Abstract:
The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for mobile storage systems and racks for wine. In particular, the present invention provides for stackable storage systems for bottles of wine, champagne, and the like that are capable of expansion and mobility.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/986,407, filed Nov. 8, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for mobile storage systems and racks for wine. In particular, the present invention provides for stackable storage systems for bottles of wine, champagne, and the like that are capable of expansion and mobility. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    People of all economic levels have shared the popularity of wine, sparkling and still, for thousands of years. High quality wine has historically been distributed and stored in a glass bottle, typically with a cork stopper. Oxygen is a killer of wine, and any seepage of oxygen into a bottle of wine will eventually turn it to vinegar. One way to guard against oxygen seepage into a bottle of wine is too store it on its side such that the wine is wetting the cork, thereby allowing for it to expand and tightly seal the contents of the bottle against any oxygen seepage to the inside of the bottle. Consequently, the horizontal storage of wine has been practiced for centuries. 
         [0004]    There are a myriad of storage units that facilitate the home and storeowner in storing wine on its side. Small modular units for small-scale horizontal storage of wine are readily available and can be convenient for use in a home. Large-scale modular units are also available for use in restaurants, wine boutiques, and others interested in collecting and storing large numbers of bottles of wine. Examples of such units can be seen in US patent applications and Patents 2007/0017884, 2007/0080124, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,254,952 and 6,763,956. Additional examples of modular systems for wine storage include MODULARACK Wine Racks (www.wineappreciation.com) and systems offered by Mobile, Inc. (Montmagny (Quebec), Canada; www.montek.com). 
         [0005]    However, the problem with existing systems is their lack of mobility such that they are not easily moved around an area when loaded with bottles of wine. The lack of mobility is a big issue, for example, in a wine store or restaurant where large-scale wine storage is anticipated with a finite amount of space. 
         [0006]    As such, the present invention provides systems and racks for wine storage that are modular such that they can be added to or subtracted from, as well as movable such that the modular units can be moved around a room with ease. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for mobile storage systems and racks for wine. In particular, the present invention provides for stackable storage systems for bottles of wine, champagne, and the like that are capable of expansion and mobility. 
         [0008]    Certain illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the present invention provides a wine rack that is both modular and moveable. In some embodiments, the wine rack comprises a modular frame assembly comprising, for example, a plurality of horizontal members, cross members, and stabilizing rods. In some embodiments, the horizontals members comprise notches within which are seated the cross members. In some embodiments, said notches are spaced along said horizontal members such that a plurality of cross members (e.g., at least two, at least four) are seated. In some embodiments, the horizontal members further comprise spaced holes for accommodating stabilizing bars. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, said cross members comprise indentations, such as scallops, V-shapes, or other forms of indentations for accommodating bottles of wine. In some embodiments, cross members comprise larger indentations to accommodate wine bottles with a greater circumference, for example champagne bottles, while other cross members comprise indentations for accommodating wine bottles of lesser circumference. In some embodiments, said cross members comprise differentially sized indentations such that bottles of wine with differentially sized circumferences are accommodated on one cross member. The cross members are seated on said horizontal members, wherein one end of a cross member in seated in one horizontal member and the other end of said cross member is seated in a complementary horizontal member such that the cross members are seated perpendicular to said horizontal members. In some embodiments, said cross members are seated in groups of two, such that the neck of a bottle of wine is cradled in the indentation in one cross member of the group of two and the bottom of the bottle of wine is cradled in the indentation of the second cross member of the group of two. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the stabilizing rods pass through the holes as found in the horizontal members. In some embodiments, the stabilizing rods are made of metal and fixed to the bottom of the modular frame, upon which are stacked a plurality of horizontal members. The stabilizing rods are sufficiently long to accommodate multiple horizontal members, thereby allowing for an expandable frame for accommodating a changeable number of bottles of wine. 
         [0012]    As such, the present invention provides a modular wine rack system comprising a stackable, expandable system of horizontal members, upon which are located cross members, in a stackable fashion (e.g., horizontal member-cross member-horizontal member-cross member, etc, one upon the other). The stabilizing bars pass through all horizontal members thereby stabilizing all horizontal members and cross members as one complete unit. 
         [0013]    The present invention further provides a moveable wine rack system. In some embodiments, the moveable wine rack system is not modular and expandable and comprises a fixed number of cross members for accommodating a fixed number of bottles of wine. In some embodiments, the moveable wine rack system is modular and expandable to accommodate a changeable number of bottles of wine. In some embodiments, the moveable wine rack system comprises moveable means for moving the wine rack system from one location to another. Moveable means include, but are not limited to, wheels, rollers, balls, casters, track systems and the like. The present invention is not limited by the means used to move the wine rack, as such any device or system capable of moving the wine rack from one location to another are considered moveable means embodied in the present invention. 
         [0014]    The present invention is found in any location where a wine rack would find utility. The present invention provides for, for example, a private or commercial buyer and/or seller of wine to accommodate a changing inventory of wine, as well as providing economy of space via mobility of the wine racks. For example, a wine rack of the wine around for economy of space and to accommodate collections of a private wine owner is desired. A wine rack of the present invention also finds commercial applications, for example, in wine boutiques or stores, or in wine caves or storage areas of restaurants, etc. where wine inventory is ever changing, and economy of space is increasing important as wine collections increase. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary expandable, mobile wine rack of the present invention ( 1 ). 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates an expanded view of an exemplary expandable, mobile wine rack of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front and back view of the present. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates a top view of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates a first embodiment of an expandable, mobile wine rack of the present invention. Fixedly attached on the underside of the base are exemplary rollers ( 5 ) for moving the wine rack from one location to another. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates a second embodiment of an expandable, mobile wine rack of the present invention. Fixedly attached on the underside of the base is an exemplary track system ( 15 ) for moving the wine rack from one location to another. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  illustrates an underside view of an expandable, mobile wine rack of the present invention exemplifying one embodiment (rollers) of a mobile system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  illustrates a room wherein are located several wine rack systems of the present invention are moved such that they are in close proximity to each other thereby allowing for efficiency in use of space, for example. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  illustrates a room wherein are located several wine rack systems of the present invention are moved such that they are apart from each other. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The expandable, mobile wine rack system of the present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for storage of a changeable number of wine bottles and the storage of the wine bottles in a confined space. In particular, the present invention provides a wine rack system comprising multiple moveable wine racks (See  FIGS. 9 and 10 ). In particularly preferred embodiments, the individual wine racks within the system are moveable so that an individual wine rack may be moved between a position adjacent to the other wine racks in the system (i.e., a collapsed position) to a position separate from the other wine racks in the system (i.e., a separated portion). Thus, the wine racks in the system may be moved into a collapsed arrangement where each wine rack in the system is adjacent to the next wine rack in the system (See  FIG. 9 ). This arrangement conserves space in a confined area and allows for the storage of more wine bottles in a given area. The mobility of the wine racks also allows one or more of the wine racks within the system to be separated from other wine racks within the system to allow ingress or egress by a user that wished to access a wine bottle stored on the wine racks. (See  FIG. 10 ). By moving one or more individual wine racks within the system to a separated position, an aisle is created between the individual wine racks allowing ingress and egress by a user. 
         [0026]    One or more wine bottles, sizes ranging from approximately 750 ml to 1.5 liters, are stored horizontally in the wine rack system in uniform positions. However, it is contemplated that a wine rack system of the present invention is not limited by the size of bottles being stored and bottles both smaller and larger are equally amenable to the present invention. The bottles are supported in cross members and each bottle is cradled in the cross members, indented for bottle positions, connected laterally to the wine rack system by placement upon horizontal members. The racks are configured to hold and support a plurality (e.g., one or more) of bottles. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary expandable, moveable wine rack unit ( 1 ) of the present invention. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an expandable, moveable wine rack system of the present invention comprises a modular frame, wherein components of the wine rack system can be added to or subtracted from for accommodating a changeable number of wine bottles. In  FIG. 2 , a base unit ( 2 ) for the moveable wine rack unit of the present invention provides a foundation for the modular frame of the wine rack system. Each base unit ( 2 ) comprises a base member ( 3 ) and a roller system ( 4 - 5 ). Upon each base member ( 3 ) are fixedly attached two or more horizontal members ( 7 ). A base member ( 3 ) comprises a front, back, top, bottom and sides. Horizontal members ( 7 ) comprise a top, bottom, front, back and sides. Holes ( 9 ) are found in said horizontal members ( 7 ) for placement of stabilization bars ( 10 ). Further, horizontal members have notches ( 8 ) therein for placement of cross members. In some embodiments, the base and horizontal members are made of wood; however any suitable material is contemplated for use in a wine rack system of the present invention. For example, plastics, metals, composites, synthetic materials such as nylon and other rigid synthetics find utility as wine rack materials of the present invention. In some embodiments, bottom horizontal members (e.g., those in direct communication with the base member) are typically fixedly attached to the base member (e.g., by bolts), whereas in other embodiments horizontal members are permanently attached to the base member (e.g., by glue or other permanent mounting medium).  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  provide additional views (e.g., front/back, side and top, respectively) of a wine rack system of the present invention. 
         [0028]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , horizontal members ( 7 ) comprise holes ( 9 ) which pass through the height of the horizontal members, within which are passed stabilization bars ( 10 ). The stabilization bars are comprised of metal, preferably steel. In one embodiment, the stabilization bars ( 10 ) are fixedly attached to the bottommost horizontal member (e.g., by bolts), pass through all the horizontal members, and are fixedly attached to the topmost horizontal member (e.g., by bolts). In other embodiments, the stabilization bars are fixedly attached to each of the horizontal members and they pass through and not, for example, just the bottommost and topmost horizontal members. In some embodiments, the stabilization bars are fixedly attached to horizontal members based on, for example, a customer&#39;s needs. 
         [0029]    The present invention further comprises cross members ( 11 ). Cross members, as seen in  FIGS. 2-5 , are utilized for supporting a plurality (e.g., one or more) of wine bottles. Cross members of the present invention comprise a front, back, top, bottom. Cross members of the present invention have indentations ( 12 ) therein, such as scallops, notches, and the like, or other indentation configurations along the length of the cross member for cradling bottles of wine. In some embodiments, the indentations are square or V-shaped notches. In preferred embodiments, the indentations are scallops with a semi-circular aspect. Dimensions of exemplary scallops ( 12 ) are created for accommodating wine bottles from, for example, 750 ml to 1.5 liters, however other sizes of bottles, and therefore scallop dimensions, are also contemplated. In some embodiments, cross members ( 11 ) are removably positioned into the notches of a horizontal member. For example, the first end ( 13 ) of one cross member is placed in a first notch of a first horizontal member, wherein the placement results in a perpendicular aspect between the cross member and the horizontal member. The second end of a cross member is placed in a second notch of a second horizontal member such that the placement results in a perpendicular aspect between the second end of a cross member and the second horizontal member. Such a configuration is demonstrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , for example. 
         [0030]    The number of cross members, and thereby horizontal members, utilized in a wine rack of the present invention is not fixed, thereby allowing for, for example, expandability of a wine rack in terms of the number of bottles a system holds. For example, fewer cross members and horizontal members are stacked one atop the other (e.g., with stabilization bars passing through all stacked horizontal members) when there are fewer bottles of wine needing storage as compared to when there are more bottles of wine needing storage. Typically, greater numbers of bottles of wine require the use of more cross members and horizontal members as compared to fewer bottles of wine. As such, a wine rack of the present invention is expandable thereby providing options for accommodating varying numbers of wine bottles requiring storage based on, for example, customer need. 
         [0031]    A wine rack unit ( 1 ) of the present invention is moveable. A moveable wine rack unit provides for displacement of the wine rack units in an easy manner, from one location in a room to another location without having to, for example, unload the wine rack of wine bottles prior to movement of the rack. Further, displacement of wine racks allows for wine racks to be stacked close together or far apart, or moved throughout a space based on the needs of the individual using the racks. As seen in  FIGS. 6-8 , moveable means, as depicted in embodiments numbered  5  (rollers) and  15  (track system) are fixedly ( 6 ) attached on the underside of the base member ( 3 ). In some embodiments, metal tracks ( 4 ) are fixedly attached to the underside of the base member. In one embodiment, wheels or rollers ( 5 ) are affixed ( 6 ) to the metal tracks thereby allowing for displacement of the wine rack from one location to another, as exemplified in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In some embodiments, moveable means comprise a track system ( 15 ). For example, a metal track is affixed to the underside of a base member and comprises rollers, gliders, and the like for moving along a track system ( 15 ) affixed to a floor thereby allowing for displacement of the wine rack system from one location to another along the track system as seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . In other embodiments, not shown, it is contemplated that the wine racks can be supported from an overhead system of rails so that the wine rack hang from the rails and can be moved from collapsed to separated positions. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the present invention further provides a kit for creating an expandable, moveable wine rack system comprising a base member, stabilization bars, cross members, horizontal members, metal tracks, rollers, and instructions for creating said wine rack system as described herein. 
         [0033]    All publications and patents mentioned in the present application are herein incorporated by reference. Various modification and variation of the described methods and compositions of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.