FR3152362A3 - Table bottle holder - Google Patents

Abstract

Tabletop bottle holder (1), comprising: a body (2) shaped to define at least one housing (3) intended to receive at least part of a bottle; a thermal conditioning system (4) functionally active on the housing (3), said thermal conditioning system (4) comprising at least one Peltier cell (5); electrical power supply means (6), associated with at least said thermal conditioning system (4), comprising at least one battery (7) of the rechargeable type and removably mounted in a corresponding compartment (8) of the bottle holder (1). [FIG. 1]

Description

Table bottle holder

The present invention relates to a tabletop bottle holder.

It is well known that the organoleptic properties of certain beverages are enhanced within a specific temperature range, particularly in the wine industry. The serving temperature of a good wine is very important, which is why the ideal temperature ranges for tasting are often indicated on bottle labels.

Typically, drinks are chilled in a refrigerated cell. Once the drink leaves the refrigerator at the appropriate time, it must be consumed quickly, which is not the case with some drinks, including wine, which can be consumed throughout the meal.

A well-known solution, used for example for champagne and some white wines, is to immerse the bottle in an ice bucket placed on the table or at the edge of it. However, this method does not allow for precise control of the temperature of the drink at the time of tasting. On the contrary, with this method, each glass is drunk at a different temperature, which leads to a decline in its quality over time. In addition, it causes difficulties of use due to condensation occurring on the bottle, which must be quickly dried after each use, also wetting the dishes and tablecloth. In extreme cases, the drink can even overflow from the bottle.

To overcome these disadvantages, tabletop bottle holders with a holding function have been developed. However, currently known solutions have several disadvantages.

First of all, they are tied to a wired power supply, which severely limits their practicality and versatility of use.

Second, they fail to reach temperatures low enough to ensure an optimal drinking temperature for all beverages. In fact, these solutions typically reach temperatures of 8°C as a lower temperature. However, some wines, especially sparkling wines, should be consumed at temperatures of 5 or 6°C. These temperatures cannot be achieved with known state-of-the-art solutions.

Moreover, known solutions do not guarantee sufficient reliability, since maintaining the set temperature is ensured within a tolerance of ± 3°C, taking into account the necessary transition times.

These disadvantages are much more evident in a refined atmosphere, for example in a luxury restaurant.

In this context, the present invention has the technical task of providing a table bottle holder which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known technique.

In particular, the present invention aims to provide a versatile and practical table bottle holder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tabletop bottle holder that can be used even in the absence of an electrical outlet nearby.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a table bottle holder capable of offering greater reliability in maintaining the set temperature than known solutions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a table bottle holder capable of maintaining a temperature of up to 3 or 4°C throughout the duration of a meal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a table bottle holder which is optimally adapted to different bottle sizes.

The specified technical task and the specified objectives are essentially achieved by a tabletop bottle holder comprising the following technical characteristics

The table bottle holder (1) includes:

a body shaped so as to define at least one housing intended to receive at least part of a bottle;

a thermal conditioning system operatively active on the housing, said thermal conditioning system comprising at least one Peltier cell;

electrical power supply means associated with at least said thermal conditioning system.

It is characterized in that said electrical supply means comprise at least one battery of the rechargeable type and in that said at least one battery is removably mounted in a corresponding compartment of the bottle holder.

According to one characteristic, said body comprises a lateral part developing around said at least one housing, said compartment being produced in the lateral part.

According to another feature, the bottle holder comprises a box-shaped envelope connected to the body, said compartment being made in said box-shaped envelope.

According to another feature, the thermal conditioning system (comprises at least two Peltier cells and said at least one battery is 14.8 V.

According to another feature, the bottle holder comprises a control unit configured to control the thermal conditioning system so as to impose a temperature value of between 3 and 20°C in the housing.

According to another feature, the bottle holder comprises a temperature sensor acting on the housing to detect at least one temperature value and a control unit configured to:

- receive the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor;

- compare it to a range of temperature values including a target temperature value;

- controlling the thermal conditioning system so as to bring or maintain the temperature of the housing within said range of temperature values.

According to another feature, the control unit is configured to:

- in response to a detected temperature value above the temperature value range, controlling the thermal conditioning system to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or below the temperature value range;

- in response to a detected temperature value below the temperature value range, controlling the thermal conditioning system to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or above the temperature value range;

- in response to a detected temperature value within the temperature value range, controlling the thermal conditioning system to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within the temperature value range.

According to another feature, the thermal conditioning system comprises a sheet disposed in the housing and functionally associated with said at least one Peltier cell for thermal conditioning of the bottle.

According to another feature, the sheet comprises two curved parts which can be adapted to open/close relative to each other.

According to another characteristic, said two curved parts originate at the opposite ends of a common part of the sheet, said common part being functionally associated with said at least one Peltier cell.

According to another characteristic, said sheet comprises at least one lateral surface comprising at least in part a wavy development.

According to another feature, the bottle holder includes a system for adapting the sheet to the bottle.

According to another characteristic, the adaptation system comprises a stirrup essentially shaped like an "L" mounted in an articulated manner near a bottom of the housing so as to be movable between at least two positions in which the stirrup adopts different inclinations relative to a reference axis, in the second position, said stirrup making the sheet adhere to the bottle.

According to another characteristic, the sheet is open on one side, said adaptation system comprising a spring interposed between two opposite ends of the sheet.

According to another characteristic, the sheet is open on one side, said adaptation system comprising means for motorized opening/closing of the sheet.

According to another feature, the bottle holder includes an operatively active fan on the housing to promote tangential circulation of air.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear even better on the basis of the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description which relates to a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a table bottle holder, presented in the attached figures, including:

- there FIG. 1 indicates a side view of a tabletop bottle holder according to the present invention;

- there FIG. 2 indicates a top view of a sheet used in the bottle holder of the FIG. 1 ;

- there FIG. 3 indicates a perspective view of the sheet of the FIG. 2 ;

- there FIG. 4 indicates a perspective view of the back of the sheet of the FIG. 3 , on which two Peltier cells are applied;

- there FIG. 5 indicates a side view of the leaf of the FIG. 2 , on which a thermal conditioning system is applied;

- there FIG. 6 indicates a side view of the entire FIG. 5 , with the addition of a battery compartment;

- there FIG. 7 indicates a perspective view of the entire FIG. 5 , with the addition of an air recirculation fan;

- there FIG. 8 and the FIG. 8 indicate a front view of a sheet configured in, respectively, open and closed condition from an embodiment of motorized opening/closing means;

- there FIG. 9 and the FIG. 9 indicate, respectively, a perspective view of the embodiment of the motorized opening/closing means of figures 8a and 8b.

With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a table bottle holder. By bottle holder is meant a device intended to support a container containing a beverage, not limited to bottles.

The bottle holder 1 comprises a body 2 shaped to define at least one housing 3. The housing 3 is adapted to receive at least a portion of a bottle, in particular the lower portion of the bottle. It is essential that the bottle is in a position such that no liquid spills from inside.

Preferably, the housing 3 has a predominant development along a first direction. Preferably, the first direction has a predominant vertical component.

The housing 3 may be closed laterally (for example, a blind hole) or open (for example, a niche). In all cases, the housing 3 has at least one opening facing the outside of the body 2 for inserting the bottle.

In the preferred embodiment, the bottle holder 1 is intended to receive a single bottle.

Otherwise, it is possible to provide several housings for more bottles.

The bottle holder 1 comprises a thermal conditioning system 4 functionally active on the housing 3. The thermal conditioning system 4 comprises at least one Peltier cell 5. The Peltier cell 5 is a known device and will not be described further.

Thermal conditioning means that the bottle holder 1 can both cool and heat the bottle. In fact, all you have to do is reverse the polarity of the Peltier cell.

The bottle holder 1 comprises electrical power supply means 6 associated at least with the thermal conditioning system 4.

The power supply means 6 comprise a battery 7. The battery 7 is of the rechargeable type. The battery 7 is removably mounted in a corresponding compartment 8 of the bottle holder 1. In this way, the battery 7 can be removed and recharged or replaced.

The battery compartment 8 and the corresponding battery 7 can be placed in different positions.

In one embodiment, the battery compartment 8 is positioned at the bottom of the bottle holder 1.

In another embodiment, the battery compartment 8 is positioned on a side portion of the bottle holder 1. In particular, the side portion at least partially surrounds the housing 3.

In both embodiments, the compartment 8 can be made to be integrated into the body 2 or into a separate box-shaped envelope 9 connected to the body 2.

The embodiments described above are purely illustrative and are not exhaustive, as the battery compartment 8 may be arranged in a variety of other positions.

In the preferred embodiment, the thermal conditioning system 4 comprises a heat exchange sheet 10. The sheet 10 is disposed in the housing 3 and is operatively associated with the Peltier cell 5 for thermal conditioning of the bottle. In particular, the sheet 10 serves as an intermediary between the Peltier cell 5 and the bottle.

A sheet is understood to mean an element having a mainly two-dimensional development, that is to say having a reduced thickness compared to the other dimensions.

The sheet 10 comprises at least one lateral surface 13 which at least partly has a wavy development.

By corrugated it is meant that the lateral surface 13 does not have a linear development, but undulations or changes of direction are provided. In this way, the contact points of the sheet 10 with the bottle are greater compared to a purely linear development and, consequently, an increased heat exchange is favored.

In the preferred embodiment, the side surface 13 comprises a plurality of grooved recesses 11 or grooves. In particular, these grooved recesses 11 extend outwardly from the sheet 10, i.e. in the direction opposite to that in which the bottle is located.

Preferably, these grooved recesses 11 comprise a component with predominantly vertical development. In other words, they develop over the height of the sheet 10, that is to say along the elongated development dimension of the housing 3. In this way, the grooved recesses 11 develop over the height of the bottle.

Preferably, the side surface 13 comprises a plurality of substantially flat or linear sections 12 and alternating fluted recesses 11 or grooves.

In other embodiments, the side surface 13 may include undulations.

The sheet 10 is suitably shaped to expand at least partially around the bottle. In particular, the sheet 10 comprises at least one curved portion.

Preferably, the sheet 10 is metallic, for example copper or aluminum.

Preferably, the sheet 10 is at least partly flexible, i.e. it can adapt to different bottle diameters. By "at least partly" it is meant that the sheet 10 may also include a non-flexible portion.

Preferably, the sheet 10 comprises two curved portions 10a, 10b. Preferably, the curved portions 10a, 10b are folded inwards.

Preferably, the curved portions 10a, 10b are flexible and perform jaw-like movements. In other words, the curved portions 10a, 10b can adapt to open/close relative to each other.

Preferably, the two curved portions 10a, 10b are two mutually opposite end portions of the sheet 10.

Preferably, the curved portions 10a, 10b originate at opposite ends of a common portion 10c. Preferably, the common portion 10c is fixed. Preferably, the common portion 10c is operatively associated with the Peltier cell 5. In other words, the Peltier cell 5 acts on the common portion 10c.

In the illustrated embodiment, the common portion 10c is essentially flat.

Preferably, each curved portion 10a, 10b develops in length between a first end, originating from the common portion 10c, and a second free end.

The curved portion 10a, 10b is essentially a wall squeezing a portion of the bottle.

As such, it expands in length (between the two ends) and in height (along the housing, i.e. along the height of the bottle).

Preferably, the curved portion 10a, 10b develops according to a conical development, that is to say it causes a progressive reduction in the height of the curved portion 10a, 10b.

Otherwise, the curved part 10a, 10b develops according to a constant height development.

Preferably, at least one of the two curved portions 10a, 10b comprises a lateral surface 13 comprising at least in part a wavy development.

Preferably, the two curved portions 10a, 10b comprise such a corrugated side surface 13.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a system 20 for adapting the sheet 10 to the bottle.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation system 20 comprises a spring 21 interposed between two opposite ends of the sheet 10, which is open on one side. Preferably, the spring 21 is mounted between the two curved portions 10a, 10b. Preferably, the spring 21 is mounted between the corresponding ends of the two curved portions 10a, 10b.

According to one embodiment, the adaptation system 20 comprises a stirrup (not shown) essentially shaped like an “L” mounted in an articulated manner near a bottom of the housing 3 so as to be movable between at least two positions in which the stirrup adopts different inclinations relative to a reference axis (for example, vertical or horizontal). In the second position, the stirrup adheres the sheet 10 to the bottle.

Between the two positions, the stirrup rotates relative to the hinge axis. Preferably, the transition between the two positions occurs by the effect of the pressure of the bottle on the stirrup.

In another embodiment, illustrated in Figures 8a-9b, the adaptation system 20 comprises motorized opening/closing means 22 for the sheet 10, which is open on one side.

Preferably, the opening/closing means 22 comprise a motorized worm screw 23 coupled to a rack 24 associated with each curved portion 10a, 10b. In particular, the racks 24 are located on opposite sides of the worm screw 23.

The worm screw 23 opens/closes the racks 24 and consequently the leaf 10.

Preferably, the rack 24 has a toothed and curvilinear profile. Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a capacitive system (not shown) associated with the motorized opening/closing means 22. The capacitive system is configured to detect the presence of the hand and configured to control the opening of the sheet 10. Similarly, the system is configured to control the closing of the sheet 10 when the hand is no longer detected.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a temperature sensor 14 acting on the housing 3 to detect at least one temperature value.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a control unit 15 configured to receive the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 14 and compare it to a range of temperature values. In particular, the range of temperature values is a range of a target temperature value. For example, the range of values is determined with a tolerance of ± 1 °C with respect to the target value, in a steady-state condition. In fact, it must be considered that from the moment the bottle is introduced into the housing, a transient period is necessary during which the sensor reads the temperature, the thermal conditioning means are activated and act on the bottle to reach the target value.

According to one embodiment, the target temperature value is set by a user using a selector. The selector may be configured for small increments of the target temperature value or with a plurality of predefined target temperature values.

Preferably, in response to a detected temperature value greater than the temperature value range, the control unit 15 is configured to control the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or below the temperature value range.

Preferably, in response to a detected temperature value lower than the temperature value range, the control unit 15 is configured to control the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or above the temperature value range.

Preferably, in response to a detected temperature value within the temperature value range, the control unit 15 is configured to control the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose on the bottle a temperature value within the temperature value range.

Preferably, the control unit 15 controls the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose a temperature value of between 3 and 20°C in the housing 3.

The Applicant has found, after numerous experiments, that maintaining such low temperatures (3/4 °C) can be achieved through the use of at least two Peltier 5 cells and a 14.8 V battery 7. These lower temperature values are achievable under appropriate standard environmental conditions.

According to one embodiment, the thermal conditioning system 4 comprises a heat sink 17 and a main fan 18 associated with the Peltier cell 5.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a fan 16 functionally active on the housing 3 to promote tangential circulation of the air. This makes it possible to make the temperature homogeneous in the housing 3.

In the embodiment with sheet 10, fan 16 is mounted at one end of sheet 10.

In particular, the fan 16 is designed for the purpose of moving the air in order to achieve adequate recirculation, without generating turbulence.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a capacitive system (not shown) acting on the housing 3 and configured to detect the reaching of a predetermined level of liquid in the bottle. The capacitive system is operatively connected to visual signaling means which are activated when said level of liquid in the bottle is reached. In particular, an LED is operatively connected to the capacitive system and lights up at the appropriate time.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a screen for displaying the set temperature value. In one embodiment, the screen is touch-sensitive, i.e. it also acts as a selector.

Preferably, the bottle holder 1 is equipped with a QR code or barcode reader to be able to view the information on the bottle.

The present invention has significant advantages.

The bottle rack proposed here is configured as a temperature maintainer for a bottle extracted from a refrigeration cell, rather than as an active cooler. The bottle rack proposed here was primarily designed for the thermal conditioning of wine bottles, but it can also be used, without modifications requiring major inventive efforts, for the thermal conditioning of bottles (or other containers) of water, which generally require an optimal temperature of 10÷12 °C, or of beer.

The use of a rechargeable and removable battery allows for maximum versatility of the bottle holder. First, it is not limited to use in areas close to a power outlet. Second, it is possible to recharge the battery at the end of use or to replace the discharged battery with a charged one during use, to avoid any malfunction.

In addition, the use of Peltier cells guarantees quiet and vibration-free operation.

In addition, the combination of at least two Peltier cells with a 14.8 V battery makes it possible to reach low temperatures (3 °C or 4 °C) and maintain them for the duration of a meal.

In addition, the use of a sheet with corrugated parts allows for improved heat exchange efficiency, saving energy for the same result.

Additionally, the sheet's adaptability to a variety of bottle shapes increases the bottle holder's versatility and ease of use.

Claims (16)

Table bottle holder (1), comprising:
a body (2) shaped so as to define at least one housing (3) intended to receive at least part of a bottle;
a thermal conditioning system (4) functionally active on the housing (3), said thermal conditioning system (4) comprising at least one Peltier cell (5);
electrical supply means (6) associated with at least said thermal conditioning system (4),
characterized in that said power supply means (6) comprise at least one battery (7) of the rechargeable type and in that said at least one battery (7) is removably mounted in a corresponding compartment (8) of the bottle holder (1). Bottle holder (1) according to claim 1, wherein said body (2) comprises a lateral part developing around said at least one housing (3), said compartment (8) being made in the lateral part. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 1, comprising a box-shaped casing (9) connected to the body (2), said compartment (8) being made in said box-shaped casing (9). Bottle holder (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal conditioning system (4) comprises at least two Peltier cells (5) and said at least one battery (7) is 14.8 V. Bottle holder (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit (15) configured to control the thermal conditioning system (4) so as to impose in the housing a temperature value of between 3 and 20°C. Bottle holder (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor (14) acting on the housing (3) to detect at least one temperature value and a control unit (15) configured to:
- receive the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor (14);
- compare it to a range of temperature values including a target temperature value;
- controlling the thermal conditioning system (4) so as to bring or maintain the temperature of the housing (3) within said range of temperature values. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (15) is configured to:
- in response to a detected temperature value greater than the temperature value range, controlling the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or below the temperature value range;
- in response to a detected temperature value lower than the temperature value range, controlling the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or above the temperature value range;
- in response to a detected temperature value within the temperature value range, controlling the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within the temperature value range. Bottle holder (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal conditioning system (4) comprises a sheet (10) arranged in the housing (3) and operatively associated with said at least one Peltier cell (5) for thermal conditioning of the bottle. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 8, wherein said sheet (10) comprises two curved portions (10a, 10b) which are adaptable to open/close relative to each other. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 9, wherein said two curved portions (10a, 10b) originate at opposite ends of a common portion (10c) of the sheet (10), said common portion (10c) being operatively associated with said at least one Peltier cell (5). Bottle holder (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said sheet (10) comprises at least one lateral surface (13) comprising at least in part a corrugated development. Bottle holder (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising a system (20) for adapting the sheet (10) to the bottle. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 12, wherein said adaptation system (20) comprises a stirrup essentially shaped like an "L" mounted in an articulated manner near a bottom of the housing (3) so as to be movable between at least two positions in which the stirrup adopts different inclinations relative to a reference axis, in the second position, said stirrup making the sheet (10) adhere to the bottle. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 12, wherein the sheet (10) is open on one side, said adaptation system (20) comprising a spring (21) interposed between two opposite ends of the sheet (10). Bottle holder (1) according to claim 12, wherein the sheet (10) is open on one side, said adaptation system (20) comprising motorized opening/closing means (22) of the sheet (10). A bottle holder (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a fan (16) operatively active on the housing (3) to promote tangential circulation of air.