U.S. patent application number 11/338041 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for beverage container receptacle with active display.
Invention is credited to John K. Lampe, Douglas R. Oudekerk.
Application Number | 20060191812 11/338041 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36931066 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191812 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oudekerk; Douglas R. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Beverage container receptacle with active display
Abstract
The invention takes the form of various embodiments including:
first, a receptacle for a beverage container with a temperature
gauge affixed to the receptacle that takes and displays a
temperature reading of the container in the receptacle; second, a
receptacle for receiving a beverage container with a gauge affixed
to the receptacle that registers movement of the beverage container
within the receptacle; third, a receptacle for receiving a beverage
container with an electrically powered device attached to the
receptacle; and, fourth, a receptacle for receiving a beverage
container with a gauge affixed to the receptacle that indicates
whether the receptacle is level with a plane.
Inventors: |
Oudekerk; Douglas R.; (St.
Paul, MN) ; Lampe; John K.; (St. Paul, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John K. Lampe
262 Griggs St. South
St. Paul
MN
55105
US
|
Family ID: |
36931066 |
Appl. No.: |
11/338041 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60722921 |
Oct 3, 2005 |
|
|
|
60655920 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/20 20130101;
B65D 2203/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An article of commerce comprising: (a) a receptacle defining a
retention chamber configured and arranged to receive a beverage
container; and (b) a temperature gauge affixed to the receptacle
for sensing a temperature of a beverage container retained within
the retention chamber and generating a perceptible signal
representative of the sensed temperature of the beverage
container.
2. An article of commerce comprising: (a) a receptacle defining a
retention chamber configured and arranged to receive a beverage
container; and (b) a gauge affixed to the receptacle for sensing
the presence or absence of a beverage container within the
retention chamber and generating a perceptible signal upon sensing
at least one of (i) the presence of a beverage container, (ii) the
absence of a beverage container, (iii) a change from the presence
of a beverage container to the absence of a beverage container,
(iv) a change from the absence of a beverage container to the
presence of a beverage container.
3. An article of commerce comprising: (a) a receptacle defining a
retention chamber configured and arranged to receive a beverage
container; and (b) an electrically powered device attached to the
receptacle for generating a perceptible signal based upon a sensed
condition of the receptacle.
4. An article of commerce comprising: (a) a receptacle defining a
retention chamber configured and arranged to receive a beverage
container: and (b) a gauge affixed to the receptacle configured and
arranged for sensing and reporting the pitch of the retention
chamber relative to earth.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perceptible signal is a
mechanically generated visual signal.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perceptible signal is a
mechanically generated aural signal.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention chamber is of a
size to receive a standard 12-ounce beverage can.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retention chamber is of a
size to receive a standard 750 milliliter wine bottle.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature gauge includes
indicia indicating a desired temperature range for consumption of
at least one type of beverage.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is
insulated.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the temperature gauge is
configured and arranged to physically contact a beverage container
retained within the retention chamber for purposes of sensing the
temperature of the beverage container.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perceptible signal is
activation of a visually perceptible light.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perceptible signal is
generation of an audible sound.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the perceptible signal is
generation of a vibratory movement.
15. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the perceptible signal is
activation of a visually perceptible light.
16. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the perceptible signal is
generation of an audible sound.
17. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the perceptible signal is
generation of a vibratory movement.
18. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the perceptible signal is
activation of a visually perceptible light.
19. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the perceptible signal is
generation of an audible sound.
20. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the perceptible signal is
generation of a vibratory movement.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Applications No. 60/722,921 filed Oct. 3, 2005, and No. 60/655,920
filed on Feb. 25, 2005.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to receptacles for
beverage containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The prior art contains many examples of beverage container
receptacles. Many such receptacles act to insulate a beverage
container. For example, "can coolers" insulate canned beverages to
keep them cool. U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,223 to Wicker is an example of
an insulated beverage receptacle intended to keep a beverage cool.
Other receptacles, such as those commonly used for coffee and other
hot liquids, are designed to insulate the hands of the drinker from
the surface of a hot container.
[0004] The prior art suffers from certain shortcomings or
limitations. The purpose of the present invention is to overcome
the shortcomings or limitations in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention generally relates to receptacles for
beverage containers. Specifically, it relates to a receptacle for a
beverage container with an active presentation using, for example,
a visual display or sound that could be activated by various
mechanisms.
[0006] In at least one embodiment the device consists of an
insulated cylindrical receptacle with an open top and a gauge
mechanism. As a beverage container such as a soda can is inserted
into the receptacle, the gauge mechanism could cause a needle on
the gauge to move. For example, the needle on the gauge could
gradually move from registering "empty" to "full" as the can is
inserted. Other embodiments could utilize, for example, temperature
switches or senders, to activate a gauge, lights, sound chips, or
other devices to create an active presentation. The receptacle
could be used for various purposes including as a novelty device or
as a means to indicate whether a beverage is at a desireable
temperature.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0007] This invention encompasses embodiments with one or more of
the following objects. The advantages and objects of this invention
include:
[0008] The receptacle for a beverage container could be safe and
convenient to use; could be packaged for easy storage, shipping,
and opening by the user; could be easy and economical to
manufacture; and could not damage structures to which it is
attached, on which it is positioned, or with which it is used.
[0009] The receptacle for a beverage container could be made of
various sizes and shapes for different applications. For example,
the receptacle could preferably be of a size that could receive a
beverage can or bottle of the kinds sold in the United States and
other countries.
[0010] The receptacle for a beverage container could be made of one
or a combination of materials (both natural or synthetic) including
plastics, foams, metals, cellulose based materials, woven or
nonwoven fabrics, glass, or ceramic.
[0011] The receptacle for a beverage container could be made using
various manufacturing techniques including various kinds of molding
techniques such as injection, blow, dip, and compression molding;
various kinds of forming techniques including vacuum forming,
stamping, extruding, or fabricating; and various joining techniques
including mechanical techniques such as sewing or chemical
techniques such as adhesives.
[0012] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate a
perceptible signal. As utilized herein, including the claims, the
phrase "perceptible signal" means any and all means of
communication capable of conveying information to a human,
including specifically, but not exclusively audible signals (e.g.,
a beep or tune), olfactory signals (e.g., emission of a scent),
tactile signals (e.g., vibration), visual signals (e.g., gauge or
color change), and multimedia signals (e.g., tone with
vibration).
[0013] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate a
perceptible signal when a beverage container is moved within the
receptacle such as when the beverage container is inserted or
removed from the receptacle. For example, by inserting a beverage
container into the receptacle, the perceptible signal could change
in various ways such as: the reading on a gauge could change from
"empty" to "full"; a warning light could become illuminated, a
sound chip could emit a sound; or a vibrator could be
activated.
[0014] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate a
perceptible signal that could change when the content of the
beverage container changes in some way. For example, a change in
the temperature or level of the liquid could causes the perceptible
signal to change in various ways such as: a gauge could indicate a
change in the temperature of the liquid or the level of the liquid;
a warning light could flash; a buzzer could sound; or a vibrator
could be activated.
[0015] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate one
or more active perceptible signals. Such perceptible signals could
include one of or combinations of the following: multiple gauges,
multiple lights, multiple sound chips, or multiple forms of motion
such as vibration.
[0016] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate an
active perceptible signal that could operate with electric current
and use components such as: batteries, lights, switches such as
temperature or pressure switches, senders for providing continuous
readings, chips (including sound, light, or motion chips), etc.
[0017] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate an
active perceptible signal that could employ various mechanical
devices such as levers, pulleys, gears, or springs.
[0018] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate an
active perceptible signal that could employ a combination of
mechanical components and components that operate with electric
current.
[0019] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate an
active perceptible signal that could be for utilitarian purposes
such as indicating the temperature or the level of a liquid in a
beverage container, for humorous or decorative purposes such as
changing a message or changing an image, or for combinations of
utilitarian or decorative purposes.
[0020] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate an
active perceptible signal that could be used for various effects.
Those effects could include: resembling gauges or displays such as
fuel or temperature gauges or warning or display lights for motor
vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, etc.; sound effects associated with
those devices such as the sound of an engine; and motion effects
that might include the vibration associated with a revving engine
or air movement.
[0021] The receptacle for a beverage container could generate an
active perceptible signal that could be used for various effects
and could also accomplish other objectives such as insulating a
beverage; insulating things such as a human hand from a beverage
container; or providing a means of holding a beverage
containers.
[0022] The receptacle for a beverage container could employ various
auxiliary devices to enhance a presentation such as lights for
illumination.
[0023] Devices contemplated by this invention could be suitable for
many purposes. Only some of those uses are discussed in this
specification. Many other uses are contemplated within the scope of
this invention.
[0024] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each illustrated embodiment, object, advantage, or use
of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description
that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1A is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of
the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1B is a side, cut-away view of the invention shown in
FIG. 1A.
[0028] FIG. 1C is a front, elevation view of the invention shown in
FIG. 1A with a beverage can partially inserted into the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 1D is a front, elevation view of the invention shown in
FIG. 1A with a beverage can fully inserted into the invention.
[0030] FIG. 2A is a side, cut-away view of a second embodiment of
the invention.
[0031] FIG. 3A is a side, cut-away view of a third embodiment of
the invention.
[0032] FIG. 4A is a side, cut-away view of a fourth embodiment of
the invention.
[0033] FIG. 4B is a front view of the invention shown in FIG.
4A.
[0034] FIG. 5A is a front, elevation view of a fifth embodiment of
the invention.
[0035] FIG. 6A is a side, cut-away view of a sixth embodiment of
the invention.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0036] 100 receptacle for beverage container [0037] 101 beverage
container [0038] 102 gauge [0039] 103 bezel [0040] 104 crystal
[0041] 105 needle [0042] 106 faceplate [0043] 107 shaft [0044] 108
pulley [0045] 109 cord [0046] 110 coiled spring [0047] 111 lever
[0048] 112 outside wall of receptacle [0049] 114 receiving chamber
of receptacle [0050] 117 downward direction [0051] 120 opening in
top of beverage container [0052] 121 bottom of beverage container
[0053] 200 receptacle for beverage container [0054] 202 gauge
[0055] 203 bezel [0056] 204 crystal [0057] 205 needle [0058] 206
faceplate [0059] 212 outside wall of receptacle [0060] 214
receiving chamber of receptacle [0061] 220 opening in top of
beverage container [0062] 221 bottom of beverage container [0063]
225 temperature sender [0064] 226 contact [0065] 227 connection
[0066] 300 receptacle for beverage container [0067] 301 beverage
container [0068] 302 gauge [0069] 303 bezel [0070] 304 crystal
[0071] 305 needle [0072] 306 faceplate [0073] 310 gauge mechanism
[0074] 312 outside wall of receptacle [0075] 314 receiving chamber
of receptacle [0076] 320 opening in top of receptacle [0077] 321
bottom of receptacle [0078] 330 contact [0079] 400 receptacle for
beverage container [0080] 401 beverage container [0081] 402 gauge
[0082] 403 bezel [0083] 404 crystal [0084] 405 needle [0085] 406
faceplate [0086] 410 gauge mechanism [0087] 412 outside wall of
receptacle [0088] 414 receiving chamber of receptacle [0089] 420
opening in top of receptacle [0090] 421 bottom of receptacle [0091]
430 contact [0092] 431 temperature range markings [0093] 500
receptacle for beverage container [0094] 501 beverage container
[0095] 502 gauge [0096] 503 bezel [0097] 505 needle [0098] 506
faceplate [0099] 512 outside wall of receptacle [0100] 514
receiving chamber of receptacle [0101] 520 opening in top of
receptacle [0102] 521 bottom of receptacle [0103] 538 indicator
light [0104] 600 receptacle for beverage container [0105] 602 gauge
[0106] 603 bezel [0107] 604 crystal [0108] 612 outside wall of
receptacle [0109] 614 receiving chamber of receptacle [0110] 620
opening in top of receptacle [0111] 621 bottom of receptacle [0112]
635 level indicator [0113] 636 liquid [0114] 637 bottom of level
indicator
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
First Embodiment
[0115] FIGS. 1A to 1D show a receptacle 100 for a beverage
container 101 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The
receptacle 100 has an outside wall 112 and a bottom 121 defining a
receiving chamber 114 with an open top 120. A gauge 102 is provided
on the receptacle 100. The gauge 102 in this embodiment preferably
includes a bezel 103, crystal 104, needle 105 and faceplate 106 so
as to resemble a gauge for a motor vehicle (measuring, for example,
fuel level, fuel pressure, oil pressure or water temperature). FIG.
1C shows a beverage container 101 partially inserted into the
receptacle 100. The needle 105 as shown in FIG. 1C is at a first
position. FIG. 1D shows a beverage container 101 fully inserted
into the receptacle 100. The needle 105 is at a second position. By
moving the beverage container 101 in a downward direction 117 from
a first position as shown in FIG. 1C to a second position as shown
in FIG. 1D, the needle 105 could move to a second position as shown
in FIG. 1D.
[0116] FIGS. 1A and 1B show the construction of the gauge 102 and
how the needle 105 could move from the positions shown in FIGS. 1C
and 1D. The gauge 102 is constructed such that a force exerted in a
downward direction 117 on the lever 111 causes the needle 105 to
move. As the lever 111 moves downward, it pulls on the cord 109 and
rotates the pulley 108. As the pulley 108 rotates, the shaft 107
also rotates, thereby moving the needle 105. When the lever 111
reaches a second position as represented by the ghost image of the
lever 111 in FIG. 1B, the needle 105 could reach the position shown
in FIG. 1D. If the downward 117 directed force is released, the
spring 110 could return the lever 111 to its first position as
shown in FIG. 1B and the needle 105 to its first position.
Second Embodiment
[0117] FIG. 2A shows a second embodiment of a receptacle 200 for a
beverage container 201. As with the first embodiment, the
receptacle 200 has an outside wall 212 and a bottom 221 defining a
receiving chamber 214 with an open top 220. A gauge 202 is provided
on the receptacle 200. The gauge 202 preferably including a bezel
203, crystal 204, needle 205 and faceplate 206. The receptacle 200
could generally resemble the receptacle 100 shown in relation to
FIGS. 1A to 1D with differences such as the following. The
receptacle 200 could have a gauge 202 that registers changes in
temperature. For example, the gauge 202 could incorporate a
temperature sender 225 (or a temperature switch), powered, for
example, by a battery (not indicated), that could provide
continuous temperature readings to the gauge 202. A contact 226
could be located near the bottom of the receptacle 200 with a
connection 227 to the sender 225. The contact 226 could touch the
wall of a beverage container (not shown) in the receptacle 200. By
having the contact 226 located near the bottom 221 of the
receptacle 200, the gauge 202 could approximate the temperature of
any liquid in the beverage container until the container is nearly
empty (not shown). Various lights such as warning lights, chips
including sound chips, or vibrators could also be operated using
such a switch or sender (not shown).
Third Embodiment
[0118] FIG. 3A shows a receptacle 300 for a beverage container 301
according to the third embodiment of the invention. As with the
first and second embodiments, the receptacle 300 has an outside
wall 312 and a bottom 321 defining a receiving chamber 314 with an
open top 320. A gauge 302 is provided on the receptacle 300. The
gauge 302 preferably including a bezel 303, crystal 304, needle 305
and faceplate 306. The gauge 302 in this embodiment can resemble a
gauge for a motor vehicle, for example, a temperature gauge.
[0119] The gauge 302 can have a non-electronic gauge mechanism 310
similar to those used for inexpensive air temperature gauges. The
gauge 302 can have a contact 330 that contacts the beverage
container 301. The contact 330 can be connected directly or
indirectly to the gauge mechanism 310 in order to speed
transmission of heat or cold to shorten the response time of the
gauge mechanism 310 to temperature changes.
Fourth Embodiment
[0120] FIGS. 4A and 4B shows receptacle 400 for a beverage
container 401 according to the fourth embodiment. As with the
first, second and third embodiments, the receptacle 400 has an
outside wall 412 and a bottom 421 defining a receiving chamber 414
with an open top 420. A gauge 402 is provided on the receptacle
400. The gauge 402 preferably including a bezel 403, crystal 404,
needle 405 and faceplate 406. The receptacle 400 could generally
resemble the receptacle 300 shown in relation to FIGS. 3A with
differences such as the following. The receptacle 400 itself can be
shorter. Such a receptacle 400 can be specifically designed for
holding a wine bottle, for example. The contact 430 is operably
connected to the needle 405 by a gauge mechanism 410 and can be
spring loaded (not shown) to allow the contact 430 to come in
contact with wine bottles of different shapes (not shown) such as
Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Hoch wine bottles. In addition, a
receptacle 400 could be made to accommodate larger wine bottles
such as a liter bottle (1 liter), a Magnum (1.5 liters), a Jeroboam
(3,000 ml), a Methuselah (6 liters), a Salmanazar (9 liters), a
Balthazar (12 liters) and a Nabuchadnezzar (15 liters)
[0121] The faceplate 406 of the gauge 402, as shown in FIG. 4B can
have different temperature range markings 431. The temperature
range markings 431 can indicate the desired temperature at which
different wines or other beverages should be served.
Fifth Embodiment
[0122] FIG. 5A shows a receptacle 500 for a beverage container 501
according to the fifth embodiment. As with the first, second, third
and fourth embodiments, the receptacle 500 has an outside wall 512
and a bottom 521 defining a receiving chamber 514 with an open top
520. A gauge 502 is provided on the receptacle 500. The gauge 502
preferably includes a bezel 503, needle 505 and faceplate 506. The
receptacle 500 could generally resemble the receptacle 300 shown in
relation to FIGS. 3A with differences such as the following. The
receptacle 500 can have an indicator light 538 on the faceplate
506. The indicator light 538 can be powered, for example, by a
battery (not shown) housed in the gauge 502. The indicator light
538 can come on under various conditions. For example, the
indicator light 538 can come on when the temperature of the
beverage container 501 reaches a certain temperature.
Sixth Embodiment
[0123] FIG. 6A shows receptacle 600 for a beverage container (not
shown) according to the sixth embodiment. As with the first through
fifth embodiments, the receptacle 600 has an outside wall 612 and a
bottom 621 defining a receiving chamber 614 with an open top 620. A
gauge 602 is provided on the receptacle 600. The gauge 602
preferably covered with a bezel 603 and a crystal 604. The
receptacle 600 can generally resemble the receptacle 300 shown in
relation to FIGS. 3A with differences such as the following. The
receptacle 600 can have a gauge 602 with a level indicator 635. The
level indicator 635 can be disc shaped and can rotate inside the
gauge 602. The level indicator 635 can float in a liquid 636 (such
as oil) and can be weighted at its bottom edge 637. As the can is
tipped (not shown) from an upright position, the level indicator
635 can rotate (not shown). The level indicator 635 can rotate back
to level when the receptacle 600 is returned to an upright
position.
Modifications
[0124] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out
in the claims arising from this application. For example, while
suitable sizes, materials, packaging and the like have been
disclosed in the above discussion, it should be appreciated that
these are provided by way of example and not of limitation as a
number of other sizes, materials, fasteners, and so forth may be
used without departing from the invention. Various modifications as
well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be
applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to
which the present invention is directed upon review of the present
specifications. The claims which arise from this application are
intended to cover such modifications and structures.
* * * * *