Patent Publication Number: US-2018050311-A1

Title: Method and Apparatus for Rapidly Aerating Wine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/376,315 filed Aug. 17, 2016, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Rapidly Aerating Wine”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/444,133 filed Jan. 9, 2017, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Rapidly Aerating Wine”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/476,230 filed Mar. 24, 2017 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Rapidly Aerating Wine”, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all intents and purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wine is an important social and cultural aspect in many societies. In addition to the health benefits, wine facilitates discussion and is an important part of many religious ceremonies. Wine is often included in many leisure activities, also, which are important for mental health. 
     Consumption of wine often involves proper preparation, which includes “breathing” for many wines. Breathing is the process of exposing the wine to air. This exposes the aromas of the wine, and can have a softening effect on the taste. Overall flavor characteristics may improve in many wines when exposed to air. 
     It is often not feasible to let wine breathe in the bottle or container it was supplied in, because of the limited exposure to air within the container. To address this, other methods of promoting wine aeration have been developed, such as a wine decanter. Wine aeration occurs at the air-wine interface. The pace of aeration may be affected by the surface area of wine that is exposed at the interface, and by the oxygen content in air. The function of a wine decanter is therefore to increase the amount of wine surface area in contact with the air. 
     While decanters exist to promote greater surface area (and, thus, increased rate of oxygenation at the interface between wine and air), such a method of oxygenation does not promote internal oxygenation, and often take a long time to sufficiently aerate a wine. It is often inconvenient to let a wine sit for a long time before enjoying it, particularly at the end of a long day, when it is most desired. Aeration is still limited to the air-wine interface. Further, such decanters are typically useful for an entire bottle of wine, but less practical for smaller volumes, such as a glass of wine. 
     Alternative methods of aerating wines also exist, such as pour-through devices. These devices are limited to a “one-size-fits-all” technique, however, in that the wine is poured through the device once, and a specified amount of aeration will occur during the pour. Many wines need much more aeration, however, rendering a pour-through device insufficient. It is generally unwieldy to continue pouring from one wine glass to another through an aeration device in order to achieve the appropriate amount of aeration with such wines, particularly if only slightly more aeration is needed. While pour-through devices may produce more surface area than decanters, they produce no internal agitation, which could greatly speed the process. Pour-through devices are also poor at displaying a wine&#39;s aroma, which is an important part of the experience associated with drinking wine. 
     Stirring wines can be beneficial for two reasons. First, stirring fluids increases the surface area of the fluid in contact with the air. The greater air contact promotes greater oxygen exchange with the fluid. Second, stirring fluid induces agitation. Agitation can cause internal air bubbles, further increasing oxygenation. 
     By stirring fluid, a more even oxygenation process can also occur. By spreading out the fluid volume more thinly and encouraging oxygenation internal to the volume, oxygenation is distributed more evenly throughout the volume. This is in contrast to the common practice of letting a fluid sit exposed to air, unperturbed. In this method of aeration, oxygenation is limited to the air-fluid interface. Fluid near the surface will therefore oxidize more rapidly than fluid deep in the volume. Because some wines require 2 hours to aerate in this method, the gradient of oxidized wine near the top and non-oxidized wine near the bottom can be profound. Wine near the top may even begin to become overly aerated by the time deeper wine has begun aerating. 
     In addition to providing a more even aeration, stirring action catalyzes more aerosolization of the aromas. Wine aroma is considered an important feature of a wine, as it helps to prepare a drinker&#39;s palate and state of mind to more fully enjoy the wine, and therefore enjoy a greater benefit. The display of a wine&#39;s aroma can likewise take significant time using conventional “breathing” methods. 
     While it is possible to manually stir a wine to achieve these benefits, it is often inconvenient to attend to a wine for long periods to regularly stir it, particularly for wines that require a long time to aerate. 
     Stir-based aeration can be preferable in certain circumstances because the process can be accomplished much more quickly. While younger, highly tannic red wines may require 1 to 2 hours to properly aerate using conventional methods, the same result might be achieved in minutes or even seconds by stirring the wine. 
     Existing methods of aerating wine with stirring action include the use of a food processor or blender, after which the wine can be poured into a wine glass. Alternatively, an immersion blender in a wine glass is another option. Both of the options, however, are inconvenient—particularly if more aeration is preferred after a first attempt—and often also messy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to devices and novel methods of aerating single servings of wine. Embodiments disclosed herein comprise an electrically-powered stirring mechanism into a wine receptacle. Embodiments further comprise a power source for the stirring mechanism, and a method to charge the power source. In certain embodiments, a stirring mechanism is positioned in a wine receptacle. In such embodiments, wine can be added to the wine receptacle, the battery can be charged, and a switch, such as a trigger can be used to bridge a circuit between a power source and a motor. Other embodiments also comprise a base, which serves to both display one or more wine receptacles and to charge the power source. Compatible connectors are included in these embodiments that allow a user to removably connect a wine receptacle to a base in a manner that charges a power source. In these embodiments, the stirring mechanism can take on a function much like a blender, and introduces air into the wine. The stirring mechanism can be powered for as long as a user engages a trigger, allowing a user to aerate any given glass of wine to taste. A user can therefore aerate only the amount of wine desired without committing to an entire bottle of wine. A user can continue to aerate an individual glass of wine, if necessary. Embodiments disclosed herein are advantageous in their ability to aerate a single glass of wine rapidly and to taste. 
     These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         FIG. 1 : A cutaway view of a wine receptacle. 
         FIG. 2 : A cutaway of a wine receptacle showing an embodiment of a stirring mechanism. 
         FIG. 3 : A perspective view of a wine receptacle. 
         FIG. 4 : A view showing an embodiment of a stirring mechanism. 
         FIG. 5 : A perspective view of a base. 
         FIG. 6 : A cutaway view of a wine receptacle. 
         FIG. 7 : A cutaway view of certain embodiments of a wine receptacle including a motor housing. 
         FIG. 8A : A top view of a wine receptacle in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B : A side view of a wine receptacle in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 8C : A side cross-sectional view of cut-out A-A in  FIG. 8B  in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 9A : A bottom view of a motor connector in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 9B : A bottom view of a motor connector in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 9C : A view of a base connector in certain embodiments. 
         FIG. 9D : A view of a base connector in certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present invention comprises a wine receptacle  100 , which can be made of glass, crystal, or other material appropriate for a wine glass. Embodiments comprise a container adapted to hold fluid, such as bowl  101 . Embodiments further comprise a stem  102  and a foot  103 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , the shape of the wine receptacle  100  is such that the stem  102  and foot  103  are hollow, forming a contiguous channel  112  into the bowl  101  In certain embodiments, a channel  112  extends from a first opening  113  to a second opening  114 . A notch  104  is formed on the inner surface of the bowl  101  near the bottom in order to support a sealing ring  105 , which will define a watertight boundary. 
     The wine receptacle  100  further comprises a stirring mechanism  200  (as seen in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 ). In certain embodiments, stirring mechanism  200  is positioned at the bottom of the bowl  101 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 3 , a motor  201  is positioned at the junction of the bowl  101  and stem  102 , and draws power from the power source  202  through insulated copper wires or other such wiring as known to those skilled in the art. As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a direct wire  206 , which is one of the wires, such as the wire attached to the negative terminal of the battery, forms a contiguous link from the battery to the motor. The other wire, such as the wire connected to the positive terminal of the battery, is interrupted along its length by a trigger  203 , and is the indirect wire  207 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The trigger  203  can be a switch or button, which, when activated, completes the circuit between the motor and the battery, which turns the motor on. In certain embodiments, a trigger includes a switch, such as a light-touch switch. In certain embodiments, a switch is a Panasonic® EVQPo or a EVQQ2 mechanical switch or the like. As seen in  FIG. 4 , the motor  201  can be used to drive rotation of the stirring blades  204  around a principal axis when turned on. The motor, in certain embodiments comprises a diameter of 6 millimeters (mm), a length of 15 mm, shaft diameter of 0.8 mm, have a load speed of around 65000+/−15% RPM and a rated load speed of 38500+/−15% RPM. Embodiments of the invention may throttle down the motor to reduce the RPM speed. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, the stirring blades run at a speed that is vigorous enough to aerate the wine, but also so there is no overflow of the wine or other liquid in the bowl. The stirring blades may be on a 180-degree plane. In other embodiments, the stirring blades may have an angle configured in a “V” shape. In certain embodiments, the stirring blades run at a speed in a range of 4500 to 9000 revolutions per minute (RPM). In yet another embodiment, there may be more than 2 stirring blades, with an angled configuration similar to a propeller or fan. 
     In yet another embodiment, the trigger  203 , as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is positioned near the junction of the bowl  101  and the stem  102 . The power source  202  is positioned beneath the trigger  203  in the stem  102 . The position of the power source  202  and trigger  203  may be positioned in this way, with respect to the electric motor  201 , in order to maximize efficiency and provide the shortest route possible for connecting wires. It will be appreciated that the position of the power source  202  is not limited to a location beneath a trigger in certain embodiments. 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , stirring mechanism  200  comprises a motor  201 , a power source  202 , a trigger  203 , and stirring blades  204 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , the upper housing  108  for the electric motor  201  is positioned above the sealing ring in the bottom of the bowl  101 . In certain embodiments, a housing contains a motor that drives the rotating motion of stirring blades  204 . In certain embodiments, a motor drive shaft connects to the stirring blade  204 . The lower housing  109  of the electric motor  201  extends through the center of the sealing ring  105 , across a watertight boundary. The boundary between the sealing ring  105  and the wine receptacle  100  and the boundary between the sealing ring  105  and the lower housing  109  are made watertight through the addition of a watertight boundary. The watertight boundary may comprise a rubber component (such as an o-ring) or an epoxy to adjoin the two surfaces. The O-ring can be a silicone material, 60 durometer, food grade or the like. One skilled in the art will recognize a plurality of means for adjoining two surfaces in a non-toxic way that seals fluid. The sealing ring therefore forms a contiguous seal between the wine receptacle  100 , at the position of the notch  104  (as can be seen in  FIG. 1 ), and the lower housing  109  of the electric motor. 
     The motor  201  drives stirring blade  204 , which rotates in such a way as to draw air from the top of the wine receptacle  100  down to the center in a vortex. The shape of the stirring blades  204 , as seen in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 , may be such that they encourage containment of fluid within the wine receptacle  100 , such as a downward movement of the fluid they pass through, in order to help contain the wine within the wine receptacle  100 . The specific shape of the motor  201  may orient the blades  204  in an upward direction, a downward direction, an oblique direction, a variable direction, or some combination of these, and may be configured based on the specific shape of the wine receptacle  100 , in order to encourage the containment of fluid during aeration. The form factor of the blades  204  may have varying degrees of edge sharpness and cross sectional area. 
     Certain embodiments of the invention further comprise a base  300 , as seen in  FIG. 5 . A base incorporates a way to display one or more wine receptacles  100  (seen in  FIG. 1 ). In certain embodiments, a base  300  further comprises a mechanism to provide power to a wine receptacle  100 . The mechanism of providing power draws power from electrical outlets, and comprises an AC to DC converter, and an appropriate electrical plug  115  for the locality, such as a Type A electrical plug in the United States. This mechanism draws electrical power from an electrical outlet and provides it to the wine receptacle  100  via a connection between the motor connector  106  (seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) and the base connector  107 . 
     The motor connector  106 , (seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and base connector  107 , (seen in  FIG. 5 ), comprise an electrical connection between the wine receptacle  100  and the base  300 . In certain embodiments, the connectors may comprise a plastic, two port push connector. One skilled in the art will recognize a plurality of ways to removably connect the wine receptacle  100  and the base in a way that transmits electrical power. For example, in certain embodiments, the base comprises a printed circuit assembly (PCA) and a USB power input connection. Certain embodiments comprise a plurality of base connectors. 
     For example, in certain embodiments, the power source  202 , as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , comprises a rechargeable battery. The battery may comprise a Polymer Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, such as a battery made by Data Power Technology Limited, Model Number DTP301120 or the like. The power source  202  may sit in a housing, such as one formed by internal molding of the stem  102 . The power source  202  is connected to insulated copper wires that run down the stem  102 , and terminate in a motor connector  106 . The base  300 , seen in  FIG. 5 , comprises a complementary connector, a base connector  107 , which can be attached to the motor connector  106  in order to provide power and recharge the power source  202 . Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise a lithium ion and lithium polymer battery charger based on the MCP73833. 
     In other embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 6 , the wine glass  100  is configured in such a way as to house the motor  201 . The configuration incorporates a radial expansion  110  at the junction of a bowl  101  and a stem  102 . The expansion  110  includes a shape, such as a cylindrical shape to house a motor  201 . 
       FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of wine glass  100 . Such an embodiment may be comprised of a lower housing  109  that is configured to fit the bottom surface of a bowl  101 . In such an embodiment, a watertight boundary may be provided by a plastic guard or seal  111 . A plastic guard  111  prevents liquid from entering the channel  112  where a power source  202  is housed below. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , certain embodiments comprise an alternative power source  202 . The power source  202  may comprise direct current from a battery. In such an embodiment, power housing  208  for a power source  202  may be incorporated into the wine glass  100 , such as near the top of the stem  102 , for example. Such an embodiment further comprises power transmission, such as copper wires ensheathed in plastic-based insulation. Insulated wires such as those capable of serving as direct wire  206  and indirect wire  207  are intended to carry electrical current capable of powering blender motor  201  from power source  202  to blender motor  201 . Wires and wire insulation extends from lower housing  109  to power housing  208 . Wire insulation is contiguous with plastic guard  111 , providing a watertight boundary that excludes liquid from below plastic guard  111 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , power source  202  may be comprised of a battery. In such an embodiment, the battery may comprise a standard disposable battery, or a rechargeable battery. Certain embodiments include a power source from a battery having a voltage of 6V or more, although it will be appreciated that less than 6V may be used for certain embodiments. Certain embodiments include a Ni-MH or a lithium ion battery. Certain embodiments include a multi-cell battery or a battery pack. Certain embodiments may also incorporate necessary components for wireless charging. In such an embodiment, a charging base is used to convert voltage into high frequency alternating current. Alternating current is sent to a transmitter coil by a transmitter circuit, where the alternating current then induces a time varying magnetic field. Such an embodiment further comprises a receiving coil, such as in the power housing  208 , for example. The magnetic field produced by the transmitter coil generates current in the receiving coil. Current in the receiving coil is converted back into direct current, and used to charge the power source  202 . 
     In certain embodiments, power source  202  may be incorporated into lower housing  109 . Such embodiments may be preferable to reduce component requirements, such as wires and plastic guard  111 . In such embodiments, external power housing  208  may be incorporated into lower housing  109 . One skilled in the art will appreciate the need for power housing  208  in certain embodiments and not in others. In certain embodiments, power source  202  is comprised of solar power. 
     In certain embodiments, a user can pour wine into the wine receptacle  100 . Any wine remaining in the bottle can be preserved by known methods without being aerated. As seen in  FIG. 3 , once the desired amount of wine has been poured, a lid  205 , may be positioned over the wine receptacle  100  to cover the bowl  101  and prevent the wine from spilling. Once the lid  205  is secured, the trigger  203  may be depressed, which closes the circuit between the electric motor  201  and the power source  202 , which initiates rotation of the stirring blades  204 , driven by the electric motor  201 , thus aerating the wine. A user can further aerate the wine between drinks or as desired to suit his or her taste. 
     Because different wines may benefit from different bowl  101  and stem  102  shapes, a wine receptacle  100  may comprise a plurality of form factors. In an embodiment, a wine receptacle has a form factor resembling a “Bordeaux Glass.” Such an embodiment may be appropriate for specific wines, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. In alternative embodiments, the form factor of the wine receptacle  100  may instead resemble a “Burgundy Glass,” making it appropriate for wines such as a Pinot Noir. One skilled in the art will recognize a plurality of shapes appropriate for a variety of wines, which include, but are not limited to, those specific to a syrah or shiraz, those appropriate for a tempranillo or rioja, and those appropriate for a zinfandel or chianti. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8A , certain embodiments of a wine receptacle  100  has a certain width  301 . In certain embodiments, a width  301  is approximately, but not limited to, 7.9 cm (3.1 inches). Referring to  FIG. 8B , certain embodiments of a wine receptacle  100  has a height  302 . In certain embodiments, a height  302  is approximately, but is not limited to, 19 cm (7.5 inches). In certain embodiments, a bowl  101  further includes an expansion  110  located near a lower end  310 , where the expansion  101  is attached to a stem  102 . A stem  102  (and in certain embodiments, a stem  102  and a foot  103 ) has a length  303 . In certain embodiments, a length  303  is 7.6 cm (3.0 inches). In certain embodiments, a stem  102  has a channel  112  with an internal diameter  312 . In certain embodiments, such internal diameter  312  is approximately in the range of, but not limited to 0.38 cm (0.15 inches) to 0.64 cm (0.25 inches). As seen in  FIG. 8C , in certain embodiments, a stem  102  further includes a stem radial expansion  307  located between a stem  102  and a foot  103 . In certain embodiments, a stem radial expansion  307  has an internal diameter  311  larger than a stem internal diameter  312 . In certain embodiments, such stem radial expansion internal diameter  311  is approximately, but not limited to 0.64 cm (0.25 inches). 
     In certain embodiments, a wine receptacle  100  includes a third opening  308 , for example, located on an expansion  110 . It will be appreciated that a third opening  308  is of any shape or size. In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 8C , a third opening  308  has a circular opening with an internal diameter  309  of approximately, but not limited to 0.8 cm (0.315 inches). A third opening connects an external region to the interior region of a wine receptacle. Such interior region includes, for example, a channel  112 , or a space  305  created by an expansion  110 . A third opening  308  allows placement, for example, of a switch  203  (seen in  FIG. 4 ) on an exterior region and/or surface of a wine receptacle. A switch  203  is connected to components within a wine receptacle, including for example, a motor and battery. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8C  showing a cross-sectional view, certain embodiments of a wine receptacle  100  have an expansion  110  with an internal diameter  306  that is approximately, but not limited to, 2.6 cm (1.04 inches). In certain embodiments, an expansion  110  has a shelf  304  that supports certain components, for example, a stirring mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  showing a bottom view, a foot  103  includes a motor connector  106 . Electrodes  313 ,  314  on a motor connector  106  allow electrical conductivity between a stirring mechanism in a wine receptacle with, for example, the base connector  107  (as seen in  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 9C , and  FIG. 9D ). The arrangement of the electrodes  313 ,  314  ( FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B ) match the arrangement of charging pads  315 ,  316  located on a base connector  107  ( FIG. 9C , and  FIG. 9D ). In certain embodiments, electrodes  313 ,  314  may be semicircular (as seen in  FIG. 9A ), annular rings (as seen in  FIG. 9B ), and other orientations. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the inventions described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.