Wooden stave and barrel for drinks

Abstract

There is a search for solutions to particularise alcoholic or spirit drinks, said particularisation consisting of giving the drinks new aromas, flavours or colours as in wooden barrels for the maturing or storage thereof such that they obtain the recognition of the competent persons, bodies or organizations as well as the market. For this reason, different barrel solutions have arisen to achieve more complex results in the search for new aromas, flavours or colours in the drinks. One of the solutions proposed in the state of the art is to increase the contact surface between the liquid and the inside of the barrel by means of various systems. For these cases in which independent structures from outside the barrel staves are introduced, there is reluctance from some organizations, considering that introducing elements or structures inside the barrel is contrary to the classic style of whiskey creation. The present invention includes a wooden stave 20 for a barrel for drinks, with a side at each of the two ends thereof joined together by an internal side, an external side and by two longitudinal sides which determine a length of the stave 20. The internal side comprises at least two first machined channels 3, at least two second machined channels 3 crossing said first channels 3, and a pattern determined by said crossing channels 3 and formed by geometric elements located between the channels 3. The wooden stave 20 has a first surface 4 on the internal side thereof corresponding to a bottom of the channel 3 and a second surface on the internal side thereof corresponding to a top of the geometric element, whereby the difference between both heights of the first and second surfaces determines a depth of the channels 3, and the difference between the first surface.

Description

[0001] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a wooden stave and a beverage barrel made of staves, and in particular for alcoholic or spirituous beverages.

[0003] The invention falls within the sector of manufacturing barrels intended for the maturation and storage of alcoholic or spirituous beverages, such as wine or whiskey. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Currently, there is a search for solutions to personalize alcoholic beverages, specifically by giving them new aromas, flavors, or colors. This personalization must take place in wooden barrels for maturation or storage, so that the beverages gain recognition from competent individuals, organizations, and the market. Therefore, various barrel solutions have been developed to achieve more complex results in the search for new aromas, flavors, or colors in beverages.

[0005] One of the solutions proposed in the prior art is to increase the contact surface area between the liquid and the barrel's interior using various systems. This allows the liquid to mature faster than in barrels with a smooth contact surface, as the liquid receives a greater amount of substance from the wood, resulting in more intense colors and aromas, as well as accelerating the maturation process. Among the various solutions is the immersion of different wooden structures inside the barrel during the liquid's maturation process. The patent documents FR2504498A1, ES2194601 A1, FR2864965A1, and US20160097023A propose the use of wooden structures or elements inside barrels.

[0006] In cases where independent structures separate from the barrel staves are introduced, some organizations, such as the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), have reservations. They believe that introducing elements or structures inside the barrel is contrary to the classic style of whisky creation, and therefore do not allow the use of the "Scotch whisky" designation of origin for the maturation of whisky in these types of barrels.

[0007] Another solution that has been proposed for some decades is to increase the barrel's contact surface area through various grooves cut into the inner surface of the barrel walls—that is, the surface in direct contact with the liquid. This contact surface is formed by the inner face of each of the barrel's staves. Therefore, we find transverse cuts, longitudinal cuts, or circular cavities on the inner face of the staves, and in some cases, even a combination of both. Patent documents US3372633, US3842723, WO2012 / 175097A1, US9212343, and GB2549202A1 propose different solutions for increasing the barrel's inner contact surface area with the liquid.

[0008] In these cases, the solution doesn't represent a significant improvement due to the small additional contact surface area obtained and the existing limitations for its implementation. An additional problem with this type of solution arises during the extraction of the liquid from the barrel, as liquid accumulates in the various perforations. This accumulation results in a loss of the total volume of the resulting liquid, as well as unwanted liquid buildup inside the barrel. This can be especially important for beverages that require the use of multiple barrels and the combination of different liquids in their production process, since stagnant residues of the previous liquid could be found in the barrel, as it may not have been completely emptied. This would create uncontrolled or undesirable, and in some cases, prohibited, results.This is the case, for example, with Scotch whisky, where the barrel used for maturation has previously held oloroso wine or sherry for approximately two years. This can lead to the problem of residual liquid from that oloroso wine or sherry remaining inside the barrel when the freshly distilled whisky is added. This is something the Scottish Whisky Association (SWA) does not permit.

[0009] Therefore, a solution seems necessary that combines an increase in the contact surface that is feasible to implement in order to achieve a considerable increase in the attributes given to the contained liquid, and that at the same time solves the problems mentioned regarding the complete emptying of the barrel, thus avoiding product losses and the accumulation of previous liquids in the process of making the resulting liquids.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention, a wooden stave and barrel for aging or storing alcoholic or spirituous beverages, relates to a stave that has a first machining process involving the removal of material from the ends of its inner face, where the barrel lid will be placed, leaving an area outside the barrel. A second machining process is performed on the remaining surface of its inner face, corresponding to the area that will be inside the barrel. This second machining process comprises at least two first channels and at least two second channels intersecting the first two, defining a pattern of geometric elements. After several staves are joined together with the aforementioned machining to form a barrel, the geometric elements will be submerged in the liquid contained in the barrel, presenting a larger contact surface between the stave material (wood) and the stored liquid, thereby resulting in a greater transfer of substances from the wood to the liquid.Furthermore, the pattern formed by the crossed channels allows for a continuous and unobstructed flow of the liquid during its extraction through one of the staves, which has an opening for the liquid's entry and exit inside the barrel. This prevents unnecessary losses and unwanted internal residue for future reuse of the barrel. This pattern is preferably adapted and arranged parametrically to the shape of the stave's inner face, according to the requirements of the manufacturing process, the requirements of the beverage to be stored inside the barrel, or the needs of the end customer, in order to optimize its function under the curvature conditions that the stave will ultimately exhibit once the barrel is assembled. Therefore, a first object of the invention is a stave according to claim 1.

[0012] Specifically, the stave that is the subject of the present invention is a wooden stave for a barrel intended for the storage and / or maturation of alcoholic or spirituous beverages. This stave has a face at each of its two ends joined together by an inner face, an outer face, and two longitudinal sides, which determine the length of the stave. Its inner face comprises a flat surface resulting from a hollowing or material removal process at the ends of the stave, corresponding to the area that will contain the lid and the area that will remain outside the barrel. The remaining surface of this inner face, corresponding to the area that will remain inside the barrel once it is made, has at least two first machined channels and at least two second machined channels that intersect these first channels, forming a pattern determined by these intersecting channels and comprised of geometric elements located between the channels.Thus, the stave presents a first inner surface at the bottom of the channel, a second inner surface corresponding to the apex of the geometric element, and a third inner surface corresponding to its ends and coinciding in height with the first surface. The difference between these two heights determines the depth of the channels, such that the difference between the first and third inner surfaces, with respect to the outer face, determines the base of the stave. The longitudinal sides of the stave can be straight or curved depending on the construction conditions of the barrel.

[0013] Furthermore, if required by manufacturing specifications, the stave may undergo profiling along its perimeter, specifically on its two longitudinal sides, to create the shape of the stave's inner face, upon which subsequent machining operations will be performed. The purpose of this profiling is to reduce the stave's width at its ends to facilitate assembly into the barrel. Once this profiling is complete, the two longitudinal sides of the stave may be straight or curved, depending on the barrel's manufacturing requirements.

[0014] The first machining of the inner face of the stave will be carried out in the area that will contain the lid and the area that will remain outside the barrel, corresponding to the ends of the stave. This machining will involve removing material, with the aim of giving the stave the final thickness of its base in that area, with a standardized base thickness of approximately 2 to 3 cm.

[0015] A second machining process is carried out on the remaining area of ​​the inner face of the stave, corresponding to the inner surface of the barrel once it has been shaped. This process, which creates the aforementioned pattern with geometric elements, is preferably performed using numerical control. The pattern, and the geometric elements that comprise it, result from the cuts made during the machining process. Therefore, the final effect of the stave will be the extrusion of elements perpendicular to the treated surface, erected on the base of the stave, with a standardized base thickness of approximately 2 to 3 cm. This pattern allows for a considerable increase in the contact surface area between the wood and the liquid inside, while also enabling unobstructed flow when emptying the barrel, thus preventing the loss and accumulation of liquid within it.For emptying and filling the barrel made up of several staves, one, or at least one, of said staves comprises a through hole located approximately in the center of the stave interrupting at least one first channel of the stave, so that the liquid moves through the different connected channels of the different staves until it reaches the outlet hole, located in the stave on which the barrel rests or in one of the adjacent staves.

[0016] To achieve the hollowing objective, different pattern options are available, always determined by at least two primary channels and at least two secondary channels that intersect with the primary channels. The arrangement of these channels on the inner face of the plank results in different geometric elements that make up the pattern of the plank's inner face. This pattern is adapted and arranged on the plank's inner face, preferably parametrically. Parametric design refers to a design process based on a set of algorithms that allows for the manipulation of parameters and rules that define and organize the relationship between the design requirements and the final design resulting from this process. This design paradigm seeks to manipulate, in countless ways, the possibility of organizing or modeling a material through simple geometries, creating complex structures.Because the wooden stave is preferably narrower at its ends than at its center, and because its two longitudinal sides are preferably curved, this pattern adapts to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face, optimizing its function under the curvature that the stave will ultimately exhibit once the barrel is formed. Some alternatives are included in claims 4 to 13.

[0017] To obtain these machined geometric elements on the inner face, it is necessary to start with staves that are approximately 2 to 3 cm thicker, which is the standard thickness for staves in the prior art. This additional thickness will determine the height of the geometric elements resulting from the machining of the channels, which configure the pattern on the inner face of the stave. As mentioned previously, the height of the geometric elements determines the depth of the channels. The stave presents a first inner surface at the bottom of the channel, a second inner surface corresponding to the peak of the geometric element, and a third inner surface corresponding to the ends of the stave and coinciding in height with the first surface. The difference between these two heights determines the depth of the channels and the height of the geometric elements.

[0018] The height of the elements, or the depth of the groove, may vary depending on the properties of the wood, the requirements of the beverage to be stored inside the barrel, or the needs of the end tooth. It is important to note that the height of the geometric elements has a maximum height determined by the curvature of the stave when it forms the barrel. Since these elements, resulting from the machining process, are perpendicular to their base and contained within the curved surface created during barrel making, they could collide with each other above a certain height, a situation to be avoided. Likewise, the grooves resulting from the machining can have different widths, depending on the cutting tool or cutter used, which is determined by the construction requirements. The grooves may have the same or different widths.The depth of the different channels may be the same, different depending on the channel, or even vary within the same channel.

[0019] A second object of the invention is a barrel according to claim 19. The barrel is composed of several staves and two heads, having at least one stave with the internal configuration described above. Furthermore, the stave with the opening for the entry and exit of liquid into the barrel may or may not incorporate the internal configuration described above.

[0020] Due to the machining carried out on the inner surface of the stave, more specifically in the area that corresponds to the one that will remain inside the barrel once formed, the inner fibers of the wood are exposed to the liquid contained inside the barrel, which gives the barrel a greater capacity for transmitting substance from the wood to said liquid.

[0021] The solution proposed in the present invention is compatible with the various toasting or fire-exposure treatments to which wooden barrels are typically subjected. Toasting can be carried out using current systems, where the barrel is exposed to fire during its manufacturing process, imparting these characteristic properties to the wood. Alternatively, the staves can be toasted individually and then assembled to form the final barrel.

[0022] The staves will feature the established finishing touches that are applied during the shaping and finishing of the barrel.

[0023] To this end, the present invention focuses on creating, through machining, efficient geometries on the inner surface of the staves that make up the barrel, allowing for the complete emptying of the liquid contained within the barrel, thus preventing liquid residue from previous uses, while simultaneously offering significantly improved surface contact. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The figures accompanying the following description show different alternatives for carrying out the Invention.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a first geometric pattern.

[0026] Figure 2 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a second geometric pattern.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a third geometric pattern.

[0028] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a fourth geometric pattern.

[0029] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a first geometric pattern at the meeting point with the entrance and exit hole.

[0030] Figure 6 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a second geometric pattern at the junction with the entrance and exit hole.

[0031] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a third geometric pattern at the junction with the entrance and exit hole.

[0032] Figure 8 shows a plan view of a detail of a stave with a fourth geometric pattern at the junction with the entrance and exit hole.

[0033] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a stave according to the present invention with the geometric pattern of Figure 1, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave.

[0034] Figure 10 shows a bottom view of a detail of the stave in Figure 9.

[0035] Figure 11 shows an elevation view of the stave in Figure 9.

[0036] Figure 12 shows a plan view of the stave in Figure 9.

[0037] Figure 13 shows a plan view of a stave with the geometric pattern of Figure 9 and with a hole for the entry and exit of liquids from the barrel.

[0038] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a barrel made up of staves as shown in Figure 12 and a stave as shown in Figure 13.

[0039] Figure 15 shows an elevation view of a barrel made up of staves as shown in Figure 12 and a stave as shown in Figure 13.

[0040] Figure 16 shows a sectioned perspective of the barrel in Figure 14 positioned vertically.

[0041] Figure 17 shows a sectioned perspective of the barrel in Figure 14 positioned horizontally in the emptying position on the stave with the liquid inlet and outlet hole in the barrel.

[0042] Figure 18 shows a detail of a portion of stave with the geometric pattern of Figure 3. The transmission of substance from the wood to the liquid that would be contained inside the barrel is represented conceptually by arrows.

[0043] Figure 19 shows a detail of a portion of stave with the geometric pattern of Figure 3.

[0044] Figure 20 shows a plan view of a stave with the geometric pattern of Figure 3.

[0045] Figure 21 shows a plan view of a detail of one end of the stave in Figure 20.

[0046] Figure 22 shows a plan view of a detail of the central area of ​​the stave in Figure 20.

[0047] Figure 23 shows a plan view of a stave with a rectangular shape on its inner face, with the geometric pattern of Figure 3.

[0048] Figure 24 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the geometric pattern of Figure 3, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are rectilinear.

[0049] Figure 25 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the geometric pattern of Figure 3, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0050] Figure 26 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 3, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0051] Figure 27 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 3, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0052] Figure 28 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 2, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0053] Figure 29 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 2, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0054] Figure 30 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 2, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0055] Figure 31 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 2, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0056] Figure 32 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 4, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0057] Figure 33 shows a plan view of a stave corresponding to the mesh of the geometric pattern of Figure 4, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where its two longitudinal sides are curved.

[0058] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS OF REALIZATION

[0059] The following describes different ways of carrying out the Invention with reference to the figures mentioned.

[0060] The invention relates, as previously mentioned, to a stave 20 that has on its inner face a first machining process involving the removal of material at the ends of its inner face where the barrel lid will be located, leaving an area outside the barrel, preferably performed by numerical control, and a second machining process on the remaining surface of its inner face corresponding to the area that will be inside the barrel, also preferably performed by numerical control, comprising at least two first channels and at least two second channels intersecting the first ones, defining a pattern of geometric elements. These patterns may vary depending on the number of channels and their paths or directions.The machining of the inner face of stave 20 is determined by a first inner surface 29 corresponding to the bottom of channel 29, a second inner surface 28 corresponding to the peak of geometric element 7, and a third inner surface 4 corresponding to its ends and coinciding in height with the first inner surface 29, the difference between the two heights determining the depth of the channels. Likewise, the difference between the first inner surface 29 of stave 20 and the third inner surface 4 of stave 20, with the outer face of stave 20, determines the base 19 of stave 20.

[0061] A first example of a 20-inch stave resulting from the machining process is shown in Figures 9 to 13, which depict a 20-inch wooden stave after machining different channels on its inner face. Specifically, the 20-inch stave shown in Figures 9 to 13 exhibits the machining pattern of Figure 1, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face. However, other machining patterns could have been used, such as those shown in Figures 2 to 4, as illustrated in a second example in Figures 20 to 25, where the 20-inch stave exhibits the machining pattern of Figure 3, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face.Stave 20 is defined by the base 19, approximately 2 to 3 cm thick, and the geometric elements 7 resulting from machining the channels 3 on the inner face of stave 20. Each of these elements 7 is separated from the others by the channels 3, created by the machining tool itself. Figure 13 shows a stave 20 with the outlet hole 1. Specifically, stave 21, shown in Figure 13, has the machining pattern of Figure 5, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face, although other machining methods could have been used, such as those shown in Figures 6 to 8. Figures 23 to 25 show the adaptation of the machining pattern of Figure 3 to different contour or perimeter options for stave 20, according to the manufacturing requirements of a stave.Specifically, figure 23 has a rectangular perimeter, figure 24 has a straight cutting, sanding or machining treatment on its two longitudinal sides 30 and 31, and figure 25 has a curved cutting, sanding or machining treatment on its two longitudinal sides 30 and 31.

[0062] Once the staves 20 have been machined and finished, the construction of the barrel 22, shown in figure 14, is carried out, and is made up of said staves 20 and 21. Therefore, the barrel 22 preferably has a single stave 21, with a single outlet hole 1 preferably located in the center of the stave 21, between several staves 20 without hole 1.

[0063] The result is an interior wall 23 of geometric elements or prisms 7 forming a geometric pattern or mesh, (figures 1 to 4) adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the interior face of the barrel's forming staves, which increase the contact surface between the wood and the contained liquid and allow the total extraction of said liquid from the barrel 22 through the outlet hole 1, avoiding internal retentions and thus losses of liquid, as well as unwanted accumulated residues.

[0064] Figure 17 shows a section of a barrel 22 where the arrows represent the liquid outlet 24 of the barrel 22, an outlet that will always occur through the outlet hole 1, continuously and without any type of barrier or cavity that could cause unwanted losses or accumulations of liquid inside the barrel.

[0065] Figure 18 shows a detail of an example of a stave where each of the machined elements 7 exposes the internal fibers of the wood 26 in its walls, allowing a greater contribution of substance 27 to the contained liquid, since this arrangement of the fibers presents a greater permeability.

[0066] Likewise, the solution proposed for the staves 20 can also be applied to the lids 25 on their inner face of the barrel 22.

[0067] As mentioned above, the objective of the machined channels 3 on the inner face of the staves 20, regardless of their arrangement and the geometric elements or prisms they define, is twofold: firstly, to increase the contact surface between the wood and the liquid stored in the barrel 22 formed by said staves, and secondly, to enable the complete emptying of the barrel through the liquid inlet and outlet hole 1 located in at least one stave among the staves 20 that make up the barrel 22. Figures 5 to 8 show different patterns with geometric elements 7 determined by the machined channels 3, centered on the area where the channels 3 meet the inlet and outlet hole 1 of the barrel 22, in order to more clearly illustrate the ease of emptying, which is the object of the present invention.

[0068] In each of Figures 5 to 8, four orthogonally arranged arrows 2 are identified, located outside each detail of the stave 20. These represent the characteristic curvature of a barrel 22 and the direction of the liquids contained inside the barrel 22 exiting. In each of the figures, the directions that the liquid follows until its exit from the barrel 22 through the orifice 1 can be observed in a particular way by means of arrows arranged in its internal channels 3.

[0069] Specifically, Figure 1 shows a detail of a stave 20, used for the examples in Figures 9 to 17, adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of stave 20. It consists of a pattern of geometric elements 7 resulting from a grid defined by a certain number of axes, arranged in four directions: a first direction D1-1, a second direction D1-2, a third direction D1-3, and a fourth direction D1-4, and parallel and equidistant between those corresponding to each direction D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4. Two of the four directions, the first and second directions, D1-1 and D1-2 of the grid, are orthogonal to each other and preferably coincide with the two main axes of the barrel, the transverse (TT) 'The axial (D1-3) axis (perpendicular to the longer dimension of a body) and the longitudinal (LL) axis (axis of a body in the direction with a longer dimension) are also orthogonal to each other. The other two directions, the third, D1-3, and the fourth, D1-4, are rotated at an angle that varies depending on the design, but preferably will be 45°. ®With respect to the first direction D1-1 and the second direction D1-2, the axes arranged parallel and equidistant in each of the four directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4 intersect at common points, forming a triangular mesh with faces of equal size and shape, in this case, right triangles. Machining is performed along the mesh axes, using the aforementioned first, second, third, and fourth directions, D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4, creating channels 3 and resulting in geometric elements 7 with an extruded effect on their base, of equal size and shape, forming a pattern of triangular prisms with right triangle bases, where the right angles receive a subsequent curvature treatment.

[0070] This pattern, when applied to the stave, is preferably adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, in such a way that the axes arranged in a parallel and equidistant manner in each of the four directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 and D1-4, may present variations of direction between those corresponding to each of the first, second, third and fourth directions D1-1, D1-2, D1-3 and D1-4, thus losing their parallel condition, so that the resulting triangular mesh will be formed by triangles of different size and shape.The machining is performed along the axes of the grid, with variations in direction from the first, second, third, and fourth directions (D1-1, D1-2, D1-3, and D1-4), creating channels 3 and resulting in geometric elements 7 with an extruded effect on their base. These elements vary in size and shape due to their adaptation to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face. These geometric elements will be largest in the central, wider area of ​​the stave and will gradually decrease in size towards the narrower ends, forming a pattern of triangular prisms with right-angled triangular bases. The right angles of these right angles are subsequently curved. One option could include a specific number of parallel and equidistant channels in a first direction (D1-2).a second channel coinciding with the path of the first longitudinal side 30 of the stave that joins the ends of the same, a third channel coinciding with the path of the second longitudinal side 31 of the stave that joins the ends of the same, a certain number of channels interpolated between the channels coinciding with the paths of the first and second longitudinal side, crossed to the previous ones, and another series of channels crossed with each other with variations in a third and in a fourth direction (D1-3 and D1-4) and crossed with respect to the previous channels, forming a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being right triangles different in size and shape, where their right angles receive a subsequent curvature treatment.

[0071] A second embodiment, presented in Figure 2, shows a detail of a stave formed by a pattern of geometric elements 7 resulting from a grid defined by a certain number of axes, arranged in three directions: a first direction D2-1, a second direction D2-2, and a third direction D2-3, and parallel and equidistant between those corresponding to each direction D2-1, D2-2, and D2-3. One of the three directions, the first direction D2-1 of the grid, preferably coincides with one of the two main axes of the barrel, the transverse one (TT). 'or the longitudinal (LL). The axes, arranged equidistantly in each of the three directions—the first direction D2-1, the second direction D2-2, and the third direction D2-3—meet at common points of intersection, forming a triangular mesh with faces of equal size and shape, in this case, equilateral triangles. Since the internal angle of an equilateral triangle is 60°, six triangles meet at a single point, occupying 360°, that is, a hexagon. Machining is performed along the mesh axes, creating the first, second, and third channels 3 with the aforementioned directions, D2-1, D2-2, D2-3, resulting in these geometric elements 7 with an extruded effect on their base, of equal size and shape, forming a pattern of triangular prisms with equilateral triangle bases.

[0072] This pattern, when applied to the stave, is preferably adapted and arranged parametrically to the shape of the inner face of said stave, in such a way that the axes arranged parallel and equidistant in each of the three directions D2-1, D2-2 and D2-3, may present variations of direction between those corresponding to each of the first, second and third directions D2-1, D2-2 and D2-3, thus losing their parallel condition, so the resulting triangular mesh will be formed by triangles of different size and shape.The machining is carried out along the axes of the grid, with the variations in direction of the previous first, second and third directions, D2-1, D2-2 and D2-3, creating the channels 3 and resulting in the geometric elements 7 with an extruded effect on their base of different size and shape, due to their adaptation to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, where these geometric elements will present as an alternative, their largest size in the central and wider area of ​​the stave, and will gradually decrease in size towards the narrower end areas, forming a pattern of triangular prisms, with bases in the shape of a triangle.One option could comprise a specific number of parallel and equidistant channels in a first direction (D2-1), a specific number of channels with varying directions in a second direction (D2-2), and a specific number of channels with varying directions in a third direction (D2-3), all intersecting to form a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being triangles of varying size and shape. Figures 28 to 31 show four application cases and parametric arrangements of the geometric mesh of this pattern on a stave.

[0073] A third embodiment presented in figure 3 shows a detail of a stave used for the examples in figures 18 to 19 and figures 20 to 25, being the same as the embodiment in figure 1 with the difference that the bases of the geometric elements 7 are triangular prisms with bases in the shape of a right triangle, where their right angle does not receive a subsequent curvature treatment.This pattern, when applied to the stave, is preferably adapted and arranged parametrically to the perimeter or contour of the inner face of the stave, in such a way that the axes arranged in a parallel and equidistant manner in each of the four directions D3-1, D3-2, D3-3 and D3-4, may present variations of direction between those corresponding to each of the first, second, third and fourth directions D3-1, D3-2, D3-3 and D3-4, thus losing their parallel condition, so that the resulting triangular mesh will be formed by triangles of different size and shape.The machining is performed along the axes of the grid, with variations in direction from the first, second, third, and fourth directions (D3-1, D3-2, D3-3, and D3-4), creating channels 3 and resulting in the extruded geometric elements 7. These elements vary in size and shape due to their adaptation to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face, as shown in Figures 20 to 25. These geometric elements are largest in the central, wider area of ​​the stave (Figure 22) and gradually decrease in size towards the narrower ends (Figure 21), forming a pattern of triangular prisms with right-angled bases. Figures 23 to 25 show an example of how this pattern is adapted to different stave perimeter or contour options.Figures 26 and 27 show two cases of application and parametric arrangement of the geometric mesh of this pattern on a plank.

[0074] A fourth embodiment, presented in Figure 4, shows a detail of a stave formed by a pattern of geometric elements 7 resulting from a grid defined by a specific number of axes, arranged in two directions: a first direction D4-1 and a second direction D4-2. These axes are parallel and equidistant between each direction D4-1 and D4-2, creating a mesh of irregular polygons, in this case rhombuses. These two directions, D4-1 and D4-2, could also be arranged orthogonally to each other, preferably with a 45° rotation. ®With respect to the main axes of the barrel, the transverse (TT) or longitudinal (L-L'), such that the internal diagonals of the polygons of the grid, which join their opposite vertices, are parallel to the two main axes of the barrel, the transverse (T-T) or longitudinal (LL). Machining is carried out along the axes of the grid, creating the first and second channels 3 in the aforementioned directions, D4-1 and D4-2, resulting in these geometric elements 7 with an extruded effect on their base, of equal size and shape, forming a pattern of prisms with rhomboid or square bases, depending on the angle between the two directions D4-1 and D4-2.

[0075] This pattern, when applied to the stave, is preferably adapted and arranged parametrically to the shape of the interior face of said stave, in such a way that the axes arranged parallel and equidistant in each of the two directions D4-1 and D4-2, may present variations of direction between those corresponding to each of the first and second directions D4-1 and D4-2, thus losing their parallel condition, so that the resulting irregular polygon mesh will be formed by rhombuses of different size and shape.The machining is performed along the grid axes, with variations in direction from the first and second directions mentioned above, D4-1 and D4-2, creating channels 3 and resulting in the extruded geometric elements 7 on their base. These elements vary in size and shape due to their adaptation to the perimeter or contour of the stave's inner face. They are largest in the central, wider area of ​​the stave and gradually decrease in size towards the narrower ends, forming a pattern of prisms with rhomboid bases. Figures 32 and 33 illustrate two cases of the application and parametric arrangement of this geometric pattern on a stave.

[0076] Figures 5 to 8 show a detail of the staves with exit hole 1 with the same patterns as Figures 1 to 4.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Wooden barrel stave (20), with a face at each of its two ends joined together by an inner face, an outer face and by two longitudinal sides that determine the length of the stave, characterized in that the inner face comprises: - at least two mechanized first channels, - at least two second mechanized channels that intersect with said first channels, - a pattern determined by said crossed channels and formed by geometric elements located between the channels, - presenting the stave (20) a first surface on its inner face (29) corresponding to the bottom of the channel and a second surface on its inner face (28) corresponding to the peak of the geometric element, the difference between both heights determining the depth of the channels, and because the difference between the first surface of its inner face (29) and the outer face, determines the base (19) of the stave (20).

2. Stave, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a through hole located approximately in the center thereof that interrupts at least a first channel of the stave.

3. A stave, according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a third surface on its inner face (4) corresponding to the ends of the stave, resulting from machining by hollowing or material removal.

4. A stave, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least three first channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D3-1), at least three second channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a second direction (D3-2), at least two further channels perpendicular to each other in a third and fourth direction (D3-3 and D3-4) and crossed with respect to the previous channels in said first and second directions (D3-1 and D3-2), forming a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being right triangles.

6. A stave according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least three first parallel and equidistant channels in a first direction (D3-2), at least one second channel with a path coinciding with the first longitudinal side (30) of the stave joining its ends, at least one third channel with a path coinciding with the second longitudinal side (31) of the stave joining its ends, and at least one fourth channel coinciding with a path interpolated between the path of the first longitudinal side (30) of the stave and the path of the second side. longitudinal (31) of the stave, at least two other channels crossed with each other, with variations of direction to a third and in a fourth direction (D3-3 and D3-4) and crossed with respect to the previous channels, forming a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being right triangles different in size and shape.

6. Flooring, according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that the triangular prisms have their right angles of the bases curved.

7. Stave according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least three first channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D2-1), at least three second channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a second direction (D2-2) and at least three third channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a third direction (D2-3), all of them intersecting, forming a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being equilateral triangles.

8. Stave according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least three first channels parallel and equidistant from each other in a first direction (D2-1), at least three second channels with variations in direction to a second direction (D2-2) and at least three third channels with variations in direction to a third direction (D2-3), all of them crossing each other, forming a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being triangles of different sizes and shapes.

9. A stave according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least a first channel with a path coinciding with the first longitudinal side (30) of the stave joining its ends, at least a second channel with a path coinciding with the second longitudinal side (31) of the stave joining its ends, at least a third channel coinciding with a path interpolated between the path of the first longitudinal side (30) of the stave and the path of the second longitudinal side (31) of the stave, at least three second channels with variations in direction to a second direction (D2-2) and at least three third channels with variations in direction in a third direction (D2-3), all of them intersecting, forming a pattern of triangular prisms, their bases being triangles of different sizes and shapes.

10. Stave according to claim 9, characterized in that the path interpolated between the first longitudinal side (30) of the stave and the second longitudinal side (31) of the stave can be curved or straight.

11. Stave, according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two first parallel and equidistant channels in a first direction (D4-1) and two second parallel and equidistant channels in a second direction (D4-2), which cross with respect to the first ones, forming a pattern of rhomboidal prisms.

12. Stave, according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two first channels with variations in direction to a first direction (D4-1) and at least two second channels with variations in direction to a second direction (D4-2), which cross with respect to the first ones, forming a rhomboidal prism pattern.

13. Stave, according to claim 11, characterized in that the second parallel channels intersect orthogonally with the first channels.

14. Stave, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width or thickness of the channels, determined between the geometric elements, are equal in each channel.

16. Stave, according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the width or thickness of the channels, determined between the geometric elements, are not all equal in each channel.

16. Stave, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channels have the same depth.

17. Stave, according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the channels have different depths.

18. Stave, according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the depth of the channel is variable along the same.

19. Wooden barrel formed by staves and two lids arranged at each of the two ends of the staves, characterized in that it comprises at least one stave according to claim 1, 20. Barrel according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises at least one stave according to claim 2.

21. Barrel according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises at least one stave according to claim 3.

22. Barrel, according to claim 19, characterized in that it comprises a stave according to any of claims 4 to 18.

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