Bottle holder display system

Abstract

A bottle display system for housing and displaying bottles. The bottle display system includes frame members and individual holders that can be removably connected to one another. Each holder includes body, a perimeter wall, and a bottle aperture. Each holder further includes at least one slot and at least one boss. Adjacent holders removably connect to one another by inserting the at least one boss of one holder into the at least one slot of another holder, forming a rigid holding unit which is retained by frame members connected therearound.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to container display devices which can be used as a tattoo ink bottle holder display for holding and displaying tattoo ink bottles therein, but is not limited to tattoo ink bottles.

[0002] Many bottle holder display systems comprise a plastic rack with tiered rows for receiving and showcasing bottles therein. Some bottle holder display systems are partitioned and thus have a preset number of equidistantly spaced slots, holes, or recesses for respectively receiving and holding the bottles therein. Bottle holder displays can be mounted horizontally on a desk or vertically mounted on a wall. Ideally, for instance, a tattoo ink bottle holder will have a dual functionality in housing the bottles of tattoo ink for easy access yet also showcasing the bottles of ink in an aesthetically pleasing manner, for both the artist and customer alike. In some instances, the artist may have fewer bottles of ink than there are rows or slots available in the bottle holder display system, in which case there will be unsightly empty spaces without bottles therein. In other instances, the user may have more bottles than available spaces within the bottle holder, in which case the artist may need to forfeit the displaying of such extra bottles and, instead, store these bottles in a separate drawer or box, making the selection of such un-showcased bottles rather cumbersome. Thereby, the experience of selecting a particular color of ink can be diminished and then the bottle holder display is unaesthetically pleasing and misnumbered, in being partially empty or having too few spaces available to accommodate a desired number of bottles.

[0003] What is needed in the art is an improved bottle holder display system for users to display available options to their customers, whether for tattoo ink bottles or other bottles.SUMMARY

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a bottle display system includes a plurality of removably connected frame members and a plurality of individual ink bottle holders configured to be removably connected to one another and retained by the plurality of frame members. Each holder includes a body including a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and a perimeter wall extending in between the top end and the bottom end. The body further includes a bottle aperture extending therethrough from the top end to the bottom end and configured to receive and house at least a portion of a bottle therein. The body further includes at least one locating slot in the perimeter wall and at least one boss extending outwardly from the perimeter wall. Adjacent holders of the plurality of holders are configured to removably connect to each other upon inserting the at least one boss of one holder into the at least one slot of another holder, forming a rigid holding unit which is retained by the plurality of frame members.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a modular container display system includes two or more individual holders. Each holder includes a set of female wall sections that each have a slot therein. Each holder further includes a set of male wall sections oppositely disposed relative to the female wall sections. Each male wall section includes a boss protruding outwardly therefrom. Each boss is configured to fit within one of the slots of adjacent holders when assembled to form a rigid holder unit. A shape of the rigid holder unit is alterable upon altering a number of holders.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a container display system comprises a pair of first frame members. Each first frame member includes slots therein. The container display system further comprises a pair of second frame members configured to removably connect to the first frame members. Each second frame member includes slots therein. The container display system further includes a plurality of holders configured to be removably connected to one another and retained by the first and second frame members. Each holder comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of corresponding bosses configured to fit within the plurality of slots of adjacent holders and the slots of the first and second frame members when assembled.

[0007] In some embodiments, the rigid holding unit is configured to be modular in that a shape of the rigid holding unit is changeable by increasing or decreasing a number of the plurality of holders within the rigid holding unit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members is configured to be interchangeable with differing frame members for retaining a corresponding shape of the rigid holding unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members and the plurality of holders are configured to be connected and disconnected by hand.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members includes a pair of lateral frame members, each lateral frame member comprising a first recess and a second recess, and a pair of longitudinal frame members. Each longitudinal frame member comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion configured to compression fit within the first recess and the second recess, respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, each lateral frame member and each longitudinal frame member have corresponding and angled mating surfaces such that when connected the lateral and longitudinal frame members form a frame unit which is generally rectangular in shape with squared corners.

[0012] In some embodiments, each lateral frame member comprises a first end and a second end, an outer wall extending in between the first and second ends, and a tiered inner wall opposite the outer wall and extending in between the first and second ends. The tiered inner wall is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent holders of the plurality of holders.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of holders comprises a first holder with a first and a second boss and a second holder with a first and a second boss. The tiered inner wall of each lateral frame member further comprises a lower tier section which is parallel to the outer wall, the lower tier section comprises a first boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the first boss of the first holder which is adjacent to and engaged with the lower tier section, an angled intermediary section extending outwardly and obliquely from the lower tier section, the angled intermediary section comprises a second boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the second boss of the first holder, and an upper tier section extending from the angled intermediary section at an angle such that the upper tier section is parallel to the lower tier section. The upper tier section comprises a third boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the first boss of the second holder.

[0014] In some embodiments, each longitudinal frame member includes a first end and a second end, an outer wall extending in between the first and second ends, and a chevroned inner wall opposite the outer wall and extending in between the first and second ends. The chevroned inner wall is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent holders of the plurality of holders.

[0015] In some embodiments, the chevroned inner wall of each longitudinal frame member comprises a plurality of adjoined and opposingly angled wall sections defining peaks and valleys at connection points thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, each angled wall section of the chevroned inner wall comprises a boss-receiving slot within which the at least one boss of each holder of the plurality of holders is receivable.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body of each holder defines a hexagonal prism, the bottle aperture extends from the top end to the bottom end of the hexagonal prism, and the perimeter wall includes six sections that define respective sides of the hexagonal prism.

[0018] In some embodiments, as assembled, adjacent sections of the perimeter walls of the adjacent holders of the plurality of holders contact one another to further rigidly secure the plurality of holders together with one another.

[0019] In some embodiments, the perimeter wall of each holder further comprises a first section with the at least one slot therein and a second section with the at least one boss extending outwardly therefrom. The second section is opposite the first section such that the at least one boss is opposingly disposed relative to the at least one slot.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one boss corresponds in shape and size to the at least one slot.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one slot within the perimeter wall has an ellipsoidal cross-section, and the at least one boss has a corresponding ellipsoidal cross-section such that the adjacent holders are rigidly fixed to one another when connected, unless and until a user pulls the adjacent holders apart from one another.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one slot of each holder comprises three slots disposed about the perimeter wall, and the at least one boss of each holder comprises three bosses disposed about the perimeter wall at respective locations which are opposite to the slots on opposing sides of the perimeter wall.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one slot extends through the perimeter wall and opens into the bottle aperture.

[0024] One possible advantage of the bottle display system is that the bottles of can be displayed and partitioned in a customizable and aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0025] Another possible advantage of the bottle display system is that a holding unit thereof can easily be assembled or disassembled by hand, allowing a user to easily adjust a number of available holding spaces for accommodating a corresponding number of bottles.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The embodiment illustrated herein is not limited to the precise arrangements, sequential steps, and dimensions shown. Like numerals indicate like elements throughout the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a container display system that generally includes frame members and individual container holders, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a top and cross-sectional view of the bottle holder display system, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1. Each individual holder is numbered sequentially from one (1) to twenty-seven (27) as an example of an assembly method;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective and cross-sectional view of the bottle holder display system, taken across line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1; and

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates another exploded view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Container display systems, including tattoo ink bottle devices or holders, as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures merely provide an example of an embodiment of a tattoo ink bottle holder. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. For instance, various configurations and shapes can be formed by the bottler holder display in modifying the outer frame and altering the number, size, and / or shape of the individual bottle holders.

[0035] Traditionally, the display of bottles of tattoo ink is accomplished by showcasing the bottles within tattoo ink holders or organizers. Such holders help to elevate and space the bottles apart from one another, making it relatively easy to grab and remove a particular bottle (or reinsert and store the bottle). Most bottles of holder display systems are cylindrical in shape and thus most holders include tiered rows or equidistantly spaced circular holes in a frame that defines a single plane. Traditional tattoo ink holders are comprised of a single part or frame.

[0036] Thereby, traditional tattoo ink holders are not modular in design such that the user can alter the available spaces to accordingly house fewer or additional bottles of tattoo ink as desired. This lack of modularity may cause the experience of selecting colors of tattoo ink to be diminished.

[0037] For example, in the case of a partially empty tattoo ink holder, the psychology of seeing empty spaces makes an individual feel as if the available selection is incomplete or inadequate.

[0038] Additionally, for example in the case of too few spaces available in a tattoo ink holder, the user may need to rummage through drawers or boxes to find un-showcased bottles of tattoo ink, which takes additional time and which also has a psychological effect of making the selection process feel disorganized. Furthermore, the lack of modularity of traditional ink holders does not allow the tattoo artist to curate a working space for creating their desired aesthetic look and feel thereof, which may diminish the customer experience in getting a tattoo.

[0039] The examples of container display systems, e.g., tattoo ink bottle holders, disclosed herein may address some or all of the problems described above. For example, the user can create a custom tattoo ink bottle holder that has a particular shape and number of individual holders to match the exact number of ink bottles that a user has in possession. Thereby, the container display system allows the user to better curate the tattoo ink bottles and thus augment a look and feel of a tattoo studio.

[0040] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of a container display system 100 that generally includes a display device 102 (e.g. a platform, rack, holder, organizer, etc.) comprised of individual frame members 104, 106 and individual tattoo ink bottle holders 200 that are removably connectable to each other via integrated mating features, such as via respective male mating protrusions or bosses 108 that mate with corresponding female slots or recesses 110 as discussed in more detail further below. In one embodiment, the container display system 100 can be a tattoo ink bottle display system 100 that is configured to receive and store one or more tattoo ink bottles 10 (or other container) within the assembled holders 200 of the tattoo ink bottle display device 102, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1. In assembly of the display device 102, the user may first interconnect the holders 200 to form a rigid holder unit 200U and then attach the frame members 104, 106 therearound to form a frame unit 104U that retains and further secures the holder unit 200U (FIG. 6).

[0041] In use, the user may insert and remove the tattoo ink bottles 10 from the top of the display device 102, as shown in FIG. 1. The display device 102 can be mounted on any desired surface, such as a wall or platform, via an adhesive and / or fasteners. For instance, the display device 102 can include mounting features (not shown), such as tabs, brackets, clips, threaded holes, etc., that receive fasteners therein to secure the display device 102 onto a desired surface. Alternatively, the display device 102 may be a standalone and freely movable device 102 which is not mounted to a particular surface. In such an embodiment, wherein the display device 102 is not mounted to a surface, the display device 102 may further include a bottom plate or platform which serves to close the holders 200 and elevate the display device 102 (not shown). The frame members 104, 106 and holders 200 may comprise any desired material, such as metal and / or plastic.

[0042] Advantageously, the integrated mating features 108, 110 and 202, 204 allow the frame members 104, 106 and the holders 200 to be (dis)connected by hand, without separate fasteners or tools, which thereby allows the user to quickly and easily interchange frame members 104, 106 and / or add or remove holders 200 as desired. The integrated mating features 108, 110 of the frame members 104, 106 and the integrated mating features 202, 204 of the holders 200 can be respectively engageable with one another in any desired fashion, such as via a compression fit or snap fit and / or slidably engageable. By adjusting the number and orientation of the individual holders 200, and also interchanging the frame members 104, 106 with correspondingly sized and shaped frame members 104, 106, the user can form a multitude of differing shapes and sizes, e.g., rectangle, square, hexagonal, circular, etc., thus allowing the user to curate how the tattoo ink bottles 10 are displayed and also match the number of holders 200 to the exact number of tattoo ink bottles 10, as desired. Furthermore, the display device 102 provides an aesthetically pleasing and functional organizer to equidistantly space the tattoo ink bottles 10. In particular, because the holders 200 sit flush with the frame members 104, 106 (given the matching widths thereof), the top surface of the display device is flat and smooth which is aesthetically pleasing. Also, since the tattoo ink bottles 10 are equidistantly spaced from one another by the holders 200 it makes inserting and removing the tattoo ink bottles 10 much easier in comparison to a traditional unpartitioned holder, e.g. a holder with shelves or rows.

[0043] The frame members 104, 106 surround and retain the holders 200 as a conjoined frame unit 104U. The frame members 104, 106 are interconnected by integrated mating features in the form of protrusions 108 and recesses 110, as discussed further below. The frame members104, 106 are also connected to the holders 200 by receiving the integrated mating features 202 thereof, e.g., the bosses 202. The assembled frame unit 104U can have any desired shape, size, and number of frame members 104, 106. The exterior (the sides or perimeter) of the frame unit 104U can be substantially flat or planar, and the interior thereof can correspond to the size and shape of the connected holders 200. Hence, the frame unit 104U may comprise a rectangular shell with an interior shape that matches a negative outline of the connected holders 200, as discussed further below.

[0044] In one embodiment, the frame unit 104U can be composed of four frame members 104, 106 for forming a generally rectangular frame unit 104U. Therein, the frame members 104, 106 can include two lateral frame members 104 (defining the shorter, lateral sides of the frame unit 104U) and two longitudinal frame members 106 (defining the longer, longitudinal sides of the frame unit 104U).

[0045] Each lateral frame member 104 (e.g., each shorter frame member) includes a first end and a second end 112, 114, a top wall 116 and an open bottom 118, an outer wall 120 extending in between the first and second ends 112, 114, and a tiered inner wall 122 opposite the outer wall 120 and extending in between the first and second ends 112, 114 (see e.g. FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). Each lateral frame member 104 can further include internally disposed struts 124 for increased structural support. The tiered inner wall 122 is configured to face and engage with corresponding and adjacent holders 200 (such as holders 1-5 or 23-27, as shown in FIG. 4). The tiered inner wall 122 includes one or more tiers or tier sections 122A, 122B, 122C that correspond in shape and size to the holders 200. Each section 122A, 122B, 122C of the tiered inner wall 122, which faces the holders 200, has a slot 126 therein within which a corresponding boss 202 of the holder(s) 200 is receivable. In one embodiment, the tiered inner wall 122 defines an outer boundary of a honeycomb pattern. In more detail, the tiered inner wall 122 includes one or more lower tier sections 122A (closest to the outer wall 116), angled sections 122C, and upper sections 122B (furthest from the outer wall). The lower tier section 122A comprises a boss-receiving slot 126 therein that is configured to receive a boss 202 an adjacent holder 200, such as holder 1 as shown in FIG. 4, that is adjacent to and engaged with the lower tier section 122A. The angled intermediary sections 122B extend outwardly and obliquely from its respective lower tier section 122A. Each angled intermediary section 122B comprises a boss-receiving slot 126 therein that is configured to receive a boss 202 of a holder 200, such as the second, side boss 202 of holder 1 as shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the angle between the lower tier section 122A and its adjoining angled intermediary sections 122B can be approximately 120 degrees.

[0046] The upper tier section 122C extends from the angled intermediary section 122B and is parallel to the lower tier section 122A. The upper tier section 122C comprises a boss-receiving slot 126 therein configured to receive a boss 202 of an adjacent holder 200, such as holder 4 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0047] Each longitudinal frame member 106 (e.g., each longer frame member) includes a first end and a second end 128, 130, a top wall 132 and an open bottom 134, an outer wall 136 extending in between the first and second ends 128, 130, and a chevroned inner wall 138 opposite the outer wall 136 and extending in between the first and second ends 128, 130 (see e.g. FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). Each longitudinal frame member 106 can further include internally disposed struts 140 for increased structural support (FIG. 4). The chevroned inner wall 138 is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent holders 200 (such as holders 3, 8, 13, 18, and 23 or 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25, as shown in FIG. 4). The chevroned inner wall 138 of each longitudinal frame member 106 can comprise multiple adjoined and opposingly angled wall sections 138A, 138B that define peaks 142 and valleys 144 at connection points thereof. The chevroned inner wall 138 can form an outer boundary of a honeycomb pattern. Each valley 144 of the chevroned inner wall 138 can receive an apex of a holder 200 (such as an apex of a honeycomb shape or hexagonal prism). Each angled wall section 138A, 138B of the chevroned inner wall 138 comprises a boss-receiving slot 146 within which the at least one boss 202 of each holder 200 is receivable. However, when assembled, some but not all of the slots 146 of the chevroned inner wall 138 will have bosses 202 therein. For instance, the slots 146 of sections 138A may receive bosses 202 therein, but the slots 146 of sections 138B will remain empty as each section 138B faces a respective slot 204 of each holder 200.

[0048] In one embodiment, to provide a display device 102 with seamless and square corners, each frame member 104, 106 can include one or more corresponding mating surfaces. For example, the first and second flat ends 128, 130 of each longitudinal frame member 106 can mate with flat end-receiving surfaces 148 of each lateral frame member 104 (adjacent to and inwardly of the ends 112, 114 of each lateral frame member 104, see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 7). In this regard, each longitudinal frame member 106 is recessed within each lateral frame member 104 so that the corners thereof are flush with one another. Additionally, each of the lateral and longitudinal frame members 104, 106 can include angled mating surfaces 150, 152 extending inwardly from the flat sections thereof 128, 130. Each angled mating surface 150 of each lateral frame member 104 (as defined by its inner wall 122) can include the mating recess 110 therein. Each angled mating surface 152 of each longitudinal frame member 106 can include the mating protrusion 108 extending therefrom. Thereby, the connection points of the frame members 104, 106, at the protrusions 108 and recesses 110, can be disposed inwardly from the outer perimeter of the frame unit 104U, which accordingly hides the connection points so that the corners of the display device are square and seamless.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mating protrusions 108 can be compression or snap fit within the recesses 110 in order to removably connect the frame members 104, 106. In another embodiment, the mating protrusions 108 can be slidably engaged with the recesses 110, wherein the lateral frame members 104 can be slid onto the holders 200 and the longitudinal frame members 106 to accordingly seat and mechanically lock the protrusions 108 within the recesses 110. For instance, once the open bottom 118 of each lateral frame member 104 is aligned, the user can slide each lateral frame members 106 into its locked position, wherein the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal frame members 106 are seated within the recesses 110 of each lateral frame member 104 (and with the open slots 126 simultaneously sliding over and onto the bosses 202 of the holders 200). In one embodiment, each protrusion 108 can have a through bore or aperture extending therethrough.

[0050] In one embodiment, in order to provide a smooth and planar upper surface of the frame unit 104U (and thereby the display device 102), the recesses 110 and the protrusions 108 may not extend along a full width of its respective frame member 104, 106. Therein, each recess 110 can be open at its bottom end and closed at its top end via the top wall 116 of the lateral frame member 104 (as best shown in FIG. 7). Additionally, each protrusion 108 can extend along a width of its respective longitudinal frame member 106, starting at the bottom and terminating beneath the top wall 132 thereof. Furthermore, each slot 126, 146 of each frame member 104, 106, which receives the bosses 202 of the holders 200 therein, may also be covered or otherwise hidden by the top wall 116, 132 of each frame member 104, 106, respectively. Thereby, the mating features 108, 110 (and slots 126, 146) of the frame members104, 106 can be hidden to accordingly provide an aesthetically pleasing top surface of the frame unit 104U.

[0051] The individual holders 200 are removably connected to one another via the integrated mating features, such as the bosses 202 and corresponding locating slots 204. The holders 200 can form a substantially rigid holder unit 200U. As shown, the holder unit 200U is substantially rectangular; however, a user can adjust the number and placement of the holders 200 to create any desired shape, such as a square, hexagon, triangle, etc. In one embodiment, the bosses 202 can be compression-fit within the slots 204. In assembly, the user can insert each boss 202 of a given holder 200 into the respective slot(s) 204 of the adjacent holder(s) 200 to form the holder unit 200U. In one embodiment, each holder 200 may include three bosses 202 and three slots 204 located opposite to the bosses 202, respectively.

[0052] Each holder 200 includes a body 206 that has a top end 208, a bottom end 210 opposite the top end 208, and a perimeter wall 212 extending in between the top and bottom ends 208, 210 (FIG. 7). The body 206 further includes a bottle aperture 214 extending therethrough from the top end 208 to the bottom end 210. Each bottle aperture 214 is configured to receive and house at least a portion of a tattoo ink bottle 10 therein. Adjacent holders 200 can removably connect to each other upon inserting the at least one boss 202, extending outwardly from the perimeter wall 212, of one holder 200 into the at least one slot 204 of another holder 200.

[0053] In one embodiment, the body 206 of each holder 200 may be defined as a hexagonal prism. Thereby, the perimeter wall 212 may comprise six rectangular sections 212A that define respective sides of each hexagonal prism which makes up the body 206 (see e.g. FIG. 7). Three sections 212A can have slots 204 therein, and three sections 212A can have bosses 202 extending therefrom. In this regard, one half of each hexagonal prims 206 can have bosses 202 and the other half thereof can have slots 204 therein. Since each of the six sections 212A is located opposite to a corresponding section 212A, each boss 202 is located opposite a corresponding slot 204. As assembled, adjacent sections 212A of the perimeter walls 212 of adjacent holders 200 contact one another to further rigidly secure themselves in addition to the bosses 202 seated within respective slots 204 of the holders 200.

[0054] Each boss 202 can correspond in shape and size to each slot 204. For example, each boss 202 and each slot 204 can have an ellipsoidal cross-section, which may extend lengthwise from top to bottom along the perimeter wall 212. Due to the ellipsoidal shape of the bosses 202 and slots 204, the holders 200 are rotationally and linearly fixed relative to one another to rigidly secure the holders 200 together, unless and until the user pulls the holders 200 apart (along an axis perpendicular to the perimeter wall 212). Each boss 202 can be integrally formed, i.e., monolithic, with the body 206 of the holder 200. Each slot 204 can extend through the perimeter wall 212 and open into the bottle aperture 214. Alternatively, each slot 204 may not extend completely through the perimeter wall 212, and may instead extend into the perimeter wall 212 at a given depth. The depth of each boss 202 may be shallower than the depth of each slot 204, which thereby allows the user to easily (dis)connect the holders 200.

[0055] In assembly, the user may connect the holders 200 and frame members 104, 106 in any desired manner. In one example of an assembly method, the user may sequentially connect the holders 200 as depicted in FIG. 4. Therein, the user may start with initially positioning the first two holders 200, e.g., holder 1 and holder 2, within a lateral frame member 104, via inserting the bosses 202 of the holders 200 into the slots 126 of the lateral frame member 104. Thereafter, the user may connect the pair of longitudinal sides 106 onto the lateral frame member 104, via inserting the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal sides 106 into the recesses 110 of the lateral frame member 104. Then, the user may connect the subsequent holders 200, via inserting the bosses 202 of each holder 200 into respective slots 204 of adjacent, already-connected holders 200 and also into the slots 146 of each longitudinal frame member 106, respectively. In other words, the user may sequentially add the holders 200 in pairs of two at the lateral frame member 104 and thereafter in groups of three, repeating this assembly pattern until a desired length is achieved, such as until the twenty-seventh holder 200 is positioned as depicted in FIG. 4. Once finished connecting the holders 200, the user may connect the other lateral frame member 104, via fitting the recesses 110 thereof onto the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal frame members 106.

[0056] In another example of an assembly method, the user may initially form the holder unit 200U. For instance, the user can at first connect all of the holders 200 together with one another to form the holder unit 200U and then add the frame members 104, 106 onto the holder unit 200U. Once a desired shape and size of a holder unit 200U is formed, the user may fit the remaining frame members 104, 106 around the holder unit 200U to form the collective display device 102. For instance, the user may attach the longitudinal frame members 106 onto the holder unit 200U, and thereafter connect each lateral frame member 104 by aligning the open bottom 118 of each lateral frame member 104 over the ends of each longitudinal frame member 106, and then pushing downwardly onto the lateral frame members 104 to fit the recesses 110 thereof over and onto the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal frame members 106, respectively.

[0057] Alternatively, the user may separately assemble the frame unit 104U and the holder unit 200U.

[0058] For instance, the frame unit 104U as a whole may be slid onto the holder unit 200U, if each slot 126, 146 of each frame member 104, 106 is open at their respective bottom ends.

[0059] To disassemble the display device 102, the user may initially lift upwardly and slide the lateral frame members 104 off and away from the holders 200 and the lateral frame members 106, decoupling the protrusions 108 from the recesses 110 and the bosses 202 from the open slots 126. Thereafter, the user may pull the longitudinal frame members 106 away from the holders 200, disconnecting the bosses 202 from the slots 146. Once the frame members 104, 106 are decoupled from the holder unit 200U, the user may begin individually disconnecting holders 200, for example in reverse order from holder 27 down to holder 1, as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0060] In one embodiment, the holder unit 200U can be a standalone unit without frame members 104, 106. For example, the holders 200 may be interconnected to one another only by the bosses 202 and locating slots 204 thereof. Therein, the outer periphery of the holder unit 200U may be exposed (with no frame members 104, 106 therearound). The holder unit 200U may then be mounted to any desired surface as a standalone holder unit 200U. In some examples, the holder unit 200U may further include a bottom plate or platform that closes off the open bottoms of the bottle apertures.

[0061] Other embodiments, which differ from the aforementioned embodiments, may be recognized by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]Container display systems, including tattoo ink bottle devices or holders, as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures merely provide an example of an embodiment of a tattoo ink bottle holder. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. For instance, various configurations and shapes can be formed by the bottler holder display in modifying the outer frame and altering the number, size, and / or shape of the individual bottle holders.

[0035]Traditionally, the display of bottles of ta...

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to container display devices which can be used as a tattoo ink bottle holder display for holding and displaying tattoo ink bottles therein, but is not limited to tattoo ink bottles.

[0002] Many bottle holder display systems comprise a plastic rack with tiered rows for receiving and showcasing bottles therein. Some bottle holder display systems are partitioned and thus have a preset number of equidistantly spaced slots, holes, or recesses for respectively receiving and holding the bottles therein. Bottle holder displays can be mounted horizontally on a desk or vertically mounted on a wall. Ideally, for instance, a tattoo ink bottle holder will have a dual functionality in housing the bottles of tattoo ink for easy access yet also showcasing the bottles of ink in an aesthetically pleasing manner, for both the artist and customer alike. In some instances, the artist may have fewer bottles of ink than there are rows or slots available in the bottle holder display system, in which case there will be unsightly empty spaces without bottles therein. In other instances, the user may have more bottles than available spaces within the bottle holder, in which case the artist may need to forfeit the displaying of such extra bottles and, instead, store these bottles in a separate drawer or box, making the selection of such un-showcased bottles rather cumbersome. Thereby, the experience of selecting a particular color of ink can be diminished and then the bottle holder display is unaesthetically pleasing and misnumbered, in being partially empty or having too few spaces available to accommodate a desired number of bottles.

[0003] What is needed in the art is an improved bottle holder display system for users to display available options to their customers, whether for tattoo ink bottles or other bottles.SUMMARY

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a bottle display system includes a plurality of removably connected frame members and a plurality of individual ink bottle holders configured to be removably connected to one another and retained by the plurality of frame members. Each holder includes a body including a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and a perimeter wall extending in between the top end and the bottom end. The body further includes a bottle aperture extending therethrough from the top end to the bottom end and configured to receive and house at least a portion of a bottle therein. The body further includes at least one locating slot in the perimeter wall and at least one boss extending outwardly from the perimeter wall. Adjacent holders of the plurality of holders are configured to removably connect to each other upon inserting the at least one boss of one holder into the at least one slot of another holder, forming a rigid holding unit which is retained by the plurality of frame members.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a modular container display system includes two or more individual holders. Each holder includes a set of female wall sections that each have a slot therein. Each holder further includes a set of male wall sections oppositely disposed relative to the female wall sections. Each male wall section includes a boss protruding outwardly therefrom. Each boss is configured to fit within one of the slots of adjacent holders when assembled to form a rigid holder unit. A shape of the rigid holder unit is alterable upon altering a number of holders.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a container display system comprises a pair of first frame members. Each first frame member includes slots therein. The container display system further comprises a pair of second frame members configured to removably connect to the first frame members. Each second frame member includes slots therein. The container display system further includes a plurality of holders configured to be removably connected to one another and retained by the first and second frame members. Each holder comprises a plurality of slots and a plurality of corresponding bosses configured to fit within the plurality of slots of adjacent holders and the slots of the first and second frame members when assembled.

[0007] In some embodiments, the rigid holding unit is configured to be modular in that a shape of the rigid holding unit is changeable by increasing or decreasing a number of the plurality of holders within the rigid holding unit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members is configured to be interchangeable with differing frame members for retaining a corresponding shape of the rigid holding unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members and the plurality of holders are configured to be connected and disconnected by hand.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members includes a pair of lateral frame members, each lateral frame member comprising a first recess and a second recess, and a pair of longitudinal frame members. Each longitudinal frame member comprises a first protrusion and a second protrusion configured to compression fit within the first recess and the second recess, respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, each lateral frame member and each longitudinal frame member have corresponding and angled mating surfaces such that when connected the lateral and longitudinal frame members form a frame unit which is generally rectangular in shape with squared corners.

[0012] In some embodiments, each lateral frame member comprises a first end and a second end, an outer wall extending in between the first and second ends, and a tiered inner wall opposite the outer wall and extending in between the first and second ends. The tiered inner wall is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent holders of the plurality of holders.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of holders comprises a first holder with a first and a second boss and a second holder with a first and a second boss. The tiered inner wall of each lateral frame member further comprises a lower tier section which is parallel to the outer wall, the lower tier section comprises a first boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the first boss of the first holder which is adjacent to and engaged with the lower tier section, an angled intermediary section extending outwardly and obliquely from the lower tier section, the angled intermediary section comprises a second boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the second boss of the first holder, and an upper tier section extending from the angled intermediary section at an angle such that the upper tier section is parallel to the lower tier section. The upper tier section comprises a third boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the first boss of the second holder.

[0014] In some embodiments, each longitudinal frame member includes a first end and a second end, an outer wall extending in between the first and second ends, and a chevroned inner wall opposite the outer wall and extending in between the first and second ends. The chevroned inner wall is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent holders of the plurality of holders.

[0015] In some embodiments, the chevroned inner wall of each longitudinal frame member comprises a plurality of adjoined and opposingly angled wall sections defining peaks and valleys at connection points thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, each angled wall section of the chevroned inner wall comprises a boss-receiving slot within which the at least one boss of each holder of the plurality of holders is receivable.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body of each holder defines a hexagonal prism, the bottle aperture extends from the top end to the bottom end of the hexagonal prism, and the perimeter wall includes six sections that define respective sides of the hexagonal prism.

[0018] In some embodiments, as assembled, adjacent sections of the perimeter walls of the adjacent holders of the plurality of holders contact one another to further rigidly secure the plurality of holders together with one another.

[0019] In some embodiments, the perimeter wall of each holder further comprises a first section with the at least one slot therein and a second section with the at least one boss extending outwardly therefrom. The second section is opposite the first section such that the at least one boss is opposingly disposed relative to the at least one slot.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least one boss corresponds in shape and size to the at least one slot.

[0021] In some embodiments, the at least one slot within the perimeter wall has an ellipsoidal cross-section, and the at least one boss has a corresponding ellipsoidal cross-section such that the adjacent holders are rigidly fixed to one another when connected, unless and until a user pulls the adjacent holders apart from one another.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one slot of each holder comprises three slots disposed about the perimeter wall, and the at least one boss of each holder comprises three bosses disposed about the perimeter wall at respective locations which are opposite to the slots on opposing sides of the perimeter wall.

[0023] In some embodiments, the at least one slot extends through the perimeter wall and opens into the bottle aperture.

[0024] One possible advantage of the bottle display system is that the bottles of can be displayed and partitioned in a customizable and aesthetically pleasing manner.

[0025] Another possible advantage of the bottle display system is that a holding unit thereof can easily be assembled or disassembled by hand, allowing a user to easily adjust a number of available holding spaces for accommodating a corresponding number of bottles.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The embodiment illustrated herein is not limited to the precise arrangements, sequential steps, and dimensions shown. Like numerals indicate like elements throughout the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a container display system that generally includes frame members and individual container holders, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a top and cross-sectional view of the bottle holder display system, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1. Each individual holder is numbered sequentially from one (1) to twenty-seven (27) as an example of an assembly method;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective and cross-sectional view of the bottle holder display system, taken across line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1; and

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates another exploded view of the bottle holder display system of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Container display systems, including tattoo ink bottle devices or holders, as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures merely provide an example of an embodiment of a tattoo ink bottle holder. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. For instance, various configurations and shapes can be formed by the bottler holder display in modifying the outer frame and altering the number, size, and / or shape of the individual bottle holders.

[0035] Traditionally, the display of bottles of tattoo ink is accomplished by showcasing the bottles within tattoo ink holders or organizers. Such holders help to elevate and space the bottles apart from one another, making it relatively easy to grab and remove a particular bottle (or reinsert and store the bottle). Most bottles of holder display systems are cylindrical in shape and thus most holders include tiered rows or equidistantly spaced circular holes in a frame that defines a single plane. Traditional tattoo ink holders are comprised of a single part or frame.

[0036] Thereby, traditional tattoo ink holders are not modular in design such that the user can alter the available spaces to accordingly house fewer or additional bottles of tattoo ink as desired. This lack of modularity may cause the experience of selecting colors of tattoo ink to be diminished.

[0037] For example, in the case of a partially empty tattoo ink holder, the psychology of seeing empty spaces makes an individual feel as if the available selection is incomplete or inadequate.

[0038] Additionally, for example in the case of too few spaces available in a tattoo ink holder, the user may need to rummage through drawers or boxes to find un-showcased bottles of tattoo ink, which takes additional time and which also has a psychological effect of making the selection process feel disorganized. Furthermore, the lack of modularity of traditional ink holders does not allow the tattoo artist to curate a working space for creating their desired aesthetic look and feel thereof, which may diminish the customer experience in getting a tattoo.

[0039] The examples of container display systems, e.g., tattoo ink bottle holders, disclosed herein may address some or all of the problems described above. For example, the user can create a custom tattoo ink bottle holder that has a particular shape and number of individual holders to match the exact number of ink bottles that a user has in possession. Thereby, the container display system allows the user to better curate the tattoo ink bottles and thus augment a look and feel of a tattoo studio.

[0040] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an embodiment of a container display system 100 that generally includes a display device 102 (e.g. a platform, rack, holder, organizer, etc.) comprised of individual frame members 104, 106 and individual tattoo ink bottle holders 200 that are removably connectable to each other via integrated mating features, such as via respective male mating protrusions or bosses 108 that mate with corresponding female slots or recesses 110 as discussed in more detail further below. In one embodiment, the container display system 100 can be a tattoo ink bottle display system 100 that is configured to receive and store one or more tattoo ink bottles 10 (or other container) within the assembled holders 200 of the tattoo ink bottle display device 102, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1. In assembly of the display device 102, the user may first interconnect the holders 200 to form a rigid holder unit 200U and then attach the frame members 104, 106 therearound to form a frame unit 104U that retains and further secures the holder unit 200U (FIG. 6).

[0041] In use, the user may insert and remove the tattoo ink bottles 10 from the top of the display device 102, as shown in FIG. 1. The display device 102 can be mounted on any desired surface, such as a wall or platform, via an adhesive and / or fasteners. For instance, the display device 102 can include mounting features (not shown), such as tabs, brackets, clips, threaded holes, etc., that receive fasteners therein to secure the display device 102 onto a desired surface. Alternatively, the display device 102 may be a standalone and freely movable device 102 which is not mounted to a particular surface. In such an embodiment, wherein the display device 102 is not mounted to a surface, the display device 102 may further include a bottom plate or platform which serves to close the holders 200 and elevate the display device 102 (not shown). The frame members 104, 106 and holders 200 may comprise any desired material, such as metal and / or plastic.

[0042] Advantageously, the integrated mating features 108, 110 and 202, 204 allow the frame members 104, 106 and the holders 200 to be (dis)connected by hand, without separate fasteners or tools, which thereby allows the user to quickly and easily interchange frame members 104, 106 and / or add or remove holders 200 as desired. The integrated mating features 108, 110 of the frame members 104, 106 and the integrated mating features 202, 204 of the holders 200 can be respectively engageable with one another in any desired fashion, such as via a compression fit or snap fit and / or slidably engageable. By adjusting the number and orientation of the individual holders 200, and also interchanging the frame members 104, 106 with correspondingly sized and shaped frame members 104, 106, the user can form a multitude of differing shapes and sizes, e.g., rectangle, square, hexagonal, circular, etc., thus allowing the user to curate how the tattoo ink bottles 10 are displayed and also match the number of holders 200 to the exact number of tattoo ink bottles 10, as desired. Furthermore, the display device 102 provides an aesthetically pleasing and functional organizer to equidistantly space the tattoo ink bottles 10. In particular, because the holders 200 sit flush with the frame members 104, 106 (given the matching widths thereof), the top surface of the display device is flat and smooth which is aesthetically pleasing. Also, since the tattoo ink bottles 10 are equidistantly spaced from one another by the holders 200 it makes inserting and removing the tattoo ink bottles 10 much easier in comparison to a traditional unpartitioned holder, e.g. a holder with shelves or rows.

[0043] The frame members 104, 106 surround and retain the holders 200 as a conjoined frame unit 104U. The frame members 104, 106 are interconnected by integrated mating features in the form of protrusions 108 and recesses 110, as discussed further below. The frame members104, 106 are also connected to the holders 200 by receiving the integrated mating features 202 thereof, e.g., the bosses 202. The assembled frame unit 104U can have any desired shape, size, and number of frame members 104, 106. The exterior (the sides or perimeter) of the frame unit 104U can be substantially flat or planar, and the interior thereof can correspond to the size and shape of the connected holders 200. Hence, the frame unit 104U may comprise a rectangular shell with an interior shape that matches a negative outline of the connected holders 200, as discussed further below.

[0044] In one embodiment, the frame unit 104U can be composed of four frame members 104, 106 for forming a generally rectangular frame unit 104U. Therein, the frame members 104, 106 can include two lateral frame members 104 (defining the shorter, lateral sides of the frame unit 104U) and two longitudinal frame members 106 (defining the longer, longitudinal sides of the frame unit 104U).

[0045] Each lateral frame member 104 (e.g., each shorter frame member) includes a first end and a second end 112, 114, a top wall 116 and an open bottom 118, an outer wall 120 extending in between the first and second ends 112, 114, and a tiered inner wall 122 opposite the outer wall 120 and extending in between the first and second ends 112, 114 (see e.g. FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). Each lateral frame member 104 can further include internally disposed struts 124 for increased structural support. The tiered inner wall 122 is configured to face and engage with corresponding and adjacent holders 200 (such as holders 1-5 or 23-27, as shown in FIG. 4). The tiered inner wall 122 includes one or more tiers or tier sections 122A, 122B, 122C that correspond in shape and size to the holders 200. Each section 122A, 122B, 122C of the tiered inner wall 122, which faces the holders 200, has a slot 126 therein within which a corresponding boss 202 of the holder(s) 200 is receivable. In one embodiment, the tiered inner wall 122 defines an outer boundary of a honeycomb pattern. In more detail, the tiered inner wall 122 includes one or more lower tier sections 122A (closest to the outer wall 116), angled sections 122C, and upper sections 122B (furthest from the outer wall). The lower tier section 122A comprises a boss-receiving slot 126 therein that is configured to receive a boss 202 an adjacent holder 200, such as holder 1 as shown in FIG. 4, that is adjacent to and engaged with the lower tier section 122A. The angled intermediary sections 122B extend outwardly and obliquely from its respective lower tier section 122A. Each angled intermediary section 122B comprises a boss-receiving slot 126 therein that is configured to receive a boss 202 of a holder 200, such as the second, side boss 202 of holder 1 as shown in FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the angle between the lower tier section 122A and its adjoining angled intermediary sections 122B can be approximately 120 degrees.

[0046] The upper tier section 122C extends from the angled intermediary section 122B and is parallel to the lower tier section 122A. The upper tier section 122C comprises a boss-receiving slot 126 therein configured to receive a boss 202 of an adjacent holder 200, such as holder 4 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0047] Each longitudinal frame member 106 (e.g., each longer frame member) includes a first end and a second end 128, 130, a top wall 132 and an open bottom 134, an outer wall 136 extending in between the first and second ends 128, 130, and a chevroned inner wall 138 opposite the outer wall 136 and extending in between the first and second ends 128, 130 (see e.g. FIGS. 4, 5, and 7). Each longitudinal frame member 106 can further include internally disposed struts 140 for increased structural support (FIG. 4). The chevroned inner wall 138 is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent holders 200 (such as holders 3, 8, 13, 18, and 23 or 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25, as shown in FIG. 4). The chevroned inner wall 138 of each longitudinal frame member 106 can comprise multiple adjoined and opposingly angled wall sections 138A, 138B that define peaks 142 and valleys 144 at connection points thereof. The chevroned inner wall 138 can form an outer boundary of a honeycomb pattern. Each valley 144 of the chevroned inner wall 138 can receive an apex of a holder 200 (such as an apex of a honeycomb shape or hexagonal prism). Each angled wall section 138A, 138B of the chevroned inner wall 138 comprises a boss-receiving slot 146 within which the at least one boss 202 of each holder 200 is receivable. However, when assembled, some but not all of the slots 146 of the chevroned inner wall 138 will have bosses 202 therein. For instance, the slots 146 of sections 138A may receive bosses 202 therein, but the slots 146 of sections 138B will remain empty as each section 138B faces a respective slot 204 of each holder 200.

[0048] In one embodiment, to provide a display device 102 with seamless and square corners, each frame member 104, 106 can include one or more corresponding mating surfaces. For example, the first and second flat ends 128, 130 of each longitudinal frame member 106 can mate with flat end-receiving surfaces 148 of each lateral frame member 104 (adjacent to and inwardly of the ends 112, 114 of each lateral frame member 104, see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 7). In this regard, each longitudinal frame member 106 is recessed within each lateral frame member 104 so that the corners thereof are flush with one another. Additionally, each of the lateral and longitudinal frame members 104, 106 can include angled mating surfaces 150, 152 extending inwardly from the flat sections thereof 128, 130. Each angled mating surface 150 of each lateral frame member 104 (as defined by its inner wall 122) can include the mating recess 110 therein. Each angled mating surface 152 of each longitudinal frame member 106 can include the mating protrusion 108 extending therefrom. Thereby, the connection points of the frame members 104, 106, at the protrusions 108 and recesses 110, can be disposed inwardly from the outer perimeter of the frame unit 104U, which accordingly hides the connection points so that the corners of the display device are square and seamless.

[0049] In one embodiment, the mating protrusions 108 can be compression or snap fit within the recesses 110 in order to removably connect the frame members 104, 106. In another embodiment, the mating protrusions 108 can be slidably engaged with the recesses 110, wherein the lateral frame members 104 can be slid onto the holders 200 and the longitudinal frame members 106 to accordingly seat and mechanically lock the protrusions 108 within the recesses 110. For instance, once the open bottom 118 of each lateral frame member 104 is aligned, the user can slide each lateral frame members 106 into its locked position, wherein the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal frame members 106 are seated within the recesses 110 of each lateral frame member 104 (and with the open slots 126 simultaneously sliding over and onto the bosses 202 of the holders 200). In one embodiment, each protrusion 108 can have a through bore or aperture extending therethrough.

[0050] In one embodiment, in order to provide a smooth and planar upper surface of the frame unit 104U (and thereby the display device 102), the recesses 110 and the protrusions 108 may not extend along a full width of its respective frame member 104, 106. Therein, each recess 110 can be open at its bottom end and closed at its top end via the top wall 116 of the lateral frame member 104 (as best shown in FIG. 7). Additionally, each protrusion 108 can extend along a width of its respective longitudinal frame member 106, starting at the bottom and terminating beneath the top wall 132 thereof. Furthermore, each slot 126, 146 of each frame member 104, 106, which receives the bosses 202 of the holders 200 therein, may also be covered or otherwise hidden by the top wall 116, 132 of each frame member 104, 106, respectively. Thereby, the mating features 108, 110 (and slots 126, 146) of the frame members104, 106 can be hidden to accordingly provide an aesthetically pleasing top surface of the frame unit 104U.

[0051] The individual holders 200 are removably connected to one another via the integrated mating features, such as the bosses 202 and corresponding locating slots 204. The holders 200 can form a substantially rigid holder unit 200U. As shown, the holder unit 200U is substantially rectangular; however, a user can adjust the number and placement of the holders 200 to create any desired shape, such as a square, hexagon, triangle, etc. In one embodiment, the bosses 202 can be compression-fit within the slots 204. In assembly, the user can insert each boss 202 of a given holder 200 into the respective slot(s) 204 of the adjacent holder(s) 200 to form the holder unit 200U. In one embodiment, each holder 200 may include three bosses 202 and three slots 204 located opposite to the bosses 202, respectively.

[0052] Each holder 200 includes a body 206 that has a top end 208, a bottom end 210 opposite the top end 208, and a perimeter wall 212 extending in between the top and bottom ends 208, 210 (FIG. 7). The body 206 further includes a bottle aperture 214 extending therethrough from the top end 208 to the bottom end 210. Each bottle aperture 214 is configured to receive and house at least a portion of a tattoo ink bottle 10 therein. Adjacent holders 200 can removably connect to each other upon inserting the at least one boss 202, extending outwardly from the perimeter wall 212, of one holder 200 into the at least one slot 204 of another holder 200.

[0053] In one embodiment, the body 206 of each holder 200 may be defined as a hexagonal prism. Thereby, the perimeter wall 212 may comprise six rectangular sections 212A that define respective sides of each hexagonal prism which makes up the body 206 (see e.g. FIG. 7). Three sections 212A can have slots 204 therein, and three sections 212A can have bosses 202 extending therefrom. In this regard, one half of each hexagonal prims 206 can have bosses 202 and the other half thereof can have slots 204 therein. Since each of the six sections 212A is located opposite to a corresponding section 212A, each boss 202 is located opposite a corresponding slot 204. As assembled, adjacent sections 212A of the perimeter walls 212 of adjacent holders 200 contact one another to further rigidly secure themselves in addition to the bosses 202 seated within respective slots 204 of the holders 200.

[0054] Each boss 202 can correspond in shape and size to each slot 204. For example, each boss 202 and each slot 204 can have an ellipsoidal cross-section, which may extend lengthwise from top to bottom along the perimeter wall 212. Due to the ellipsoidal shape of the bosses 202 and slots 204, the holders 200 are rotationally and linearly fixed relative to one another to rigidly secure the holders 200 together, unless and until the user pulls the holders 200 apart (along an axis perpendicular to the perimeter wall 212). Each boss 202 can be integrally formed, i.e., monolithic, with the body 206 of the holder 200. Each slot 204 can extend through the perimeter wall 212 and open into the bottle aperture 214. Alternatively, each slot 204 may not extend completely through the perimeter wall 212, and may instead extend into the perimeter wall 212 at a given depth. The depth of each boss 202 may be shallower than the depth of each slot 204, which thereby allows the user to easily (dis)connect the holders 200.

[0055] In assembly, the user may connect the holders 200 and frame members 104, 106 in any desired manner. In one example of an assembly method, the user may sequentially connect the holders 200 as depicted in FIG. 4. Therein, the user may start with initially positioning the first two holders 200, e.g., holder 1 and holder 2, within a lateral frame member 104, via inserting the bosses 202 of the holders 200 into the slots 126 of the lateral frame member 104. Thereafter, the user may connect the pair of longitudinal sides 106 onto the lateral frame member 104, via inserting the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal sides 106 into the recesses 110 of the lateral frame member 104. Then, the user may connect the subsequent holders 200, via inserting the bosses 202 of each holder 200 into respective slots 204 of adjacent, already-connected holders 200 and also into the slots 146 of each longitudinal frame member 106, respectively. In other words, the user may sequentially add the holders 200 in pairs of two at the lateral frame member 104 and thereafter in groups of three, repeating this assembly pattern until a desired length is achieved, such as until the twenty-seventh holder 200 is positioned as depicted in FIG. 4. Once finished connecting the holders 200, the user may connect the other lateral frame member 104, via fitting the recesses 110 thereof onto the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal frame members 106.

[0056] In another example of an assembly method, the user may initially form the holder unit 200U. For instance, the user can at first connect all of the holders 200 together with one another to form the holder unit 200U and then add the frame members 104, 106 onto the holder unit 200U. Once a desired shape and size of a holder unit 200U is formed, the user may fit the remaining frame members 104, 106 around the holder unit 200U to form the collective display device 102. For instance, the user may attach the longitudinal frame members 106 onto the holder unit 200U, and thereafter connect each lateral frame member 104 by aligning the open bottom 118 of each lateral frame member 104 over the ends of each longitudinal frame member 106, and then pushing downwardly onto the lateral frame members 104 to fit the recesses 110 thereof over and onto the protrusions 108 of the longitudinal frame members 106, respectively.

[0057] Alternatively, the user may separately assemble the frame unit 104U and the holder unit 200U.

[0058] For instance, the frame unit 104U as a whole may be slid onto the holder unit 200U, if each slot 126, 146 of each frame member 104, 106 is open at their respective bottom ends.

[0059] To disassemble the display device 102, the user may initially lift upwardly and slide the lateral frame members 104 off and away from the holders 200 and the lateral frame members 106, decoupling the protrusions 108 from the recesses 110 and the bosses 202 from the open slots 126. Thereafter, the user may pull the longitudinal frame members 106 away from the holders 200, disconnecting the bosses 202 from the slots 146. Once the frame members 104, 106 are decoupled from the holder unit 200U, the user may begin individually disconnecting holders 200, for example in reverse order from holder 27 down to holder 1, as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0060] In one embodiment, the holder unit 200U can be a standalone unit without frame members 104, 106. For example, the holders 200 may be interconnected to one another only by the bosses 202 and locating slots 204 thereof. Therein, the outer periphery of the holder unit 200U may be exposed (with no frame members 104, 106 therearound). The holder unit 200U may then be mounted to any desired surface as a standalone holder unit 200U. In some examples, the holder unit 200U may further include a bottom plate or platform that closes off the open bottoms of the bottle apertures.

[0061] Other embodiments, which differ from the aforementioned embodiments, may be recognized by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]Container display systems, including tattoo ink bottle devices or holders, as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures merely provide an example of an embodiment of a tattoo ink bottle holder. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein. For instance, various configurations and shapes can be formed by the bottler holder display in modifying the outer frame and altering the number, size, and / or shape of the individual bottle holders.

[0035]Traditionally, the display of bottles of ta...

Claims

1. A bottle display system, comprising:a plurality of removably connected frame members; anda plurality of individual bottle holders configured to be removably connected to one another and retained by the plurality of frame members, each holder comprising:a body including a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and a perimeter wall extending in between the top end and the bottom end, the body further including a bottle aperture extending therethrough from the top end to the bottom end and configured to receive and house at least a portion of a bottle therein, the body further including at least one slot in the perimeter wall and at least one boss extending outwardly from the perimeter wall,wherein adjacent holders of the plurality of holders are configured to removably connect to each other upon inserting the at least one boss of one of the holders into the at least one slot of another of the holders, forming a rigid holding unit which is retained by the plurality of frame members.

2. The bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the rigid holding unit is configured to be modular in that a shape of the rigid holding unit is changeable by increasing or decreasing a number of the plurality of holders within the rigid holding unit.

3. The tattoo ink bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the plurality of frame members is configured to be interchangeable with differing frame members for retaining a corresponding shape of the rigid holding unit.

4. The tattoo ink bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the plurality of frame members and the plurality of holders are configured to be connected and disconnected by hand.

5. The bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the plurality of frame members comprises:a pair of lateral frame members, each lateral frame member comprising a first recess and a second recess; anda pair of longitudinal frame members, each longitudinal frame member having a first protrusion and a second protrusion configured to compression fit within the first recess and the second recess, respectively.

6. The tattoo ink bottle display system of claim 5, wherein:each of the lateral frame members and each of the longitudinal frame members have corresponding and angled mating surfaces such that when connected the lateral and longitudinal frame members form a frame unit which is generally rectangular in shape with squared corners.

7. The bottle display system of claim 6, wherein:each of the lateral frame member comprises:a first end and a second end;an outer wall extending in between the first and second ends; anda tiered inner wall opposite the outer wall and extending in between the first and second ends, the tiered inner wall is configured to face and engage with the corresponding adjacent holders of the plurality of the holders.

8. The bottle display system of claim 7, wherein:the plurality of holders comprises a first holder with a first and a second boss and a second holder each of the holders with a first and a second boss; andthe tiered inner wall of each of the lateral frame members further comprises:a lower tier section which is parallel to the outer wall, the lower tier section comprises a first boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the first boss of the first holder which is adjacent to and engaged with the lower tier section;an angled intermediary section extending outwardly and obliquely from the lower tier section, the angled intermediary section comprises a second boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the second boss of the first holder; andan upper tier section extending from the angled intermediary section at an angle such that the upper tier section is parallel to the lower tier section, and the upper tier section comprises a third boss-receiving slot therein configured to receive the first boss of the second holder.

9. The bottle display system of claim 5, wherein:each of the longitudinal frame members comprises:a first end and a second end;an outer wall extending in between the first and second ends; anda chevroned inner wall opposite the outer wall and extending in between the first and second ends, the chevroned inner wall is configured to face and engage with corresponding adjacent of the holders of the plurality of the holders.

10. The bottle display system of claim 9, wherein:the chevroned inner wall of each of the longitudinal frame members comprises a plurality of adjoined and opposingly angled wall sections defining peaks and valleys at connection points thereof.

11. The bottle display system of claim 10, wherein:each of the angled wall sections of the chevroned inner wall comprises a boss-receiving slot within which the at least one boss of each of the holders of the plurality of holders is receivable.

12. The bottle display system of claim 11, wherein:the body of each of the holders defines a hexagonal prism;the bottle aperture extends from the top end to the bottom end of the body hexagonal prism; andthe perimeter wall includes six sections that define respective sides of the hexagonal prism.

13. The bottle display system of claim 12, wherein:as assembled, adjacent sections of the perimeter walls of the adjacent holders of the plurality of holders contact one another to further rigidly secure the plurality of holders together with one another.

14. The bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the perimeter wall of each of the holders further comprises a first section with the at least one slot therein and a second section with the at least one boss extending outwardly therefrom; andthe second section is opposite the first section such that the at least one boss is opposingly disposed relative to the at least one slot.

15. The bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the at least one boss corresponds in shape and size to the at least one slot.

16. The bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the at least one slot within the perimeter wall has an ellipsoidal cross-section; andthe at least one boss has a corresponding ellipsoidal cross-section such that the adjacent holders are rigidly fixed to one another when connected, unless and until a user pulls the adjacent holders apart from one another.

17. The bottle display system claim 1, wherein:the at least one slot of each holder comprises three slots disposed about the perimeter wall; andthe at least one boss of each of the holders comprises three bosses disposed about the perimeter wall at respective locations which are opposite to the slots on opposing sides of the perimeter wall.

18. The bottle display system of claim 1, wherein:the at least one slot extends through the perimeter wall and opens into the bottle aperture.

19. A modular container display system, comprising:two or more individual holders, each comprising:a set of female wall sections that each have a slot therein; anda set of male wall sections oppositely disposed relative to the female wall sections, each of the male wall sections including a boss protruding outwardly therefrom, each of the bosses configured to fit within one of the slots of adjacent holders when assembled to form a rigid holder unit,wherein a shape of the rigid holder unit is alterable upon altering a number of the holders.

20. A container display system, comprising:a pair of first frame members, each of the first frame members including slots therein;a pair of second frame members configured to removably connect to the first frame members, each of the second frame members including slots therein; anda plurality of holders configured to be removably connected to one another and retained by the first and second frame members, each of the holders comprising a plurality of slots and a plurality of corresponding bosses configured to fit within the plurality of slots of adjacent holders and the slots of the first and second frame members when assembled.

Images