GB2285452A

GB2285452A - Fermenting and storage apparatus for alcoholic beverages

Info

Publication number: GB2285452A
Application number: GB9500149A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Reid Kerr; Victor Elden Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-01-06
Filing date: 1995-01-05
Publication date: 1995-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2015-01-05
Also published as: ZA9574B; GB2285452B; GB9500149D0; GB9400158D0

Abstract

The storage apparatus comprises a container 12 of steel or plastics and an insert 14 to aid fermentation, the insert comprising an open wooden framework having annular end members 16 and inner and outer circles of slats 18 which are removably mounted on the end members by steel screws. A removable lid 26 with a seal 28 is provided on one end of the container and has a screw-on cap 30 for passage of liquid. The insert can be removed from the container for cleaning or for dismantling to allow the saturated wood to be removed by planing. In alternative embodiments, the framework may be movable between collapsed and erect conditions, may comprise a plurality of frame members pivotally mounted about a single axis (Fig. 4) or may comprise a plurality of frame members arranged in a grid like arrangement with one set of parallel members extending perpendicularly to a second set. <IMAGE>

Description

Fermenting Apparatus This invention concerns improvements in or relating to apparatus for use in fermenting alcoholic beverages.

Conventionally wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages are stored in wooden, usually oak, casks or barrels to ferment. The wood is important in providing the required taste to the drink. In such circumstances the drink is only in contact with the wood on the inside of the barrel. Also, the barrels can only be used a limited number of times. For example, in wine production barrels are often only used twice, once for a white wine and once for a red wine. Barrels are relatively difficult and thus expensive to make, and are also bulky to transport. Accordingly, there are a number of disadvantages in using wooden barrels in fermentation.

According to the present invention there is provided a fermenting aid, the aid comprising an open wooden framework which can be disassembled and which is locatable within a vessel usable for fermenting, to be contactable by fluid within the vessel.

The framework is preferably self-supporting. The framework may comprise a plurality of elongate wooden members, which may extend between spaced end members.

The elongate members are preferably removably mounted on the end members, and may be mounted by stainless steel screws.

The elongate members may be provided in an arrangement spaced around the circumference of one or more circles. Alternatively the framework may be movable between a first collapsed condition and a second erect condition. The framework preferably lies generally flat in said first condition.

The framework may comprise a plurality of frame members pivotally mounted about a single axis. Each member may comprise a substantially planar open frame.

Each frame preferably comprises a pair of end members with a plurality of elongate members extending therebetween.

As a further alternative the framework may comprise a plurality of such frame members arranged in a grid like arrangement with one set of parallel members extending perpendicularly to a second parallel set of members.

The framework is preferably made of oak, which has desirably been pre-charcoaled.

The invention also provides storage apparatus suitable for use when fermenting alcoholic beverages, the apparatus comprising a fluid tight container and a fermenting aid locatable therein, the fermenting aid being according to any of the preceding seven paragraphs.

The fluid tight container is preferably non-wooden, and may be made of food grade plastics material or stainless steel.

Still further according to the present invention there is provided a method of fermenting an alcoholic beverage, the method comprising locating the beverage for a required period of time in storage apparatus according to any of the preceding two paragraphs.

The storage apparatus is preferably used for a plurality of sequential fermentation cycles, and between at least some of the cycles the outer surface of the wood may be removed, preferably by planing. The framework is preferably disassembled prior to planing.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of first apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a part cut-away side view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1, with an enlarged portion of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2A; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line X-X of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a second apparatus according to the invention in a second condition; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 4 in a first condition; Fig. 6 is a side view of part of the apparatus of Figs. 4 and 5; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a third apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 7.

Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings show storage apparatus 10 suitable for use in fermenting alcoholic beverages. The apparatus 10 comprises a cylindrical fluid tight container 12. The container 12 may be made of food grade plastics material, stainless steel or any other suitable material. The container 12 has a capacity of approximately fifty five gallons.

Located within the container 12 a is fermenting insert 14. The insert 14 comprises annular wooden end members 16. Extending between the end members 16 are a plurality of wooden slats 18. The slats 18 are arranged in two concentric circles. An inner circle 20 with the slats 18 aligned diametrically, and an outer circle 22 with the slats 18 aligned circumferentially are provided. The slats 18 are removably mounted on the end members 16 by stainless steel screws 24, see Fig. 2A.

The end members 16 and slats 18 are made from oak which has been pre-charcoaled.

A removable lid 26 is provided on one end of the container 12 with a seal 18 around its circumferential edge. The removable lid 26 permits the insert 14 to be removed from the container 12. A screw-on cap 30 is provided in the lid 26 to permit liquid to enter and be removed from the container 12.

In use, a liquid to be fermented is poured through the cap 30 into the container 12. The fermentation process occurs in a conventional manner with the oak of the end member 16 and slats 18 providing the required taste to the beverage. When the fermentation cycle is complete the beverage can be emptied from the container 12 by removing the cap 30.

If required the insert 14 can be removed from the container 12 by removing the lid 16 to permit cleaning.

Also, between at least some fermentation cycles the insert 14 is removed and dismantled using the screws 24.

The slats 18 and perhaps also the end members 16 can then be planed to remove the saturated wood. After a number of fermentation cycles it will be necessary for the insert 14 to be replaced. Obs-lousls the container 12 can be used for a very large number of cycles.

There is thus described fermentation apparatus, and a method of fermentation which provides for a number of advantages. As the container 12 is not made of wood, this can be used a very large number of times and is thus more economic. The configuration of the inserts provides a very large relative surface area of wood in contact with the liquid, in contrast to the interior surface of a conventional barrel. The amount of wood in the container can be provided as required by varying the number of slats. Use of the apparatus decreases the time required for the fermentation process compared with traditional methods.

If it is necessary to transport the oak wood this can be done with the inserts disassembled, and this is therefore much easier. In many areas of the world suitable wood is not available. Suitable containers 12 can be obtained in almost all areas of the world and should thus not require any significant transportation.

As the insert is self-standing no special containers, or adaptation of the containers is required. The construction of the inserts permits planing, and thus a greater number of fermentation cycles can be achieved before the wood has to be discarded.

Figs. 4 to 6 show a further fermenting insert 40.

The insert 40 comprises a plurality of frames 42, in this instance six. The frames 42 comprise a pair of end members 44 interconnected by three slats 46. The slats 46 are mounted on the end members 44 bv any suitable arrangement such as screws or joints which permit disassembly. The end members 44 and slats 46 have only been shown on some of the frames 42 in rig. 4. Each of the frames 42 is rotatably mounted about a single axis 48. Each of the frames 42 are mounted about the axis 48 by a pair of spaced collars 50 on each frame 42, the collars 50 being provided at different heights on each frame 42.

If it is required to store or transport the insert 40, the frames 42 can be pivotted about the axis 48 to lie substantially one on top of each other as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 5. When it is required to use the insert 40 for fermentation, the frames 42 are pivotted about the axis 48 to be equispaced from each other as shown in Fig. 4. Means, not shown, may be provided for locking the frames 42 in either or both of the conditions shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The insert 40 provides for a very compact arrangement in the condition shown in Fig. 2, which is useful when transporting the insert 40. In the condition shown in Fig. 4 the insert 40 provides a very open structure to provide good contact with a liquid being fermented.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a still further insert 60. The insert 60 comprises a plurality of frames 62 similar to the frames 42 (none of which are shown in detail in the drawings) which are arranged in a grid configuration with a first parallel set of frames 62 extending perpendicularly to a second parallel set of frames 62.

The insert 60 has six frames 62 in each set. Other inserts may be provided with a smaller number of frames.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Whilst a particular size container has been described, the apparatus is usable in very small or large scale.

Apparatus according to the invention could be used for example in large scale tanks of liquid. The particular configuration of the insert and its construction can be varied widely.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims:-

1. A fermenting aid, the aid comprising an open wooden framework which can be disassembled and which is locatable within a vessel usable for fermenting, to be contactable by fluid within the vessel.

2. An aid according to Claim 1, in which the framework is self-supporting.

3. An aid according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the framework comprises a plurality of elongate wooden members.

4. An aid according to Claim 3, in which the elongate wooden members extend between spaced end members.

5. An aid according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, in which the elongate members are removably mounted on the end members.

6. An aid according to Claim 5, in which the elongate members are mounted by stainless steel screws.

7. An aid according to any of Claims 3 to 6, in which the elongate members are provided in an arrangement spaced around the circumference of one or more circles.

8. An aid according to any of the preceding Claims, in which the framework is movable between a first collapsed condition and a second erect condition.

9. An aid according to Claim 8, in which the framework lies generally flat in said first condition.

10. An aid according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the framework comprises a plurality of frame members pivotally mounted about a single axis.

11. An aid according to Claim 10 in which each member comprises a substantially planar open frame.

12. An aid according to Claim 11, in which each frame comprises a pair of end members with a plurality of elongate members extending therebetween.

13. An aid according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the framework comprises a plurality of frame members arranged in a grid like arrangement with one set of parallel members extending perpendicularly to a second parallel set of members.

14. An aid according to any of the preceding Claims, in which the framework is made of oak.

15. An aid according to Claim 14, in which the oak is pre-charcoaled.

16. Storage apparatus suitable for use when fermenting alcoholic beverages, the apparatus comprising a fluid tight container and a fermenting aid locatable therein, the fermenting aid being according to any of the preceding Claims.

17. Storage apparatus according to Claim 16, in which the fluid tight container is non-wooden.

18. Storage apparatus according to Claim 17, in which the fluid tight container is made of food grade plastics material.

19. Storage apparatus accoding to Claim 17, in which the fluid tight container is made of stainless steel.

20. A method of fermenting an alcoholic beverage, the method comprising locating the beverage for a required period of time in storage apparatus according to any of Claims 16 to 19.

21. A method according to Claim 20, in which the storage apparatus is used for a plurality of sequential fermentation cycles, and between at least some of the cycles the outer surface of the wood is removed.

22. A method according to Claim 21, in which the wood is removed by planing.

23. A method according to Claim 22, in which the framework is disassembled prior to planing.

24. A fermenting aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

25. A fermenting aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A fermenting aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.

27. Storage apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

28. A method of fermenting an alcoholic beverage substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.