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(11) | EP 3 138 808 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | METHOD OF TRANSPORTING A LIQUID FROM A CLOSABLE CONTAINER AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING SUCH A METHOD |
| (57) The invention relates to a method and device for transporting a liquid from a first
closable container (1), such as a bottle, to a second container (6), such as a glass,
wherein the first container (1) and the second container (6) are in communicating
connection with each other, wherein the liquid is brought from the first container
(1) into the second container (6) from the bottom and thus displaces the air that
is present from the bottom upwards. As a result, oxidation of the liquid and the loss
of carbon dioxide from the liquid are very limited. The invention provides preservation
of the quality of the liquid and is in particular suitable for the pouring of wine.
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[0001] The invention relates to a method of transporting a liquid from a first closable container, such as a bottle, to a second container, such as a glass.
[0002] With many liquids the problem arises that the quality deteriorates after removing the permanent closure required for transporting and storage. After the opening of the container the liquid comes into contact with oxygen in the air. When transferring the liquid to another container, such as pouring wine from a bottle into a glass, as well as when the liquid remains in the first container (in this case a bottle), through the movement of the first container the liquid comes into intensive contact with oxygen in the air, while the carbon dioxide gas present in the liquid will escape to some degree. The oxidation of the liquid, or at least components thereof, and the loss of carbon dioxide from the liquid will negatively affect the quality of the liquid. A typical example of such a liquid is wine.
[0003] For the above reasons, the usual method of pouring wine by letting the wine fall into a glass has a negative effect on the aroma, taste and finish of the wine. The wine develops more acidic, thinner and oxidative tastes (the "sherry effect") and becomes less smooth and less rounded through the evaporation of alcohol. The characteristic properties of the grape become more difficult to recognise. The original quality achieved by the producer/vintner has changed.
[0004] Retaining carbon dioxide in the wine is also important to guarantee the original quality. The carbon dioxide affects the aroma, the freshness (taste enhancer) and the character (taste and aftertaste) of the wine.
[0005] A study at the University of Reims has shown that pouring wine like beer causes a retention of carbon dioxide in the wine. This influences the aroma, taste and quality of the wine.
[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a solution to the problems of oxidation of a liquid and the loss of carbon dioxide from a liquid while it is being transferred from a first container into a second container.
[0007] Surprisingly, it was found that this can be achieved through a simple design where the liquid is transferred from the first container to the bottom of the second container by means of a liquid-liquid connection and so displacing the air from below.
[0008] Therefore, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the invention is characterised in that the first container and the second container are in communicating connection with each other, wherein the liquid is transferred from the first container via the communicating connection from the bottom up into the second container and displaces the air from the bottom of the second container upwards.
[0009] According to a first embodiment the first container and the second container are in communicating connection with each other by means of a transporting pipe and the liquid is transferred from the first container to the second container by creating an overpressure in the first container using air, in such a way that the liquid in the first container is pressed toward the second container, wherein the end of the transporting pipe is positioned near the bottom of the container so that the transported liquid is brought into the second container near the bottom and thus displaces the air that is present from the bottom upwards.
[0010] The overpressure in the first container is preferably created by introducing air into the container by means of a supply pipe to which a pressure-generating means is connected. The pressure-generating means can be a pump or a squeeze bulb, for example. In general, the squeeze bulb is fitted with a non-return valve to prevent the drawn-in air flowing back.
[0011] According to a second embodiment the first container is provided with a pouring element which can be extended to the bottom of the second container, wherein the liquid is transferred from the first container into the second container by tipping the first container in such a way that the end of the pouring outlet is brought near the bottom of the second container and the liquid flows in the second container near the bottom thereof, and thus displaces the air upwards.
[0012] According to another aspect the invention relates to a device for implementing the method as defined above, comprising a stopper for the first closable container, which has at least two throughflow channels, wherein the first throughflow channel is positioned in such a way that air can be brought through it into the first closable container and the second throughflow channel is positioned in such a way that liquid can be transported through it from the first closable container to a second container.
[0013] According to a first preferred embodiment of the device which is suitable for implementing the first embodiment of the method as described above, the device also comprises:
- a supply pipe for introducing air into the first closable container, said pipe being optionally connected via a non-return valve to the first throughflow channel of the stopper or which at its outer perimeter extends in a sealing manner through the first throughflow channel to the top of the first container,
- a transporting pipe for transferring liquid from the first closable container to a second container, said pipe extending in a sealing manner through the second throughflow channel of the stopper,
- a pressure-generating means, which is connected to the supply pipe.
[0014] The stopper preferably comprises a body with a flange that has at least two throughflow channels, and a shaft which fits onto the opening of the container in a jamming and sealing manner.
[0015] The air supply pipe is preferably provided at a suitable place with a non-return valve so that no liquid can flow unintentionally into the pipe. The air supply pipe may also be provided with a closure.
[0016] The air supply pipe in this embodiment is preferably connected via a tube or, more preferably, via a non-return valve to a first throughflow channel of the stopper. The other end of the pipe is provided with a pressure-generating means for creating the overpressure in the first container. The pressure-generating means is preferably a pump or a squeeze bulb.
[0017] The air supply pipe can also be applied in such a way that the one end of the pipe essentially extends into the top of the first closable container above the liquid level and the other end of the pipe, extending outside the first container, is provided with a pressure-generating means for creating the overpressure in the first container.
[0018] The air supply pipe can also comprise partly a stiff tube and partly a flexible pipe, which are connected to each other in a communicating manner, wherein the stiff tube is applied through the first throughflow channel of the stopper. The one end of the tube essentially extends into the top of the first closable container above the liquid level and the other end, which extends outside the first container, is connected to the flexible pipe.
[0019] The liquid transporting pipe is applied in such a way that the one end of the pipe essentially extends to the bottom or near the bottom of the first closable container and the other end of this pipe essentially extends to the bottom or near the bottom of the second container.
[0021] The liquid transporting pipe can also partly comprise a stiff tube and partly a flexible pipe, wherein the stiff tube is applied through the second throughflow channel of the stopper. The one end of the tube essentially extends to the bottom or near the bottom of the first closable container and the other end, which extends outside the first container, is connected to the flexible pipe, which essentially extends to the bottom or near the bottom of the second container.
[0022] At a suitable location the liquid transporting pipe can be provided with a non-return valve, more particularly for preventing dripping from the pipe when taking the pipe outside the second container. The liquid transporting pipe can also be provided with a clamping element in order to attach the pipe to the second container. The liquid transporting pipe can also be provided with a closure.
[0023] The shaft of the stopper is preferably cylindrical but can also be conical and at several places can be provided with thin transverse flanges in planes perpendicular to the centre pipe of the stopper. The outer diameter of the shaft is slightly smaller than the opening, for example, of a bottle, and the thin flanges ensure a good universal closure. The stopper is usually made of an elastic plastic material or natural rubber, but can, if so desired, be made of another material such as cork.
[0024] The liquid transporting pipe and, if applicable, the air supply pipe are preferably applied in a moveable manner through the throughflow channels of the body of the stopper, with the elastic material of the stopper maintaining the seal on the outer perimeter of the pipes, in order to adjust the distance of the end of the pipes in relation to the bottom of the first container and in relation to the level of liquid, respectively.
[0025] The flexible pipes of the air supply pipe and the liquid transporting pipe are made of an elastic plastic material or of natural rubber. The stiff tubes of the liquid transporting pipe and, if applicable, of the air supply pipe are made of metal, such as brass, or of a plastic, such as polyamide.
[0026] According to the second preferred embodiment of the invention which is suitable for implementing the second embodiment of the method as described above, the first throughflow channel of the stopper is an air inlet channel and the second throughflow channel on the outside of the first closable container is connected to a pouring device which comprises a pouring spout, wherein the pouring spout is of such a shape and length that it can be extended to the bottom of the second container.
[0027] The pouring spout preferably has a curvature of about 45-50 degrees in relation to the centre pipe of the first closable container. As a result the transporting of liquid starts almost immediately after the pouring spout is brought into the second container, and the first closable container only needs to be held at an angle of approximately 20 degrees from the horizontal centre pipe to empty it entirely or almost entirely.
[0028] The pouring element preferably forms an entity with the stopper. In this embodiment the openings of the air inlet and the second throughflow channel in the stopper are preferably located opposite each other on the centre pipe of the stopper, seen in cross-section.
[0029] The method and device according to the invention are above all suitable for pouring wine from a bottle or a barrel into a glass. Oxidation of the wine through oxygen in the air when pouring is practically eliminated by the described method while the carbon dioxide present in the wine is retained. This benefits the vitality and the taste of the wine.
[0030] In accordance with the invention, the temperature of the wine transported to a glass will correspond entirely or almost entirely to the temperature of the wine in the bottle. Temperature maintenance benefits carbon dioxide and taste. The lower the temperature the greater the effect as more carbon dioxide is kept in the liquid and thereby the aroma and taste of the wine are retained. The method according to the invention is preferably carried out at the required pouring temperature of the wine.
[0031] The invention also relates to glasses of wine poured by the method and/or the device according to the invention as described herein. Research involving 2000 test subjects has shown a demonstrable improvement in taste compared to glasses of wine that had been poured in the traditional manner.
[0032] At the same time the invention solves the sediment problem when pouring older wines, as in the first embodiment the bottle is not moved during pouring and usually remains in a vertical position. If required the supply pipe of the transporting pipe in the first bottle can be raised slightly so as not to take up any sediment.
[0033] The invention can also be advantageously used for transporting or pouring, as the case may be, other liquids to or into a second container, such as, for example, liqueurs, cognacs, whiskies, apple juice, tomato juice and other fruit juices, olive oils, soups, sauces, vinegars and dressings.
[0034] A further advantage of the invention is that through a simple squeezing movement of the bulb or the like, the pouring of drinks in the first embodiment can take place more precisely than when pouring by hand.
[0035] The invention can also be used to mix liquids which are sensitive to oxygen. For example, even wine from different grape varieties can be mixed. Subtle mixing ensures harmonious tastes.
[0036] The invention is not, or is at least less suitable for transporting and pouring sparkling wines, such as champagne. These can better be poured in the traditional way, i.e. along the edge of the glass.
[0037] The invention will now be described and explained in more detail by way of the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic arrangement of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention applied to a bottle and a glass.
Fig. 2 is an adapted photographic image of a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 1 applied to a bottle and a glass.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-section in the longitudinal direction of a stopper as applied in the embodiment of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is an adapted photographic image of a detailed view of the stopper of Fig. 2 with an air supply pipe and a liquid transporting pipe.
Fig.5 is an adapted photographic image of a stopper as applied in the embodiment of Fig. 2 with an air supply pipe and a liquid transporting pipe.
Fig. 6 shows a schematic arrangement of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, applied to a bottle and a glass.
Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-section of the stopper as applied in the embodiment of Fig. 6 in plan view.
[0038] It should be noted that the same reference numbers in the various figures relate to the same elements, which, however, are sometimes shown in a different perspective.
[0039] In Fig. 1 a first closable container (1) is shown in the form of a bottle, with a stopper (2), an air supply pipe (3) provided with a squeeze bulb (4), and a transporting pipe (5) for transferring liquid from the first container (1) to a second container (6), here illustrated in the form of a glass. The squeeze bulb is provided with a non-return valve (not shown), which prevents the drawn-in air from flowing back.
[0040] In this embodiment the air supply pipe (3) comprises a stiff tube (11) and a flexible pipe (13) which are connected to each other. The stiff tube (11) is applied in a sealing manner onto the outer circumference through the throughflow channel (9) of the stopper (2) and extends into the container (1) to above the level of the liquid in order to prevent air being pumped into the liquid. The tube (11) can be moved up and down through the throughflow channel (9) for setting the correct height relative to the liquid level while retaining the seal with the stopper (2). The end of the tube must not be in the liquid in order to prevent oxygen being directly introduced into the liquid. At the end that is located outside the container (1) the tube is connected to a flexible pipe (13), said pipe being provided at its other end with a squeeze bulb (4). The connection can be simply realised by pushing the end of the pipe (13) onto the tube (11). A connection piece (16) may also be used between the two ends. At a suitable location the air supply pipe (3) can be provided with a non-return valve (12) which prevents liquid from flowing back into the pipe. The stiff tube (11) is preferably made of plastic, such as, for example, polyamide, or of metal, such as, for example, brass. The flexible pipe (13) is preferably made of an elastic plastic material or of natural rubber.
[0041] In this embodiment the transporting pipe (5) comprises a stiff tube (14) and a flexible pipe (15) which are connected to each other. The stiff tube is applied in a sealing manner onto the outer perimeter through the throughflow channel (10) of the stopper (2) and extends into the container (1) to the bottom or near the bottom thereof. The tube (14) can be moved up and down through the throughflow channel (10) for setting the correct height relative to the height of the container while retaining the seal with the stopper (2). At the end that is located outside the container (1) the tube (14) is connected to a flexible pipe (15), the other end of which extends to the bottom or near the bottom of the second container. The connection can be simply realised by pushing the end of the pipe (15) onto the tube (14). A connection piece (16) may also be used between the two ends. At a suitable location the liquid transporting pipe (5) can be provided with a closure or a non-return valve (not shown) for preventing possible dripping from the pipe after transferring the liquid as much as possible. The flexible pipe (15) can be provided with a clamping element (not shown) for temporarily fastening the pipe to the second container while the liquid is being transferred. It must be clear that as a rule tube (14) is longer than tube (11). The stiff tube (14) is preferably made of plastic, such as, for example, polyamide, or of metal, such as, for example, brass. The flexible pipe (15) is preferably made of plastic.
[0042] The stopper (2) in this embodiment is made of cork, rubber or plastic and is applied to the bottle (1) in a closing manner. Two channels are applied through the stopper for the passage of the air supply pipe (3) and the liquid transporting pipe (5).
[0043] In Fig. 2, as in Fig. 1 a first closable container (1) is shown in the form of a bottle, with a stopper (2), an air supply pipe (3) provided with a squeeze bulb with a non-return valve (4), and a transporting pipe (5) for transferring liquid from the first container (1) to a second container (6), here also illustrated in the form of a glass. The air supply pipe (3) is provided with a non-return valve (12) which is directly applied in the throughflow channel (9) of the stopper (2). Through this a further air supply pipe in the container is superfluous.
[0044] In this embodiment according to Fig. 2 the transporting pipe (5) comprises a flexible pipe in one piece which on the outer perimeter is applied in a sealing manner through the throughflow channel (10) of the stopper (2) and at one end extends to against or near the bottom of the bottle (1) and at the other end to near the bottom of the glass (6). The flexible pipe can be moved up and down through the throughflow channel (10) for setting the correct height relative to the height of the container while retaining the seal with the stopper (2).
[0045] In Fig. 3 the stopper (2) of Fig. 2 is schematically shown in more detail. The stopper (2) comprises a shaft (7) provided with a number of thin sealing flanges (8) and two throughflow channels (9) and (10) for air supply pipe (3) and the transporting pipe (5) respectively, said pipe being indicated by dotted pipes. Instead of the air supply pipe (3) a non-return valve (12) can also be applied in or through the throughflow channel (9) which is connected to the side with the air supply pipe (3) facing away from the stopper (2). The stopper is usually made of a somewhat elastic material such as plastic or rubber, which can be inserted into the container (1) in a sealing manner and through which, as the case may be, the pipes (3, 5) can be moved up and down at the outer perimeter in a sealing manner.
[0046] In Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 the stopper (2) of Fig. 2, the connection thereon of the air supply pipe (3) with a non-return valve (12) and the passing through of the liquid transporting pipe (5), are shown in more detail. The non-return valve (12) is of a conventional type that is commercially available. The non-return valve is optional and can, if desired, be replaced with a suitable connection piece, such as a tube that is applied to the perimeter in a sealing manner in the throughflow channel (9) on which the air supply pipe (3) is attached.
[0047] In Fig. 6 a first closable container (1) is shown in the form of a bottle, with a stopper (2) provided with two throughflow channels, a first throughflow channel (9) in the form of an air inlet, and a second throughflow channel (10) that is connected to the pouring element of a pouring spout (17) and that forms an entity therewith. The pouring spout (17) is of such a shape and of such dimensions that the far end thereof can be extended to the bottom of a second container (6), here illustrated in the form of a glass. Preferably, the pouring spout (17) has a curvature of about 45-50 degrees in relation to the centre pipe of the bottle (1). The liquid level in this illustration is shown with reference number (18).
[0048] In Fig. 7 the stopper (2) of Fig. 6 placed in the neck of a bottle (1) with the air inlet (9) therein and the throughflow channel for the liquid (10) is shown in more detail.
[0049] The method and device according to the invention illustrated by the pouring of wine from a bottle (1) into a glass (6), as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, are carried out according to a first embodiment as follows. After uncorking a bottle of wine the stopper (2) with the air supply pipe (3) and the transporting pipe (5) is firmly applied to the neck of the bottle, after which the flexible pipe of the transporting pipe (5) is placed in a glass so that the end of the pipe is located near the bottom of the glass. If required, the pipe (5) is temporally clamped to the glass (6) with the clamping element. If necessary the height of the transporting pipe (5) or the tube (14) in the bottle (1) is adjusted by moving the pipe or tube, as the case may be, up or down through the stopper (2), wherein the end of the pipe or tube must be brought near the bottom of the bottle. If the air supply pipe (3) comprises a tube (11) this can also be moved up or down, wherein it is ensured that the end of the tube does extend into the wine in order to prevent unwanted oxygen being introduced directly into the liquid.
[0050] In order to transfer wine from the bottle into the glass the squeeze bulb (4) is slowly compressed, as a result of which an overpressure is brought about in the bottle (1) and the wine is pressed via the transporting pipe (5) into the glass (6). The wine is transferred to the bottom of the glass, as a result of which the air in the glass is displaced upwards. The end of the flexible pipe (5, 15) will quickly be under the surface of the liquid, so a liquid-liquid connection is present. During transfer into the glass the wine will no longer be exposed to oxygen and the carbon dioxide dissolved in the wine will be retained. The squeeze bulb (4) can be repeatedly compressed until the desired liquid level in the glass is achieved. Finally, the flexible pipe (15) is removed from the glass and, if required, placed in another glass in order to fill it in the same way.
[0051] In accordance with a second embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the method of the invention is carried out as follows: After uncorking a bottle of wine the stopper (2) with the air supply pipe (9) and a pouring element with a pouring spout (17) is firmly inserted into the neck of the bottle. Pouring from the bottle into the glass is carried out in the usual manner except that the end of the pouring spout (17) is placed at the bottom of the glass (6), so that the glass is filled with wine from the bottom by way of a liquid-liquid connection and the air present is pushed upwards. In this way the CO2 of the wine is retained entirely or almost entirely and no unnecessary mixing of the wine with oxygen in the air takes place. The quality of the wine is thereby maintained which is, among other things, manifested by an improved taste.
[0052] For a person skilled in the art it will be clear that modifications and adaptations to the method and device disclosed in this patent specification can be made without departing from the essence of the invention. These modifications and adaptations therefore all fall within the scope of this invention which is defined by the following claims.
1. A method of transporting a liquid from a first closable container to a second container,
characterised in that the first container and the second container are in communicating connection with
each other, wherein the liquid is brought from the first container into the second
container from the bottom and thus displaces the air that is present from the bottom
upwards.
2. The method of claim 1, characterised in that the first container and the second container are in communicating connection with
each other by means of a transporting pipe, wherein the liquid is transferred from
the first container to the second container by creating an overpressure in the first
container using air, in such a way that the liquid in the first container is pressed
toward the second container, wherein the end of the transporting pipe is positioned
near the bottom of the container so that the transported liquid is delivered into
the second container near the bottom.
3. The method of claim 2, characterised in that the overpressure in the first container is created by introducing air into the container
by means of a supply pipe to which a pressure-generating means is connected, wherein
the pressure-generating preferably is a pump or a squeeze bulb.
4. The method of claim 1, characterised in that the first container is provided with a pouring element which can be extended to the
bottom of the second container, wherein the liquid is transferred from the first container
into the second container by tipping the first container in such a way that the end
of the pouring outlet is brought near the bottom of the second container and the liquid
flows in the second container near the bottom thereof and thus displaces the air upwards.
5. A device for carrying out the method of any one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises
a stopper for the first closable container, which has at least two throughflow channels,
wherein the first throughflow channel is positioned in such a way that air can be
brought through it into the first closable container, and the second throughflow channel
is positioned in such a way that liquid can be transported through it from the first
closable container to a second container.
6. The device of claim 5, further comprising
- a supply pipe for introducing air into the first closable container, said pipe being optionally connected via a non-return valve to the first throughflow channel of the stopper or which at its outer perimeter extends in a sealing manner through the first throughflow channel to the top of the first closable container,
- a transporting pipe for transferring liquid from the first closable container to a second container, said pipe extending in a sealing manner through the second throughflow channel of the stopper,
- a pressure-generating means which is connected to the supply pipe.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the first throughflow channel of the stopper is an
air inlet channel and the second throughflow channel on the outside of the first closable
container is connected to a pouring device which comprises a pouring spout, wherein
the pouring spout is of such a shape and length that it can be extended to the bottom
of the second container, and the pouring spout preferably has a curvature of about
45-50 degrees in relation to the centre pipe of the first closable container and/or
the pouring element forms an entity with the stopper.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the stopper comprises:
- a body with a flange that has at least two throughflow channels, and
- a shaft which fits onto the opening of the container in a jamming and sealing manner
and/or wherein the stopper is made of an elastic plastic material or of natural rubber.9. The device of claim 5, wherein the air supply pipe is mounted in such a way that the
one end of the pipe essentially extends into the top of the first closable container
and wherein the other end of the pipe, extending outside the first container, is provided
with a pressure-generating means for creating the overpressure in the first container
and/or wherein the liquid transporting pipe is applied in such a way that the one
end of the pipe essentially extends to the bottom or near the bottom of the first
container and the other end of this pipe essentially extends to the bottom or near
the bottom of the second container.
10. The device of claim 5, wherein the shaft of the stopper is cylindrical or conical
and at several places provided with thin transverse flanges in planes perpendicular
to the centre pipe of the stopper.
11. The device of claim 6, wherein the pressure-generating means for creating overpressure
in the first container is a pump or a squeeze bulb and/or wherein the air supply pipe
is provided with a non-return valve and/or wherein the transporting pipe is provided
with a non-return valve.
12. The device of claim 6, wherein the air supply pipe partly comprises a stiff tube and
partly a flexible pipe, which are connected to each other in a communicating manner,
wherein the stiff tube is applied through one of the at least two throughflow channels
of the stopper, wherein the one end of the tube essentially extends into the top of
the first closable container above the liquid level and the other end, which extends
outside the first container, is connected to the flexible pipe and/or wherein the
liquid transporting pipe partly comprises a stiff tube and partly a flexible pipe,
wherein the stiff tube is applied through the second throughflow channel of the stopper,
wherein the one end of the tube essentially extends to the bottom or near the bottom
of the first closable container and the other end, which extends outside the first
container, is connected to the flexible pipe, which essentially extends to the bottom
or near the bottom of the second container and/or wherein the liquid transporting
pipe and the air supply pipe are applied in a moveable manner through the throughflow
channels of the body of the stopper in order to adjust the distance of the end of
the respective pipes in relation to the level of the liquid and the bottom of the
first container, respectively.
13. The device of claim 6, wherein the flexible pipes of the air supply pipe and the liquid
transporting pipe are made of an elastic plastic material or of natural rubber, and
wherein the stiff tubes of the liquid transporting pipe and the air supply pipe are
made of metal, such as brass, or of a plastic, such as polyamide.
14. The device of claim 6, wherein the transporting pipe is provided with a clamping element
to attach the pipe to the second container.
15. A glass of wine, obtained by the method of any one of claims 1-4 and/or the device
of any one of claims 5-14.