Stemware caddy

Abstract

A device for storing stemware is disclosed. In particular, the device is configured as a stemware caddy for concealing or stowing the stemware in locations and/or applications where space is limited and/or where a stemware rack cannot be installed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device, comprising:
 an elongated compartment comprising at least one longitudinally extending aperture through at least a portion of a wall of the compartment;   a cap attached to a first end of the compartment; and   one or more shelves within the compartment, each comprising at least one slot extending between an outer edge and an approximate center thereof;   wherein,
 at least a portion of an interior wall of the compartment and at least a portion of the outer edge of the one or more shelves comprise an interlocking configuration for attaching the one or more shelves to the interior wall of the compartment in a manner providing access to the at least one slot of each attached shelf through the at least one aperture in the wall of the compartment; 
 the at least one slot is configured for sliding passage therethrough of at least a portion of a stem of a stemware; 
 the at least one aperture is configured for passage therethrough of the stemware; and 
 an exterior of the compartment is configured for sliding passage through an opening of a cavity configured for concealing at least that portion of the compartment retracted thereinto. 
   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap comprises at least one of a drink holder, a knob and a finger hole, each configured for being pulled for extracting the compartment from the cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , configured for inhibiting dislodgement of the compartment from the cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , comprising a resistor for imparting frictional resistance to a movement of the compartment through the opening. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the compartment retracts into the cavity under the influence of a force acting thereon in a direction towards the opening. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the resistor operates to decrease a magnitude of the force acting on the compartment. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the frictional resistance imparted by the resistor is adjustable. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein extracting at least a portion of the compartment from the cavity generates at least a partial vacuum within the cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , comprising a retainer for retaining the compartment within the opening in one of a fully retracted position, a fully extracted position and a partially retracted position between the fully retracted position and the fully extracted position. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein
 the stemware is concealed when the compartment is fully retracted into the cavity; and   the stemware is exposed and accessible when the compartment is not fully retracted into the cavity.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a position of the one or more shelves along a longitudinal extent of the compartment is adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one aperture is configured for passage therethrough of the one or more shelves. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more shelves are removably attached to the compartment. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein
 the opening comprises a ledge defined by and extending between a first and a second perimeter of the opening;   the exterior of the compartment and the first perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours;   the cap and the second perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours; and   the ledge supports the cap when the compartment is fully retracted within the opening.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more shelves and an opening at the first end of the compartment comprise complementary contours, the opening at the first end of the compartment configured for passage therethrough of the one or more shelves. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more shelves comprises a depression proximate a center thereof, the depression having a contour similar to a contour at either end of the stem of the stemware. 
     
     
         17 . A device, comprising:
 an elongated compartment comprising:
 at least one longitudinally extending aperture through at least a portion of a wall of the compartment, the at least one aperture configured for passage therethrough of a stemware; and 
 an exterior configured for sliding passage through an opening of a cavity; 
   one or more shelves within the compartment, each comprising at least one slot extending between an outer edge and an approximate center thereof, the at least one slot configured for sliding passage therethrough of at least a portion of a stem of a stemware; and   an interlock for attaching the compartment and the one or more shelves to each other.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising a retainer for retaining the compartment within the opening in one of a fully retracted position, a fully extracted position and a partially retracted position between the fully retracted position and the fully extracted position. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising a cap attached to a first end of the compartment, the cap comprising at least one of a drink holder, a knob and a finger hole, each configured for extracting at least a portion of the compartment from the cavity. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein
 the opening comprises a ledge defined by and extending between a first and a second perimeter of the opening;   the exterior of the compartment and the first perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours;   the cap and the second perimeter of the opening comprise complementary contours; and   the ledge supports the cap when the compartment is fully retracted within the opening.