Method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing

Abstract

A method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing which can turn an object having the structure and aesthetic of a motor vehicle into a functional wine cellar. The method can be performed on a hollowed out vehicle body, which could be a formerly functioning automobile or a fiberglass replica or other structure. Having a hollowed out vehicle body, an insulated storage shell with illuminating wine racks and an integrated climate control system may be installed inside the vehicle body. Once the illuminating racks and climate controlled system are integrated into a unified electrical system, the exterior of the vehicle body may be prepared to ensure it is substantially opaque, thereby protecting from unwanted fluctuation in light and preventing anyone outside of the vehicle from seeing internal works of the insulation, shell or equipment through windows.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and incorporates by reference co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63 / 677,085 filed Jul. 30, 2024.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to creating temperature controlled, organizational and storage apparatus for bottles with perishable contents and, more particularly, to the integration of a storage and display system for wine bottles into a multicompartment housing having a form factor of an automobile.Description of the Prior Art

[0003] It is well known that wine cellars of varying sizes are often used to store, organize, and display wine bottles. With respect to the storage, because it is well established that the conditions under which wine bottles are stored in can positively or negatively affect the properties of wine stored therein, much effort over the years has gone into create or utilize spaces in which wine bottles can be stored which will minimize the heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and humidity that the bottled wine will be exposed to. As such, wine cellars conventionally function to optimize the conditions in which bottles of wine are stored prior to consumption.

[0004] Beyond optimizing the conditions of storage, many wine cellars additionally function to optimize the organization and display of wine bottles while they are being stored. For wine cellars other than those which comprise an entire room, this can be done through the housing which defines the wine cellar and also through items such as wine racks, lighting, and interior and access panels. Because of this, in some instances wine cellars can be seen as not only a functional appliance but also an aesthetic piece that is a part of the decor of a space.

[0005] That said, a problem which still exists is that because a cellar needs to be equipped with storage areas that can be controlled at least for light, vibration, temperature and humidity, there are many types of housings which have been believed to not be suitable for functioning as a cellar. For example, while the body of an automobile often has an aesthetic quality and is known to have multiple compartments which can be separately accessed, these compartments do not inherently provide space which can be used to provide the necessary light, vibration, temperature and humidity controls to serve as a wine cellar. Thus, there remains a need for a method of integrating a wine cellar system into the body of an automobile so as to provide for a wine cellar that can take advantage of the aesthetic quality of the exterior of an automobile. It would be desirable for the method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing to be able to configure different compartments of the automobile to address various needs related to storage as well as light, vibration, temperature and humidity control. It would additionally be desirable for the method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing to be able to centralize the electrical requirements of all components utilized such that a resultant automotive wine cellar could utilize readily available, conventional power sources.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing, comprising: providing a housing having an interior and an exterior, with the exterior having at least one physical characteristic of an automobile body; installing a storage shell sized into the interior; integrating a racking system into the storage shell; installing a climate control system into the interior, wherein the step of installing includes installing a cooling unit that mechanically connects to the storage shell by way of ductwork; and installing electrical system, wherein the step of installing electrical system includes electrically connecting any electrical connector integral with the storage shell, racking system, and climate control system to at least one power cord that is configured to connect to an electrical outlet.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method of integrating a wine cellar system into the body of an automobile which provides for a wine cellar that can take advantage of the aesthetic quality of the exterior of an automobile.

[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing that is able to configure different compartments of the automobile to address various needs related to storage as well as light, vibration, temperature and humidity control.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing that is able to centralize the electrical requirements of all components utilized such that a resultant automotive wine cellar could utilize readily available, conventional power sources.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 shows the steps of a process of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operational components of a wine cellar system integrated in an automotive housing built in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c are elevational views of the body of an automobile suitable to have a wine cellar system integrated therein built in accordance with the present invention.

[0013] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are top plan views of the body of an automobile suitable to have a wine cellar system integrated therein built in accordance with the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Described herein is a method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing which can turn an object having the structure, aesthetic and general form factor of a motor vehicle into a functional wine cellar. The method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing can be performed on a formerly functioning automobile or a fiberglass replica or other body kit which is sized and shaped to imitate an automobile. Once a hollowed out vehicle body is provided, an insulated storage shell with illuminating wine racks and an integrated climate control system may be installed inside the vehicle body. Once the illuminating racks and climate controlled system are integrated into a unified electrical system, the exterior of the vehicle body may be prepared to ensure it is substantially opaque, thereby ensuring any wine stored in the racks inside of the storage shell are fully protected from unwanted fluctuation in light, maintaining proper temperature and humidity, and preventing anyone outside of the vehicle from seeing internal works of the insulation, shell or equipment through windows.

[0015] Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, a method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing begins with the designation of the vehicle body 10 with which the wine cellar will be integrated. Factors which may play into the designation step include the amount of internal space for wine storage and operational parts, the outward appearance and aesthetic of the vehicle body, the availability and location of potential access points which can be used for selectively accessing a storage shell which will ultimately be built into the vehicle body, and any sentimental or other non-tangible value that may be attached to a particular vehicle body.

[0016] As a part of the designation step, it also must be determined if a complete vehicle will be used for the vehicle body or if a portion of a complete vehicle will be used. For example, a determination can be made to utilize a whole vehicle, which would be equivalent to using the entirety of the external components of a vehicle as it would be if it were in driving condition. Alternatively, the vehicle body used may be a portion of a whole vehicle.

[0017] Key factors in making this determination is how much space is available in the location where the resultant automotive wine cellar is expected to be located and the desired orientation of the resultant automotive wine cellar in the location. For example, in a larger space in which the resultant automotive wine cellar will be centrally located, a whole vehicle can be used while in a smaller space, and / or if the resultant automotive wine cellar is desired to be placed against a wall, a portion of a whole vehicle can be used, potentially with the portion being used appearing to extend out of the wall.

[0018] Once the designation step is completed, the interior of the vehicle body must be prepared 20. The step of preparing the interior of the vehicle body may include removing interior components therefrom, including seats, consoles, and functional parts, so that only the parts which form or support the exterior components, such as the frame, hood, doors, and windows, remain. Once the interior components are removed, a space is selected to house a storage shell and then measured. This space may be measured using an infrared / laser 3D measuring tool so that a model of the available space can be generated. It is appreciated that various instruments that could be used for this purpose, including the Leica BLK 360 3D Laser Scanner. This tool can be placed in the desired compartment where the storage shell and then racking will be placed. It will provide the 3D drawings needed for the storage shell to be done.

[0019] It is contemplated that the space selected for the storage shell may be the largest available space, such as the main vehicle cabin (or whatever portion thereof is being used). In addition, space for items such as a climate control system, an electrical panel, and a countertop and / or non-temperature controlled storage may be selected.

[0020] The step of preparing the interior of the vehicle body may additionally include spraying a closed cell foam into the surfaces of the compartment in which defines the space selected for the storage shell. This would operate to properly insulate the vehicle body. A spray foam that is closed cell, such as Icynene, may be employed. This insulation material provides the thermal resistance needed between R 15 and 20 and also acts as a needed vapor barrier. Through this operation, the foam material will adhere and conform to the various openings inside the cavity of the vehicle body.

[0021] Once the preparation of the interior of the vehicle body step is completed, the storage shell must be installed 30. The step of installing the storage shell includes both providing a storage shell of a suitable size for the space in the vehicle body in which it will be positioned, physically positioning the storage shell in this target space, connecting ductwork to it that can run between the storage shell and a climate controlled system which will be installed, and providing for an electrical connection that will allow for items inside the storage shell to be plugged in inside the storage shell to receive electrical power that comes from the electrical panel which will be installed.

[0022] It is contemplated that the storage shell may be a structure having a general half dome shape (so as to have an open side and a closed side) with an inner shell member and outer shell member, with each of the inner shell member and outer shell member constructed of fiberglass. In between the inner shell member and outer shell member may be closed cell insulation foam. It is appreciated that the inclusion of foam here may improve the insulation and vapor barrier inside the storage shell.

[0023] The storage shell may additionally include an upper opening to which a supply duct can be attached and a lower opening to which a return duct may be attached. A climate control system cooling unit may be installed in a separate compartment of the vehicle body than the storage shell, and it is thus contemplated that these ducts would extend to the compartment of such a cooling unit and mechanically connect thereto.

[0024] Once the storage shell is installed, a racking system must be installed 40. The racking system may be made up of a plurality of wine racks and support frames, with each rack having embedded LED lights. The step of installing a racking system may include preparing a design layout with a configuration of racks which accounts for the desired storage capabilities and available space. To do so, a 3D model of the storage shell may be taken. This can be done in the same manner as the model previously taken for the interior of the vehicle body. A 3D model of available space inside the storage shell will form a design of racks to fit and best display the wine bottles and different formats stored (magnums, crates etc.). It is additionally appreciated that there can be display frames for special wines or champagne.

[0025] Once a layout is provided, the support frames and racks can be installed pursuant to the layout and the racks (particularly the connectors LED lights) can be electrically connected to the electrical connection inside the storage shell so that they can receive electricity from the electrical panel.

[0026] It is contemplated that the LEDs may be embedded in the racking support frames and use opal diffusers to avoid seeing the typical LED dots. Besides RGB LEDs that change colors, warm white (2700 Kelvin) can be chosen for a cozy ambiance. The LEDs may additionally be connected to an LED board, which can allow them to be operated with a remote control, and allow for the option to connect lights and any mechanized elements to a larger system (such as a home automation system, like Lutron or Control4). The LED board may have a DMX controller for proper interface. It is contemplated that the LED board may also be connected to a 115 v outlet used for the cooling unit.

[0027] It is contemplated that it may be desirable to maximize the lightness of racks with lacquered metal, low iron glass and acrylic pieces. The light material will reflect the LED lighting for the best effect. RGB will allow for a variety of colors to be selected and create a unique glow and ambiance once the door is open. Acrylic and low iron glass will also create the effect of bottles floating and be very transparent considering we will be working with a limited cubic footage.

[0028] Once the racking system is installed, the climate control system and electrical connectors must be installed 50. The climate control system may be formed from a self-contained cooling unit, such as those offered by Wine Guardian, Cellar Pro, Vinotemp. The selection of a cooling unit will account for the necessary amount of BTUs, which can be determined after using a load calculator and identifying cubic footage inside the storage shell to cool, knowing that the target cooling temperature would be 55 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0029] The cooling unit may be placed in a separate compartment of the vehicle body relative to the location of the storage shell, such as the trunk, with the ductwork connected to the storage shell extended back to and connected to the cooling unit. It is contemplated that the ducts may be insulated and can be flexible, in whole or in part, and / or made with rigid board. It is appreciated that such a self-contained cooling unit would not require a drain line and thus no external drain line leaving the vehicle body would be needed. That said, the cooling unit would require a grill to vent warm condenser air, so it would need to be positioned (in the trunk or otherwise) so that warm condenser air could be vented. In a trunk, this could be accomplished with the provision of an underneath or side grill in the exterior of the vehicle body, with the cooling unit placed adjacent thereto.

[0030] The electrical connectors from the lighting system, cooling system, and any LED board may then be electrically connected to an electrical panel, which may be defined as a power strip. It is contemplated that this electrical panel may include a plug which can connect to a 115V outlet, and supply electricity therefrom to all of the components connected to it. The electrical panel may be also placed in a separate compartment of the vehicle body relative to the location of the storage shell. Advantageously, if it is placed in the trunk with the cooling unit, it minimized the number of electrical connectors which will need to run from outside of the trunk into the trunk to connect thereto (only the connectors from the racks and / or rack supports will for sure need to be run from inside the storage shell to the electrical panel).

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, a resultant automotive wine cellar formed from the method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing may include a vehicle body 100 that has an internal storage shell 110, a climate control system, an accessory or glass counter 101 and an electrical system. The storage shell 110 may be formed of an internal shell 111, an external shell 112, and interior insulation foam 113, and may include in it lighted racking 114 (including racks and frames). The climate control system may include a self-contained cooling unit 120, a supply duct 121, and a return duct 122. The electrical system may include an electrical panel defined by a power strip 130 and an LED board 131, with electrical wires running from the cooling unit 120 and the LED board 131 to the power strip 130, from the LED board 131 to the lighted racking 114, and from the power strip 130 to an external 115V outlet 140.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c, an exemplary vehicle which can be used for an automotive housing is shown. As noted previously, this can be a formerly functioning automobile or a fiberglass replica or other body kit which is sized and shaped to imitate an automobile

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d, exemplary cutaway options for using a whole vehicle or a portion of a whole vehicle are shown. Illustrated are views of a whole vehicle (4a) and a front end portion (4b), rear end portion (4c), and lengthwise portion (4d).

[0034] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method of integrating a wine cellar system into an automotive housing, comprising:providing a housing having an interior and an exterior, with the exterior having at least one physical characteristic of an automobile body;installing a storage shell sized into the interior;integrating a racking system into the storage shell;installing a climate control system into the interior, wherein the step of installing includes installing a cooling unit that mechanically connects to the storage shell by way of ductwork; andinstalling electrical system, wherein the step of installing electrical system includes electrically connecting any electrical connector integral with the storage shell, racking system, and climate control system to at least one power cord that is configured to connect to an electrical outlet.

2. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising the step of preparing the housing, wherein the step of preparing occurs after the step of providing but before the step of installing the storage shell.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing includes at least measuring the interior.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing includes introducing an insulation material into the interior.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the storage shell includes an inner shell member and outer shell member, with an insulating material disposed between the inner shell member and outer shell member.

Images