Patent Application
20240407512
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Trademarks used in the disclosure of the invention, and the applicants, make no claim to any trademarks referenced.
The invention relates to wine bottle corks and, more specifically, to corks being used with a pendant for providing an occasion keepsake or identification.
Globally 31.4 billion bottles of wine are sold each year according to Wine Spectator Magazine. A large share of these bottles are wines that are sealed by corks, and corks have a significant history of being collected. In many cases, people save because of the significance of the occasion (birthdays, anniversaries, newborn, wedding, from whom it was gifted, etc.) or because of the rarity or savoriness of the bottle they are drinking.
There is a rich history of saving corks as keepsakes and significance in commemorating special occasions. The history highlights the traditional methods of storing corks in jars, drawers, and bowls, while emphasizing the need for a more personalized and organized approach.
Keepsake corks hold immense sentimental value, acting as tangible reminders of cherished memories. Oxygen is the enemy of wine, as the more oxygen that is introduced to wine, the quicker it turns to Vinegar. Corks have been used as the perfect seal to keep oxygen from entering the bottle, even bottles over 200 years old have been opened with the wine perfectly preserved. Each cork represents a milestone, encapsulating emotions and memories associated with specific events. They serve as vessels of nostalgia, evoking a flood of joyous recollections when revisited in the future. However, the lack of identification and organization often makes it challenging to recall the precise details behind each cork, diminishing their sentimental significance.
The problem with saving corks is they most often pile up unlabeled, so the owner of the cork no longer knows which corks are associated with what event, which ones are meaningful, and which were kept by mistake. These corks often end up in bins, jars, baskets and are sometimes used for arts and crafts projects, but unless they were written on, they too often have no distinction to the owner.
There is a need for a product that revolutionizes cork keepsakes, incorporating a special pin that attaches to a pendant, allowing owners to record the occasion and ensure that the sentimental value behind each cork is never lost.
The invention solves the problem of the unknown keepsake cork, by creating a device that attaches to the cork with a method to write a note to commemorate the bottle it came from, which event it was associated with, and what details of the night were important. Currently there are no known commercial products available that attach to the cork for the purposes of identifying the history of the cork and moments associated with the occasion upon which the cork came from.
This device uses a unique “push pin” with a textured “handle”, because pushing or pulling pin in and out of a cork is very difficult and painful without proper grip. This unique pin with a textured surface is used to insert and/or remove the device from the cork. This pin is exclusively made to withstand the density and stickiness of the cork, and to be able to push in and pull out without pin breakage, and minimal damage to the cork. The reason for the removal of the pin is in the event the memory attached to the cork has become irrelevant for the owner and can be kept for another time or inserted into a new cork with a new event to be remembered. The pin may vary in length and materials (see images for details)
There are different types of pendants that are discussed in this application. One version of the pendant includes a casing for the note the owner writes the memory on. The pendant can come in any geometric shape, the shape of an animal, sporting equipment, motor vehicle or corporate logo or any other shape that represents a brand, hobby or interest. The pendants can be decorated with insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels and enamel to name a few of the adornments. The casing of the pendant, chain and pin may be made from a number of materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics or wood, and may also be coated and decorated with a number of materials such as paints, polishes, polyurethanes and others.
There is a special compartment where a note is inserted and held in by one of two mechanisms. The first mechanism holds the folded note in by using an enlarged compartment deeper than the insertion space, so the note partially opens-up like an accordion inside and is blocked from sliding out.
The other method for holding the note in place is by carefully measuring the thickness of the note, folded or otherwise, so that the depth of the internal cavity will hold it in place with pressure as the cavity is only large enough to allow it to be pushed out with slight force.
The second version of the pendant does not have a note cavity, but rather a place to write the note on pendant. For this version you would be able to write on the pendant itself if the material allows for it, or we use various types of adhesive material that would adhere to the pendant where one would write the details that are relevant to that cork.
Push Pin: The Push Pin is the device that attaches the pendant to the cork. As stated earlier, the push pin has a textured “handle” to maneuver the pin in and out of the cork, and the pin may be designed in various formats. One version is a smooth pin either straight or tapered, that easily inserts into the cork. The straight pin will over-time lock itself in place as the cork hardens, while the tapered pin will allow for easier release over time. Another example of a push pin would be a textured pin that contains a barb (like a fish hook has to lock the hook in place) or ribs which has the necessary texture to secure the pin in place. Lastly a spiralized pin may be used, similar to a corkscrew, to allow the pin to securely stay within the cork.
Connector: The connector is used in some of the models where a material is used to connect the Push Pin to the Pendant, when the device isn't cast as one piece. The connector can be made of string, twine, metal chains, plastic chains, loop rings, plastic or metal bars, or fabric.
Pendant: The pendant is a decorative component that allows the user to identify things such as:
The pendant can be designed in almost any shape that suits the user such as:
For packaging the pendants, the pendants may be designed to be sold as individual units online, retail, at vineyards or gift shops. They may also be accompanied with bottles of champagne or wine as a keepsake item and may be packaged with bottles for retail sale.
The product comes various models including one with a foldable notecard and the other with a sticker for easy identification. Additionally, the finger grip of the pin simplifies its insertion into dense and tacky corks.
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a device for preserving memories associated with a cork includes a push pin with a textured handle for insertion into the cork. The device also includes a pendant attached to the push pin. The pendant has a compartment for holding a note. The device further includes a connector for attaching the pendant to the push pin.
According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the push pin may include a barb or ribs to secure the pin in place. The pendant may be shaped to represent a brand, hobby, or interest and may be decorated with insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels, or enamel. The compartment for holding the note may include an enlarged compartment deeper than the insertion space, so the note partially opens-up like an accordion inside and is blocked from sliding out. The connector may be made of string, twine, metal chains, plastic chains, loop rings, plastic or metal bars, or fabric.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for preserving memories associated with a cork includes a push pin for insertion into the cork. The device also includes a pendant attached to the push pin. The pendant has a surface for writing a note. The device further includes a connector for attaching the pendant to the push pin.
According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the push pin may include a textured handle to facilitate insertion and removal from the cork. The textured handle may include a finger grip. The pendant may be shaped to represent a brand, hobby, or interest and may be decorated with insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels, or enamel. The connector may be made of string, twine, metal chains, plastic chains, loop rings, plastic or metal bars, or fabric.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for preserving memories associated with a cork includes a push pin for insertion into the cork. The device also includes a pendant attached to the push pin. The pendant has a compartment for holding a note and a surface for writing a note. The device further includes a connector for attaching the pendant to the push pin.
According to other aspects of the present disclosure, the push pin may include a barb or ribs to secure the pin in place. The pendant may be shaped to represent a brand, hobby, or interest and may be decorated with insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels, or enamel. The compartment for holding the note may include an enlarged compartment deeper than the insertion space, so the note partially opens-up like an accordion inside and is blocked from sliding out. The connector may be made of string, twine, metal chains, plastic chains, loop rings, plastic or metal bars, or fabric. The push pin may include a textured handle to facilitate insertion and removal from the cork. The textured handle may include a finger grip.
The push pin, connector, and pendant can be made from a variety of materials. For instance, the push pin could be made from a stronger metal alloy to increase its durability and resistance to breakage. The connector could be made from a more flexible material to allow for easier attachment and detachment. The pendant could be made from a lighter material to reduce the overall weight of the device.
The design of the push pin could be varied to improve its functionality. For instance, the pin could be designed with a larger handle to provide a better grip. Alternatively, the pin could be designed with a sharper point to make it easier to insert into the cork.
The design of the pendant could be varied to enhance its aesthetic appeal. For instance, the pendant could be designed with a more intricate pattern or a more vibrant color. Alternatively, the pendant could be designed with a more minimalist style to appeal to a different demographic.
The mechanism for holding the note in place could be varied to improve its effectiveness. For instance, the compartment could be designed with a locking mechanism to prevent the note from accidentally falling out. Alternatively, the compartment could be designed with a transparent cover to allow the note to be read without having to remove it from the pendant.
The design of the connector could be varied to improve its functionality. For instance, the connector could be designed with a quick-release mechanism to allow for easier detachment of the pendant. Alternatively, the connector could be designed with a locking mechanism to prevent the pendant from accidentally falling off.
The packaging of the product could be varied to enhance its appeal. For instance, the packaging could be designed with a more attractive design or a more durable material. Alternatively, the packaging could be designed with a window to allow the pendant to be viewed without having to open the package.
The functionality of the gift card could be varied to improve its convenience. For instance, the gift card could be designed with a barcode or QR code to allow for easier redemption. Alternatively, the gift card could be designed with a magnetic strip to allow for swiping at a point-of-sale terminal.
The cork pendant can be used in wine education and training programs. Students can use the pendant to write notes about the wine they tasted, such as the vineyard, year, grape variety, and their personal tasting notes. This can help them remember and understand the different types of wines better. The pendant can also be used as a teaching aid by instructors to demonstrate the characteristics of different wines.
Event management companies can use the cork pendant as a novel way to commemorate events. For instance, at a wedding, each guest could be given a pendant attached to a cork from a bottle of champagne used at the event. Guests can write their wishes or memories of the event on the note and keep it as a memento. This can add a personal and memorable touch to events.
Businesses can use the cork pendant as a promotional item. For example, a winery could give away a pendant with every bottle of wine sold. The pendant could be branded with the winery's logo and customers could write their tasting notes on it. This not just enhances the customer's wine drinking experience, but also serves as a marketing tool for the winery.
Hotels and restaurants can use the cork pendant to enhance their customer service. For instance, a hotel could present a bottle of wine with a pendant to guests celebrating a special occasion. The guests can write their memories of the celebration on the pendant, creating a keepsake of their stay. Similarly, restaurants can offer the pendant with bottles of wine ordered, allowing diners to note their impressions of the wine and the meal.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.
While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few exemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice such embodiments. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art however that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Several embodiments are described herein, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described embodiment should be considered essential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features.
In this application the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise and use of the terms “and” and “or” is equivalent to “and/or,” also referred to as “non-exclusive or” unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term “including,” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included,” should be considered non-exclusive. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components including one unit and elements and components that include more than one unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.
Lastly, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.
As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.
The present disclosure provides a cork-based memory preservation device. This device may serve as a novel way to commemorate special occasions or memorable events associated with a particular bottle of wine or champagne. The device may include a push pin with a textured handle, designed for easy insertion into and removal from a cork. The push pin may be designed to withstand the density and stickiness of the cork, and may be made in various lengths and materials.
The device may also include a pendant attached to the push pin. The pendant may be customizable and may come in various shapes and designs, such as geometric shapes, animal shapes, sporting equipment, motor vehicles, corporate logos, or any other shape that represents a brand, hobby, or interest. The pendant may be decorated with insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels, or enamel, and may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, or wood.
The pendant may include a compartment for holding a note, providing a space for the user to write a memory or detail associated with the cork. The compartment may hold the note in place using one of two mechanisms. In one embodiment, the compartment may be deeper than the insertion space, allowing the note to partially open up like an accordion inside and be blocked from sliding out. In another embodiment, the depth of the internal cavity may be carefully measured to hold the note in place with pressure. The pendant may have a surface for writing a note directly on it. The surface may be part of the pendant itself or may be an adhesive material that adheres to the pendant.
The device may also include a connector for attaching the pendant to the push pin. The connector may be made of various materials, such as string, twine, metal chains, plastic chains, loop rings, plastic or metal bars, or fabric.
The device may be designed to be sold as individual units or accompanied with bottles of champagne or wine as a keepsake item. The device may also serve as a gift card, providing a more exciting and memorable alternative to traditional gift cards.
Overall, the cork-based memory preservation device may provide a creative and personalized way to preserve and commemorate special moments associated with a particular bottle of wine or champagne.
The cork-based memory preservation device may be marketed and sold as individual units. These units may be available for purchase through various channels, such as online platforms, retail stores, vineyards, or gift shops. This flexibility in distribution may allow for a wide range of consumers to access and purchase the device, catering to different purchasing preferences and habits. The device may be designed to accompany bottles of champagne or wine as a keepsake item. This may provide an added value to the purchase of the bottle, enhancing the overall experience for the consumer. For instance, a consumer may purchase a bottle of wine or champagne for a special occasion, and the accompanying device may serve as a tangible memento of that occasion. The consumer may write a note on the pendant, detailing the event, the people present, or any other memorable details associated with the occasion. This note may then be preserved within the pendant, creating a lasting memory associated with the cork from the bottle.
The device may also be packaged and sold as part of a gift set. For example, a bottle of wine or champagne may be sold with one or more devices as a set, providing a complete gift solution for consumers. This may be particularly appealing for consumers looking for a thoughtful and personalized gift option for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
In other aspects, the device may be sold in bulk to vineyards or wineries. These establishments may then offer the device as a complimentary keepsake to customers who purchase their wine or champagne. This may serve as a novel marketing strategy, enhancing customer engagement and brand loyalty.
The cork-based memory preservation device may provide a novel and personalized way for consumers to commemorate special occasions or memorable events associated with a particular bottle of wine or champagne.
The push pin may be designed with a textured handle. This textured handle may facilitate the insertion and removal of the push pin from the cork. The texture of the handle may provide a better grip, reducing the risk of slippage during insertion or removal. The handle may be textured in various ways, such as through the use of ridges, grooves, or other surface irregularities. The handle may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, or wood. The push pin may include a barb or ribs to secure the pin in place within the cork. The barb or ribs may be designed to engage with the material of the cork, preventing the pin from being easily dislodged. This may ensure that the pendant remains securely attached to the cork, even when the cork is handled or moved. The barb or ribs may be formed as part of the pin, or may be separate elements that are attached to the pin.
The push pin may be designed in various formats. For instance, the pin may be smooth, either straight or tapered, allowing for easy insertion into the cork. A straight pin may lock itself in place over time as the cork hardens, while a tapered pin may allow for easier release over time. Alternatively, the pin may be textured, containing a barb or ribs to secure the pin in place. In another example, a spiralized pin may be used, similar to a corkscrew, to allow the pin to securely stay within the cork. The pendant may be decorated with various adornments. These adornments may include insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels, or enamel. These decorations may serve to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the pendant, and may also provide additional information or symbolism related to the occasion or event associated with the cork. For instance, the pendant may be engraved with the date of the event, the names of the individuals present, or a short message or quote. The decorations may be applied to the pendant in a variety of ways, such as through etching, painting, or affixing decorative elements to the surface of the pendant.
The pendant attached to the push pin may be shaped to represent a brand, hobby, or interest. This may allow the user to personalize the device according to their preferences or the nature of the occasion. For instance, the pendant may be shaped like a tennis racket for a sports enthusiast, a car for an automobile aficionado, or a corporate logo for a company event. This flexibility in the design of the pendant may enhance the appeal of the device, making it a versatile and customizable keepsake. The pendant may include a compartment for holding a note. This compartment may be designed in a way that the note partially opens up like an accordion inside and is blocked from sliding out. This may be achieved by making the compartment deeper than the insertion space. This design may ensure that the note remains securely within the pendant, even when the device is handled or moved. The note may contain details about the occasion, such as the date, the people present, or any memorable moments, providing a tangible record of the event associated with the cork.
The pendant may be decorated with various adornments to enhance its aesthetic appeal. These adornments may include insignias, engraving, lettering, jewels, or enamel. For instance, the pendant may be engraved with a special message, adorned with jewels for a touch of elegance, or decorated with enamel in various colors. These decorations may add a personal touch to the device, making it a more meaningful and attractive keepsake. The pendant may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, or wood. The choice of material may depend on the desired aesthetic, the cost considerations, or the durability requirements. For instance, a metal pendant may be preferred for its durability and premium feel, while a plastic pendant may be chosen for its cost-effectiveness and versatility in design. In some cases, the pendant may also be coated or decorated with various materials, such as paints, polishes, or polyurethanes, to enhance its appearance or protect it from damage.
The pendant may include a compartment for holding a note. This compartment may be designed to securely hold the note in place, preventing it from falling out or becoming dislodged during handling or movement of the device. The compartment may be designed in various ways to achieve this secure hold. The compartment may include an enlarged compartment deeper than the insertion space. This design may allow the note to partially open up like an accordion inside the compartment, and be blocked from sliding out. This may be achieved by carefully designing the dimensions of the compartment, such that the depth of the compartment is greater than the thickness of the folded note. When the note is inserted into the compartment, it may expand or unfold slightly within the enlarged space, creating a blockage that prevents the note from sliding out of the compartment.
The secure hold of the note within the compartment may be achieved by carefully measuring the thickness of the note, whether it is folded or otherwise. The depth of the internal cavity of the compartment may be designed to be just large enough to accommodate the thickness of the note. This may create a pressure fit within the compartment, holding the note in place. The note may be inserted into the compartment with a slight force, and once inside, the pressure from the walls of the compartment may keep the note securely in place. The note may be removed from the compartment by applying a slight force, pushing it out of the compartment.
The note may be a notecard that is folded in a particular way. The notecard may be folded so that one message may be displayed in a window of the case of the pendant, while another message may be viewable only when the notecard is removed from the case and unfolded. This may allow for multiple messages or pieces of information to be stored within the same notecard, providing a more versatile and efficient use of space within the compartment. The connector for attaching the pendant to the push pin may be made of various materials. These materials may include string, twine, metal chains, plastic chains, loop rings, plastic or metal bars, or fabric. The choice of material for the connector may depend on various factors, such as the desired aesthetic, the weight of the pendant, or the durability requirements. For instance, a metal chain may be chosen for its strength and durability, while a fabric connector may be chosen for its flexibility and soft texture.
Referring now to the drawings
In an alternate embodiment, a pendant 12 includes a plate 32 rather than the case, the plate 91 shown in
The pendant may be used as a gift card. Wine shows, tastings and events are a staple of the wine industry where enthusiasts can sample varieties and take part in the social experience. Purchasing wine from vineyards is a component of this experience, but at events, it is often challenging for the wine or event producer to bring enough wine to sell, and it's often inconvenient to purchase and carry wine to bring home for yourself or as gifts.
One embodiment of the pendant is a stand-alone package that also acts as a gift-card, to later be given to another individual, or used by the purchaser to redeem an accompanying bottle of wine or champagne. This eliminates the need to purchase the wine, and also make the gift-card giving experience so much more exciting than giving a stand-alone gift card. The recipient may receive a pendant, which is decor for the home, and a gift-card to redeem a bottle of wine/champagne by whomever sponsors the card (Event planner, Host, Hotel, Wine Producer or otherwise).
The gift card information may be attached to the pendant gift box, and used as a stored-value, funded but the purchaser.
The invention may include packaging for the gift card pendants label or house a window, so the purchaser can identify the corresponding pendant.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
In addition, the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be noted and understood that various modifications and variations can be crafted by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted as illustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. Further it is intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacturing, shape, size, or materials which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein are considered within the scope of the present invention.
Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.
Although very narrow claims are presented herein, it should be recognized that the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim. It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority from this application.
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.
This application is a Utility patent application claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/506,967 filed on Jun. 8, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63506967 | Jun 2023 | US |
