WO2005009853A1

WO2005009853A1 - Liquids packaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2005009853A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2004/000161
Authority: WO
Inventors: Graeme Ashley Blake
Original assignee: Vin Singlz Limited
Priority date: 2003-07-25
Filing date: 2004-07-23
Publication date: 2005-02-03

Abstract

A liquids packaging system comprising a bottle (41) and a drinking vessel (43), the interior of the drinking vessel being so sized and shaped as to fit about a substantial portion of the bottle. The system being provided with a first connection means, for example a snap fit or screw thread which is adapted to connect the drinking vessel to the bottle. And the drinking vessel is provided with a closure means adapted to seal the bottle, ideally in the form of a plug (65). A number of such bottles and drinking vessels can be linked, by a frangible link for example, to form a multi-pack arrangement. The drinking vessel can itself comprise two parts, a cup portion (61) which can be screwed onto the bottle to form a seal, and a base portion (45) which can be added separately.

Description

Liquids Packaging System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a liquids packaging system, and in particular a liquids packaging system suitable for alcoholic drinks.

BACKGROUND

Increasingly drinks are being sold or distributed in single serve bottles, especially alcoholic beverages as consumed in many social gatherings. And to some extent it is considered preferable to consume a drink supplied in a bottle, rather than a can.

The packaging and handling costs associated with these bottles can be a burden, due to the quantities of bottles to be handled and their sensitivity to handling damage. Bulky or costly boxes or crates are often required when handling quantities of these bottles.

The service industry, whether it be in a restaurant or bar, or an airline or shipping line, is often faced with a large logistical difficulty in providing clean drinking glasses to go with each bottle of drink sold or served. When serving a meal and a drink in an aircraft situation for example, eliminating the step of retrieving a glass to go with a drink bottle, would provide a huge labour saving over time, considering the millions of drinks served in this way each year. Even in a home social event the logistics of providing glasses can become a problem.

Cork removal can also be costly in labour terms, or can present an obstacle for the consumer, for beverages sold in packaging containing a cork. Corks can be difficult to extract and/or can be difficult to control during removal especially if the bottle contains pressurised gas.

Poorly washed or unhygienic glasses pose the problem of transfer of disease or infection. The method by which glasses are often stored and distributed leaves them vulnerable to contamination, from aerosol contaminants including airborne bacteria or viruses. For example, if a kitchen hand or barman coughs or sneezes, harmful bacteria or viruses may be spread into the interior of a glass. Additionally, those enjoying social gatherings are increasingly facing the danger of having their drinks tampered with. Drinks can be "spiked" with additional alcohol, or with drugs, making the drinker vulnerable to a loss of self control and abuse.

OBJECT

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a liquids packaging system which will at least go some way towards ameliorating the foregoing problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to be a liquids packaging system comprising a bottle and a drinking vessel, the interior of the drinking vessel being so sized and shaped as to fit about at least a portion of the bottle, the system being provided with a first connection means which is adapted to connect the drinking vessel to the bottle, and wherein the drinking vessel is provided with a closure means adapted to seal the bottle.

Such an arrangement provides a packaging system that is suitable for a wide range of liquids such as wines, beverages and medicines, and provides the advantage that a clean drinking vessel is at hand when the bottle is opened. In a situation where a large number of drinks are being distributed this can reduce the workload and save time. Also, the consumer of the drink can have complete control over the security of their drink. Such an arrangement also provides a space saving solution. In some situations, for example on an aircraft, where many hundreds drink bottles and glasses are stored, a useful saving in space could be achieved if each bottle was stored at least partially within each glass.

A packaging system comprising a single bottle and drinking vessel is very useful as noted above, however, preferably the packaging system comprises a plurality of the said drinking vessels and bottles, and a second connection means is provided to link adjacent drinking vessel and bottle assemblies.

A grouping of connected bottles and drinking vessels has two advantages. Firstly, such a grouping can be easier to stack, a six-pack grouping for example will form a stable "brick" shape which is suitable for stacking. And secondly, a grouping of bottles can be easier to handle than a number of individual bottles, for example when picking them up and carrying them home from a supermarket.

Clearly the second connection means can take a number of forms, for example a zipper or tearable type of connection, or an intermediate member which is adapted to engage with each bottle and drinking vessel assembly such as a plastics membrane, however, preferably the second connection means is a frangible joint, for example a line of weakness in the material that forms the second connection.

A frangible connection has a number of advantages, firstly, it is simple to manufacture, and secondly, the action of breaking the connection is easily understood and carried out.

While the closure means can take many forms, for example a sealing gasket, a ring, a sealant material, or a cap, however, preferably the closure means includes a plugging means, for example a plug, cork, or a cork-like protrusion.

Preferably the plugging means is integral with the drinking vessel.

The first connection means can be a snap fit between the drinking vessel and any part of the bottle, however, preferably the first connection means includes a screw thread in at least the drinking vessel or the bottle.

Such a first connection means provides a number of advantages, firstly, in a situation where it is necessary for the closure to produce a good seal and to be well retained, for example on bottles that contain sparkling wines. And secondly, the plugging means can be easier to remove since the plugging means can be twisted to assist with removal.

Any screw thread on the drinking vessel, or on the bottle, can be an internal or an external thread.

Preferably the length of the screw thread in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle, is greater than the length of the sealing surface of the plugging means in the same direction. This feature of thread length can allow the plugging means to be removed to a point at which gas pressure can escape, while the drinking vessel is still at least partly retained by the threaded portion. This could reduce the possibility of the drinking vessel being propelled from the bottle like a projectile.

The bottle and/or the drinking vessel can be made from any material, for example glass, plastics or aluminium, however, preferably they are made from plastics.

Bottles and dr king vessels made of plastics are advantageous because they can be produced to closer dimensional tolerances than glass, and at a reasonable cost. The closer dimensional tolerances can be important to ensure that the bottles are securely closed.

Preferably the drinking vessel is made from a plurality of parts, for example a base portion and a cup portion.

This provides a number of advantages. Firstly, ease of installation onto a bottle. A cup portion of the drinking vessel, which can include the closure means, can be installed onto a bottle, and then screwed tight if required. And then, a base portion can be clipped onto the cup portion. The base portion can be connected to at least one other base portion, allowing a grouping of bottles to be connected together. In this example the base portion does not need to be rotated with the cup portion, which is a clear advantage if a number of base portions are connected together. And secondly, each part can be manufactured from a different material to take advantage of particular characteristics of the material, for example, a base portion can be made from a plastics material that is suitable to form a frangible connection, and the cup portion can be made from a plastics material that has good appearance.

Preferably the plugging means is integral with the cup portion, and the base portion is adapted to expand the plugging means when the base portion is mated to the cup portion.

Such an arrangement can provide a very effective seal between the plugging means and the internal diameter of the neck of the bottle. The plugging means can be so sized as to allow the cup portion can be screwed onto the bottle without undue friction, and then the plugging means can be expanded when the base portion is fitted, to produce a higher interference fit between the plugging means and the neck of the bottle, to improve the seal. The second connection means can be formed between adjacent bottles, or between the sides of adjacent drinking vessels, however, preferably the second connection means is provided between base portions of adjacent drinking vessels.

A second connection means between base portions of adjacent drinking vessels can be easier to manufacture, for example in a situation where the base portion is substantially flat, and a frangible joint can be produced between the edges of the substantially flat base portions. Inter-connected base portions that are substantially flat can be easier to handle between manufacture and use, for example a long line of inter-connected base portions could be formed into a roll when manufactured, and then uncoiled during the bottling process.

Preferably the liquids packaging system includes a hygiene seal. Such a hygiene seal is advantageous in that it can minimise the possibility of contamination of the interior of the drinking vessel prior to use. This can give the consumer improved confidence in the use of the drink and the drinking vessel, even though the liquids packaging system may have been stored or transported or served in situations of unknown hygiene standards.

The hygiene seal can for example be an all-over wrap, a close tolerance fit between the lip of the drinking vessel and the bottle about which it is fitted, a sealant or gasket material, however, preferably the hygiene seal is a plastic sleeve or wrap that fits snugly about the lip of the drinking vessel and the bottle, bridging the gap between the two. The hygiene seal can also be used to form the first connection means between the drinking vessel and the bottle, for example the hygiene seal could take the form of an adhesive tape which is applied about the lip of the drinking vessel and the bottle, bridging the gap between the two and connecting the two together.

In a second aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a drinking vessel adapted to connect with a bottle substantially as specified herein.

In a third aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a bottle adapted to connect with a drinking vessel substantially as specified herein. In a fourth aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of packaging a liquid comprising the steps of; placing a quantity of the liquid into a bottle, and connecting a drinking vessel to the bottle.

Preferably the step of connecting the drinking vessel to the bottle includes the steps of; connecting a cup portion of the drinking vessel to the bottle, and connecting a base portion of the drinking vessel to the cup portion.

Preferably the method further includes the step of placing a hygiene seal about the drinking vessel and bottle.

Preferably the step of connecting a drinking vessel to the bottle involves the mating of a screw thread with a complimentary mating feature.

In a fifth aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a liquid product that is packaged in a packaging system substantially as specified herein.

In a sixth aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a bottle closure means comprising a plugging means adapted to mate with a sealing surface on a bottle, and an engagement means which is adapted to mate with a complimentary engagement means on the bottle, wherein the engagement means includes a threaded portion, or a feature adapted to mate with a thread.

Such a bottle closure means provides a number of advantages. Firstly, in a situation where it is necessary to produce a good seal and where the closure needs to be well retained, for example for use on bottles that contain sparkling wines. Secondly, the closure means can be easier to remove since the closure means can be twisted to assist with removal. This can eliminate the need for a cork removal device.

Any threaded portion on the plugging means, or on a bottle, can be an internal or an external thread.

Preferably the length of the thread in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle, is greater than the length of the sealing surface of the plugging means in the same direction. This feature of thread length can allow the plugging means to be removed to a point at which gas pressure can escape from the bottle, while the plugging means is still at least partly retained by the threaded portion. This can reduce the possibility of the closure means being ejected from the bottle like a projectile.

Preferably the closure means includes an anti-rotation locking feature.

Preferably the anti-rotation locking feature includes a ratchet style sloping tooth in either the bottle or the plugging means.

DESCRIPTION

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

A number of examples of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which,

FIGURE 1 is a partial cross sectional view of a closure means for a bottle,

FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view of a liquids packaging system showing a single bottle and drinking vessel assembly,

FIGURE 3 is a partial cross sectional view of a liquids packaging system having a threaded first connection means and a plug style closure means,

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the liquids packaging system, showing connected bottle and drinking vessel assemblies,

FIGURE 5 is a side view of a single bottle from the figure 4 arrangement,

FIGURE 6 is a pair of perspective views showing a drinking vessel from the figure 4 arrangement, the drinking vessel having two parts, a cup portion and a base portion,

FIGURES 7 & 7a are a plan view and a cross sectional view of the base portion, FIGURES 8 to 8b are a side view and two cross sectional views of the cup portion, and

FIGURES 9 & 9a are a side view and a cross sectional view of an assembled bottle and drinking vessel.

EXAMPLE 1

With reference to Figure 1, a closure means (3) is shown inserted into a bottle (11). The closure means (3) includes a plug portion (4) and a threaded portion (5). The neck of the bottle (11) includes a sealing surface (6) and a threaded portion (7). The engagement of the threaded portions (5) and (7) not only helps to retain the closure means (3), but also aids in removal of the plug portion (4). If the closure means (3) is twisted relative to the bottle (11) the plug portion (4) can be effectively jacked or screwed out of the bottle (11). This system reduces the need for a cork screw.

In figure 1 the illustration shows a very slight gap between the plug portion (4) and the sealing surface (6). It should be noted that this slight gap is for illustrative purposes only, and in practice the plug portion (4) will contact the sealing surface (6) to form a seal.

A plug portion (4) which extends some distance down the neck (11) of the bottle is advantageous in that it can be used to maintain a good seal for a useful length of time, as is required for wines.

Also the engagement of the threaded portions (5) and (7) can help to prevent a rapid exit of the closure means (3) from the bottle (11) while the bottle (11) is being opened. If the threaded portion (5) is longer than the plug portion (4), in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bottle, then the threaded portion (5) of the closure means (3) will still be engaged with the threaded portion (7) of the bottle (11) when the plugging means (4) and the sealing surface (6) have disengaged allowing any pressure within the bottle (11) to escape.

This example has been illustrated with an internal thread (7) on the bottle (11), but clearly a closure means that is adapted to mate with an external thread on a bottle will work in the same manner. Two examples of a closure means that engage with an external thread are shown with reference to figures 3 to 9a below, the closure means being incorporated into a drinking vessel in those examples. A closure means having a plug that is expanded by a second member is described with reference to figures 6 to 9a, and clearly the closure means described with reference to figure 1 could be adapted to include the use of such a secondary member.

EXAMPLE 2

With reference to Figure 2, a liquids packaging system (10) is shown comprising a bottle

(12) and a drinking vessel (13). A close fitting wrapper (15) is shown fitted over the interface between the lip (17) of the drinking vessel (13) and the body of the bottle (12). The wrapper (15) can be in the form of a plastic shrink wrap sleeve. This produces a hygiene seal, substantially preventing contaminants from entering the interior of the drinking vessel (13).

Additionally in this figure the neck of the bottle (12) is shown having a protrusion (19) which mates with a corresponding groove (21) in the neck portion of the drinking vessel (13). A gasket (25) is provided to improve sealing of the bottle (12). The drinking vessel

(13) can be snapped onto the bottle (12) and by the action of the protrusion (19) and groove (21) is held connected to the bottle (12). And in combination with the gasket (25) provides a closure means to prevent the contents of the bottle (12) from escaping, and to prevent unwanted material entering the bottle (12). The drinking vessel (13) can be removed from the bottle (12) when desired by first removing the wrapper (15) and then exerting a force to pull the drinking vessel (13) from the bottle (12). Then the contents of the bottle (12) can be poured into the drinking vessel (13) and consumed.

Such an arrangement is very simple, and yet provides a consumer with a drink and a drinking vessel (13) in such a manner that the consumer can have confidence that the drink has not been tampered with in any way.

EXAMPLE 3

With reference to Figure 3, a second example of a liquids packaging system (20) is shown. In this case the drinking vessel (29) includes a plugging means (31) and a female screw thread (33) in the neck region of the drinking vessel (29), and the bottle (35) includes a mating male screw thread (37) adjacent to the opening in the bottle (35) as is common practice with many bottles. The bottle (35) can be screwed into the drinking vessel (29) to achieve a connection between the bottle (35) and the drinking vessel (29), and to close the bottle (35). In this example, the plugging means is provided with a series of three sealing lips (32) which are adapted to seal against the internal diameter (36) of the neck of the bottle (35).

And when it is comes time to consume the contents of the bottle (35), the drinking vessel (29) can be screwed in the direction for removal, the resultant jacking action will assist removal of the plugging means (31) from the internal diameter (36) of the neck of the bottle (35). This eliminates the need for a separate cork screw device.

Typically plugging means, or corks, used in bottles are tightly fitted, especially when the bottle contains a beverage such as a wine which must be preserved for a good length of time. The assistance provided by a screw thread allows the consumer to have more control over the cork removal process, making it easier to extract the plugging means or cork. If the screw thread has a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis (34) of the bottle, that is greater than the length of the plugging means (31) in the same direction, it can make it easier to prevent sudden departure of the plugging means (31) and the associated drinking vessel (29) from the bottle. That is, the gas pressure within the bottle (35) can be released prior to disengagement of the threads (37) and (33).

Also, the threads may improve cork retention during transportation or storage, especially if combined with an anti-rotation locking feature.

Once the plugging means (31) has been removed, the contents of the bottle (35) can be poured into the drinking vessel (29) and consumed. Clearly the bottle (35) can be resealed if desired by screwing the drinking vessel (29) back onto the bottle (35).

EXAMPLE 4

With reference to Figure 4, a third example of a liquids packaging system (40) is shown comprising four bottles (41), and drinking vessels (43) which are connected. Each drinking vessel (43) has a base portion (45), and the connection is formed between adjacent base portions (45) in the form of four frangible links (47). Each frangible link (47) is manufactured by creating a line of weakness between adjacent bases (45), the line of weakness can be produced by creating a line in the form of a notch.

The frangible links (47) keep the four bottles (41) and drinking vessels (43) together for handling and stacking purposes, and the frangible links (47) allow the individual bottle and dri-αking vessel assemblies to be detached when required for sale or serving, etc.

A hole (49) is provided in the liquids packaging system (40) as a finger hole for further ease of handling.

Optionally the connection between adjacent drinking vessels (43) could be a zipper or a tearable type connection, for example, and a tab could be included and when force is applied to the tab the material making the connection is caused to tear along a predetermined line. As a further option, the connection between each adjacent drinking vessel (43) could be a snap fit or an interference fit connection existing between adjoining drinking vessels. Preferably the drinking vessels (43) and/or the bottles (41) are connected to each other, however as an option the drinking vessels (43) and/or the bottles (41) could be connected by an intermediate member, for example a plastic membrane or web.

A close fitting wrapper (48) is shown fitted over the interface between the lip of the drinking vessel (43) and the body each bottle (41). As with the wrapper in example 2, the wrapper (48) can be in the form of a plastic shrink wrap sleeve, and produces a hygiene seal. The wrapper (48) could clearly take a number of forms, for example an adhesive strip.

This example shows bottles (41) and drinking vessels (43) connected in a group of four, but clearly any number could be connected, for example a twin pack or a six pack. The liquids packaging system (40) can be used to contain a range of liquids for example wines, beers, soft drinks, juices and medicines.

With reference to Figures 5 one bottle (41), of the arrangement shown in figure 4, is shown in side view. In this view it can be seen that the bottle has a shoulder (52) part of the way up the body of the bottle (41) and a reduced diameter in the region (51) that is covered by a drinking vessel when the bottle (41) is assembled with a drinking vessel. This reduced diameter provides a bottle and drinking vessel assembly which has a substantially constant diameter and this can be an advantage for follow-on packaging and storage requirements.

In this case the bottle has an external threaded portion (53) adjacent to the bottle opening (54). The inside of the neck of the bottle is of a substantially constant diameter, suitable to be closed by a plug or cork style of closure.

The bottle (41) can be a conventional glass bottle with the advantage that the glass gives a good shelf life for wines etc. However, as an alternative the bottle (41) can be made from a plastics material, the main advantage being that a plastics bottle can be manufactured to slightly tighter dimensional tolerances, which can be an advantage in this application where the bottle closure incorporates both a screw thread and a plug.

With reference to Figure 6 one drinking vessel (43), of the arrangement shown in figure 4, is shown as two separate parts, a cup portion (61) and the base portion (45).

The cup portion (61) can be fitted about a bottle to provide a closure for the bottle. In this case the cup portion (61) is provided with an internal thread, which will be detailed further with reference to figure 8 below. The thread on the cup portion (61) is adapted to engage with a thread on the bottle and the cup portion (61) can be rotated to screw it onto the bottle in the same manner that a conventional screw cap is put onto a bottle.

In this example the cup portion (61) is also provided with a plug (65) which is adapted to fit into the neck of the bottle. The plug (65) is also provided with an internal spline (67). This has two purposes, a tool can engage with the spline (67) to screw the cup portion (61) onto a bottle, and the base portion (45) can engage with the spline (67) to prevent the base portion (45) from rotating relative to the cup portion (61).

The base portion (45) comprises a substantially flat member (69), a collar (71) and a protrusion (73). The protrusion (73) is frusta conical in shape, and is provided with an external spline (75) which is adapted to mate with the internal spline (67) as noted above.

The collar (71) is adapted to mate with a cylindrical section (77) on the cup portion (61) and tabs (79) are adapted to mate with a groove (81) to hold the base portion (45) on to the cup portion (61). The protrusion (73) is so sized and shaped that when it mates with the plug (65) it causes the diameter of the plug (65) to expand slightly. In this example, the conical shape of the protrusion (73) produces a wedging action against the internal wall of the plug (65) to cause its diameter to expand. This is a particular advantage because it allows the plug (65) to be sized to fit into the neck of a bottle without undue friction, allowing the cup portion (61) to be screwed onto the bottle without undue resistance, and then the seal between the plug (65) and the neck of the bottle can be subsequently tightened by the action of inserting the protrusion (73) into the centre of the plug (65).

The cup portion (61) is shaped to have a stem section (82) which has a diameter that is significantly less than the main part of the body of the cup portion (61) and which is closer to the diameter of the neck of the bottle. This reduced diameter stem section (82) is advantageous in two aspects. Firstly, the stem section (82) is ideally sized to contain an internal thread or other connection means for engagement with the neck of a bottle. And secondly, the stem section allows for a compact and more aesthetically pleasing connection to the separate base portion (45).

With reference to Figures 7 and 7a the base portion (45) is shown in a plan view and in a cross sectional view AA in figure 7a. added clarity of each of the features described with reference to figure 6 above.

With reference to Figures 8 and 8a the cup portion (61) is shown in a side elevation and in a cross sectional view BB in figure 8a. These figures provide added clarity of each of the features described with reference to figure 6 above.

In this example, the interior (83) of the cup portion (61) is so sized and shaped as to fit about a substantial portion of the bottle (41). However, in other cases only a very small dr kingvessel (43) may be required, for example when the liquid is a medicine or a spirit based drink, and the cup portion (61) could be so sized and shaped as to fit about only a small portion of the bottle (41).

The lip of the cup portion (61) can be adapted to provide a snug fit with a bottle to prevent dust etc getting into the interior of the cup portion (61). The cup portion (61) has an internal thread (87) deep within the interior of the cup portion (61), the internal thread (87) being adapted to mate with a complimentary thread on a bottle.

With reference to Figure 8b an alternate or additional sealing feature (91) is shown. This sealing feature (91) takes the form of a raised circular ridge and is adapted to abut the outer edge of the bottle opening (54). This can be used as a supplementary seal, or as the primary seal. Clearly many other sealing arrangements are possible.

With reference to Figures 9 and 9a one assembled bottle (41) and chinking vessel (43) is shown in a side elevation, and in a cross sectional view DD in figure 9a.

The order of assembly would normally be to fill the bottle (41) with a liquid, and then place the cup portion (61) over the opening of the bottle and engaging the internal thread (87) on the cup portion (61) with the external threaded portion (53) on the bottle (41). The cup portion (61) can be pressed onto the bottle to engage the threads, however preferably the cup portion (61) is rotated about its principal axis to screw the cup portion (61) tightly onto the bottle (41). The outer diameter of the plug (65) mates with the internal diameter (55) of the neck of the bottle (43).

The base portion (45), which can be linked to a number of other base portions (45), can be then be pressed onto the cup portion (61) ensuring that the protrusion (73) engages with the interior of the plug (65). The base portion (45) can be pressed on until the.tabs (79) engage with the groove (81).

It is advantageous if the lip (85) of the cup portion (61) fits snugly against the shoulder (52) on the bottle (41) as this will provide a hygiene seal and help to keep the interior of the drinking vessel (43) clean.

VARIATIONS

Throughout the examples reference has been made to a drinking vessel in the form of a vessel for consuming a beverage. As a variation however, the drinking vessel could take the form of a measuring cup suitable for measuring out a quantity of medicine. In this way the packaging system could be used for pharmaceutical products. DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A liquids packaging system comprising a bottle and a drinking vessel, the interior of the drinking vessel being so sized and shaped as to fit about at least a portion of the bottle, the system being provided with a first connection means which is adapted to connect the drinking vessel to the bottle, and wherein the drinking vessel is provided with a closure means adapted to seal the bottle.

2. A liquids packaging system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the packaging system comprises a plurality of the drinking vessels and bottles, and a second connection means is provided to link adjacent drinking vessel and bottle assemblies.

3. A liquids packaging system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second connection means is a frangible joint.

4. A liquids packaging system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the closure means includes a plugging means.

5. A liquids packaging system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plugging means is integral with the drinking vessel.

6. A liquids packaging system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connection means includes a screw thread in at least the drinking vessel or the bottle.

7. A liquids packaging system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drinking vessel is made from a plurality of parts.

8. A method of packaging a liquid comprising the steps of; placing a quantity of the liquid into a bottle, and connecting a drinking vessel to the bottle.

9. A method of packaging a liquid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the step of connecting a drinking vessel to the bottle includes the steps of; connecting a cup portion of the drinking vessel to the bottle, and connecting a base portion of the drinking vessel to the cup portion.

0. A method of packaging a liquid as claimed in any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the step of connecting the drinking vessel to the bottle involves the mating of a screw thread with a complimentary mating feature.