COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE HOLDER

Abstract

A holder system is provided for protecting valuable and/or breakable objects such as wine and liquor bottles. The holder system can comprise a body with inflatable panels and/or foam panels that define an interior volume. Inflatable and/or foam inserts are positionable within this interior volume to define pockets in which to place valuable objects such as wine or liquor or other bottles. The inflatable panels and inserts surround each pocket to cushion and protect a valuable and/or breakable object in the pocket from accidental drops, jostling, other objects in the holder system, and any other forces that may damage the object. When not in use, the panels and inserts may be deflated to fold the holder system to a smaller size so that the holder system may be more easily transported when not holding and protecting valuable and/or breakable objects.

Claims

1. A holder system for protecting a plurality of objects, comprising: a body that defines an interior volume configured to receive the plurality of objects, the body having: a top panel with a plurality of inflatable chambers; at least one side panel, each side panel having a plurality of inflatable chambers, wherein the top panel is joined to one side panel; a bottom panel with a plurality of inflatable chambers, wherein the bottom panel is joined to each side panel; and wherein each of the top panel, the at least one side panel, and the bottom panel is joined to another panel via fluid passages such that all inflatable chambers of the top panel, the at least one side panel, and the bottom panel are fluidly connected.

2. The holder system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inflatable chambers of each side panel is defined by at least one inner seam, and wherein inner seams that define the plurality of inflatable chambers are oriented in a common direction to support a shape of the body.

3. The holder system of claim 1, further comprising: an insert assembly that is positionable in the interior volume of the body, wherein the insert assembly and the body define a plurality of pockets configured to receive objects.

4. The holder system of claim 3, wherein the insert assembly comprises: a first insert having a plurality of inflatable chambers, wherein a first gap is positioned between two adjacent inflatable chambers of the first insert; and a second insert having a plurality of inflatable chambers, wherein a second gap is positioned between two adjacent inflatable chambers of the second insert, and wherein the first and second inserts are secured to one another such that the first and second gaps are configured to pass each other and part of the second insert is positioned in the first gap and part of the first insert is positioned in the second gap.

5. The holder system of claim 4, wherein the first insert comprises a radiused end that defines part of the first gap, and the second insert comprises a radiused end that defines part of the second gap.

6. The holder system of claim 4, wherein the first insert comprises: a first sheet joined to a second sheet at an inner seam to at least partially define the plurality of inflatable chambers of the first insert; and wherein a width of the inner seam is between 10% to 40% of a width of a chamber of the plurality of inflatable chambers of the first insert, and wherein each of a top end and a bottom end of the chamber have a rounded end, and a radius of each rounded end is half of the width of the chamber.

7. The holder system of claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises: a first sheet joined to a second sheet at an inner seam to at least partially define the plurality of inflatable chambers of the top panel; and wherein a width of the inner seam is between 10% to 40% of a width of a chamber of the plurality of inflatable chambers of the top panel, and wherein each of a top end and a bottom end of the chamber have a rounded end, and a radius of each rounded end is half of the width of the chamber.

8. A holder system for protecting a plurality of objects, comprising: a body having a plurality of panels that define an interior volume configured to receive the plurality of objects, wherein one of the panels comprises: a first sheet joined to a second sheet at an inner seam; a chamber that is at least partially defined by the first sheet, the second sheet, and the inner seam, wherein the chamber is configured to change shapes between an inflated state and a deflated state; and wherein a width of the inner seam is between 10% to 40% of a width of the chamber, and wherein each of a top end and a bottom end of the chamber have a rounded end, and a radius of each rounded end is half of the width of the chamber.

9. The holder system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of panels comprises: a top panel with a plurality of chambers; at least one side panel, each side panel having a plurality of chambers, wherein the top panel is joined to one side panel; a bottom panel with a plurality of chambers, wherein the bottom panel is joined to each side panel; and wherein each of the top panel, the at least one side panel, and the bottom panel is joined to another panel via fluid passages such that all chambers of the top panel, the at least one side panel, and the bottom panel are fluidly connected.

10. The holder system of claim 9, wherein the at least one side panel comprises a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, wherein the top panel is joined to the third side panel, and wherein the side panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel are arranged in a rectangular prism shape.

11. The holder system of claim 10, wherein a first fluid passage fluidly connects the bottom panel to the first side panel, wherein a second fluid passage fluidly connects the bottom panel to the second side panel, wherein a third fluid passage fluidly connects the bottom panel to the third side panel, wherein a fourth fluid passage fluidly connects the bottom panel to the fourth side panel, and wherein a fifth side panel fluidly connects the top panel to the third side panel.

12. The holder system of claim 9, further comprising: an insert assembly that is positionable in the interior volume of the body, wherein the insert assembly and the body define a plurality of pockets configured to receive objects.

13. The holder system of claim 8, wherein a further chamber is at least partially defined by the first sheet, the second sheet, and the inner seam, and wherein a fluid passage bridges the inner seam and fluidly joins the chamber and the further chamber, wherein a height of the fluid passage is between 10% to 40% of a height of the chamber.

14. The holder system of claim 8, wherein the body has only one valve located on one of the panels, and wherein the valve is configured to receive air to inflate all chambers in all panels.

15. A holder system for protecting a plurality of objects, comprising: a body having a plurality of panels that define an interior volume configured to receive the plurality of objects, wherein one of the panels comprises: a first sheet joined to a second sheet at an inner seam; a first chamber and a second chamber that are each at least partially defined by the first sheet, the second sheet, and the inner seam, wherein each of the first chamber and the second chamber is configured to change shapes between an inflated state and a deflated state; and a fluid passage that bridges the inner seam and fluidly joins the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein a height of the fluid passage is between 10% to 40% of a height of the first chamber.

16. The holder system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of panels comprises: a top panel with a plurality of chambers; at least one side panel, each side panel with a plurality of chambers, wherein the top panel is joined to one side panel; a bottom panel with a plurality of chambers, wherein the bottom panel is joined to each side panel; and wherein each of the top panel, the at least one side panel, and the bottom panel is joined to another panel via further fluid passages such that all chambers of the top panel, the at least one side panel, and the bottom panel are fluidly connected.

17. The holder system of claim 16, further comprising: an insert assembly that is positionable in the interior volume of the body, wherein the insert assembly and the body define a plurality of pockets configured to receive objects, and wherein the insert assembly comprises: a first insert having a plurality of chambers; and a second insert having a plurality of chambers, wherein the chambers of the first insert, the second insert, and the at least one side panel are all oriented in a common direction.

18. The holder system of claim 15, wherein the fluid passage is offset from a top end of the first chamber by a first distance, and wherein the fluid passage is offset from a bottom end of the first chamber by a second distance.

19. The holder system of claim 18, wherein the first and second distances are equal.

20. The holder system of claim 15, wherein a width of the inner seam is between 10% to 40% of a width of the first chamber, and wherein each of a top end and a bottom end of the first chamber have a rounded end, and a radius of the rounded end is half of the width of the first chamber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Those of skill in the art will recognize that the following description is merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, which may be applied in various ways to provide many different alternative embodiments. This description is made for illustrating the general principles of the teachings of this disclosure and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0068] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a body of a holder system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the body in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the body with a top panel in an open position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a first insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the first insert and the second insert in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the first insert and the second insert fully joined together in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an insert assembly of the holder system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the insert assembly positioned in the body in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0078] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holder system with wine bottles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. [0080] A Longitudinal Direction [0081] B Lateral Direction [0082] C Vertical Direction [0083] 2 Body [0084] 4 Top Panel [0085] 5 First Sheet [0086] 6 Second Sheet [0087] 7 Valve (Side Panel) [0088] 8 Outer Seam (Top Panel) [0089] 10a, 10b, 10c Inner Seam (Top Panel) [0090] 11 Closing Fastener [0091] 12a Fluid Passage (Chamber) [0092] 12b Fluid Passage (Panel) [0093] 14a, 14b Chamber (Top Panel) [0094] 14c, 14d Chamber (Top Panel) [0095] 16a, 16b Side Panel [0096] 16c, 16d Side Panel [0097] 17a, 17b Chamber (Side Panel) [0098] 17c Chamber (Side Panel) [0099] 18a, 18b Inner Seam (Side Panel) [0100] 19a Seam Width [0101] 19b Chamber Width [0102] 20 Chamber Height [0103] 21a First Offset [0104] 21b Passage Height [0105] 21c Second Offset [0106] 22 Radius [0107] 23 Bottom Panel [0108] 24a, 24b, 24c First Insert [0109] 26 Valve (First Insert) [0110] 28 Outer Seam (First Insert) [0111] 30a, 30b Inner Seam (First Insert) [0112] 32 Fluid Passage (First Insert) [0113] 34a, 34b Gap (First Insert) [0114] 35a, 35b Radiused End (First Insert) [0115] 36a, 36b, 36c Chamber (First Insert) [0116] 38a, 38b Second Insert [0117] 40 Valve (Second Insert) [0118] 42 Outer Seam (Second Insert) [0119] 44a, 44b, 44c Inner Seam (Second Insert) [0120] 46 Fluid Passage (Second Insert) [0121] 48a, 48b, 48c Gap (Second Insert) [0122] 49a, 49b, 49c Radiused End (Second Insert) [0123] 50a, 50b, Chamber (Second Insert) [0124] 50c, 50d Chamber (Second Insert) [0125] 52 Insert Assembly [0126] 54 Pocket [0127] 56 Holder System [0128] 58 Wine Bottle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0129] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The Detailed Description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment of the holder system would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. Additionally, any combination of features shown in the various figures can be used to create additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, dimensions, aspects, and features of one embodiment of the holder system can be combined with dimensions, aspects, and features of another embodiment of the holder system to create the claimed embodiment. Bottles as used herein refers to wine, liquor, liqueur, and other glass, ceramic, and other breakable bottles.

[0130] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a body 2 of a holder system (56 in FIG. 6B) in which objects such as wine and other bottles are safely stowed for transportation. The body 2 generally defines the outer extent of the holder system, and, in this embodiment, the body 2 has the shape of a rectangular prism oriented about three axes A, B, C. Panels of the body 2 define the surfaces of the rectangular prism shape. Specifically, a top panel 4 defines the top surface of the body 2, side panels 16a, 16b (16c, 16d in FIG. 2) define the side surfaces of the body 2, and a bottom panel 23 defines the bottom surface of the body 2. The top panel 4 can be permanently joined to one side panel and can be selectively joined to the other side panels via a closing fastener 11 to selectively open and close the interior volume of the body 2. A rectangular prism is only one exemplary shape. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass other shapes. For example, at least one sidewall can describe a single sidewall where the body has a cylindrical shape.

[0131] Each panel is inflatable to provide a cushion between objects positioned in the body and the environment and between objects themselves. Referring to FIG. 1A, the top panel 4 is generally made of a first sheet 5 of material and a second sheet (6 in FIG. 2) of material joined together. The material of the sheets 5, 6 for this panel and other panels and inserts can be, for example, plastic such as 400 denier thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber, etc. The sheets are joined together at an outer seam 8, which hermetically seals the top panel 4 and defines an interior volume within the top panel 4. Next, the sheets are further joined together at a plurality of inner seams 10a-10c, and these inner seams 10a-10c separate the interior volume of the top panel 4 into a plurality of chambers 14a-14d. More or fewer inner seams 10 can be used in various embodiments depending on the size of the body 2 and top panel 4 and the number of chambers 14a-14d, and associated pockets, desired. The inner seams 10a-10c do not completely extend to the outer seam 8 in some embodiments, and therefore, the various chambers 14a-14d are fluidly connected to each other via fluid passages 12a. However, in other embodiments, the inner seams 10 extend to the outer seam 8 and may be individually inflated. The inner seams 10 may be oriented in different directions, i.e., rotated about 90 degrees or about 45 degrees or any amount between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0132] Next, the side panels 16a, 16b (16c, 16d in FIG. 2) are similarly constructed with multiple sheets of material joined together at, for instance, inner seams 18a, 18b to define chambers 17a-17c, which are fluidly connected via fluid passages 12a. The bottom panel 23 is also similarly constructed. Moreover, chambers in these top, side, and bottom panels can all be fluidly connected to each other via further fluid passages 12b. As a result, all chambers in all panels of the body 2 can be inflated with a single valve. For example, a user can engage a valve 7 that provides selective fluid access to the chambers 17a-17c within the second side panel 16b. The air flows into the first chamber 17a, then due to the fluid passages 12a, the air flows into the remaining chambers 17b, 17c. Then, via further fluid passages 12b, air flows into the remaining chambers of the panels of the body 2. The chambers 17a-17c expand outwardly upon inflation whereas the seams 18a, 18b do not expand outwardly. These expanded chambers 17a-17c surround an object to cushion the object. To collapse and deflate the second side panel 16b, a user can operate the valve 7 to release air from the chambers 17a-17c through valve 7.

[0133] It will be further appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses a variety of embodiments of seam and chamber arrangements of the body 2. In FIG. 1A, the inner seams 10a-10c are parallel with each other and are parallel with a short side of the rectangular shaped top panel 4. In other embodiments, the inner seams 10a-10c are parallel with a long side of the rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the inner seams 10a-10c are not parallel with each other. Moreover, in various embodiments, the inner seams 10a-10c may intersect with each other to form a crisscrossing pattern on the top panel 4. Some embodiments may not include any inner scams 10a-10c.

[0134] The orientation of the seams and chambers of the body 2 can also contribute rigidity to the body 2, or the ability of the body 2 support itself when inflated. For example, in the embodiment in FIG. 1A, all chambers on the side panels 16a-16d, including the chambers 17a-17c of the second side panel 16b, are parallel to each other orienting from the bottom panel 23 to the top panel 4 along with a vertical axis C. Therefore, when the body 2 is inflated and air fills the chambers, the chambers extend into the defined pockets (54 in FIG. 7) and also brace against adjacent chambers along the entire length of the chambers. Similarly, the top panel 4 and the bottom panel 23 can have chambers with matching orientations along with a same longitudinal axis A, which is perpendicular to the vertical axis C. With a self-supporting body 2, bottles are more easily placed into the defined pockets (54 in FIG. 7) without having to adjust the shape of the body 2.

[0135] FIG. 1B shows a perspective close-up view of the side panel 16b comprising multiple side panel chambers 17a-17c, fluid passages 12a and 12b, seams 18a, 18b, and a valve 7 (shown in FIG. 1A). The features and components are arranged in such a manner to provide the above-described rigidity to the body as well as other benefits. In one example, the panel seams 18a, 18b have a scam width 19a that is a particular relative size compared to the a width 19b of the chamber 17b. If the seam width 19a is too small compared to the chamber width 19b, then the chambers of the panels brace too early in the inflation process and prevent the total inflation of the body or prevent the placement of bottles in pockets. Conversely, if the seam width 19a is too large compared to the chamber width 19b, then the chambers of the panels may brace against each other too little or not at all. In this scenario, the body cannot support itself and maintain its shape. Thus, it can be critical that, in some embodiments, the seam width 19a is between approximately 10% to 40% of the chamber width 19b. In various embodiments, the seam width 19a is between approximately 20% to 30% of the chamber width 19b. In some embodiments, the seam width 19a is approximately 25% of the chamber width 19b. The other chambers in other panels or inserts described herein may also have the same arrangement.

[0136] In a similar vein, the top and bottom ends of each chamber 17a-17c has a rounded end with a radius 22 that is half of the chamber width 19b. With this shape, the ends of the chambers 17a-17c inflate in the outward direction more prominently compared to other shapes. Thus, with the radiused shape, the chambers 17a-17c better brace against each other at the top and bottom ends to help the body support itself in an inflated state. The other chambers in other panels or inserts described herein may also have the same shaped ends.

[0137] As described herein, fluid passages 12a fluidly connect chambers 17a-17c, and the relationship between a height 21b of the fluid passage 12a and a height 20 of the chamber 17aserves several benefits. For instance, if the fluid passage height 21b is too small relative to the chamber height 20, then the fluid connection between chambers 17a-17c becomes constrained. As a result, it is difficult to move air through the fluid passage 12a. Conversely, if the fluid passage height 21b is too large relative to the chamber height 20, then the size of the seam 18a is diminished, and the body of the holding system loses the ability to support itself and maintain its shape. Thus, it can be critical that, in some embodiments, the fluid passage height 21b is between approximately 10% to 40% of the chamber height 20. In various embodiments, the fluid passage height 21b is between approximately 20% to 30% of the chamber height 20. In some embodiments, the fluid passage height 21b is approximately 25% of the chamber height 20. The other chambers in other panels or inserts described herein may also have the same arrangement.

[0138] The placement of the fluid passage 12a on the side panel 16b also provides benefits. As shown in FIG. 1B, the fluid passage 12a is spaced from a bottom end of the chamber 17a with a first offset distance 21a and is spaced from a top end of the chamber 17a with a second offset distance 21c. In the present embodiment, the first offset distance 21a is equal to the second offset distance 21c such that the fluid passage 12a is located at a middle point of the chamber 17a. As a result, the chambers 17a-17c remain oriented parallel to each other, rather than splaying out of a parallel alignment. However, it will be appreciated that in some other embodiments, the offset distances 21a and 21c may vary and may not be equal each other. The other chambers in other panels or inserts described herein may also have the same fluid passage 12a placement.

[0139] FIG. 2, which is a perspective view of the body 2 shows the first and second side panels 16a, 16b as well as third and fourth side panels 16c, 16d and the bottom panel 23 that are all constructed in a similar manner with outer seams and inner seams. The various panels 4, 16a-16b, 23 can be similarly joined at their edges to provide the body 2 shown in FIG. 2. Notably, the top panel 4 is permanently joined to only the third side panel 16c such that the top panel 4 can move between an open position as shown in FIG. 2 and a closed position as shown in FIGS. 1A. Therefore, the top panel 4 serves as a lid or cover for the overall holder system. It will be appreciated that the various panels 4, 16a-16b, 23 can be joined in other ways such as zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, adhesives, snap fasteners, stitching, heat seams, or any other type of fastener or permanent attachment mechanism. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the closing fastener 11 can join to the panels via an intermediate pliable portion such as an elastic material to relieve stress on local components and connections as the holder system is inflated. As shown in FIG. 2, the side panel 16d comprises a single closing fastener 11. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, single or multiple fasteners may be placed on any of the panels 4, 16a-16d, 23. Further, the interior of the body 2 has fasteners 60a to selectively engage with the insert assembly (52 in FIG. 6A).

[0140] As described herein, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where the panels 4, 16a-16d, 23 are joined such that one or more, including all, panels 4, 16a-16d, 23 are fluidly connected to each other. Thus, with a single valve 7 located on the side panel 16b, a user may inflate and deflate all panels 4, 16a-16d, 23. In various embodiments, a single valve may be located on the top panel 4, bottom panel 23, or other side panels 16a-c. In other embodiments, multiple valves may be configured on panels 4, 16a-16d, and 23. A user can introduce air through the valve 7 into the second side panel 16b with the user's breath, with air or other gas tanks or canisters, with a manual pump, with an electronic or automatic pump, etc. The valve 7 can be for instance a schrader valve, a standard valve, a presta valve, a holding valve, etc. Further still, rigid or semi-rigid tubes may fluidly connect chambers in various panels or inserts described herein.

[0141] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a first insert 24a that forms part of an insert assembly (52 in FIG. 6A). The first insert 24a is made of two pieces of material (e.g., plastic) and is constructed like the panels of the body, and the first insert 24a comprises an outer seam 28, which defines the shape of the first insert 24a and creates an interior volume. Inner seams 30a, 30b separate the interior volume into three chambers 36a-36c, and fluid passages 32 fluidly connect the chambers 36a-36c. The outer seam 28 further comprises four fasteners 60b parallel to the inner seams 30a and 30b and defines two gaps 34a, 34b where the one gap 34a is generally colinear with one inner seam 30a, and the other gap 34b is generally colinear with the other inner scam 30b. Alternatively, the first gap 34a can be a slit cut into a portion of an inner seam 30a. The same is true for the second gap 34b. The first gap 34a is positioned between two chambers 36a-36b, and the second gap 34b is positioned between two chambers 36b-36c. A user can engage a valve 26 to inflate or deflate the chambers 36a-36c of the first insert 24a. Different numbers of inner seams and chambers are possible in various embodiments. The outer seam 28 further defines two radiused ends 35a and 35b proximate to the fluid passage 32, where one radiused end 35a is located at a top end of one gap 34a, and another radiused end 35b is located at a top end of another gap 34b. These radiused ends 35a, 35b reduce the concentration of forces and reduce tearing.

[0142] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a second insert 38a that forms part of the insert assembly (52 in FIG. 6A). Like the first insert 24a, the second insert 38a is constructed like the panels of the body, and the second insert 38a is made of two pieces of material (e.g., plastic) and comprises an outer seam 42, which defines the shape of the second insert 38a and creates an interior volume. Inner seams 44a-44c separate the interior volume into four chambers 50a-50d, and fluid passages 46 fluidly connect the chambers 50a-50d. The outer seam 42 further comprises four fasteners 60b parallel to the inner seams 44a-44c and defines three gaps 48a-48c where the one gap 48a is generally colinear with one inner seam 44a, another gap 48b is generally colinear with another inner seam 44b, and a further gap 48c is generally colinear with a further inner seam 44c. The outer seam 42 further defines three radiused ends 49a-49c of the second insert 42 proximate to the fluid passages 46, wherein the one radiused end 49a is placed at a top end of the gap 48a, another radiused end 49b is placed at a top end of the gap 48b, and a further radiused end 49c is placed at a top end of the gap 48c. These radiused ends 49a-49c reduce the concentration of forces and reduce tearing.

[0143] Alternatively, the first gap 48a can be a slit cut into a portion of an inner seam 44a. The same is true for the second gap 48b and third gap 48c. The first gap 48a is positioned between two chambers 50a, 50b; the second gap 48b is positioned between two chambers 50b, 50c; and the third gap 48c is positioned between two chambers 50c, 50d. A user can engage a valve 40 to inflate or deflate the chambers 50a-50d of the second insert 38a. Different numbers of inner seams and chambers are possible in various embodiments.

[0144] FIGS. 5A-5B show the assembly and installation of the insert assembly (52 in FIG. 6A). FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a first insert 24a and a second insert 38a partially joined together. The first insert 24a has a gap 34a oriented downwardly when assembled (or positioned toward the second insert's gap 48c), and the second insert 38a has a gap 48c oriented upwardly when assembled (or positioned toward the first insert's gap 34a. At this point, the gaps 34a, 48cpartially overlap each other.

[0145] FIG. 5B shows the first insert 24a and the second insert 38a fully joined together. Here, part of the second insert 38a is positioned in the gap 34a of the first insert 24a, and part of the first insert 24a is positioned in the gap 48c of the second insert 38a. Specifically, the gap 34a of the first insert 24a is disposed about an inner seam 44c of the second insert 38a, which is generally colinear with the gap 48c of the second insert 38a. Similarly, the gap 48c of the second insert 38a is disposed about an inner seam 30a of the first insert 24a, which is generally colinear with the gap 34a of the first insert 24a. When fully joined together, the radiused end 35a of the first insert 24a interconnects and overlays with the radiused end 49c of the second insert 38a to secure the assembly structure.

[0146] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the insert assembly 52, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the insert assembly 52 positioned in the body 2 to form the overall holder system 56. A series of first inserts 24a-24c are joined to a series of second inserts 38a-38b in a lattice-like insert assembly 52. With the inserts 24a-24c, 38a-38b joined in this manner, cach resulting pocket 54 is surrounded by inflated chambers to cushion an object placed in the pocket. In this embodiment, there are three first inserts 24a-24c and two second inserts 38a-38b. However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses any number of first inserts 24a-24c and/or any number of second inserts 38a-38b. The insert assembly 52 being comprised of multiple inserts provides modularity to the insert assembly 52 and the holder system. For instance, the middle first insert 24b in FIG. 6A can be omitted to provide a larger central pocket to receive a different type of object than wine bottles or to receive an extra-large wine bottle. In addition, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where the inserts 24a-24c, 38a-38b are joined such that one or more, including all, inserts 24a-24c, 38a-38b are fluidly connected to each other. Thus, with a single valve located on one of the inserts 24a-24c, 38a-38b, a user may inflate and deflate the entire insert assembly 52 (i.e., all inserts 24a-24c, 38a-38b).

[0147] FIG. 6B shows the insert assembly 52 positioned in the body 2 to form the overall holder system 56. The insert assembly 52 and the body 2 define twelve pockets 54 in which to store and protect a valuable object such as a wine or other bottle. A given pocket 54 is surrounded by inflated chambers in a lateral direction by the inserts (24a-24c, 38a-38b in FIG. 5C) and/or the side panels (16a-16d in FIG. 2), and each pocket 54 is surround by inflated chambers in a vertical direction by the top and bottom panels (4 and 23 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the insert assembly 52 and the body 2 are a single structure such that a user engages a single valve to inflate the overall holder system. Here, the insert assembly 52 is not connected to the bottom panel 23 or side panels 16a-16d, but the insert assembly 52 can connect to the bottom panel 23 and/or side panels 16a-16d via fasteners 60a, 60b, as described herein.

[0148] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the holder system 56 inflated and assembled with the top panel 4 of the body 2 in an open position and with objects, in this case wine bottles 58, loaded into the pockets 54. It will be appreciated that while wine bottles 58 are depicted, the holder system 56 can be used with any glass, ceramic, or other breakable bottles or any object that a user desired to be protected during travel. The holder system 56 can be used to travel via car, airplane, train, boat, or other transportation mode and keep the contents therein (typically, but not always, bottles) safe and unbroken. Thus, some embodiments are designed to keep alcohol bottles safe during commercial airline travel when the holder system 56 is checked like other luggage.

[0149] Optionally, the holder system may include handles and/or straps for casy transportation. For example, the straps may be a pair of backpack-like straps that each extend from a first end to a second end, where these ends are connected to part of the holder system. Moreover, the ends of the straps can be selectively connected to part of the holder system such that the straps can be removed when not in use. In some embodiments, a single strap is connected to part of the holder system and used like the strap of a duffel bag or messenger bag.

[0150] In some embodiments, one or more chamber or panel includes foam inserts to provide some rigidity and further protection to the contents. However, any foam inserts must be small and light weight such that the holder system 56 can be folded and compressed down to a small size when not in use. In another example, a wine box or other box is placed in the interior volume of the body to transport wine bottles. Furthermore, the inserts described herein, any foam inserts, wineboxes, etc. can be removed, added, mixed, and matched to provide the desired pocket or pockets for objects.

[0151] Generally, the holder system 56 can be deflated and collapsed to a reduced size and volume for easy storage and transportation when the holder system 56 is not in use. In some embodiments, this reduced size and volume is approximately the size of a notebook computer. In some embodiments, the holder system 56 has an external material or skin that can have fasteners to secure the holder system 56 in a compressed, deflated, and small volume. For instance, the holder system 56 can be packed into a sleeve or pouch for easy transportation when deflated and collapsed.

[0152] In some embodiments, the body of the holder system 56 comprises two chambers systems having two different pressures. For instance, one pressure system is located at the edges of the rectangular prism shape, and another pressure system is located at the surfaces of the rectangular prism shape. The pressure system at the edges is a sort of frame and is filled to a higher pressure. The pressure system at the surfaces cushions objects in the holder system 56 and is filled to a lower pressure.

[0153] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.