CONTAINER APPARATUS

Abstract

A thermally insulated cooler includes multiple compartments for storing various items, such as beverage bottles, glassware, and accessories. The cooler comprises a first body section for housing beverage bottles, and a second body section pivotally connected to the first body section for housing glassware. The base of the second body section serves as a lid for the first body section. A lid section can be pivotally connected to the second body section to selectively open and close access to the second body section.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/425,393, filed Nov. 22, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers. One embodiment of the invention comprises an insulated cooler that is adapted to securely hold beverage bottles of varying sizes.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Craft beers, which generally refers to beers made in relatively small breweries using traditional non-mechanized brewing processes, have become very popular in recent times. The recent surge in popularity of craft beers has given rise to events known as “beer shares”, in which a group of craft beer aficionados gather together, and each attendee shares a number of his favorite beers with other attendees. Such events can take place in a variety of places, and each attendee typically brings a plurality of bottled beers, and his own glassware from which to drink the beer. The craft beers can come in a variety of various sized bottles, and it is generally desirable for the beers to be served cold.

Thermally insulated coolers are known for containing food and beverages and keeping them cold for an extended period of time. However, such known coolers are generally not suitable for containing beer bottles and glassware together, as movement of the cooler can cause the beer bottles to damage and break the glassware.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a thermally insulated cooler that can securely contain bottled beverages and glassware. Another object of the invention is to provide a thermally insulated cooler that is adapted to securely contain bottled beverages of varying sizes. These and other objects of the invention can be attained in embodiments of the invention disclosed herein.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus comprising a first body section comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The first body section defines a first enclosure for containing items therein and a top opening whereby an interior of the first body section can be accessed. A second body section comprises a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The second body section defines a second enclosure for containing items therein, and is pivotally attached to the first body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section. The second body section is moveable from an open position in which the interior of the first body section is exposed and a closed position in which the second body section covers the interior of the first body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the base of the second body section rests on an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section when in the closed position.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the second body section is pivotally attached to the sidewall of the first body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the container apparatus includes a top lid section pivotally attached to the second body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the second body section. The top lid section is moveable from an open position in which an interior of the second body section is exposed and a closed position in which the second body section covers the interior of the second body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the top lid section includes a compartment for containing tools therein.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of compartments is positioned in the interior of the first body section, and each compartment is adapted to receive a beverage container therein and limit movement of the beverage container.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of compartments is positioned in an interior of the second body section, and each compartment is adapted to receive a piece of glassware therein and limit movement of the piece of glassware.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a water tank is contained within the first body section. The water tank comprises a spout extending through an opening in the sidewall of the first body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, notches are formed in an interior surface of the sidewall of the first body section, and a plurality of divider panels are slidably positioned within the notches to form a plurality of compartments in the interior of the first body section for receiving beverage containers therein and limiting movement of the beverage containers.

According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one divider wall is positioned within the interior of the first body section, and at least one notch is formed on a surface of the at least one divider wall for receiving at least one of the plurality of divider panels therein.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container kit comprising a container apparatus comprising a first body section comprising a substantially rectangular base and a substantially rectangular sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the first body section defining a first enclosure for containing items therein and a top opening whereby an interior of the first body section can be accessed. a second body section comprising a substantially rectangular base and a substantially rectangular sidewall extending upwardly from the base defines a second enclosure for containing items therein. The second body section is pivotally attached to the first body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section, and is moveable from an open position in which the interior of the first body section is exposed and a closed position in which the second body section covers the interior of the first body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the base of the second body section rests on an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section when in the closed position.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the second body section is pivotally attached to the sidewall of the first body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a water tank is contained within the first body section, and the water tank comprises a spout extending through an opening in the sidewall of the first body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the kit includes a plurality of divider panels, and wherein a first plurality of notches is formed in an interior surface of the sidewall of the first body section for slidably receiving the divider panels therein. The divider panels and the sidewall of the first body section form at least one compartment defining an area for receiving a beverage container therein and limiting movement of the beverage container. The area of each compartment can be altered by positioning the divider panels in different notches.

According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one stationary divider wall is positioned within the interior of the first body section and extends between opposed sides of the sidewall of the first body section. A second plurality of notches is formed in a surface of the stationary divider wall, and the divider panels are slidably received in the first plurality of notches and the second plurality of notches.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of divider walls is positioned in an interior of the second body section forming compartments within the second body section, wherein each of the compartments is adapted to receive a piece of glassware therein and limit movement of the piece of glassware.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the container apparatus includes a top lid section pivotally attached to the second body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the second body section. The lid section is moveable from an open position in which an interior of the second body section is exposed and a closed position in which the second body section covers the interior of the second body section.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the kit includes at least one tool, such as a bottle opener, a wine cork opener, and/or a wine key. The top lid section includes a compartment for containing the tool(s) therein.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a thermally insulated cooler having multiple compartments for storing various items, including beverage bottles, glassware, and accessories.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cooler includes two lids. The first lid covers an upper section that houses glassware. The second lid is positioned below the first lid, and covers a lower section positioned below the upper section that houses beverage containers, such as beer growlers and bottles. Notches are formed on the interior walls of the lower section to receive divider walls. The divider walls securely maintain the beverage containers in place within the cooler. The divider walls are removable, and the notches are spaced at specific locations such that the divider walls can be positioned in various notches to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, such as sixty-four ounce beer growlers or twenty-two ounce bottles. A compartment can be formed in the first lid that houses tools and accessories for opening and handling growlers, bottles, and the like. The cooler can include a water tank and a spout for washing glassware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is another side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along lines 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation of a component of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a component of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation of a component of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, taken along lines 13-13 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a container apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

A container apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The container apparatus 10 comprises a thermally insulated cooler comprising a first enclosure adapted for containing beverage containers therein, and a second enclosure for containing glassware therein. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the apparatus 10 comprises a lower body section 12 defining the first enclosure, and a middle body section 14 defining the second enclosure positioned above the lower body section 12. A top lid section 16 is positioned above the middle section 14.

The body section 12 comprises a substantially rectangular sidewall 20 comprised of four sides 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d extending upwardly from a substantially rectangular base 28, which defines an interior area within the lower body section 12. The middle body section 14 is comprised of a substantially rectangular sidewall 50 extending upwardly from a substantially rectangular base 52, which defines an interior area within the middle body section 14. The middle section 14 is pivotally attached at the upper edge of the sidewall 20 of the lower body section 12, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The middle section 14 can be pivotally attached to the lower body section 12 by hinges attached to the lower section 12 and the middle section 14. Alternatively, a pivot rod can be positioned through horizontally aligned channels formed in the lower section 12 and the middle section 14, whereby the middle section 14 pivots about the pivot rod. Other suitable attachment means can be used. The middle section 14 can be lifted upwardly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and in so doing the interior of the body section 12 is exposed. As such, the base 38 of the middle section 14 acts as a lid covering the lower body section 12.

The top lid section 16 is substantially rectangular, and the lid section 16 is pivotally attached to the top edge of the sidewall 38 of the middle section 14. The top lid section 16 can be pivotally attached to the middle body section 14 by hinges attached to the middle section 14 and the top lid section 16. Alternatively, a pivot rod can be positioned through horizontally aligned channels formed in the middle section 14 and the top lid section 16, whereby the top lid section 16 pivots about the pivot rod. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lid section 16 can be lifted upwardly, and in so doing the interior area of the middle section 14 is exposed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the interior of the body section 12 can have two divider walls 24, 26 that divide the interior of the body 12 into three main sections. Preferably, the divider walls 24, 26 are permanent and integrally formed with the interior of the lower body section 12.

A plurality of notches 25 are formed within the interior surface of the sidewall 20 and in the divider walls 24, 26, as shown in FIG. 7. The notches 25 are sized and shaped to receive divider panels 33, 34, 36, shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 12. The divider walls 24, 26 and divider panels 33, 34, 36 can form a variety of compartments of varying size and shape to receive and retain a beverage container therein.

A set of three notches 25a, 25b, 25c can positioned on the interior surface of one side 20b of the sidewall 20 of the lower body section 12, and another set of three notches 25d, 25e, 25f can be positioned on the interior surface of the opposite side 20d of the sidewall 20, as shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11. As shown in FIG. 7, a set of three notches 25g, 25h, 25i can be positioned on one side of divider wall 26 in horizontal alignment with notches 25a, 25b, 25c, respectively. Another set of three notches 25j, 25k, 25l are positioned on the opposite side of the divider wall 26. A set of three notches 25m, 25n, 25o are positioned on one side of the other divider wall 24 in horizontal alignment with notches 25j, 25k, 25l, respectively. Another set of three notches 25p, 25q, 25r are positioned on the opposite side of the divider wall 24, and are in horizontal alignment with notches 25d, 25e, 25f, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7.

The apparatus 10 can have the following preferred dimensions. The lower body section 12 can be 21.25 inches long, sixteen inches wide and twelve inches deep. The sidewall 20 and the base 28 of the lower body section 12 can be about one-half inch thick. The middle body section 14 can be 21.25 inches long, sixteen inches wide and 4.25 inches deep. The sidewall 30 and base 38 of the middle body section 14 can be one-fourth inch thick. The top lid section can be 21.25 inches long, sixteen inches wide, and two inches deep. The distance between proximate surfaces of the divider walls 24, 26 can be about nine inches. Notches 25g, 25h and 25i can be a distance of about 4.5 inches from the inner surface of the adjacent side 20b of the sidewall 20. Likewise, notches 25p, 25q, 25r can be a distance of about 4.5 inches from the inner surface of the adjacent side 20d of the sidewall 20.

The apparatus 10 includes divider panels 33, 34 that are of two different lengths and are sized and shaped for being selectively positioned within the various notches 25. For example, a small divider panel 33, shown in FIG. 9, is sized so that the opposed edges of the divider panel 33 can be slid into notches 25a, 25g and held therein as shown in FIG. 7. A small divider panel 33 can be positioned in notches 25a and 25g, 25b and 25h, 25c and 25i, 25d and 25p, 25e and 25q, 25f and 25r. (Panels 33a, 33b, 33c and 33d in the drawings denote multiple panels having the identical structure as the panel 33 of FIG. 9.) A medium divider panel 36, shown in FIG. 12, is sized and shaped so that it can be slid into notches 25k and 25n, as shown in FIG. 7, notches 25j and 25m, or notches 25l and 25o, as shown in FIG. 10. (Panels 36a and 36b in the drawings denote multiple panels having the identical structure as panel 36 of FIG. 12.)

A variety of different configurations can be formed within the lower body section 12. As shown in FIG. 7, four small divider panels 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d can be positioned within lower body section 12, and a single medium divider panel 36a in notches 25k and 25n. This configuration provides six substantially square compartments, each measuring about 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches, particularly suitable for holding a twenty-two ounce beverage bottle 22 therein, and two larger rectangular compartments, each measuring about 9.0 inches by 6.75 inches, particularly suitable for holding a sixty-four ounce beer bottle 64, known as a “growler.”

FIG. 10 illustrates another possible configuration, in which a medium divider panel 36a is positioned in notches 25j and 25m, and another medium divider 36b is positioned in notches 25i and 250.

The apparatus 10 includes a large divider panel 34 that has two slots 35, 37 formed in the panel 34, as shown in FIG. 8. The medium divider panel 36 has a single slot 38 formed in the panel 36, as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 11, the large divider panel 34 can be positioned over medium divider panels 36a, 36b. One slot 35 of the large panel 34 receives and engages the slot 38 of one medium panel 36a, and the other slot 37 of the large panel 34 receives and engages the slot 38 of the other medium panel 36b. A total of nine compartments are formed for containing twenty-two ounce bottles 22 therein. The compartments help minimizes movement of the bottles/growlers as the apparatus 10 is moved and prevents the bottles/growlers from contacting each other, thereby minimizing damage to the bottles/growlers. The size and number of the beverage holding compartments can be varied by changing the number and arrangement of the panels 33, 34, 36.

An opening 42 is formed in the sidewall 20 of the lower body section 12. Water can be drained through the opening 42.

According to an embodiment of the invention, small divider panels 33c, 33d can be removed from lower body section 12, and a water tank can be positioned within the area defined by divider wall 24 and side walls 20a, 20c, 20d. The water tank can be connected to a spout that is positioned through the opening 42.

The interior of the middle section 14 includes a base 52, an outer sidewall 50 extending upwardly from the base 52, and interior divider walls 54, which creates a plurality of compartments for containing glassware 56 therein, as shown in FIG. 13. The glassware 56 is positioned horizontally in the middle section 14. The base 52 and the wall structure 54 can be made of a cushioning material, such as polyurethane foam. The compartments of the middle section 14 help minimize movement of the glassware 56 as the apparatus 10 is moved and prevents the glassware 56 from contacting each other, thereby minimizing damage to the glassware 56. The middle section 14 can be pivotally connected to the upper edge of the rear side 20a of the sidewall 20 of the body section 12 by one or more hinges. Alternatively, a pivot rod can be positioned through horizontally aligned channels formed in the lower section 12 and the middle section 14, whereby the middle section 14 pivots about the pivot rod. As such, the middle section 14 acts as a lid that covers the interior of the body 12. A middle section according to an alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 14 and shown generally at reference numeral 14′.

The top lid section 16 can be pivotally connected to the upper edge of the rear side of the middle section 14, as shown in FIG. 4. As such, the top lid section 16 constitutes a lid that covers the interior of the middle section 14. As shown in FIG. 15, the top lid section 16 includes a compartment 60 for holding useful tools, such as bottle openers, wine cork openers, wine keys and the like.

The apparatus 10 can include wheels 71, 72, and a retractable handle 80 pulling the apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The apparatus 10 can include side handles 81, 82 attached at opposed sides 20b, 20d, respectively, of the lower body section 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In an alternative embodiment, a bottle opener can be mounted to the exterior of the body 12.

A water tank 40 can be positioned within an area defined by the sidewall 20 and the first wall 21, as shown in FIG. 6. The water tank 40 includes a spout 42 that extends through an opening formed through the sidewall 20 of the body 12, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment 10′ comprising a lower body section 120. As shown in FIG. 16, the interior of the lower body section 120 can have two divider walls 124, 126 that divide the interior of the body 112 into three main sections. A first pair of notches 125a, 125b can be formed on one side of the sidewall 120, and a second pair of notches 125c, 125d can be formed on the opposite side of the sidewall 120 in opposed alignment with the first pair of notches 125a, 125b, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6. Three notches 125e, 125f, 125g can be formed in one divider wall 124, and a first set of three notches 125h, 125i, 125j can be formed in the other divider wall 126 in opposed alignment with notches 125e, 125f, 125g, respectively, as shown in FIG. 116. A second set of three notches 125k, 125l, 125m can be formed on the opposite side of the divider wall 126, and three 125n, 125o, 125p notches can be formed in the interior of the sidewall 120 in opposed alignment with the notches 125k, 125l, 125m, respectively, as shown in FIG. 16.

The apparatus 10′ can have the following preferred dimensions. The distance between proximate surfaces of divider walls 124, 126 is preferably about nine inches, and notches 125a, 125b are preferably positioned about equal distance between, as shown in FIG. 16. Likewise, the distance between proximate surfaces of divider wall 126 and the parallel side 120b of the sidewall 120 can be about nine inches, and notches 125b, 125d can be positioned about equal distance there between, as shown in FIG. 6. Notches 125e, 125h, 125k and 125n can be a distance of about 4.5 inches from the inner surface of the adjacent side 120a of the sidewall 120. Likewise, notches 125g, 125j, 125m, and 125p can be a distance of about 4.5 inches from the inner surface of the adjacent side 120c of the sidewall 120, as shown in FIG. 16. The distance between the inner surfaces of the opposing sides 120a, 120c of the sidewall 120 can be about 13.5 inches, and notches 125f, 125i, 1251 and 125o can be approximately equal distance between opposing 120a, 120c of the sidewall 120.

A first divider panel 134 is sized so that the opposed edges of the divider panel 134 can be slid into notches 125b, 125d and held therein, as shown in FIG. 16. Divider panel 134 can also be slid into notches 125a, 125c, and held therein. A second type of divider panel 136 is adapted to be positioned perpendicularly to divider panel 134. For example, divider panel1 36 is sized so that the opposed edges of the divider panel 36 can be slid into notches 125e and 125h, 125f and 125i, 125g and 125j, 125k and 125n, 125l and 125o, or 125m and 125p.

As shown in FIG. 16, a panel 136c can be positioned within notches 125f and 125i. This creates two larger rectangular compartments, each measuring about 9.0 inches by 6.75 inches. Each compartment is particularly suitable for holding sixty-four ounce beer bottle 64, known as a “growler.” In the configuration shown in FIG. 16, there are six compartments for holding twenty-two ounce bottles 22, and two compartments for holding sixty-four ounce growlers 64. The compartments minimize movement of the bottles/growlers as the apparatus 10 is moved and prevents the bottles/growlers from contacting each other, thereby minimizing damage to the bottles/growlers. The size and number of the beverage holding compartments can be varied by changing the number and arrangement of the panels 134, 136. For example, if the user has only twenty-two ounce bottles, panel 136c can be removed from notches 125f and 125i, a long panel 134 can be positioned within notches 124a, 125c, and two short panels 136 can be positioned within notches 125e and 125h, and 125g and 125j, to form another six compartments for holding twenty-two ounce bottles. In such a configuration, there are a total twelve compartments for holding twenty-two ounce bottles.

A water tank 40 can be positioned within the area defined by the sidewall 120 and the divider wall 124, as shown in FIG. 16. The water tank 40 can be connected to a spout that extends through an opening 42 formed through the sidewall 120 of the body 112.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a miniature container apparatus comprises lower body section having compartments for holding six twenty-two ounce beverage bottles. A middle body section for holding glassware is dropped into the lower body section. A lid is pivotally attached to the lower body section.

A container apparatus and method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of embodiments of the invention is provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A container apparatus comprising:

(a) a first body section comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the first body section defining a first enclosure for containing items therein and a top opening whereby an interior of the first body section can be accessed;

(b) a second body section comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the second body section defining a second enclosure for containing items therein, the second body section pivotally attached to the first body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section and moveable from an open position wherein the interior of the first body section is exposed and a closed position wherein the second body section covers the interior of the first body section.

2. The container apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base of the second body section rests on an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section when in the closed position.

3. The container apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second body section is pivotally attached to the sidewall of the first body section.

4. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a top lid section pivotally attached to the second body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the second body section, and moveable from an open position wherein an interior of the second body section is exposed and a closed position wherein the second body section covers the interior of the second body section.

5. The container apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the top lid section includes a compartment for containing tools therein.

6. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of compartments positioned in the interior of the first body section, wherein each compartment is adapted to receive a beverage container therein and limit movement of the beverage container.

7. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of compartments positioned in an interior of the second body section, wherein each compartment is adapted to receive a piece of glassware therein and limit movement of the piece of glassware.

8. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a water tank contained within the first body section, the water tank comprising a spout extending through an opening in the sidewall of the first body section.

9. The container apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notches formed in an interior surface of the sidewall of the first body section, and a plurality of divider panels slidably positioned within the notches to form a plurality of compartments in the interior of the first body section for receiving beverage containers therein and limiting movement of the beverage containers.

10. The container apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising at least one divider wall positioned within the interior of the first body section and having at least one notch formed on a surface of the at least one divider wall for receiving at least one of the plurality of divider panels therein.

11. A container kit comprising a container apparatus comprising:

(a) a first body section comprising a substantially rectangular base and a substantially rectangular sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the first body section defining a first enclosure for containing items therein and a top opening whereby an interior of the first body section can be accessed;

(b) a second body section comprising a substantially rectangular base and a substantially rectangular sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the second body section defining a second enclosure for containing items therein, the second body section pivotally attached to the first body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section and moveable from an open position wherein the interior of the first body section is exposed and a closed position wherein the second body section covers the interior of the first body section.

12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the base of the second body section rests on an upper edge of the sidewall of the first body section when in the closed position.

13. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the second body section is pivotally attached to the sidewall of the first body section.

15. The kit according to claim 11, further comprising a water tank contained within the first body section, the water tank comprising a spout extending through an opening in the sidewall of the first body section.

16. The kit according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of divider panels, and wherein a first plurality of notches is formed in an interior surface of the sidewall of the first body section for slidably receiving the divider panels therein, the divider panels and the sidewall of the first body section forming at least one compartment defining an area for receiving a beverage container therein and limiting movement of the beverage container, and wherein the area of the at least one compartment can be altered by positioning the divider panels in different notches.

17. The kit according to claim 16, further comprising at least one stationary divider wall positioned within the interior of the first body section and extending between opposed sides of the sidewall of the first body section, and a second plurality of notches formed in a surface of the at least one stationary divider, wherein the divider panels are slidably received in the first plurality of notches and the second plurality of notches.

18. The kit according to claim 17, further comprising a plurality of divider walls positioned in an interior of the second body section forming compartments within the second body section, wherein each of the compartments is adapted to receive a piece of glassware therein and limit movement of the piece of glassware.

19. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the container apparatus further comprises a top lid section pivotally attached to the second body section proximate an upper edge of the sidewall of the second body section, and moveable from an open position wherein an interior of the second body section is exposed and a closed position wherein the second body section covers the interior of the second body section.

20. The kit according to claim 19, further comprising at least one tool selected from the group consisting of a bottle opener, a wine cork opener, and a wine key, and wherein the top lid section includes a compartment for containing the at least one tool therein.