Stopper and method of use in association with wine barrels

Abstract

In accordance with the invention a frustoconically shaped stopper formed of silicone rubber approved by the FDA for use in wine making (such as methylvinylpolysiloxane elastomers) can be releasably sealed to a wine barrel, but still provide for sampling of the wine and/or release of the fermentation gases. In this way, all equipment needed for venting, heating and tasting wine can be placed and used in a convenient arrangement with minimum expenditure of time and effort. In one aspect, the stopper of the invention includes a central opening attended by an integral pliant plug having a shaft of length L.sub.0. The central opening is defined by a circular cross section and a length L (measured between an annular base and a truncated tip surface) where L.sub.0 is less than L. A side wall of thickness T is defined. The thickness T varies as a function of the length along the central opening. The side wall is rigid, however. Hence, its frustoconical surface can be sealed, air-tight, to the barrel bung, with the auxiliary plug inserted within the central opening without the use of external sealants, waxes and the like. Yet side wall pressure acting as the auxiliary plug is neither too large to prevent manual removal of the plug for sampling purposes nor too small to permit ambient air back into the barrel between the co-acting surfaces. In another aspect of the invention, a vent valve/air lock assembly is fitted within the central opening in similar fashion and for like purposes (with the auxiliary plug disconnected) to allow oxidation gases to be vented to the exterior but still prevent ambient air back into the barrel.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.