Container

Abstract

The decorative and protective display case, for a fragile or expensive good(s) for example, typically a bottled liquid such as wine or spirits that not only provides adequate protection, but also provides a way to showcase or display an item of value. The generally tubular display material is circular or polygonal and made from materials that can withstand high levels of shock. The ends are fitted with caps that serve not only for decorative purposes, but also contain a shock absorber system or material that further isolates the good from shock or impact that helps prevent and/or limits breakage of the good.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/256,892, filed Apr. 18, 2014, which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/813,261, filed Apr. 18, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of containers and display cases. This carrier is suitable for holding, containing, displaying and protecting items of value from shock resulting from dropping the item or good. Also, in a non-limiting embodiment, with increased regulation and demand for rigorous and effective containers suitable for travel by the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA), said container provides a means for carrying and storing, protecting and displaying items of value. The present invention also provides an aesthetically pleasing, nearly unbreakable container and security for the goods.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many carriers or display cases have been developed, produced, and distributed throughout the years, however none of which adequately showcase and protect the good(s).

In U.S. Design Pat. No. D643,2175, Pedersen provides an ornamental design for a sealable container.

Jacobson (U.S. Pat. No. D675,0195) discloses a portable organizer.

In U.S. Des. Pat. No. D674,1885, Sabadicci discloses an ornamental design for a wine aerator travel case.

Waters U.S. Pat. No. 2,166,513 discloses a material to help protect commodities of the nature particularly valuable using pilferproof closures for the bottle.

Okulla (U.S. Pat. No. D660,5915) discloses an ornamental design for a container.

Yumita (US PG Pub. 2013/0020339A1) discloses a wine transport and storage box in a favorable state whilst aiding in reducing the chances for wine to undergo putrefaction (decomposition).

Tagliati (U.S. Pat. No. D516,809) discloses an ornamental design for an insulated wine carrier. In a subsequent design patent (U.S. Pat. No. D521,731) Tagliati discloses another insulated wine carrier, also with a closure from the top.

Yueh-Chun Le (U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,201 B2) discloses a packaging container for a bottled commodity made from a hollow cylinder with a cylindrical cover both made from paper. The hollow area is for receiving bottled commodity, the container especially suits containing a bottled liquid commodity such as wine, bubbled beverage, liquid edible oil, etc. The container also provides some insulation to keep the temperature of the bottle consistant, or cool.

Prevot (U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,215) discloses advanced shock—proof packing for fragile objects such as bottles to help aid in the safe transportation and shipment of fragile objects and more specifically bottles of similar items.

Snyder (US PG Pub. 2008/0116101 A1) discloses an article for safely transporting wine and spirit class bottles and the like, utilizing layers of material generally shape to that of the bottle. Snyder's work is similar to that of Waters, discussed earlier.

Vargas (U.S. Pat. No. D374,975) discloses an ornamental design for a beverage carrier, equipped with a strap of in determining length, with a tied up or closure.

As an object of the present invention, there exists a need to improve upon the prior art of containers suitable for holding goods, specifically bottles, that provides adequate protection, and further provides a method to display said goods, as many of these bottles may contain a valuable item that requires both protection and the display of ornamental, expensive, or otherwise valuable bottles or goods. Although, many of the inventions discussed have made attempts to protect bottles, they often do not provide adequate protection. Furthermore, none provide a method to display the goods, in particular bottles of wine, or spirits, that are of valuable.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe instant invention as claimed.

Current U.S. Classification: D03/201, D3/272, D03/300, 206/521, 206/591, 206/592

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of containers and display cases. This carrier is suitable for holding, containing, displaying and otherwise protecting items of value from shock, for example, from dropping said item or good from at least one height. Also, in a non-limiting embodiment, with increased regulation and demand for rigorous and effective containers suitable for travel by the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA), said container provides a means for carrying and storing, protecting and displaying items of value, for example in one's suitcase. The present invention also provides an aesthetically pleasing, nearly unbreakable container that also provides integrity and/or security for the goods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the container suitable for display and protection of the said goods, in this non-limiting example, and not claimed as part of the invention is, a wine bottle, shown contained within the device.

FIG. 2 illustrates the multipiece end-caps; and

FIG. 3 shows the end cap assembly can be removed for the wine bottle;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a fragile bottle display case according to one embodiment in which a bottle of wine has been loaded and the display case is resting laid down on a horizontal surface;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective side view of the display tubular side wall of the fragile bottle display of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the first shock absorber of the fragile bottle display of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the second shock absorber of the fragile bottle display of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the first shock absorber of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of the second shock absorber of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of another shock absorber according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of the bottle display of FIG. 4 standing upright and with the first shock absorber removed;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective side view of a glass cup display device according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial perspective side view of a display tubular sidewall having a threaded end connection according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a partial perspective side view of a display tubular sidewall having twist lock slot end connection according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial perspective side view of a goods display device having a side panel door or panel according to yet another embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a partial perspective view of a display tubular sidewall having a push fit end connection; and

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate side and cross sectional side views of a glass bottle display device similar to the glass bottle display device of FIG. 4 but without spring/buffer elements according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

The present invention is a carrier for items or articles containing fluids or items of value. With increasing regulation and demand for rigorous and effective containers suitable for travel by the TSA, this container provides a method to carry and store containers and/or display items of value. The present invention also provides an aesthetically pleasing, nearly unbreakable container and security for the goods.

In FIG. 1, the container is shown that is suitable for display and protection of the said goods, and in this non-limiting example, and not claimed as part of the invention is, a wine bottle, shown contained within the device. The protective display material 101 is generally translucent and allows for the good inside to be displayed clearly, which is equipped with multi-functional end-cap assemblies 102. The end-caps 102 are made up of several parts: the decorative cap 201, the sealing cap 202, and the shock absorber 203. The end cap assembly can be removed for the wine bottle 103 allowing for the insertion of the good, in this case, the wine bottle 103. The display material is made from durable materials capable of absorbing a tremendous amount of energy when the container of FIG. 1 is dropped from at least one height.

In one embodiment, the protective display material 101 is generally translucent and tubular (either circular or shaped like a polygon (polygonal) with n number of sides selected from the group consisting of n=3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10, or 12) and allows for the good inside to be displayed clearly, which is equipped with multi-functional endcaps 102.

According to our tests, the container preserved the wine bottle, containing liquid, for approximately eleven (11) drops from at least one height, specifically at least about the height of chest height of an adult. This display material 101 is made from generally clear and/or translucent materials selected from the group consisting of bulletproof plastic, polycarbonate (such as LexanO), Kevlar® reinforced materials, and combinations thereof. This display material is further capable of providing some shock resistance for the good. The end cap assemblies 102 are equipped with a shock-absorbent material capable of reducing the impact on the goods made from plastic, rubber, rubber or plastic with internal rebound spring, or any other material capable of reducing shock to the good, further capable of shimming or setting a preload against the good to further isolate it from shock (physical, electrical, mechanical, etc).

FIG. 2 illustrates the multipiece end-caps 102 that are made up of several parts: the decorative cap 201, the sealing cap 202, and the shock absorber 203.

FIG. 3 shows the end cap assembly can be removed for the wine bottle 103 allowing for the insertion of the good, in this case, the wine bottle 103.

Reference will now be made to other aspects and embodiments of the present technology. As previously indicated, the fragile good display case in some embodiments is a fragile beverage vessel display case. In one embodiment, the fragile beverage vessel is a glass bottle, such as a wine bottle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a fragile glass bottle display case according to one embodiment in which a glass bottle of wine has been loaded and the display case is resting laid down on a horizontal surface. Bottle display case 1000 has a display material 1101, a first shock absorber 1120, and second shock absorber 1121. Display material 1101 has a generally tubular shape. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the display material is in the shape of a hollow cylinder. In other embodiments, the tubular display material has other tubular shapes as explained herein before with respect to any of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 5, tubular display sidewall 1110 is substantially transparent and made from a rigid material. Tubular sidewall 1110 has a first end 1108, and a second end 1109, opposite first end 1108. In some embodiments, the substantially transparent material is a rigid plastic such as but not limited to rigid high-density polyethylene, HDPE, acrylic glass, or sheet grade polycarbonate, bulletproof plastic, polycarbonate (such as LexanO), Kevlar® reinforced materials. Tubular display sidewall 110 has a thickness that is chosen to ensure the tubular side wall remains rigid when a bottle is loaded and tubular wall 1110 is supported at opposite ends 1108, 1109 by the shock absorbers off the ground 1500, table or other surface.

First shock absorber body 1120 in the form of an end cap. First shock absorber end cap 1120 is releasably fit to tubular sidewall first end 1108. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, first shock absorber 1120 has an open-ended circumferentially extending first slot or groove 1123 (See FIG. 6). First slot 1123 is located substantially coaxially to the central axis of first shock absorber body 1120 and is sized to receive and releasably fit therein tubular sidewall first end 1108. In this manner, tubular sidewall 1110 is coaxially releasably fit to first shock absorber 1120. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, first shock absorber body 1120 is a one-piece unitary member. In other embodiments, first shock absorber body 1120 is a multipiece body. First shock absorber 1120 is made from rubber. In other embodiments, soft plastic is used. In some embodiments, first shock absorber 1120 is one-piece solid unitary member made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a combination of both, which has particular advantages in impact resistance and shock absorption as well as providing an effective “bounce” characteristics on impact which will be explained in more detail below.

A cross-sectional diameter of first shock absorber body 1120 is greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the display tubular sidewall cylinder 1101. First shock absorber annular outer region 1128, which surrounds circumferentially extending slot 1123, and together with tubular sidewall first end 1108 form a circumferentially extending or annular first shoulder 1125.

A second shock absorber body 1121 is arranged at tubular sidewall second end 1109. The cross-sectional diameter of second shock absorber body 1121 is greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the display tubular sidewall cylinder 1101. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter and outer shape of the first and second shock absorbers 1121, 1120 is similar. However, in other embodiments, the cross-sectional diameters and/or outer shape may differ. Second shock absorber 1121 has a an open ended circumferentially extending slot/groove 1122 configured to receive tubular sidewall second end 1109 and locate tubular sidewall 1110 coaxially to second shock absorber 1121 (see FIGS. 7 & 11). Second shock absorber outer annular region 1127, which surrounds circumferentially extending slot 1122, and tubular sidewall second end 1109 together form circumferentially extending or annular second shoulder 1124.

First and second annular shoulders 1124,1125 together with tubular sidewall 1110 extending therebetween form an open annular cavity or space 1126 extending along a length of the tubular wall 1110 between first and second shock absorbers 1120,1121. Providing an open cavity space 1126 ensures the bottle loaded therein can be seen clearly and the display case has room to toggle or bounce on first and second shock absorbers 1120,1121.

First shock absorber 1120 and second shock absorber 1121 are made from rubber or other similar resilient material and have a mass and cross-sectional diameter selected to provide deep enough annular open cavity 1126, such that, when the bottle display, loaded with the glass bottle 2000, is dropped on the floor repeatedly from about chest height of an adult, breakage of the loaded glass bottle is prevented. It is noted that forming any type of rigid plastic shock absorber will not work in this application. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each of the first and second shock absorbers have a height that is at least approaching that of the cross sectional diameter of the shock absorbers so as to provide the mass required. By way of non-limiting example, for displaying a bottle of wine, the cross-sectional width of the tubular cylinder 1110 is about 3.5 inches, the shock absorbers 1120, 1121 is about 2.5 to 4 inches tall and about 4.5 inches in cross-sectional wide. Slots 1123,1122 are each about 2 inches extending about 2 inches deep into the shock absorbers.

In one embodiment, forming first and second shock absorbers 1120,1121 from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a combination thereof with a mass and diameter that provides open cavity 1126 allows display case 1000 to have a particularly advantageous “impact bounce” characteristic. By way of example, similar rubber compositions along the lines of a “weak” bouncy ball may be adopted for the shock absorber material. As display case 1000 hits the ground after being dropped on the floor from chest height, or dinner table etc, display case 1000 bounces only on first and second shock absorbers 1120 and 1121 until it reaches a stable and still position all without any breakage or damage to the loaded glass bottle. For an observer unaware of this characteristic, an initial reaction by the observer watching display case 1000 initially bounce on the floor 1500 after being dropped from chest height, or rolled off a dinner table, is that the display case 1000 and bottle loaded therein will fail and break rather than remain protected from impact. In reality, display case 1000 does not break, and continues to absorb shock on each successive smaller bounce until it finally comes to rest lying on the surface without any damage to the loaded bottle 200.

In some embodiments, first shock absorber 1120 has an open ended first cavity 1130 therein sized and profiled to receive a top narrow part of the bottle. Additionally or alternatively, second shock absorber 1121 has a second open ended cavity 1131 therein sized and profiled to receive a bottom wide part of bottle 2000. The depths of first shock absorber cavity 1130, second shock absorber cavity 1131 and the length of tubular sidewall 111 are selected such that, when bottle 2000 is loaded into display case 1000, bottle 2000 is held supported in a secure and fixed position inside tubular sidewall 1110 by the opposing first and second shock absorbers 1120,1121. In some embodiments, the diameter of tubular sidewall 1110 is larger than the diameter of bottle 2000 and opposing first and second shock absorbers 1120,1121 support bottle 2000 in a secure and suspended position inside tubular sidewall 1110 with a surrounding air gap between bottle 2000 and the length of the tubular sidewall 1110 between the first and second shock absorbers. Doing so, is particular advantageous in that the air gap provides further insulation from vibration on impact as well as thermal insulation from the outside of the display case.

In some embodiments, first cavity 1130 includes a spring element 1132 disposed coaxially therein at the base of first cavity 1130. A first buffer element 1134 is disposed between the spring element 1132 and the opening of first cavity. Alternatively or additionally, second cavity 1131 has a spring element 1133 disposed coaxially therein at the base of second cavity 1131. A second buffer element 1135 is disposed between the spring element and the opening of the second cavity. Adopting the spring element and buffers in either or both of the shock absorbers serves to provide the shock absorbers with further shock absorption capability and provide a more robust display case.

In the embodiment of the display case 1000, each slot or groove 1122, 1123 has can have a notch at the base thereof for retaining a rim or lip on the edge of the tubular sidewall end to ensure the tubular sidewall end can be push fit securely and held to the shock absorber. In some embodiments, the slot can be made narrower than the width of sidewall so that frictional fit is also provided as well as a compression fit as a result of compression of the shock absorber rubber or other resilient material onto the inserted tubular sidewall end.

Other types of configurations of the shock absorber and tubular sidewall end are possible to achieve a releasable fit of the shock absorber to the tubular display sidewall at one or both ends of the display case. In some embodiments, the first and/or second shock absorber has a circumferentially extending thread/slot. The thread/slot is located substantially coaxially to the first shock absorber body and arranged to threadable engage a corresponding slot/thread extending circumferentially on the corresponding tubular sidewall end.

In some other embodiments, first and/or second shock absorber has at least partially circumferentially extending twist lock protrusion/slot. The twist lock protrusion/slot is located and arranged to engage a corresponding twist lock protrusion/slot on the corresponding tubular sidewall end.

In some embodiments, the tubular sidewall has a side door or panel. The tubular sidewall panel is configured to be moveable between a first position in which the side panel seals or closes an interior of the tubular sidewall from the exterior and a second position which the side panel exposes or opens the tubular sidewall interior to the exterior.

As already mentioned hereinbefore, other types of fragile goods other than glass bottles may be displayed and stored. For example, the first and second shock absorbers can have open ended cavities profiled to receive opposite ends of a glass cup. In other embodiments, other fragile goods are envisaged.

In summary, the present invention holds or contains the goods in a fashion that not only displays, but also protects the said good(s). The container is also easy to use, and provides for adequate protection, whilst displaying the goods.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

REFERENCES (Incorporated Herein by Reference)

Please find references discussed above.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that many modifications can be made to the embodiments, and features can be interchanged between embodiments, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A fragile bottle display case, comprising:

a display material having a generally tubular shape; wherein said tubular shaped display material comprises a tubular sidewall of substantially transparent material; said tubular sidewall having a first end and said second end;

a first shock absorber body in the form of an end cap; said first shock absorber end cap being releasably fit to said tubular sidewall first end;

wherein a cross-sectional diameter of said first shock absorber body is greater than the cross-sectional diameter of said display tubular sidewall and wherein said display tubular sidewall extends substantially coaxially to said first shock absorber;

wherein an outer region of said first shock absorber surrounds said tubular sidewall first end; said first shock absorber outer region and said tubular sidewall first end together forming a first circumferentially extending shoulder;

a second shock absorber body arranged at said tubular sidewall second end;

wherein a cross-sectional diameter of said second shock absorber body is greater than the cross-sectional diameter of said display tubular shape and wherein said tubular material tubular sidewall extends substantially coaxially to said second shock absorber;

wherein an outer region of said second shock absorber surrounds said tubular sidewall second end; said second shock absorber outer region and said tubular sidewall second end together forming a second circumferentially extending shoulder;

wherein said first and second shoulders together with said tubular sidewall extending therebetween form an open cavity or open space extending circumferentially around and along the length of the tubular wall between said first and second shock absorbers; and wherein

said first shock absorber and said second shock absorber are made from resilient elastic material and have a mass and cross-sectional diameter selected, such that, when said bottle display, loaded with said beverage bottle, is dropped repeatedly from about chest height of an adult, breakage of said loaded beverage bottle is prevented.

2. The display case of claim 1, wherein said first shock absorber has a circumferentially extending first slot or groove, said first slot being located substantially coaxially to said first shock absorber body and being sized to receive and releasably push fit said first end tubular sidewall substantially coaxially to said first shock absorber.

3. The display case of claim 2, wherein said first shock absorber body is a one-piece unitary member.

4. The display case of claim 3, wherein said first shock absorber material is made from natural rubber.

5. The display case of claim 3, wherein said first shock absorber material is made from synthetic rubber.

6. The display case of claim 2, where said second shock absorber is releasably fit to said tubular display second end.

7. The display case of claim 1, wherein said second shock absorber has a second circumferentially extending push fit slot or groove, said second slot being located coaxially to said second shock absorber body and being sized to receive and releasably fit said tubular sidewall second end substantially coaxially to said second shock absorber.

8. The display case of claim 7, wherein said second shock absorber body is a one-piece unitary member.

9. The display case of claim 8, wherein said second shock absorber material is made from natural rubber.

10. The display case of claim 9, wherein said second shock absorber material is made from synthetic rubber.

11. The display case of claim 8, wherein said first shock absorber has a first open ended cavity therein sized to receive a top narrow part of said bottle.

12. The display case of claim 11, wherein said second shock absorber has a second open ended cavity therein sized to receive a bottom wide part of said bottle; and wherein the lengths of said first shock absorber cavity, said second shock absorber cavity and said tubular sidewall are selected such that, when said bottle is loaded into said display case, said bottle is secure in a fixed position by said display case.

13. The display case of claim 11, wherein said first cavity has a spring element disposed coaxially therein at the base of said first open end cavity, and wherein a first buffer element is disposed between the spring element and the opening of said first cavity.

14. The display case of claim 12, wherein said second cavity has a spring element disposed coaxially therein at the base of said second cavity, and wherein a second buffer element is disposed between the spring element and the opening of said second cavity.

15. The display case of claim 1, wherein at least said first shock absorber has a circumferentially extending thread/slot, said thread/slot being located substantially coaxially to said first shock absorber body and being arranged to threadable engage a corresponding slot/thread extending circumferentially on the first end tubular sidewall.

16. The display case of claim 1, wherein at least said first shock absorber has at least partially circumferentially extending twist lock protrusion/slot, said twist lock protrusion/slot being located being arranged to engage a corresponding twist lock protrusion/slot on the first end tubular sidewall.

17. The display case of claim 1, wherein said tubular sidewall has a side door or panel, said tubular sidewall panel being configured to be moveable between a first position in which the side panel seals or closes an interior of the tubular sidewall from the exterior and a second position which the side panel exposes or opens the tubular sidewall interior to the exterior.

18. The display case of claim 1, wherein said bottle is a glass beverage bottle.

19. A fragile good display case, comprising:

a display material having a generally tubular shape; wherein said tubular shaped display material comprises a tubular sidewall of substantially transparent material; said tubular sidewall having a first end and said second end;

a first shock absorber body in the form of an end cap; said first shock absorber end cap being releasably fit to said tubular sidewall first end;

wherein a cross-sectional diameter of said first shock absorber body is greater than the cross-sectional diameter of said display tubular sidewall and wherein said display tubular sidewall extends substantially coaxially to said first shock absorber;

wherein an outer region of said first shock absorber surrounds said tubular sidewall first end; said first shock absorber outer region and said tubular sidewall first end together forming a first circumferentially extending shoulder;

a second shock absorber body arranged at said tubular sidewall second end;

wherein a cross-sectional diameter of said second shock absorber body is greater than the cross-sectional diameter of said display tubular shape and wherein said tubular material tubular sidewall extends substantially coaxially to said second shock absorber;

wherein an outer region of said second shock absorber surrounds said tubular sidewall second end; said second shock absorber outer region and said tubular sidewall second end together forming a second circumferentially extending shoulder;

wherein said first and second shoulders together with said tubular sidewall extending therebetween form an open cavity or open space extending circumferentially around and along the length of the tubular wall between said first and second shock absorbers; and wherein

said first shock absorber and said second shock absorber are made from resilient elastic material and have a mass and cross-sectional diameter selected, such that, when said good display case, loaded with said good, is dropped repeatedly from about chest height of an adult, breakage of said loaded good is prevented.

20. The good display of claim 18, wherein said fragile good is a tableware glass cup.