Abstract:
A bottle holder includes a case assembly and at least one padding assembly. The case assembly includes a body defining at least one compartment and having an open end giving access to the at least one compartment dimensioned to fully accommodate a bottle inserted axially, and a lid attached to the body and selectively closeable to cover the open end of the body and enclose the bottle in the at least one compartment. The at least one padding assembly is arranged in the at least one compartment and is dimensioned to be partially compressed between the bottle and walls of the at least one compartment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/503,834, filed on Jul. 1, 2011, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to devices for holding and transporting beverage bottles, and more particularly, wine bottles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many beverages are stored in bottles prior to consumption. Virtually every bottle is subject to breakage if mishandled, and particularly bottles made of glass or ceramic materials. Accordingly, care must be taken when transporting such bottles to avoid, or at least minimize breakage. This can be particularly challenging when bottles must be placed in overhead compartments in planes, trains and the like, or checked into a baggage compartment. Under current regulation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibiting the carrying-on of liquid containers over 3.4 fluid ounces, hoping for cautious baggage handlers and a well-stowed baggage compartment are the only option for wine bottles during air travel from U.S. airports. 
         [0004]    Additionally, many bottled beverages can represent a significant investment. For example, many bottles of wine retail for 100 USD or more. Thus, in addition to the inconvenience, mess and possible cut hazards posed by broken bottles, in some instances breakage can result in significant financial loss. 
         [0005]    Various devices have been utilized over the years to provide some protection and cushioning of bottles. Bags, satchels and other devices intended for personal use can be convenient to carry, but typically offer little protection against impact or improper handling. Crates and the like for bulk shipping of bottles may offer more protection, but are not suitable for routine, personal use. Thus, in spite of such devices, there is a shortage of suitable bottle holders for personal use during travel, particularly airline, train and boat travel, and further improvements are still possible. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved bottle holder and related methods of use. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bottle holder includes a case assembly and at least one padding assembly. The case assembly includes a body defining at least one compartment and having an open end giving access to the at least one compartment dimensioned to fully accommodate a bottle inserted axially, and a lid attached to the body and selectively closeable to cover the open end of the body and enclose the bottle in the at least one compartment. The at least one padding assembly is arranged in the at least one compartment and is dimensioned to be partially compressed between the bottle and walls of the at least one compartment. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect of the present invention, the bottle for which the at least one compartment and padding assembly are dimensioned is a 750 milliliter (mL) wine bottle. According to another aspect of the present invention, the padding assembly lines walls of the at least one compartment. 
         [0008]    According to a method aspect, a method includes inserting a bottle in the axial direction into a compartment defined by the body of a bottle holder, such that the bottle slightly compresses a padding assembly extending between the bottle and the compartment. 
         [0009]    These and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood in view of the drawings and following detailed description of preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bottle holder, including a case assembly and a plurality of bottle inserts, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bottle holder of  FIG. 1 , with the case assembly open and partially transparent to show internal details; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are perspective views of the bottle inserts of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a bottle holder, including a case assembly and a plurality of padding assemblies, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are schematic top views of the pad assemblies of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bottle holder, according to a further embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is another perspective view of the bottle holder of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are perspective views of bottle holders, according to additional embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, a bottle holder  10  includes a case assembly  12  and one or more bottle inserts  14 . In the depicted embodiment, the case assembly  12  is partitioned into a plurality of compartments  16 . One bottle insert  14  is closely accommodated within each of the compartments and can safely hold a bottle  20  therein. 
         [0019]    The case assembly  12  includes a body  22  open at an upper end thereof and a lid  24  operable to close the upper end. The lid  24  is preferably pivotably attached to the body  22  by a hinge  26  and releasably securable in the closed position by a plurality of clasps  30  or other releasable fasteners. 
         [0020]    The body  22  includes a plurality of generally parallel divider panels  32 , with the compartments  16  being defined therebetween. Along a centerline thereof, the compartments  16  are preferably approximately the same width, such that a given bottle insert  14  can be closely accommodated in any compartment  16 . Advantageously, grooves  34  are defined in a lower surface of the lid  24  to accommodate upper edges of the body  22 , including upper edges of the divider panels  32 . As a result, the compartments  16  are more effectively divided and the overall rigidity of the case assembly  12  is increased. Also, a seal or gasket can be accommodated in the grooves  34 , such that a fluid seal is formed between the compartments  16  when the lid  24  is closed. Accordingly, breakage of a bottle in one compartment  16  will not adversely impact the bottles in adjacent compartments  16 . 
         [0021]    Preferably, the body  22  and lid  24  are made of a plastic or other generally rigid material with suitable strength and impact resistance. A handle  36  can be attached to the body  22  to facilitate carrying of the bottle holder  10 . Advantageously, the handle  36  can be pivotably mounted to the body  22 , so as not to interfere with the opening of the lid  24  or the insertion of removal of the bottle inserts  14 . 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bottle inserts  14  are preferably formed of a foam, or other at least partially compressible material, soft enough to provide cushioning of the bottles for protection while stiff enough to securely retain the bottles  20  therein. 
         [0023]    The width of each bottle insert  14  is preferably approximately equal such than any insert  14  can be closely accommodated within any compartment  16 . The width of each insert  14  can be slightly greater than that of the compartments  16 , such that compression of the insert  14  results in a secure interference fit. 
         [0024]    A forward side ( FIG. 3 ) of each bottle insert defines a bottle cavity  40  corresponding closely to the shape of approximately half the bottle  20  to be held therein. Advantageously, the cavity  40  can be dimensioned slightly smaller than the bottle  20  to ensure a secure interference fit. 
         [0025]    On a rear side ( FIG. 4 ) of each bottle insert  14 , a rounded lower portion  42  and a flat upper portion  44  are formed. The lower portion  42  is deeper than the upper portion  44 , allowing for the bottle cavity  40  to be deeper in this area and completely cover the corresponding bottle  20  half. The upper portion  44  accommodates the neck of the bottle  20 , and need not be as deep. 
         [0026]    Advantageously, the more expansive lower portion  42  helps keep the bottle insert  14  securely positioned within its respective compartment  16 . The rounded profile of the lower portion  42  also allows the compartments to have different wall shapes away from their centerline, while still securely accommodating inserts  14  of the same general shape. For example, the side compartments  16  can have rounded outer walls while the central compartment  16  can have a generally square cross section. 
         [0027]    The narrower upper portion  44  of the bottle insert  14  facilitates grasping of the bottle insert by a user. As a result, insertion and removal of the bottle inserts  14  into and from the compartments  16  is more readily accomplished. 
         [0028]    In use, with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , depending on how many bottles  20  a user desires to transport, one or more bottles  20  are inserted into bottle cavities  40  of a corresponding number of bottle inserts  14 . With the lid  24  open and the handle  36  pivoted away from the opening of the body  22 , the bottle inserts  14  are then arranged into the compartments  16  of the body with the upper portions  44  upward. Any unused bottle inserts  14  can be stored in respective compartments  16  for convenience. The lid  24  is closed and secured by the clasps  30 . 
         [0029]    The bottle holder  10  can then be transported with the bottles  20  stored safely therein; for instance, by carrying via the handle  36 . When the bottles  20  reach their destination, or are otherwise desired, the handle  36  is pivoted out the way, and the lid  24  is unclasped and opened. The bottle inserts  14  for the desired bottles  20  are withdrawn by grasping the upper portions  44  and pulling the inserts out of the compartments  16 . The bottle holder  10  can be re-used as often as needed. 
         [0030]    From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the bottle holder of the present invention provides a convenient and secure means for transporting bottles, while allowing easy access thereto. In particular, the use of separate removable bottle inserts facilitates a top-loading design, allowing for a smaller opening in the body and simpler and less expansive lid. 
         [0031]    Additionally, the use of separate bottle inserts allows for enhanced flexibility in securely transporting bottles of varying shapes. For instance, bottle inserts having differently-shaped cavities closely tailored to different bottle shapes, such as traditional Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne bottle shapes, can be interchangeably used within the same body. 
         [0032]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, with reference to  FIG. 5 , a bottle holder  10 A includes a case assembly  12 A and one or more padding assemblies  14 A. Similar elements are referred to with similar reference numerals in alternate embodiments, with an alphabetical suffix. Except as particularly described, the structure and function of alternate embodiments are substantially the same. 
         [0033]    In the case assembly  12 A, a gasket  50 A is arranged in the grooves  34 A of the lid  24 A. Additionally, instead of bottle inserts  14 , the bottle holder  10 A uses the padding assemblies  14 A to cushion the bottles  20 A in each compartment  16 A. Each padding assembly  14 A lines the walls of its compartment  16 A and is dimensioned to provide at least four points of contact with its respective bottle  20 A at the widest part thereof. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the padding assembly  14 A for the center compartment  16 A includes a pair of opposed first side pads  52 A and a pair of opposed second side pads  54 A. The distance between the opposed pairs  52 A and  54 A are approximately equal and less than the maximum diameter of a typical 750 mL wine bottle, such that, once inserted, the bottle is firmly engaged at four points along its circumference by slightly compressed pads. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the padding assemblies  14 A for the side compartments  16 A include one side pad  52 A, a pair of opposed partial side pads  58 A and a curved side pad  60 A. The curved side pad  60 A is approximately semi-circular, and the distance between the centers of the side pad  52 A and curved side pad  60 A is equal to the diameter of the semi-circular pad  52 A and less than the maximum diameter of the typical 750 mL wine bottle. As a result, the bottle is firmly engaged at one point by the slightly compressed pad  52 A, and substantially continuously along the opposite half of its circumference by the curved side pad  60 A. 
         [0036]    According to a further embodiment of the present invention, referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a bottle holder  10 B includes a case assembly  12 B and one or more padding assemblies  14 B. The case assembly  12 B is covered in leather, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and offering an additional degree of protection against impact. Also, the case assembly  12 B includes a strap  36 B, long enough to extend over the shoulder of a user to facilitate carrying of the bottle holder  10 B. Additionally, in the outer padding assemblies  14 B, the curved side pads  60 B extend all the way to the side pad  52 B, such that the side pads  60 B effectively integrate the partial side pads  58 A of the previous embodiment. Lid padding  62 B is also clearly visible. 
         [0037]    It will be appreciated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particular shapes and configurations depicted. For example, the present invention can be readily adapted for bottle holders holding only two or one bottles, as well bottle holders holding more than three bottles. For instance, referring to  FIG. 10 , a bottle holder  10 C is configured to hold a single bottle in a single compartment  16 C, with a generally square cross section. Referring to  FIG. 11 , a bottle holder  10 D is configured to hold two bottles in two compartments  16 C with rounded outer walls. 
         [0038]    As is apparent from the various disclosed embodiments, the bottle holders according to the present invention can provide a convenient carrying case for personal use with portability and style comparable to existing personal carrying bags and the like, while offering protection for the contents in many cases equivalent or superior to bulk transport devices. 
         [0039]    In general, the foregoing description is provided for exemplary and illustrative purposes; the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional modifications, as well as adaptations for particular circumstances, will fall within the scope of the invention as herein shown and described and of the claims appended hereto.