BOTTLE CARRIER

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to a carrying apparatus and, more particularly, to a carrier for bottles.

BACKGROUND

Bottles such as wine bottles, whiskey bottles, and other types of alcohol are commonly transported and/or carried in cardboard boxes. These boxes may have cardboard divider walls to separate the bottles. However, the divider walls are typically thin and may not adequately protect the bottles. As such, the bottles still occasionally impact each other, which can result in the bottles breaking. Further, these cardboard boxes are typically awkward to handle and carry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example bottle carrier including an example bag that is zipped closed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the example bottle carrier of FIG. 1 with the example bag unzipped and exposing an example divider assembly in the example bag.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example divider assembly of the example bottle carrier of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 shows four example bottles used with the example divider assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example base plate of the example divider assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example first divider plate of the example divider assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example second divider plate of the example divider assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the example divider assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 shows an example divider assembly having additional divider plates that can be implemented in the example bottle carrier of FIG. 1.

In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. Although the figures show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, blended, and/or irregular.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are example bottle carriers or bottle caddies that can be used to carry and/or transport one or more bottles, such as glass bottles of alcoholic beverages such as wine bottles, whiskey bottles, etc. The example bottle carriers disclosed herein include a bag made of a fabric and a divider assembly removably disposed in an interior of the bag. The bag may have one or more handles that can be grasped by a person and used to carry the bottle carrier. The divider assembly includes one or more divider plates that divide the interior of the bag into individual compartments or sections for holding bottles. This ensures the bottles remain separated from each other and do not bump or crash into each other while carrying the bottle carrier. In some examples, the divider plates are constructed of a flexible or compliant material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or foam. This softer material helps to absorb impacts and pressure from the bottles as the bottles may move around during transport, thereby ensuring the bottles do not impact each other and break. Therefore, the example bottle carriers ensure safe handling of the bottles. The example divider assemblies disclosed herein are also configured to be quickly assembled or disassembled in an uncomplicated manner. The divider assembly can be assembled when it is desired to use the bottle carrier or can be disassembled for reduced space during storage.

In some examples, the divider assembly includes a base plate and two divider plates. The base plate is to be disposed in the bottom of the interior of the bag and forms a base for the bottles to sit on, which protects the bottom of the bottles when the bottle carrier is set down. The divider plates are coupled to and extend vertically upward from the base plate. The divider plates are arranged perpendicular to each other, such that the divider plates divide the interior of the bag into four compartments or areas that can hold individual bottles (but in other examples can include additional divider plates to divide the interior into more than four compartments or areas). In some examples, the base plate and the divider plates are coupled to each other via an interlocking friction fit design. For example, the base plate may have two slots that intersect and form a cross or X-shape. Each of the divider plates has a tab along the bottom of the divider plate. The divider plates are arranged perpendicular to each other and the tabs are inserted into the slots in the base plate, which holds the divider plates vertically relative to the base plate. Further, each of the divider plates has an elongated vertical slot. The divider plates are arranged perpendicular to each other such that a portion of each of the plates is disposed in the slot of the other divider plate. This interlocking configuration ensures the divider plates remain coupled to and perpendicular to each other. The plates can be assembled and inserted into the bag when it's desired to use the bag. Conversely, when the bottle carrier is not being used, the plates can be disassembled and stacked for storage (e.g., to reduce space).

While the example bottle carriers disclosed herein are described in connection with carrying bottles of liquids, it should be understood that the example bottle carriers can be used to carry any type of object such as tools, electronics, food, toys, etc. Thus, the example bottle carriers disclosed herein are not limited to carrying bottles.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example bottle carrier 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings herein. The bottle carrier 100 can also be referred to as a bottle caddy. The bottle carrier 100 can be used to carry one or more bottles or containers. For example, the bottle carrier 100 can be used to carrier bottles of alcoholic beverages or liquor such as wine bottles, whiskey bottles, beer bottles, etc.

In the illustrated example, the bottle carrier 100 includes an example bag 102. The bag 102 encloses or encases the one or more bottles, as shown in further detail herein. In the illustrated example, the bag 102 is generally cuboid or rectangular shape. For example, the bag 102 has a bottom 104, four sides 106, 108, 110, 112, and a top 114. However, in other examples, the bag 102 can be shaped differently. In some examples, the bag 102 is constructed of flexible material. For example, the bag can be constructed of one or more pieces of fabric (e.g., polyester, nylon, denim, etc.). The pieces of fabric can be sewn or stitched together to form the overall shape of the bag 102. In some examples, an upper portion 113 of the bag 102 is constructed of a first type of material and a lower portion 115 of the bag 102 is constructed of a second type of material, which may be more rigid or sturdy than the upper portion 113.

In the illustrated example, the bag 102 has a zipper 116 along two of the sides 106, 108 and the top 114 of the upper portion 113. In FIG. 1, the zipper 116 is closed such that the interior of the bag 102 is substantially closed or protected. However, in other examples, other types of closing devices can be used such as button snaps, magnetic strips, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), etc. In the illustrated example, the bag 102 has two handles 118, 120 coupled (e.g., sewn) to two of the sides 110, 112. The handles 118, 120 can be grasped/gripped by a person and used to carry the bag 102. In some examples, the handles 118, 120 are constructed of fabric, which may be the same as or different than the fabric of the sides 104-114.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the bag 102 with the zipper 116 opened. The two sides of the bag 102 can be partially opened or folded back. The bag 102 defines an interior 200. In the illustrated example, the bag 102 is shown as having four example bottles in the interior 200. However, in other examples, the bag 102 can be used to carry more or fewer bottles.

The example bottle carrier 100 includes an example divider assembly 202. In the illustrated example, the divider assembly 202 is disposed in the interior 200 of the bag 102. The example divider assembly 202 is used to divide or segment the interior 200 of the bag 102 into multiple compartments or areas to receive individual bottles. Each compartment is formed partially by the divider assembly 202 and partially by the interior of the bag 102. In the illustrated example, the example divider assembly 202 divides the interior 200 into four compartments for the four bottles. However, in other examples, the divider assembly 202 can be configured to divide the interior 200 into more or fewer compartments. The divider assembly 202 also acts to physically separate the bottles and protect the bottles from crashing into each other, which may otherwise cause the bottles to break. In some examples, the divider assembly 202 is removably disposed in the bag 102. For example, the divider assembly 202 can be removed from the bag 102 for cleaning and/or storage when the bottle carrier 100 is not being used.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the example divider assembly 202 in an assembled state and removed from the bag 102 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the illustrated example, the divider assembly 202 includes an example base plate 300, an example first divider plate 302, and an example second divider plate 304. The plates 300, 302, 304 may also be referred to as a walls. The base plate 300 is to be disposed in a bottom of the interior 200 (FIG. 2) of the bag 102 (FIG. 2). The first and second divider plates 302, 304 and coupled to the base plate 300 and to each other. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second divider plates 302, 304 extend perpendicular (e.g., upward, vertical) from the base plate 300. As such, the first and second divider plates 302, 304 are arranged generally vertically relative to the base plate 300. The first and second divider plates 302, 304 are also perpendicular to each other. As such, the divider plates 302, 304 form four separate compartments for holding bottles, such as shown in FIG. 4. The base plate 300 protects the bottoms of the bottles from hard impacts when setting the bottle carrier 100 down or accidentally dropping the bottle carrier. Further, the divider plates 302, 304 protect the bottles from moving laterally and crashing into each other.

In some examples, the plates 300-304 are constructed of a resilient (e.g., flexible) or compliant material. For example, the plates 300, 302, 304 may be constructed of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. EVA is sufficiently rigid to maintain its shape but also relatively soft to absorb impacts by the bottles. EVA is also light weight and relatively inexpensive. Further, EVA can be die cut, which has relatively low (e.g., minimal) tooling costs. In other examples, the plates 300, 302, 304 may be constructed of other materials such as rubber and/or foam and can be die cut or molded. For example, the plates 300, 302, 304 can be constructed of an open-cell form or a closed cell foam such as reticulated foam, polyurethane foam, open cell rubber, and/or any other suitable type of foam material.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base plate 300. The base plate 300 has a top side 500, a bottom side 502, and a peripheral edge 504. In this example, the base plate 300 has a generally square shaped cross-section with rounded edges. The base plate 300 has a length A, a width B, and a thickness C. In some examples, the length A and the width B are the same, such that the base plate 300 is generally square-shaped with rounded corners. The base plate 300 is sized to fit in and substantially fill the bottom of the interior 200 (FIG. 2) of the bag 102 (FIG. 2). The base plate 300 has a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the bag 102 (FIGS. 1 and 2), which, in this example, is square-shaped. However, in other examples, one of the length A and/or the width B can be longer or shorter such that the base plate 300 is generally rectangular shaped or can be shaped differently (e.g., circular shaped).

In the illustrated example, the base plate 300 has a first slot 506 and a second slot 508. The slots 506, 508 are used to receive tabs on the first and second divider plates 302, 304, disclosed in further detail herein. In the illustrated example, the first and second slots 506, 508 intersect each other in the center of the base plate 300. In this example, the first and second slots 506, 508 are perpendicular (e.g.,) 90° to each other. As such, the slots 506, 508 form a cross or X-shaped slot in the center of the base plate 300. However, in other examples, the slots 506, 508 may intersect each other at other angles (e.g., a 30° angle), may not intersect each other, and/or may be disposed in other locations. In the illustrated example, the slots 506, 508 extend through the base plate 300 from the top side 500 to the bottom side 502. However, in other examples, the slots 506, 508 may extend only partially into the top side 500. In the illustrated example, the first slot 506 has a length D1 and a width E1, and the second slot 508 has a length D2 and a width E2. In some examples, the lengths D1, D2 are the same and widths E1, E2 are the same.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first divider plate 302. The first divider plate 302 has a first side 600, a second side 602 opposite the first side 600, and an edge between the first and second sides 600, 602. The edge has one or more edge portions including a first edge 604, a second edge 606, a top edge 608, and a bottom edge 610. The corners between the first and second edges 604, 606 and the top edge 608 are curved or rounded, but in other examples can form sharper corners. The first divider plate 302 has a width F1 and a thickness G1.

In the illustrated example, the first divider plate 302 has a first vertical slot 612 that extends through the first divider plate 302 between the first and second sides 604, 606. The first vertical slot 612 extends from the bottom edge 610 toward the top edge 608. In this example, the first vertical slot 612 extends about halfway to the top edge 608, but in other examples can extend different amounts. The first vertical slot 612 is used to receive a portion of the second divider plate 304 for interlocking the first and second divider plates 302, 304. The first vertical slot 612 has a width H1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first divider plate 302 has a first extension or tab 614 along the bottom edge 610. The first tab 614 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the first slot 506 (FIG. 5) of the base plate 300. The first tab 614 has a height I1 and a length J1. The first tab 614 has the same thickness G1 as the rest of the first divider plate 302. In the illustrated example, the first vertical slot 612 extends through the first tab 614.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the second divider plate 304. The second divider plate 304 is shaped similar to the first divider plate 302 has a first side 700, a second side 702 opposite the first side 700, a first edge 704, a second edge 706, a top edge 708, and a bottom edge 710. The second divider plate 304 has a width F2 and a thickness G2.

The second divider plate 304 has a second vertical slot 712 that extends through the second divider plate 304 between the first and second sides 700, 702. However, unlike the first divider plate 302, the second vertical slot 712 extends from the top edge 708 toward the bottom edge 710. In this example, the second vertical slot 712 extends about halfway to the bottom edge 710, but in other examples can extend different amounts. The second vertical slot 712 is used to receive a portion of the first divider plate 302 for interlocking the first and second divider plates 302, 304. The second vertical slot 712 has a width H2.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second divider plate 304 has an extension or tab 714 along the bottom edge 710. The tab 714 is sized and shaped to be inserted into the second slot 508 (FIG. 5) of the base plate 300. The second tab 714 has a height I2 and a length J2. The second tab 712 has the same thickness G2 as the rest of the second divider plate 304.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the divider assembly 202. To assemble the divider assembly 202, the second divider plate 302 is arranged vertically above the base plate 300 and then moved toward (e.g., downward) the base plate 300 (or vice versa) such that second tab 714 on the second divider plate 304 is inserted into the second slot 508 in the base plate 300. This interface between the second tab 714 and the second slot 508 creates a friction fit that holds the second divider plate 302 vertically relative to the base plate 300 and, thus, in a vertical orientation in the interior 200 (FIG. 2) of the bag 102 (FIG. 2). Then, the first divider plate 302 is arranged vertically above the second divider plate 302 and perpendicular to the second divider plate 304. The first divider plate 302 is moved toward (e.g., downward) the second divider plate 304 (or vice versa) such that the first divider plate 302 moves into the second vertical slot 712 of the second divider plate 304 and the second divider plate 304 moves into the first vertical slot 612 of the first divider plate 302. As such, a portion of the first divider plate 302 is disposed in the second vertical slot 712 of the second divider plate 304 and a portion of the second divider plate 304 is disposed in the first divider plate 302 of the first divider plate 302. This interaction interlocks the first and second divider plates 302, 304 in the perpendicular configuration. In some examples, the vertical slots 612, 712 (FIGS. 6 and 7) are sized (in vertical length) such that when the first and second divider plates 302, 304 are fit together, the top edges of the first and second divider plates 302, 304 are aligned or substantially aligned (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). The first divider plate 302 is moved downward until the first tab 614 is moved into the first slot 506 in the base plate 300. This interface between the tabs 614, 714 holds the divider plates 302, 304 vertically relative to the base plate 300 and, thus, in a vertical orientation in the interior 200 (FIG. 2) of the bag 102 (FIG. 2). In other examples, the first and second divider plates 302, 304 can be arranged together first, and then the tabs 614, 714 can be inserted into the slots 506, 508 simultaneously.

As disclosed above, the first and second divider plates 302, 304 have widths F1, F2 (labeled in FIGS. 6 and 7). The widths F1, F2 may correspond to (e.g., be the same as or slightly less than) the interior dimensions of the bag 102 (FIGS. 1 and 2), such that the divider plates 302, 304 extend substantially between the sides 106-112. In some examples, the widths F1, F2 of the divider plates 302, 304 are the same as or less than the length A and width B (labeled in FIG. 5) of the base plate 300, such that the divider plates 302, 304 do not extend beyond the peripheral edge 504 of the base plate 300, as shown in FIG. 3.

In some examples, the width E1 (labeled in FIG. 5) of the first slot 506 in the base plate 300 is slightly less (e.g., by 5%) than the thickness G1 (labeled in FIG. 6) of the first tab 614 on the first divider plate 302. For example, the width E1 of the first slot 506 may be 1.0 centimeter (cm) and the thickness G1 of the first tab 614 may be 0.95 cm. Therefore, when the first tab 614 is inserted into the first slot 506, the first tab 614 is slightly compressed or squeezed into the first slot 506, which forms or creates an interference fit (sometimes referred to as a friction fit) between the base plate 300 and the first divider plate 302. This provides a relative tight fit or grip to hold the first divider plate 302 perpendicular (e.g., vertical) relative to the base plate 300. However, in other examples, the width E1 and the thickness G1 may be the same size. Similarly, the width E2 of the second slot 508 may be smaller than or the same as the thickness G2 (labeled in FIG. 7) of the second tab 714 on the second divider plate 304.

In some examples, the length D1 (labeled in FIG. 5) of the first slot 506 is less than the length J1 of the first tab 614 (labeled in FIG. 6), which causes the first tab 614 to slightly compress in the lengthwise direction. However, in other examples, the length D1 of the first slot 506 may be the same as or greater than the length J1 of the first tab 614. Similarly, the length D2 (labeled in FIG. 5) of the second slot 508 may be less than, equal to, or greater than the length J2 (labeled in FIG. 7) of the second tab 714.

In some examples, the thickness C (labeled in FIG. 5) of the base plate 300 is greater than the thicknesses G1, G2 (labeled in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the divider plates 302, 304. In some examples, the thickness C of the base plate 300 is double the size of the thicknesses G1, G2. This enables greater surface contact and grip, in the vertical direction, between the tabs 614, 714 and the inner surfaces of the slots 506, 508 to hold the divider plates 302, 304. In some examples, the heights I1, I2 (labeled in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the tabs 614, 714 are equal to or less than the thickness C of the base plate 300, such that the tabs 614, 714 extend sufficiently far into the slots 506, 508, but do not extend beyond the bottom side 502 (FIG. 5) of the base plate 500.

In some examples, the widths H1, H2 (labeled in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the vertical slots 612, 712 are the same as or greater than then corresponding thicknesses G1, G2 (labeled in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the first and second divider plates 302, 304. This enables the first and second divider plates 302, 304 to be easily fit (e.g., slid) together during assembly. However, in other examples, the widths H1, H2 of the vertical slots 612, 712 may be less than the corresponding thicknesses G1, G2 of the first and second divider plates 302, 304 to create additional holding friction or grip between the first and second divider plates 302, 304.

In some examples, the bottle carrier 100 is sold and/or otherwise provided with the divider assembly 202 disassembled. For example, the plates 300, 302, 304 may be stacked parallel to each other to reduce space for shipping. In some examples, the plates 300, 302, 304 are stacked inside the bag 102. Then, a user can assemble and insert the divider assembly 202 into the bag 102 when it is desired to use the bottle carrier 100. Further, this easy assembly/disassembly enables a user to disassemble the divider assembly 202 for storage when the bottle carrier 100 is not being used.

While in the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-8 the divider assembly 202 forms four compartments within the bag 102 for storing bottles, in other examples, the divider assembly can be configured to form more or fewer compartments in the bag 102. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a divider assembly 900 having a base plate 902 and three divider plates 904, 906, 908 arranged to form six compartments. The plates 904, 906, 908 can be arranged with tabs and slots similar to the design shown in FIGS. 5-8. In other example, a divider assembly can have more divider plates that can be arranged to provide even more compartments inside of the bag 102. In some examples, the divider assembly 900 can have compartments of different dimensions. For example, the plates 906, 908 may be positioned relative to each other such that a compartment between the plates 906, 908 has a greater volume than a compartment between the plate 908 and an end of the divider assembly 900. The divider assembly 900 can accommodate bottles or other items of different dimensions.

“Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and/or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and/or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, e.g., the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term “above” describes the relationship of two parts relative to Earth. A first part is above a second part, if the second part has at least one part between Earth and the first part. Likewise, as used herein, a first part is “below” a second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As noted above, a first part can be above or below a second part with one or more of: other parts therebetween, without other parts therebetween, with the first and second parts touching, or without the first and second parts being in direct contact with one another.

As used in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in any way on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part, indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween.

As used herein, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) may include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and/or relative movement between those elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and/or in fixed relation to each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and/or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and/or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e.g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects/values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and/or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of +/−10% unless otherwise specified herein.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example bottle carriers with divider assemblies have been disclosed herein that enable the safe and easy transport of objects, such as glass bottles. The example divider assemblies can be quickly assembled for use and/or disassembled for storage.

The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference. Although certain example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.