U.S. patent application number 11/225548 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for combination drinking container and electronic audio amplification device.
Invention is credited to Toby L. Klusmeyer, Scott A. Mickelson.
Application Number | 20070060017 11/225548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37450848 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070060017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klusmeyer; Toby L. ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Combination drinking container and electronic audio amplification
device
Abstract
A combination drinking container and electronic audio
amplification device includes a container for holding a beverage
having a sidewall structure with an open top and an open bottom. A
base assembly is connected to the container and includes a base
holding a speaker isolated from the beverage adjacent the open
bottom of the container and retaining a sound generating device and
a source of electrical power in communication with the speaker and
the sound device. The speaker converts electrical signals from the
sound generating device and emits sound waves that are projected
through and conducted by the sidewall structure for delivery
through the open top of the container.
Inventors: |
Klusmeyer; Toby L.;
(Windsor, WI) ; Mickelson; Scott A.; (DeForest,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDRUS, SCEALES, STARKE & SAWALL, LLP
100 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 1100
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
37450848 |
Appl. No.: |
11/225548 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 5/023 20130101;
A47G 19/2227 20130101; A47G 2019/2244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/397 |
International
Class: |
A63H 5/00 20060101
A63H005/00 |
Claims
1. A combination drinking container and electronic audio
amplification device comprising: a container for holding a beverage
having a sidewall structure with an open top and an open bottom,
and a base assembly connected to the container and including a base
holding a speaker isolated from the beverage adjacent the bottom of
the container, and retaining a sound generating device and a source
of electrical power in electrical communication with the speaker
and the sound generating device, wherein the speaker converts
electrical signals from the sound generating device and emits sound
waves that are projected through and conducted by the sidewall
structure for delivery through the open top of the container.
2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the speaker is provided with
a fluid-proof covering.
3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the fluid-proof covering
takes the form of a sound generating diaphragm extending the across
the open bottom between the container and the base.
4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the sound generating device
includes an amplifying circuit and a switch for controlling the
sound generating device.
5. The combination of claim 4, wherein the sound generating device
includes any of a microphone, a sound chip, a radio receiver and an
audio device mounted externally of the base assembly.
6. The combination of claim 4, wherein the source of electrical
power is a battery.
7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the base includes a printed
circuit board connected to the speaker and the battery.
8. The combination of claim 7, wherein a cover is removably
connected to the base and includes holding structure for the
battery.
9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the cover includes support
structure for supporting the printed circuit board within the
base.
10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the cover is formed with a
portion for accessing and receiving the switch.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the base is cut out to
receive the portion for accessing the switch.
12. A combination drinking container and electronic audio
amplification device comprising: a container for holding a beverage
having a sidewall structure with an open top and an open bottom;
and a base assembly removably and sealingly connected to the open
bottom of the container, the base assembly including a speaker
isolated from the beverage, a base for retaining the speaker and a
printed circuit board interconnected with a battery and a sound
generating device, wherein the speaker is positioned upwardly
adjacent the open bottom so that it will emit sound waves upwardly
from the open top of the container, the sidewall structure
providing enhanced amplification of the sound waves.
13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the speaker is isolated
from the beverage by a fluid-proof substrate.
14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the substrate is a plastic
diaphragm.
15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the sound generating
device is a microphone.
16. The combination of claim 12, wherein the sound generating
device includes a push button switch.
17. The combination of claim 15, wherein the base is removably
connected to a cover provided with apertures for communicating with
the microphone.
18. The combination of claim 12, wherein an O-ring is positioned
between the open bottom of the container and the base.
19. A combination of claim 12, wherein the speaker extends across
at least a portion of the open bottom of the container.
20. The combination of claim 12, wherein the sidewall structure has
an upwardly and outwardly flaring configuration for conducting the
sound waves over a larger area.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a drinking
container having a base-mounted audio system. More particularly,
the invention is directed to a drinking container wherein
electronically amplified sound is conducted and further amplified
along and through the interior surface of the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Prior art drinking containers have been disclosed with
various novelty features such as audible outputs conducted through
audio transducers that are variously actuated. Such beverage
containers typically are formed with a closed bottom and a base
assembly which is permanently or, more practically, removably
connected to the bottom so that the beverage container can be
washed as desired. In some cases, the drinking container is adapted
to receive different types of bases. The bases that are coupled to
these containers generally house an audio system having a speaker,
a sound generating device, amplification circuitry and a source of
electrical power, such as a battery. Speakers in these audio
systems are positioned to emit amplified sound downwardly and
outwardly from the base which can restrict the effectiveness of the
sound propagation from the drinking container.
[0003] It is desirable to enhance the sound volume and quality of
an audio system connected to the bottom of the drinking container
so that the container performs as an electronically amplified
megaphone and still retains its beverage-holding capability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a
dual purpose entertainment device for holding beverages and
producing sound.
[0005] It is one object of the present invention to provide a
drinking container with an improved audio output.
[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
drinking container producing sound with improved amplification.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
drinking container which conducts electronically amplified sound
along an interior surface of the container.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
drinking container in which a speaker is held isolated from a
beverage adjacent the bottom of the container.
[0009] It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide a drinking container in which a speaker is oriented to emit
sound waves upwardly toward the top of the container.
[0010] In one aspect of the invention, a combination drinking
container and electronic audio amplification device includes a
container for holding a beverage having a sidewall structure with
an open top and an open bottom. A base assembly is connected to the
container and includes a base holding a speaker isolated from the
beverage adjacent the open bottom of the container, and retaining a
sound generating device and a source of electrical power in
communication with the speaker and the sound generating device. The
speaker converts electrical signals from the sound generating
device and emits sound waves so that they are projected through and
conducted by the sidewall structure for delivery through the open
top of the container.
[0011] The speaker is provided with a fluid-proof covering. The
fluid-proof covering takes the form of a sound generating diaphragm
extending across the open bottom between the container and the
base. The sound generating device includes an amplifying circuit
and a switch for controlling the sound generating device. The sound
generating device includes any of a microphone, a sound chip, a
radio receiver and an audio device mounted externally of the base
assembly. The source of electrical power is preferably a battery.
The base includes a printed circuit board connected to the speaker
and the battery. A cover is removably connected to the base and
provides holding structure for the battery. The cover includes
support structure for supporting the printed circuit board within
the base. The cover is formed with a portion for accessing and
receiving the switch. The base is cut out to receive the portion
for accessing the switch.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a combination drinking
container and electronic audio amplification device includes a
container for holding a beverage having a sidewall structure with
an open top and an open bottom. A base assembly is removably and
sealingly connected to the open bottom of the container. The base
assembly includes a speaker isolated from the beverage, a base for
retaining the speaker and a printed circuit board interconnected
with a battery and a sound generating device. The speaker is
positioned upwardly adjacent the open bottom so that it will emit
sound waves upwardly from the open top of the container, the
sidewall structure providing enhanced amplification of the sound
waves.
[0013] The speaker is isolated from the beverage by a fluid-proof
substrate which is preferably a plastic diaphragm. The sound
generating device is preferably a microphone and includes a push
button switch. The base is removably attached to a cover provided
with apertures for communicating with the microphone. An O-ring is
positioned between the open bottom of the container and the base.
The speaker extends across at least a portion of the open bottom of
the container. The sidewall structure has an upwardly and outwardly
flaring configuration for conducting the sound waves over a larger
area.
[0014] Various other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the invention.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled combination
drinking container and electronic audio amplification device;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the combination
device in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 4-4 of
FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of a base assembly
of the combination device;
[0022] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the base assembly
shown in FIG. 5; and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a representation of the combination device used as
a megaphone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] References will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments and methods of the invention as illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate like or corresponding parts for all the drawings. It
should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects
is not limited to the specific details, representative devices and
methods, and illustrative example shown and described in this
section in connection with the preferred embodiment and method. The
invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed
out and distinctly claimed in the attached claims read in view of
the specification, and appropriate equivalents.
[0025] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a
preferred embodiment of a combination drinking container and audio
amplification device 10 embodying the present invention. The
combination device 10 includes a drinking container 12 and a base
assembly 14 which is sealingly and removably connected to a lower
end of the container 12.
[0026] Drinking container 12 may have any size and shape desired
but preferably has a bell-shaped sidewall structure 16 that flares
outwardly and upwardly from an open cylindrical bottom 18 (FIG. 2)
to an open cylindrical top 20. The sidewall structure 16 may or may
not be thermally insulated depending on the need to preserve the
temperature of the beverage to be held in the container 12. A
handle 22 is secured to and runs substantially the length of an
external length of the sidewall structure 16. The open bottom 18 of
the container 12 is provided on its internal peripheral surface
with a series of L-shaped retaining slots 24 (FIG. 2) to facilitate
removable connection with the base assembly 14. Preferably, the
container 12 and handle 22 are constructed from a rigid, durable
washable material such as plastic commonly used to make reusable
drinking vessels.
[0027] The base assembly 14 is comprised of a diaphragm 26, an
O-ring 28, a circular speaker 30, a ring-like printed circuit board
32 with audio and electronic components, a push button switch 34, a
generally cylindrical base 36, a battery 38, and a cover 40. An
upper end of the base 36 is constructed with a skirt 42 having a
set of protruding nibs 44 rotatably engageable with the walls of
the slots 24. With this structure, the base 36 may be removably
coupled to the lower end of the container 12 with the O-ring 28
interposed between the upper end of the base 36 and the open bottom
18 to provide a sealed, leak-proof connection as seen in FIGS. 3
and 4. It can also be seen that the O-ring 28 surrounds the
diaphragm 26 which is positioned against and functions to close the
open bottom 18 so that the beverage may be held sealed in the
container 12. The diaphragm 26 may be preferably fabricated from
plastic or Mylar which is sound conducting. The base 36 acts as a
protective housing for the audio and electronic components and
further with cover 40 is configured to provide stability for
supporting the container 12 on a flat surface.
[0028] It is an important feature of the invention that the speaker
30 is oriented upwardly to emit sound waves directly towards the
interior of the container 12 as will be appreciated below. The
peripheral edge of speaker 30 is engageable with a first annular
shoulder 46 (FIG. 3) formed inside the upper end of the base 36.
The speaker 30 is shown spaced slightly below the diaphragm 26 but
might be located more closely adjacent thereto. The diaphragm 26
covering the speaker 30 protects the speaker 30 from any beverage
in the container contacting the speaker and other electronic
components in the base 36. In the preferred embodiment, the speaker
30 extends across substantially the entire open bottom 18 of the
container, but it should be understood that the speaker 30 could
cover only a portion of the open bottom 18 if desired. In addition,
a speaker 30 with a protective sealing covering (not shown) might
be used in lieu of the diaphragm 26.
[0029] The ring-like printed circuit board 32 has a center recess
48 through which the lower portion of the speaker 30 protrudes. The
upper end of the circuit board 32 is positioned against a second
annular shoulder 48 formed inside the base 36. A peripheral edge of
the circuit board 32 is notched to receive ribs 50 formed along the
inside of the base 36. The printed circuit board 32 includes a
capacitor 52, an amplifier circuit 54, a microphone 56, and switch
sorting pads 58 which are selectively adjustable with manually
actuable push button switch 34, all of which define a sound
generating device.
[0030] The cover 40 is formed with respective upstanding walls 60,
62, 64 for retaining the battery 38 and microphone 56. The cover 40
further includes an inwardly curved extension 66 having an opening
68 for receiving the switch 34. The extension 66 fits into a
cut-out 69 formed on base 36. Opposite sides of the cover 40 are
provided with resilient catches 70 designed to snap into holes 72
formed on the lower end of the base 36 so that the cover 40 will be
retained thereon. The cover 40 is constructed with support prongs
74 which hold the printed circuit board 32 in position when the
cover 40 is coupled to the base 36. Also with the cover 40 in
place, the top of the battery 38 supports the lower end of the
speaker 30. Access to the microphone 56 inside the base 36 is
provided by apertures 76 formed in the cover 40. Wiring 78 provides
electrical communication among the speaker 30, the circuit board 32
and the battery 38.
[0031] In use, beverages may be poured into and consumed from the
container 12 in normal fashion. With the container 12 emptied, a
user is able to utilize the product as an electronically amplified
megaphone by holding the container 12 as shown in FIG. 7, and by
pushing the switch 34 with one's thumb and speaking, singing or
otherwise conveying sound into the apertures 76 on the base 36 so
that the particular sound will be reproduced as electronically
amplified sound waves emitted from the speaker 30. The sound waves
because of the particular upward orientation and positioning of the
speaker 30, are projected through diaphragm 26 and into the
container interior and are conducted along inside surfaces of the
sidewall structure 16 for delivery through the open top 20 of the
container 12. The sound waves are thus further amplified and the
outwardly flaring sidewall structure provides for greater sound
wave distribution.
[0032] Periodically, the base 36 may be uncoupled from the
container 12 so that the latter may be washed or replaced if
desired. The base 36 may be accessed to change the battery 38 as
necessary by disconnecting resilient catches 70 and removing cover
40.
[0033] While the preferred embodiment discussed above discloses a
sound generating device as including a microphone 56, the invention
contemplates other types of sound generating devices to produce
sounds from the speaker 30. Other examples of sound generating
devices include a pre-recorded sound chip, a radio receiver, and an
audio device such as an MP3 player connected externally to the
circuit board 32 through a jack formed in the base 36. In addition,
rather than using a manually-actuated switch 34, it may be possible
to place a wireless receiver in the base 36 which will activate
sound upon receiving a signal from a remote control.
[0034] While not shown, other versions of the invention are
contemplated which may allow the drinking container to be partially
filled with a beverage and still operate as an electronic
amplification device.
[0035] While the invention has been described with reference to a
preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
certain substitutions, alterations and omissions may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, the
foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only and should not
be deemed limitative on the scope of the invention set forth with
the following claims.
* * * * *