion of the neck of the bottle 1002 that is adjacent to the portion of the neck of the bottle 1002 containing the external threading 1024. In this manner, the sleeve 1004 may fit over the lip of the bottle 1002 in line with the surface of the neck of the bottle 1002.

The bottle 1002 may be further sealed by inserting the stopper 1006 into the sleeve. As above, the seal ring 1014 may be added between the lip of the bottle 1002 and the sleeve 1004 to form a more secure seal for closing the bottle. As discussed with respect to other illustrated exemplary embodiments, flanges or other means of providing a secure seal may be used in place of the filter ring 1014, and the placement of the filter ring 1014 or other sealing means may be varied. For example, a flange might be added to the sleeve 1004 to provide a secure seal between the sleeve 1004 and the lip of the bottle 1002 by deformation of the flange when pressure is applied. The addition of the seal ring 1014 or other sealing means is particularly important in embodiments without an internal shoulder, where the contents of the bottle 1002 may seep or flow between the neck of the bottle 1002 and the surface of the sleeve 1004. Some embodiments relating to any of FIGS. 10A-E may further include additional or alternative features, such as internal shoulders, pilfer bands, claddings, or skirts, as discussed elsewhere herein.

Some embodiments of bottle closure devices may not include stoppers, filters, or sleeves. FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 1100 without a stopper or filter. The exemplary embodiment includes a cap 1104 with a lining 1108 on its interior side. The cap 1104 may connect to the bottle 1102 by an external threading 1106 on the bottle 1102 and an internal threading 1107 on the cap 1104, with the lining 1108 forming a secure seal with the opening of the bottle 1102. To further form a more secure seal, a seal ring 1114 or other means of securing the seal between the bottle 1102 and the cap 1104 may be used. The bottle 1102 and the cap 1104 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the bottle 1102 or the cap 1104 while covering the opening of the bottle 1102 with the cap 1104, such that the internal threading 1107 of the cap 1104 receives the external threading 1106 of the bottle 1102. In this manner, the cap 1104 may be screwed around the threaded portion of the bottle 1102 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1106 and 1107 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the cap 1104 from the bottle 1102. In some embodiments, other means of connecting the cap 1104 to the bottle 1102 may be used, including internal threading, tabs, hooks, adhesives, flanges, or teeth.

In addition to forming a more secure seal, the lining 1108 may also serve in some embodiments as a barrier to contamination of wine or other contents stored in the bottle 1102 by TCA or other contaminants. The lining 1108 may also remove such contaminants from tainted wine or other contents of the bottle 1102. The lining 1108 may be made in part or whole of a contaminants scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. In some embodiments, other scavenger materials may be added or substituted in the lining 1108. The lining 1108 may be layered onto the interior of the cap 1104, or it may be affixed to the cap 1104 mechanically or chemically. Alternatively, the lining 1108 may not be affixed to the cap 1104, instead forming a film, foil, or disk between the bottle 1102 and the cap 1104. This exemplary embodiment may be of particular use where space for a filter within the bottle 1102 is limited or where filtration may be undesirable.

FIGS. 12A-F illustrate exemplary embodiments of a bottle closure device 1200 with a cap 1204 and a filter 1208 but without a stopper. The cap 1204 may connect to a bottle 1202 by an external threading 1206 on the bottle 1202 and an internal threading 1207 on the cap 1204 or by other means as discussed above. The filter 1208 may be connected to the bottle 1202 by a pair of filter rings, including an upper filter ring 1210 and a lower filter ring 1212. The filter rings 1210 and 1212 may be attached to the bottle 1202 by any means, including internal threadings, adhesives, tabs, flanges, clips, pins, tension, or friction. In some embodiments the filter rings 1210 and 1212 may be combined into one filter ring that extends along a portion of the neck of the bottle 1202, such that the filter ring and the filter 1208 are held in place within the neck of the bottle 1202 by friction or adhesives. Alternatively, or additionally, internal shoulders, lips, or other features may be built into the bottle 1202 to hold the filter 1208 in any manner discussed above in reference to the other embodiments. In some embodiments, the filter 1208 may connect to the cap 1204, in addition to or instead of connecting to the bottle 1202. Although a planar filter is illustrated in FIG. 12A, any filter may be used, as discussed with respect to the above embodiments. FIG. 12B illustrates such an exemplary embodiment, wherein the filter 1208 is a curved filter fixed within the neck of the bottle 1202. The filter 1208 introduces a pressure differential to facilitate fluid flow through the filter 1208 by extending upward into the neck of the bottle 1202. The exemplary embodiment further includes a ventilation tube 1216 to introduce a further pressure differential across the filter 1208. FIG. 12C illustrates another such exemplary embodiment, wherein the filter 1208 is a conical filter extending downward from the neck of the bottle 1202 into the interior of the bottle 1202 with a ventilation hole 1214 in the center of the cone to further promote flow through the filter 1208. FIG. 12D likewise illustrates an exemplary embodiment wherein the filter 1208 includes a layer of porous or otherwise permeable material, such as a sponge. The exemplary embodiment further includes a ventilation tube 1216 to introduce a pressure differential across for air inlet disposed within a filter base 1218 in the form of a parabolic wedge. Additionally, any of the embodiments may include a lining 1220 on the interior of the cap 1204. FIG. 12E illustrates an exemplary embodiment including the lining 1220, wherein the filter 1208 is a curved filter fixed within the neck of the bottle 1202 and wherein the filter 1208 introduces a pressure differential to facilitate fluid flow through the filter 1208 by extending upward into the neck of the bottle 1202.

FIG. 12F illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the filter 1208 connects to the cap 1204. Although the filter 1208 depicted in the exemplary embodiment is similar to the filter 1208 illustrated in FIG. 12C (including a ventilation hole 1214), other types or configurations of filters 1208 may be used in various embodiments. The filter 1208 may be connected to the cap 1204 by any means, including threadings, adhesives, tabs, flanges, clips, pins, tension, or friction. Additionally, FIG. 12F illustrates a flip cap 1222 connected to the cap 1204 to provide a secondary means of opening the bottle 1202. The flip cap 1222 may be connected to the cap 1204 by known means, such as hinges. The flip cap 1222 may include a plug 1224 configured to seal an opening in the cap 1204. The opening in the cap 1204 may provide an additional method of sealing, unsealing, or resealing the bottle 1202. As illustrated, the opening may be disposed within the cap 1204 in such a manner that the contents of the bottle 1204 must pass through the filter 1208 before exiting through the opening in the cap 1204. In some embodiments, the flip cap 1222 may be configured to seal and reseal the opening in the cap 1204 by the plug 1224, or the plug 1224 may be configured in a manner such that it cannot be replaced in the opening to reseal the bottle 1202 once removed therefrom. It should further be understood that other replaceable or irreplaceable means of closing an opening in the cap 1204 other than the flip cap 1222 may be implemented in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein, such as screw caps, disks, replaceable stoppers, nozzles, or similar means. Additionally, the bottle 1202 may be opened by removing the entire cap 1204 (including the flip cap 1222). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the seal between the bottle 1202 and the cap 1204 may be made more secure by the inclusion of a seal ring 1226 or other means, such as deformable flanges, linings, etc.

In addition to forming a more secure seal, the lining 1220 may also serve in some embodiments as a barrier to contamination of wine or other contents stored in the bottle 1202 by TCA or other contaminants, such as oxygen. The lining 1220 may also remove such contaminants from tainted wine or other contents of the bottle 1202. The lining 1220 may be made in part or whole of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. As above with respect to FIG. 11, the lining 1220 may be layered onto the interior of the cap 1204, or it may be affixed to the cap 1204 mechanically or chemically. Alternatively, the lining 1220 may not be affixed to the cap 1204, instead forming a film, foil, or disk between the bottle 1202 and the cap 1204. Although FIGS. 12A-F illustrate a variety of filters 1208, other types may also be used as discussed with respect to any of the embodiments above, including the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-8.

FIGS. 13A-C illustrate embodiments of a bottle closure device 1300 similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 12A-C, but the bottle closure device 1300 includes a filter 1310 that snaps into place within a bottle 1302. The bottle 1302 is sealed with a cap 1304, which may connect to the bottle 1302 by an external threading 1307 on the bottle 1302 and an internal threading 1308 on the cap 1304 or by other means as discussed above. The bottle 1302 and the cap 1304 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the bottle 1302 or the cap 1304 while covering the opening of the bottle 1302 with the cap 1304, such that the internal threading 1308 of the cap 1304 receives the external threading 1307 of the bottle 1302. In this manner, the cap 1304 may be screwed around the threaded portion of the bottle 1302 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1307 and 1308 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the cap 1304 from the bottle 1302. In some embodiments, other means of connecting the cap 1304 to the bottle 1302 may be used, including internal threading, tabs, hooks, adhesives, flanges, or teeth. In some embodiments, the bottle closure device 1300 may further include a lining 1306 on the interior side of the cap 1304.

In addition to forming a more secure seal, the lining 1306 may also serve in some embodiments as a barrier to contamination of wine or other contents stored in the bottle 1302 by TCA or other contaminants. The lining 1306 may also remove such contaminants from tainted wine or other contents of the bottle 1302. The lining 1306 may be made in part or whole of a contaminants scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. In some embodiments, other scavenger materials may be added or substituted in the lining 1306. The lining 1306 may be layered onto the interior of the cap 1304, or it may be affixed to the cap 1304 mechanically or chemically. Alternatively, the lining 1306 may not be affixed to the cap 1304, instead forming a film, foil, or disk between the bottle 1302 and the cap 1304. This exemplary embodiment may be of particular use where space for a filter within the bottle 1302 is limited or where filtration may be undesirable.

The filter 1310 may snap into place upon the application of force so that the filter 1310 remains in position to remove particulates and contaminants from the contents of the bottle 1302 when poured. FIG. 13A illustrates an embodiment of the bottle closure device 1300 in which the filter 1310 is connected to the bottle by a rim connector 1320 that snaps over the rim of the bottle 1302. The rim connector 1320 is fitted to extend over the rim of the bottle 1302 and secure the filter 1310 in position by tension or friction. In some embodiments, the rim connector 1320 may be further secured by hooking over a ridge, notches, or other features on the exterior of the rim of the bottle 1302. The filter 1310 is then held in position, covering or just within the rim of the bottle 1302. Similarly, FIG. 13B illustrates an embodiment of the bottle closure device 1300 in which the filter 1310 snaps into position within the neck of the bottle 1302. The filter 1310 may be held in place against an internal shoulder 1316 to prevent it from dislodging or turning during use. The filter 1310 may be held in place against the internal shoulder 1316 by tension or friction, and the interior surface of the neck of the bottle 1302 may include a depression, a ridge, notches, or other features to further secure the filter 1310 in position. Alternatively, the filter 1310 may connect to an additional means of securing the filter 1310 in position within the bottle 1302. FIG. 13C illustrates an embodiment of the bottle closure device 1300 with one such additional means of securing the filter 1310. The filter 1310 is connected to tabs 1322 that hook on to the opposite side of the internal shoulder from the filter 1310. Although tabs are illustrated in FIG. 13C, it should be understood that other means may be used to hold the filter 1310 in place, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 9A-C. Moreover, it should be understood that the filter 1310 may be any type of filter as discussed with respect to any of the embodiments above, including the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-8.

FIGS. 14A-C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a bottle closure device 1400 without sleeves. FIG. 14A illustrates a cross section of an exemplary bottle closure device 1400 with a stopper 1406 and a filter 1410 disposed within the neck of a bottle 1402 to seal the bottle 1402. The stopper 1406 connects to a stopper cap 1408, which forms a seal with a filter ring 1418. The filter 1410 and a ventilation tube 1420 are disposed within a filter base 1424. The filter 1410 is disposed within the top end of the filter base 1424, adjacent to the stopper cap 1408, and the ventilation tube 1420 is disposed within a wedge-shaped section of the filter base 1424 to introduce a pressure differential and air inlet. Other embodiments may include different types of filters or a plurality of ventilation tubes 1420, as discussed above. As in the embodiments discussed above, the stopper cap 1408 or the filter 1410 may be made in whole or part of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. Additionally, this may protect the contents of the bottle 1402 from contamination from the stopper 1406 or other sources outside the bottle and remove contaminants such as TCA from the stopper 1406 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 1402. The filter base 1424 may rest upon an internal shoulder 1416 of the bottle 1402, and the seal between the shoulder 1416 and the filter base 1424 may be made more secure by the addition of a shoulder ring 1422 made of a pliable or compressible material. Alternatively, the filter 1410 and the filter base 1424 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 1402 without the internal shoulder 1416, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-F. To prevent the filter 1410 from dislodging when the stopper 1406 is removed, the filter 1410 may in some embodiments be directly or indirectly connected to the bottle 1402 (including the internal shoulder 1416) by adhesives, tabs, hooks, threading, clips, friction, tension, or other means.

FIG. 14B illustrates a cross section of another exemplary embodiment of the bottle closure device 1400, wherein the filter 1410 is a curved mesh disposed within the neck of the bottle 1402. The stopper 1406 is connected to the stopper cap 1408, which may be fitted to house the filter 1410 with or without a gap between the stopper cap 1408 and the filter 1410. The stopper 1406 may be similarly fitted to match the shape of the filter cap, as illustrated in FIG. 14B. As above, the filter 1410 may be directly or indirectly connected to the internal shoulder 1416, and either or both of the stopper cap 1408 and the filter 1410 may be made of polyethylene, zeolites, or other contaminant scavenger materials. Alternatively, the filter 1410 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 1402 without the internal shoulder 1416, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-F.

FIG. 14C illustrates a cross section of another exemplary embodiment of the bottle closure device 1400 without a filter. The stopper 1406 is connected to the stopper cap 1408 and inserted within the bottle 1402 to form a seal between the stopper cap 1408 and the internal shoulder 1416. As above, the stopper cap 1408 may be made of polyethylene, zeolites, or other contaminant scavenger materials to form a barrier between contaminants from the stopper 1406 or other sources outside the bottle and to remove contaminants such as TCA from the stopper 1406 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 1402. Alternatively, the filter 1410 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 1402 without the internal shoulder 1416, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-F.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a bottle closure device 1500 without sleeves or stopper caps. FIG. 15A illustrates a cross section of the exemplary bottle closure device 1500 with a stopper 1506 and a filter 1510 disposed within the neck of a bottle 1502 to seal the bottle 1502. The stopper 1506 forms a seal with a filter ring 1518 and the filter 1510. The filter 1510 and a ventilation tube 1520 are disposed within a filter base 1524. The filter 1510 is disposed within the top end of the filter base 1524, adjacent to the stopper 1506, and the ventilation tube 1520 is disposed within a wedge-shaped section of the filter base 1524 to introduce a pressure differential and air inlet. Other embodiments may include different types of filters or a plurality of ventilation tubes 1520, as discussed above. As in the embodiments discussed above, the filter 1510 may be made in whole or part of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. Additionally, this may protect the contents of the bottle 1502 from contamination from the stopper 1506 or other sources outside the bottle and remove contaminants such as TCA from the stopper 1506 or from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 1502. The filter base 1524 may rest upon an internal shoulder 1516 of the bottle 1502, and the seal between the shoulder 1516 and the filter base 1524 may be made more secure by the addition of a shoulder ring 1522 made of a pliable or compressible material. To prevent the filter 1510 from dislodging when the stopper 1506 is removed, the filter 1510 may in some embodiments be directly or indirectly connected to the bottle 1502 (including the internal shoulder 1516) by adhesives, tabs, hooks, threading, clips, friction, tension, or other means. Alternatively, the filter 1510 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 1502 without the internal shoulder 1516, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-F. Moreover, it should be understood that the filter 1510 may be any type of filter as discussed with respect to any of the embodiments above, including the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-8.

FIG. 15B illustrates a cross section of another exemplary embodiment of the bottle closure device 1500, wherein the filter 1510 is a curved mesh disposed within the neck of the bottle 1502. The stopper 1506 may be fitted to house the filter 1510 with or without a gap between the stopper 1506 and the filter 1510. As above, the filter 1510 may be directly or indirectly connected to the internal shoulder 1516, and either or both of the stopper 1406 and the filter 1510 may be made of polyethylene, zeolites, or other contaminant scavenger materials. Alternatively, the filter 1510 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 1502 without the internal shoulder 1516, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-F. Moreover, it should be understood that the filter 1510 may be any type of filter as discussed with respect to any of the embodiments above, including the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-8.

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate cross sections of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 1600 without a filter. The bottle closure device 1600 includes a stopper 1606 disposed within a sleeve 1604 to form a seal to close a bottle 1602. The sleeve 1604 is inserted within the bottle 1602 and may be connected thereto by an internal threading 1612 on the bottle 1602 and an external threading 1613 on the sleeve 1604. Although FIGS. 16A-C illustrate the sleeve 1604 connected to the bottle 1602 by threadings 1612 and 1613, other means of connecting the bottle 1602 and the sleeve 1604 may be used in some embodiments. FIG. 16A illustrates the stopper 1606 connected to a stopper cap 1608, which forms a barrier between the stopper 1606 and the contents of the bottle 1602. As in the embodiments discussed above, the stopper cap 1608 may be made of polyethylene, zeolites, or other contaminant scavenger materials to form a barrier between contaminants such as TCA from the stopper 1606 or other sources outside the bottle and to remove contaminants from the stopper 1606 and from tainted wine or other contents stored within the bottle 1602. As with any of the embodiments described herein, the stopper 1606 likewise may not be connected to the stopper cap 1608. FIG. 16B illustrates a stopper 1606 without the stopper cap 1608. In some embodiments, the sleeve 1604 may include a ledge 1610 that extends inward away from the neck of the bottle 1602 to form a more secure seal with the stopper cap 1608. FIG. 16C illustrates an embodiment without the stopper cap 1608 or the ledge 1610. As illustrated in FIG. 16C, some embodiments may further include an internal shoulder 1616, with which the sleeve 1604 forms a seal. As described above with respect to other embodiments, the seal may be made more secure by the inclusion of a shoulder ring 1622 between the sleeve 1604 and the internal shoulder 1616. Also as discussed above, the seal between the bottle 1602 and the sleeve 1604 may be further secured by the inclusion of a seal ring 1614, flanges, or other means of providing a secure seal between the bottle 1602 and the sleeve 1604.

Although multiple embodiments such as those described elsewhere herein with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 5A-B, 6, 7A-C, 8A-B, 9A-C, 10A-D, 16A-C, 18, 19A-B, and 20 are illustrated with internal threading within the necks of bottles connected to external threading on the exteriors of sleeves, other means of connection are envisioned. These other means of connection include adhesives, tabs, hooks, clips, flanges, tension, friction, etc. FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 1700 with a stopper 1706 disposed within a sleeve 1704 to form a seal to close a bottle 1702. The sleeve 1704 is inserted within the bottle 1702 and is connected thereto by an external threading 1712 on the bottle 1702 and an internal threading 1713 on the sleeve 1704. The bottle 1702 and the sleeve 1704 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the bottle 1702 or the sleeve 1704 while inserting the sleeve 1704 into the bottle 1702, such that the internal threading 1713 of the sleeve 1704 receives the external threading 1712 of the bottle 1702. In this manner, the sleeve 1704 may be screwed into the bottle 1702 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1712 and 1713 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the sleeve 1704 from the bottle 1702. In some embodiments, the external threading 1712 on the bottle 1702 may be recessed or otherwise disposed such that the largest cross-sectional radius of the external threading 1712 is no greater than the cross-sectional radius of the unthreaded portion of the neck of the bottle 1702 that is adjacent to the portion of the neck of the bottle 1702 containing the external threading 1712. In this manner, the sleeve 1704 may fit over the lip of the bottle 1702 in line with the surface of the neck of the bottle 1702. Although not shown in FIG. 17, it should be understood that one or more filters, filter caps, internal shoulders, seals, flanges, or other elements disclosed in the above embodiments may be included in various embodiments.

It should further be understood that any of the embodiments including caps may be connected by means other than a threaded cap fitted over the opening of a bottle such that an internal threading on the cap connects with an external threading on the bottle. For example, the cap may be secured by internal threading, tabs, hooks, adhesives, flanges, or teeth. FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 1800 wherein an internal threading 1811 on a bottle 1802 receives an external threading 1812 on a cap 1804. The cap 1804 fits within the opening of the bottle 1802 to create a seal that may be made more secure by the addition of a filter ring 1814, as in the embodiments discussed above. A filter 1808 may be included in the bottle closure device 1800 to remove particulates and other contaminants from the contents of the bottle 1802 when poured. The filter 1808 may further rest upon or be connected to an internal shoulder 1810, and the filter 1808 may be held in place by adhesives, tabs, hooks, threading, clips, friction, tension, or other means. Alternatively, the filter 1808 may be disposed within the neck of the bottle 1802 without the internal shoulder 1810, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 12A-F. Moreover, it should be understood that the filter 1808 may be any type of filter as discussed with respect to any of the embodiments above, including the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-8.

The cap 1804 may also include a lining 1806 to as a barrier to contamination of wine or other contents stored in the bottle 1802 by TCA or other contaminants. The lining 1806 may also remove such contaminants from tainted wine or other contents of the bottle 1802. The lining 1806 or the filter 1808 may be made in part or whole of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. As above, the lining 1806 may be layered onto the interior of the cap 1804, or it may be affixed to the cap 1804 mechanically or chemically. Alternatively, the lining 1806 may not be affixed to the cap 1804, instead forming a film, foil, or disk between the bottle 1802 and the cap 1804.

Similarly, the various rings referenced in several embodiments discussed above may be replaced in some embodiments by flanges or other means of creating a secure seal. FIGS. 19A-B illustrate an exemplary bottle closure device 1900 with a flange 1920 at the interior edge of a sleeve 1904. The sleeve 1904 is inserted within a bottle 1902 and is connected thereto by an external threading 1912 on the bottle 1902 and an internal threading 1913 on the sleeve 1904. The bottle 1902 and the sleeve 1904 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the bottle 1902 or the sleeve 1904 while inserting the sleeve 1904 into the bottle 1902, such that the internal threading 1913 of the sleeve 1904 receives the external threading 1912 of the bottle 1902. In this manner, the sleeve 1904 may be screwed into the bottle 1902 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1912 and 1913 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the sleeve 1904 from the bottle 1902. A stopper 1906 is disposed within the sleeve 1904, and the stopper 1906 may be connected to a stopper cap 1908. In FIG. 19B, the bottle closure device 1900 further includes a filter 1910 to remove particulates and other contaminants from the contents of the bottle 1902 when poured. The filter 1910 may form a seal with the internal shoulder 1916 by any means described herein, including the use of a filter ring or another flange 1920. Either or both of the stopper cap 1908 or filter 1910 may be made in whole or part of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA.

The flange 1920 may be integrated into the sleeve 1904 as a portion thereof or may be affixed to the sleeve 1904 by any known means. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 1904 is a deformable portion of the sleeve 1904 that extends outward from the sleeve 1904. As the sleeve 1904 is fully inserted within the bottle 1902, the flange 1920 meets an internal shoulder 1916 within the neck of the bottle 1902. Further insertion of the sleeve 1904 into the bottle 1902 causes the flange 1920 to deform in response to the opposition of the internal shoulder 1916. This deformation creates a secure seal between the internal shoulder 1916 and the flange 1920. Although FIGS. 19A-B illustrate using the flanges 1920 to replace filter rings or shoulder rings, it should be understood that the flanges 1920 could likewise be used as an alternative to a seal ring to form a more secure seal between the top of the sleeve 1904 and the top of the bottle 1902. Additionally, it should be understood that the filter 1910 may be any type of filter as discussed with respect to any of the embodiments above, including the embodiments discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-8.

In some embodiments, an additional pilfer band may be added to prevent bottles from being accidental or intentional unsealed during storage or shipping. FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a bottle closure device 2000 for sealing a bottle 2002, including a pilfer band 2022. The pilfer band 2022 is connected to a sleeve 2004 by a frangible connector 2020, which breaks upon the first removal of the sleeve 2004 from the bottle 2002. The pilfer band 2022 thus provides an indication of the first opening of the bottle 2002 after it has been sealed. Because it requires additional force to break the frangible connector 2020, the pilfer band 2022 additionally provides some protection against the sleeve 2004 accidentally dislodging from the bottle 2002 during storage or transportation.

The sleeve 2004 is inserted within the bottle 2002 and is connected thereto by an external threading 2012 on the bottle 2002 and an internal threading 2013 on the sleeve 2004. The bottle 1702 and the sleeve 2004 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the bottle 2002 or the sleeve 2004 while inserting the sleeve 2004 into the bottle 2002, such that the internal threading 2013 of the sleeve 2004 receives the external threading 2012 of the bottle 2002. The sleeve 2004 provides a secure seal for the bottle 2002 in conjunction with a stopper 2006 inserted within the sleeve 2004. In some embodiments, the stopper 2006 may be connected to a stopper cap 2008. The stopper cap 2008 may fit against a filter 2010, disposed within the neck of the bottle 2002 to remove particulates and other contaminants from the contents of the bottle 2002 when poured. In some embodiments, the filter 2010 may rest on or be connected to an internal shoulder 2016 within the bottle 2002. Either or both of the stopper cap 2008 or filter 2010 may be made in whole or part of a contaminant scavenger material, such as polyethylene or zeolites, which are scavengers of TCA. Additionally, a seal ring 2014 or a filter ring 2018 may be also be included in the bottle closure device 2000 to more securely seal the bottle 2002.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 2004 may include a cladding 2024 that provides a smoother or more aesthetically pleasing exterior of the sleeve 2004. The cladding may be metal (e.g., aluminum), plastic, or any other material commonly used for such purpose. In embodiments that include the cladding 2024, the cladding 2024 may wrap around the external portion of the sleeve 2004 that is visible when the sleeve 2004 is disposed within the bottle 2002 and the stopper 2006 is inserted within the sleeve 2004. The cladding 2024 may thus be disposed to cover or may serve as the outer surface of the portions of the sleeve 2004 containing the internal threading 2013 and the top of the sleeve 2004. In some embodiments, the frangible connector 2020 may connect to the cladding 2024, rather than the sleeve 2004, through the frangible connector 2020.

Additionally, or alternatively, the sleeve 2004 or the cladding 2024 may connect to a skirt (not shown), which surrounds the neck of the bottle 2002. The skirt may further cover a portion of the bottle 2002 beyond the sleeve 2004 and the pilfer band 2022 for aesthetic and security reasons. In some embodiments, the skirt may be integrated into or replace the pilfer band 2022, such that the skirt connects to the sleeve 2004 or the cladding 2024 by one or more frangible connectors 2020. When the sleeve 2004 or the cladding 2024 is removed, the frangible connectors 2020 may disconnect the skirt from the sleeve 2004 or the cladding 2024, respectively. Thus, the skirt may remain attached to or located around the neck of the bottle 2002 when the sleeve 2004 or the cladding 2024 is removed. Therefore, in some embodiments, the skirt may be connected to the bottle 2002 by adhesives, friction, tensions, flanges, or other means. In some embodiments, the skirt may include a flange (not shown) configured to fit within a receiving channel or depression (not shown) within the neck of the bottle 2002 to secure the skirt in place. Such flange or other means may further secure the bottle 2002 against being inadvertent or intentional unsealed during storage or transport.

Although the above description is addressed to closure devices for bottles for the sake of clarity, further embodiments may include closure devices used with other types of containers for liquids, such as cartons, drums, casks, kegs, jars, cans, cases, or jugs. Such other liquid container may contain any type of liquid, such as beer or champagne. Some bottles or other containers may include corks or other stoppers that protrude from the neck of the bottle or container. In some embodiments, such protruding corks or stoppers may be further secured by known means, including wire restraints configured to hold the cork or stopper in place during storage. Such means may be further reinforced by a covering or wrapping of foil, cloth, wax, or other materials.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a liquid container closure device 2100 for use in sealing a carton 2102 containing a liquid contents 2116. The carton 2102 may have multiple distinct surfaces, in which an opening may be included for pouring liquids into or out of the carton 2102. The opening may be reinforced and circumscribed by a protruding neck 2108, which may in some embodiments instead be recessed within the carton 2102. A sleeve 2104 may be inserted within the carton 2102 through the producing neck 2108. In some embodiments, the sleeve 2104 may further include or be connected to a filter 2110, as discussed above with respect to any of the other embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve 2104 may be replaced by a cap (not shown), which may likewise include or be connected to the filter 2110, as discussed above with respect to any of the other embodiments. The sleeve 2104 (or cap) may include an opening through which the liquid contents 2116 may be poured, and the opening may be further sealed by a plug 2106. The plug 2106 may be a removable stopper, a disk, a removable sheet or film, or any other type of removable seal. In various embodiments, the plug 2106 may seal the opening by friction, compression, tension, adhesion, or other means. The plug 2106 may further screw into the sleeve 2104 (or cap) or may snap in, be pressed in, or be sealed with an adhesive around the edge of the opening to form a secure seal. In some embodiments, the plug 2106 may be replaceable to reseal the carton 2102.

The sleeve 2104 (or cap) may be connected to the protruding neck 2108 by an external threading 2112 on the protruding neck 2108 and an internal threading 2113 on the sleeve 2104. The protruding neck 2108 and the sleeve 2104 may be connected thus by rotating either or both of the protruding neck 2108 (which may include rotating the carton 2102) or the sleeve 2104 while inserting the sleeve 2104 into the protruding neck 2108, such that the internal threading 2113 of the sleeve 2104 receives the external threading 2112 of the protruding neck 2108. In this manner, the sleeve 2104 may be screwed onto the protruding neck 2108 such that it is held in place by friction between the threadings 1712 and 1713 but may be removed by application of force in the opposite direction to unscrew the sleeve 2104 from the protruding neck 2108. It should be understood that the sleeve 2104 (or cap) may instead connect to the protruding (or recessed) neck 2108 by an external threading on the sleeve 2104 configured to screw into an internal threading on the protruding neck 2108. It should be further understood that one or more internal shoulders, seals, flanges, pilfer bands, claddings, skirts, or other elements disclosed in the above embodiments may be included in various embodiments.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Although the preceding text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

1. A liquid container closure device for closing a liquid container, comprising:

a sleeve fitted to insert into an opening of the liquid container; and

a stopper fitted to insert into the sleeve,

wherein the combination of the sleeve and the stopper forms a removable seal to close the liquid container when inserted into the opening of the liquid container.

2. The liquid container closure device of claim 1, wherein the liquid container may be opened by either (i) removing the stopper alone or (ii) removing both the sleeve and the stopper.

3. The liquid container closure device of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve comprises at least one of: an oxygen scavenger or a TCA scavenger.

4. The liquid container closure device of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve comprises at least one of: polyethylene, zeolites, a ferrous material, activated carbon, sodium sulfite, sodium chloride, or glucose oxidase; and wherein the portion of the sleeve is exposed to the contents of the liquid container only upon removal of the stopper.

5. The liquid container closure device of claim 1, further comprising a seal between the sleeve and a portion of the liquid container, wherein the seal comprises at least one of the following: a deformable ring, a gasket, an adhesive layer, or a flange.

6. The liquid container closure device of claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: a filter or an aerator.

7. The liquid container closure device of claim 6, wherein the filter comprises one or more of the following: a mesh, a sieve, a membrane, a lattice, a basket, a cloth, or a sponge.

8. The liquid container closure device of claim 6, wherein the filter further comprises one or more of the following: a spring, a ventilation tube, a ventilation mechanism, or a mechanism applying tension to the filter.

9. The liquid container closure device of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the filter comprises at least one of: polyethylene, zeolites, a ferrous material, activated carbon, sodium sulfite, sodium chloride, or glucose oxidase.

10. The liquid container closure device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes an interior opening configured to receive the stopper, and wherein at least one portion of the interior opening has a cross-sectional area lesser than the cross sectional area of another portion of the interior opening.

11. The liquid container closure device of claim 1, wherein:

the liquid container further comprises a neck; and

the sleeve is further fitted to insert into the neck.

12. The liquid container closure device of claim 11, wherein:

the neck further comprises a threaded portion on the exterior of the neck;

the sleeve further comprises a threaded portion of the sleeve; and

the threaded portion of the sleeve and the threaded portion on the exterior of the neck are configured to removably connect the sleeve to the liquid container by fitting together the threaded portions.

13. The liquid container closure device of claim 12, wherein the neck further comprises an unthreaded portion adjacent to the threaded portion on the exterior of the neck, and wherein the maximum cross-sectional radius of the threaded portion on the exterior of the neck does not exceed the maximum cross-sectional radius of the unthreaded portion of the neck.

14. The liquid container closure device of claim 12, wherein the sleeve contains one or more breaches configured to permit liquid to flow between the interior and exterior of the sleeve within the neck.

15. The liquid container closure device of claim 14, wherein the one or more breaches are covered with a filter material comprising one or more of the following: a mesh, a sieve, a membrane, a lattice, a cloth, or a sponge.

16. The liquid container closure device of claim 14, wherein the one or more breaches include a plurality of perforations facilitating ventilation across the sleeve, and wherein the plurality of perforations are disposed within a portion of the sleeve forming a basket.

17. The liquid container closure device of claim 11, further comprising a pilfer band connected to the sleeve by one or more frangible connectors, wherein removing the sleeve from the neck breaks the one or more frangible connectors and disconnects the pilfer band from the sleeve.

18. The liquid container closure device of claim 17, further comprising a cladding surrounding an external portion of the sleeve that is outside the liquid container when the sleeve is inserted within the neck.

19. The liquid container closure device of claim 11, wherein:

the neck further comprises a threaded portion on the interior of the neck;

the sleeve further comprises a threaded portion on the exterior of the sleeve; and

the sleeve is fitted to insert into the neck such that the threaded portion on the exterior of the sleeve fits within the threaded portion on the interior of the neck.

20. The liquid container closure device of claim 11, wherein the neck further comprises an internal shoulder, which internal shoulder comprises a ledge within the neck protruding from the interior surface of the neck.

21. The liquid container closure device of claim 20, further comprising a filter, wherein:

the filter is connected to the internal shoulder by one or more of the following: adhesive, tabs, hooks, threading, clips, flanges, friction, or tension;

the filter is further connected to the sleeve by one or more frangible connectors; and

the one or more frangible connectors cause the filter and the sleeve to decouple when the sleeve is removed from the neck.

22. A liquid container closure device for closing a liquid container, comprising:

a removable cap fitted to seal an opening of the liquid container; and

a lining fitted to form a barrier between the interior of the removable cap and the interior of the liquid container, wherein at least a portion of the filter comprises at least one of: an oxygen scavenger or a TCA scavenger;

wherein the combination of the removable cap and the lining forms a removable seal to close the liquid container.

23. The liquid container closure device of claim 22, further comprising a filter, wherein the filter further comprises one or more of the following: a mesh, a sieve, a membrane, a lattice, a basket, a cloth, or a sponge.

24. The liquid container closure device of claim 23, further comprising a second removable cap fitted to seal an opening in the removable cap, wherein the filter is connected to the removable cap.

25. The liquid container closure device of claim 23, wherein:

the liquid container further comprises a neck; and

the filter is further disposed within the neck.

26. The liquid container closure device of claim 25, wherein the filter is connected to the neck by one or more of the following: an adhesive, a tab, a hook, a threading, a clip, a flange, or by friction or tension between the filter and the neck.

27. A liquid container closure device for closing a liquid container, comprising:

at least one of (i) a removable cap or (ii) a removable stopper, fitted to seal an opening of the liquid container; and

a filter,

wherein the filter is disposed within a neck of the liquid container.

28. The liquid container closure device of claim 27, wherein the filter comprises one or more of the following: a mesh, a sieve, a membrane, a lattice, a basket, a cloth, or a sponge.

29. The liquid container closure device of claim 27, wherein the filter further comprises one or more of the following: a spring, a ventilation tube, a ventilation mechanism, or a mechanism applying tension to the filter.

30. The liquid container closure device of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the filter comprises at least one of: polyethylene or zeolites.