A bottle holder

Abstract

A bottle holder with a detachable bottle stopper wherein the bottle holder is able to sit upright on a flat surface and hold a bottle upright when the bottle stopper is detached from the base of the b

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] A bottle holder.

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The invention generally relates to a bottle holder. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a bottle holder with a detachable bottle stopper.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Bottle holders such as wine coolers and beer coolers are known vessels in which bottles are placed into to keep the liquid within them cool. When a bottle without an easily reusable lid (e.g. a wine bottle with a cork) has been opened, it is difficult to both transport without spilling any liquid and prevent air from “spoiling” the remaining wine. A known solution for these problems is to use a bottle stopper to seal the opening in the bottle. In addition to using bottle stoppers for transporting opened bottles and preventing spoilage, it is also desirable to use them to seal opened bottles of sparkling wine to preserve the flavour and bubbles.

[0007] Bottle stoppers are typically quite big and bulky, inconvenient to transport, and are often lost or forgotten about by users. The size and shape of bottle stoppers mean that integrating them into the structure of a bottle holder is generally inconvenient.

[0008] It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing at least one of the above problems. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0009] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0010] The term “comprising” and derivatives thereof, e.g. “comprises”, if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement “comprises” certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a bottle holder with a detachable bottle stopper comprising:

[0013] • a bottle holder adapted to hold a bottle upright and being configured to releasably engage directly or indirectly with a bottle stopper; and

[0014] • a bottle stopper adapted to seal an opening in a bottle and wherein the bottle stopper is also adapted to releasably engage directly or indirectly with the base of the bottle holder; wherein the bottle holder and bottle stopper are both arranged such that when in use the bottle holder is able to sit upright on a flat surface and hold a bottle upright when the bottle stopper is detached from the bottle holder, and when the bottle stopper is attached to the bottle holder.

[0015] Preferably when the bottle stopper is attached to the base of the bottle holder and the bottle holder is sitting on a flat surface, the bottle stopper is not visible.

[0016] Preferably the bottom profile of the base of the bottle holder or at least a portion of the bottom profile of the bottle holder is substantially flat when the bottle holder is attached or detached which allows the bottle holder to sit flat.

[0017] Preferably the bottom profile of the bottle holder is not changed when the bottle stopper is detached from it or attached to it.

[0018] Preferably the bottle holder has an attachment means adapted to releasably attach and secure the bottle stopper to the bottle holder.

[0019] Preferably the attachment means is concealed within the body of the bottle holder.

[0020] Preferably the attachment means is housed within a hollow portion in the base of the bottle holder. Optionally the attachment means comprises complementary magnets located on the bottle holder and the bottle stopper.

[0021] Preferably the bottle holder has a connection member housed within a hollow portion in the base of the bottle holder which is adapted to releasably engage either directly or indirectly with the bottle stopper.

[0022] Preferably the connection member is permanently fixed to a hollow portion within the base of the bottle holder.

[0023] Preferably the connection member is adapted to releasably engage with a hollow portion within the base of the bottle holder.

[0024] Preferably the connection member forms part of the bottle holder.

[0025] Preferably the connection member has a securing means which is adapted to releasably engage the bottle stopper.

[0026] Preferably the connection member is adapted to stabilise the bottle holder and secure the bottle stopper to the bottle holder.

[0027] Preferably the bottle holder is configured such that it can be adjusted to receive different sizes of bottles.

[0028] Preferably the bottle holder has a cup for receiving a bottle and a removable adjustable lid.

[0029] Preferably the bottle holder is made substantially from metal.

[0030] Preferably the bottle holder is made substantially from double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel and has internal copper lining / plating. Preferably the bottle holder is adapted to hold wine bottles.

[0031] Preferably the bottle stopper has a main body, a sealing member and two arms which are pivotally connected to the main body and can releasably lock to a bottle and wherein the bottle stopper is adapted such that it can move between a closed configuration and a sealing configuration.

[0032] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a bottle holder comprising:

[0033] • a base configured to receive a bottle and a detachable bottle stopper;

[0034] • a detachable bottle stopper; and

[0035] • a securing means for attaching the detachable bottle stopper to the base; wherein the detachable bottle stopper is stored within the base when it has been attached via the securing means.

[0036] Preferably the base and securing means are adapted to stably support a bottle on a flat surface both with and without the bottle stopper attached.

[0037] Preferably the bottom profile of the bottle holder is unchanged when the bottle stopper is attached or detached.

[0038] Preferably the securing means is at least partially hidden within the base of the bottle holder.

[0039] These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings and claims.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0042] FIG. 1 is an upper front perspective view of a detachable bottle stopper and a bottle holding cup and lid which form part of a bottle holder;

[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view of a bottle holder; FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the bottle holding cup;

[0044] FIG. 4 is a top view of a connection member / base pad which forms part of the bottle holder;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the connection member / base pad;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the bottle holder with the connection member / base pad attached to the bottle holding cup;

[0047] FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of the bottle holder with the connection member / base pad attached to the bottle holding cup and the bottle stopper which has been detached from the bottle holder;

[0048] FIG. 8 is an upper exploded view of the bottle stopper;

[0049] FIG. 9 is a front view of the main body of the bottle stopper;

[0050] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a seal of the bottle stopper;

[0051] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the bottle stopper;

[0052] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the bottle stopper;

[0053] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the bottle stopper;

[0054] FIG. 14 is a top view of the bottle stopper;

[0055] FIG. 15 is a side view of the bottle stopper;

[0056] FIG. 16 is a back view of the bottle stopper;

[0057] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the bottle holder with the bottle stopper releasably attached to it;

[0058] FIG. 18 is a lower perspective view of the bottle holder with the bottle stopper releasably attached to it; and

[0059] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a bottle holder and the detachable bottle stopper.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention relates to a bottle holder with a detachable bottle stopper. References in the specification to a bottle holder includes any container or vessel which holds a bottle upright and includes wine and beer coolers. References in the specification to a bottle stopper relate to any type of stopper that covers, plugs or seals the opening in a bottle to stop spillage, spoilage and / or it losing its fizz and flavour.

[0062] A number of different embodiments have been described below and in reference to Figures 1 -19, but it should be understood the design and aesthetic features of the bottle holder and detachable bottle stopper may be changed from those exemplified without departing from the functional aspects of the invention.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a bottle holder 1 with a detachable bottle stopper 101 . The bottle holder 1 shown is a wine cooler which has a two piece removable lid 2 which is shaped to fit over the top of a wine bottle. The lid 2 has an outer shell 2a preferably made from metal and an inner sleeve 2b with threads 2c on its inner surface. When the two parts of the lid 2a, 2b are engaged like shown in figure 1 the lid 2 has a central circular aperture 2d which receives the top, neck and shoulder of a bottle in use. In some embodiments, the lid 2 may be a one part metal lid and may have an inner threaded surface.

[0064] The outer shell 2a of the lid 2 (which may, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, be made from vacuum insulated stainless steel) as previously mentioned is preferably made from metal and the inner threaded lid sleeve 2b is most preferably made substantially from plastic, however, it will be appreciated that they can be made from any other suitable materials. The lid 2 may be provided in a number of different sizes and shapes. In certain configurations the dimensions of the outer shell 2a of the lid 2 may be approximately from 50mm to greater than 100mm in height, preferably 50mm-180 mm in height and more preferably about 67mm in height; from about 80mm to greater than 150mm in diameter, preferably 110mm-140mm in diameter and more preferably about 127mm in diameter; the dimensions of the inner threaded sleeve 2b will vary depending on the size and shape of the outer shell 2a, however, in one preferred embodiment it is approximately from 50mm to greater than 100mm in height, preferably 50mm-180 mm in height and more preferably about 82mm in height; from about 80mm to greater than 150mm in diameter, preferably 1 10mm-140mm in diameter and more preferably about 127mm in diameter; the circular central aperture 2c in the lid 2 is from about 20mm to greater than 80mm in diameter, preferably 60mm- 70mm in diameter and more preferably about 50mm in diameter. These dimensions are not to be taken as limiting in any way.

[0065] The bottle holder 1 also has a threaded cup sleeve 3 which is releasably attached to a bottle receiving cup 4. The cup 4 and attached sleeve 3 are adapted to releasably engage with the lid 2 i.e. the lid 2 can be screwed on or off via a threaded connection between the threads 2c on the lid 2 and the threads on the cup sleeve 3 attached to the cup 4. As there are more inner threads 2c on the lid 2 than there are on the cup sleeve 3 this enables bottles of different heights to be used with the bottle holder 1 . It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the top of the cup 4 may have threads which form part of it and they engage directly with the threaded lid 2. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, other forms of connection between the lid 2 and the cup 4 may be used such as a hinge, bayonet attachment or a magnetic type connection. In some optional embodiments, there is no lid. The cup 4 may come in different shapes, however, is most preferably shaped and adapted to receive a wine bottle and most preferably shaped to receive a sparkling wine bottle. The cup 4 has a base 4a at one end with a circular side wall 4b extending up vertically from this to a rim (not visible in figure 1 ). The side wall 4b is also adapted to receive a cup removable sleeve (not shown) and the threaded cup sleeve 3. The threaded cup sleeve 3 is preferably made from plastic and the removable cup sleeve is preferably made from silicon, however, it will be appreciated that they be made from any suitable materials and in some embodiments these parts can be permanently attached to and form part of the cup 4. In some alternative embodiments, the bottle holder 1 may have an internal silicone pad which can be removably or permanently attached to the bottom of the inside of the cup 4.

[0066] As shown in figure 2 the lid 2 has been fully screwed onto the cup 4. The bottom of the cup 4 has a connection member / base pad 5 projecting from it which has a substantially flat profile which enables the bottle holder 1 to sit on a flat surface when the bottle stopper 101 has been removed from it. This connection member / base pad 5 protects surfaces and stabilises the bottle holder 1 as well as enabling a connection between the bottle holder 1 and the bottle stopper 101.

[0067] Figure 3 shows that the base 4a of the cup 4 has a hollow circular portion 4c within it which is shaped and adapted to receive the connection member / base pad 5, i.e. it has an outer circular recess 4d and a circular middle concave dome 4e and these are adapted and shaped to receive the connection member / base pad 5. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape of the hollow 4c may vary and is not limited to what is shown in the drawings. The bottom 4f of the base 4a of the cup 4 is substantially flat or at least has a substantially flat portion or profile so in some embodiments when the connection member base pad 5 differs or does not project below the bottom of the cup 4 this enables the bottle holder 1 to sit flat on a flat surface when the bottle stopper 101 has been detached from it i.e. the profile of the bottom of the cup 4 is not changed and can sit flat.

[0068] The cup 4 is most preferably made substantially from metal, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cup 4 can be made from other suitable materials. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the cup 4 is made from double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel with internal copper lining / plating. When the cup 4 is made from the above materials this provides the advantage of keeping the bottled liquid cooler (or warmer) for longer. Another advantage that it provides is that there is no condensation formed on the outside of the cup 4. The cup 4 may be provided in a number of different sizes. In certain configurations, the dimensions of the cup 4 may be approximately from 100mm to greater than 200mm in height, preferably 125mm-175mm in height and more preferably about 153 mm in height; from about 75mm to greater than 150mm in diameter at the rim, preferably 90mm-130mm in diameter and more preferably about 112mm in diameter. The dimensions of the hollow 4c will vary depending on the size and shape of the cup 4, however, in one preferred embodiment, it is between about 60mm-120mm in diameter, more preferably 90mm in diameter; and between about 10mm-30mm in depth, more preferably about 18mm in depth; the circular recess 4d in the base 4a is preferably between about 1 -2mm in depth and most preferably about 1 ,55mm in depth. These dimensions are not to be taken as limiting in any way as the cup 4 may be larger or smaller in size.

[0069] In certain configurations, the cup 4 weighs between about 400-600 grams, preferably about 450-550 grams and more preferably about 485 grams. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to this weight as the weight of the cup 4 will vary depending on the size of the cup 4 and the materials used to construct it.

[0070] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottle holder 1 is adapted to receive 750 ml bottles of sparkling wine, however, is not limited to wine bottles of this size and may also be used with other types of bottles, such as RTDs, beer bottles, etc. In use a user would screw off the lid 2 from the cup 4 and then place a bottle into the cup 4 and then screw the lid 4 tightly down to secure the bottle holder 1 to the bottle and then the user can pour drinks from it. When the bottle holder 1 is made from the above preferred materials it keeps the liquid in the bottle cold without having to chill the bottle holder 1 or add ice to it.

[0071] As can be seen, in figures 4 and 5, the connection member / base pad 5 is shaped and adapted to be received by the hollow 4c in the base 4a of the cup 4 and this connection member / base pad 5 when inserted and attached to the hollow 4c in the base 4a of the cup 4 enables a releasable attachment between the bottle holder 1 and the bottle stopper 101. The connection member / base pad 5 is generally circular in shape and it has a circular lip 5a for engaging with the circular recess 4d and a circular convex dome which engages with the circular concave dome 4e in the hollow 4c in the base 4a of the cup 4. In some embodiments, the connection member / pad 5 is permanently fixed to the hollow 4c in the base 4a of the cup 4, e.g. with an adhesive such as glue and in other embodiments, it is adapted to be removably attached to the hollow 4c and / or is adapted to be removably attached to the connection member / base pad 5. In some embodiments, the connection member / base pad 5 forms part of the cup 4. The connection member / base pad 5 is adapted to releasably engage with the bottle stopper 101. The connection member / base pad 5 has four bottle stopping securing members / projections 5c (only 2 are visible in figure 5) and below each of these securing members / projections 5c are bottle stopper receiving channels 5d. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the number, shape, size and form of the bottle stopper securing members / projections 5c may vary as can the size and shape of the bottle stopper receiving channels 5d.

[0072] As illustrated in figures 6 and 7 the connection member / base pad 5 has been coupled (i.e. glued) to the hollow 4c in the cup 4 and as shown the bottom of the connection member / base pad 5 has a flower like shape within it composed of four concave recesses 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h and a circular concave central dome 5i. While the connection member / base pad 5 is generally preferably circular in shape it may be formed with rectangular, square, oval, hexagonal or other shaped cross-sections to suit the design characteristics of the hollow 4c in the cup 4. As the securing members / projections 5c are internal to the bottle holder 1 profile, this results in the bottle stopper 101 not being visible once it is attached to the bottle holder 1 and the flat bottom profile of the bottle holder 1 is maintained (the connection member / base pad 5 which protrudes out from the bottom of the cup 4 lies flat) and this allows the bottle holder 1 to be used on any flat surface with or without the bottle stopper 101 attached.

[0073] The connection member / base pad 5 is preferably made from silicon rubber, however, it is not limited to this and it can be made from any other suitable materials. It will be appreciated that while the connection member / base pad 5 can come in a number of different shapes and sizes, however, it is preferable for the hollow 4c and connection member / base pad 5 to be of similar size such that there is a tight fit between the two. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection member / base pad 5 is around 16.75mm in height and about 89.7mm in diameter.

[0074] Figure 8 shows the different parts of the bottle stopper 101 . The bottle stopper 101 has a main body 102, a pair of arms 103 and a seal 104. As can be seen in figures 8 and 9 the main body 102 of the bottle stopper 101 has a pair of holes 102a and a pair of dimples 102b on each side for receiving a pin 103a and a protrusion 103b from the arms 103. The arms 103 have two grooves 103b which are shaped and adapted to engage with a member on the main body 102. Each arm 103 also has a bottle rim engaging recess 103c. The socket 102a and pin connection 103a allows for the arms 103 to pivot with respect to the main body 102 and the dimple 102b and protrusion connection 103b enable a snap fit between the arms 103 and the main body 102 when they are in a closed or stored configuration.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the main body 102 of the stopper 101 with the arms 103 and seal 104 removed. The base 102c of the main body 102 has a circular hollow which is adapted to receive the seal 104. As can be seen the main body 102a is also shaped to receive the arms 103, i.e. has an outer curved groove 102d and an outer protrusion 102e which are adapted to receive and support the arms 103 when they are in a closed configuration.

[0076] Shown in figure 10 is the seal 104. The seal 104 has a bottle sealing member 104a which is shaped and adapted to be inserted into an opening in a bottle to seal it. The seal 104 also has a generally circular top 104b which slopes downwardly at the edge 104c and also has a lip 104d and a circular side wall 104e which extends downwardly from the top 104b. In between the side wall 104f and the bottle sealing member 104a is a wine top / lip receiving channel 104f.

[0077] Figure 1 1 shows how the seal 104 engages with the main body 102 of the stopper 101 . The main body 102 receives the seal 104 through the base 102c and is housed within a hollow portion in the seal 104 and this hollow is adapted to releasably engage with and secure the seal 104 (i.e. it is shaped to receive the sloped portion 104c and lip portion 104d of the seal 104). It will be appreciated that the seal 104 can come in different shapes, forms and sizes depending on the diameter of the bottle opening, for example, for bottles with larger openings a user could remove the seal 104 and replace it with a bigger seal adapted to fit into the larger bottle opening. The seal 104 is adapted such that it can flex and be pushed into the hollow in the main body 102 via the base 102c and further into the hollow portion in the main body 102 which is adapted to releasably engage with the seal 104. In a further embodiment the seal 104 could be releasably attached to the main body 104 with other forms of attachment means and in an alternative embodiment the seal 104 could be permanently fixed to the main body 102 e.g. with an adhesive or the like.

[0078] Illustrated in figures 12-16 is the bottle stopper 101 when assembled and in a closed configuration or stored configuration. The main body 102 and the arms 103 are preferably made from plastic and more preferably from ABS plastic, however, they can be made from any other suitable hard and durable materials such as metal or the like. The seal 104 is preferably made from rubber and more preferably silicone, however, it will be appreciated that it can be made from any other type of suitable known materials. The bottle stopper 101 may be provided in a number of different sizes and shapes. In certain configurations the dimensions of the bottle stopper 101 may be approximately from 5mm to greater than 30mm in height, preferably 10mm-20mm in height and more preferably about 15mm in height; from about 25mm to greater than 100mm in width, preferably 30mm-70mm in width and more preferably about 54mm in width; from about 25mm to greater than 125mm in length preferably 50mm-100mm in length and more preferably about 70mm in length. These dimensions are not to be taken as limiting in any way and are just preferred embodiments. To use the bottle stopper 101 (which has already been detached from the bottle holder 1 and is in the closed configuration) a user would line up the seal 104 with an opening in the top of a bottle which has the lid, cap or cork removed and would then place the bottle stopper 101 over the top of the bottle and would then push or pull the arms 103 downwardly with sufficient force towards the bottle to release the engagement (i.e. the protrusion 102b and dimple connection 103b) between the arms 103 and main body 102 until the rim engaging recess 103c on the each arm 103 clips to the rim of the bottle to securely attach the bottle stopper 101 to the bottle. The above described attachment of the stopper 101 also results in the stopper 101 moving to a sealing configuration as the opening in the bottle is sealed by the bottle sealing member 104a which enters the opening in the bottle and the outside of the top of the bottle is received by the circular channel 104b. In a preferred embodiment of the invention when the stopper 101 is used with a bottle and has been moved to the sealing configuration this results in a leak proof and airtight seal being formed and the stopper 101 being securely attached to the top of the bottle via the arms 103. The bottle with the attached stopper 101 can be tipped upside down and the stopper 101 will prevent any contained liquid from leaking and the arms 103 prevents the stopper 101 coming off the bottle. To remove the stopper 101 a user would pull or push the arms 103 upwardly to release the engagement with the arms 103 and the rim of the bottle and then remove stopper 101 from the top of the bottle and then engage the snap fit connection between the arms 103b and main body 102b such that the bottle stopper 101 moves to closed configuration where it can then be attached to the bottle holder 1 .

[0079] It will be appreciated that the shape and form of the bottle stopper 101 may differ to what is shown in the drawings and in some embodiments instead of using a hinged / pivotal arms 103 to secure the bottle, the stopper may be adapted such that it can be screwed onto the top of a bottle to seal and attach it or it may be shaped such that it can be plugged into the end of the bottle to seal it. In another embodiment the bottle stopper may have a bottle opener and / or cork screw attached to or forming part of it. In a further embodiments in addition to being adapted to receive the stopper 101 the bottle holder 1 may also be adapted to receive a detachable bottle opener and / or a detachable cork screw inside it. In use to attach the bottle stopper 101 to the bottle holder 1 , a user would orientate the stopper 101 in a closed configuration so that the seal 104 side of the stopper 101 is facing the connection member / base pad 5 in the base 4a of the cup 4 and also position the stopper 101 (or cup 4) so the sides of the stopper 101 are lined up with the concave recesses 5g, 5h of the connection member and the ends of the stopper 101 are lined up with concave recesses 5e, 5f of the connection member / base pad 5 and would then push it in with sufficient force or (angle and push it in with sufficient force) until the arms 103 are received by the channels 5d under the securing members / projections 5c and the edges of the arms 103 are engaged with securing projections 5c which results in the bottle stopper 101 being securely attached to the bottle holding member 101 like shown in figures 17 and 18. To remove the bottle stopper 101 a user can grasp the back and / or front of the stopper 101 (via the concave recesses 5e, 5f in the connection member / base pad 5) and use sufficient force to pull the stopper 101 out.

[0080] Figure 19 shows a second embodiment of a bottle holder 201 which is adapted to receive the same detachable bottle holder 101 . The bottle holder 201 has the same cup 4 (and hollow in the base), two part lid 2a, 2b and connection member / base pad 5, as the first embodiment and the bottle stopper 101 is securely attached to the bottle holder 201 and removed from it in the same way. This embodiment has an additional outer silicone sleeve 6 and a silicone base plate 7.

[0081] It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, other types of connection / securing / attaching means between the bottle holders 1 , 201 and bottle stopper 101 may be used and the invention is not limited to the connection which is shown in the drawings, for example, the base of the cup may have a hollow threaded receiving aperture in it and the bottle stopper may have a corresponding threaded portion and may be screwed onto and / or off the cup. In another embodiment, the connection may be magnetic, with the cup having a magnet housed within a hollow within its base and the bottle stopper also having a magnet member which is inserted into the base to enable the magnetic connection. In another embodiment, there is no hollow in the base and the connecting securing means between the bottle holder and bottle stopper comprises complementary magnets located on the bottle holder and the bottle stopper and wherein the bottle stopper when attached to the cup is adapted such that the bottle holder can sit on a flat surface when it is removed. In another embodiment, the attachment means between the bottle holder and the bottle stopper may be a bayonettype connection. In a further embodiment, the bottle stopper may contain a locking means which engages with and locks to the hollow or connection member inside the base of the cup.

[0082] It will also be appreciated that the shape of the different parts of the bottle holders 1 , 201 are not limited to the two previously described embodiments and they can come in different shapes and forms.

[0083] The bottle holder 1 , 201 and the detachable bottle stopper 101 of the present invention provide a number of advantages / benefits. As the bottle stopper 101 attachment is internal to the bottle holder 1 , 201 (i.e. the securing members / projections 5c are not visible) this allows the bottle holder 1 , 201 to be used in a flat surface when the bottle stopper 101 has either been removed or when it has been attached as the profile of the bottom of the holder 1 , 201 is not changed. Another advantage provided by the internal attachment is that it provides for a very secure attachment so the bottle stopper 101 when attached does not easily fall out of the bottle holder 1 , 201. Also, as the bottle stopper 101 is stored within the bottle holder 1 , 201 this makes it easier to transport than having to bring a separate bottle stopper which is usually large, heavy and bulky and easily forgotten about or lost. Furthermore, when the arms 103 of the stopper 101 are in the closed or stored configuration, the stopper 101 is aesthetically pleasing compared to large bulky known wine stoppers and the shape allows the stopper 101 to be stored in the bottle holder 1 , 201 as the size and shape of known bottle stoppers makes integrating them into the structures of a bottle holder very difficult. The arrangement of the stopper 101 also provides the advantage of a secure airtight seal which stops leakage, spoilage and / or preserves the flavour and bubbles when it is in use and attached to a bottle. Additionally, when the bottle holder 1 , 201 is made from the preferred materials previously described, it provides the advantage that it does not need to be cooled or need ice added and there is no condensation formed on the outside of the holder 1 , 201 when a cold bottle is held by it.

[0084] It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example, the particular elements of the bottle holder 1 , 201 and the bottle stopper 101 may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to a bottle holder 1 , 201 and a bottle stopper 101 it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A bottle holder with a detachable bottle stopper comprising:• a bottle holder adapted to hold a bottle upright and being configured to releasably engage directly or indirectly with a bottle stopper; and• a bottle stopper adapted to seal an opening in a bottle and wherein the bottle stopper is also adapted to releasably engage directly or indirectly with the base of the bottle holder; wherein the bottle holder and bottle stopper are both arranged such that when in use the bottle holder is able to sit upright on a flat surface and hold a bottle upright when the bottle stopper is detached from the bottle holder, and when the bottle stopper is attached to the bottle holder.

2. A bottle holder according to claim 1 , wherein when the bottle stopper is attached to the base of the bottle holder and the bottle holder is sitting on a flat surface, the bottle stopper is not visible.

3. A bottle holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom profile of the base of the bottle holder or at least a portion of the bottom profile of the bottle holder is substantially flat when the bottle holder is attached or detached which allows the bottle holder to sit flat.

4. A bottle holder according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the bottom profile of the bottle holder is not changed when the bottle stopper is detached from it or attached to it.

5. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder has an attachment means adapted to releasably attach and secure the bottle stopper to the bottle holder.

6. A bottle holder according to claim 5, wherein the attachment means is concealed within the body of the bottle holder.

7. A bottle holder according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the attachment means is housed within a hollow portion in the base of the bottle holder.

8. A bottle holder according to claim 5 wherein the attachment means comprises complementary magnets located on the bottle holder and the bottle stopper.

9. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder has a connection member housed within a hollow portion in the base of the bottle holder which is adapted to releasably engage either directly or indirectly with the bottle stopper.

10. A bottle holder according to claim 9, wherein the connection member is permanently fixed to a hollow portion within the base of the bottle holder.

11. A bottle holder according to claim 9, wherein the connection member is adapted to releasably engage with a hollow portion within the base of the bottle holder.

12. A bottle holder according to claim 9, wherein the connection member forms part of the bottle holder.

13. A bottler holder according to any one of claims 9-12, wherein the connection member has a securing means which is adapted to secure the bottle stopper to the bottle holder.

14. A bottler holder according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the connection member is adapted to stabilise the bottle holder and secure the bottle stopper to the bottle holder.

15. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder is configured such that it can be adjusted to receive different sizes of bottles.

16. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder has a cup for receiving a bottle and a removable adjustable lid.

17. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder is made substantially from metal.

18. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder is made substantially from double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel and has internal copper lining / plating.

19. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle holder is adapted to hold wine bottles.

20. A bottle holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottle stopper has a main body, a sealing member and two arms which are pivotally connected to the main body and can releasably lock to a bottle and wherein the bottle stopper is adapted such that it can move between a closed configuration and a sealing configuration.21 . A bottle holder comprising:• a base configured to receive a bottle and a detachable bottle stopper;• a detachable bottle stopper; and• a securing means for attaching the detachable bottle stopper to the base; wherein the detachable bottle stopper is stored within the base when it has been attached via the securing means.

22. A bottle holder according to claim 21 , wherein the base and securing means are adapted to stably support a bottle on a flat surface both with and without the bottle stopper attached.

23. A bottle holder according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the bottom profile of the bottle holder is unchanged when the bottle stopper is attached or detached.

24. A bottle holder according to claim 21 , 22, or 23 wherein the securing means is at least partially hidden within the base of the bottle holder.

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