BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Priority

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/691,332 filed June 28, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for making and using a wine rack.

Description of Related Art

[0003] People collect bottles of many kind. Often these bottles are very expensive. Often the user desires to display and safely secure and house the bottle. Consumers often use wine racks to display their wine. The existing wine racks, however, are cumbersome, consist of many parts, and do not function as desired. Consequently, there is a need for a better wine rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment;

[0006] Fig. 2 is a top view of a blank in one embodiment;

[0007] Fig. 3 depicts a rack with multiple levels of shelves in one embodiment;

[0008] Fig. 4 depicts a double-sided shelf in one embodiment;

[0009] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a vertical rack in one embodiment;

[0010] Fig. 6 is a top view of a blank in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Several embodiments of Applicant’s invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rack in one embodiment having a single shelf. As shown, the rack 101 has one shelf with three longitudinal rails 104, and two voids 105. Thus, the rack 101 has a capacity for two bottles. As used herein, a shelf refers to an item which houses one or more bottles in approximately the same vertical plane. In some embodiments the rack will comprise only a single shelf whereas in other embodiments the rack 100 will comprise two or more shelves vertically stacked.

[0013] The racks 101 can comprise virtually any material. In one embodiment the racks comprise metal, such as steel or aluminum. In other embodiments, however, the racks 101 can comprise plastic, wood, rubber, and combinations thereof.

[0014] As depicted, a wine bottle 101 is placed and stored in the rack 100. This is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Other types of bottles including liquor, beer, soft drinks, etc. can also be safely and securely stored in the rack 100.

[0015] As can be seen, in one embodiment the bottle has a larger diameter on its base 102 than its neck 103.

[0016] As depicted, the rack 100 comprises two ends. As shown, the rack comprises an upper end 119 and a lower end 120. As depicted, the upper end 119 is used to support the neck 103, whereas the lower end 120 is used to support the base 102. Thus, in the embodiment depicted, the bottles all have the same orientation with the necks 103 on the right side and the base on the left side. Note, however, that this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments, adjacent bottles can have dissimilar orientations.

[0017] As shown the rack 100 comprises a mount 106. The mount 106 is used to mount the shelf or rack to a support structure such as a wall. The mount 106 can be mounted to a vertical plane such as a wall, or as discussed in more detail below, the mount 106 can be mounted into a horizontal plane such as a horizontal bar or ledge.

[0018] The mount 106 can be coupled to the support via any method or device known in the art. These include, but are not limited to, screws, nails, bolts, etc. In one embodiment the mount 106 comprises at least one mount hole 110 through which a coupling device, such as a screw or the like, can be inserted.

[0019] The mount 106 has two ends. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the first end of the mount 106 is coupled to at least two longitudinal rails 104. As depicted the first end of the mount 106 is coupled to three longitudinal rails 104. In the embodiment depicted, the second end of the mount 106 is not attached to longitudinal rails 104 but instead comprises mount holes 110.

[0020] The longitudinal rails 104 extend from the mount 106 at an angle 108. The angle 108 can comprise virtually any angle. In one embodiment the angle 108 is less than 90 degrees. As can be seen in Figure 1, this allows the bottle to be stored and displayed at an angle. One benefit of this is it allows any air bubbles, or entrapped air, to make their way to the upper end of the longitudinal rail - either in the neck 103 or somewhere along an elevated portion of the bottle.

[0021] The longitudinal rails 104 are coupled to the mount at an upper end and extend toward a lower end. The lower end, which has a lower elevation compared to the upper end, comprises a lip 107. As shown, the lip 107 provides a place on which the bottle 101 can rest. The lip 107 provides a force which counteracts the weight of the bottle and supports the bottle.

[0022] In one embodiment the lip 107 is angled relative to the longitudinal rails. The lip 107 can be angled at virtually any angle, but in one embodiment it is angled approximately 90 degrees.

[0023] The lip 107 can have virtually any shape. As depicted the lip 107 curves upward toward the bottle, but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

[0024] Between adjacent longitudinal rails 104 is a void 105. In one embodiment the void 105 is shaped to mimic a bottle. Thus, as depicted, the void 105 will have one end with a wider width to accommodate the base and another end with a more narrow width to accommodate the neck. As depicted the width of the void at the lower end is greater to accommodate the base and the width of the void at the upper end is more narrow to accommodate the neck. Having a void which mimics the shape of the bottle helps support and position the bottle in the desired orientation. As such, a void which mimics the shape of the bottle offers superior control and security of the bottle.

[0025] As noted, in some embodiments the voids 105 are uniformly oriented, as depicted in Figure 1. In other embodiments, however, the voids are dissimilarly oriented. As an example, one void will orient the bottle with the neck 103 facing upward, whereas an adjacent void will orient the bottle with the base 102 facing upward. In such an embodiment the lip 107 will engage the neck 103 of the bottle rather than base 102 as depicted in Figure 1.

[0026] In one embodiment the void 105 comprises a length which is substantially similar to the length of the bottle 100. Thus, in one embodiment, the entire length of the bottle 101 is within a void 105. This allows the curvature of the bottle 101 to extend into the void, further increasing the amount of support offered by the rack 100.

[0027] In one embodiment the void extends into the lip 107. Specifically, in one embodiment, the lip 107 comprises a vertical void 117. A vertical void 117 is a portion in which there is a void, or absence of material. This allows the curvature of the base 102 to extend into the void 117, 105.

[0028] As depicted, the mount 106 can be secured to a vertical plane such as a wall, door, or the like. A mounting device, such as screws, bolts, etc. can be inserted through the mount holes 110. The installation is simple and allows for the display and support of bottles.

[0029] Figure 2 is a top view of a blank in one embodiment. In one embodiment each shelf of the rack 101 is integrally made from a single sheet. Thus, rather than the mount 106, for example, having to be separately coupled to the longitudinal rails 104, as an example, the mount 106 and the longitudinal rails 104 and the lip 107 are integrally made. Because the components of the shelf and/or rack 101 are integrally made, this results in several advantages. First is ease of assembly. Second, is increased structural integrity.

[0030] As seen in the figure the mount 106, the longitudinal rails 104, the lip 107, and the void 105 are in substantially the same plane. This is a benefit for a host of reasons. First in some embodiments the rack is shipped in a planar, pre-bent orientation. Because the entire shelf and/or rack, are flat and in the same plane, the volume required for shipping is reduced. Several racks 101 or shelves can be stacked atop one another and occupy very little space. Thus, the shipping costs are significantly reduced compared to a rack wherein the ends are not in the same plane. In other embodiments, however, the rack is bent prior to shipping. Such embodiments are advantageous in some embodiments because the user need not bend the rack once received. Note that in some embodiments this stackability advantage is achieved even after the shelves or racks have been bent.

[0031] An additional benefit is that because the various components are in the same plane, and because they are integrally made, one or more racks can be made from a single sheet of material. In one embodiment a plurality of racks and or shelves are made from a single sheet of material.

[0032] In one embodiment, and as depicted, the blank comprises two bend lines. The first bend line is the mount bend line 121. This line is the line at which the mount 106 should be bent. In one embodiment the bend line 121 comprises a score line, or other demarcation, to indicate the location of the bend. In still other embodiments, the ends do not comprise a bend line 121. Instead, this is simply where the mount 106 is bent relative to the longitudinal rails 104. Likewise, in some embodiments the rack further comprises a lip bend line 109. In other embodiments there is no lip bend line 109, but instead this is where the lip 107 is bent relative to the longitudinal rails 104.

[0033] If a user, either an end user, or a commercial fabricator, receives the unassembled rack, the user decides which angle at which the mount 106 should be bent. The user then bends the mount 106 at the bend line 121. The user can also bend the lip at the bend line 109. Thereafter, the user installs the mount 106 in the desired location on a surface suing the mount holes 110. The same process is repeated for the base end 105.

[0034] As can be appreciated, because the components are integrally made, the number of components is significantly decreased. In the example shown in Figure 2, there is a single piece, not including the coupling device, such as screws. This is a significant improvement over prior art wine racks which require a multitude of pieces which must be properly assembled. With such complicated equipment, often a minor component is missing making installation difficult or impossible. Further, with increased complexity, the likelihood of a mistake during installation is increased. Likewise, an increased number of parts increases the likelihood that one or more parts was incorrectly manufactured, increasing the likelihood that the part could fail. Thus, having a two-component wine rack decreases the chance that a part could be missing or fail.

[0035] The blanks can be manufactured via any method or device known in the art. They can be die cut from the sheet, stamp cut, or laser cut. Regardless of the method, the shelves or racks are cut into the sheet and then subsequently removed. As can be appreciated, by maximizing the number of shelves which can be created by a sheet of material the amount of wasted material is minimized, which reduces waste, reduces costs, and maximizes profits. Further, for the reasons discussed above, the product quality is actually increased compared to prior art wine racks.

[0036] While Figures 1 and 2 show a rack with a single shelf, in other embodiments a rack comprises two or more rows of vertically stacked shelves. Figure 3 depicts a rack with multiple levels of shelves in one embodiment. Having additional shelves increases the capacity of the rack 100. Whereas the rack 101 in Figure 2 had a capacity for four bottles, the rack 101 in Figure 3 has six levels of shelves, each with a capacity of 24 bottles. Thus, the rack depicted in Figure 3 has a capacity for 144 bottles. The number of shelves and the number of bottles on each shelf can be varied depending upon the desired capacity.

[0037] Turning to Figure 4, Figure 4 depicts a double-sided shelf in one embodiment. Figure 3 also depicts the double-sided shelves, but Figure 4 shows a better view of both sides. As used herein, a double-sided shelf refers to a shelf which comprises sets longitudinal rails which extend outwardly from opposing sides of the mount. As can be seen the mount 106 is in the middle. The first end of the mount 106 is coupled to a first set of longitudinal rails 104. The second end of the mount 106 is coupled to a second set of opposing longitudinal rails 118. The opposing longitudinal rails 118 are referred to as opposing because they extend and point in the opposite direction than the longitudinal racks 104.

[0038] The opposing longitudinal rails 118 can act and operate the same as the longitudinal rails 104. In one embodiment the second side is a mirror image of the first side. In one embodiment the second side of opposing longitudinal rails 118 comprises a lip 107 and void 105, and functions like the opposing rails 104.

[0039] In one embodiment the double-sided shelf is made from a single integrally made sheet. Like a single- sided shelf, the double- sided shelf can be initially planar when it is cut. Thereafter, both ends of the lips 107 are bent and the longitudinal 104 and opposing longitudinal rails 118 can be bent relative to the mount 108 at an angle 108. The angle 108 can vary, but in one embodiment it is less than 90 degrees. In one embodiment it is less than 45 degrees. In one embodiment both the longitudinal rails 104 and the opposing longitudinal rails are bent at the same relative angle 108.

[0040] In one embodiment the longitudinal 104 and opposing longitudinal rails 118 comprise the same width, length, and or shape. In one embodiment for every longitudinal rail 104 there is a corresponding opposing longitudinal rail 118, but in other embodiments the ratio is not 1: 1.

[0041] Once a double-sided shelf has been created, it can be coupled with a support to form a rack. As noted, in one embodiment the mount 106 is substantially flat and is coupled to a substantially planar and flat support, such as a rod, shelf, etc. The mount 106 has mount holes 110 which allow the mount 106 to be secured. As shown in Figure 3, a plurality of double-sided shelves can be vertically stacked. As depicted, each shelf is coupled to a horizontal support member. The support members are supported by vertical posts 111. The posts 111 are supported by feet 112. The posts 111 and feet 112 can be altered or varied as necessary to provide the necessary support.

[0042] The size and dimension of the racks 101 can be varied depending upon the desired application. The racks 101 can comprise a single level and have a height of between 80-150 mm. Or, the racks 101 can comprise four levels and have a height of between about 400-600 mm. In still other embodiments, the racks 101 can comprise eight levels and have a height between 800- 1200 mm.

[0043] The width of the racks 101, as measured as the distance between ends can vary depending upon application. If more capacity is needed then 12 or more voids 105 can be placed adjacent to one another.

[0044] The depth of the racks 101, as measured between the mount 106 and the lip 107, or the distance between lips 107 if a double-sided shelf is used can vary. In one embodiment the depth is sufficient to accommodate a standard wine bottle on each side.

[0045] Turning to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a vertical rack in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the bottle is stored in a vertical orientation. The mount 106 is in the middle and sandwiched between a base support 115 at a first end and a neck support 113 at a second end. As depicted the base support 115 is elevated vertically relative to the lower neck support 113. This allows the tapering shoulder of the bottle 101 to come to rest against the neck support 113.

[0046] As shown, the neck support 113 comprises a neck void 114. As depicted, the neck void 114 is a circular void which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the neck 103 but less than the base 102. In this way, as the bottle transitions from the narrow diameter of the neck to the wider diameter of the base, at some point the diameter of the bottle will be greater than the diameter of the neck void 114. The larger diameter will prevent the bottle from penetrating the void 114 any further, and the bottle 101 will be supported from the neck support.

[0047] While the embodiment depicted shows a completely closed void, in other embodiments the void is partially open. A closed void is one which is fully enclosed whereas an open void is one which has external openings. The C-shaped base void 116 is a partially open void. Thus, in some embodiments the neck void 114 is completely closed, as illustrated, and in other embodiments the neck void 114 is partially open. Similarly, the base void 116 is sometimes completely closed while in other embodiments the base void 116 is partially open, as illustrated.

[0048] As noted, the bottle rests upon the neck support 113. The base support 115 helps orient the bottle and keep it in its desired location and orientation.

[0049] In one embodiment the vertical rack is made from a single integrally made piece. Figure. 6 is a top view of a blank in one embodiment. As before, the vertical rack can be cut, stamped, etc. to create the blank. Thereafter, the base support 115 can be bent downward and the neck support 113 can be bent upward relative to the mount 106.

[0050] As with the other racks, the number of openings to house bottles can be adjusted to the desired capacity. Thus, while a rack housing two bottles has been illustrated, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.

[0051] As noted, storing the bottle either at an angle or vertically provides an opportunity for the air-bubbles to escape and be located at a desired location, such as the neck, bottom of bottle, etc. Another benefit of the system disclosed herein is the ability to safety secure and display the bottle. Often collectors have a bottle of wine, for example, and they want to safety display the bottle. The racks disclosed herein provide an opportunity to display the wine bottle but do so securely. Often wine racks allow the bottle to undesirable roll around where the bottle can become damaged. The system disclosed herein, however, keeps the bottle safe and in a secure position.

[0052] As discussed, another advantage, in certain embodiments, is the reduced number of pieces to assemble the rack. In some embodiments the rack, or the shelf, is made from a single sheet. Thus there are fewer parts and pieces to assemble.

[0053] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention.

Clause 1. A rack comprising:

at least one shelf comprising:

at least two longitudinal rails each comprising an upper end and a lower end, wherein said upper end is coupled to a mount;

wherein said longitudinal rails are separated by a void, and wherein said longitudinal rails are coupled to a lip at a lower end;

wherein said longitudinal rails are angled relative to said mount at an angle less than 90 degrees.

Clause 2. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said void mimics the shape of a bottle such that the void at said second end is wider than said void adjacent to said first end.

Clause 3. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said lip comprises a

vertical void.

Clause 4. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim comprising three longitudinal rails and two voids. Clause 5. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said lip is curved, and wherein said lip is angled approximately perpendicular to said at least two longitudinal rails, and wherein said lip couples two adjacent longitudinal rails.

Clause 6. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said longitudinal rails are angled relative to said mount such that said lower end comprises a lower elevation than said upper end.

Clause 7. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said shelf is integrally made.

Clause 8. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said mount further

comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is coupled to said at least two longitudinal rails, and wherein said second end is coupled to at least two opposing longitudinal rails, wherein said at least two opposing longitudinal rails each comprising an upper end and a lower end, wherein said upper end is coupled to said second end of said mount, and wherein said opposing longitudinal rails are separated by a void, and wherein said opposing longitudinal rails are coupled to a lip at a lower end; wherein said to said opposing longitudinal rails at angled relative to said mount at an angle less than 90 degrees. Clause 9. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said at least two longitudinal rails and said at least two opposing longitudinal rails extend in opposite directions.

Clause 10. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein mount is elevated relative to the lower end of said at least two longitudinal rails and the lower end of said at least two opposing longitudinal rails.

Clause 11. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said mount is

substantially planar and substantially horizontal, and wherein said mount is coupled to a support.

Clause 12. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim comprising two vertically

separated shelves.

Clause 13. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim comprising vertical posts.

Clause 14. A rack comprising:

a neck support comprising a neck void, wherein said neck support is coupled to a first end of a mount;

a base support comprising a base void, wherein said base support is coupled to a second end of said mount;

wherein said base support and neck support are angled relative to said mount. Clause 15. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said base support and said neck support are approximately parallel, and wherein said base support is approximately perpendicular to said mount.

Clause 16. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said neck void comprises a completely closed void.

Clause 17. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said base void comprises a partially open void.

Clause 18. The rack of any proceeding or preceding claim wherein said base support is elevated vertically relative to said neck support.