Abstract:
A bottle stopper with holder for a mobile device has a notch in a top portion. The notch is configured to provide an opening wherein a device such as a mobile phone may be inserted and secured. The bottle stopper may have a plug instead of a notch. The plug is configured to be inserted into the charging port of a device such as a mobile phone, thereby securing the device atop the stopper.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/162,536 filed on May 15, 2015, the disclosure of which, including any materials incorporated by reference therein, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to beverage accessories, and more particularly to bottle stoppers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Social gatherings often include some form of beverage, such as beer, wine, soda, or any beverage in a bottle. Social gatherings can also involve other forms of bottles, such as oil bottles, if for example, the occasion is a dinner or cooking party. And, those social gatherings are often occasions to share old memories and make new ones. Thus, people have an interest in creating, capturing, sharing, and experiencing the memories made or shared at such social gatherings. 
         [0004]    Mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, are increasingly involved in creating, capturing, sharing, and experiencing memories. Furthermore, such devices are especially useful in taking “selfies.” A “selfie” is a picture that one takes of either oneself or oneself and others, using a mobile device&#39;s camera. Unless assisted by supplemental products, “selfies” are taken by holding out one&#39;s smartphone or mobile device, facing the camera towards oneself and/or oneself and others, and clicking the camera button, thereby taking the picture. 
         [0005]    Because social gatherings are occasions wherein memories are created and shared, and because many, if not most, social gatherings include beverages or bottles of some kind, and because selfies are an important way in which memories are created and shared, many people want to take selfies easier while they are gathered with their friends enjoying beverages or using other types of bottles. 
         [0006]    However, the process of taking a “selfie” at such an occasion can be cumbersome. Oftentimes one has a wine glass in one&#39;s hand and must take pains not to spill or break it. Other times there are many items one wants to capture in the same picture: multiple friends, wine glasses, the particular bottle or bottles of wine being enjoyed, and the surroundings. As mentioned above, many such “selfies” are limited by one&#39;s arm length and the corresponding limit in picture scope. At present, the use of a stick-mounting device is the general device of choice that assists with taking “selfies,” but such a large item may be cumbersome in a setting involving alcohol and breakables. 
         [0007]    Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,175,147, 8,919,610, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0122524. However, each one of these references fails to teach taking “selfies” during a beverage-drinking party with friends. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a device that will assist with the process of taking a “selfie” that is convenient and appropriate to the social gathering setting wherein beverages or other bottle-contained items are being enjoyed. Preferably, such device will perform several functions at once and thereby facilitate the making and sharing of memories at a social gathering wherein beverages are being enjoyed without cluttering the area or otherwise diminishing the experience. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to a bottle stopper with holder for mobile device (hereinafter “bottle stopper with holder” or “bottle stopper”) that satisfies these needs. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a bottle stopper having features of the present invention comprises a top portion having an opening, and an interior surface corresponding to that opening, configured to receive and secure a mobile device such as a smartphone, along with a base portion configured to create a seal between the bottle stopper and the interior of a bottle&#39;s opening. The bottle stopper with holder is particularly suited for receiving and securing a mobile device such as a smartphone, allowing the user to operate the device while secured in the bottle stopper&#39;s opening. This offers the user the advantage of being able to take selfies from a greater distance than at arms-length, or being able to record a video using the mobile device&#39;s camera function without having to hold the mobile device. 
         [0010]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a bottle stopper with holder is provided. The present disclosure provides for a conical base portion, the curved side of which is designed to create a seal in the opening of a bottle. The curved side may preferably include grip rings, or ribs, positioned so as to further seal the bottle stopper to the bottle&#39;s interior. The present disclosure also provides for a top portion that has an upper surface containing a notch or opening configured to receive and hold a mobile device such as a smartphone. The interior of the top portion that represents the edges of the opening may preferably be lined with elastomeric or other slip-resistant substance, and may also preferably include ridges, ribs, or grip strips that assist with securing the mobile device in place. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the bottle stopper may be in a one-piece or monopod design, wherein the conical base portion and top portion are connected portions of one contiguous embodiment. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the bottle stopper may be configured to consist of the top portion only, wherein the top portion&#39;s base contains a hollow, cylindrical element, the inside of the cylindrical element being configured to contain threads suitable for threaded connection. Thus, the bottle stopper could be twisted onto the top of a screw-top bottle, allowing for its same functionality: receiving and securing a mobile device through an opening in the top surface of the bottle stopper, but instead of the bottle stopper being inserted into a bottle&#39;s opening, it screws onto the top of the bottle itself. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the bottle stopper&#39;s top portion may contain a plug element that secures the mobile device instead of a notch or opening. In such an embodiment, the present disclosure provides for a plug shaped like the terminus of a mobile device charger configured to be inserted into the charging port of a mobile device. Once connected in this way, the mobile device will be secured to the bottle stopper, and the bottle stopper in turn secured to or in a bottle. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the base portion of the bottle stopper may preferably be shaped as either a cylinder or a cylinder with a domed terminus. Preferably, the cylinder&#39;s diameter is designed to seal with the interior of a bottle&#39;s neck or other opening. Alternative embodiments will employ grip rings to secure the bottle stopper to the bottle inside the bottle&#39;s opening. Preferably, the cylindrical base is composed of cork, rubber, metal, or other material capable of either creating a seal with the wine bottle or maintaining the bottle stopper&#39;s orientation or structural integrity. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of using the bottle stopper with holder to take a selfie is provided. The method includes securing the bottle stopper to a bottle, either by inserting the bottle stopper into the bottle or by screwing it to the top of a bottle, and securing a mobile device to the bottle stopper, either by inserting the mobile device into the bottle stopper&#39;s opening in its top portion, or in alternative embodiments, inserting the bottle stopper&#39;s plug element into the charging port of the mobile device and securing the bottle stopper to a bottle. Once the mobile device is secured either to the bottle stopper or within the bottle stopper&#39;s opening, the user may operate the mobile device&#39;s camera function so as to take a picture, either by causing the mobile device to take a photo in that instant or causing the mobile device&#39;s camera function to take the picture after a specified delay. If the user chooses the delay function, the user can use those seconds to more carefully arrange the persons and objects he or she desires to be in the photo. 
         [0016]    The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Particular embodiments may include one, some, or none of the listed advantages. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1A  is a front-top perspective view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1B  is a right side-view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1C  is a front-view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1D  is a top view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1E  is a bottom view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a front-top perspective view of an alternate two-piece embodiment of a two-piece bottle stopper; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a bottom-front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  is a diagrammatic front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3C  is a right-side view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3D  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3E  is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , a top-front perspective view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, the bottle stopper contains a top portion  101  attached to conical base portion  102 . In other embodiments, the dimensions of top portion  101  and conical base portion  102  are adjusted, that is, the top portion is enlarged and the conical base portion is correspondingly reduced, or vice versa.  FIG. 1A  further shows an opening  103  configured to receive a smartphone. The opening contains grip strips  104  in the lower portion of the opening  103  designed to stabilize the smartphone. Contact surface  105  is configured to provide a friction-based surface that stabilizes the smartphone without scratching or damaging the smartphone.  FIG. 1A  further shows grip rings  106 , fixably connected to base portion  102 , that create a seal between the bottle stopper and the bottle, and also secure the bottle stopper within the bottle&#39;s opening. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 1B , a right-side view of one embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment depicted, the opening  103  is directly shown.  FIG. 1B  shows that the opening  103  is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom.  FIG. 1B  also shows that the grip strips  104  are part of the contact surface  105 , which lines the interior of the opening  103 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 1C , a front view of an embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment depicted, hourglass-shaped cutout elements  107  allow for portions of the smartphone&#39;s screen to be visible and accessible when inserted in the opening  103 .  FIG. 1C  further shows a potential orientation of a smartphone in the device for the viewer&#39;s reference. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 1D , a top view of an embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1D , top portion  101  consists of two portions  108  and  109  separated by opening  103 . Portions  108  and  109  provide stability to prop up and secure the smartphone when inserted into opening  103 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 1E , a bottom view of an embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment shown, base portion apex  110  appears in the center of the drawing, followed by base portion  102 , grip rings  106 , top portions  108  and  109 , hourglass cutout elements  107 , and opening  103 . 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a top-front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment shown, top portion  201  contains an opening  202  designed to receive and secure a smartphone. Top portions  203  and  204  provide stability and prop up the smartphone when inserted into opening  202 . Opening  204  is lined with contact surface  205  that includes grip strips  206 .  FIG. 2  further shows lower portion  207  configured to fit into base opening  208 .  FIG. 2  also shows grip rings  209  fixably connected to base portion  210 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a bottom-front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment depicted, top-left portion  301  and top-right portion  302  provide stability and prop up the smartphone when inserted into opening  303 .  FIG. 3A  further shows contact surface  307  and side cut out elements  304 , which provide for more access to and visibility of the smartphone screen when inserted into opening  303 .  FIG. 3A  also shows substantially hollow lower portion  305 , inside of which are threaded elements  306 , suitable for threaded attachment to a bottle, by means of screwing it on. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , a front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment depicted, side cut out elements  304  can be better seen as features allowing more access to and visibility of the smartphone screen. Top-left portion  301  provides stability and props up the smartphone when inserted into opening  303 .  FIG. 3B  further shows a potential orientation of a smartphone in the device for the viewer&#39;s reference. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 3C , a right-side view of an alternative embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown.  FIG. 3C  shows a straight-on view of opening  303 , showing that in the embodiment depicted, the upper portion of opening  303  is substantially narrower than the lower portion of opening  303 .  FIG. 3C  further shows contact surface  307  that includes grip strips  308 .  FIG. 3C  also provides an alternate view of top-left portion  301  and top-right portion  302 , which provide stability and prop up the smartphone when inserted into opening  303 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 3D , a top-view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment depicted, top-left portion  301  and top-right portion  302  provide stability and prop up the smartphone when inserted into opening  303 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 3E , a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment shown, the threaded elements  306  located on the inside surface of substantially hollow portion  305  appear in the inmost concentric ring.  FIG. 3E  further shows top-left portion  301  and top-right portion  302 , which provide stability and prop up the smartphone when inserted into opening  303 , along with side cut out elements  304 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front view of an alternate embodiment of a bottle stopper is shown. In the embodiment shown, the bottle stopper contains a top portion  403  attached to conical base portion  401 . In other embodiments, the dimensions of top portion  403  and conical base portion  401  are adjusted, that is, the top portion is enlarged and the conical base portion is correspondingly reduced, or vice versa.  FIG. 4  further shows a charging plug-shaped element  404  configured to be inserted into the charging port of a smartphone, and grip rings  402 , fixably connected to base portion  401 , that create a seal between the bottle stopper and the bottle, and also to secure the bottle stopper within the bottle&#39;s opening. 
         [0042]    In the Summary of the Invention above and in the Detailed Description, and in the accompanying Drawings, reference is made to the particular features including method steps of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in the specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
         [0043]    While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.