초록 ▼

In accordance with the invention a frustoconically shaped stopper formed of silicone rubber approved by the FDA for use in wine making (such as methylvinylpolysiloxane elastomers) can be releasably sealed to a wine barrel, but still provide for sampling of the wine and/or release of the fermentation

In accordance with the invention a frustoconically shaped stopper formed of silicone rubber approved by the FDA for use in wine making (such as methylvinylpolysiloxane elastomers) can be releasably sealed to a wine barrel, but still provide for sampling of the wine and/or release of the fermentation gases. In this way, all equipment needed for venting, heating and tasting wine can be placed and used in a convenient arrangement with minimum expenditure of time and effort. In one aspect, the stopper of the invention includes a central opening attended by an integral pliant plug having a shaft of length L0. The central opening is defined by a circular cross section and a length L (measured between an annular base and a truncated tip surface) where L0 is less than L. A side wall of thickness T is defined. The thickness T varies as a function of the length along the central opening. The side wall is rigid, however. Hence, its frustoconical surface can be sealed, air-tight, to the barrel bung, with the auxiliary plug inserted within the central opening without the use of external sealants, waxes and the like. Yet side wall pressure acting as the auxiliary plug is neither too large to prevent manual removal of the plug for sampling purposes nor too small to permit ambient air back into the barrel between the co-acting surfaces. In another aspect of the invention, a vent valve/air lock assembly is fitted within the central opening in similar fashion and for like purposes (with the auxiliary plug disconnected) to allow oxidation gases to be vented to the exterior but still prevent ambient air back into the barrel.

대표청구항 ▼

A wine barrel stopper formed of silicone rubber approved by the FDA for use in wine making, and sealable to a bunghole of a wine barrel, comprising: (i) a side wall defining a central opening, an axis of symmetry, and a frustoconical outer surface to be seated within said barrel bunghole; and (ii) a

A wine barrel stopper formed of silicone rubber approved by the FDA for use in wine making, and sealable to a bunghole of a wine barrel, comprising: (i) a side wall defining a central opening, an axis of symmetry, and a frustoconical outer surface to be seated within said barrel bunghole; and (ii) an integral auxiliary plug configured to and capable of being seated with said central opening of said side wall whereby side wall pressure due to spacial displacement of said stopper relative to said bunghole is neither too large to prevent manual removal of said auxiliary plug from said central opening nor too small to permit the passage of ambient air back into the barrel between co-acting surfaces thereof.