Wine Rack

Abstract

A system and method for a rack. The rack has two ends. Each end has a mount which is coupled to an extender, and a support which is coupled to the extender. The first end has a base support and a base contour, whereas the second end has a neck support and a neck contour. The neck contour is at a higher elevation than the base contour. Each end of the rack is integrally made. A bottle, such as a wine bottle, can be inserted into the support to be securely stored and displayed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for making and using a wine rack.

Description of Related Art

People collect bottles of many kind. Often these bottles are very expensive. Often the user desires to display and safely secure and house the bottle. Consumers often use wine racks to display their wine. The existing wine racks, however, are cumbersome, consist of many parts, and do not function as desired. Consequently, there is a need for a better wine rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having a single row;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having two rows;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having three rows;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the rack of FIG. 1 in a pre-bend configuration;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the rack of FIG. 2 in a pre-bend configuration;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment showing a wine glass rack;

FIG. 7 is an embodiment showing a wine glass mounted in the wine glass rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having a single row. As shown, the rack 101 has four levels and a single row. Thus, the rack 101 has a capacity for four bottles.

As depicted, a wine bottle 101 is placed and stored in the rack 100. This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Other types of bottles including liquor, beer, soft drinks, etc. can also be safely and securely stored in the rack 100.

As can be seen, in one embodiment the bottle has a larger diameter on its base 102 than its neck 103. If the support contacted both the neck 103 and the base 102 at the same elevation, the bottle would necessarily be tilted at an angle. In one embodiment, and as depicted, the support elevation at the neck 103 is higher than the support elevation at the base 102. As used herein, the support elevation is the height at which a support makes contact with a bottle.

The rack 100 comprises two ends. As shown, the rack comprises a neck end 104 and base end 105. The neck end 104 is used to support the neck 103, whereas the base end 105 is used to support the base 102. Thus, in the embodiment depicted, the bottles all have the same orientation with the necks 103 on the left side and the base on the right side. Note, however, that this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. As an example, in one embodiment, the two ends each support a neck 103 and a base 102. In such an embodiment one bottle will have its neck 103 on the left whereas another bottle with have its neck 103 on the right. For illustrative, and non-limiting purposes, the figures show a uniform orientation.

The neck end 104 a mount 106 which is used to mount the neck end 104 to a surface such as a wall. The mount 106 can be coupled to a planar surface, such as a wall, via any method or device known in the art. These include, but are not limited to, screws, nails, bolts, etc. In one embodiment the mount 106 comprises at least one mount hole 110 through which a coupling device, such as a screw or the like, can be inserted.

In one embodiment the mount 106 extends for the entire length of the neck end 104. This helps provide support and structural integrity to the rack. In other embodiments, however, the mount 106 only extends partially for the length of the rack. The dimensions of the mount 106 can vary depending upon the size, weight, and location of the mount 106.

Coupled to the mount 106 is an extender 104. The extender 104 can be coupled to the mount 106 via any angle, but in one embodiment the extender 104 is approximately perpendicular from the mount 106. The extender 104 provides a surface upon which the supports 109, 107 extend. The extender 104 also provides the distance between the bottle support 109, 107 and the wall or other structure. As depicted, the extender 104 extends for the entire length of the rack.

As noted, extending from the extender 104 are the supports 109, 107. The neck support 109 is used to support the neck 103 of the bottle, and the base support 107 is used to support to the base 102 of the bottle.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the support 107,109 has a curved upper surface contour 112, 113. This curved upper surface provides a secure void which follows the contours of the bottle's surface. Unlike a flat or planar surface, a curved surface allows the rack to better grip and house the bottle 101.

As shown, the neck contour 112 has a smaller effective diameter than the base contour 113. This allows the bottle's neck, which has a smaller diameter than its base, to be better controlled and supported. If the neck contour 112 and the base contour 113 had the same diameter, the bottle would be free to roll, move, and possibly become damaged. However, because the neck contour 112 has a smaller effective diameter than the base contour 113, the moving and rolling is reduced. Further, as noted, the support elevation at the neck 103 is higher than the support elevation at the base 102. Thus, the neck contour 112 is at a higher elevation relative to the base contour 113.

Turning to FIG. 2, is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having two rows. As can be seen, the neck support 109 has two neck contours 112a, b. The neck contours 112a,b, as depicted, are placed adjacent to one another. Likewise, the base support 107 comprises two base contours 113a,b which are adjacent to one another.

Having additional rows increases the capacity of the rack 100. Whereas the rack 101 in FIG. 1 had a capacity for four bottles, the rack 101 in FIG. 2 has four levels and with two rows each. Thus, the rack in FIG. 2 has capacity for eight bottles.

It should be noted that while the rack 101 depicted in FIG. 2 has the same number of rows on each level, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. As an example, in one embodiment the second level will only comprise a single row.

Turning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having three rows. As shown, the neck support 109 has three neck contours 112a,b,c adjacently situated. The rack 101 in FIG. 3 has a single level and thus has the capacity for three bottles. If the rack had eight levels, the capacity would be twenty-four bottles.

The size and dimension of the racks 101 can be varied depending upon the desired application. The racks 101 can comprise a single level and have a height of between 80-150 mm. Or, the racks 101 can comprise four levels and have a height of between about 400-600 mm. In still other embodiments, the racks 101 can comprise eight levels and have a height between 800-1200 mm.

The width of the racks 101, as measured as the distance between ends 104,105 can vary depending upon application. In one embodiment the width is sufficient to allow the neck 103 to properly nest in the neck contour 112 while having the base 102 properly nest in the base contour 113.

The depth of the racks 101, as measured between the outermost tip of the neck support 109 and the wall, can also vary on application, including the number of contours. In one embodiment the extender 108 and the base support 107, with a single contour, has a length of about 106 mm. If two rows are utilized, such that there are two base contours 113, the length of the extender 108 and the base support 107 is about 196 mm. As noted, these are simply for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

As discussed, because the neck contour 112 is elevated vertically relative to the base contour 113, the bottle is stored in its natural position. Further, because the neck contour 112, in one embodiment, has a smaller effective diameter than the base contour 113, this restricts the rolling and moving of the bottle. The bottle is stored safely and securely and is not permitted to undesirably roll or rotate.

Additionally, because the neck contour 112 has a smaller effective diameter, the user can only place the bottle in the specified orientation. Put differently, it is unlikely that the base 102 of a bottle will fit within the contours of the neck contour 112. Thus, the instant rack, contrary to other traditional racks, dictates and controls the orientation of the bottles.

Now that the racks have been described, a system and method of creating and shipping will be described with reference to certain embodiments. Turning to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a top view of the rack of FIG. 1 in a pre-bend configuration. In one embodiment each end of the rack 101 is integrally made from a single sheet. Thus, rather than the mount 106, for example, having to be separately coupled to the extender 108, as an example, the mount 106 and the extender 108 are integrally made. Because the components of the rack 101 are integrally made, this results in several advantages. First is ease of assembly. Second, is increased structural integrity.

As seen in the figure the mount 106, the extender 104, and the base support 107 are in substantially the same plane. This is a benefit for a host of reasons. First in some embodiments the rack is shipped in a planar, pre-bent orientation. Because the entire rack, including the neck end 104 and the base end 105 are flat and in the same plane, the volume required for shipping is reduced. Several racks 101 can be stacked atop one another and occupy very little space. Thus, the shipping costs are significantly reduced compared to a rack wherein the ends are not in the same plane. In other embodiments, however, the rack is bent prior to shipping. Such embodiments are advantageous in some embodiments because the user need not bend the rack once received.

An additional benefit is that because the various components are in the same plane, and because they are integrally made, one or more racks can be made from a single sheet of material. FIG. 4 illustrates that the neck end 104 and the base end 105 mate cooperatively to reduce wasted material. Accordingly, FIG. 4 can be used as a template from which to cut a number of racks. As can be seen, most of the material is utilized so the process is very product efficient.

In one embodiment, and as depicted, the ends 104, 105 each comprise a bend line 111. This line is the line at which the mount 106 should be bent. In one embodiment the bend line 111 comprises a score line, or other demarcation, to indicate the location of the bend. In still other embodiments, the ends do not comprise a bend line 111.

If a user, either an end user, or a commercial fabricator, receives the unassembled rack, the user decides which angle at which the mount 106 should be bent. The user then bends the mount 106 at the bend line 111. Thereafter, the user installs the neck end 104 in the desired location on a surface suing the mount holes 110. The same process is repeated for the base end 105.

As can be appreciated, because the components are integrally made, the number of components is significantly decreased. In the example shown in FIG. 4, there are two separate pieces, not including the coupling device, such as screws. This is a significant improvement over prior art wine racks which require a multitude of pieces which must be properly assembled. With such complicated equipment, often a minor component is missing making installation difficult or impossible. Further, with increased complexity, the likelihood of a mistake during installation is increased. Likewise, an increased number of parts increases the likelihood that one or more parts was incorrectly manufactured, increasing the likelihood that the part could fail. Thus, having a two-component wine rack decreases the chance that a part could be missing or fail.

Returning to FIG. 4, it can be appreciated that, as depicted, the base end 105 is flipped 180 degrees relative to the neck end 104. Thus, the top neck support 109 of the neck end 104 is below the bottom base support 107 of the base end 105. In this manner, the contours of the base support 107 better mimic the shape of the neck support. This results in less material being wasted during fabrication. Further, this results in a more compact shipping arrangement and orientation.

Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a top view of the rack of FIG. 2 in a shipping configuration. As with FIG. 4, the base end 105 is flipped relative to the neck end 104. This results in a more compact orientation.

The racks 101 can comprise virtually any material. In one embodiment the racks comprise metal, such as steel or aluminum. In other embodiments, however, the racks 101 can comprise plastic, wood, rubber, and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, by orienting the base end 105 in a flipped orientation relative to the neck end 104, the amount of space which is not utilized is decreased. While it is beneficial in shipping, it is also very beneficial in production. If a single sheet of steel is utilized, and the ends 104, 105 are cut from a single sheet of steel, decreasing the space between ends 104, 105 results in an increased number of ends from a single sheet of steel. Due to this unique orientation, in one embodiment, several hundred wine racks 101 can be fabricated from a single sheet of steel.

The ends 104,105 can be cut from the sheet with any method or device known in the art. They can be die cut from the sheet, stamp cut, or laser cut. Regardless of the method, the ends are cut into the sheet and then subsequently removed. As can be appreciated, by maximizing the number of ends which can be created by a sheet of material the amount of wasted material is minimized, which reduces waste, reduces costs, and maximizes profits. Further, for the reasons discussed above, the product quality is actually increased compared to prior art wine racks.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment showing a wine glass rack. The wine glass rack 114 can be integrally made from a single sheet. In one embodiment several wine glass racks 114 are made from a single sheet. The wine glass rack 114 comprises a mount 106 and mount holes 110 similar to the wine rack.

As depicted, the wine glass rack 114 comprises a shelf 115 on each end. The shelf 115 has a slit running along the length of the shelf 115. The wine glass stem is introduced into the slit. The base of the wine glass will rest upon the shelf 115 with the shelf 115 supporting the base and the stem located in the slit.

In one embodiment at least one shelf 115 comprises a notch 116. As depicted, each shelf 115 comprises two notches 116. The notches 116 provide an area in which to receive a portion of the base of the wine glass. This helps lock and secure the wine glass in place. While two notches have been described, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. The number of notches 116 can be increased as the length of the shelf 115 is increased.

FIG. 7 is an embodiment showing a wine glass 118 mounted in the wine glass rack 114. As can be seen, the wine glass 118 rests upon the shelf 115.

Like the wine rack 100 discussed above, the wine glass rack 114 can comprise one or more levels. This increases the number of wine glasses available to store.

The wine glass rack 114 provides an easy to install rack which can safely and efficiently store wine glasses. Wine glasses are prone to breaking. The instant wine glass rack 114 stores the glasses upside down and keeps them secure and separated.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.

• Clause 1. A rack comprising:

a first end comprising a mount, an extender coupled to said mount, and a neck support coupled to said extender;

a second end comprising a mount, an extender coupled to said mount, and a base support coupled to said extender;

wherein said neck support comprises a neck contour;

wherein said base support comprises a base contour;

wherein the neck contour is at a higher elevation than said base contour.

• Clause 2. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said first end comprises a single row of neck contours, and wherein said second end comprises a single row of base contours.
• Clause 3. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said first end comprises two rows of neck contours, and wherein said second end comprises a single row of base contours.
• Clause 4. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said first end comprises more than two rows of neck contours, and wherein the second end comprises more than two rows of base contours.
• Clause 5. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said first end and said second end are integrally made.
• Clause 6. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said mount comprises at least one mount hole, and wherein said mount is approximately perpendicular to said extender, and wherein said extender is parallel to said neck support.
• Clause 7. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim further comprising two or more levels of neck supports and base supports.
• Clause 8. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said neck contour comprises an effective diameter, and wherein said base contour comprises an effective diameter, and wherein the effective diameter of the base contour is greater than the effective diameter of the neck contour.
• Clause 9. A wine glass rack comprising:

a mount which is perpendicularly coupled to at least one shelf,

wherein said shelf comprises a longitudinal slit and at least one notch located on said slit;

and wherein said wine glass rack is integrally made.

• Clause 10. The wine glass rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said shelf further comprises a bent lip.
• Clause 11. The wine glass rack of any proceeding or preceding claim comprising two shelves.
• Clause 12. The wine glass rack of any proceeding or preceding claim comprising two vertical levels of shelves.

Claims

1. A rack comprising: a first end comprising a mount, an extender coupled to said mount, and a neck support coupled to said extender;a second end comprising a mount, an extender coupled to said mount, and a base support coupled to said extender;wherein said neck support comprises a neck contour;wherein said base support comprises a base contour; wherein the neck contour is at a higher elevation than said base contour;wherein said neck contour and said base contour comprise an open upper curved contour; andwherein said first end and said second end are integrally made from a single sheet of material.

2. The rack of claim 1 wherein said first end comprises a single row of neck contours, and wherein said second end comprises a single row of base contours.

3. (canceled)

4. The rack of claim 1 wherein said first end comprises more than two vertical rows of neck contours, and wherein the second end comprises more than two vertical rows of base contours.

5. The rack of claim 1 wherein said first end and said second end are integrally made from a single sheet of steel.

6. The rack of claim 1 wherein said mount of said first end comprises at least one mount hole, and wherein said mount is approximately perpendicular to said extender of said first end, and wherein said extender is parallel to said neck support of said first end, and wherein said first end comprises a length, and wherein said extenders extend for the entire length of said first end.

7. The rack of claim 6 wherein said extender is integrally coupled to said neck support, and wherein said extender is integrally coupled to said mount, and wherein there is a bend between said mount and said extender.

8. The rack of claim 1 wherein said neck contour comprises an effective diameter, and wherein said base contour comprises an effective diameter, and wherein the effective diameter of the base contour is greater than the effective diameter of the neck contour.

9. A wine glass rack comprising: a mount which is perpendicularly coupled to at least one shelf,wherein said shelf is substantially planar and comprises a longitudinal slit and at least one notch located on said slit;wherein said slit segments said shelf into a first half and a second half, and wherein each half is in the same parallel plane;wherein said shelf further comprises bent lip;wherein said slit terminates in a notch;and wherein said wine glass rack is integrally made from a single sheet.

10. The wine glass rack of claim 9 wherein said slit extends completely through said shelf.

11. The wine glass rack of claim 9 comprising two shelves.

12. The wine glass rack of claim 9 comprising two vertical levels of shelves.

13. The rack of claim 1 wherein said neck contour and said base contour comprises a semi-circular shape.

14. The rack of claim 7 wherein there is an open void between adjacent vertical levels.

15. The rack of claim 14 wherein said open void has sufficient length to allow a bottle to be retrieved from a below level.

16. The rack of claim 1 wherein said 1 wherein said neck contour has an open top.

17. The wine glass rack of claim 9 wherein said mount comprises a mount hole.

18. The wine glass rack of claim 9 wherein said notch is enclosed on three sides by said shelf.