GB2520874A

GB2520874A - Bottle cover

Info

Publication number: GB2520874A
Application number: GB1503235.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Costas Petrides
Original assignee: LAUREN LLORIS Ltd
Current assignee: LAUREN LLORIS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-26
Filing date: 2015-02-26
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-26
Also published as: HK1210606A1; EP3061700A1; GB2520874B; GB201503235D0

Abstract

A bottle cover 10 having a body 12 and base 14, the body having a cylindrical or tubular portion 16 and a conical or frustro-conical portion 18 extending from one end of the cylindrical portion, the other end of the cylindrical portion being open, the conical portion having an aperture through which the bottle neck can extend, the base being circular and having a peripheral upstanding flange (32), both body and base being made from metal or metal alloy and, in use, the base being rigidly fastened to the body. The base may be bonded to the body with adhesive. The bottle cover may be made from pewter and dipped in 24 carat gold. The surface of the cover may be textured with hammered dents. The cover may have two plaques 28 protruding from the body for displaying information or indicia.

Description

BOflLE COVER The present invention relates to a bottle cover and particularly but not exclusively to a bottle cover for a bottle of sparkling wine.

BACKGROUND TO TUE INVENTION

The morn expensive sparkling wines and champagnes are often sold in individual bottles, for example, on wine shop or supermarket shelves. In order to protect the sparkling wine or champagne from light, the bottles arc boxed. Wines exposed to light tend to deteriorate over lime. Manufacturers do their best to make the boxes look attractive and appealing to customers, but the appearance of the bottled wine is lost. Generally the marketing appeal of a box is not as appealing as that of a bottle.

The use of. typically giten bottles and foils around the corks is not sufficient protection against light, although it does reduce the impact of exposure by slowing the rate of deterioration of the wine.

It is also understood that fluctuating temperature, and, in particular, warm temperatures tend to cause deterioration of wine. Hence, it is advantageous if fluctuations in temperature, even short term fluctuations, can be avoided.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a bottle cover for covering the lower part of a wine bottle, the bottle cover comprising a body and a base, the body having a cylindrical portion and a substantially conical portion extending from one end of the cylindrical portion, the other end of the cylindrical portion being open, the substantially conical portion terminating in an aperture through which a bottle neck can extend, the base being substantially circular and having a peripheral upstanding flange, both the body and base being made from metal or metal alloy, in use, die base being rigidly lastened to the body for retaining a bottle within die cover.

Advantageously, by providing a bottle cover made from metal or metal alloy, the bottle can be shielded from light and hence the risk of light deterioration is substantially mitigated. Furthermore, by covering the majority of the bottle, ie the lower part, but not the foiled upper end, the bottle can be opened and the wine consumed, whilst the cover is in place. It has not been found necessary to cover the foiled upper end of a bottle, because the foil is sufficient protection from light.

The bottle cover is intended to be permanent, that. is. once the base is attached to the body, it is not intended to he removed. This is to prevent the bottle from falling out of die cover, when the bottle is BRed from (he body of (he cover.

The base may be bonded to the body with cement or adhesive.

The base may have a domed central region, which may locate in a deep punt on the underside of a sparkling wine bottle. Sparkling wine bottles require a deep recess formed in their base to effectively reinforce the base of the bottle to retain the pressure of the wine within. The dome substantially follows the shape of the underside of the bottle and a wine waiter or sommelier may utilise the domed recess to assist in holding the bottle.

The domed central region may extend in the same direction as (he peripheral upstanding flange.

The metal alloy is preferably pewter, which can be hand crafted.

Preferably the bottle cover is dipped in gold, preferably 24 c'*at gold. The gold is highly decorative and desirable, but also provides a reflective surface which assists in keeping the cover and bottle within cool, when exposed to the sun, for example.

At least part of the surface of the bottle cover may be textured with hammered dents.

A three-dimensional plaque may sit proud of the body portion for displaying indicia formed in the plaque. The plaque may be in the form of a crest, with a raised and decorated periphery.

A further three-dimensional plaque may sit proud of the body portion for displaying indieia on the opposing side of the bottle cover. The further three-dimensional plaque may be smaller and may display product details pertaining to the contents of a bottle to he received within the bottle cover.

The bottle cover is shaped to match the shape of a champagne bottle and so the effect is that it looks like a very impressive bottle in use. Furthermore, a bottle of expensive champagne can he displayed by using the cover, without the need for a box, and so the product and brand is significantly enhanced in the retail environment. The raised plaques, the gold coating. and the hammered effect may all combine to provide an elegant visual display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it maybe carried into effect, reference will now he made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of bottle cover of the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the bottle cover of Figure 1, with the base detached; and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the bottle cover of Figure 1 & 2, in use, covering a bottle of champagne.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

RefelTing firstly to Figures 1 and 2. an embodiment of bottle cover is indicated generally at 10. The bottle cover 10 comprises a body 12 and a base 14. which are fastened together in use and substantially replicate (lie shape of the base, body and part of the neck area of a typical bottle used for sparkling wine, eg champagne. The bottle cover 10 is intended to he a close fit with minimal clearance over a bottle of champagne.

The body 12 has a substantially cylindrical portion 16 with circular cross section extending into a tapered or substantially conical portion 18, at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 16, as viewed in Figures 1 and 3, and as used. The cylindrical portion 16 is open at its thwer end, presenting a circular aperture 20 for receiving a bottle.

The body in the embodiment shown is made from pewter, which is hand crafted with a hammer to create a dented or rippled surface effect Smooth circumferential bands 22. 24 are provided in the surface at its upper and lower ends; and also partway along the body, referenced 26, at the position of the transition from the cylindrical portion and the conical portion. The upper and mid bands 22, 26 are provided for aesthetic reasons, but the lower band has a functional purpose in providing a smooth circular surface onto which the base 14 can be engaged, as described further below.

The pewter is soft enough a material to allow the creation of a raised crest 28 for branding purposes on one side of the body 12, and a smaller raised area 30 on the opposing side of the cover, which can carry, for example. product information. The text and images may be pressed, stamped or otherwise and crafted and polished.

The base 12 of the bottle cover is integrally made from spun pewter, and is a substantially circular member with a peripheral upstanding flange 32. A circular dome 34 is provided at the centre of the circular member, extending away from a suhstantially flat surrounding circular outer 36. The peripheral upstanding flange 32 extends away from the outer circumference of the substantially flat surrounding circular outer 36. at a curved transition.

The inner diameter across the peripheral upstanding flange 32 of the base is marginally larger than the outer diameter across the lower band 24 of the body 12.

The clearance is small and is intended to he sufficient to allow the base to he pushed onto the lower end of the body 12 with a push fit.

The bottle cover 10 is a luxury item and the pewter is dipped in gold, for example, 24 carat gold. An inexpensive cover may be spray painted in gold paint, but this would take away from the intended luxuriousness and exclusiveness of the product.

In use, as shown in Figure 3. a bottle of champagne 38, for example, is placed into the aperture 20 of the body 12 and inserted through the body until the tapercd or conical portion 18 engages against the bottle. The upper end of the bottle 38 including the wired cork and neck of the bottle extends above the cover. This part of the bottle is foiled, and it is envisaged that the foil will he black foil with a gold band disposed just below the neck ol the bottle, to match the visible bands 22. 26 ol the cover 10.

The base 14 is pushed onto the bottom of the body 12 and is bonded on with adhesive.

Threading or engaging detents could be provided in alternative embodiments to retain the base to (he body, but any fixing should be bonded to make it permanent before sale. The dome 34 in the base 14 is accommodated in the domed recess or punt in the bottom of the bottle 38. In this way, when the bottle is picked up by the cover, the bottle does not drop out of the bottom aperture 20, hut is retained in the cover by the base 14.

By using gold plated pewter. the cover 10 has enough structural integrity to support the weight ol a bottle ol champagne 38 or other sparkling wine. Furthermore, the cover is impervious to light, and so in combination with the foiled upper end of the bottle, the content of the bottle is fully protected from light. An advantage of the gold plating is that the cover 10 is highly reflective and consequently does not warm up quickly when exposed to sunlight. The metal cover effectively increases the heat capacity of the bottle, and so in ambient weather conditions, retains its' temperature for longer after having been removed from, for example, a cooler or cellar.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example on'y, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bottle cover for covering the lower part of a wine bottle, the bottle cover comprising a body and a base, the body having a cylindrical portion and a substantially conical portion extending from one end of the cylindrical portion.the other end of the tubular portion being open, the substantially conical portion terminating in an aperture through which a bottle neck can extend, the base being suhstantialy circular and having a peripheral upstanding flange, both the body and base being madc from metal or metal alloy, in use, the base being rigidly fastened to the body for retaining a bottle within the cover.
2. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 1. in which the base is bonded to the body with adhesive.
3. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2. in which the bottle cover is made from pewter.
4. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the bottle cover is dipped in gold.
5. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 4, in which the bottle cover is dipped in 24 carat gold.
6. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least part of the surface of the bottle cover is textured.
7. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 6, in which the texture is provided by hammered dents.
8. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base has a domed central region.
9. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a three-dimensional plaque sits proud of the body portion for displaying indicia formed in the plaque.
10. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 9, in which a further three-dimensional plaque sits proud of the body portion for displaying indieia on the opposing side of the bottle cover to the first three-dimensional plaque.

II. A bottle cover substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings. aAmendment to Claims have been filed as follows C LA I Ni S 1. A bottle cover for covering the lower part of a wine bottle, the bottle cover comprising a body and a base, the body having a cylindrical portion and a S substantially conical portion extending from one end of the cylindrical portion, the other end of the cylindrical portion being open, the substantially conical portion terminating in an aperture through which a bottle neck can extend, the base being substantially circular and having a peripheral upstanding flange, both the body and base being made from metal or metal alloy, in use, the base being rigidly fastened to the body for retaining a bottle within the cover, 2. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 1, in which the base is bonded to the body with adhesive. IC)3, A bottle cover as claimed in claim i or claim 2, in which the bottle cover is made from pewter.4. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the bottle cover is dipped in gold.5. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 4, in which the bottle cover is dipped in 24 carat gold.6. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least part of the surface of the bottle cover is textured.7. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 6, in which the texture is provided by hammered dents.S. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base has a domed central region.9. A bottle cover as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a three-dimensional plaque sits proud of the body portion for displaying indicia formed in the plaque.10. A bottle cover as claimed in claim 9, in which a further three-dimensional plaque sits proud of the body portion for displaying indieia on the opposing side of the bottle cover to the first three-dimensional plaque.
II. A bottle cover substantially as described herein, with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.