Container Display System and Method

Abstract

Systems and methods for storing containers having at least one support assembly and a plurality of supporting members for supporting sufficiently cylindrical containers in an orientation that preserves cork integrity while allowing for full view of a label applied to the surface of the container.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to systems, kits, assemblies, and methods for displaying containers having a sufficiently cylindrical body, such as but not limited to, wine bottles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The storage and display of containers—for instance, wine bottles—may require configurations for storing a container in a position to retain cork integrity. Aesthetic appeal, climate control, as well as protection from sunlight, electric fluorescent, and UV lighting all may affect the configuration used to store and display the containers.

Some known wine racks display bottles in an orientation such that the wine bottles are presented to a viewer with the centerline of the bottle positioned sufficiently perpendicular to the mounting surface for the wine rack. This type of configuration allows the viewer to see only the cork end, hides any label on the wine bottle, and projects from the mounting surface into the room at least the length of the wine bottle. In some of these configurations, the wine rack may be tilted down slightly to reduce the projection into the room. However, this configuration still requires significant depth to properly mount the wine rack and store the wine bottles.

Other known wine racks display bottles in an orientation such that the wine bottles are presented to a viewer with the centerline of the bottle positioned sufficiently parallel to the mounting surface for the wine rack. This type of configuration may allow the viewer to view the wine bottle label while minimizing bottle projection into the room; however, this type of configuration consumes a large surface area with minimal bottle storage.

What is needed in the art are systems and methods for displaying containers that allow label viewing of the individual container while maximizing container storage in multiple installation configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary embodiment formed in accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a container racking system for storing containers. The container racking system including at least one container support assembly having a first member with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the first member including a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the first member to the second surface.

The container support assembly further including a second member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end.

The container support assembly further including a third member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the first member fourth end is operably connected to the second member second surface, the second member second surface is operably connected to the third member fourth end, and the third member third end is operably connected to the first member second surface and a plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member.

In another exemplary embodiment formed in accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method for storing a container having a label. The method includes providing a container support assembly having a first member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the first member including a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the first member to the second surface.

The method further provides a second member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end and a third member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the first member fourth end is operably connected to the second member second surface, the second member second surface is operably connected to the third member fourth end, and the third member third end is operably connected to the first member second surface. The method also includes providing a plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member. The method further requires placing the container having the label on one of the plurality of supporting members.

In another exemplary embodiment formed in accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a method for displaying a bottle having a circumferentially applied label. The method includes providing a container support assembly having at least one first member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the at least one first member including a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the at least one first member to the second surface.

The method further includes providing at least one second member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the at least one second member further including a channel being arranged from the first end to the second end.

Additionally, the method includes providing at least one third member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the at least one first member fourth end is operably connected to the at least one second member second surface, the at least one second member second surface is operably connected to the at least one third member fourth end, and the at least one third member third end is operably connected to the at least one first member second surface and a plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member.

The method also includes installing a lighting fixture into the channel of the second member, mounting the at least one container support assembly to a surface, connecting the lighting fixture with a 24 VDC electrical source, loading the bottle horizontally on one of the plurality of supporting members, and rotating the bottle to display the circumferentially applied label.

An advantage of the present invention is to maximize the number of containers in a predefined area while maintaining full view of any circumferentially applied label without having to remove the bottle from the system.

Another advantage of the present invention is to allow various configurations of installation, e.g., suspended from a ceiling, mounted to a wall/pillar/post, free or mounted to a floor or countertop, and/or installed into an existing bottle display system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustration, there are shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions, and instruments shown. Like numerals indicate like elements throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a container racking system according to the invention;

FIG. 1B is another view of the embodiment bring shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a front view of the embodiment being shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a side view of the embodiment being shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is an opposite side view of the embodiment being shown in FIG. 1D.

FIG. 1F is a top view of the embodiment being shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G illustrates a component of the embodiment bring shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1H illustrates another component of the embodiment being shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1I illustrates another component of the embodiment being shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates yet another embodiment of a container racking system according to the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates yet another embodiment of a container racking system according to the invention;

FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C illustrates a component of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of a container racking system according to the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment of a container racking system according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a container racking system being integrally formed according to the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, are more particularly to FIG. 1A-E there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a container racking system 100 having a first member 102, a second member 104, and a third member 106. The container racking system 100 further includes at least two supporting members 108, with one end being configured for attaching to the first member 102 or to another component integral to or attached to the first member 102 such as with a fastening member 110 as shown in FIG. 1F. Also in FIG. 1F, there is shown a first fastener 112 which may be used to attach first member 102 to third member 106. The first fastener 112 may also extend through the third member 106 and into the adjacent surface, for instance, a wall, column or a third member of an additional container racking system.

The end of supporting member. 108 being configured for attachment, may further include a shoulder to allow use of a load dispersion member 114 for spacing the first member 102 from the supporting member 108. The supporting member may also include a friction device or coating to increase the amount of friction applied to a container.

A second fastener 116 may be used to mount the second member 104 to the third member 106. The second fastener 116 may also extend through the third member 106 and into the adjacent surface, for instance, a wall, column or a third member of an additional container racking system. A third fastener 118 may be used to mount the third member 106 to an adjacent surface, for instance, a wall, column, or a third member of an additional container racking system.

Use of the load dispersion member 114 provides a larger surface area to disperse the forces on the first member 102 caused by loading of the supporting member 108 with a container. Additionally, use of the load dispersion member 114 allows for easy removal of the supporting member 108 and prevents surface damage to the first member 102 from the supporting member 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B-C and 1H, the first member 102 includes a first member first end 120, a first member second end 122, a first member first surface 124, a first member second surface 126, a first member third end 128, and first member fourth end 130. The first member 102 may further include at least two openings 132. The openings 132 may be configured to traverse through first member 102 from the first member first surface 124 to the first member second surface 126. The openings 132 may be configured for attaching the fastening member 110 to the first member 102 on the first member second surface 126 side, allowing for connection with the supporting member 108.

The opening 132 may also be configured with threads or other fittings, including but not limited to quick connect fittings, thus providing an attachment of the supporting member 108 to the first member 102. The opening 132 may be configured in a pattern whereby a set of two openings 132 are equidistant from the first member first end 120 of the first member 102. If the first member first end 120 is placed such that it is the closest end of first member 102 to a lower surface such as a floor, then the configuration of the two openings 132 allows for placement of a container on a pair of supporting member 108 in a horizontal position. Horizontal placement of the container, such as wine for instance, allows for the wine to remain in contact with its closure—and in the instance where the closure is a cork-keeping the cork moist and preventing the cork from drying out.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1I, the second member 104 includes a second member first end 134, a second member second end 136, a second member first surface 138, a second member second surface 140, a second member third end 142, and second member fourth end 144. The second member 104 may also include a channel 146 having a channel first surface 148, a channel second surface 150, and a channel third surface 152. The channel 146 may be configured to house a lighting fixture 154. Typical lighting fixtures 154 include but are not limited to low voltage LED tape and LED rope lights. The channel 146 may also be configured to house a lighting fixture housing 156 and lighting fixture lens 158 to encapsulate the lighting fixture 154. The channel 146 may be configured to provide an interference fit with the lighting fixture housing 156 thus eliminating the need to use an adhesive.

As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1G, the third member 106 includes a third member first end 160, a third member second end 162, a third member first surface 164, a third member second surface 166, a third member third end 168, and third member fourth end 170.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first member 102 and the second member 104 are at a display angle 172 (as shown in FIG. 1F) of approximately 45° to the third member 106. This arrangement provides a maximum container density—containers/ft2—while allowing full view of any label, such as a label on a wine bottle—without removing the container from the container racking system 100. For instance, in a container racking system 100 having a height of 4′ the total surface area required to mount the container racking system 100 is 2.16 ft2 (using a third member 106 having a width of 6.5″). With supporting members 108 having a vertical center to center distance of 4.5″, the container racking system 100 holds a total of ten containers. This arrangement provides 4.6 containers per ft2 of mounting surface. Additionally, it should be noted that the display angle 172 may be increased or decreased to alter the container density and/or visibility of any label applied to the container.

For comparative purposes, in a system displaying cylindrical containers having an axis displayed parallel to a mounting surface of the racking system and providing full view of any label on the container, the system provides 2.5 containers per ft2 of mounting surface. The preceding calculations are based on a system height of 4′ and a width of 1′ (average length of a wine bottle) thus requiring 4 ft2 of surface mounting area and displaying a total of ten containers.

In another system displaying cylindrical containers having an axis being displayed perpendicular to a mounting surface of the racking system and preventing view of any label on the container, the system provides 8.6 containers per ft2 of mounting surface. The preceding calculations are based on a system height of 4′ and a width of 3.5″ (average diameter of a wine bottle) thus requiring 1.16 ft2 of surface mounting area and displaying a total of ten containers. Although this configuration provides the highest container density, it does not allow for viewing of any container labels and it projects the furthest into the room area.

Although the container racking system 100 has been described as being attached to a substantially vertical surface, it should be understood that the container racking system 100 may be free standing or may be attached to a lower horizontal surface that is in contact with the first member first end 120, the second member first end 134, and the third member first end 160, or it may be suspended from an upper surface such as a ceiling or beam. The connectivity may include two or more of the aforementioned attachment methods, for instance, when a container racking system 100 is placed against a wall in a floor to ceiling configuration.

Assembly of the container racking system 100 may occur during installation or the container racking system 100 may be shipped fully assembled sans supporting members 108. Materials of construction may be of any type suitable for use to support containers having an approximate weight of three pounds.

Now referring to FIG. 2, there is there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a container racking system 200 having plurality of first members 202, second members 204, and third members 206 for holding containers. The container racking system 200 is arranged such that second member fourth end 244 is in contact with the first member first surface 224. The contact between the second member fourth end 244 and the first member first surface 224 may further include an adhesion layer, for instance an epoxy, polyurethane, glue, and pressure sensitive adhesive. In this exemplary embodiment, the container racking system 200 is being shown with three columns of supporting members 208; however, the container racking system 200 may have as little as two columns of supporting members 208 and as many as space allows or as desired by the user.

Now referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, there is shown exemplary embodiments of a container racking system 300 configured for a free standing installation such as on a floor or a counter top, or for suspension from an upper surface such a ceiling or beam. This type of configuration allows for storage of containers on both sides of the racking system. In general, the container racking system 300 may contact a surface with a first member first end 320, a second member first end 334, and a third member first end 360. The container racking system 300 may be movable, attached to the surface that it rests upon, or suspended. The racking system 300 shown may contain a minimum of two third members 306 being arranged such that the third member second surfaces 366 are in contact with one another. The contact may further include an adhesion layer, for instance an epoxy, polyurethane, glue, and pressure sensitive adhesive or may be connected via a mechanical method, including but not limited to screws, nails, and staples. The container racking system 300 may alternatively use a modified third member 374. Use of the modified third member 374 advantageously allows for connection with a pair of first members 302 and second members 304 while eliminating the need to use an adhesive or mechanical connection between two independent third members 306.

Now referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a container racking system 400. This configuration advantageously provides container racking in multiple directions. In the configuration being shown, the container placement is at an angle of 90° to the adjacent container on an adjacent member. However, the container placement relative to other containers may be increased or decreased. To accomplish the multiple direction display, a series of openings 432 are included in the second member 404. The openings 432 are placed such that they are staggered from the openings 432 on the first member 402. This arrangement advantageously allows the containers to overlap without contacting an adjacent container.

Now referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a container racking system 500 configured for a free standing installation such as on a floor or a counter top, or for suspension from an upper surface such a ceiling or beam. This type of configuration allows for storage of containers on both sides of the racking system. In general, the container racking system 500 may be movable, attached to the surface that it rests upon, or suspended. The racking system 500 shown may contain a minimum of two third members 506 being arranged such that the third member second surfaces 566 are in contact with one another. The contact may further include an adhesion layer, for instance an epoxy, polyurethane, glue, and pressure sensitive adhesive or may be connected via a mechanical method, including but not limited to screws, nails, and staples. The container racking system 500 may alternatively use a modified third member 574. Use of the modified third member 574 advantageously allows for connection with a pair of first members 502 and second members 504 while eliminating the need to use an adhesive or mechanical connection between two independent third members 506.

Additionally, the container racking system 500 advantageously provides container racking in multiple directions. In the configuration being shown, the container placement is at an angle of 90° to the adjacent container on an adjacent member. However, the container placement angle relative to other containers may be increased or decreased. To accomplish the multiple direction display, a series of openings 532 are included in the second member 504. The openings 532 are placed such that they are staggered from the openings 532 on the first member 502. This arrangement advantageously allows the containers to be displayed in an overlapping orientation without contacting an adjacent container.

Now referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a container racking system 600 where the first member 602, the second member 604, and the third member 606 are formed as one piece. For instance, the container racking system 600 may be an extrusion or formed from a single piece of material, such as wood, metal, or plastic. The container racking system 600 may also include a channel 646. The container racking system 600 may also exclude an internal opening 676 or may provide the internal opening 676 in another shape, including but not limited to a circle, square, rectangle or ellipse.

While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container racking system for storing containers, the container racking system comprising: at least one container support assembly comprising: a first member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the first member including a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the first member to the second surface;a second member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end;a third member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the first member fourth end is operably connected to the second member second surface, the second member second surface is operably connected to the third member fourth end, and the third member third end is operably connected to the first member second surface; anda plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member.

2. The container racking system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings are configured for attaching the plurality of supporting members to the first member, wherein the plurality of supporting members further include threads on one end for connection to the first member and at least one load dispersion member being arranged between an unthreaded portion of the plurality of supporting members and the first member first surface.

3. The container racking system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings include a fastening member for attaching the plurality of supporting members to the first member.

4. The container racking system of claim 1, wherein the container racking system is comprised of a plurality of container support assemblies where the first member first surface of a first container support assembly is in contact with the second member fourth end of an adjacent container support system.

5. The container racking system of claim 1, wherein the container racking system is comprised of a plurality of container support assemblies where the third member second surface of a first container support assembly is in contact with the third member second surface of a second container support assembly.

6. The container racking system of claim 1, wherein the connection between the third member third end and the first member second surface creates a display angle between the first member second surface and the third member first surface.

7. The container racking system of claim 6, wherein the display angle is 30° to 60°.

8. The container racking system of claim 1, wherein the second member includes a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the second member to the second surface and a plurality of supporting members operably connected to the second member.

9. The container racking system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member and the plurality of supporting members operably connected to the second member being vertically arranged in a staggered pattern allowing a container being stored on the first member to overlap another container being stored on the second member.

10. A method for storing a container having a label, the method comprising: providing a container support assembly comprising: a first member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the first member including a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the first member to the second surface;a second member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end;a third member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the first member fourth end is operably connected to the second member second surface, the second member second surface is operably connected to the third member fourth end, and the third member third end is operably connected to the first member second surface; anda plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member; andplacing the container having the label on one of the plurality of supporting members.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further includes providing a second container support assembly being arranged with the first member first surface of the first container support assembly in contact with the second member fourth end of the second container support system.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further includes mounting of the first container support assembly and of the second container support assembly to a horizontal surface.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further includes providing a second container support assembly being arranged with the first member first surface of the first container support assembly in contact with the second member fourth end of the second container support system.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further includes suspending of the first container support assembly and of the second container support assembly from a vertical surface.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the container support assembly includes a display angle of 45°.

16. A method for displaying a bottle having a circumferentially applied label, the method comprising: providing a container support assembly comprising: at least one first member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the at least one first member including a plurality of openings extending from the first surface through the at least one first member to the second surface;at least one second member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, the at least one second member further including a channel being arranged from the first end to the second end;at least one third member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the at least one first member fourth end is operably connected to the at least one second member second surface, the at least one second member second surface is operably connected to the at least one third member fourth end, and the at least one third member third end is operably connected to the at least one first member second surface; anda plurality of supporting members operably connected to the first member;installing a lighting fixture into the channel of the second member;mounting the at least one container support assembly to a surface;connecting the lighting fixture with a 24 VDC electrical source;loading the bottle horizontally on one of the plurality of supporting members; androtating the bottle to display the circumferentially applied label.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the container support assembly includes two first members, two second members and two third members, wherein the two third members are arranged with their respective second surfaces in contact with one another.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein mounting of the container support assembly is accomplished through suspension from a sufficiently horizontal surface.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the container support assembly includes two first members, two second members and two third members, wherein one first member first surface is in contact with one second member fourth end and being arranged adjacent to the one first member.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein mounting of the container support assembly is accomplished through affixing the container support assembly to a sufficiently vertical surface.