U.S. patent application number 09/881816 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-11 for sediment collection.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOTIT LTD.. Invention is credited to Yahav, Shimon.
Application Number | 20010027726 09/881816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11070134 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010027726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yahav, Shimon |
October 11, 2001 |
Sediment collection
Abstract
A stopper including a collection receptacle, characterized in
that the stopper is provided with a valve that permits flow of
sediments into said collection receptacle, wherein said valve may
be closed to substantially trap said sediments in said collection
receptacle and obstruct flow therefrom.
Inventors: |
Yahav, Shimon; (Rehovot,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1941 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
GOTIT LTD.
Rehovot
IL
|
Family ID: |
11070134 |
Appl. No.: |
09/881816 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09881816 |
Jun 18, 2001 |
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09423620 |
Jan 18, 2000 |
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6260474 |
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09423620 |
Jan 18, 2000 |
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PCT/IL98/00200 |
Apr 28, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/467 ;
99/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12G 1/08 20130101; B65D
51/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/467 ;
99/446 |
International
Class: |
A01J 011/04; A01J
015/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 15, 1997 |
IL |
120839 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A stopper comprising: a collection receptacle; characterized in
that said stopper is provided with a valve that permits flow of
sediments into said collection receptacle, wherein said valve may
be closed to substantially trap said sediments in said collection
receptacle and obstruct flow therefrom.
2. The stopper according to claim 1 and comprising a bottle,
wherein said stopper is sealably attachable to said bottle and said
sediments flow to said collection receptacle from a fluid in said
bottle.
3. The stopper according to claim 1 and comprising a bottle,
wherein said stopper is threadably attachable to said bottle.
4. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and comprising a
retaining mechanism for releasably retaining said valve in an open
configuration that permits flow of sediments into said collection
receptacle.
5. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and comprising a
pressure relief device that relieves an internal pressure from said
stopper.
6. The stopper according to claim 2 and comprising a pressure
relief device that relieves an internal pressure from said
bottle.
7. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said valve
is selectively returnable from a closed configuration that
substantially traps said sediments in said collection receptacle
and obstructs flow therefrom, to an open configuration that permits
the flow of additional sediments into said collection
receptacle.
8. The stopper according to claim 1 and comprising an expelling
device for expelling sediments from said collection receptacle.
9. The stopper according to claim 2 and comprising an expelling
device for expelling sediments from said collection receptacle
while said stopper is attached to said bottle.
10. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and comprising a
stem that extends from said collection receptacle and which is
adapted to sealingly fit into an aperture of a bottle, said stem
having a bore to permit fluid communication between said contents
of said bottle and said collection receptacle.
11. The stopper according to claim 10 and wherein said valve
comprises a plunger that biases against a valve seat adjacent to an
aperture in said collection receptacle throughwhich the sediments
may pass.
12. The stopper according to claim 10 and wherein said stem
comprises a packing preform for sealing said stem with respect to
said aperture of said bottle.
13. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said
valve, called a main valve, comprises an internal valve for
selective passage of substances therethrough regardless if said
main valve is closed or not.
14. The stopper according to claim 13 and further comprising a
spout, said internal valve being in fluid communication with said
spout, and wherein said internal valve may be selectively opened to
pour a beverage through said internal valve and said spout.
15. The stopper according to clam 1 or claim 2 and wherein said
collection receptacle comprises a flexible portion which may be
sealed by twisting thereof.
16. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said
valve comprises a device which prevents further use of said valve
once said valve has been closed to trap sediments therein.
17. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said
collection receptacle comprises a portion characterized by a
changeable volume and an increase in fluid pressure inside said
collection receptacle causes a change in volume of said changeable
volume thereby closing said valve.
18. The stopper according to claim 17 and wherein said changeable
volume portion comprises an expandable portion which upon expansion
closes said valve.
19. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said
collection receptacle comprises a portion characterized by a
changeable volume and an increase in fluid pressure inside said
collection receptacle causes a change in volume of the changeable
volume thereby opening said valve.
20. The stopper according to claim 19 and wherein said changeable
volume portion comprises an expandable portion which upon expansion
opens said valve.
21. The stopper according to claim 1 or claim 2 and wherein said
valve is biased by a biasing device against a pressure exerted
thereupon by a fluid, and said valve is selectively openable to
permit an ingress of said fluid that presses against said valve
into said collection receptacle.
22. A method for separating sediments produced by fermenting of a
beverage from a portion of the beverage, the method comprising:
allowing said sediments produced by said fermenting to flow into a
collection receptacle formed in a stopper that seals a container
containing said beverage; and trapping said sediments in said
collection receptacle so as to separate said sediments from a
portion of said beverage remaining in said container outside of
said collection receptacle.
23. A method for producing a beverage comprising: sealing a
fermentable beverage in a container with a stopper, said stopper
being formed with a collection receptacle therein; fermenting said
fermentable beverage, thereby producing sediments as a byproduct of
the fermenting; allowing said sediments produced by said fermenting
to flow into said collection receptacle; and trapping said
sediments in said collection receptacle so as to separate said
sediments from a portion of said beverage remaining in said
container outside of said collection receptacle.
24. The method according to claim 23 and comprising allowing said
beverage to undergo primary and secondary fermentation, wherein
said container is sealed with said stopper during both primary
fermentation and secondary fermentation.
25. The method according to claim 22 and comprising pressure
relieving said container upon an internal pressure of said
container reaching a predetermined level.
26. The method according to claim 23 and comprising pressure
relieving said container upon an internal pressure of said
container reaching a predetermined level.
27. The method according to claim 24 and comprising pressure
relieving said container upon an internal pressure of said
container reaching a predetermined level.
28. The method according to claim 25 wherein said predetermined
level is in the range of approximately 12-25 atmospheres.
29. The method according to claim 26 wherein said predetermined
level is in the range of approximately 12-25 atmospheres.
30. The method according to claim 27 wherein said predetermined
level is in the range of approximately 12-25 atmospheres.
31. The method according to claim 22 and comprising adding a
substance to said portion of said beverage remaining in said
container outside of said collection receptacle.
32. The method according to claim 23 and comprising adding a
substance to said portion of said beverage remaining in said
container outside of said collection receptacle.
33. The method according to claim 24 and comprising adding a
substance to said portion of said beverage remaining in said
container outside of said collection receptacle between primary and
secondary fermentation.
34. The method according to claim 22 and comprising riddling said
container while allowing said sediments produced by said fermenting
to flow into said collection receptacle.
35. The method according to claim 23 and comprising riddling said
container while allowing said sediments produced by said fermenting
to flow into said collection receptacle.
36. The method according to claim 24 and comprising riddling said
container while allowing said sediments produced by said fermenting
to flow into said collection receptacle.
37. The method according to claim 22 and wherein said trapping of
said sediments is performed after transporting said container to a
location remote from where said beverage was placed in said
container.
38. The method according to claim 23 and wherein said trapping of
said sediments is performed after transporting said container to a
location remote from where said beverage was placed in said
container.
39. The method according to claim 24 and wherein said trapping of
said sediments is performed after transporting said container to a
location remote from where said beverage was placed in said
container.
40. Apparatus for manipulating a beverage container, comprising: a
drum having a longitudinal axis and arranged for rotation on a
supporting base, said drum having an aperture formed therein for
receiving therein a portion of a beverage container, at least one
end of said drum being formed with a plurality of teeth which
selectively engage a catch located on said supporting base, wherein
said catch may be selectively released from said teeth to permit
said drum to be rotated generally about said longitudinal axis.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to stoppers for collecting
therein sediments formed during fermentation of effervescent
beverages, to methods for entrapping sediments in the stopper, and
to uses of the stoppper in producing effervescent beverages of all
sorts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wine is the fermented juice of grapes, although the term is
also commonly used in conjunction with other fruits of the earth,
such as barley wine, apple wine and ginger wine, for example.
Fermentation of grapes is a natural phenomenon due to the catalytic
action of the zymase of living microorganisms or ferments known as
Saccharomycetes which are present on the skins of ripe grapes.
Saccharomycetes are the natural yeast that make it possible for
grape sugar (C.sub.6H.sub.12O.sub.6) to ferment into carbon dioxide
(CO.sub.2) and ethyl alcohol (C.sub.2H.sub.6O). There are various
by-products of fermentation which vary according to the chemical
composition of the must, and in accordance with the rate and manner
of fermentation. These by-products either dissolve in the wine or
precipitate as sediments.
[0003] Wine is generally fermented in vats or barrels before
bottling in consumer bottles. Sparkling wines and similar beverages
are generally produced by methods which may be divided into two
principal groups. The classical method is carried out by bottling
wine before the fermentation has been completed and allowing the
wine to finish fermentation, or to undergo a second fermentation,
in the bottle. By this method champagne or a similar beverage of
highest quality is produced but the method is extremely troublesome
and highly expensive. During fermentation in the bottle, grape
sugar and/or sugar added to the wine is converted into alcohol and
carbon dioxide, and the presence of the latter causes a relatively
high pressure, for example, up to 12 atmospheres and greater, to be
built up in the hermetically closed bottle. A danger of explosion
constitutes a very serious problem in handling these bottles.
[0004] Besides the alcohol and CO.sub.2 production, sediments are
also produced during fermentation in the bottle, and these must be
removed before the champagne or other beverage may be sold and
consumed. The removal of these sediments constitutes a major
problem. Generally the bottles must be periodically shaken in order
to prevent the sediments from adhering to the inner walls of the
bottle. During shaking, the danger of explosions is particularly
great and skilled labor has to be employed in order that the
operation be properly executed. In order to remove the sediments
from the bottle they are first collected upon the inside face of
the cork of the bottle, whereafter the liquid in the neck of the
bottle is frozen into solid state and finally the cork and the
small block of ice containing the sediments are blown off with the
aid of the gas pressure within the bottle. In order to avoid loss
of liquid, immediately after removal of the sediments, the bottle
must be hermetically closed again. In this step, as in the previous
ones, great skill is required and, apart from the accidents that
are liable to happen, losses of valuable liquid cannot be avoided
in the period between the uncorking and the new sealing of the
bottles. Typically liqueur, brandy and/or sugar are added to the
wine to compensate for the wine lost during the removal of the
frozen matter.
[0005] In order to overcome the aforementioned difficulties, many
manufacturers of sparkling wines developed another method of
producing such beverages. In this method, the wine concludes
fermentation or undergoes a second fermentation not in bottles but
in large sealed vats or containers. However, this method produces
inferior quality beverages, and still does not solve the problem of
removing dregs without removing the CO.sub.2 gas which contributes
to the taste and bouquet of the wine. Indeed, collection and
removal of sediments still poses a problem, even in the production
of lesser quality effervescent beverages, such as "industrial"
quality wines that are produced in bulk and continuous flow tanks.
Filtering of the sediments is costly and there are generally
detrimental effects to the taste and bouquet of the wine.
[0006] Manufacturers over the years have tried different filtration
methods to discard the dregs while retaining sufficient CO.sub.2
needed to impart a desired level of effervescence. Some filtration
methods, used especially for bottle-fermented wines, include
placing a porous filter bag containing yeast into the wine. Dregs
produced by the yeast-induced fermentation of the wine are
generally confined in the yeast-holding filter bag, and are
prevented from circulating in the wine. However, these filtration
methods suffer from several problems. One problem with filter bags
is that they prevent the `confined` yeast from circulating in the
wine, and thereby limit the fermentation volumetric zone and
lengthen fermentation time. Another problem faced by some
filter-bag methods is that it is difficult to prevent the dregs
from stopping up the pores of the bag, thereby retarding or
adversely affecting the fermentation. Moreover, the taste of the
wine may be adversely affected by the containment of the beneficial
by-products of the fermentation inside the filter bag. Other
problems, inter alia, include insufficient circulation of the yeast
in the quantity of wine being fermented, a risk of breakage of the
filter bag, continual need to remove the filter bag, and, as
mentioned previously, the need to add materials to make up for
losses occured during pressure release, and to restop the
bottle.
[0007] The following United States patents are believed to be
representative of the prior art: U.S. Pat. No. 463,421 to Gerbel,
U.S. Pat. No. 2,610,123 to Bruyere et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,656
to Agablianz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,112,201 to Saez, U.S. Pat. No.
3,545,978 to Agabliants (sic) et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,867,550 to
Taylor, U.S. Pat. No. 3,875,008 to Yoshino et al., U.S. Pat. No.
3,881,021 to Merzhanian et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,944,104 to Watson
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,009,285 to Spooner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,142
to Naz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,914 to Sarashvili et al., U.S. Pat. No.
4,460,608 to Charmat, U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,949 to Konischev et al.,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,083 to Lembeck, U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,454 to
Lemonnier, U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,869 to Forino, U.S. Pat. No.
4,948,598 to Lembke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,700 to Sarashvili
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,410 to Pors et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,104,665 to Fleet et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,925 to
Lemonnier.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention seeks to provide novel methods for
entrapping sediments in the production of effervescent beverages
and especially novel stoppers to collect and trap sediments
produced during fermentation of effervescent beverages in a bottle
or other fermenting chamber. The stopper permits vintners to effect
improvements and savings in the entire processes of wine and
champagne making. In particular, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment, the stopper may remain on a bottle in which the
effervescent beverage has been fermented until opened by a
consumer, in which case many of the traditional stopper-changing
and topping-up steps of the art of champagne making can be entirely
eliminated or significantly altered.
[0009] The stoppers of the present invention include a valve which
allows sediments to flow into a collection receptacle in the
stopper. Once the sediments have been collected in the receptacle,
the valve is closed, thereby trapping the sediments in the
receptacle in which they can remained sealed or from which they may
be later removed.
[0010] It is noted that throughout the specification and claims the
terms "effervescent beverage", "fermented beverage", "wine" and
"champagne" are used interchangeably and encompass not only wine
and champagne but also any kind of fermented beverage, including
ciders, ales and beers, produced from any type of grain, fruit,
legume or vegetable, for example.
[0011] It is also noted that the present invention is clearly
distinguished from the filter bags of the prior art. As mentioned
above, the filter bags of the prior art confine sediments produced
by the yeast-induced fermentation of the wine, thereby preventing
the yeast and sediments from circulating in the wine. In contrast,
the stopper of the present invention does not in any way inhibit
the fermentation and circulation of yeast and sediments in the
fermenting beverage, but rather collects and separates the
free-circulating sediments formed as a byproduct of the
fermentation process.
[0012] The stopper of the present invention has numerous advantages
over the prior art:
[0013] 1. The stopper greatly reduces the time-consuming and
labor-expensive process used currently in the art. Once the
sediments are trapped inside the stopper, the entire process of
removing sediments from the wine is finished and the champagne is
ready for further aging, or immediate shipping and/or consumer use.
Of course, the vintner is still free to remove and replace the
stopper, without freezing, and to add liqueur or other additives in
the traditional manner.
[0014] 2. The stopper may be inexpensively manufactured and
implemented.
[0015] 3. In the production of fortified wines or other
effervescent beverages with a high gas pressure build-up, the
stopper may be provided with a pressure relief device, if desired,
to reduce the need for the typical robust champagne bottle which
must withstand 25 atmospheres of pressure. With a relief valve, 15
atmosphere bottles may be used, thereby reducing the cost, weight
and shipping cost of the bottle.
[0016] 4. The stopper may be fashioned for one time or multiple
use.
[0017] 5. Since there is no extraction of a frozen portion of
liquid, the amount of beverage loss is greatly reduced, thereby
providing vintners greater options of adding, or not adding at all,
traditional additives.
[0018] 6. The stopper may be readily used to produce do-it-yourself
or home-brewed beverages, wherein the beverage is held and/or
tilted in a stand until the beverage has reached a desired
effervescence and sediments have been collected in the stopper.
[0019] 7. The stopper may be fashioned with a sealable spout to
allow pouring contents from the bottle while the stopper is still
attached thereto.
[0020] 8. The stopper may obviate the need for clarifying the
beverage before bottling, because dregs and sediments are collected
in the stopper.
[0021] 9. Because the stopper can remain on the bottle from the
beginning of fermentation of the juice to opening of the champagne
by the consumer, many steps in the methods of making traditional
and "industrial" quality champagne may be eliminated altogether,
and other steps may be combined or re-ordered.
[0022] 10. The stopper may improve and shorten many steps used in
making regular wine and in turning wine into champagne. The wine
and/or champagne can be bottled at an early stage, and the use of
the stopper permits the vintner to skip or shorten separate stages
of clarifying and decanting regular wine in separate facilities,
and allows the champagner to eliminate or alter freezing, plug
removal, topping-up, and recapping stages.
[0023] Many of these other steps (that can be so eliminated or
combined) may traditionally require special facilities, equipment
and skilled staff, so that in practice most, if not all, the
traditional steps are normally carried out at the winery, in
expensive-to-maintain storage areas and other areas for
transferring the product between, e.g., the clarifying tank and the
decanting tank; or from the shaking cavern to the freezing room to
the topping-off and recapping room.
[0024] In contrast, closing the valve of the stopper to entrap the
dregs is a simpler task, making the method of the present invention
suitable for do-it-yourself types, as well as affording commercial
vintners an opportunity to ship the bottles at an early stage and
carry out the valve closing at a remote location.
[0025] The stopper of the present invention may be used in a
variety of methods for production, handling or treatment of
beverages. For example, some of the uses of the stopper are:
[0026] 1. The stopper may be used to decant all kinds of
effervescent and non-effervescent beverages, thereby eliminating
conventional decanting tanks.
[0027] 2. The stopper may be used to collect sediments and dregs
during transportation of "industrial" quality sparkling wines, such
as by truck or ship, from a bottling plant, wherein the collected
sediments are removed at a distribution depot. Indeed, the stopper
allows the traditional step of riddling to be performed during
transportation of the beverage if desired, thereby saving on
expensive storage costs.
[0028] 3. The stopper may be used in bottles, tanks, and various
other kinds of containers in which fermentation, or secondary
fermenation, occurs.
[0029] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, sediment collecting apparatus
including a stopper sealably attachable to a bottle, and a
collection receptacle formed in the stopper, characterized in that
the stopper is provided with a valve that permits flow of a fluid
containing sediments from the bottle into the collection
receptacle, wherein the valve may be closed to substantially trap
the sediments in the collection receptacle and obstruct flow
therefrom to the bottle.
[0030] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a retaining mechanism is provided for releasably
retaining the valve in an open configuration that permits the flow
of the fluid containing sediments into the collection
receptacle.
[0031] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a pressure relief device is provided that
relieves an internal pressure of the bottle.
[0032] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the valve is selectively returnable from a
closed configuration that substantially traps the sediments in the
collection receptacle and obstructs flow therefrom to the bottle,
to an open configuration that permits the flow of the fluid
containing sediments from the bottle into the collection
receptacle.
[0033] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, an expelling device is provided for
expelling sediments from the collection receptacle. Preferably, the
expelling device expels sediments from the collection receptacle
while the stopper is attached to the bottle.
[0034] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a stem extends from the receptacle and is
adapted to sealingly fit into an aperture of the bottle, the stem
having a bore to permit fluid communication between the contents of
the bottle and the receptacle.
[0035] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the valve includes a plunger that biases against a valve
seat in the stem. Preferably the stem includes a packing preform
for sealing the stem with respect to the aperture of the bottle. A
packing preform is any kind of seal, e.g., an O-ring, such as for
sealing passage of fluids through an opening.
[0036] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the valve includes another internal valve
for selective passage of substances therethrough. A spout may be
provided, wherein the internal valve is in fluid communication with
the spout and with the bottle, and wherein the internal valve may
be selectively opened to pour therethrough a beverage from the
bottle.
[0037] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the collection receptacle includes a flexible
portion which may be sealed by twisting thereof Still further in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the valve includes a device which prevents further use of the valve
once the valve has been closed to trap sediments therein.
[0038] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the collection receptacle includes a portion with a
changeable volume and a volumetric change of this portion causes
closure of the valve. For example, the portion may be an expandable
portion which upon expansion closes the valve.
[0039] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the valve is opened by a pressure of fluid
pressing thereagainst.
[0040] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the valve is closed by a pressure of fluid
pressing thereagainst.
[0041] Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the valve is biased by a biasing device
against a pressure exerted thereupon by a fluid, and the valve may
be selectively opened to permit an ingress of the fluid that
presses against the valve into the collection receptacle.
[0042] There is also provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing a
beverage including sealing a fermentable beverage in a container
with a stopper, the stopper being formed with a collection
receptacle therein, fermenting the fermentable beverage, thereby
producing sediments as a by-product of the fermenting, allowing the
sediments to flow into the collection receptacle, and trapping the
sediments in the collection receptacle so as to separate the
sediments from a portion of the beverage remaining in the container
outside of the collection receptacle.
[0043] There is also provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a method for separating
fermentation-produced sediments from a portion of a fermenting
beverage, the method including allowing the beverage with the
sediments to flow into a collection receptacle formed in a stopper
that seals a container containing the beverage, and trapping the
sediments in the collection receptacle so as to separate the
sediments from a portion of the beverage remaining in the container
outside of the collection receptacle.
[0044] The method may also include allowing the beverage to undergo
primary and secondary fermentation, wherein the container is sealed
with the stopper during both primary fermentation and secondary
fermentation.
[0045] Preferably the container is pressure relieved upon an
internal pressure of the container reaching a predetermined level,
e.g., in the range of about 12-25 atmospheres.
[0046] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a substance is added to the portion of the beverage
remaining in the container outside of the collection receptacle.
The substance may be added between primary and secondary
fermentation.
[0047] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the method includes riddling the container
while allowing the sediments produced by the fermenting to flow
into the collection receptacle.
[0048] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the trapping of the sediments is performed after
transporting the container to a location remote from where the
beverage was placed in the container.
[0049] There is also provided in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for manipulating a
beverage container, including a drum having a longitudinal axis and
arranged for rotation on a supporting base, the drum having an
aperture formed therein for receiving therein a portion of a
beverage container, at least one end of the drum being formed with
a plurality of teeth which selectively engage a catch located on
the supporting base, wherein the catch may be selectively released
from the teeth to permit the drum to be rotated generally about the
longitudinal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0051] FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of a container equipped with sediment collecting
apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 2 is a more detailed partially sectional illustration
of the sediment collecting apparatus of FIG. 1, constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0053] FIGS. 3-6 are simplified pictorial illustrations of a method
for separating fermentation-produced sediments from a portion of a
fermenting beverage, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, wherein:
[0054] FIG. 3 illustrates inverting the bottle with the stopper of
FIG. 1 sealingly fitted thereto;
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates the sediments being collected in a
collection receptacle of the stopper;
[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates trapping the collected sediments in the
receptacle after completing collection of sediments in the
receptacle; and
[0057] FIG. 6 illustrates in greater detail the sediments trapped
in the receptacle;
[0058] FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of sediment collecting apparatus with a one-time
valve, constructed and operative in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 8 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of sediment collecting apparatus with a passageway for
introduction of substances therethrough, constructed and operative
in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0060] FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are simplified illustrations of sediment
collecting apparatus with wire retainers traditionally used with
champagne bottle caps, constructed and operative in accordance with
three other preferred embodiments of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 12 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of sediment collecting apparatus with pouring
capability, constructed and operative in accordance with another
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIGS. 13 and 14 are simplified pictorial, partially
sectional illustrations of sediment collecting apparatus with a
valve and flexible collection receptacle closeable by turning,
constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferred
embodiment of the present invention, respectively before and after
closing the collection receptacle;
[0063] FIGS. 15 and 16 are simplified pictorial, partially
sectional illustrations of sediment collecting apparatus with an
expandable collection receptacle, constructed and operative in
accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, before and after expansion and closing of the collection
receptacle, respectively;
[0064] FIG. 17 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of sediment collecting apparatus, constructed and
operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and with an alternative valve arrangement;
[0065] FIG. 18 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of sediment collecting apparatus, constructed and
operative in accordance with yet a further preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 19 is a simplified pictorial, partially sectional
illustration of sediment collecting apparatus, constructed and
operative in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of
the present invention, wherein the apparatus includes a threaded
stopper; and
[0067] FIGS. 20 and 21 are simplified pictorial and side view
illustrations, respectively, of a turning stand constructed and
operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and useful in collecting sediments with any of the
sediment collecting apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0068] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2 which illustrate
sediment collecting apparatus 5, constructed and operative in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0069] Sediment collecting apparatus 5 preferably includes a
stopper 10 that may be sealably attached to a bottle 12. Stopper 10
may be fabricated from any durable material such as plastic, metal
or cork, and may be transparent or opaque. Bottle 12 may be
fabricated from materials such as glass, metal or plastic. It is
appreciated that the present invention may be carried out with any
container suitable for containing therein a beverage, such as a
tank or metal container as well, and throughout the specification
and the claims, the term "bottle" encompasses any such kind of
container suitable for containing therein a beverage, and the terms
are used interchangeably. Stopper 10 preferably has a collection
receptacle 14 formed therein.
[0070] Stopper 10 preferably includes a stem 16 that extends from
collection receptacle 14. Stem 16 is typically generally
cylindrical in shape and adapted to sealingly fit into a neck 18 of
bottle 12. Stem 16 is preferably sealed with respect to neck 18 by
any conventional sealing device. For example, a packing preform,
such as an O-ring 20, may be assembled on a groove 22 formed in
stem 16 to ensure sealing engagement of stem 16 with respect to
neck 18. Stem 16 preferably has a bore 24 to permit fluid
communication between contents of bottle 12 and collection
receptacle 14.
[0071] Stopper 10 is preferably provided with a valve 30 that, as
will be described hereinbelow, permits flow of a fluid containing
sediments from bottle 12 into collection receptacle 14, wherein
valve 30 may be closed to substantially trap the collected
sediments in collection receptacle 14 and obstruct flow therefrom
to bottle 12. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the
present invention, valve 30 includes a biased plunger 32 disposed
in collection receptacle 14 and formed with an end 34 which may
sealingly seat against a valve seat 36 at an end of bore 24 in stem
16. End 34 is typically conical in shape, but it is appreciated
that other shapes may also be used that sealingly seat against
valve seat 36. Plunger 32 may be biased by any biasing device, such
as a spring 38. Plunger 32 is preferably arranged for generally
linear movement inside receptacle 14. Preferably receptacle 14 has
an inwardly protruding sleeve 40 in which a shaft portion 42 of
plunger 32 slides. Shaft portion 42 is preferably provided with an
O-ring 44 so as to provide a substantially sealed interface between
shaft portion 42 and sleeve 40.
[0072] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate valve 30 in an open configuration
wherein contents of bottle 12, comprising a beverage 46, such as
champagne, and sediments 48, may flow into receptacle 14.
Preferably stopper 10 employs a retaining mechanism 50 to retain
valve 30 in the open configuration. Retaining mechanism 50 may
include a keeper 52 which engages with a knob 54 formed at an end
of plunger 32 opposite to end 34. When keeper 52 is removed from
knob 54, spring 38 is released, causing plunger 38 to force end 34
to sealingly seat against valve seat 36, thereby trapping collected
sediments 48 inside receptacle 14. It is appreciated that keeper 52
is merely one example of retaining mechanism 50, and many
variations are possible, such as a pin releasably fitted into a
hole underneath knob 54.
[0073] As is known in the art, champagne bottles are usually rather
robust, typically withstanding pressures up to approximately 25
atmospheres. As seen in FIG. 2, stopper 10 may be optionally
provided with a pressure relief device 60, such as a diagonal bore
62. In the open configuration shown in FIG. 2, O-ring 44 is below
bore 62 and no fluid can escape therethrough. Excess pressure
formed inside bottle 12 may push against end 34 and, if of
sufficient magnitude, may move end 34 against spring 38 in the
direction of an arrow 64. If sufficient pressure causes plunger 32
to move in the direction of arrow 64 such that O-ring 44 is moved
above bore 62, pressurized fluid is expelled through bore 62,
thereby relieving the internal pressure formed in bottle 12.
Alternatively, pressure relief device 60 may be located on any
other portion of stopper 10 or bottle 12.
[0074] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3-6 which illustrate a method
for separating fermentation-produced sediments 48 from a portion of
beverage 46, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0075] In FIG. 3, bottle 12, which is sealed by stopper 10, is
inverted and sediments 48 start to gradually flow towards stopper
10. Bottle 12 may be inverted, rotated, agitated and/or shaken in a
variety of manners, depending on the particular nature of the
beverage and desired result, as is well known in the art. In FIG.
4, sediments 48 are settling into receptacle 14.
[0076] In FIG. 5, keeper 52 is removed from knob 54. As seen in
FIG. 6, this causes spring 38 to push end 34 of plunger 32 in the
direction of an arrow 65 against valve seat 36, thereby closing
valve 30 and sealing receptacle 14. Once end 34 of valve 30 has
sealed receptacle 14 from the rest of bottle 12, sediments 48 are
trapped inside receptacle 14. After trapping, the sediments may be
removed (through another suction aperture not shown), the wine may
be subjected to further post-clarification treatments (like
sweetening), or the bottle may be shipped in an upright position,
etc.
[0077] It is appreciated that stopper 10 and valve 30 may be
re-used. Alternatively, stopper 10 and valve 30 may be fashioned
for one-time use. Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which illustrates
sediment collecting apparatus 70 with a one-time valve 72,
constructed and operative in accordance with another preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Sediment collecting apparatus
70 is preferably substantially similar to sediment collecting
apparatus 5, with like elements being designated by like numerals.
In sediment collecting apparatus 70, valve 72 may be fabricated
with a knob 74 configured to be broken or sheared off plunger 32,
such as along a portion of knob 74 indicated at reference numeral
73, either manually or by using a tool, thereby preventing further
use of valve 72. Knob 74 may be fashioned with a neck 76 to
facilitate breaking or shearing thereat. It is appreciated that
other mechanisms may be used to prevent further use of valve 72, as
is known in the art.
[0078] Reference is now made to FIG. 8 which illustrates sediment
collecting apparatus 80, constructed and operative in accordance
with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Sediment collecting apparatus 80 is preferably substantially
similar to sediment collecting apparatus 5, with like elements
being designated by like numerals. Sediment collecting apparatus 80
includes a valve 82 that includes a plunger 84 formed with a
longitudinal passageway 86 for introduction of substances
therethrough. A ball 88 is preferably biased, such as by means of a
spring 90, against a valve seat 92 formed along a portion of
passageway 86. If it is desired to add substances, such as
sweeteners, flavorings or liqueur to the beverage in the bottle,
these substances may be conveniently added by means of a syringe
94. A stream of a substance injected by syringe 94 presses ball 88
against spring 90, thereby creating a gap between ball 88 and valve
seat 92 and allowing the substance to be introduced through a
distal end 96 of passageway 86. The stream of substance is
preferably injected at high pressure to overcome both the pressure
of spring 90 and the pressure of the fluid that may be applying
pressure to distal end 96 of passageway 86. Alternatively, syringe
94 may be fashioned so that a distal end thereof touches and
presses ball 88 against spring 90. As another alternative, ball 88
may be elastic and puncturable by syringe 94, wherein ball 88
returns to valve seat 92 after syringe 94 is removed. As a further
alternative, syringe 94 may be built into sediment collecting
apparatus 80, the syringe containing a pre-determined dose of
liqueur or other substance, wherein a user may then inject the
pre-determined dose into the bottle.
[0079] Ball 88 and valve seat 92 thus form an internal valve for
controlled passage of substances therethrough, regardless if valve
82, which acts as a main valve, is closed or not.
[0080] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 which illustrate
sediment collecting apparatus with wire retainers traditionally
used with champagne bottle caps, constructed and operative in
accordance with three other preferred embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 9 illustrates sediment collecting apparatus 100
with a wire retainer 101 that is partially wrapped therearound.
FIG. 10 illustrates sediment collecting apparatus 102 with a wire
retainer 103 that is generally fully wrapped therearound. FIG. 11
illustrates sediment collecting apparatus 104 with a wire retainer
105 plus a ring 106 that both grip apparatus 104 around a neck
portion 107 thereof Ring 106 may be formed of plastic and pushed or
pulled on or off apparatus 104. It is appreciated by those skilled
in the art that other retaining devices and safety cap or pressure
relief devices, traditional and non-traditional, may be optionally
employed with any of the stoppers of the present invention.
Sediment collecting apparatus 100 of FIG. 9 will be described more
in detail hereinbelow after reference to apparatus of FIG. 17. Any
of the retainers may be used with any of the stoppers of the
present invention.
[0081] Reference is now made to FIG. 12 which illustrates sediment
collecting apparatus 110 with pouring capability, constructed and
operative in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Sediment collecting apparatus 110 is preferably
substantially similar to sediment collecting apparatus 5, with like
elements being designated by like numerals. Sediment collection
apparatus 110 includes a valve 112 that includes a plunger 114
formed with a longitudinal bore 116 in which is disposed a piston
118 urged away from an endcap 120 by a biasing device, such as a
spring 122. A handle 124 preferably grips a notch 126 formed at an
end of piston 118 near endcap 120. A spout 128 is preferably formed
at an end of plunger 114 just below endcap 120 when in an upright
position as illustrated in FIG. 12. Spout 128 is in fluid
communication with bore 116. Preferably an O-ring 130 attached to
piston 118 slidably seals bore 116 between spout 128 and endcap
120. Another O-ring 132 preferably seals a distal end of piston 118
at a seat 134 formed in an end 136 of plunger 114.
[0082] By pressing handle 124 generally in the direction of an
arrow 138, piston 118 is caused to move towards endcap 120, thereby
creating a gap between the distal end of piston 118 and end 136 of
plunger 114 and permitting fluid to be poured through bore 116 out
spout 128. Piston 118 and endcap 120 thus form an internal valve
for controlled passage of fluid therethrough. Piston 118 may be
provided, if desired, with an internal syringe receiving aperture
(not shown) for receiving a syringe such as described hereinabove
with reference to FIG. 8 for syringe 94.
[0083] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13 and 14 which illustrate
sediment collecting apparatus 150 constructed and operative in
accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Apparatus 150 includes a flexible collection receptacle
152 disposed in a stopper 154. Stopper 154 preferably includes a
bottle-insertion portion 156, from which flexible collection
receptacle 152 extends, and a housing 158. A gripping portion 160
preferably extends from housing 158 and is rotatably attached to
bottle-insertion portion 156. An O-ring 162 may be used to "pinch"
flexible collection receptacle 152 at its attachment point to
bottle-insertion portion 156. Alternatively other suitable devices,
such as an external ring, may be used to "pinch" flexible
collection receptacle 152. Flexible collection receptacle 152 may
be twisted generally about an axis 164.
[0084] As seen in FIG. 13, sediments and other matter are free to
flow into flexible collection receptacle 152, generally in the
direction of an arrow 166. After sediments have been collected in
flexible collection receptacle 152, flexible collection receptacle
152 expands and presses against inner walls of housing 158. Housing
158 may then be twisted about axis 164, thereby also twisting
flexible collection receptacle 152 which presses thereagainst, and
trapping sediments therein, as seen in FIG. 14.
[0085] Reference is now made to FIGS. 15 and 16 which illustrate
sediment collecting apparatus 170 constructed and operative in
accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Apparatus 170 includes a stopper 172 formed with a
flexible and expandable collection receptacle 174, defining an
internal volume 175, and a bottle-insertion portion 176. Expandable
collection receptacle 174 is typically formed or molded from a
plastic, and may be either integrally formed with or attached to
bottle-insertion portion 176. Apparatus 170 also includes a valve
178 that preferably includes a tongue 180 which hangs from
expandable collection receptacle 174 and protrudes into and through
a mouth 182 of bottle-insertion portion 176.
[0086] As seen in FIG. 15, sediments and other matter, as well as
fluid, are free to flow into expandable collection receptacle 174,
generally in the direction of an arrow 184. As seen in FIG. 16,
fluid pressure in expandable collection receptacle 174 causes
expandable collection receptacle 174 to expand generally in the
direction of arrows 186, thereby causing tongue 180 to abut against
mouth 182 and substantially trap sediments and other matter
therein.
[0087] Reference is now made to FIG. 17 which illustrates sediment
collecting apparatus 190, constructed and operative in accordance
with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Sediment collecting apparatus 190 is preferably substantially
similar to sediment collecting apparatus 5, with like elements
being designated by like numerals. Sediment collecting apparatus
190 includes a valve 192 with a generally flat end 194 that seats
against a valve seat 196 formed at an end of bore 24 in stem 16.
End 194 may alternatively have other shapes other than flat, such
as a diamond shaped valve end of valve 178 shown in FIG. 15.
Sediments and other matter, designated collectively as numeral 189,
may collect in bore 24. Fluid presses against end 194 generally in
the direction of an arrow 198. Spring 38 preferably has a strength
that permits ingress of sediments and other matter into collection
receptacle 14 upon the pressure of the fluid reaching a
predetermined threshold. After ingress of sediments into collection
receptacle 14, pressure of spring 38 and/or pressure of fluid
inside collection receptacle 14 push back against end 194 generally
in the direction of an arrow 199 opposite to the sense of arrow
198, thereby causing end 194 to abut against valve seat 196 and
substantially trap sediments and other matter in collection
receptacle 14.
[0088] Referring again to FIG. 9, it is seen that sediment
collecting apparatus 100 is another type of sediment collecting
apparatus similar to apparatus 190. Sediment collecting apparatus
100 preferably includes a valve 85 with an end 87 that seats
against a valve seat 89 formed at an end of a bore 91. Sediments
and other matter may collect in the vicinity of bore 91. Fluid
presses against end 87 generally in the direction of an arrow 93.
Valve 85 is preferably biased by a biasing device, such as a spring
95. Spring 95 preferably has a strength that permits the fluid to
press end 87 against valve seat 89 so as to substantially seal the
sediments from flowing past end 87. A proximal end 83 of valve 85
may be selectively pushed generally in the direction of an arrow 81
to allow collected sediments to pass through a bore 79 and be
expelled from apparatus 100.
[0089] Reference is now made to FIG. 18 which illustrates sediment
collecting apparatus 200, constructed and operative in accordance
with yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As mentioned hereinabove, the present invention may be carried out
with any container suitable for containing therein a beverage, such
as a tank or metal container. FIG. 18 illustrates that the stopper
of the present invention may be placed at any suitable position of
the container, not just at the mouth or neck of a bottle. As seen
in FIG. 18, apparatus 200 may be placed at the bottom of a bottle
202. Apparatus 200 may be constructed and operate in accordance
with any of the embodiments described hereinabove.
[0090] Reference is now made to FIG. 19 which illustrates sediment
collecting apparatus 250, constructed and operative in accordance
with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Sediment collecting apparatus 250 is preferably substantially
similar to sediment collecting apparatus 5, with like elements
being designated by like numerals. Sediment collecting apparatus
250 differs from sediment collecting apparatus 5 in that stopper 10
is threaded, preferably being provided with male threads 251.
Bottle 12 is preferably correspondingly threaded so that stopper 10
may be screwed onto bottle 12. Seals, such as O-rings 252 and/or
254, may be used to effect a seal between stopper 10 and bottle
12.
[0091] Reference is now made to FIGS. 20 and 21 which illustrate a
turning stand 210, constructed and operative in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, and useful in
collecting sediments with any of the sediment collecting apparatus
of the present invention. As described hereinabove with reference
to FIG. 3, a bottle containing a fermenting beverage may be
inverted, rotated, agitated and/or shaken in a variety of manners,
depending on the particular nature of the beverage and desired
result, as is well known in the art. Turning stand 210 provides a
convenient device for turning such a bottle, as is now
described.
[0092] Turning stand 210 preferably includes a drum 212 arranged
for rotation on a supporting base 214. Drum 212 preferably has at
least one aperture 216 formed therein for receiving therein a neck
portion 218 of a bottle 220.
[0093] At least one end of drum 212 is preferably formed with a
plurality of teeth 222 which engage a catch 224 located on
supporting base 214. Catch 224 is preferably biased against teeth
222 by a biasing device, such as a spring 226 (FIG. 21). A handle
228 is preferably attached to catch 224. Moving handle 228
generally in the direction of an arrow 230 releases catch 224 from
teeth 222 and permits drum 212 to be rotated generally about a
longitudinal axis 232 (FIG. 20). Thus, bottle 220 may be turned to
enhance settling of sediments as described hereinabove. Turning
stand 210 may be provided with a timing mechanism (not shown) to
effect rotation of a bottle at predetermined intervals. With
appropriate gimbals (not shown), turning stand 210 may be
constructed to rotate bottles about several different axes of
rotation.
[0094] It is appreciated that various features of the invention
which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate
embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment
may also be provided separately or in any suitable
subcombination.
* * * * *