Wine Bottle

Abstract

A bottle which may be placed on a shelf or suspended from a fixture comprising an open-ended hollow body, first and second opposite axial ends, where the first axial end forms a bottom of the bottle and the second axial end forms a top of the bottle. The top of the bottle includes a tapered pouring neck. Suspension means is formed with the hollow body for suspending the wine bottle in a fixture. The suspension means is integrated with at least contralateral sidewalls of the hollow body and disposed superjacent to the bottom of the bottle but generally proximate to the bottom of the bottle. The suspension means may include a pair of annular recesses, a recessed annular ring or a protruding annular ring.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of prior application Ser. No. 12/575,429 filed on Oct. 7, 2009, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§120 and 121, and hereby incorporates that application by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to co-pending design applications Ser. No. 29/342342 filed on Aug. 23, 2009 which issued as U.S. D617,643 on Jun. 15, 2010 and Ser. No. 29/343,520 filed on Sep. 14, 2009 which issued as U.S. D614,035 on Apr. 20, 2010, both to the instant inventor and a common assignee; application Ser. Nos. 29/342,342 and 29/343,520 are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

RELEVANT FIELD

This application is directed generally toward bottles and more specifically toward wine bottles with integral means for suspension and shelf support.

BACKGROUND

Retail display space is at a premium when different vendors of bottled products attempt to gain the attention of a consumer. Typically, vendors with established brand names gain the most optimum display positions within retail establishments thus rendering lesser known brands to display positions which are less likely to catch the eye of an uninformed consumer. Uninformed consumers tend to select brands which are well known over lesser known brands, even though consumer may enjoy a lesser known brand over the well known brand. This situation is particularly true in the wine business, as shelf space in retail establishments is limited, the number of vendors is large and packaging of the wine is generally uniform in shape and volume. In order to effectively compete with well known brands from less than optimum shelf positions, vendors of lesser known brands attempt to catch the eye of an uninformed consumer with fanciful labels and aggressive pricing, even though their products may be superior to those marketed by the well known vendors. In other aspects, a considerable amount of available retail space goes unused due to limitations in the ability to separately display bottled products which lack traditional shelf space. This limitation also impacts the ability to perform cross merchandising of bottled products with complementary food groups. Accordingly, there is a need in the relevant art to provide a mechanism which provides more marketing equality between well known and lesser known bottled products.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of a bottle which may be placed on a shelf or suspended from a fixture are described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a bottle is provided having an open-ended hollow body, first and second opposite axial ends, where the first axial end forms a bottom of the bottle and the second axial end forms a top of the bottle. In various exemplary embodiments, the top of the bottle includes a tapered pouring neck. Suspension means is formed with the hollow body for suspending the wine bottle in a fixture. The suspension means is integrated with at least contralateral sidewalls of the hollow body and disposed superjacent to the bottom of the bottle but generally proximate to the bottom of the bottle. In various exemplary embodiments, the suspension means may include a pair of recesses, a recessed annular ring or a protruding annular ring.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bottle is a wine bottle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the recesses include an ovoid shape having a long dimension aligned in a plane which generally parallels the bottom of the bottle.

In various exemplary embodiments, the recessed annular ring or the protruding annular ring are aligned in a plane which generally parallels the bottom of the bottle.

In an exemplary embodiment, a nominal cross-sectional diameter of the hollow body in its entirety varies less than thirty (30) percent inclusive of the suspension means.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bottle is a wine bottle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension means is annularly disposed at least two (2) percent of a longitudinal dimension extending from the first axial end toward the second axial end of the bottle.

In an exemplary embodiment, the suspension means is axially disposed at least five (5) millimeters in a longitudinal dimension extending from the first axial end toward the second axial end of the bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the inventive embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the inventive embodiments as is defined by the claims.

FIG. 1—depicts a frontal view of a bottle with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1A—depicts a cross-sectional view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2—depicts another frontal view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A—depicts another cross-sectional view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3—depicts another frontal view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A—depicts another frontal view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3B—depicts a cross-sectional view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3C—depicts another longitudinal cross-sectional view of a bottle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 4—depicts a fixture arrangement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments of a shelf or fixture mountable bottle is disclosed herein. In the following exemplary description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventive embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present inventive embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present inventive embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a frontal view of a bottle 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, a claret style bottle 100 includes an elongated hollow body 160 having first and second opposing axial ends 105, 110. The first axial end forms a bottom 105 of the bottle 100 and the second axial end 110 includes a tapered pouring neck 150 which forms a top 110 of the bottle 100 from which the contents of the bottle is dispensed through an opening included therein. A first exemplary embodiment of a suspension means 115 is formed with the hollow body 160 for suspending the bottle 100 in a fixture 400 (FIG. 4).

In this exemplary embodiment, the suspension means 115 is configured as a recessed annular ring 115, recessed relative to an outer circumferential surface of the hollow body 160. The recessed annular ring 115 is disposed generally proximate to the bottom of the bottle 105. To provide sufficient structural integrity and stability when supported by the fixture 400 (FIG. 4), the recessed annular ring 115 is disposed at least five (5) millimeters 120 above the bottom of the bottle 105. As bottle dimensions may vary due to manufacturing differences and/or for marketing preferences, positioning of the recessed annular ring 115 may be disposed at least two (2) percent 120 of the total longitudinal dimension 125 above the bottom of the bottle 105. The recessed annular ring 115 is formed during manufacture of the bottle 100 and is therefore integral with the overall bottle's construction.

As is depicted in the cross-section view of the bottle 100 of FIG. 1A, the recessed annular ring 115 is integral with the sidewalls of the hollow body 160, disposed superjacent to the bottom of the bottle 100 and axially aligned in a plane which generally parallels the bottom of the bottle 105. In an exemplary embodiment, the thicknesses 140, 145 of the sidewalls of the hollow body 160 are generally uniform throughout the hollow body 160 inclusive of the section of the hollow body 160 with the integral recessed annular ring 115. The nominal cross-sectional dimension 130 of the hollow body 160 varies less than thirty (30) percent inclusive of the cross sectional diameter 135 of the recessed annular ring 115. For a typical 750 milliliter bottle, the nominal cross-sectional diameter 130 is about 78 millimeters and the minimum cross-sectional diameter of the recessed annular ring 115 is about 68 millimeters.

Typically, the bottle 100 is constructed of glass, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the bottle 100 may also be constructed from polymeric materials using common manufacturing methods known in the relevant art as well. Construction of the bottle 100 may be formed by any method known in the relevant art. For example, construction of the bottle 100 may be cast using molds into which molten glass is introduced. Longitudinal half bottle sections may then be fused together to form the completed bottle 100. The claret style bottle 100 may be used for a variety of products, particularly wine.

Referring to FIG. 2, a frontal view of a bottle 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiments depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, another claret style bottle 200 includes an elongated hollow body 260 having first and second opposing axial ends 205, 210. Analogous to the discussion above, the first axial end forms a bottom 205 of the bottle 200 and the second axial end 210 includes a tapered pouring neck 250 which forms a top of the bottle 200 from which the contents of the bottle is dispensed through an opening included therein. A second exemplary embodiment of the suspension means 215 is formed with the hollow body 260 for suspending the bottle 200 in a fixture 400 (FIG. 4).

In this exemplary embodiment, the suspension means 215 is configured as a protruding annular ring 215 relative to an outer circumferential surface of the hollow body 260. The protruding annular ring 215 is disposed generally proximate to the bottom of the bottle 205. To provide sufficient structural integrity and stability within the fixture 400 (FIG. 4), the protruding annular ring 215 is disposed at least five (5) millimeters 220 above the bottom of the bottle 205. As bottle dimensions may vary due to manufacturing differences and/or for marketing preferences, positioning of the protruding annular ring 215 may be disposed at least two (2) percent 220 of the total longitudinal dimension 225 above the bottom of the bottle 205. The protruding annular ring 215 is formed during manufacture of the bottle 200 and is therefore integral with the overall bottle's construction.

As is depicted in the longitudinal cross-section of the bottle 200 of FIG. 2A, the protruding annular ring 215 is integral with the sidewalls of the hollow body 260, disposed superjacent to the bottom of the bottle 200 and is axially aligned in a plane which generally parallels the bottom 205 of the bottle 200. The thicknesses 240, 245 of the sidewalls of the hollow body 260 are generally uniform throughout the hollow body 260 inclusive of the section of the hollow body 260 with the integral protruding annular ring 215. The nominal cross-sectional dimension 230 of the hollow body 260 varies less than thirty (30) percent inclusive of the cross sectional diameter 235 of the protruding annular ring 215. For a typical 750 milliliter bottle, the nominal cross-sectional diameter 230 is about 78 millimeters and the maximum cross-sectional diameter of the protruding annular ring 215 is about 88 millimeters.

As discussed above, the bottle 200 is typically constructed of glass, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the bottle 200 may also be constructed from polymeric materials using common manufacturing methods known in the relevant art as well. Construction of the bottle 200 may be formed by any method known in the relevant art. For example, construction of the bottle 200 may be cast using molds in which molten glass is poured. Longitudinal half bottle sections may then be fused together to form the completed bottle 200. The claret style bottle 200 may be used for a variety of products, particularly wine.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, first and second frontal views of a bottle 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, a burgundy style bottle 300 includes an elongated hollow body 360 having first and second opposing axial ends 305, 310. Analogous to the discussion provided above, the first axial end forms a bottom 305 of the bottle 300 and the second axial end 310 includes a tapered pouring neck 350 which forms a top of the bottle 300 from which the contents of the bottle is dispensed through an opening included therein. A third exemplary embodiment of the suspension means 315, 315′ is formed with the hollow body 360 for suspending the bottle 300 in a fixture 400 (FIG. 4).

In this exemplary embodiment, the suspension means 315 is configured as contralateral recesses 315, 315′ integral with opposing sidewalls of the hollow body 360. The contralateral recesses 315, 315′ are disposed generally proximate to the bottom 305 of the bottle 300. As previously discussed, to provide sufficient structural integrity and stability within the fixture 400 (FIG. 4), the contralateral recesses 315, 315′ are likewise disposed at least five (5) millimeters 320 above the bottom of the bottle 305. As also discussed above, bottle dimensions may vary due to manufacturing differences and/or for marketing preferences, positioning of the contralateral recesses 315, 315′ may be disposed at least two (2) percent 320 of the total longitudinal dimension 325 above the bottom of the bottle 305. The contralateral recesses 315, 315′ are formed during manufacture of the bottle 300 and are therefore integral with the overall bottle's construction.

As is depicted in the cross-sections of the bottle 300 of FIGS. 3B and 3C, the contralateral recesses 315, 315′ are integral with the sidewalls of the hollow body 360, disposed superjacent to the bottom 305 of the bottle 300 and axially aligned with a long dimension in a plane which generally parallels the bottom 305 of the bottle 300.

Analogous to the previous embodiments discussed above, the thicknesses 340, 345 of the sidewalls of the hollow body 360 are generally uniform throughout the hollow body 360 inclusive of the section of the hollow body 360 with the integral contralateral recesses 315, 315′. The nominal cross-sectional dimension 330 of the hollow body 360 varies less than thirty (30) percent inclusive of the cross-sectional diameter 335 of the contralateral recesses 315, 315′. In an embodiment, the recesses 315, 315′ include an ovoid shape having a long dimension aligned in a plane which generally parallels the bottom 305 of the bottle 300.

For a typical 750 millimeter bottle, the nominal cross-sectional diameter 330 is about 78 millimeters and the minimum cross-sectional diameters between contralateral recesses 315, 315′ is about 68 millimeters. The axial dimension(s) of the contralateral recesses 315, 315′ span approximately 14 millimeters of the circumference of the bottle 300. However, the axial dimension(s) of the contralateral recesses 315, 315′ may vary in a range of 5-68 millimeters.

As previously discussed, the bottle 300 is constructed of glass, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the bottle 300 may also be constructed from polymeric materials using common manufacturing methods known in the relevant art as well.

Construction of the bottle 300 may be formed by any method known in the relevant art. For example, construction of the bottle 300 may be cast using molds in which molten glass is poured. Longitudinal half bottle sections may then be fused together to form the completed bottle 300. The burgundy style bottle 300 may be used for a variety of products as well, particularly wine.

Referring to FIG. 4, a fixture arrangement in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, a fixture 400 includes contralateral support arms 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430 dimensioned to receive the bottles 100, 200, 300 therebetween. The support arms 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430 are configured to provide contralateral support to the bottles 100, 200, 300 by engaging the suspension means 115, 215, 315, 315′ (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) provided on opposing annular sides of the bottles 100, 200, 300. The bottles 100, 200, 300 are intended to be slidably mounted in the fixture in an inverted conformation such that the bottoms 105, 205, 305 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) of the bottles 100, 200, 300 are superjacent to the suspension means 115, 215, 315, 315′ (FIGS. 1, 2, 3).

The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will, without departing from the inventive spirit and scope, be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. They are not intended to limit the various exemplary inventive embodiments to any precise form described. In particular, it is contemplated that the bottle may be constructed from any suitable material with different dimensions and/or storage volumes. No specific limitation is intended to a particular construction material, order or sequence described. Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this detailed description limit the inventive scope, but rather by the claims following herein.

Claims

1. A bottle comprising:

an open-ended hollow body having first and second opposite axial ends, the first axial end forming a bottom of the bottle and the second axial end having a tapered pouring neck forming a top of the bottle;

suspension means formed with the hollow body for suspending the bottle in a fixture;

wherein the suspension means is integral with at least contralateral sidewalls of the hollow body and disposed proximate to the bottom of the bottle, and further wherein the suspension means is a protruding annular ring generally aligned in a plane which parallels the bottom of the bottle.

2. The bottle of claim 1 wherein the bottle is a wine bottle.

3. A bottle comprising:

an open-ended hollow body having first and second opposite axial ends, the first axial end forming a bottom of the bottle and the second axial end having a tapered pouring neck forming a top of the bottle;

suspension means integrated into at least contralateral sidewalls of the hollow body for suspending the bottle inverted in a fixture, wherein the suspension means is protruding annular ring generally aligned in a plane which parallels the bottom of the bottle.

4. The bottle of claim 3 wherein the suspension means is annularly disposed at least 2% of a longitudinal dimension extending from the first axial end toward the second axial end of the bottle.

5. The bottle of claim 3 wherein the suspension means is axially disposed at least 5 millimeters in a longitudinal dimension extending from the first axial toward the second axial end.

6. The bottle of claim 3 wherein the bottle is a wine bottle.