WO2025224652A1

WO2025224652A1 - Cooling support for goblets

Info

Publication number: WO2025224652A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/054249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giancarlo TESTAVERDE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-04-23
Filing date: 2025-04-23
Publication date: 2025-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-23

Abstract

The cooling support (1) for goblets comprises: at least one base portion (2) for standing on a stable surface (3); at least one holding portion (5), opposite the base portion (2) and adapted, in use, to receive and support a glass (7); wherein the holding portion (5) comprises cooling means (8) configured, in use, to cool the glass (7).

Description

COOLING SUPPORT FOR GOBLETS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cooling support for goblets.

Background Art

It is well known, in fact, that the temperature of some beverages, such as wine, plays a key role in fully appreciating the flavor thereof

Therefore, a variety of methods used to keep beverages at the recommended serving temperature are known.

For example, thermally insulated and/or ice-filled containers are common to be used to house within them the container of the beverage to be consumed, e.g. a bottle of wine, in order to keep it cool.

This type of containers does, however, regulate the temperature of the beverage roughly and inaccurately.

In addition, the beverage heats up quickly once poured within a goblet, risking less flavor after a few minutes.

These drawbacks prevent the consumer from enjoying the beverage at the recommended serving temperature and without haste, e.g. during a meal.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a cooling support for goblets which allows the temperature of the beverage contained in the goblet to be kept at the recommended serving temperature for a long period of time.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a cooling support for goblets which allows the temperature of the beverage contained in the goblet to be precisely regulated.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a convenient and easy- to-use cooling support for goblets.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a cooling support for goblets which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as affordable solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this support having the characteristics of claim 1.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system having the characteristics of claim 10.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a cooling support for goblets, illustrated by way of an indicative yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the support according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the support according to the invention;

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the system according to the invention;

Figure 4 is an axonometric view of another embodiment of the support according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a detailed view of some components of the system according to the invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a cooling support for goblets.

The cooling support 1 for goblets comprises at least one base portion 2 for standing on a stable surface 3.

The term stable surface 3 is used to refer to a substantially flat standing surface, e.g. a table or the like, and preferably horizontal.

Preferably, the base portion 2 comprises a pair of standing elements 4 which define a base portion 2 having a substantially “C” conformation, as shown in Figure 1.

According to the invention, the support 1 comprises at least one holding portion 5, opposite the base portion 2 and adapted, in use, to receive a glass 7 standing thereon.

In other words, in use, the goblet 7 is arranged standing on the holding portion 5, which, in this way, holds the goblet 7 from below. In other words, in use, the holding portion 5 retains and supports the goblet 7 from below, as shown in Figure 1.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises detection means 33 for detecting the presence and/or absence of the glass 7 standing on the holding portion 5.

Preferably, the detection means 33 are mounted on and/or are connected to the holding portion 5.

For example, the detection means 33 are of the type of a weight sensor, such as a load cell or the like, and/or of the type of a proximity sensor, such as a photoelectric cell or the like.

According to the invention, the holding portion 5 comprises cooling means 8 configured, in use, to cool the glass 7.

Specifically, in use, the cooling means 8 are arranged in contact with the glass 7, so as to cool it.

As a result, the beverage contained in the glass 7 can be consumed at the desired times without the risk of it rapidly heating up beyond the recommended serving temperature.

Preferably, the cooling means 8 comprise a casing 10 and at least one filling 11 of the casing 10.

Specifically, the filling 11 comprises: at least one gel cooling material contained within the casing 10 and configured to cool the glass 7; at least one metallic material in the form of spheres.

Preferably, the cooling material is in the form of spheres.

Advantageously, the cooling material is ice gel, such as that known to be used for medical purposes.

Specifically, ice gel is a material configured to give off heat when cooled, e.g. when placed in the refrigerator or freezer.

In addition, ice gel is a material configured to gradually accumulate heat, e.g. when it is placed in contact with the glass 7, cooling it down.

Preferably, the cooling means 8, e.g., the casing 10 and/or the filling 11, are at least partly elastically deformable, so that they elastically change their conformation upon contact with the glass 7.

Further embodiments of the support 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the cooling means 8 may be at least partly rigid.

It cannot be ruled out, for example, that the cooling means 8 may comprise a layer made of silkpad.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises a supporting layer (not shown in the figures) placed, in use, between the holding portion 5 and the glass 7.

Preferably, the supporting layer comprises a layer made of a deformable material as a result of temperature change and/or as a result of electrical stimulation and/or a lamellar layer defining a plurality of lamellae arranged radially and adapted, in use, to deform to accommodate the glass 7, adapting to the conformation of the glass 7.

In particular, the plurality of lamellae extend protruding within the through channel 19 (introduced later in this disclosure) so as to intercept and hold the goblet 7.

Advantageously, the support 1 comprises coupling means 9 of the cooling means 8 and/or of the supporting layer to the holding portion 5 in a removable maimer. In this way, the cooling means 8 can be conveniently removed, e.g. to be replaced. Preferably, the coupling means 9 are of the interlocking type, such as a dovetail joint.

Specifically, the coupling means 9 couple the casing 10 to the holding portion 5 in a removable manner.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises at least one Peltier cell 12.

Specifically, the Peltier cell 12 is mounted on the holding portion 5 and is adapted to cool the glass 7.

Preferably, the Peltier cell 12 is placed, in use, between the cooling means 8 and the holding portion 5 and configured to cool the glass 7 down by interposition of the cooling means 8.

Preferably, the Peltier cell 12 is arranged in contact with the cooling means 8.

In this way, the Peltier cell 12 cools the filling 11 down which in turn cools the glass 7 down. This expedient allows the glass 7 to cool down for an extended time.

Preferably, the cooling means 8, in use, hide the Peltier cell 12 from view.

Conveniently, the Peltier cell 12 is of the flexible type and is preferably arranged circularly around the through channel 19 introduced below.

Appropriately, the support 1 comprises electrical power supply means 13, 14 of the Peltier cell 12.

Specifically, the electrical power supply means 13, 14 comprise connecting means 13 to an electrical power supply source in a removable maimer.

For example, the connecting means 13 are of the type of a connecting cable for the connection to an electrical outlet.

It cannot be ruled out that the power supply means 13, 14 comprise at least one electric battery 14 mounted on and/or built into the support 1.

Preferably, the battery 14 is of the removable type, e.g. to be replaced quickly with another charged battery.

It cannot also be ruled out that the battery 14 may be of the rechargeable battery type, e.g. by means of the connecting means 13.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 configured to promote heat transfer from the cooling means 8 to the environment in which the support itself is used.

Specifically, the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 are connected to the Peltier cell 12 to dissipate the heat generated by the latter.

Specifically, the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 comprise at least one water block 34 associated with the Peltier cell 12.

In the present disclosure, the term water block 34 refers to a containment body intended to house a coolant fluid. Such a containment body is coupled to the Peltier cell 12, so that it laps the same cell with the coolant fluid, substantially transferring heat between the coolant fluid and the Peltier cell 12.

Specifically, the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 comprise a circulation line 35 of the coolant fluid inside and/or outside the water block.

In more detail, the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 comprise at least one dissipating member (not shown in the figures) arranged along the circulation line 35 and adapted to transfer heat with the coolant fluid.

In this way, the coolant fluid takes heat from the Peltier cell 12 and gives it off to the dissipating member, which in turn gives it off to the environment.

Advantageously, the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 comprise at least one pumping member 36 of a circulating coolant fluid, at least partly inside the water block 34.

Specifically, the pumping member 36 enables the circulation of the coolant fluid along the circulation line 35.

It cannot be ruled out that the support 1 may comprise heat transfer means placed between the Peltier cell 12 and the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37. In this way, the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 may be arranged at a distance from the Peltier cell 12.

It cannot also be ruled out that the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 may comprise one or more dissipating fins 37 preferably connected to the Peltier cell(s) 12.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 15 and control means 16 of the Peltier cell 12.

Appropriately, the control means 16 are connected to at least the temperature sensor 15 and the Peltier cell 12.

Advantageously, the control means 16 are configured to process the temperature of the beverage contained in the glass 7 depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15.

In other words, the control means 16 are configured to detect, in an indirect way, the temperature of the beverage contained in the glass 7 depending on the temperature of the latter.

Preferably, the temperature sensor 15 is configured to measure the temperature of the glass 7 and/or the ambient temperature in which the support 1 is used.

It cannot be ruled out that the support 1 may comprise at least two temperature sensors 15, wherein: one of the temperature sensors 15 is configured to measure the temperature of the glass 7; the other of the temperature sensors 15 is configured to measure the ambient temperature in which the support 1 is used.

Specifically, the control means 16 are configured to command the Peltier cell 12 and/or the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15 to control/regulate the temperature of the glass 7 and/or the temperature of the beverage contained in the glass 7.

This expedient makes it possible to precisely regulate the temperature of the glass 7 and consequently the temperature of the beverage contained therein.

Conveniently, the control means 16 are configured to control/regulate the temperature of the goblet 7 and/or the temperature of the beverage contained in the goblet 7 via a “bang -bang” control logic, PID, or the like.

Preferably, the control means 16 are of the type of an electronic data processing device, such as e.g. a chip, a microcontroller or the like.

Advantageously, the support 1 comprises at least one detector 38 of the amount of beverage contained inside the glass 7.

It cannot be ruled out that the detector 38 may coincide with the detection means 33.

Conveniently, the control means 16 are configured to command the Peltier cell 12 and/or the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 depending on at least one of: the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 15; the temperature processed by the same control means 16; the amount of beverage contained in the glass 7; a reference temperature; a reference time.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises user interface means 39 configured at least to receive the reference temperature and/or the reference time from a user. In addition, the control means 16 are configured to command the Peltier cell 12 and/or the dissipation means 34, 35, 36, 37 to: keep the temperature of the glass 7 and/or of the beverage contained in the glass 7 substantially at the reference temperature; and/or bring the glass 7 and/or the beverage contained in the glass 7 substantially to the reference temperature over substantially the same time as the reference time.

Preferably, the interface means 39 comprise at least one screen, such as a touch screen, and/or command members, e.g. push-buttons or the like.

Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that the support 1 and/or the interface means 39 may comprise at least one command element 17 of the support itself. In particular, the command element 17 is configured to turn the support 1 on and off, e.g. by means of activating/de activating at least one of the Peltier cell 12 or the control means 16.

Preferably, the command element 17 is manually used by the user of the support 1.

For example, the command element 17 is a push-button, a switch or the like mounted on the support 1.

Conveniently, the glass 7 is a goblet and the holding portion 5 comprises at least one standing profile 18 which defines at least one through channel 19 through which, in use, the goblet 7 is arranged, so that the same holding portion surrounds, at least partly, the cup 6 of the goblet 7, holding it from below.

In other words, the standing profile 18 defines the inner wall of the holding portion 5 facing the through channel 19.

In this way, the holding portion 5 holds the cup 6 of the goblet 7 from below. Advantageously, the through channel 19 extends substantially centered along a vertical axis, that is, an axis arranged substantially orthogonal to the stable surface 3 on which, in use, the base portion 2 stands.

Preferably, in the remainder of the following disclosure, the terms “vertical” and “horizontal” are used to denote, respectively, a direction substantially orthogonal and parallel to the stable surface 3, on which, under its standard conditions of use of the support 1, the base portion 2 is placed standing.

Advantageously, the holding portion 5 defines an access section 20 to the through channel 19 that lies on a substantially horizontal plane.

Preferably, the access section 20 has a substantially circular conformation.

Conveniently, the cooling means 8 are mounted on the standing profile 18 and arranged, in use, at least partly in contact with the cup 6 of the goblet 7. In particular, the cooling means 8 are arranged at least partly facing the inside of the through channel 19, surrounding, in use, the cup 6 of the goblet 7.

Advantageously, the standing profile 18 is substantially inclined to converge substantially downwards, so that it substantially defines a narrowing of the through channel 19 which allows the holding portion 5 to receive and hold the cups 6 of goblets 7 having different sizes.

The term “downwards” is intended to indicate the direction of approach to the base portion 2 and/or to the stable surface 3, on which, according to its standard conditions of use of the support 1, the base portion 2 is placed standing.

In particular, the through channel 19 progressively narrows as it approaches towards the base portion 2 and/or the stable surface 3.

Preferably, the through channel 19 has a substantially circular horizontal crosssection.

In this way, the through channel 19 has a substantially truncated-cone conformation, as shown in Figure 2.

Conveniently, the standing profile 18 is open laterally to substantially define a lateral opening 21 through which the goblet 7 is inserted and extracted from the through channel 19.

Preferably, the terms “top/upper”, “bottom/lower” and “lateral” (or equivalent terms) are used to identify the position in space of one or more parts of the support 1 under its standard conditions of use, i.e., with the base portion 2 arranged to stand on the stable surface 3.

Advantageously, the holding portion 5 comprises at least one external surface 29 opposite the standing profile 18.

In particular, the external surface 29 is substantially inclined to converge substantially downwards, as shown in Figure 1.

In this way, the external surface 29 has a substantially truncated-cone conformation.

Conveniently, the support 1 comprises at least one intermediate portion 22 placed between the base portion 2 and the holding portion 5 and adapted to space the holding portion 5 away from the base portion 2. Specifically, the holding portion 5 cantilevers out of the intermediate portion 22, so as to keep the goblet 7 suspended on the stable surface 3.

In more detail, the holding portion 5 comprises a pair of holding arms 23 extending cantilevered from opposite sides of the intermediate portion 22 and adapted, in use, to at least partly surround the cup 6 of the goblet 7 by holding it from below.

In addition, the holding arms 23 are provided with respective ends 24 arranged facing and spaced apart from each other to define the lateral opening 21. Conveniently, the holding arms 23 are substantially equal to each other.

In this way, the horizontal section of the through channel 19 has a substantially “C”-shaped conformation, wherein the opening of the “C” substantially defines the section of the lateral opening 21.

Preferably, the base portion 2 is substantially horizontal and parallel to the holding portion 5, as shown in Figure 1.

In this way, the base portion 2 and the holding portion 5 are arranged substantially facing and opposite each other.

Conveniently, the intermediate portion 22 substantially develops outside the vertically enclosed volume between the holding portion 5 and the base portion 2, so as to keep that volume free to accommodate the goblet 7.

Advantageously, the intermediate portion 22 is an elongated portion comprising: at least a first end 25 connected to the base portion 2; at least a second end 26, opposite the first end 25 and connected to the holding portion 5.

In particular, the holding portion 5 protrudes cantilevered from the intermediate portion 22 substantially from the first end 25, extending preferentially laterally and horizontally.

Appropriately, the base portion 2 protrudes from the intermediate portion 22 substantially from the second end 26, extending preferably laterally and horizontally.

Preferably, the first and the second ends 25, 26 lie along the same vertical axis. Conveniently, the intermediate portion 22 comprises at least one joining element 27 which substantially joins the first and second ends 25, 26.

Specifically, the joining element 27 extends between the first and second ends 25, 26 protruding laterally in a substantially opposite direction from the holding portion 5 and from the base portion 2.

This expedient ensures sufficient space for the support 1 to accommodate a wide variety of goblets 7 having different sizes from each other.

For example, this expedient makes room for the foot 28 of the goblet, which can be very cumbersome.

In more detail, the joining element 27 is opposite the lateral opening 21, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

It cannot be ruled out that the support 1 may comprise the goblet 7.

In particular, the distance between the holding portion 5 and the base portion 2 is substantially greater than the height of the goblet 7.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a system 30 comprising a plurality of supports 1.

Specifically, each support 1 is movable between at least one configuration of use, wherein it is arranged standing on a stable surface 3 and is free to receive a goblet 7 standing on its own holding portion 5, and at least one stacked configuration, wherein it is arranged suspended on the stable surface 3 and its own holding portion 5 is arranged standing on the holding portion 5 of another of the supports 1.

In more detail, a plurality of supports 1 are movable to the stacked configuration by substantially stacking their holding portions 5 on top of each other, as shown in Figure 3.

Specifically, in the stacked configuration, the through channel 19 of at least one support 1 receives within it a part of the holding portion 5 of another support 1. Advantageously, the movement from the configuration of use to the stacked configuration is promoted by the conformation of the external surface 29 and/or the through channel 19.

In particular, at least one portion of the external surface 29 has a horizontal crosssection of smaller diameter than the horizontal cross-section of at least one portion of the standing profile 18, so that at least part of the lower portion of the holding portion 5 is allowed to be inserted within the through channel 19 of another holding portion 5.

Appropriately, the supports 1 are substantially identical to each other.

Figures 4 and 5 show an additional embodiment the differences of which from the previously described embodiment (shown in Figures 1-3) are described below.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the cooling means 8 define a standing surface 31 on which, in use, the glass 7 is received.

In more detail, the standing surface 31 is arranged, in use, substantially horizontally.

Conveniently, the holding portion 5 comprises at least one recess 32 within which the cooling means 8 and/or one or more Peltier cells 12 are mounted.

Advantageously, the holding portion 5 and the base portion 2 make a single main body 2, 5 on which the cooling means 8 are mounted.

In particular, the main body 2, 5 has a substantially cylindrical, preferably discshaped conformation.

Preferably, in this embodiment, the glass 7 is provided with a receptacle adapted to stand directly, i.e., without the interposition of a stem (e.g., such as that of goblets), on a flat surface, such as the standing surface 31.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the support.

Specifically, the use of the support 1 comprises: at least one phase of supplying the support 1; at least one phase of arranging the support 1 within a first environment at a lower temperature than the temperature of the cooling means 8, so as to cool the cooling means 8 down; at least one phase of arranging the support 1 within a second environment at a higher temperature than the temperature of the cooling means 8; at least one phase of arranging the glass 7 standing on the holding portion 5, in contact with the cooling means 8, to cool the glass 7 down. Preferably, the first environment is a refrigerator or freezer.

Appropriately, in the first environment, the cooling means 8 are configured to give heat off to the first environment by cooling down.

In the second environment, however, the cooling means 8 are configured to gradually absorb heat from the glass 7 by cooling it down.

In this way, the beverage contained in the glass 7 is also cooled and kept cool over time.

Advantageously, the support 1 is kept in the first environment for a predefined cooling time adapted to allow cooling the cooling means 8 down.

Appropriately, the phase of arranging the support 1 within the second environment is carried out subsequently to the phase of arranging the support 1 within the first environment, preferably after the predefined cooling time.

Conveniently, the phase of arranging the glass 7 on the holding portion 5 is carried out subsequently to the phase of arranging the support 1 within the second environment.

Advantageously, the use of the support 1 comprises a phase of ignition of the Peltier cell 12 to cool the cooling means 8 down within the second environment. In this way, the glass 7 and the beverage contained within it are cooled down and kept cool for an even longer time.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular, the fact is emphasized that the cooling means allow the temperature of the beverage contained in the goblet to be kept at the recommended serving temperature for a long period of time.

In addition, the Peltier cell allows the temperature of the beverage contained in the goblet to be precisely controlled.

In addition, the movement from the configuration of use to the stacked configuration allows the support to be used conveniently and easily.

Claims

1) Cooling support (1) for goblets, comprising: at least one base portion (2) for standing on a stable surface (3); at least one holding portion (5), opposite said base portion (2) and adapted, in use, to receive and support a glass (7); characterized by the fact that said holding portion (5) comprises cooling means (8) configured, in use, to cool the glass (7).

2) Support (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said cooling means (8) comprise a casing (10) and at least one filling (11) of said casing (10), said filling comprising at least one of at least one gel cooling material (11) configured to cool the glass (7) down; at least one metallic material in the form of spheres.

3) Support (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said cooling means (8) comprise at least one Peltier cell (12).

4) Support (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises electrical power supply means (13, 14) of said at least one Peltier cell (12).

5) Support (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one temperature sensor (15) and control means (16) of said at least one Peltier cell (12), said control means (16) being configured to control said at least one Peltier cell (12) depending on the temperature measured by said temperature sensor (15) to control the temperature of the glass (7).

6) Support (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the glass (7) is a goblet and said holding portion (5) comprises at least one standing profile (18) which defines at least one through channel (19) through which, in use, the goblet (7) is arranged, so that the same holding portion surrounds, at least partly, the cup (6) of the goblet (7), holding it from below.

7) Support (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said standing profile (18) is substantially inclined to converge substantially downwards, so as to substantially define a narrowing of said through channel (19), so as to receive and hold cups (6) of goblets (7) having different sizes.

8) Support (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that said cooling means (8) define a standing surface (31) on which, in use, the glass (7) is received.

9) System (30) comprising a plurality of supports (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 and characterized by the fact that each of said supports (1) is movable between at least one configuration of use, wherein it is arranged standing on a stable surface (3) and is free to receive a goblet (7) standing on its own holding portion (5), and at least one stacked configuration, wherein it is arranged suspended on the stable surface (3) and its own holding portion (5) is arranged standing on the holding portion (5) of another of said supports (1).

10) Use of said support (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one phase of providing said support (1); at least one phase of arrangement of said support (1) within a first environment at a lower temperature than the temperature of said cooling means (8), so as to cool said cooling means (8); at least one phase of arrangement of said support (1) within a second environment at a higher temperature than the temperature of said cooling means (8); at least one phase of arrangement of a glass (7) standing on said holding portion (5), in contact with said cooling means (8) to cool the glass (7).