Wine Storage Device

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20250176745
  • Publication Number
    20250176745
  • Date Filed
    June 13, 2024
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    June 05, 2025
    4 months ago
  • Inventors
    • Dozer; Billie (Gladwin, MI, US)
Abstract
A wine storage device is disclosed that provides a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. The wine storage device comprises a body component that is configured in a square shape. The body component comprises a plurality of legs, which attach to the rear face of the body component. The body component also comprises a hole component in its center, which is lined with cloth at its perimeter, sides, and bottom of the hole component, to secure an entire wine bottle. Thus, each wine storage device functions as a suitable way of storing a wine bottle while drinking outdoors through placing the bottle in a secure device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of wine storage devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.


BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in wine storage devices. Generally, people may enjoy drinking wine, beer, soda, and other beverages outdoors at picnics, campsites, tailgates, or even on their patio. However, wine bottles may be susceptible to falling or being kicked over, spilling their contents, and wasting alcohol. Expensive wine being wasted can be frustrating especially if it was given as a gift. Accordingly, people may be looking for a storage container to hold their wine bottles to prevent spillage.


Further, the use of wine bottle storage is well-known in the prior art. However, it would be desirable to include a stand and a way of transport. For example, it would be desirable to provide a stand so that the storage container can be placed on any outdoor terrain to avoid being knocked over. A way to transport the wine bottle and the storage container itself is also desired, so as to be easy to use. Accordingly, conventional wine storage containers do not allow for compact storage and transportation of the container, nor a container which can be used outdoors.


Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved wine storage device that can securely hold a bottle of wine on the ground, a table surface, or some other flat surface. More particularly, there is a demand for a wine storage device that is especially adapted for use outdoors.


Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that provides users with a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that resembles a miniature folding chair with four legs and a central hole support such that the legs can be used to hold the storage device upright when a wine bottle is placed within the hole. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that utilizes a cloth bottom within the hole to properly surround and support the wine bottle to prevent it from falling over. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to fold up the device compactly for storage and transportation. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that reduces the chance wine bottles are knocked over while drinking outside at a campsite, in the backyard, at bonfires, while tailgating, and much more. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that can be used for other bottles as well.


The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a wine storage device. The device is a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. The wine storage device comprises a body component that is configured in a square shape, similar to a miniature outdoor folding chair/table with four legs. The body component comprises a plurality of leg components, which attach to the rear face and fold flat for storage. The body component also comprises a hole component in its center, which is lined with cloth at the perimeter, sides, and bottom of the hole component, to secure an entire wine bottle. Thus, each wine storage device functions as a suitable way of storing a wine bottle while drinking outdoors through placing the bottle in a secure device. The device can also be used for other kinds of bottles, as well.


In this manner, the wine storage device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. The device is a cloth structure ringed in plastic around the edge that easily holds a bottle of wine.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.


The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a wine storage device. The device is a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. The wine storage device comprises a body component that is configured in a square-like shape. The body component comprises four legs that unfold outward from the top of the body component. The body component comprises a hole in the center, which is lined with cloth. Thus, each wine storage device functions as a suitable way of storing a wine bottle on an outdoor surface so that the bottle does not leak or spill any of the wine.


In one embodiment, the wine storage device comprises a body component, a plurality of leg components, and a through hole. The body component is adapted to hold a wine bottle securely on outdoor terrain.


In one embodiment, the wine storage device comprises a body component that is a square storage container for wine bottles. Further, the body component comprises a flat surface, so as to balance the wine bottle on all sides.


In one embodiment, a plurality of leg components are utilized to support the body component, so that an entire wine bottle can fit inside it. The plurality of leg components are typically comprised of four legs that are positioned at every corner of the body component. The leg components are secured to the rear surface of the body component in any suitable means, such as adhesive, screws, pins, hinges, etc.


In one embodiment, the plurality of leg components fold into the body component. In this embodiment, the plurality of leg components comprise a hinge at the top of each leg component where the leg component connects to the body component. This hinge allows the leg component to fold up against the rear surface of the body component and lay flat against the body component.


In one embodiment, the plurality of leg components comprise a pivot to allow a full rotational range of motion to the leg components. The pivot allows the leg components to rotate in all directions so that the leg components have the ability to hinge upwards and then pivot towards the body component. Thus, the leg components would then lay flat on the top surface of the body component.


In another embodiment, the plurality of leg components can be removed from the body component and stored inside the through hole in the center, when not in use. Then, when a user wishes to set up the device, the leg components can be re-attached to the corners of the body component, on the rear surface.


In one embodiment, the body component comprises a hole component (i.e., through hole) in the center. This hole component is circular and completely lined with cloth, such that the cloth or canvas creates a pocket for retaining a wine bottle or other such object.


In one embodiment, the hole component comprises a cloth-lined perimeter, sides, and bottom, so that a wine bottle can fit inside and not touch the ground. The inside of the hole component resembles a cloth-lined pouch, so as to securely hold wine bottles. The cloth within the hole component is used for its flexibility and durability for a more secure hold.


In one embodiment, the cloth lining of the hole component is insulated to allow ice to be placed in the hole component, as well as the wine bottle for those who like the keep their wine chilled.


In use, the wine storage device is assembled by first unfolding the plurality of leg components from the body component. When the plurality of leg components are positioned vertically down from the rear face of the body component, the device can then be placed on the ground, table, or other surface. The leg components can move in different ways because of a set of hinges and pivots, attaching the leg components to the body component. The hole component can then be accessed and reveals an open top and a cloth-lined perimeter, sides, and bottom. The hole component is deep enough to allow an entire wine bottle to be placed in the hole component. Typically, the wine storage device is built in a square configuration in order to be balanced when placed on uneven outdoor ground or other surfaces.


In one embodiment, the wine storage device can be utilized with any suitable wine bottle or other bottle that resembles a wine bottle.


In yet another embodiment, the wine storage device comprises a plurality of indicia.


In yet another embodiment, a method of storing a wine bottle in the container is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a wine storage device comprising a body component and a plurality of leg components that are made of durable plastic materials. The method also comprises unfolding the leg components from where they are folded into the body component so that the leg components extend vertically downward from the body component. Further, the method comprises placing the wine storage device on the outdoor surface, which is most convenient for the user. Finally, the method comprises placing the wine bottle in the hole component, so that the cloth lining supports the wine bottle.


Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.


To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:



FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the wine storage device of the present invention showing the device in use on an outdoor surface by the disclosed architecture;



FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the wine storage device of the present invention showing the device without a wine bottle inside in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIGS. 3A-G illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the wine storage device of the present invention showing the many positions the leg component can be placed in accordance with the disclosed architecture;



FIGS. 4A-B illustrate a top perspective view of one embodiment of the wine storage device of the present invention showing how the device can be compacted for transport in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and



FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the wine storage device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.



FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of safely storing a wine bottle outdoors.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.


As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that provides users with a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that resembles a miniature folding chair with four legs and a central hole support such that the legs can be used to hold the storage device upright when a wine bottle is placed in the hole. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that utilizes a cloth bottom within the hole to properly surround and support the wine bottle to prevent it from falling over. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows users to fold up the device compactly for storage and transportation. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that reduces the chance wine bottles are knocked over while drinking outside at a campsite, in the backyard, at bonfires, while tailgating, and much more. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a wine storage device that can be used for other bottles as well.


The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel wine storage device. The device is a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors. The wine storage device comprises a body component that is configured in a square shape. The body component would be a cloth structure ringed with plastic around the outer edge with enough surface area to contain the hole component in the center of the cloth. The hole component is comprised of a circular hole within the body component that is lined with cloth and contains a cloth bottom deep enough to fit a wine bottle. The body component also comprises a leg component. The leg component is comprised of four legs that fold into the bottom of the body component. Thus, each wine storage device functions as a suitable way of storing a wine bottle while outdoors. The present invention also includes a novel method of safely storing a wine bottle outdoors. The method includes the steps of providing a wine storage device comprising a body component, hole component, and leg component that are a cloth plastic structure with hinges and pivots. The method also comprises unhinging the legs from the body component so that they extend down. Further, the method comprises placing the legs on the outdoor ground. Finally, the method comprises placing a wine bottle within the hole component.


Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the wine storage device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the wine storage device 100 is an improved wine storage device 100 that provides users with a specialized storage device for wine bottles 108 while drinking outdoors. Further, the device 100 is a plastic structure configured in a square shape that enables a hole component 104 to be positioned in the center. Specifically, the wine storage device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a hole component 104 and leg components 106 for standing the device 100 up on the ground. Thus, each wine storage device 100 functions as a suitable way of storing wine bottles 108 while outdoors, as the wine bottle 108 cannot tip over and spill any wine, while it is placed in the wine storage device 100.


Generally, the wine storage device 100 comprises a body component 102, a hole component 104, and a plurality of leg components 106. The body component 102 is adapted to store a wine bottle 108 as is known in the art, but the wine bottle 108 is not a part of the invention. Further, the picture shown is a wine bottle 108, but other bottles are also advantageously displayed in the body component 102 of the device 100.


As shown in FIG. 2, the wine storage device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is a receptacle for the wine bottle 108. Further, the body component 102 comprises a flat front face 200 and a rear face 202. The body component 102 is preferably made of a plastic or metal material or any other suitable material as is known in the art.


Additionally, a hole component 104 is utilized to secure the wine bottle 108. The hole component 104 is positioned within the front face 200 of the body component 102. The hole component 104 is situated in the center of the body component 102, or the relative center, and is circularly shaped but can be any suitable size and shape as is known in the art, as long as the hole component 104 is sized and shaped to retain a conventional wine bottle 108. The hole component 104 is preferably lined in a cloth or canvas material or any other suitable material as is known in the art, as long as the material is durable and flexible enough to conform to the shape of a wine bottle 108. Specifically, the hole component 104 is open at the top 204 with cloth material lining the sides 206 and bottom 208. The hole component 104 is deep enough from the body component 102 to fit an entire wine bottle 108, but the leg components 106 are long enough that the body component is supported well above a ground surface, such that the wine bottle 108 does not contact the ground surface when in use.


Generally, the body component 102 is configured in a square shape that allows for stability of the device 100 whenever it is placed on unstable outdoor ground. However, any suitable shape can be utilized for the body component 102, such as rectangular, circular, oval, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the size of the body component 102 is a matter of choice and the body component 102 can be sized smaller or larger, depending on the size of the wine bottle 108. Additionally, in one embodiment, the body component 102 is sized to comprise multiple hole components 104, to retain multiple wine bottles 108 at once.


Further, each corner of the square body component 102 is comprised of a leg component 106. The leg component 106 extends downward from the body component 102 to then be placed on the ground. The leg component 106 is fastened to the rear face 202 of the body component 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as by hinges 210. The hinges 210 enable the leg component 106 to fold up into the rear face 202 of the body component 102 for easy transport and storage of the device 100. In another embodiment, the hinges 210 also contain a pivot 212, such that the leg component 106 can move in all directions as will be further demonstrated below.


As shown in FIGS. 3A-G, the leg component 106 comprises a hinge 210 and a pivot 212 which allows each of the leg components 106 to move in various directions. Thus, the hinge 210 and pivot 212 allows the leg component 106 to raise up and extend all the way horizontally until level with the body component 102. Then, the leg component 106 can also further extend upward, so that it is in a vertical position directly above the front face 200 of the body component 102. From this position, the leg component 106 is then bent inward and pivots, along the perimeter of the body component 102. In its final position, the leg component 106 has pivoted so that it is lying flush on the front face 200 of the body component 102.


As shown in FIGS. 4A-B, the wine storage device 100 can collapse down for ease in transportation of the device 100. In this embodiment, the leg component 106 lies flush on the front face 200 of the body component 102 by using the hinges 210 to lift the leg components 106 upwards and the pivots 212 to turn the leg components 106, so that they can lie down flat with the front face 200 of the body component 102 (as described in FIGS. 3A-G). The hole component 104 can also collapse, as it is made of cloth or canvas, which is a flexible material. Further, the hole component 104 collapses into itself, closing the open top 204 with the cloth material from the bottom 208. Thus, the device 100 can be condensed into a square, exactly the width of the body component 102 and easily stored in smaller places or carried to an outdoor location.


In one embodiment, the plurality of leg components 106 can be removed from the body component 102 and stored inside the hole component 104 in the center, when not in use. Then, when a user wishes to set up the device 100, the leg components 106 can be re-attached to the corners of the body component 102, on the rear face 202.


In another embodiment, the cloth lining 206, 208 of the hole component 104 is insulated to allow ice to be placed in the hole component 104, as well as the wine bottle 108 for those who like the keep their wine chilled.


As shown in FIG. 5, in use, the wine storage device 100, in one embodiment, has a wider, rectangular body component 102. Thus, the front face 200 of the body component 102 can fold easily so that one half of the front face 200 is leveled higher than the other, creating a portion of the body component 102 that is extended higher than a lower portion. This embodiment requires two of the legs from the plurality of leg components 106 to be longer than the other two leg components 106 in order to accommodate for the raising of the body component 102.


In one embodiment, the wine storage device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be wine bottle, outdoors, or brand related.



FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of safely storing a wine bottle outdoors. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a wine storage device comprising a body component, hole component, and a plurality of leg components that are a cloth and plastic structure with hinges and pivots. The method also comprises at 602, unhinging the leg components from the body component so that they extend down. Further, the method comprises at 604, placing the leg components on the outdoor ground. Finally, the method comprises at 606, placing a wine bottle in the hole component.


Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “wine storage device”, “wine device”, “storage device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the wine storage device 100 of the present invention.


Notwithstanding the foregoing, the wine storage device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the wine storage device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the wine storage device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the wine storage device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the wine storage device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.


Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.


What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims
  • 1. A wine storage device that provides a user with a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors, the wine storage device comprising: a body component;a hole component; andat least one leg component;wherein the body component and the hole component are adapted to fit an entire wine bottle; andfurther wherein the body component is placed on the ground and supported via the at least one leg component.
  • 2. The wine storage device of claim 1, wherein the body component is a plastic structure configured in a square shape.
  • 3. The wine storage device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a front face and a rear face with the hole component in a center of the front face.
  • 4. The wine storage device of claim 3, wherein the hole component is lined with cloth and has a cloth bottom and sides deep enough to fit an entire wine bottle.
  • 5. The wine storage device of claim 4, wherein the at least one leg component extends downward from the rear face of the body component.
  • 6. The wine storage device of claim 5, wherein the at least one leg component is composed of hinges and pivots which allow the at least one leg component to extend up and twist, then bend flat until sitting flush on the front face of the body component.
  • 7. The wine storage device of claim 6, wherein the at least one leg component and the hole component collapses into itself to allow the device to be a simple square for storage and transportation.
  • 8. The wine storage device of claim 7, wherein the body component can be extended, such that it is raised slightly on one end.
  • 9. The wine storage device of claim 8, wherein the body component comprises two longer leg components to accommodate this partially raised body component.
  • 10. The wine storage device of claim 9, wherein the wine bottle is placed in the hole component and the cloth of the hole component conforms to a shape of the wine bottle.
  • 11. The wine storage device of claim 10, wherein the at least one leg component can be removed for storage.
  • 12. The wine storage device of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of indicia.
  • 13. A wine storage device that provides a user with a specialized storage device for wine bottles while drinking outdoors, the wine storage device comprising: a body component comprising a front face and a rear face;a hole component; andfour leg components;wherein the body component is configured in a rectangular shape;wherein the body component comprises the hole component in its center;wherein the hole component is a circular opening in the font face of the body component;wherein the hole component is lined with a cloth pocket sized to retain a wine bottle;wherein one of the four leg components are secured to each corner of the rear face of the body component;wherein the four leg components extend downward from the rear face of the body component; andfurther wherein the four leg components are secured via a hinge and pivot to allow the four leg components to extend upwards and fold onto the front face of the body component for storage.
  • 14. The wine storage device of claim 13, wherein the cloth pocket is comprised of canvas and conforms to the shape of the wine bottle.
  • 15. The wine storage device of claim 13, wherein the four leg components hinge up towards the rear face and are secured against the rear face of the body component for storage.
  • 16. The wine storage device of claim 13, wherein the body component can be extended, such that it is raised slightly on one end.
  • 17. The wine storage device of claim 16, wherein the body component comprises two longer leg components to accommodate this partially raised body component.
  • 18. The wine storage device of claim 13, wherein the four leg components can be removed for storage.
  • 19. The wine storage device of claim 13 further comprising a plurality of indicia.
  • 20. A method of safely storing a wine bottle outdoors, the method comprising the following steps: providing a wine storage device comprising a body component, a hole component, and a plurality of leg components that are plastic and cloth with hinges and pivots;unhinging the leg components from the body component so they extend down;placing the leg components on the outdoor ground; andplacing a wine bottle within the hole component.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/606,145, which was filed on Dec. 5, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63606145 Dec 2023 US