Tabletop bottle holder

Abstract

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

Description

Title of the invention: Table bottle holder

[0001] The present invention relates to a tabletop bottle holder.

[0002] It is well known that the organoleptic properties of certain beverages are enhanced within a specific temperature range, particularly in the wine sector. The temperature at which a good wine is consumed is very important, which is why the ideal temperature ranges for tasting are often indicated on the bottle labels.

[0003] Typically, drinks are cooled in a refrigerated cell. Once the drink has left 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.

[0004] 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 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 decrease in its quality over time. In addition, it causes difficulties of use related to condensation occurring on the bottle, which must be quickly dried after each use, also wetting the dishes and the tablecloth. In extreme cases, the drink can even overflow from the bottle.

[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, tabletop bottle holders with a holding function have been developed. However, the currently known solutions have a number of drawbacks.

[0006] First of all, they are tied to a cable power supply, which severely limits their practicality and versatility of use.

[0007] Second, they fail to reach temperatures low enough to ensure an optimal drinking temperature for all beverages. In fact, these solutions generally 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 the solutions of the known state of the art.

[0008] Furthermore, the known solutions do not guarantee sufficient reliability, since the maintenance of the fixed temperature is ensured within a tolerance of ± 3°C, taking into account the necessary transition times.

[0009] These disadvantages are much more evident in a refined atmosphere, for example in a luxury restaurant.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a versatile and practical table bottle holder.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tabletop bottle holder which can be used even in the absence of an electrical outlet nearby.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 a meal.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a table bottle holder which is optimally adapted to different bottle sizes.

[0016] The specified technical task and the specified objectives are essentially achieved by a tabletop bottle holder comprising the following technical characteristics

[0017] The table bottle holder (1) comprises:

[0018] a body shaped so as to define at least one housing intended to receive at least a portion of a bottle;

[0019] a thermal conditioning system operatively active on the housing, said thermal conditioning system comprising at least one Peltier cell;

[0020] electrical power supply means associated with at least said thermal conditioning system.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the bottle holder comprises a box-shaped envelope connected to the body, said compartment being made in said box-shaped envelope.

[0024] According to another characteristic, the thermal conditioning system (comprises at least two Peltier cells and said at least one battery is 14.8 V.

[0025] According to another characteristic, 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.

[0026] According to another characteristic, the bottle holder comprises a temperature sensor acting on the housing to detect at least one temperature value and a control unit configured to:

[0027] - receive the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor;

[0028] - compare it to a range of temperature values ​​including a value of target temperature;

[0029] - controlling the thermal conditioning system so as to carry or to maintain the temperature of the housing within said temperature range.

[0030] According to another characteristic, the control unit is configured to:

[0031] - in response to a detected temperature value greater than the value range of temperature, controlling the thermal conditioning system so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or below the temperature value range;

[0032] - in response to a detected temperature value lower than the value range of temperature, controlling the thermal conditioning system so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within or above the temperature value range;

[0033] - in response to a detected temperature value within the range of values temperature, control the thermal conditioning system so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value within the temperature value range.

[0034] According to another characteristic, the thermal conditioning system comprises a sheet arranged in the housing and functionally associated with said at least one Peltier cell for the thermal conditioning of the bottle.

[0035] According to another feature, the sheet comprises two curved portions which can be adapted to open / close relative to each other.

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to another characteristic, said sheet comprises at least one lateral surface comprising at least in part a wavy development.

[0038] According to another characteristic, the bottle holder comprises a system for adapting the sheet to the bottle.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] According to another characteristic, the sheet is open on one side, said adaptation system comprising means for motorized opening / closing of the sheet.

[0042] According to another feature, the bottle holder comprises a fan operatively active on the housing to promote tangential circulation of air.

[0043] 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:

[0044] - [Fig.l] indicates a side view of a table bottle holder according to the present invention;

[0045] - [Fig.2] shows a top view of a sheet used in the bottle holder of [Fig.l];

[0046] - [Fig.3] indicates a perspective view of the sheet of [Fig.2];

[0047] - [Fig.4] indicates a perspective view of the rear of the sheet of [Fig.3], on to which two Peltier cells are applied;

[0048] - [Fig.5] indicates a side view of the sheet of [Fig.2], on which is applied a thermal conditioning system;

[0049] - [Fig.6] shows a side view of the whole of [Fig.5], with the addition of a battery compartment;

[0050] - [Fig.7] indicates a perspective view of the whole of [Fig.5], with the addition of an air recirculation fan;

[0051] - [Fig.8a] and [Fig.8b] indicate a front view of a sheet configured in condition, respectively, open and closed from an embodiment of motorized opening / closing means;

[0052] - [Fig.9a] and [Fig.9b] indicate, respectively, a perspective view of the mode of embodiment of the motorized opening / closing means of figures 8a and 8b.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The bottle holder 1 comprises a body 2 shaped so as to define at least one housing 3. The housing 3 is adapted to receive at least a part of a bottle, in particular the lower part of the bottle. It is essential that the bottle is in a position such that no liquid spills from inside.

[0055] Preferably, the housing 3 has a predominant development along a first direction. Preferably, the first direction has a predominant vertical component.

[0056] The housing 3 may be closed laterally (for example, a blind hole) or open (for example, a niche). In all cases, the housing 3 comprises at least one opening facing the outside of the body 2 for inserting the bottle.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the bottle holder 1 is intended to receive a single bottle.

[0058] Otherwise, it is possible to provide several housings for more bottles.

[0059] 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.

[0060] By thermal conditioning, it is meant that the bottle holder 1 can both cool and heat the bottle. In fact, it is sufficient to reverse the polarity of the Peltier cell.

[0061] The bottle holder 1 comprises electrical power supply means 6 associated at least with the thermal conditioning system 4.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The battery compartment 8 and the corresponding battery 7 can be placed in different positions.

[0064] In one embodiment, the battery compartment 8 is positioned at the bottom of the bottle holder 1.

[0065] In another embodiment, the battery compartment 8 is positioned on a lateral part of the bottle holder 1. In particular, the lateral part at least partially surrounds the housing 3.

[0066] In both embodiments, the compartment 8 can be made so as to be integrated into the body 2 or in a separate box-shaped envelope 9 connected to the body 2.

[0067] The embodiments described above are purely illustrative and are not exhaustive, since the battery compartment 8 can be arranged in a variety of other positions.

[0068] In the preferred embodiment, the thermal conditioning system 4 comprises a heat exchange sheet 10. The sheet 10 is arranged 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.

[0069] By sheet is meant an element having a mainly two-dimensional development, that is to say having a reduced thickness compared to the other dimensions.

[0070] The sheet 10 comprises at least one lateral surface 13 which at least partly has a wavy development.

[0071] By corrugated 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.

[0072] In the preferred embodiment, the side surface 13 comprises a plurality of grooved recesses 11 or grooves. In particular, these grooved recesses 11 develop towards the outside of the sheet 10, that is to say in the direction opposite to that in which the bottle is located.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Preferably, the lateral surface 13 comprises a plurality of essentially flat or linear sections 12 and an alternation of fluted recesses 11 or grooves.

[0075] In other embodiments, the side surface 13 may comprise undulations.

[0076] The sheet 10 is suitably shaped to extend at least partially around the bottle. In particular, the sheet 10 comprises at least one curved portion.

[0077] Preferably, the sheet 10 is metallic, for example copper or aluminum.

[0078] Preferably, the sheet 10 is at least partly flexible, i.e. it can adapt to different bottle diameters. By "at least partly" is meant that the sheet 10 may also include a non-flexible portion.

[0079] Preferably, the sheet 10 comprises two curved portions 10a, 10b. Preferably, the curved portions 10a, 10b are folded inwards.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Preferably, the two curved portions 10a, 10b are two mutually opposite end portions of the sheet 10.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the common portion 10c is essentially flat.

[0084] Preferably, each curved part 10a, 10b develops in length between a first end, originating from the common part 10c, and a second free end.

[0085] The curved portion 10a, 10b is essentially a wall squeezing a portion of the bottle.

[0086] As such, it develops in length (between the two ends) and in height (along the housing, i.e. along the height of the bottle).

[0087] Preferably, the curved portion 10a, 10b develops according to a conical development, that is to say that it causes a progressive reduction in the height of the curved portion 10a, 10b.

[0088] Otherwise, the curved part 10a, 10b develops according to a development at constant height.

[0089] Preferably, at least one of the two curved parts 10a, 10b comprises a lateral surface 13 comprising at least in part a wavy development.

[0090] Preferably, the two curved portions 10a, 10b comprise such a corrugated lateral surface 13.

[0091] Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a system 20 for adapting the sheet 10 to the bottle.

[0092] 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 parts 10a, 10b. Preferably, the spring 21 is mounted between the corresponding ends of the two curved parts 10a, 10b.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Between the two positions, the stirrup rotates relative to the articulation axis. Preferably, the transition between the two positions occurs by the effect of the pressure of the bottle on the stirrup.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The worm screw 23 opens / closes the racks 24 and consequently the sheet 10.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Preferably, the bottle holder 1 comprises a temperature sensor 14 acting on the housing 3 to detect at least one temperature value.

[0100] 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.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the target temperature value is set by a user using a selector. The selector may be configured for slight increments of the target temperature value or with a plurality of predefined target temperature values.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Preferably, the control unit 15 controls the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose a temperature value in the housing 3 of between 3 and 20°C.

[0106] 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 cells 5 and a 14.8 V battery 7. These lower temperature values ​​are achievable under appropriate standard environmental conditions.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] In the embodiment with the sheet 10, the fan 16 is mounted at one end of the sheet 10.

[0110] In particular, the fan 16 is designed for the purpose of moving the air in order to achieve adequate recirculation, without generating turbulence.

[0111] 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 functionally connected to the capacitive system and lights up at the appropriate time.

[0112] 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.

[0113] Preferably, the bottle holder 1 is equipped with a QR code or barcode reader to be able to consult the information on the bottle.

[0114] The present invention has significant advantages.

[0115] The bottle holder proposed here is configured as a temperature maintainer for a bottle extracted from a refrigeration cell, rather than as an active cooler. The bottle holder proposed here has been primarily designed for the thermal conditioning of wine bottles, but it can also be used, without modifications requiring significant inventive effort, for the thermal conditioning of bottles (or other containers) of water, which generally require an optimal temperature of 104-12 °C, or of beer.

[0116] The use of a rechargeable and removable battery allows maximum versatility of the bottle holder. First of all, it is not limited to use in areas close to a power outlet. On the other hand, it is possible to recharge the battery at the end of use or to replace the discharged battery with a charged one during use, in order to avoid any malfunction.

[0117] In addition, the use of Peltier cells guarantees silent and vibration-free operation.

[0118] Furthermore, 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.

[0119] In addition, the use of a sheet with corrugated parts makes it possible to improve the efficiency of heat exchange, which saves energy for the same result.

[0120] Additionally, the adaptability of the sheet to a variety of bottle shapes increases the versatility and ease of use of the bottle carrier.

Claims

Claims

1. 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), characterized in that said electrical 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).

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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); - comparing 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.

7. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (15) is configured to: - in response to a detected temperature value higher than the temperature value range, control the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value included in the temperature value range or lower thereto; - in response to a detected temperature value lower than the temperature value range, control the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value included in the temperature value range or higher thereto; - in response to a detected temperature value included in the temperature value range, control the thermal conditioning system 4 so as to impose or continue to impose a temperature value included in the temperature value range.

8. 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.

9. A bottle holder (1) according to claim 8, wherein said sheet (10) comprises two curved portions (10a, 10b) which can be adapted to open / close relative to each other.

10. 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).

11. 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.

12. Bottle holder (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, comprising a system (20) for adapting the sheet (10) to the bottle.

13. Bottle holder (1) according to claim 12, wherein said adaptation system (20) comprises a substantially "L" shaped bracket 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 bracket adopts different inclinations relative to a reference axis, in the second position, said bracket making the sheet (10) adhere to the bottle.

14. 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).

15. 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).

16. 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.

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