Wooden barrel staves and barrels for drinking

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wooden staves and barrel for aging or storing alcoholic or distilled beverages. The interior surface of the staves has machining that defines a pattern of geometric elements, including at least two first channels and at least two second channels that intersect the first channels. The elements remain immersed in the liquid contained within the barrel, providing a larger contact surface, thereby resulting in greater transfer of wood material into the liquid. Furthermore, the pattern formed by the intersecting channels allows a continuous, unobstructed path for the liquid as it is extracted through one of the staves that has an opening for the liquid to enter and exit the barrel, thereby preventing unnecessary losses and internal residues that are undesirable for future reuse of the barrel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wooden cask stave and a cask for beverages formed by the cask stave, and the beverage is particularly an alcoholic beverage or a distilled liquor beverage.

[0002] The present invention belongs to the field of manufacturing casks intended for the aging and storage of alcoholic beverages or distilled liquor beverages, such as wine or whiskey.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, solutions for specializing alcoholic beverages or distilled liquor beverages are being sought. The specialization consists of imparting new aromas, flavors or colors to the beverage. This specialization must be carried out in the wooden casks for their aging or storage so as to be recognized not only by the market but also by the competent persons, groups or institutions. For this reason, various cask solutions have emerged in order to achieve more complex results in the search for new aromas, flavors or colors in beverages.

[0004] One of the solutions proposed in the prior art is to increase the contact surface between the liquid and the inside of the cask by various systems. Thereby, the aging of the liquid contained in these casks is faster than in casks with a smooth contact surface. The liquid receives a larger amount of substances coming from the wood, which gives the liquid a stronger color and aroma, and also accelerates the aging process of the contained liquid. Among the various solutions, we have found that various wooden structures inside the cask are immersed during the aging process of the liquid. Patent documents FR2504498A1, ES2194601A1, FR2864965A1 and US20160097023A propose the use of wooden structures or elements inside the cask.

[0005] In cases where a separate structure is introduced from the outside of the barrel staves, there is resistance from several organizations, including the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). This is because they consider the introduction of elements or structures inside the barrel to be contrary to the classic style of whisky making, and these organizations do not permit the use of the name "Scotch Whisky" for aging whisky in this type of barrel.

[0006] Another solution proposed for decades is to increase the contact surface of the barrel through various grooves formed on the inner surface of the barrel walls, i.e., the surface that is in direct contact with the liquid. This contact surface is formed by the inside of each component that makes up the barrel, called barrel staves. Therefore, we find transverse cuts, longitudinal cuts, or circular cavities, and in some cases combinations thereof, on the inner surface of the barrel staves. Patent documents US3372633, US3842723, WO2012 / 175097A1, US9212343 and GB2549202A1 propose various solutions for increasing the internal contact surface of the barrel with the liquid.

[0007] In these cases, the solution does not show significant improvement due to the small amount of additional contact surface obtained and the limitations on its implementation. Further problems associated with this type of solution are found in the extraction of liquid from the barrel, as the accumulation of the liquid occurs at various perforations. These accumulations result not only in the undesirable storage of liquid inside the barrel but also in the loss of the total volume of liquid obtained. This aspect may be particularly important in the case of beverages that require the use of multiple barrels and various combinations of liquids in the process, as residual liquid from a preceding liquid may be found inside the barrel before the liquid is introduced into it, and the barrel may not be completely empty. In this way, uncontrolled, undesirable, and sometimes unacceptable results are produced. This is the case, for example, with Scotch whisky, where the barrel used to age the liquid has previously contained Oloroso wine or sherry for about two years. Therefore, when filling it with freshly distilled whisky, there is a problem of residual liquid from the Oloroso wine or sherry inside the barrel. This is something the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) will not allow.

[0008] Therefore, in order to achieve a considerable increase in the attributes imparted to the contained liquid, a solution is needed that combines this with an increase in the contact surface area, which is feasible to implement. This solution simultaneously solves the problem pointed out in terms of completely emptying the barrel, thereby preventing the loss of the product and preventing the accumulation of liquid prior to the process of producing the resulting liquid. [Overview of the project]

[0009] The present invention relates to wooden barrel staves and barrels for aging or storing alcoholic beverages or distilled spirits, wherein the barrel lid is fitted and the barrel staves have first machining at both ends of the inner surface of the barrel staves, where there is a region on the outside of the barrel, for hollowing out or removing material, and second machining on the remaining surface of the inner surface of the barrel staves, corresponding to a region that remains inside the barrel. The barrel staves comprise at least two first channels and at least two second channels intersecting the first channels, which determine a pattern of multiple geometric elements. After the multiple barrel staves having the machining are joined together for the formation of a barrel, the (multiple) geometric elements remain immersed in the liquid contained in the barrel, resulting in a larger contact surface between the barrel staves material, wood, and the liquid being stored. This results in greater transfer of material from the wood itself to the liquid. Furthermore, the pattern formed by the intersecting channels allows for a continuous and unobstructed path for the liquid when it is extracted through one of the barrel staves having an opening inside the barrel for the liquid to enter and exit, thereby preventing unnecessary loss and internal residue undesirable for the future reuse of the barrel. The pattern is preferably arranged to be parametrically adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the barrel staves, which is to comply with the requirements of the manufacturing process, the requirements of the beverage to be stored inside the barrel, or the needs of the end customer, and is also to optimize its function in a curved state. This curved state is the final state that the barrel staves will have once the barrel is constructed. Thus, a first aspect of the present invention is the barrel staves described in claim 1.

[0010] More specifically, a barrel staves according to an aspect of the present invention are wooden barrel staves for barrels intended for the storage and / or aging of alcoholic beverages or distilled spirits. The barrel staves have sides at each of their ends, joined together by an inner surface, an outer surface, and two longitudinal sides, which determine the length of the barrel staves. The barrel staves have a flat surface on their inner surface, obtained from a process for hollowing or removing material, corresponding to a region for accommodating a lid and a region that remains outside the barrel. The barrel staves also have at least two first machined channels on their inner surface and at least two second machined channels intersecting the first channels. These channels are on the remaining surface of the inner surface and correspond to a region that remains inside the barrel once the barrel is formed. The barrel staves also form a pattern defined by the intersecting channels and formed by geometric elements located between the channels. As a result, the barrel staves have a first internal surface at the bottom of the channel, a second internal surface corresponding to the top of the geometric element, and a third internal surface corresponding to both ends and having the same height as the first surface, the difference in height between the two determines the depth of the channel, and the difference between the outer surface of one of the first inner surface and the third inner surface determines the base of the barrel staves. The (multiple) longitudinal sides of the barrel staves may be straight instead of curved, depending on the barrel assembly conditions.

[0011] In addition, if necessary for manufacturing requirements, the barrel staves may undergo profiling treatment along their contour or perimeter, more specifically, along their two longitudinal sides, to obtain the shape of the inner surface of the barrel staves, after which various machining processes may be performed. The purpose of the treatment is to reduce the width of the barrel staves at both ends in order to facilitate their assembly into the barrel. Once the treatment is performed, the two longitudinal sides of the barrel staves may be straight or curved, as established in the (multiple) manufacturing requirements of the barrel.

[0012] The first machining of the inner surface of the barrel staves is performed in the area that will house the lid and in the areas that remain outside the barrel, corresponding to both ends of the barrel staves. This machining is for hollowing out or removing material so that the target (object) of the barrel staves in that area has the final thickness that the base of the barrel staves will have, and the standardized or uniform thickness of the base is about 2-3 cm.

[0013] A second machining operation, which is performed on the remaining area of ​​the inner surface of the barrel staves and corresponds to the inner surface of the barrel once it is formed, is preferably performed by numerical control to form the pattern having (multiple) geometric elements. The pattern, and the (multiple) geometric elements forming it, are the result of the cutting produced by the machining process, so that the final result of the barrel staves is a protrusion of (multiple) elements perpendicular to the processed surface, the result standing on the base of the barrel staves, the normalized or standardized thickness of the base is about 2-3 cm. The pattern significantly increases the contact surface between the wood and the liquid to be contained, and at the same time allows for unobstructed flow when the barrel is emptied, thereby preventing loss and accumulation of liquid inside the barrel. For emptying and filling a barrel formed by multiple barrel staves, one or at least one of the barrel staves is provided with a through-opening located approximately in the center of the barrel staves and dividing at least one first channel of the barrel staves. As a result, the liquid travels through various connected channels in the various barrel staves until it reaches an outlet opening located within one of the barrel staves, or adjacent to it, on which the barrel is supported.

[0014] To achieve the objective of emptying, there are various pattern options, always determined by at least two first channels and at least two second channels intersecting the plurality of first channels. As a result, the arrangement of the (plural) channels on the inner surface of the barrel staves produces various (plural) geometric elements that form a pattern on the inner surface of the barrel staves. The pattern is preferably arranged to fit the inner surface of the barrel staves parametrically. Parametric is understood as an example design process based on an algorithmic flowchart, thereby allowing parameters and rules to be specified that define and organize the relationships that exist between the (plural) design requirements and the final designed product of this process. This paradigm of the design seeks to manipulate the possibility of organizing or modeling material through simple geometric shapes in countless ways by creating complex structures. Due to the fact that wooden barrel staves preferably have a narrower width at both ends compared to their center point, and their two longitudinal sides are preferably curved, the pattern fits the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel staves, optimizing its function in the curved state. This curved state is the final state that the barrel staves will have once the barrel is constructed. Several alternative embodiments are included in claims 4 to 13.

[0015] To achieve these machined geometric elements on the inner surface, it is necessary to start with a barrel staves that are thicker than the typical thickness of barrel staves in the prior art, which is about 2-3 cm. This additional thickness is a result of machining the channels and determines the height of the geometric elements that form the pattern on the inner surface of the barrel staves. As mentioned above, the height of the geometric elements determines the depth of the channels. The barrel staves have a first inner surface at the bottom of the channels, a second inner surface corresponding to the top of the geometric elements, and a third inner surface corresponding to both ends of the barrel staves and matching the height of the first surface, and the difference in height between these two determines the depth of the channels and the height of the geometric elements.

[0016] The height of the elements, or the depth of the channels, may vary depending on the properties of the wood, the requirements of the beverages to be stored in the barrel, or the needs of the end customer. When barrel staves form a barrel, it must be considered that the height of the (multiple) geometric elements has the maximum height determined by the curvature of the barrel staves. This is because the elements, being the result of machining, perpendicular to their base, and included in the curved surface obtained from the creation of the barrel, may collide with each other when starting at a certain height, a situation that should be prevented. Furthermore, the channels obtained from machining may have various widths, depending on the cutting tools or cutters used in machining, and also determined by the structural requirements. The channels may have the same or varying widths. The depths of the various channels may be equal, different depending on the channel, or vary within the same channel.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention is a barrel according to claim 19. The barrel is composed of a plurality of barrel staves and two lids, and has at least one barrel staves having the internal configuration described above. In addition, barrel staves having openings for the entry and exit of liquid into the barrel may or may not incorporate the internal configuration described above.

[0018] Machining performed on the inner surface of the barrel staves, more specifically, on the areas that, once formed, remain inside the barrel, exposes the internal wood fibers to the liquid contained within the barrel. This provides the barrel with a greater capacity to transfer substances from the wood to the liquid.

[0019] The solution proposed in this invention is suitable for the various toasting or flame exposure treatments that wooden barrels typically undergo. Toasting can be carried out by existing systems. During the process, the barrel is exposed to flames that impart these characteristic properties to the wood. Alternatively, barrel planks can be toasted individually before being assembled together to form the final barrel.

[0020] The cask stave will undergo established finishing processes carried out in the formation and finishing of the cask.

[0021] For this purpose, the present invention focuses on creating an efficient geometric shape on the inner surface of the cask stave that forms the cask by machining, so that the liquid contained in the cask can be completely emptied, thereby preventing residues of the liquid contained in previous uses of the cask, and at the same time providing a significantly improved condition for increasing the contact surface.

[0022] The accompanying drawings in the following description show various alternative embodiments for carrying out the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [[ID=I4]] [Figure 1] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a first geometric pattern. [Figure 2] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a second geometric pattern. [Figure 3] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a third geometric pattern. [Figure 4] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a fourth geometric pattern. [Figure 5] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a first geometric pattern at the confluence point with the inlet and outlet openings. [Figure 6] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a second geometric pattern at the confluence point with the inlet and outlet openings. [Figure 7] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a third geometric pattern at the confluence point with the inlet and outlet openings. [Figure 8] Shows a detailed plan view of a cask stave having a fourth geometric pattern at the confluence point with the inlet and outlet openings. [Figure 9] Shows a perspective view of a cask stave according to the present invention, having the geometric pattern of FIG. 1 and parametrically adapted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the cask stave. [Figure 10] Shows an elevation view of the details of the cask board in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Shows an elevation view of the cask board in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] Shows a plan view of the cask board in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] Shows a plan view of the cask board having the geometric pattern of FIG. 9 and having an opening for the entry and exit of liquid from the cask. [Figure 14] Shows a perspective view of the cask formed by the cask board according to FIG. 12 and the cask board according to FIG. 13. [Figure 15] Shows an elevation view of the cask formed by the cask board according to FIG. 12 and the cask board according to FIG. 13. [Figure 16] Shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the cask of FIG. 14 arranged in a vertical position. [Figure 17] Shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the cask of FIG. 14 arranged in a horizontal position in a state of being emptied, which is placed on a cask board having an inlet and outlet opening for the liquid inside the cask. [Figure 18] Shows the details of the cask board portion having the geometric pattern of FIG. 3. The transfer of substances from the wood to the liquid contained in the cask is conceptually represented by the arrows. [Figure 19] Shows the details of the cask board portion having the geometric pattern of FIG. 3. [Figure 20] Shows a plan view of the cask board having the geometric pattern of FIG. 3. [Figure 21] Shows a plan view of the details of one end of the cask board in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] Shows a plan view of the details of the central region of the cask board in FIG. 20. [Figure 23] Shows a plan view of the cask board having a rectangular shape on the inner surface of the cask board having the geometric pattern of FIG. 3. [Figure 24] Shows a plan view of the cask board corresponding to the geometric pattern of FIG. 3. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the cask board, and the two longitudinal sides of the cask board are straight. [Figure 25]Figure 3 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 26] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 27] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 28] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 29] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 30] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 31] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 32] Figure 4 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Figure 33]Figure 4 shows a plan view of the barrel slab corresponding to the geometric pattern mesh. The pattern is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, and the two longitudinal sides of the barrel slab are curved. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Different alternative embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the aforementioned drawings.

[0025] The present invention relates to a barrel slab 20 as described above. The barrel slab 20 has a first machining on its inner surface at both ends of its inner surface where the barrel lid is installed and there is a region outside the barrel, for hollowing out or removing material. The first machining is preferably performed by numerical control. The barrel slab 20 also has a second machining on the remaining surface of its inner surface corresponding to the region that remains inside the barrel. The second machining is preferably performed by numerical control. The barrel slab 20 comprises at least two first channels and at least two second channels intersecting the first channels, which determine a pattern of a plurality of geometric elements. These patterns may vary depending on the number of channels and their trajectory or direction. The machining of the inner surface of the barrel plate 20 is determined by a first inner surface 29 corresponding to the bottom of the channel, a second inner surface 28 corresponding to the top of the geometric element 7, and a third inner surface 4 corresponding to both ends of the barrel plate and having the same height as the first inner surface 29. The difference in height between these two determines the depth of the channel. Furthermore, the difference between the first inner surface 29 and the third inner surface 4 of the barrel plate 20 relative to the outer surface of the barrel plate 20 determines the base 19 of the barrel plate 20.

[0026] A first embodiment of the barrel slab 20 resulting from the machining process is shown in Figures 9 to 13. Here, the wooden barrel slab 20 is seen after various channels have been machined into its inner surface. In detail, the barrel slab 20 shown in Figures 9 to 13 has the machining pattern of Figure 1, which is parametrically fitted and positioned around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab. However, other machining patterns, such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4, can also be used, as shown in the second embodiment in Figures 20 to 25. In Figures 20 to 25, the barrel slab 20 has the machining pattern of Figure 3. This machining pattern is parametrically fitted and positioned around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab. The barrel slab 20 is shaped by a base 19 with a thickness of 2 to 3 cm and geometric elements 7 obtained from machining multiple channels 3 on the inner surface of the barrel slab 20. Each of these elements 7 is separated from one another by the channels 3, which are created by the machining tool itself. Figure 13 shows a barrel slab 21 having an outlet opening 1. In detail, the barrel slab 21 shown in Figure 13 has the machined pattern of Figure 5, which is parametrically fitted and positioned around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab, although other machined patterns, such as those shown in Figures 6 to 8, may also be used. Figures 23 to 25 show the machined pattern of Figure 3 fitted to various options for the contour or perimeter of the barrel slab 20 according to the manufacturing requirements of the barrel slab. In detail, Figure 23 has a rectangular perimeter, Figure 24 has linear cut, polished or machined treatments on its two longitudinal sides 30 and 31, and Figure 25 has curved cut, polished or machined treatments on its two longitudinal sides 30 and 31.

[0027] Once the barrel staves 20 are machined and completed, the barrel 22 shown in Figure 14 is assembled and formed from the barrel staves 20 and 21. Therefore, the barrel 22 preferably has a single barrel staves 21, a single outlet opening 1 preferably located in the center of the barrel staves 21, and the barrel staves 21 are located between multiple barrel staves 20 that do not have an opening 1.

[0028] As a result, the inner walls 23 of geometric elements or prisms 7 that form a geometric framework or mesh are created. The geometric elements or prisms 7 are parametrically fitted and positioned around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel planks forming the barrel (Figures 1-4). This increases the contact surface between the wood and the liquid contained, allowing all of the liquid to be extracted from the barrel 22 through the outlet opening 1, preventing liquid loss by preventing the liquid from remaining inside, and preventing the undesirable accumulation of residue.

[0029] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the barrel 22. The arrows indicate the outflow 24 of liquid from the barrel 22, which is continuously and constantly generated through the outlet opening 1 and has no type of barrier or cavity that could cause undesirable leakage or accumulation of liquid inside the barrel.

[0030] Figure 18 shows details of one embodiment of barrel staves. In Figure 18, each of the machined elements 7 is positioned so that the internal wood fibers 26 of its walls are exposed, allowing the substance 27 to contribute more to the liquid contained within. This arrangement of the fibers makes them more permeable.

[0031] In addition, the proposed solution for the barrel staves 20 can also be applied to the inner lid 25 of the barrel 22.

[0032] As described above, the purpose of the multiple channels 3 machined into the inner surface of the barrel staves 20 is twofold, regardless of their arrangement and the geometric elements or prisms that determine their shape. One is to increase the contact surface between the wood and the liquid stored in the barrel 22 formed by the barrel staves, and the other is to allow the barrel to be completely emptied through the liquid inlet and outlet openings 1 located in at least one of the barrel staves between the multiple barrel staves 20 forming the barrel 22. Figures 5 to 8 show various patterns having geometric elements 7 whose shape is determined by the multiple machined channels 3. This is to more clearly illustrate the ease of emptiness, which is an objective of the present invention, with the centers located in the region where the multiple channels 3 converge with the inlet and outlet openings 1 of the barrel 22.

[0033] In each of Figures 5 to 8, four orthogonally arranged arrows 2 are identified and located outside each detailed view of the barrel plate 20. They represent the characteristic curvature of the barrel 22 and the direction of the outlet of the liquid contained inside the barrel 22. In each figure, the arrows positioned within the inner channel 3 allow us to observe in a specific way the direction the liquid follows from the barrel 22 through the opening 1 to its outlet.

[0034] More specifically, Figure 1 shows details of the barrel slab 20 used in the embodiments of Figures 9 to 17, which is parametrically fitted and arranged around the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab 20. It consists of a pattern of multiple geometric elements 7 obtained from a framework defined by a certain number of axes. The certain number of axes are arranged in four directions, namely the first direction D1-1, the second direction D1-2, the third direction D1-3 and the fourth direction D1-4, and the (multiple) axes corresponding to each direction D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 and D1-4 are arranged parallel and equidistant from each other. Two of the four directions, the first and second directions, namely D1-1 and D1-2 of the framework, are orthogonal to each other and preferably coincide with the two main axes of the barrel, the horizontal axis (TT') (the axis perpendicular to the larger dimension of the body) and the vertical axis (LL') (the axis in the direction having the larger dimension of the body). The other two directions, namely the third direction D1-3 and the fourth direction D1-4, are also orthogonal to each other and rotated at different angles depending on the design, but the angles are preferably 45° with respect to the first direction D1-1 and the second direction D1-2. The (multiple) axes, which are parallel and equidistant in each of the four directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 and D1-4, intersect each other at (multiple) common intersections, forming a triangular network whose (multiple) sides are equal in size and shape, in this case (multiple) right triangles. Machining is carried out along the (multiple) axes of the frame having the first, second, third and fourth directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 and D1-4, to create (multiple) channels 3. The machining also results in the (multiple) geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel slab. The (multiple) geometric elements 7 are equal in size and shape and form a pattern of (multiple) triangular prisms having right-angled triangular bases. The right angles are then curved.

[0035] In applying the pattern to the barrel staves, it is preferable that the pattern be positioned parametrically to fit the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel staves. Multiple axes, positioned parallel and equidistant in each of the four directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4, can take on various orientations relative to each other, corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4, respectively. Thus, the multiple axes may lose their parallelism, and the resulting triangular mesh will be formed of triangles of varying sizes and shapes. Machining is performed along the multiple axes of the frame, with variations in the first, second, third, and fourth directions, i.e., D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4, to create multiple channels 3. The machining also results in geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel staves. The geometric elements 7 have varying sizes and shapes for their fit around or contours of the inner surface of the barrel slab. In one alternative embodiment, the (multiple) geometric elements have their greatest size in the central and wider area of ​​the barrel slab, and their size gradually decreases towards the narrower end area, forming a pattern of (multiple) triangular prisms with right-angled triangular bases, the right angles of which are then curved. One option may include a predetermined number of channels parallel and equidistant in a first direction (D1-2), a second channel that coincides with the trajectory of the first longitudinal side surface 30 of the barrel plate joining both ends of the barrel plate, a third channel that coincides with the trajectory of the second longitudinal side surface 31 of the barrel plate joining both ends of the barrel plate, a predetermined number of channels inserted between the (multiple) channels that coincide with the trajectories of the first and second longitudinal sides and intersect the aforementioned channels, and a set of other channels that intersect each other and intersect the aforementioned channels in third and fourth directions (D1-3 and D1-4) of (multiple) variations. The (multiple) triangular prism pattern is formed, the base of which may be a right triangle of varying size and shape, the right angle of which may then be curved.

[0036] The second embodiment shown in Figure 2 illustrates the details of a barrel slab formed by a pattern of (multiple) geometric elements 7 obtained from a framework defined by a predetermined number of axes arranged in three directions, namely a first direction D2-1, a second direction D2-2, and a third direction D2-3, and arranged parallel and equidistant from each other along the (multiple) axes corresponding to each direction D2-1, D2-2, and D2-3. Preferably, one of the three directions, namely the first direction D2-1 of the framework, coincides with one of the two main axes of the barrel, namely the horizontal axis (TT') or the vertical axis (LL'). The (multiple) axes, arranged equidistant from each other in each of the three directions, namely the first direction D2-1, the second direction D2-2, and the third direction D2-3, intersect with each other at common intersections, forming a triangular network. The size and shape of the (multiple) sides are equal, in this case, (multiple) equilateral triangles. Since the interior angle of an equilateral triangle is 60°, the six triangles converge at a single point, occupying 360°. In other words, the six triangles form a hexagon. Machining is performed along the axes of the frame to create the first, second, and third channels 3 having the aforementioned directions D2-1, D2-2, and D2-3. The machining also results in the geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel slab. The geometric elements 7 are equal in size and shape, forming a pattern of triangular prisms with equilateral triangular bases.

[0037] In applying the pattern to the barrel staves, it is preferable that the pattern be positioned to be parametrically adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the barrel staves. Multiple axes, arranged parallel and equidistant in each of the three directions D2-1, D2-2, and D2-3, can take various orientations relative to each other. Thus, these axes may lose their parallelism, resulting in a triangular mesh formed by triangles of varying sizes and shapes. Machining is performed along these axes of the frame, with variations in the first, second, and third directions, i.e., D2-1, D2-2, and D2-3, to create multiple channels 3. The machining also results in geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel staves. The geometric elements 7 have various sizes and shapes to fit their shape around or to the contour of the inner surface of the barrel staves. In one alternative embodiment, the (multiple) geometric elements have their greatest size in the center and wider region of the barrel slab, and their size gradually decreases towards the narrower end region. They form a pattern of (multiple) triangular prisms, with triangular bases. One option may include a predetermined number of channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D2-1), a predetermined number of channels with directional variations in a second direction (D2-2), and a predetermined number of channels with directional variations in a third direction (D2-3). They all intersect each other, forming a pattern of (multiple) triangular prisms, with their (multiple) bases being triangles of varying sizes and shapes. Figures 28 to 31 show four cases in which this geometric mesh pattern is applied and parametrically arranged on a barrel slab.

[0038] The third embodiment shown in Figure 3 provides details of the barrel slab used in the embodiments of Figures 18-19 and 20-25. This embodiment is the same as the embodiment of Figure 1, except that the geometric element 7 is a triangular prism with a right-angled triangular base, and the right angle is not subjected to subsequent curvature treatment. When applying the pattern to the barrel slab, it is preferable that the pattern be positioned to be parametrically adapted to the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel slab. The (multiple) axes, which are arranged parallel and equidistant in each of the four directions D3-1, D3-2, D3-3, and D3-4, can take on various orientations with respect to the (multiple) axes corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth directions D3-1, D3-2, D3-3, and D3-4, respectively. Thus, the (multiple) axes may lose their parallelism, and therefore the resulting triangular mesh will be formed of triangles of various sizes and shapes. Machining is performed along the (multiple) axes of the frame, with variations in the first, second, third, and fourth directions, i.e., directions D3-1, D3-2, D3-3, and D3-4, to create multiple channels 3. The machining also results in geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel staves. The geometric elements 7 have varying sizes and shapes for their fit to the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel staves, as shown in detail in Figures 20-25. In one alternative embodiment, the (multiple) geometric elements have their greatest size in the central and wider area of ​​the barrel staves (Figure 22), and they gradually decrease in size towards the narrower end area of ​​the barrel staves (Figure 21). This forms a pattern of (multiple) triangular prisms with right-angled triangular bases. Figures 23-25 ​​show embodiments of fitting the pattern to various options of the perimeter or contour of the barrel staves. Figures 26 and 27 show two cases in which the geometric mesh of this pattern is applied to a barrel board and arranged parametrically.

[0039] The fourth embodiment shown in Figure 4 illustrates the details of a barrel slab formed by a pattern of (multiple) geometric elements 7 obtained from a framework defined by a predetermined number of axes, which are arranged in two directions, namely a first direction D4-1 and a second direction D4-2, and which are arranged parallel and equidistant from each other along the (multiple) axes corresponding to each direction D4-1 and D4-2. An irregular polygonal mesh is created, in this case, a rhombus. These two directions, namely the first D4-1 and the second D4-2, may also be arranged orthogonally to each other, and may be rotated preferably 45° with respect to the main axes of the barrel, namely the horizontal axis (TT') or vertical axis (LL'). As a result, the (multiple) internal diagonals of the (multiple) polygons of the framework, connecting opposite vertices, are parallel to the two main axes of the barrel, namely the horizontal axis (TT') or vertical axis (LL'). Machining is performed along the (multiple) axes of the frame, creating first and second (multiple) channels 3 in the aforementioned directions, namely D4-1 and D4-2. The machining also results in the geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel staves, all of equal size and shape. A pattern of prisms is formed, with rhombic or square shaped bases depending on the angle between the two directions D4-1 and D4-2.

[0040] In applying the pattern to the barrel staves, it is preferable that the pattern be positioned to be parametrically adapted to the shape of the inner surface of the barrel staves. The (multiple) axes, which are arranged parallel and equidistant in each of the two directions D4-1 and D4-2, can take on various orientations relative to each other. Thus, the (multiple) axes may lose their parallelism, and as a result, the resulting irregular polygonal mesh will be formed by rhombuses of various sizes and shapes. Machining is performed along the (multiple) axes of the frame, with variations in the first and second directions, i.e., the directions D4-1 and D4-2, to create (multiple) channels 3. The machining also results in geometric elements 7 protruding from the bottom surface of the barrel staves. The geometric elements 7 have various sizes and shapes for their adaptation to the perimeter or contour of the inner surface of the barrel staves. In one alternative embodiment, the aforementioned geometric elements have their greatest size in the center and wider area of ​​the barrel slab, and their size gradually decreases towards the narrower end area. They then form a pattern of prisms with rhombic bases. Figures 32 and 33 show two cases in which this geometric mesh pattern is applied and parametrically arranged on the barrel slab.

[0041] Figures 5 to 8 show details of the barrel staves having the same pattern as Figures 1 to 4 and having an outlet opening 1.

Claims

1. In a wooden barrel staves (20) for barrels, which have sides at each of their ends and are joined together by an inner surface, an outer surface, and two longitudinal sides that determine the length of the barrel staves, The aforementioned inner surface is At least two first machined channels, At least two second machined channels intersecting the plurality of first channels, A pattern determined by the plurality of intersecting channels and formed by a plurality of geometric elements located between the plurality of channels, Equipped with, A wooden barrel slab for a barrel, characterized in that the barrel slab (20) has a first surface (29) on its inner surface corresponding to the bottom of the channel and a second surface (28) on its inner surface corresponding to the top of the geometric element, the difference in height between the two determines the depth of the plurality of channels, and the difference between the first surface (29) on its inner surface and the outer surface determines the base (19) of the barrel slab (20).

2. The barrel plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrel plate has a through opening located substantially in the center thereof that divides at least one first channel of the barrel plate.

3. The barrel board according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the barrel board has a third surface (4) on its inner surface that corresponds to both ends of the barrel board.

4. The barrel board is At least three first channels that are parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D3-1), At least three second channels that are parallel and equidistant from each other in the second direction (D3-2), It comprises at least two other channels that are perpendicular to each other in third and fourth directions (D3-3 and D3-4) and intersect the plurality of channels in the first and second directions (D3-1 and D3-2), A barrel board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it forms a pattern of multiple triangular prisms, and the base of the prism is a right triangle.

5. The barrel board is At least three first channels that are parallel and equidistant in a first direction (D3-2), At least one second channel having a trajectory that coincides with the first longitudinal side surface (30) of the barrel plate that joins both ends thereof, At least one third channel having a trajectory that coincides with the second longitudinal side surface (31) of the barrel plate that joins both ends thereof, At least one fourth channel that coincides with a track inserted between the track on the first longitudinal side surface (30) of the barrel plate and the track on the second longitudinal side surface (31) of the barrel plate, It comprises at least two other channels that intersect each other, have variations in direction toward third and fourth directions (D3-3 and D3-4), and intersect with the plurality of channels, The barrel board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it forms a pattern of multiple triangular prisms, and the base of the prism is a right triangle of various sizes and shapes.

6. The barrel board according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the multiple triangular prisms have a curved right angle at their base.

7. The barrel board is At least three first channels that are parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D2-1), At least three second channels that are parallel and equidistant from each other in the second direction (D2-2), The system comprises at least three third channels that are parallel and equidistant from each other in a third direction (D2-3), The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all of them intersect with each other, forming a pattern of multiple triangular prisms, the base of which is an equilateral triangle.

8. The barrel board is At least three first channels that are parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D2-1), At least three second channels having variations in direction toward the second direction (D2-2), It comprises at least three third channels having variations in direction toward a third direction (D2-3), The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all of them intersect with each other to form a pattern of multiple triangular prisms, the base of which is a triangle of varying sizes and shapes.

9. The barrel board is At least one first channel having a track that coincides with the first longitudinal side surface (30) of the barrel plate that joins both ends thereof, At least one second channel having a trajectory that coincides with the second longitudinal side surface (31) of the barrel plate that joins both ends thereof, At least one third channel that matches a track inserted between the track on the first longitudinal side surface (30) of the barrel plate and the track on the second longitudinal side surface (31) of the barrel plate, At least three second channels having variations in direction toward the second direction (D2-2), It comprises at least three third channels having variations in direction toward a third direction (D2-3), The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all of them intersect with each other to form a pattern of multiple triangular prisms, the base of which is a triangle of varying sizes and shapes.

10. The barrel slab according to claim 9, characterized in that the track inserted between the first longitudinal side surface (30) and the second longitudinal side surface (31) of the barrel slab can be curved or straight.

11. At least two first channels that are parallel and equidistant in a first direction (D4-1), The system comprises at least two second channels that intersect the plurality of first channels, are parallel to each other and equidistant in a second direction (D4-2), A barrel board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by forming a pattern of multiple rhombic prisms.

12. At least two first channels having variations in direction toward the first direction (D4-1), The system comprises at least two second channels having variations in direction toward a second direction (D4-2) that intersect the plurality of first channels, A barrel board according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by forming a pattern of multiple rhombic prisms.

13. The barrel slab according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of second channels, which are parallel to each other, are orthogonal to the plurality of first channels.

14. The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the width or thickness of the plurality of channels, determined among the plurality of geometric elements, is equal in each channel.

15. The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the width or thickness of the plurality of channels, determined among the plurality of geometric elements, may not be equal in each channel.

16. The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the plurality of channels have the same depth.

17. The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the plurality of channels have varying depths.

18. The barrel slab according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the depth of the channel is variable along the channel.

19. In a wooden barrel formed by multiple barrel planks and two lids positioned at each end of the multiple barrel planks, A wooden barrel characterized by comprising at least one barrel plank as described in claim 1.

20. The wooden barrel according to claim 19, wherein the wooden barrel comprises at least one barrel board as described in claim 2.

21. The wooden barrel is characterized by comprising at least one barrel plank as described in claim 3, as described in claim 19.

22. The barrel according to claim 19, wherein the wooden barrel comprises barrel planks as described in any one of claims 4 to 18.

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