FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present invention relates to support structures for a plurality of liquid containers, and more particularly but not solely to beverage display apparatuses for displaying multiple bottled beverages.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A wide range of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are commonly containerised in containers such as bottles or cans. The shape and dimensions of bottles and cans vary widely, as these parameters are often used to make containerised beverages visually distinctive.

[0003] Bottled and canned beverages are commonly packaged In a volume-efficient manner for storage and transport. For example, bottles and cans are often packaged in cardboard boxes from the factory. While box-based packaging of beverage containers may be space efficient, and the packaging may provide the potential for branding to be displayed on it, the beverage containers themselves are obscured from the consumer.

[0004] Yokes, such as a common six-pack yoke, may be used to provide space-efficient storage of bottles or cans, but allow for partial visibility of the containers themselves. While yokes may allow a consumer to see the containers, the format provided may have limited aesthetic value.

[0005] The limited aesthetic value of existing packaged beverage arrangements may limit their desirability or acceptability as gifts.

[0006] Containerised beverages are consumed in a wide variety of settings, from in the home to at bars, restaurants, and at events. In these settings, beverages may be displayed before they are consumed, for example to allow a consumer to select a desired beverage. At events, for example, it is common for beverages to be placed in an ice bucket to keep them chilled. In an ice bucket it may be hard to distinguish beverages from each other as different types of containers may be placed together in the same bucket, and the visibility of the containers may be limited by the ice in the bucket.

[0007] At events it is also common to display the range of beverages on offer in a line-up at the bar. While this may better visually present the containers, such a line-up may easily be haphazard and lacking in visual appeal. Once on display at the bar, the containers will also warm to room temperature, and this may lessen their visual appeal.

[0008] At bars or restaurants containerised beverages may be placed in clear-fronted fridges to provide visibility for the beverages but keep them chilled. However the stacked nature of storage in a fridge may provide only limited display of the beverage containers and may have limited aesthetic appeal.

[0009] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an improved support structure for containerised beverages which addresses or ameliorates one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0010] Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide an improved beverage display apparatus to display a plurality of beverages in a bouquet-like arrangement.

[0011] Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide an improved beverage display apparatus to support and display a plurality of beverages in interlocking tiers.

[0012] Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide an improved beverage display apparatus to support, display, and cool a plurality of beverages.

[0013] Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide an improved support structure for a plurality of beverages, the support structure configurable in both a storage arrangement for the storage and/or transportation of the beverages and a display arrangement for displaying the beverages.

[0014] Additionally or alternately, it may be an object of the disclosure to provide an improved kit of parts for a reconfigurable beverage storage and display apparatus.

SUMMARY

[0015] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a beverage display apparatus comprising: a first support tier and a second support tier, the first support tier having an array of openings through the first support tier and the second support tier having an array of cradles, the cradles defined in a periphery of the second support tier, and a support column upon which the support tiers are supportable in vertical separation, wherein, when supported on the support column: each opening of the array of openings of the first support tier is configured to support in a locally stable condition an inverted and peripherally inclined bottle having its neck received within the opening, and the apparatus is configured such that a body of a bottle supported by an opening of the array of openings of the first support tier aligns with a cradle of the second support tier.

[0016] The array of openings of the first support tier are arranged about a central opening of the first support tier, upon which the first support tier is supportable on the support column, and the first support tier has an upper surface and a lower surface between which each opening of the array of openings extend. [0017] Each opening of the array of openings of the first support tier has a major axis and a minor axis at one of the upper surface and lower surface of the first support tier, and respective notional extensions of the major axis of each opening converge towards the central opening of the first support tier.

[0018] Each opening of the array of openings of the first support tier have an oval shape at one of the upper surface and lower surface of the first support tier.

[0019] Each opening of the array of openings of the first support tier has a major axis and a minor axis at both of the upper surface and lower surface of the first support tier, and respective notional extensions of the major axis of each opening at both the upper and lower surfaces of the first support tier converge towards the central opening of the first support tier.

[0020] A peripheral portion of each opening at the upper surface of the first support tier is located more peripherally of the central opening than a corresponding peripheral portion of each opening at the lower surface of the first support tier.

[0021] A surface of the first support tier extending between the peripheral portion of each opening at the upper surface of the first support tier and the corresponding peripheral portion of each opening at the lower surface of the first support tier is peripherally inclined.

[0022] A proximal portion of each opening at the upper surface of the first support tier is located more peripherally of the central opening than a corresponding proximal portion of each opening at the lower surface of the first support tier.

[0023] A surface of the first support tier extending between the peripheral portion of each opening at the upper surface of the first support tier and the corresponding peripheral portion of each opening at the lower surface of the first support tier is peripherally inclined.

[0024] The apparatus is configured such that the body of a bottle supported by an opening of the array of openings of the first support tier is cradlingly engaged by a corresponding cradle of the second support tier.

[0025] When cradlingly engaged by a cradle of the second support tier, an inverted and peripherally inclined bottle having its neck received within an opening of the array of openings of the first support tier is secured by the cradle against pivotable movement away from its supported and locally stable condition within the opening.

[0026] When cradlingly engaged by a cradle of the second support tier, an inverted and peripherally inclined bottle having its neck received within an opening of the array of openings of the first support tier is removable from the apparatus only by a withdrawal of the bottle along an axis of the bottle.

[0027] When cradlingly engaged by a cradle of the second support tier, a portion of a head of an inverted and peripherally inclined bottle having its neck received within an opening of the array of openings of the first support tier engages with the support column. [0028] Each cradle of the array of cradles of the second support tier defines at least one relatively central portion having a first radius of curvature and peripherally thereof a pair of portions together defining a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is less than the second radius of curvature.

[0029] The apparatus comprises an array of openings through the second support tier, and each opening of the array of openings of the second support tier is configured to support in a locally stable condition an inverted and peripherally inclined bottle having its neck received therein.

[0030] The cradles of the array of cradles of the second support tier are each interposed between respective ones of the openings of the array of openings of the second support tier, such that bottles supported by the second support tier alternate, about a periphery of the apparatus, with bottles supported by the first support tier.

[0031] With bottles supported in each opening of the array of openings of each of the first support tier and each one or more second support tiers, the bottles are supported in successive vertically spaced and outwardly radiating tiers.

[0032] With bottles supported in each opening of the array of openings of each of the first support tier and each one or more second support tiers the apparatus presents the bottles in the appearance a bouquet.

[0033] The support column defines a liquid conduit through which liquid may be drawn from an inlet at a lower portion of the support column for dispensing from an outlet at relatively higher portion of the support column, wherein the outlet dispenses the liquid above supportable locations of bottles within the openings of the array of openings of the first support tier and/or second support tier(s).

[0034] The apparatus further comprises a liquid distribution element in fluid connection with the outlet of the liquid conduit of the support column, and the liquid distribution outlet comprises a plurality of radial flow channels, an outlet of each channel configured to dispense liquid in use over a bottle supported within an opening of a lower adjacent support tier of the apparatus.

[0035] The apparatus further comprises a pump provided inline in the support column, the pump operable to draw liquid from the inlet of the liquid conduit of the support column and pump it to the outlet of the same.

[0036] When supported on the support column, the support tiers are configured such that an opening of the first support tier circumferentially aligns with a cradle of the second support tier.

[0037] When supported on the support column, each opening of the first support tier circumferentially aligns with a cradle of the second support tier.

[0038] The first support tier also comprises a plurality of cradles located circumferentially between each opening and formed in the periphery of the support tier. [0039] The first and second support tiers are each supportable on the support column from a central portion, and the openings of the arrays of openings are each arrayed about the respective central portions.

[0040] When supported on the support column, one or both of the support tiers are rotatable about the support column.

[0041] The openings of the first support tier are located closer to the central portion of the first support tier than are the openings of the second support tier from a respective central portion of the second support tier.

[0042] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a display apparatus for a plurality of bottled beverages, the display apparatus comprising: a support column, and a plurality of support tiers including a first support tier and at least one second support tier, the support tiers each vertically spaced apart and supported by the support column, each support tier comprising an array of peripherally inclined openings each configured to receive a neck of and thereby support an inverted bottle, and each at least one second support tier comprising an array of cradles, each cradle interposed between respective openings of the array of openings and being formed in a periphery of the support tier, wherein in use an inverted bottle having its neck inserted into one of the openings of the first support tier engages with a corresponding cradle of the second support tier.

[0043] The number of openings in the array of openings of each at least one second support tier and the number of cradles in the array of cradles of each at least one second support tier are the same.

[0044] Vertically adjacent support tiers are configured such that an opening of the lower of the vertically adjacent support tiers vertically aligns with a cradle of the upper of the upper of the vertically adjacent support tier.

[0045] Each opening of the lower of the vertically adjacent support tiers circumferentially aligns with a cradle of the upper of the vertically adjacent support tier.

[0046] The first support tier also comprises a plurality of cradles located circumferentially between each opening and formed in the periphery of the support tier.

[0047] The openings of the first support tier are located closer to a centre of the first support tier than are the openings of the or each second support tier from a respective centre of the or each second support tier.

[0048] Each of the plurality of support tiers are identical.

[0049] Each of the plurality of support tiers have six openings and six cradles.

[0050] One or more of the support tiers is rotatably supported about the support column. [0051] The apparatus further comprises a base, and the support column is connected to the base.

[0052] The first support tier comprises the base.

[0053] The apparatus comprises a pair of second support tiers, and wherein in use when a plurality of bottles are received within the openings of each of the support tiers, the bottles are displayed in three distinct vertical layers, a respective vertical layer associated with each of the support tiers.

[0054] The apparatus is configured such that the bottles of each vertical layer nest with those of the or each adjacent vertical layer.

[0055] In use when bottles are retained within the openings of each of the support tiers, all but the bottles of an uppermost support tier are provided with three points of contact with the apparatus, the three points of contact being provided at a) the opening within which the bottle is received, b) a cradle of a vertically adjacent support tier, and c) the support column.

[0056] Each cradle of the array of cradles of each at least one second support tier defines a central portion having a first radius of curvature and peripherally thereof a pair of portions together defining a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is less than the second radius of curvature.

[0057] On each support tier, the openings are radially distributed about a centre of the support tier.

[0058] Each support tier of the plurality of support tiers defines an upper surface and a lower surface, and the openings are provided in the upper surface.

[0059] The openings of at least one support tier of the plurality of support tiers extend between the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0060] The openings of at least one support tier of the plurality of support tiers have an ovoid shape at both the upper surface and lower surface of the support tier, the ovoid shape defining both a major axis and a minor axis.

[0061] The major axis of each of the openings are oriented along the radial direction of each respective support tier.

[0062] One or more of the support tiers comprises a plurality of notches distributed about the perimeter of one or more of the openings of the support tier, the notches configured to receive respective portions of a muselet of a bottle.

[0063] The support column comprises a plurality of connectable sections, each section for spacing apart a respective pair of support tiers.

[0064] Each section of the support column comprises a pair of connected support elements.

[0065] Each support element is threadingly connectable to two other support elements. [0066] The support elements are each identical.

[0067] Each section of the support column comprises an array of notches, each configured to engage a closure portion of a bottle when the bottle is received within radially corresponding opening of an upwardly adjacent support tier.

[0068] The number of notches in the array of notches corresponds to the number of openings in each support tier.

[0069] The support column defines a liquid conduit, such that liquid may be drawn from an inlet at a bottom of the support column and dispensed from an outlet at the top of the support column.

[0070] The apparatus further comprises a liquid distribution element located above an uppermost one of the at least one second support tiers, the liquid distribution element supported by the support column and in fluid communication with the outlet thereof.

[0071] The liquid distribution element is configured to receive liquid from the outlet of the support column and dispense it over bottles to be retained in at each of the openings of a or the second support tier beneath it.

[0072] The apparatus further comprises a pump to pass liquid between the inlet and outlet of the support column.

[0073] The pump is provided as a section of the support column.

[0074] The pump is provided as a section of the support column in place of a pair of connected support elements of the support column.

[0075] When bottles are received within the openings of each of the support tiers, the beverage display apparatus displays the bottles in a tiered outwardly-radiating semi-spherical array.

[0076] When bottles are received within the openings of each of the support tiers, the beverage display apparatus displays the bottles in a bouquet.

[0077] When displayed in on the apparatus, each bottle received within the openings of the support tiers is substantially inverted.

[0078] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a kit of parts for a beverage display apparatus, the kit of parts comprising: a plurality of support tiers, each support tier comprising: an array of peripherally inclined openings each configured to receive a neck of and thereby support an inverted bottle, and an array of cradles, each cradle interposed between respective openings of the array of openings and being formed in the periphery of the support tier, and a plurality of support elements, wherein the support elements are connectable together to define a support column upon which each of the plurality of support tiers may, in vertical succession, be supported.

[0079] Each of the plurality of support tiers are identical.

[0080] Each of the support elements are identical.

[0081] The kit of parts further comprises a base, the base supporting the support column.

[0082] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a beverage display apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a base, a support column supportable on the base, and a first and second support tiers supportable on the column at spaced apart locations along a height of the column, wherein the first support tier and second support tier each comprise an array of peripherally inclined openings, each opening configured to receive a neck of and thereby support an inverted bottle, and the second support tier comprises an array of cradles, each cradle interposed between respective openings of the array of openings of the second support tier and being formed in the periphery of the second support tier, each cradle configured to engage with a body of an inverted bottle.

[0083] When a bottle is received by each of the openings of the first support tier and second support tier, displays the bottles in a bouquet form.

[0084] The first support tier comprises an array of cradles, each cradle interposed between respective openings of the array of openings of the first support tier and being formed in the periphery of the first support tier.

[0085] The first support tier and second support tier are identical.

[0086] The term "axis" as used in this specification means the axis of revolution about which a line or a plane may be revolved to form a symmetrical shape. For example, a line revolved around an axis of revolution will form a surface, while a plane revolved around an axis of revolution will form a solid.

[0087] As used herein the term “and/or" means “and" or “or", or both.

[0088] As used herein “(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

[0089] For the purpose of this specification and claims, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be chronologically ordered in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

[0090] The term “comprising" as used in the specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0091] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0092] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0093] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0095] Figure 1 A is a view of a beverage display apparatus.

[0096] Figure 1 B is a section view through the height of a beverage display apparatus.

[0097] Figure 2 is a side view of the beverage display apparatus of Figure 1 A.

[0098] Figure 3 is a view of a support tier for a beverage display apparatus.

[0099] Figure 4 is a view of a support tier for a beverage display apparatus.

[0100] Figure 5 is a view of a support column and base of a beverage display apparatus.

[0101] Figures 6A and 6B are respective lower and upper perspective views of a first connectable section of a support element.

[0102] Figure 6C and 6D are respective lower and upper perspective views of a second connectable section of a support element.

[0103] Figure 7 is a view of a handle component.

[0104] Figure 8 is a view of another configuration of a handle component.

[0105] Figure 9 is a view of a beverage display apparatus.

[0106] Figure 10 is a view of a beverage display apparatus.

[0107] Figure 11 A is an upper perspective view of a base for a beverage display apparatus.

[0108] Figure 11 B is an upper perspective view of the base of Figure 11 for use as a cooling liquid distributor for a beverage display apparatus. [0109] Figure 12 is a view of a beverage display apparatus in use displaying a plurality of beer bottles.

[0110] Figure 13 is a view of a beverage display apparatus in use displaying a plurality of beer bottles, where one opening of the first support tier of the apparatus is unoccupied.

[0111] Figure 14 is a view of a beverage display apparatus in use displaying a plurality of wine bottles.

[0112] Figure 15 is a view of a beverage display apparatus in use displaying a plurality of spirits bottles, with another spirits bottle supported within the handle of the apparatus.

[0113] Figure 16 is a view of a beverage display apparatus in use displaying a plurality of differently sized and shaped bottles.

[0114] Figure 17 is a view of three beverage display apparatuses, each configured in a storage state for storage of beverages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] The disclosure provides for various arrangements of a beverage display apparatus that can be used to display a plurality of beverages. More particularly, the disclosure provides for various arrangements of a beverage display apparatus that can be used to display a plurality of bottled beverages.

[0116] A beverage display apparatus may, in some examples, be operable in both a display state in which beverages can be displayed on it and a storage state, in which beverages are configured for storage or transportation.

[0117] A beverage support structure or beverage display apparatus may have a plurality of support tiers and a support column on which the tiers are able to be supported. In a display state, the support tiers are vertically spaced apart along the support column. At least one support tier includes an array of openings. The openings are each configured to receive a neck of an inverted bottle and support the bottle in its inverted state. When supported within an opening, a bottle may be inclined towards a periphery of the support tier. As the bottle is inverted, the peripheral inclination may locate a body of the bottle peripherally of the neck of the bottle.

[0118] When supported in an opening, in its inverted and peripherally inclined orientation, a bottle may be retained in a locally stable condition. The locally stable condition may allow for at least some amount of movement of the bottle around the opening to be returned to the locally stable location under the bottle's own weight.

[0119] The support tiers of a beverage display apparatus are supportable on the support column so that they are vertically separated from each other.

[0120] The openings of a support tier may be arranged as an array of openings. The array may be arranged about a central portion of the support tier, at which the support tier may be supported on the support column. In some examples, the array may be a circumferential array about the central portion. In some examples, at the central portion may include an opening, through which the support tier may be supported on a support column.

[0121] The openings of an array of openings are to be able to receive at least part of a neck of a bottle so as to be able to support the bottle. In some examples, the openings may be openings through a height the support tier. In other examples, the openings may be openings in the support tier, but not through the entire height of the support tier.

[0122] Bottles commonly have a neck region which enlarges towards a lower part of the body of the bottle. The openings are to be sized to so that the top of the bottle can be inserted into the opening, but the insertion of the bottle downwards into or through the opening is stopped at some point by interference between the enlarging neck of the bottle and the opening. Reference herein to the neck of a bottle may be understood to include any shoulder or other transition region between a top of the bottle and a body of the bottle.

[0123] While reference may be made to a bottle being inverted, it will be understood that inversion includes not only configurations where the bottom of a bottle is directly over the top of the bottle, but any other orientations where the bottom of a bottle is located higher than the top of the bottle.

[0124] When a bottle is inverted and its top inserted downwardly through the opening, the widening neck of the bottle will at some point prevent further passage of the bottle into the opening. The opening may be configured to support the bottle in an inverted by inclined position. The inclination of the bottle may be in a peripheral direction of the support tier.

[0125] Because of the inclination of the bottle, a centre of gravity of the bottle may be located away from the centre of the opening. Where this occurs, the weight of the bottle may provide stability to the bottle as it is supported by the opening, by holding in its supported position. The supported position may be a locally stable position.

[0126] One or more support tiers of a beverage display apparatus may include an array of cradles. The cradles may be arranged about a periphery of the support tier. The support tiers are to, in use, align with a body of a bottle which is supported in the opening of a lower support tier. More particularly, a cradle may engage a body of a bottle when the bottle is supported in an opening of a lower support tier.

[0127] By the engagement of a bottle with an opening of a first support tier and a cradle of a next higher second support tier, the bottle may be securely retained by the beverage display apparatus in its peripherally inclined position. The use of cradles of a relatively higher support tier to engage with the body of a bottle held in the opening of a relatively lower support tier may provide further stability to the bottle. Where a cradle engages with a bottle supported in an opening of a tier below it, the cradle may act to prevent movement of the bottle towards a centre of the support tier, away from its gravitationally retained position. The cradle may still however allow the removal of the bottle from the opening by movement of the bottle along the inclined axis of the supported bottle. Where the bottle is retained in an opening in a locally stable condition, the cradle of a higher adjacent support tier may act to limit movement of the bottle away from its locally stable condition.

[0128] In this configuration, the supporting of bottles within the openings of the relatively lower support tier can provide an interlocking of the tiers of the beverage display apparatus.

[0129] A support tier may have an upper surface and a lower surface. In at least some examples, the openings of an array of openings may extend between the upper and lower surfaces of a support tier.

[0130] In some examples of a beverage display apparatus, the extents of an opening of an array of openings of a support tier may be offset from each other at the upper surface and lower surface of the support tier. For example, relative to a central opening of a support tier, a peripheral portion of an opening at the upper surface of the support tier may be located peripherally of a corresponding peripheral portion of the opening at the lower surface of the support tier. Similarly, relative to a central opening of the support tier, a proximal portion of each opening at the upper surface of the first support tier may be located more peripherally of the central opening than a corresponding proximal portion of each opening at the lower surface of the first support tier.

[0131] Such an offset between peripheral and/or proximal portions at each of the upper and lower surfaces of an opening may orient the neck of a bottle when received within the opening so that the bottle is inclined from a fully inverted orientation. With the bottle inclined, the offsetting may define a locally stable position for the bottle to be supported at.

[0132] Between the respective peripheral and/or proximal portions at each of the upper and lower surfaces, the support tier may have an inclined surface. Where both the respective peripheral and proximal portions are offset from each other, an opening may be said to be inclined. With an inclined opening, an axis of the opening may be oriented non-perpendicularly to either or both of the upper surface and lower surface of the support tier. With an inclined opening, an axis of the opening may be inclined relative to a vertical direction.

[0133] The shapes of an opening at the upper and lower surfaces of a support tier may be the same. In other examples, the shapes of an opening at the upper and lower surfaces of a support tier may be different to each other.

[0134] In some examples, the openings at one or both of the upper and lower surfaces may be circular or substantially circular.

[0135] In other examples, the openings at one or both of the upper and lower surfaces may be non-circular, having a major axis and a minor axis of different dimensions. For example, the openings at one or both of the upper and lower surfaces may be diamond shaped. In other examples, the openings at one or both of the upper and lower surfaces may be oval in shape.

Where an opening at one or both of the upper and lower surfaces of a support tier have a non- equally dimensioned major axis and minor axis, the major axis may be oriented so that a notional extension of the major axis projects towards the central portion or central opening of the support tier. In some examples, a notional extension of the major axis of each opening of an array of openings may converge towards the central portion or central opening of a support tier.

[0136] In other examples of a beverage display apparatus, the peripheral and proximal extents of an opening of an array of openings of a support tier may be vertically aligned with each other. In such configurations, the opening may have a major axis and a minor axis at both of the upper and lower surfaces of the support tier. For example, at the upper and lower surfaces the openings may have a diamond or oval shape. The major axis ofan opening may be oriented so that a notional extension of the major axis extends towards or through the central portion or central opening of a support tier. Where multiple openings are configured in this manner, the major axes of the openings may each be oriented so that notional extensions therefrom converge towards the central portion or central opening. As previously described in relation to peripheral and/or proximal offsetting of the upper and lower extents of an opening, an opening with vertically aligned upper and lower extents but which has a major axis and a minor axis may also act to provide a locally stable position for an inverted bottle inserted into the opening. The locally stable position may be when the bottle leans towards an end of the major axis of the opening.

[0137] While in some arrangements an opening or openings may have vertically aligned peripheral and/or proximal extents, the use of offsetting therebetween may provide for an increased area of contact between the bottle and the support tier at the opening when a bottle is inserted into the opening. An increased amount of contact area may provide reduced contact pressure against the bottle. An increased amount of contact area may also provide additional stability to a bottle which is supported in the opening.

[0138] Regardless of whether the locally stable arrangement of a bottle within an opening is provided by peripherally/proximally offset extents of the openings and/or opening profiles at the upper and/or lower surfaces of the support tier that have both a major and minor axis, the resulting effect may generally be referred to as providing a peripherally inclined opening.

[0139] An example of a beverage display apparatus 100 is shown in Figure 1 A. As seen in Figure 1A, the beverage display apparatus 100 is assembled for use in displaying beverages.

[0140] The beverage display apparatus 100 has a first support tier 10 and second support tier 20. The support tiers 10 and 20 are supported on a support column 40.

[0141] The first support tier 10 has an array of openings 2 in it, and the second support tier 20 also has an array of openings 2 in it. In the example of Figure 1 A, the openings 2 each extend through their respective support tiers. Each of the support tiers 10 and 20 are supported on the support column about central portions of support tiers. Further detail of the configuration of the openings 2 is illustrated in the section view of Figure 1 B. [0142] Figure 1 B shows a section view through a height of an assembled beverage display apparatus 100. The beverage display apparatus 100 has a first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 supported on a support column 40. Illustrated in Figure 1 B are the upper surface 20a and lower surface 20b of the second support tier 20.

[0143] The openings 2 of the second support tier 20 are each peripherally inclined away from the central portion of the support tiers. The peripheral inclination is such that the openings slant peripherally of the support tier between their lower extent and their upper extent.

[0144] Figure 1 B illustrates the peripheral direction 103 and the proximal direction 104 of the opening 2a in relation to the central portion 4 of the second support tier 20. As seen in Figure 1 B, a peripheral portion 101 of the opening 2a at the upper surface 20a of the second support tier 20 is located peripherally of the corresponding peripheral portion 101 of the opening 2a and the lower surface 20b of the second support tier 20. Similarly, a proximal portion 102 of the opening 2a at the upper surface 20a of the second support tier 20 is located more peripherally of the corresponding proximal portion 102 of the opening 2a at the lower surface 20b of the second support tier.

[0145] As illustrated in Figure 1 B, the second support tier 20 defines inclined surfaces 105 and 106 at the respective peripheral portion 101 and proximal portion 102 of the opening 2a.

[0146] As illustrated in Figure 1 A and 1 B, the openings 2 are inclined relative to a vertical direction, so that a bottle held within the opening will also be inclined from a fully inverted condition. More particularly, the openings are peripherally inclined, so that bottles held within the openings may be similarly peripherally inclined.

[0147] The openings 2 may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical openings in or through a body of the support tiers. In such a case, the angle of inclination of the openings may be measured as an angle away from a perpendicular to the support tier in which the opening is directed.

[0148] The openings 2 may be inclined at a desired angle or number of different angles so as to one or both of a) correspond with one or both of the radial spacing of the openings from the support column, the radial spacing of the cradles from the support column, any inclination angle of the cradles, and the vertical separation of the support tiers, and b) to provide a particular tier or the assembly with a desired appearance. In some examples, the angle of inclination of the openings of each support tier may be the same. In other examples, the inclination of the openings of different sur support tiers may be different.

[0149] In one example, the angle of inclination of a bottle retained in an opening may be about 5 to about 45 degrees from vertical. In such an arrangement, an offset between an upper extent and lower extent of a peripheral and/or proximal portion of an opening may be correspondingly about 5 to about 45 degrees. [0150] In one example, the angle of inclination of a bottle retained in an opening may be about 10 to about 20 degrees from vertical. In such an arrangement, an offset between an upper extent and lower extent of a peripheral and/or proximal portion of an opening may be about 10 to about 20 degrees.

[0151] More particularly, in another example an offset between an upper extent and lower extent of a peripheral and/or proximal portion of an opening may be about 16 degrees. This arrangement may provide, depending on the arrangement of the bottle, an inclination of a bottle retained within the opening in use of about 16 degrees.

[0152] In some arrangements the inclination of a cradle of a support tier may correspond to the angle of inclination of an opening of an adjacent lower support tier.

[0153] The openings 2 may have circular profiles at one or both ofthe upper surface and/or lower surface of a support tier. In other examples, the openings may have non-circular profiles, for example at one or both surfaces an opening may have a profile with a major axis and a minor axis. A bottle's locally stable position may be when it is inclined towards one end of the major axis of an opening.

[0154] As seen in Figure 1 A, the first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 have the same number of openings in their respective arrays. As seen in Figure 1 A, both support tiers have an array of six openings 2.

[0155] In other examples, different support tiers of a beverage display apparatus may include different numbers of openings 2.

[0156] As seen in Figure 1 A, both the first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 include an array of cradles 3 about their periphery.

[0157] The support tiers 3 are for cradling the base of a bottle which is supported in the opening of an immediately lower support tier. A cradle may define one radius of curvature, for cradling a bottle with a corresponding diameter.

[0158] In other examples, for example as illustrated in Figure 1 A, a cradle 3 may define more than one radius of curvature, to allow the cradle to cradlingly engage with bottles of multiple different diameters. As seen in Figure 1 A, the cradles 3 each have first portions 3a which each have a first radius of curvature, and second portions 3b which have a second radius of curvature between them. The first portions 3a are located outside of the second portions 3b. The radius of curvature of the second portions 3b is less than that of the first portions 3a. Accordingly, the cradles 3 of the support tiers 10 and 20 of Figure 1 A are operable to cradle bottles of two different diameters. A bottle of a diameter with a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature of the second portions 3b will be cradled against the second portions 3b, while a relatively larger bottle having a diameter with a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature of the first portions 3a will be cradled against the first portions 3a. [0159] A cradle 3 may be provided with multiple sections each having different radiuses of curvature to facilitate cradling of differently sized bottles.

[0160] While they may not be engaged by the whole of the respective portions of a cradle 3, a bottle which has a radius of curvature between that of the first portions 3a and second portions 3b of Figure 1 A may nonetheless be engaged by at least a part of the surface of the cradle. Accordingly, in some arrangements some or all of the cradles 3 of a support tier may be provided with first portions 3a with a radius of curvature corresponding to a maximum desired size of bottle to be displayed, and second portions 3b with a radius of curvature corresponding to a minimum desired size of bottle to be displayed.

[0161] As illustrated in Figure 1 A, the cradles 3 of a support tier 10 or 20 may also be peripherally inclined. As seen in Figure 1 A, the cradles 3 are peripherally inclined so that they extend in a peripheral direction between a lower extent of the support tier and an upper extent of the support tier.

[0162] The spacing of support tiers along the support column, the inclination angles of the openings and the cradles, and the radial positions of the openings of successive support tiers may be arranged so that when a bottle is secured by its neck within an opening of a first relatively lower support tier a body of the bottle is engaged by a cradle of a second relatively higher support tier.

[0163] The configuration of these characteristics may be provided to suit the parameters of a particular bottle which is to be displayed by the beverage display apparatus.

[0164] In other examples, these dimensions of a beverage display apparatus may be configured to accommodate the median bottle dimensions of selected range of bottles.

[0165] In at least some examples, the angle of peripheral inclination of the cradles 3 of a given support tier is the same as the angle of peripheral inclination of the openings 2 of at least the support tier lower than it.

[0166] In other examples, the angle of peripheral inclination of the cradles 3 of each support tier is the same as the angle of peripheral inclination of the openings of that cradle.

[0167] In other examples, the angle of peripheral inclination of the cradles 3 of each support tier are the same as each other and also as that of each of the openings 2 of each cradle.

[0168] The inclination angles of different support tiers of our beverage display apparatus may either be the same as each other, or may be different to each other.

[0169] For example the inclination angles of the openings 2 of a first support tier 10 may be greater than the inclination angles of the openings 2 of a second support tier 20. In this arrangement, bottles held within the openings 2 of the first support tier 10 would be arranged at a lower angle towards the horizontal than would bottles held within the openings 2 of the second support tier 20. [0170] By the relative arrangement of the inclination angles of openings 2 of successive support tiers different desired visual effects may be provided by the displayed beverages.

[0171] While the inclination angles of the arrays of openings of successive support tiers may be either the same or different, in at least some configurations the cradles 3 of a given support tier are configured to engage with a bottle when it is supported in a corresponding opening 2 of an adjacent lower support tier. To this end, the inclination angle of the cradles 3 of the relatively higher support tier may match the inclination angle of the openings 2 of the relatively lower support tier.

[0172] As illustrated in Figure 1 A, the first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 have the same arrangements of openings 2 and cradles 3. The use of identical support tiers may simplify the manufacture and assembly of the display apparatus. It may also increase the customisability of the display apparatus, as it may more readily allow the addition of additional support tiers.

[0173] While the beverage display apparatus 100 illustrated in Figure 1 A has only a first support tier 10 and second support tier 20, in other examples a beverage display apparatus may have more than two support tiers.

[0174] The cradles 3 of a support tier may be located about the periphery of the support tier between respective openings 2. For example, as seen in Figure 1 A, the cradles 3 of each of the first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 are each located about the periphery of the support tiers and between each adjacent opening 2.

[0175] For the body of a bottle supported within an opening of a relatively lower support tier to be engaged by a cradle 3 of an adjacent relatively higher support tier, the openings 2 of adjacent support tiers may be offset from each other. For example, as seen in Figure 1 A the openings 2 of the first support tier 10 are circumferentially offset from the openings 2 of the second support tier 20. The offsetting is such that each of the openings 2 of the first support tier 10 are circumferentially aligned with a cradle 3 of the seconds support tier 20.

[0176] Successive support tiers may be able to be rotationally offset from each other when the support tiers are mounted to the support column. In some examples, one or more of the support tiers of a beverage display apparatus may be able to rotate about the support column, to allow a user to provide the desired rotational offset between successive support tiers.

[0177] Where a beverage display apparatus has three or more support tiers, the openings 2 and cradles 3 of each adjacent support tier may be offset from each other.

[0178] As illustrated in Figure 1 A, the support tiers 10 and 20 of the beverage display apparatus 100 each have respective arrays of six openings 2 and six cradles 3. A beverage display apparatus may however be arranged according to the disclosure having a greater or lesser number of openings and cradles.

[0179] As illustrated in Figure 1 A, the beverage display apparatus 100 includes a base 50.

A base such as the base 50 shown in Figure 1 A may be utilised to allow the display apparatus 100 to be free standing. In other examples, the support column 40 may be configured to directly mount to some other structure, such as to a table surface, for use of the beverage display apparatus.

[0180] Figure 2 is a side view of the beverage display apparatus 100 of Figure 1 A, with a bottle 81 shown supported by the display apparatus. A neck 91 of the inverted bottle 81 is received within the opening 2 and supported by the first support tier 10. Part of a body 92 of the bottle 81 engages with a circumferentially aligned cradle 3 of the second support tier 20.

[0181] As seen in Figure 2, a support column 40 may include one or more notches 43 formed in it for engaging with a head of a bottle, for example the head 94 of the bottle 81 . By engaging the head of a bottle against a support column, a third location of contact with the apparatus along the length of the bottle may be established. This may provide increased stability to bottles which are supported by the apparatus.

[0182] Where a support column 40 includes notches 43 formed in it, the number and arrangement of the notches about the support column may be the same as the number and arrangement of the array of openings 2 of the next support tier above a given set of notches 43.

[0183] As seen in Figure 2, the notches 43 may have a curved surface to correspond to the curved profile of the head of a bottle.

[0184] While illustrated in Figures 1 A and 2 as being identical, in other configurations one or more of the support tiers of a beverage display apparatus may be different from the other. For example, the first support tier 10 of a display apparatus, being the lowest support tier, may not include cradles 3 about its periphery. Because the cradles 3 of a support tier engage in use with bottles supported by an adjacent lower tier, the cradles of a first support tier 10 may be unnecessary.

[0185] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a support tier 10 for a beverage display apparatus. As seen in Figure 3, the openings 2 of the support tier are all inclined outwardly away from the central portion 4 of the support tier 10. Accordingly, the side of the support tier 10 illustrated in Figure 3 is to be in use the upper side of support tier 10.

[0186] As seen in Figure 3, at the central portion 4 the support tier 10 has an opening 4a for use in mounting the support tier 10 to a support column 40.

[0187] Also illustrated in Figure 3 are the respective pairs of portions 3a and 3b of the cradles 3, with their different radiuses of curvature for engaging with the bodies of differently sized bottles.

[0188] The openings 2 in a support tier may include one or more grooves in the periphery of the openings. Such grooves may be provided to accommodate features on or around the neck of a bottle. For example, as seen in Figure 3, each of the openings 2 have four grooves 5 formed in the periphery of each opening. As seen in Figure 3, the grooves are distributed evenly about the periphery of the opening. In such a configuration, the grooves may accommodate the supporting wires of a four-wired muselet of a bottle.

[0189] The presence of the grooves 5 may allow the accommodation of features on the neck of a bottle which do not conform to a circular profile. However because the grooves 5 do not increase the supported diameter of the openings, such non-conforming features may be accommodated without compromising the support provided to the remainder of the neck of a bottle.

[0190] The top view of Figure 4 shows a support tier 10 with its array of peripherally inclined openings 2 and cradles 3 about the opening 4a in the central portion 4.

[0191] The support column 40 for a beverage display apparatus may be provided in any arrangement suitable to support the two or more support tiers in the desired vertical separation. Figure 5 shows one arrangement of a support column 40 for a beverage display apparatus. As seen in Figure 5, the support column 40 is supported by a base 50. The support column 40 defines mounting locations 44 and 45 for a first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 respectively. The support column 40 includes two support elements 41 . The vertical separation between the mounting locations 44 and 45 are determined by the height of the upper support element 41. Similarly, the spacing of the mounting location 44 for the first support tier 10 above the base 50 is also determined by the height of the lower support element 41 .

[0192] By the use of repeating support elements 41 a support column 40 of the desired dimensions and desired number of tiers may be constructed. This configuration may aid in providing a modular and customisable display apparatus.

[0193] In some configurations, a support column 40 and the support elements 41 may be assembled from one or more repeating parts. For example, Figures 6A and 6B show views of a first connectable section 42a, and Figures 6C and 6D a second connectable section 42b, from which a support column may be constructed. Each of the first connectable sections 42a have a female thread at each end, while each of the second connectable sections 42b have a male thread at each end.

[0194] As seen in Figures 6C and 6D, the second connectable section 42b has a nonthreaded collar 42b-1 and a flange 42b-2 away from one threaded end. The end of the second connectable section 42b is able to be inserted through the central opening 4 of a support tier. When a first connectable section 42a is threaded onto the second connectable section 42b down to the height of the collar 42b-1 , the flange 42b-2 and the flange 42a-1 together limit the movement of the support tier. Depending on the orientation of the support tier, one of the flanges 42b-2 42a-1 will vertically support the support tier in use.

[0195] As seen in Figures 6A-6D, the collar 42b-1 is round, and allows the rotation of the support tier about the support column. In other examples, the collar 42b-1 and central opening 4 of a corresponding tier may have other non-circular shapes to allow for connection at different rotational positions but to prevent free rotation of the support tier relative to the support column.

[0196] While illustrated in Figures 6A-D as having threaded connections between them, a support column that is to be assembled from one or more repeating may have the parts connected together by other methods, such as for example by a press-fit, a snap-fit, or by gluing.

[0197] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two different handles 51 and 52 for a beverage display apparatus. A handle may be provided at the top of a beverage display apparatus to aid a user in carrying the apparatus.

[0198] As seen in Figure 5, the support column 40 is assembled from two support elements 41 and one additional connectable section 42a. The handles components 51 and 52 of Figures 7 and 8 each include a male threaded end, so that they may be connected to a female threaded part of the support column such as the connectable section 42a shown in Figure 5.

[0199] In addition to providing a lifting point for a user to carry the apparatus, a handle may itself be configured to support one or more bottles or other accessories. For example, the handle 52 of Figure 8 has a central opening 53 into which the neck of a fully inverted bottle may be inserted and retained. At peripheral portions of the handle 52 two supports 54 for accessories are provided. In the example of Figure 8, the supports 54 may in use receive and stemmed glasses.

[0200] A handle such as the handle 52 of Figure 8 may include one or more internally stepped portions. These internally stepped portions may each successively extend inwardly within the opening 53 of the handle, at successively greater depths within the opening. The internal steps may act to support the top of a bottle when it is inserted into the opening, and the use of a range of steps at different depths within the opening may allow bottles with different upper neck diameters and neck lengths to be supported against the stepped portions.

[0201 ] Figure 9 is a view of another beverage display apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 includes a first support tier 10 and second support tier 20 which are supported by the support column 40. The handle 52 is attached to the top of the support column, and a base 70 is connected to the lower end of the support column 40.

[0202] Some arrangements of a beverage display apparatus may be able to be configured in either a display state or a storage state. Figure 1 A and Figure 9 are both examples of a beverage display apparatus in a display state, where inverted bottles can be inserted into and supported by the openings of each tier.

[0203] In the storage state, the bottles may be arranged more compactly than in the display state.

[0204] The apparatus 100 of Figure 9 illustrates a beverage display apparatus which may be reconfigurable to storage state. [0205] The base 70 of the apparatus 100 of Figure 9 includes an array of receptacles 71 formed in it, in number corresponding to the array of openings 3 of the first support tier 10. When beverages are to be stored or transported using the apparatus 100, the support column 40 may be disassembled to remove the support tiers 10 and 20 from it. A base of one or more upright bottles may then be placed into the receptacles 71 of the base 70. Because of alignment between the array of openings 3 and the receptacles 71, a support tier may be replaced on the support column and the tops of the bottle or bottles inserted upwardly through its openings 3.

[0206] Where necessary to accommodate the size of a bottle, the height of the support column and its defined tier heights may be adjusted by inserting or removing one or more connectable sections 42a or 42b.

[0207] Where the apparatus is to be used in a stored state, bottles may be supported atop one or more of the support tiers, in addition to between a base and the first support tier as previously described.

[0208] The apparatus 100 of Figure 9 has support tiers 10 and 20 that include rim portions 7 located about the periphery of the tiers and projecting upwardly from the body of the support tiers. When bottles are placed on top of the openings 2 of a support tier, these rim portions may act to prevent peripherally outwards movement of the bottle. In combination with placement of the next higher support tier over the tops of the bottles, so the tops of the bottles extend into or through its openings 3, the bottles may be securely retained for transport.

[0209] Figure 17 shows a first and second beverage display apparatuses 100a and 100b. Each of the apparatuses are configured in their storage mode. The apparatus 100b has a base 70 as previously described having receptacles 71, and a plurality of bottles 81 are received one within each of the recesses. The first support tier 10 of the second apparatus 100b has then been located over the tops of the bottles 81, so that they extend into the openings 2 of the support tier 10. In this stored state, the handle 51 at the top of the support column 40 may be used to carry the apparatus and beverages.

[0210] The beverage display apparatus 100a utilises a support tier 30 as a base. The support tier 30 includes the rim portions 7 in association with each opening 2. A plurality of bottles 82 are set on the base tier 30 and are restrained laterally at their bases by each other and the rim portions 7. The support column 40 has been reconfigured so that the first support tier 10 can be passed down over the tops of the bottles 82 and secured at that height. The tops of the bottles 82 extend into the openings 2 of the first support tier 10.

[0211] With both the first beverage display apparatus 100a and second beverage display apparatus 100b in Figure 17, the respective second support tiers 20 are stored on the support columns on top of the first support tiers 10. The second support tiers 20 are rotationally offset from the first support tiers 10, and so cover part of the upper side of the openings 2 of the first support tiers 10. This acts to restrict movement of bottles 81 and 82 upwards.

[0212] A beverage display apparatus that is configurable in both a display state and a storage state may be provided from a manufacturer to the user with bottles stored in the beverage display apparatus in its storage state. The user may then rearrange the apparatus into its display state in order to display the bottles on it.

[0213] While in some configurations a separate base, such as the base 50 illustrated in Figure 1 A or the base 70 illustrated in Figure 9, may be used as part of the apparatus 100, in other configurations a support tier may be utilised as a base for the apparatus.

[0214] Figure 10 shows another beverage display apparatus 100 that includes a base 50. As seen in the lower perspective view of Figure 10, the base 50 is attached to the support column 40 using a second of the handles 51. The threaded end of the handle 50 has been inserted through an opening in the base 50 and threaded together with the lowermost connectable section of the support column 40. Such an arrangement may reduce the number of different parts used to assemble a beverage display apparatus.

[0215] In addition to displaying beverages in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement, in some situations it may be desirable to ensure that the beverages remain chilled while they are on display. To this end, configurations of a beverage display apparatus may be provided which are able to circulate cooling water over the beverages.

[0216] Cooling water may be drawn from an inlet then distributed over the supported beverages. For example, the support column 40 of a beverage display apparatus 100 may include a water flow path through its height. An example of a liquid conduit or flow path 60 between an inlet 60a and an outlet 60b is illustrated in the section view of Figure 1 B.

[0217] As seen in Figures 6A-6D, the connectable sections 42a and 42b may have a hollow bore so that the assembled support column 40 also has a hollow bore. As seen for example in the lower perspective view of Figure 10, flow path may therefore be provided between an opening in the lower handle 51a and an opening in the upper handle 51 b through the support column 40.

[0218] In use, the beverage display apparatus 100 may be placed In a bucket of cooling water or cooling water may otherwise be plumbed to the bottom of the apparatus. Where cooling water is plumbed to the apparatus, an external pump may be used to pump the water the height of the support column 40 to be distributed over the bottles. In other configurations however, a pump may be provided within the support column 40. For example, a pump may be provided inline with the support column, replacing one or more of the connectable sections 42a or 42b.

[0219] Once cooling water has been pumped to the top of the support column 40 it is to be distributed over the bottles displayed by the apparatus to cool them. Figure 11 A shows a view of the base 50, as also seen in combination with the beverage display apparatuses 100 of Figures 1 , 2, 5 and 10. While the base 50 can be used in the orientation seen in Figure 11 A as a base for the apparatus, the same component may be utilised when inverted as a cooling water distributor 57. An inverted view of the base 50 for use as a cooling water distributor 57 is shown in Figure 11 B. From its central opening 58, water pumped through the support column 40 is directed to flow through the radial channels 59 formed in the cooling water distributor 57. The number of channels 59 are to correspond to the number of openings 3 in the uppermost support tier. The radius of the cooling water distributor 57 is configured so that the ends of the cooling water channels 59 are to be located over the bottles supported in the openings of the uppermost support tier.

[0220] By this arrangement, a supply of cooling water may be passed over the bottles displayed on the display apparatus to maintain them in a chilled state.

[0221] The distribution of cooling water over the bottles may additionally act as an aesthetic feature adding to the visual appeal of the display of beverages.

[0222] The use of the beverage display apparatus may provide for the arrangement of a plurality of bottles as in a bouquet. The bottles supported in the openings of each support tier radiate outwards, and the bottles of each adjacent support tier are circumferentially staggered from each other.

[0223] An example of a beverage display apparatus 100 supporting a plurality of bottles 81 at two support tiers 10 and 20 is shown in Figure 12. As seen in Figure 12, the bottles 81 are all of the same type.

[0224] Figure 13 shows another example of a plurality of bottles 82 supported in two tiers. The beverage display apparatus 100 has three support tiers 10, 20, and 30. The support column 40 has been extended relative to the support column 40 of, for example, the apparatus shown in Figure 1 A, in order to accommodate the third support tier 30. In the configuration of Figure 13, a support tier is utilised as the base 50 for the support column.

[0225] In the arrangement of Figure 13 one opening 2 of the first support tier 10 remains unoccupied. Because the apparatus includes a third support tier 30, all the displayed bottles are engaged both at an opening 2 and by a cradle 3. Because of the presence of the third support tier 30, a third layer of bottles could be loaded into the openings 3 of the third support tier 30.

[0226] A beverage display apparatus with any desired number of levels of displayed beverages may be configured according to the same methods.

[0227] While Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the display of beer bottles 81 and 82 on the beverage display apparatus 100, Figure 14 shows the apparatus used to display a plurality of wine bottles 83. In the configuration of Figure 14 the apparatus has two support tiers 10 and 20 for displaying bottles, while a third support tier 30 is used as the base of the apparatus. [0228] Figure 15 illustrates the use of a beverage display apparatus 100 to display a plurality of another type of bottles 84. The apparatus 100 of Figure 15 includes the handle 52, and a large spirits bottle 85 is shown inserted into and supported within the opening 53 in the handle.

[0229] Figure 16 shows a beverage display apparatus 100 with three support tiers 10, 20, and 30. An arrangement of differently sized bottles 81 -87 are visible supported by the openings 2 of the first support tier 10 and second support tier 20. The cradles 3 of the third support tier 30 engage with the bodies of bottles supported in the openings 2 of the second support tier 20.

[0230] A fourth support tier is used as a base 50 for the apparatus. The arrangement of Figure 16 illustrates how a beverage display apparatus with identical support tiers, having identical arrays of openings 2 and cradles 3, may be used to simultaneously display a variety of differently sized and shaped bottles.

[0231] The beverage display apparatus may be provided as a kit of parts, either partly assembled into a storage state to store bottles, or unassembled. The kit of parts can then be assembled by a user to support bottles on it for display. Such a kit of parts may include, for example, a plurality of support tiers, each with an array of openings and an array of peripheral cradles interspaced therebetween, and a plurality of support elements. The support elements are connectable together to make a support column, on which each of the support tiers can be supported. The kit of parts may include a separate base, or a support tier may be used as a base for the apparatus.

[0232] In some arrangements, two or more of the support tiers of a beverage display apparatus may have the same configuration of their array of openings and cradles.

[0233] In other examples, each of the support tiers of a beverage display apparatus may be identical.

[0234] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0235] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the preferred embodiments should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, and also the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being comprised in the present disclosure. [0236] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.