Alternative Technique To Topping Off Wine Crazy Product Idea

I just filed a preliminary patent app which only costs $75 and buys you some time to investigate market potential under patent pending status. I formal patent would have to be submitted after 12 months if the product proves to be feasible.

Anyway, good idea on the varying size glbutt marbles. Keeping them from cracking the carboy is the trick. I was basically trying to do the same thing with plastic balls. When you say "less than ideal", realize that the plastic only has to be slightly more dense than water to sink. Additional density only hastens the descent to the bottom of the tank. Plastic is of course far more impact resistant than glbutt and costs less. As far as cleanliness goes, I believe an FDA approved plastic is virtually impervious to the agents in wine and the surface can be polished smooth in the tool just like glbutt. If you're thinking the plastic might contribute off odors or flavors, that's a major concern of mine too. However, as I mentioned in a prior post, most of us probably conduct primary fermentations in open-top plastic containers that are not FDA approved plastic. In my mind, if those containers under primary fermentation conditions don't contribute off-tastes and aromas, I doubt the relatively small plastic ball surface to wine surface ratio in secondary fermentation vessels would contribute a percievable off taste or aroma.

Thanks for your post. I appreciate your time and advice.