U.S. patent application number 11/973582 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for novelty beverage holder.
Invention is credited to STEVE O'NEAL.
Application Number | 20080083767 11/973582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39274262 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'NEAL; STEVE |
April 10, 2008 |
Novelty beverage holder
Abstract
An insulated beverage container with an integrated sound
producing device wherein the sounds emitted from the sound
producing device are compatible with images, advertisements or
other materials displayed on the surface of the insulated beverage
container. The sound emitting device is configured to store and
then emit, upon actuation by a user, predetermined sounds over a
specific length of time. While the sound emitting insulated
beverage container is intended as a novelty device, it can be used
for advertisements and in marketing by associating specific sounds
with advertisement displayed on the outer surface of the
container.
Inventors: |
O'NEAL; STEVE; (Aurora,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LATHROP & GAGE LC
1845 S. NATIONAL
P.O. BOX 4288
SPRINGFIELD
MO
65101
US
|
Family ID: |
39274262 |
Appl. No.: |
11/973582 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60850544 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/739 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2200/143 20130101;
B65D 2203/12 20130101; B65D 81/3879 20130101; A47G 23/0216
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/739 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A novelty device, comprising: an insulating beverage holder
which is generally cylindrical with an open top opposing a
substantially closed bottom portion; the bottom portion further
provided with a compartment for housing a device, said device
configured to electronically store and emit at least one sound.
2. The novelty device of claim 1 wherein the device further
includes a battery, a processor capable of storing and emitting
sound, a speaker for emitting the sound and a switch which
selectively activates the device.
3. The novelty device of claim 1 further comprising a
microprocessor and a memory unit wherein said microprocessor is
connected to said memory unit and wherein said microprocessor is
designed to receive an electronic signal from the memory unit which
controls emission of pre-recorded sounds.
4. The novelty device of claim 3 further comprising an input which
allows a user to record sounds onto the memory unit.
5. An insulated beverage holder having a continuous sidewall, an
open top for receiving a beverage container therein and a bottom,
the bottom further comprising a compartment for housing a device
and wherein the device is configured to emit predetermined sounds
upon actuation by a user.
6. The device of the claim 5 further comprising at least one
opening through the bottom.
7. The device of the claim 6 wherein the continuous sidewall is
provided with an inner surface and an outer surface and the outer
surface is manufactured to receive and display static images.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the sound emitted by the device is
associated with and compatible to the images displayed on the outer
surface.
9. The device of claim 5 wherein a switch remotely positioned from
the device is used to selectively activate the device.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein the switch is mounted within the
sidewall and projects generally inward such that it is actuated
when the beverage container is positioned within the holder.
11. The device of claim 9 wherein the switch is mounted in the
bottom and projects generally downward below the bottom such that
is actuated when the holder is placed on a surface.
12. The device of claim 7 wherein the displayed static image is
compatible with the sound emitted from the device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/850,544 filed Oct. 10, 2006 the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a novelty beverage
holder and more particularly to a beverage holder with an implanted
device capable of producing sounds when triggered by a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Beverage containers and insulated holders, wraps and coolers
are widely varied and are formed from any number of insulating
materials. Beverage holders are generally configured to
frictionally engage and removably secure a can or bottle of chilled
liquid. These devices often provide the dual benefit of maintaining
temperature of the beverage being consumed and providing a
convenient and relatively inexpensive media for the display of
messages, advertisements and the like. For the most part, known
beverage holders are simple unitary devices molded or manufactured
from a single piece of material and have no accoutrements to
enhance their utility or amusement.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] According to the practice of this invention, a thermally
insulated beverage holder is fashioned from a material, such as
foam, Styrofoam or polyethylene. The beverage holder is generally
configured with a substantially closed bottom and a generally open
top. The overall form of the beverage holder is generally
cylindrical. Further, the beverage holder may include removable
insulating liners and be configured to house beverage cans,
bottles, or glassware of any variety of shapes and sizes.
[0005] The beverage holder is provided with a compartment which
houses a device capable of emitting sounds. Several types of
devices are generally known, including small electronic relays with
a microprocessor and chip capable of electronically retaining a
recorded sound and then transmitting, upon operation, the sound via
a small audio speaker. Such devices can easily be manufactured
approximately the size of a U.S. minted quarter, or less than one
inch in diameter. Further, such devices are relatively thin, often
less than one-quarter (1/4) inch thick. The device includes a
triggering mechanism integral thereto although it may be provided
with a remote switch. It is preferred that the remote switch be
present and positioned and mounted proximate the periphery of the
beverage holder. It is understood that the mounting position and
orientation of the remote switch can be anywhere on the beverage
holder, although, it is preferably mounted substantially adjacent
the sound emitting device which is generally placed near the bottom
surface of the beverage holder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the invention
with a bottom mounted switch.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an internally positioned
switch.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a side mounted switch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Referring now generally to the drawings, an insulated
beverage holder is provided. The beverage holder 102, in the
preferred embodiment, has a substantially cylindrical sidewall 104
with a partially closed bottom 106 and an open top 108. It is
understood that the beverage holder 102 can be configured in any
shape and size configured to retain beverage cans, bottles,
glassware, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope
of this invention.
[0012] It is also understood that the beverage holder 102 can be
manufactured from any variety of insulating materials, including
foam, plastics, polyethylenes or similar materials. It is
preferable that the material from which the beverage holder is
manufactured is substantially resistant to liquids and provides
insulating properties.
[0013] The diameter of the top opening 108, which is adjacent the
upper-most edge or rim 110 of the beverage holder 102 is preferably
slightly larger than the diameter of the beverage container which
is to be inserted into the holder. The beverage holder 102 height
should be sufficient to encase at least fifty percent (50%) of the
beverage container.
[0014] As is known within the industry, the beverage holder 102 may
also be configured to accept an insulating liner which further
insulates the beverage being retained in the holder.
[0015] The bottom 106 of the holder will generally be manufactured
of the same material as the holder sidewall 104. As shown in FIG.
2, it is preferable to provide at least one hole 112 completely
through the bottom surface 106 to prevent suction or vapor-locking
which may occur between the beverage container itself and the
holder 102. It is often difficult to remove the beverage from the
holder without the presence of such a hole 112. Moreover, the hole
112 allows condensation on the beverage container, or spilled
liquid, to readily escape the holder. This promotes the longevity
of the device and specifically the electrical components of the
inventive device.
[0016] The bottom 106 portion of the beverage holder is also
provided with a compartment 114 for housing a sound emitting device
116. The sound emitting device 116 is capable of electronically
retaining and then audibly transmitting a predetermined sound. Such
devices 116 are generally available and can take any variety of
configuration. The preferred device 116 is relatively small having
dimensions of approximately one inch in diameter with less than
one-quarter (1/4) inch in height. The device 116 includes a small
speaker, a power supply such as a battery, a small timer, and a
processor or memory unit capable of storing electronic data,
specifically sounds and music. The device 116 is provided with a
switch 118 that allows a user to selectively activate the device
116 whereupon a sound or music or combination thereof is emitted
for a predetermined period of time, said time period controlled by
the timer of the device 116. The switch 118 may be fabricated
integral the device 116 or may be remotely connected thereto via
electrical wiring 126.
[0017] The device 116 is mounted in the compartment 114
substantially adjacent the bottom surface 106 of the beverage
container. If the device 116 is provided with an integral switch
118, the switch 118 is positioned substantially adjacent the outer
periphery 122 of the cylindrical sidewall 104 of the container. The
switch 118 may also be oriented generally downward so that it is
accessible through the bottom 106. This orientation allows the
device 116 to be triggered and activated either when the beverage
holder 102 is placed on a surface, or picked up from a surface. It
is preferable, however, that a remote switch 118 be provided to the
device 116 which could be mounted substantially adjacent the outer
periphery 122 of the cylindrical sidewall 104 as shown in FIGS. 1,
3 and 5. This allows ease of user access, and is more convenient
than positioning the switch 116 on the bottom surface 106 where it
may be inadvertently triggered when the beverage container 102 is
placed on a surface.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, another position for the switch would be
on the inner wall 120 or on the upper surface (not shown) of the
bottom piece so that the switch 118 would be actuated each time a
beverage container is placed into the holder 102. When the
container is removed from the holder 102 the switch is released
thereby resetting the switch 118 so that it will activate the
device 116 when another container is positioned within the holder
102.
[0019] The compartment 114 of the bottom surface 104 can take any
readily ascertainable configuration, although it is preferable to
use a simple two piece bottom portion to the container sandwiching
the device 116 therebetween. The compartment may also be
manufactured by cutting or placing a slit in the bottom 104 and
inserting the device 116 therein as shown in FIG. 2. Depending on
the type of device 116 used, it may be necessary to implant the
device 116 in the cylindrical sidewall 104 of the holder 102 to
limit exposure to moisture, condensation or liquid from the
beverage. Modern sound emitting devices may be relatively flexible,
such as those found in greeting cards, and accordingly can be
flexed into an arc to contour to the shape of the sidewall 104 of
the beverage holder.
[0020] The device 116 is provided with a timer that can be
programmed so that the sound emission expires randomly or after a
predetermined period of time. The timer can also be programmed to
cause emission of the recorded sound more than one time (looped).
The device 116 may be configured to allow a user to record their
own music or message to be replayed.
[0021] It is understood that it is desirable to provide a sound
byte, music or other audible emission in the device 116 which is
substantially compatible to a theme or advertisement displayed or
present on the outer surface of the insulated beverage holder. As
shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the beverage holder surface 124 will
be compatible to printed words or graphic images or a combination
thereof by screen printing, overlay, adhesive sticker, or other
methods known in the industry. If, for example, the insulated
beverage holder 102 displays a logo or graphic image of a race car,
the device 116 may emit the sound of a race car engine or cheering
fans. For a logo used by a beverage manufacturing company on the
surface of the insulated beverage holder, the device 116 may emit
the jingle or music associated with the beverage. It should be
understood that any combination of advertising images and sounds,
including music, can be configured in the insulated beverage holder
102. The novelty device provides a desirable marketing and
advertising tool which is relatively inexpensive and easy to
manufacture from components which are generally available in the
marketplace.
[0022] Generally, the user places their desired beverage in the top
opening 108 of the insulated beverage container 102 and then, as
desired, actuates the switch 118 thereby triggering the device 116
to emit the provided sound. It is understood that a variety of
switch locations and methods for activation can be used to change
to allow selective operation of the device as more particularly
described herein.
[0023] Accordingly, while one embodiment of the present invention
has been shown and described, it is understood that many changes
and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
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