Bottle Carrier

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

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.

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.

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.

is a perspective view of an example bottle carrierconstructed in accordance with the teachings herein. The bottle carriercan also be referred to as a bottle caddy. The bottle carriercan be used to carry one or more bottles or containers. For example, the bottle carriercan 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 carrierincludes an example bag. The bagencloses or encases the one or more bottles, as shown in further detail herein. In the illustrated example, the bagis generally cuboid or rectangular shape. For example, the baghas a bottom, four sides,,,, and a top. However, in other examples, the bagcan be shaped differently. In some examples, the bagis 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. In some examples, an upper portionof the bagis constructed of a first type of material and a lower portionof the bagis constructed of a second type of material, which may be more rigid or sturdy than the upper portion.

In the illustrated example, the baghas a zipperalong two of the sides,and the topof the upper portion. In, the zipperis closed such that the interior of the bagis 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 baghas two handles,coupled (e.g., sewn) to two of the sides,. The handles,can be grasped/gripped by a person and used to carry the bag. In some examples, the handles,are constructed of fabric, which may be the same as or different than the fabric of the sides-.

shows an example of the bagwith the zipperopened. The two sides of the bagcan be partially opened or folded back. The bagdefines an interior. In the illustrated example, the bagis shown as having four example bottles in the interior. However, in other examples, the bagcan be used to carry more or fewer bottles.

The example bottle carrierincludes an example divider assembly. In the illustrated example, the divider assemblyis disposed in the interiorof the bag. The example divider assemblyis used to divide or segment the interiorof the baginto multiple compartments or areas to receive individual bottles. Each compartment is formed partially by the divider assemblyand partially by the interior of the bag. In the illustrated example, the example divider assemblydivides the interiorinto four compartments for the four bottles. However, in other examples, the divider assemblycan be configured to divide the interiorinto more or fewer compartments. The divider assemblyalso 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 assemblyis removably disposed in the bag. For example, the divider assemblycan be removed from the bagfor cleaning and/or storage when the bottle carrieris not being used.

is a perspective view of the example divider assemblyin an assembled state and removed from the bag(). In the illustrated example, the divider assemblyincludes an example base plate, an example first divider plate, and an example second divider plate. The plates,,may also be referred to as a walls. The base plateis to be disposed in a bottom of the interior() of the bag(). The first and second divider plates,and coupled to the base plateand to each other. As shown in, the first and second divider plates,extend perpendicular (e.g., upward, vertical) from the base plate. As such, the first and second divider plates,are arranged generally vertically relative to the base plate. The first and second divider plates,are also perpendicular to each other. As such, the divider plates,form four separate compartments for holding bottles, such as shown in. The base plateprotects the bottoms of the bottles from hard impacts when setting the bottle carrierdown or accidentally dropping the bottle carrier. Further, the divider plates,protect the bottles from moving laterally and crashing into each other.

In some examples, the plates-are constructed of a resilient (e.g., flexible) or compliant material. For example, the plates,,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,,may be constructed of other materials such as rubber and/or foam and can be die cut or molded. For example, the plates,,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.

is a perspective view of the base plate. The base platehas a top side, a bottom side, and a peripheral edge. In this example, the base platehas a generally square shaped cross-section with rounded edges. The base platehas 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 plateis generally square-shaped with rounded corners. The base plateis sized to fit in and substantially fill the bottom of the interior() of the bag(). The base platehas a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the bag(), 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 plateis generally rectangular shaped or can be shaped differently (e.g., circular shaped).

In the illustrated example, the base platehas a first slotand a second slot. The slots,are used to receive tabs on the first and second divider plates,, disclosed in further detail herein. In the illustrated example, the first and second slots,intersect each other in the center of the base plate. In this example, the first and second slots,are perpendicular (e.g.,) 90° to each other. As such, the slots,form a cross or X-shaped slot in the center of the base plate. However, in other examples, the slots,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,extend through the base platefrom the top sideto the bottom side. However, in other examples, the slots,may extend only partially into the top side. In the illustrated example, the first slothas a length Dand a width E, and the second slothas a length Dand a width E. In some examples, the lengths D, Dare the same and widths E, Eare the same.

is a perspective view of the first divider plate. The first divider platehas a first side, a second sideopposite the first side, and an edge between the first and second sides,. The edge has one or more edge portions including a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The corners between the first and second edges,and the top edgeare curved or rounded, but in other examples can form sharper corners. The first divider platehas a width Fand a thickness G.

In the illustrated example, the first divider platehas a first vertical slotthat extends through the first divider platebetween the first and second sides,. The first vertical slotextends from the bottom edgetoward the top edge. In this example, the first vertical slotextends about halfway to the top edge, but in other examples can extend different amounts. The first vertical slotis used to receive a portion of the second divider platefor interlocking the first and second divider plates,. The first vertical slothas a width H.

As shown in, the first divider platehas a first extension or tabalong the bottom edge. The first tabis sized and shaped to be inserted into the first slot() of the base plate. The first tabhas a height Iand a length J. The first tabhas the same thickness Gas the rest of the first divider plate. In the illustrated example, the first vertical slotextends through the first tab.

is a perspective view of the second divider plate. The second divider plateis shaped similar to the first divider platehas a first side, a second sideopposite the first side, a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The second divider platehas a width Fand a thickness G.

The second divider platehas a second vertical slotthat extends through the second divider platebetween the first and second sides,. However, unlike the first divider plate, the second vertical slotextends from the top edgetoward the bottom edge. In this example, the second vertical slotextends about halfway to the bottom edge, but in other examples can extend different amounts. The second vertical slotis used to receive a portion of the first divider platefor interlocking the first and second divider plates,. The second vertical slothas a width H.

As shown in, the second divider platehas an extension or tabalong the bottom edge. The tabis sized and shaped to be inserted into the second slot() of the base plate. The second tabhas a height Iand a length J. The second tabhas the same thickness Gas the rest of the second divider plate.

is an exploded view of the divider assembly. To assemble the divider assembly, the second divider plateis arranged vertically above the base plateand then moved toward (e.g., downward) the base plate(or vice versa) such that second tabon the second divider plateis inserted into the second slotin the base plate. This interface between the second taband the second slotcreates a friction fit that holds the second divider platevertically relative to the base plateand, thus, in a vertical orientation in the interior() of the bag(). Then, the first divider plateis arranged vertically above the second divider plateand perpendicular to the second divider plate. The first divider plateis moved toward (e.g., downward) the second divider plate(or vice versa) such that the first divider platemoves into the second vertical slotof the second divider plateand the second divider platemoves into the first vertical slotof the first divider plate. As such, a portion of the first divider plateis disposed in the second vertical slotof the second divider plateand a portion of the second divider plateis disposed in the first divider plateof the first divider plate. This interaction interlocks the first and second divider plates,in the perpendicular configuration. In some examples, the vertical slots,() are sized (in vertical length) such that when the first and second divider plates,are fit together, the top edges of the first and second divider plates,are aligned or substantially aligned (as shown in). The first divider plateis moved downward until the first tabis moved into the first slotin the base plate. This interface between the tabs,holds the divider plates,vertically relative to the base plateand, thus, in a vertical orientation in the interior() of the bag(). In other examples, the first and second divider plates,can be arranged together first, and then the tabs,can be inserted into the slots,simultaneously.

As disclosed above, the first and second divider plates,have widths F, F(labeled in). The widths F, Fmay correspond to (e.g., be the same as or slightly less than) the interior dimensions of the bag(), such that the divider plates,extend substantially between the sides-. In some examples, the widths F, Fof the divider plates,are the same as or less than the length A and width B (labeled in) of the base plate, such that the divider plates,do not extend beyond the peripheral edgeof the base plate, as shown in.

In some examples, the width E(labeled in) of the first slotin the base plateis slightly less (e.g., by 5%) than the thickness G(labeled in) of the first tabon the first divider plate. For example, the width Eof the first slotmay be 1.0 centimeter (cm) and the thickness Gof the first tabmay be 0.95 cm. Therefore, when the first tabis inserted into the first slot, the first tabis slightly compressed or squeezed into the first slot, which forms or creates an interference fit (sometimes referred to as a friction fit) between the base plateand the first divider plate. This provides a relative tight fit or grip to hold the first divider plateperpendicular (e.g., vertical) relative to the base plate. However, in other examples, the width Eand the thickness Gmay be the same size. Similarly, the width Eof the second slotmay be smaller than or the same as the thickness G(labeled in) of the second tabon the second divider plate.

In some examples, the length D(labeled in) of the first slotis less than the length Jof the first tab(labeled in), which causes the first tabto slightly compress in the lengthwise direction. However, in other examples, the length Dof the first slotmay be the same as or greater than the length Jof the first tab. Similarly, the length D(labeled in) of the second slotmay be less than, equal to, or greater than the length J(labeled in) of the second tab.

In some examples, the thickness C (labeled in) of the base plateis greater than the thicknesses G, G(labeled in) of the divider plates,. In some examples, the thickness C of the base plateis double the size of the thicknesses G, G. This enables greater surface contact and grip, in the vertical direction, between the tabs,and the inner surfaces of the slots,to hold the divider plates,. In some examples, the heights I, I(labeled in) of the tabs,are equal to or less than the thickness C of the base plate, such that the tabs,extend sufficiently far into the slots,, but do not extend beyond the bottom side() of the base plate.

In some examples, the widths H, H(labeled in) of the vertical slots,are the same as or greater than then corresponding thicknesses G, G(labeled in) of the first and second divider plates,. This enables the first and second divider plates,to be easily fit (e.g., slid) together during assembly. However, in other examples, the widths H, Hof the vertical slots,may be less than the corresponding thicknesses G, Gof the first and second divider plates,to create additional holding friction or grip between the first and second divider plates,.

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

While in the illustrated example ofthe divider assemblyforms four compartments within the bagfor storing bottles, in other examples, the divider assembly can be configured to form more or fewer compartments in the bag. For example,illustrates an example of a divider assemblyhaving a base plateand three divider plates,,arranged to form six compartments. The plates,,can be arranged with tabs and slots similar to the design shown in FIGS.-. In other example, a divider assembly can have more divider plates that can be arranged to provide even more compartments inside of the bag. In some examples, the divider assemblycan have compartments of different dimensions. For example, the plates,may be positioned relative to each other such that a compartment between the plates,has a greater volume than a compartment between the plateand an end of the divider assembly. The divider assemblycan 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.