Method and device for treating beverages using negative ions

Abstract

This invention is a method and device for treating beverages, particularly wine, with negative ions and thereby enhancing the flavor of the beverages. The invention is preferably a container designed to enclose the beverage where the inside of the container is coated with a substance (such as a powder) that emits or generates negative ions. The treatment process will take place over several hours to several days depending on the desired strength of the treatment.

1 . An apparatus comprising
 a lining that emits negative ions;   and a beverage container.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein
 the lining is comprised of a first negative ion generating material and a second negative ion generating material.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  further comprising
 a first fabric layer located between the first negative ion generating material and the second negative ion generating material.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of cotton.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of polyester.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of rubber.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of plastic.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3  further comprising
 a second fabric layer which is not located between the first negative ion generating material and the second negative ion generating material, and which is located closer to the first negative ion generating material than the second negative ion generating material.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein
 the first negative ion generating material is comprised of ceramic negative ion-generating powder.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein
 the first negative ion generating material is comprised of tourmaline negative ion-generating powder.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein
 the first negative ion generating material is comprised of silicon negative ion-generating powder.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein
 the second negative ion generating material is comprised of powdered bamboo charcoal.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein
 the lining is part of a pouch and the beverage container is placed in the pouch so that an inner surface of the lining is in close contact with an outer surface of the beverage container.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein
 the beverage container is a wine bottle which contains wine.   
     
     
         15 . A method comprising
 placing a beverage container near a lining that emits negative ions.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein
 the lining is comprised of a first negative ion generating material and a second negative ion generating material.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 lining is comprised of a first fabric layer located between the first negative ion generating material and the second negative ion generating material.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of cotton.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of polyester.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of rubber.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein
 the first fabric layer is comprised of plastic.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein
 the lining is comprised of a second fabric layer which is not located between the first negative ion generating material and the second negative ion generating material, and which is located closer to the first negative ion generating material than the second negative ion generating material.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 the first negative ion generating material is comprised of ceramic negative ion-generating powder.   
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 the first negative ion generating material is comprised of tourmaline negative ion-generating powder.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 the first negative ion generating material is comprised of silicon negative ion-generating powder.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 the second negative ion generating material is comprised of powdered bamboo charcoal.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 the lining is part of a pouch; and   further comprising placing the beverage container in the pouch so that an inner surface of the lining is in close contact with an outer surface of the beverage container.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 16  wherein
 the lining is part of a flexible wrap; and   further comprising wrapping the beverage container with the flexible wrap so that an inner surface of the lining is in close contact with an outer surface of the beverage container.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein
 the beverage container is a wine bottle which contains wine.