Flexible Suspended Wine Rack

Abstract

This invention relates to hanging racks for the securing of containers such as bottles for wines and liquors and the maintenance thereof in substantially horizontal position, in such manner that the labels are in full view and the position of the containers may be adjusted by loosening or tightening the retaining members forming a part of the rack.

Description

This invention has for its purpose the provision of a rack easily installed on a wall space, wherein articles such as wine bottles or like containers may be stored in full view for ready identification and in easily accessible position. For simplification of language, such containers are hereinafter referred to as bottles, without intent of strict limitation thereto.

A further purpose of the invention is the maintenance of such bottles in horizontal position, such that when cork means are used as closures, the cork is kept moist by the contents of the bottle to ensure complete sealing thereof.

The nature and structure of this invention combine to form a decorative as well as convenient means for storing wine bottles, it being possible to hang the rack on a wall so that it will not occupy floor space or be in the way of passing traffic and, since the diameter of the bottles to be stored in this rack averages approximately 4 inches or less, their storage in the product of this invention prevents their protrusion into the room. The fact of having such bottles safely out of the way of danger, while still being easily accessible, is an important feature when the product is used in small apartments or compact houses; and in any surroundings there is merit in the decorative effect provided by this rack and its conents.

For a better understanding of this invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of this invention, having bottles inserted in the respective retaining members.

FIG. 2 shows the same view as FIG. 1, but having the bottles removed.

FIG. 3 is a section on line 3--3 of FIG. 1, showing the attachment of the larger one of the retaining members on the vertical members of the rack and the base of a bottle held therein.

FIG. 4 is the view of FIG. 3 without the bottle.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the smaller retaining member for holding the neck of the bottle.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detal view taken on line 6--6 of FIG. 3, showing the method of attachment of the retaining members; and

FIG. 7 is a detail view on line 7--7 of FIG. 3.

It will be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the rack 10 is suspended on vertical bands 11, 11 from bar 12, while cross-members 13 retain the vertical bands in substantially parallel relationship. Major retaining members 14 hold the base portions of the respective bottles, and minor retaining members 15 hold the neck portions. The structure is more clearly shown in FIG. 1, with the bottles removed, so that the adjustment holes 16 in the vertical members may be seen.

The sectional views in FIGS. 3 and 4 show the retaining member 14 with adjustment means to permit encompassment of the base portion of the bottle.

The view of FIG. 5 shows retaining member 15, also with adjustment means to permit encompassment of the neck of the bottle.

Adjustment of the major and minor retaining members to fit the dimensions of the bottles is effected by use of buckles or other suitable fastening means.

The distance between the vertical members is sufficient to permit holding each bottle at a point near the base thereof and at another point near the upper end of the neck, thus placing the label in full view for ready identification. Alternating directions of the bottles provide blanced weight on the structure, as well as enhancing the appearance of the rack when filled with bottles.

The successive holes 16, longitudinally disposed in the vertical members, permit adjustment of the retaining members to accommodate fewer, or more, bottles on a rack.

The material from which this rack is made is preferably leather, which combines flexibility, durability, and resistance to slippage when glass bottles are inserted in the retaining members. Other materials possessing like properties may also be used; it is the structure which is deemed new and useful, and for which protection is sought.

The supporting bar 12 may be made of metal or wood, or other suitable material having sufficient rigidity to support a loaded rack and presenting a desirable appearance.

Claims

The invention having been thus disclosed, what is claimed is:

1. A flexible suspended wine rack having in combination vertical flexible band members in substantially parallel relationship retained in maximum lateral disposition by other band members; and upon said vertical band members, a plurality of pairs of flexible retaining means, each pair for the accommodation therewithin of the opposite ends of a container supported on said rack; each pair of said retaining means being of diverse longitudinal dimensions, one longer than the others, each adjustable to permit snug encompassment of the portion of the respective container accommodated therewithin; sand said retaining means being attached upon said vertical band members in alternate arrangement and in such sequence as to dispose one long and one shorter retaining means of each pair at different horizontal levels on said parallel vertical bands.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said vertical band members are attached at their upper ends to a transverse rigid bar.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said retaining means, being flexible material, have sufficient resistance to slippage to prevent accidental release of any part of a container therefrom.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said vertical band members and said retaining means affixed thereupon are so disposed with respect to the containers to be accommodated thereon as to place the body portions of said containers having identifying lables thereon in full view for ready identification.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein each adjustable retaining means comprises a strap having successive holes longitudinally disposed near one end thereof, and fastening means engageable with any selected hole in said strap; and wherein sad vertical band members have successive holes longitudinally disposed to permit adjustable placement of said retaining means on said band members, thus varying the distance between the successive levels of retaining member and containers accommodated upon said rack.