Abstract:
A wine glass and bottle holder support system for displaying, holding and transporting a wine bottle and accompanying glasses in a variety of configurations through the use of different types of attachments. The wine glass and bottle holder support system generally includes a lower opening, wherein the lower opening and the upper opening are substantially concentric and including at least one support member connecting the upper support structure to the lower support structure, wherein the support member includes an upper end and a lower end. An attachment member extends from the lower support structure to which various attachments may be secured for allowing support of the wine bottle and glasses in various locations which may not include a steady surface such as a table. Exemplary types of attachments which may be utilized include a pedestal, a pronged ground extension, a stake or a disc attachment.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/027,681 filed Feb. 7, 2008. This application is a continuation-in-part of the Ser. No. 12/027,681 application. The Ser. No. 12/027,681 application is currently pending. The Ser. No. 12/027,681 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
     I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/892,487 filed Mar. 1, 2007. The 60/892,487 application is currently abandoned. The 60/892,487 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a wine glass and bottle holder and more specifically it relates to a wine glass and bottle holder support system for displaying, holding and transporting a wine bottle and accompanying glasses in a variety of configurations through the use of different types of attachments. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Drinking wine requires a user to transport both a bottle and a plurality of wine glasses to a desired location. It can be difficult to transport the wine bottle along with the wine glasses which requires the user to use both hands. In addition, the user can accidentally drop a wine glass during transportation. Further, it can be difficult to safely enjoy the wine in various outdoor locations when a table or other support structure is not readily available. 
     Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved wine glass and bottle holder support system for displaying, holding and transporting a wine bottle and accompanying glasses in a variety of configurations through the use of different types of attachments. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to a wine bottle and glass holder which includes an upper support structure including an upper opening, a lower support structure including a lower opening, wherein the lower opening and the upper opening are substantially concentric and including at least one support member connecting the upper support structure to the lower support structure, wherein the support member includes an upper end and a lower end. An attachment member extends from the lower support structure to which various attachments may be secured for allowing support of the wine bottle and glasses in various locations which may not include a steady surface such as a table. Exemplary types of attachments which may be utilized include a pedestal, a pronged ground extension, a stake or a disc support which allows the wine holder to be used as a tabletop. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with a pedestal attachment secured thereto. 
         FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with a disc attachment secured thereto. 
         FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with a stand attachment secured thereto. 
         FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view of the present invention with a disc attachment secured thereto. 
         FIG. 5  is a side cutaway view of the present invention with a stand attachment secured thereto. 
         FIG. 6  is a side cutaway view of the present invention with a stake attachment secured thereto. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 6  illustrate a wine glass and bottle holder system  10 , which comprises an upper support structure  20  including an upper opening  23 ,  25 , a lower support structure  30  including a lower opening  36 , wherein the lower opening  36  and the upper opening  23 ,  25  are substantially concentric and including at least one support member  40  connecting the upper support structure  20  to the lower support structure  30 , wherein the support member  40  includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper end includes an upper distal portion  44  extending outwardly from the upper support structure  20  and the lower end includes a lower distal portion  48  extending outwardly from the lower support structure  30 . 
     The distal portions  44 ,  48  are preferably comprised of substantially circular configurations, wherein at least one of the distal portions  44 ,  48  preferably receives the stem of a wine glass  14  or other container. The opposing distal portion  44 ,  48  may serves as a base for the present invention or to suspend another wine glass  14  or other container. In the below description of the present invention a wine glass  14  is described as being supported by the present invention; however it is appreciated that the distal portions  44 ,  48  may be utilized to suspend or support various other merchandise and/or containers rather than a wine glass  14 . 
     The lower support structure  30  will generally include an attachment member  38  extending downwardly therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment member  38  will extend downwardly from a bracket  37  which is positioned across the lower opening  36  of the lower support structure  30 . The attachment member  38  will preferably be comprised of a downward-facing rod to which various attachments  18 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80  may be secured for use of the present invention in various different environments and for different purposes. 
     The upper opening  23 ,  25  and the lower opening  36  of the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30  respectively preferably receive a wine bottle  12  or other container to accommodate the wine glasses  14 . The wine bottle  12  may be positioned within the upper opening  23 ,  25  and the lower opening  36  either right side up or upside. 
     In the below description of the present invention a wine bottle  12  is described as being supported by the present invention; however it is appreciated that the upper opening  23 ,  25  and the lower opening  36  may collectively receive various other merchandise rather than a wine bottle  12 , such as but not limited to flower vases and various other types of bottles  12 . It is also appreciated that the present invention may be constructed in various configurations, wherein various displayed configurations may be combined and wherein additional configurations may be utilized to hold more or less bottles  12  and/or glasses  14 . 
     B. Upper Support Structure 
     The upper support structure  20  may be comprised of various shapes, all of which adequately receive a bottle  12  and/or other container as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . In some configurations of the upper support structure  20  it is appreciated that the upper support structure  20  may receive two or even a plurality of bottles  12 . The upper support structure  20  may be comprised of various materials, such as but not limited to metal, wood or plastic. The upper support structure  20  is also preferably positioned substantially above the lower support structure  30  to efficiently stabilize the bottle  12 . In the free standing configuration of the present invention the upper support structure  20  is further substantially parallel with the supporting surface (i.e. table top, shelf, etc.) and the lower support structure  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The upper support structure  20  includes an upper ring  22 . The upper ring  22  is preferably comprised of a substantially circular shaped configuration. It is appreciated that the upper support structure  20  may include a plurality of upper rings  22  when securing more than one bottle  12  within the present invention. The upper rings  22  include a first upper opening  23 . The first upper opening  23  is preferably substantially similar in diameter as the diameter of the bottle  12 . The upper ring  22  is further preferably concentric with a majority of the support members  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The upper support structure  20  may also include a spacer member  25 . The spacer member  25  is preferably removably positioned upon an upper end of the upper ring  22  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The spacer member  25  is further preferably concentrically positioned upon the upper ring  22 . The spacer member  25  includes a second upper opening  26 , wherein the second upper opening  26  is concentric with the first upper opening  23 . The second upper opening  26  is preferably comprised of a lesser diameter than the first upper opening  23 . 
     The spacer member  25  is preferably utilized when the diameter of the bottle  12  is substantially less than the diameter of the first upper opening  23 . The spacer member  25  is generally comprised of a ring-shaped member with an outer diameter which is substantially similar in size than the outer diameter of the upper ring  22  and an inner diameter which is slightly smaller in size than the inner diameter of the upper ring  22 . 
     The spacer member  25  serves to further stabilize the bottle  12  within the upper support structure  20  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The spacer member  25  also allows for use of the present invention with different sizes of bottles  12 . For example, if a smaller bottle  12  is intended for use with the present invention, a spacer member  25  may be inserted so that the bottle  12  does not wobble within the larger diameter upper ring  22 . The spacer member  25  and the upper ring  22  are preferably comprised of separate structures; however it is appreciated that the spacer member  25  and the upper ring  22  may be comprised of an integrally formed structure. 
     C. Lower Support Structure 
     The lower support structure  30  may be comprised of various shapes, all of which adequately receive a bottle  12  and/or other container as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . In some configurations of the lower support structure  30  it is appreciated that the lower support structure  30  may receive two or even a plurality of bottles  12 . The lower support structure  30  may be comprised of various materials, such as but not limited to metal, wood or plastic. The lower support structure  30  is further preferably substantially concentric with the upper support structure  20 . The outer diameter of the lower support structure  30  is also preferably substantially similar to the outer diameter of the upper support structure  20 . 
     The lower support structure  30  is also preferably positioned substantially below the upper support structure  20  to efficiently stabilize the bottle  12 . In the free standing configuration of the present invention, the lower support structure  30  is also preferably positioned substantially close to the supporting surface. In the free standing configuration of the present invention the lower support structure  30  is further substantially parallel with the supporting surface and the upper support structure  20 . 
     The lower support structure  30  includes a lower ring  32 . The lower ring  32  serves to stabilize the lower end of the present invention. The lower ring  32  is also preferably comprised of a substantially circular shaped configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The lower support structure  30  also includes the lower support member  35 . The lower support member  35  is preferably attached to the lower ring  32 . The lower support member  35  is further preferably concentrically positioned upon the lower ring  32 . The lower support member  35  includes a lower opening  36 , wherein the lower opening  36  is concentric with the first upper opening  23  and the second upper opening  26  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The lower opening  36  is preferably comprised of a lesser diameter than the lower ring  32 . 
     The lower ring  32  of the present invention will generally include a pair of receiver members  33 ,  34  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, a first receiver member  33  will be positioned on a first radial end of the lower ring  32  and a second receiver member  34  will be positioned on a second radial end of the lower ring  32 , wherein the first and second radial ends are opposite of each other. The receiver members  33 ,  34  will generally be comprised of downwardly extending brackets or other structures which will act to receive and secure the upper ends of the vertical portions  81 ,  82  of the stand attachment  80  as best shown in  FIG. 5 . While the figures illustrate the use of two receiver members  33 ,  34 , it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, more or less receiver members  33 ,  34  may be utilized to accommodate different types of stand attachments  80 . 
     The lower support member  35  serves to support the base of the bottle  12  when the bottle  12  is oriented upwards. The lower opening  36  of the lower support subsequently serves to receive the neck or cap of the bottle  12  when the bottle  12  is oriented upside down. 
     The lower support structure  30  also includes a bracket  37  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The bracket  37  is attached to a lower end of the lower support structure  30  and is preferably concentric with the lower opening  36 . The bracket  37  is preferably comprised of a U-shaped configuration. The bracket  37  is further positioned between the lower opening  36  and the supporting surface, wherein the bracket  37  supports the cap of the bottle  12  when the neck or cap extends through the lower opening  36 . 
     The lower support structure  30  will also generally include an attachment member  38  extending downwardly from the bracket  37  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The attachment member  38  will preferably be comprised of a hollow rod or other elongated member which extends in a downward direction from the lower surface of the bracket  37 . The attachment member  38  will generally be utilized to secure various attachments  18 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80  to the present invention to allow its use in various environments and for different applications. The attachment member  38  will also preferably include a pair of apertures  38  configured such that a locking member  16  such as a pin may be extended therethrough as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . While the figures illustrate an attachment member  38  which is hollow, it is appreciated that various other types of attachment members  38  may be utilized so long as the various attachments  18 ,  60 ,  70 ,  80  of the present invention may be safely secured thereto. 
     D. Support Member 
     The present invention preferably includes a plurality of support members  40  extending between the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The support members  40  are also preferably radially spaced around the outer edges of the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30 ; however it is appreciated that the support members  40  may be positioned about the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30  in various configurations. 
     The support members  40  will generally serve to both suspend the wine glasses  14  and to provide stability to the present invention as a whole. The support members  40  may also be utilized to extend decorations from. The support members  40  are also preferably substantially perpendicular to the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30 . 
     The support members  40  are preferably comprised of an elongated and cylindrical configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The support members  40  are also preferably comprised of a slender configuration. The support members  40  and the present invention are further preferably comprised of an aesthetically pleasing configuration. 
     The support members  40  may be comprised of various materials, such as but not limited to metal, plastic or wood. The support members  40  are also preferably comprised of a material that is durable and strong, wherein the support members  40  may efficiently support the upper support structure  20  and also stabilize the present invention upon the supporting surface. 
     The support members  40  include a connecting portion  42 . The connecting portion  42  preferably extends from the upper support structure  20  to the lower support structure  30  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The connecting portion  42  is preferably comprised of a substantially straight structure. The support members  40  also preferably include an upper extending portion  43 . The upper extending portion  43  extends from the connecting portion  42  adjacent the upper support structure  20  is preferably an upper extending portion  43 . The upper extending portion  43  preferably extends perpendicularly outwardly from the connecting portion  42  and the upper support structure  20 . 
     The upper extending portion  43  is preferably comprised of a length substantially similar or slightly greater than the radius of the wine glass  14  to prevent the wine glass  14  from engaging the bottle  12  when suspended from the support members  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The upper extending portion  43  also preferably includes an upper distal portion  44 . The upper distal portion  44  extends from the upper extending portion  43  and forms a substantially circular configuration. The stem of the wine glass  14  may be positioned within a first outer opening  45  formed by the upper distal portion  44 . The upper distal portion  44  and the first outer opening  45  are preferably substantially parallel to the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1 , a lower extending portion  47  may also extend from the connecting portion  42  of the support member  40  adjacent the lower support structure  30 . The lower extending portion  47  preferably extends perpendicularly outwardly from the connecting portion  42  and the lower support structure  30 . The lower extending portion  47  is preferably comprised of a length substantially similar or slightly greater than the radius of the wine glass  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the lower extending portion  47  may be omitted. 
     The lower extending portion  47  also preferably includes a lower distal portion  48 . The lower distal portion  48  extends from the lower extending portion  47  and forms a substantially circular configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The lower distal portion  48  and the lower outer opening are preferably substantially parallel to the upper support structure  20  and the lower support structure  30 . 
     E. Handle 
     The present invention may also include a handle  50  to allow for easier mobility of the present invention. The handle  50  may be comprised of various materials, such as but not limited to plastic, metal or wood. The handle  50  is further preferably comprised of a similar material as the support members  40 . The handle  50  preferably removably attaches to the upper extending portions  43  of the support members  40  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The handle  50  is preferably comprised of an arc-shaped configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 . The handle  50  also includes a first end  52  and a second end  54 , wherein the second end  54  is opposite the first end  52 . The first end  52  and the second end  54  are preferably comprised of a U-shaped configuration. The U-shape of the first end  52  of the handle  50  preferably extends in an opposing direction as the U-shape of the second end  54  of the handle  50  to provide a more secure attachment between the handle  50  and the support member  40 . 
     F. Stake Attachment 
     The present invention will generally include a stake attachment  18  to be used for securing the present invention upright in the ground. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the stake attachment  18  will generally be comprised of an elongated member which may be secured within the attachment member  38  extending from the bracket  37  of the lower support member  30 . 
     The stake attachment  18  may be comprised of various shapes and sizes, but will preferably be of a slightly smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the cavity of the attachment member  38  to allow the upper end of the stake attachment  18  to fit snugly within the attachment member&#39;s  38  hollow inner cavity. It is appreciated that various lengths may be utilized for the stake attachment  18  for various different applications. Further, in some embodiments, the stake attachment  18  may include a pointed lower end to ease its placement into the ground. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the stake attachment  18  may include a pair of stake apertures  19  configured such that a locking member  16  such as a pin may be extended therethrough. When installing the stake attachment  18  to the present invention, the upper end of the stake attachment  18  will be inserted within the attachment member  38  and the stake apertures  19  will be aligned with the attachment apertures  39 . A locking member  16  such as a pin or other device may then be extended therethrough to secure the stake attachment  18  within the attachment member  38  as shown in  FIG. 6 . However, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, a locking member  16  may be omitted. 
     G. Pedestal Attachment 
     The present invention will generally include a pedestal attachment  60  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The pedestal attachment  60  will generally be provided to allow the present invention to freely stand on flat surfaces such as a floor. The pedestal attachment  60  will generally be comprised of a central member  64  comprised of an elongated member having a plurality of legs  66 ,  67 ,  68 ,  69  extending therefrom. The central member  64  of the pedestal attachment  60  may be comprised of various lengths to suit different applications. In some embodiments, the central member  64  may be adjustable in length. 
     The legs  66 ,  67 ,  68 ,  69  will be utilized to allow the present invention to freely stand upright without wobbling or tipping over. In a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , a first leg  66 , a second leg  67 , a third leg  68  and a fourth leg  69  will each extend outwardly from a lower end of the central member  64 . However, it is appreciated that more or less legs  66 ,  67 ,  68 ,  69  may be utilized so long as the present invention is capable of securely standing upright when fitted with the pedestal attachment  60 . 
     The upper end of the central member  64  will generally include a receiver member  61  for securing the pedestal attachment  60  to the attachment member  38  of the lower support structure  30 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the receiver member  61  will generally be comprised of an upwardly-facing, hollow member having an upper opening  62 . The diameter of the receiver member  61  will preferably be slightly larger than the diameter of the attachment member  38  such that the receiver member  61  may be secured over and around the attachment member  38 . 
     The receiver member  61  may also include receiver apertures  63  configured such that a locking member  16  such as a pin may be extended therethrough. When installing the pedestal attachment  60  to the present invention, the attachment member  38  of the lower support structure  30  will be inserted within the upper opening  62  of the receiver member  61  and the receiver apertures  63  will be aligned with the attachment apertures  39 . A locking member  16  such as a pin or other device may then be extended therethrough to secure the receiver member  61  to the attachment member  38  as shown in  FIG. 1 . However, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, a locking member  16  may be omitted. 
     H. Disc Attachment 
     The present invention will generally include a disc attachment  70  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The disc attachment  70  may be utilized to allow the present invention to freely stand on a flat surface such as a floor or the ground. Generally, the disc attachment  70  will be comprised of a base  74  and a connecting member  72 . 
     The base  74  may be comprised of various shapes, but will preferably be comprised of a disc-shaped structure with which the present invention may freely stand without wobbling or tipping over. The connecting member  72  will generally be comprised of an elongated member such as a rod which extends upwardly from the center of the base  74 . 
     Preferably, the connecting member  72  will be comprised of a diameter which is slightly less than the inner diameter of the attachment member  38 . To install the disc attachment  70 , the attachment member  38  of the lower support structure  30  will be positioned over the connecting member  72  of the disc attachment  70  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     I. Stand Attachment 
     The present invention may also include a stand attachment  80  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The stand attachment  80  will generally be utilized to secure the present invention to various horizontal surfaces to allow access to the bottle  12  and glasses  14  at a chair or similar level. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the stand attachment  80  will generally be comprised of a first vertical portion  81 , a second vertical portion  82  and a cross member  83  linking the vertical portions  81 ,  82 . The first and second vertical portions  81 ,  82  will generally extend parallel to each other and the cross member  83  will generally extend perpendicularly with respect to the vertical portions  81 ,  82 . Preferably, the cross member  83  will extend from a position approximately halfway up the length of the vertical portions  81 ,  82  to provide stability. 
     The stand attachment  80  will generally include a mount assembly  85  positioned near its upper end to allow connection to the attachment member  38  of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the mount assembly  85  will generally be comprised of a horizontally-extending, substantially flat member which extends from the first vertical portion  81  to the second vertical portion  83  at a position above the cross member  83 . The mount assembly  85  will generally include a receiver member  86  comprised of an opening or bracket positioned around the center point of the mount assembly  85  for receiving the attachment member  38  of the lower support structure  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the cross member  83  may include a securing member  84  for receiving a lower end of the stake attachment  18  for storage and to provide additional stability to the present invention. The securing member  84  will generally be comprised of a bracket or other structure which is adapted to receive the lower end of the stake attachment  18  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The upper end of the stake attachment  18  will generally extend into the lower end of the attachment member  38  or the receiver member  85  of the mount assembly  85 . 
     To install the stand attachment, the lower ends of the vertical portions  81 ,  83  will generally be inserted into the ground. The upper end of the first vertical portion  81  will be inserted into the first receiver member  33  of the lower support structure  30  and the upper end of the second vertical portion  81  will be inserted into the second receiver member  34  of the lower support structure  30 . The attachment member  38  of the lower support structure  30  will be positioned within the receiver member  86  of the mount assembly  85  to secure the stand attachment  80  to the lower support structure  30  as best shown in  FIG. 5 . Optionally, the stake attachment  18  may be positioned vertically between the cross member  83  and mount assembly  85  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.