U.S. patent application number 12/454862 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for universal container for beverages.
Invention is credited to Tim Goldburt.
Application Number | 20100300913 12/454862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43219024 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100300913 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldburt; Tim |
December 2, 2010 |
Universal container for beverages
Abstract
A container for beverages has a hollow container body, an
electronic display provided on said hollow container body and
displaying information which is visible from outside, and a
user-operated control for controlling the information displayed on
said electronic display by a user.
Inventors: |
Goldburt; Tim; (Ardsely,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
M. Sandy
440 Saw Mill River Road
Ardsley
NY
10502
US
|
Family ID: |
43219024 |
Appl. No.: |
12/454862 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/12 20130101;
B65D 81/36 20130101; B65D 2201/00 20130101; B65D 23/12 20130101;
B65D 25/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A container for beverages, comprising a hollow container body;
an electronic or electrical device provided on said hollow
container body; and user-operated means for controlling the device
by a user.
2. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1, wherein said
device is an electronic display displaying information, and wherein
said means for controlling include an alpha-numerical keyboard.
3. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1; and further
comprising a battery for providing a battery operated power
operation of said electronic display.
4. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1; and further
comprising a microprocessor for operating said electronic
display.
5. A container for beverages as defined in claim 2; and further
comprising input means connectable to an outside devices.
6. A container for beverages as defined in claim 5, wherein said
input means for connecting said electronic display to outside
devices is configured as a USB cable input connectable to a
computer to change digital content.
7. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1; and further
comprising means operatable by a user for inputting a user's
opinion about a content displayed on said electronic display,.
8. A container as defined in claim 2; and further comprising a
user-operated control means for switching viewing between several
options.
9. A container for beverages as defined in claim 8, wherein said
control means for switching is configured to switch viewing modes
between the modes: menu, photos, video.
10. A container for beverages as defined in claim 2, wherein said
electronic display is LED display screen.
11. A container as defined in claim 2; and further comprising a
plurality of buttons operating for changing a position and movement
of a courser on said electronic display.
12. A container as defined in claim 2; and further comprising a
plurality of buttons allowing to scroll up and down when changing
an alpha numerical content of the electronic display.
13. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said hollow
container body part has at least one cavity, said device being
accommodated in said cavity and retained in the latter.
14. A container as defined in claim 13; and further comprising
means for closing said cavity and covering said device from
outside.
15. A container as defined in claim 13, wherein said cavity is
provided in one of outside walls, or in an area surrounding said
hollow body part, or in an area that surrounds a neck of said
hollow body part.
16. A container as defined in claim 13, wherein said device is
configured as a ring-shaped device that surrounds a neck.
17. A container as defined in claim 13, wherein said device is
configured as a device producing messages selected from the group
consisting of a visual message, an audio message, a decorative
message, and a combination thereof.
18. A container as defined in claim 1, wherein said device has
light generating means and also sensing means selected from the
group consisting of a contact sensor, a movement sensor, and both
operative for activating said light generating means for producing
light in response to an action selected from the group consisting
of a contact, a movement, and both in a vicinity of said
device.
19. A container as defined in claim 18, wherein said light.
generating means and said sensing means are configured so that
depending on whether there is contact or a movement in the vicinity
of the container, said light generating means emit different
lights.
20. A container as defined in claim 18; and further comprising
control means for controlling operation of said light generating
means and said sensing means.
21. A container as defined in claim 18; and further comprising a
power source including solar panel means.
22. A container as defined in claim 18, wherein said device further
has flash memory for loading text and image data.
23. A container as defined in claim 1, and further comprising a
beverage accommodated in said container part, said beverage
including a radiation-sensitive additive which has an original
color and under the action of radiation, changes its original color
to a different color, said device being configured to generate a
radiation which acts on said additive and thereby changes the
original color of the additive and therefore of the beverage to a
different color.
24. A container as defined in claim 23, wherein said additive is a
luminescent producing additive, said device being configured as a
device which generates a radiation causing luminescing of said
additive.
25. A container as defined in claim 23, further comprising an
element associated with said container and carrying an image which
is originally invisible, and under the action of radiation by said
device becomes visible.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to containers for
beverages.
[0002] More particular, it relates to containers for beverages
which are provided with some elements and devices as disclosed in
our patent application Ser. Nos. 11/588,494, 11/821,334,
11/821,335, and 11/821,349.
[0003] Containers for beverages of this type are known in the art.
It is believed that such containers for beverages can be further
improved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a container for beverages which is a further improvement of
the existing containers of this type.
[0005] In keeping with these objects and with others which will
become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention,
briefly stated, in a container for beverages, comprising a hollow
container body; an electronic display provided on said hollow
container body and displaying information which is visible from
outside; and means for controlling the information displayed on
said electronic display by a user and provided on said hollow
container body.
[0006] Another feature of the present invention resides, briefly
stated, in that means for controlling is formed as an
alpha-numerical display.
[0007] A further feature of the present invention resides in a
battery for providing a battery-operated operation of said
electronic display.
[0008] Still further features of the present invention resides, in
a microprocessor for operating said electronic display, in an input
means connectable to an outside devices, in the input means for
connecting said electronic displays to outside devices configured
as a USB cable input connectable to a computer to change digital
content.
[0009] Still a further feature of the present invention can resides
in means operatable by a user for inputting a user's opinion about
a content displayed on said electronic display, in that the
user-operated control means can switch viewing between several
options, the control means can be configured to switch the viewing
modes between the images of menu, photo, video, and the electronic
display is an LED display screen.
[0010] The at least one device selected from the group consisting
of an electrical device and an electronic device can be integrated
in said hollow body part without interfering with the content of
the container.
[0011] The electrical or electronic device can be a power source,
it can be a device operating on electrical or electronic principle,
or it can include both a power source and a device operating on
electrical or electronic principle.
[0012] The electrical or electronic device can be located in one of
the walls of the hollow body of the container, for example in a
peripheral wall or in a bottom wall.
[0013] The hollow body can be provided with a recess or a
receptacle, and the electrical or electronic device can be arranged
in the recess. The recess can be formed in one of the walls of the
hollow body, for example in the peripheral wall or in the bottom
wall. On the other hand, the electrical device can be located in an
area surrounding a portion of the hollow body, for example
surrounding a neck of the container, etc.
[0014] The electrical device can be operative for producing visual
messages, audio messages, light, and combinations thereof.
[0015] The device can have light generating means and also sensing
means selected from the group consisting of a contact sensor, a
movement sensor, and both and operative for activating said light
generating means for producing light in response to an action
selected from the group consisting of a contact, a movement, and
both in a vicinity of said device. The light generating means and
the sensing means can be configured so that depending on whether
there is contact or a movement in the vicinity of the container,
said light generating means emits different lights.
[0016] The device can have image generating means for generating a
text information in form of a running strip, video images, etc.
[0017] The beverage in the device can include a radiation-sensitive
additive which has an original color and under the action of
radiation, changes its original color to a different color, and the
device can be associated with the container and configured to
generate a radiation which acts on said radiation-sensitive
additive and changes the original color of the additive and thereby
of the beverage to a different color.
[0018] The additive can be an additive which has luminescent
properties, and said device is configured as a device which
generates a radiation that causes luminescence of the additive.
[0019] The element can be associated with said container and
carrying an image which is originally invisible, and under the
action of radiation by said device becomes visible.
[0020] The device can be integrated in each of said beverage
containers without interfering with a content of the container and
providing a function, and means can be provided for remotely acting
on the device of at least some of the beverage containers with the
use of internet so that said device produce corresponding
actions.
[0021] The novel features which are considered as characteristic
for the present invention are set forth in particular in the
appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its
construction and its method of operation, together with additional
objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the
following description of specific embodiments when read in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a view showing a container for beverages in
accordance with still a further embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a view showing a container for alcoholic or non
alcoholic beverages in accordance with an additional embodiment of
the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a side view of a container for beverages, provided
with an electrical/electronic devices of a further embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electrical/electronic
device of the inventive beverage container;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-section of the
electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage
container;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-section of the
electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage
container;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a view schematically showing a container in
accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a view schematically showing containers in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 15 is a view further showing a beverage container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a container for beverages
in accordance with the present invention. The container has a
hollow container body which is identified with reference numeral 1.
The container for beverages further has a device for showing and
changing images identified as a whole with reference numeral 2.
[0038] The device includes an electronic display which can be
formed as a conventional computer-type screen and identified with
reference numeral 3. The device further has user-operated control
means formed for example as an alpha numerical keyboard 4 with a
plurality of alpha numerical signals. The device also includes an
on/off button 5 and control buttons 6 including up, a left, right,
and down buttons.
[0039] In order operate the device 2 on the container, a user turns
the on/off button to the position on and operates the keys of the
keyboard 4. As a result, a curser (arrow) appears on the display 3.
With the use of the buttons 6, the user can move the curser to the
desired location on the display or the desired image on the
display.
[0040] The device has also a battery 7, a microprocessor 8, and a
memory 9 which can be built in the device 2, for example in an area
behind the alpha numerical keyboard. The images to be displayed are
stored in the memory and retrieved from it to be shown on the
display.
[0041] The container for beverages shown in FIG. 2 has the hollow
container body 1 with a device for displaying and controlling
images identified with reference numeral 12. The device 12 has an
electronic display 11, on which digital photos and/or videos can be
displayed. An on/off switch button is identified with reference
numeral 14. The control button provides switching of modes between
the following modes: MANUAL, PHOTO, VIDEO. The device is further
provided with a connection to a computer to change a digital
content to be displayed on the display and formed for example as a
USB cable input 15. Finally a control button 16 is provided for the
purpose which will be explained herein below.
[0042] In order to operate the device of the container for the
beverages shown in FIG. 2, a user turns on the on/off switch 14,
and with the control button 16 changes the corresponding mode
between the modes menu, photo, video, which can be supplied through
the USB cable input 15 from a computer. With the button 17, users
can vote on each photo/video, or in other words to rate them yes/no
to indicate whether they like or they do not like the photo/video.
The device also includes a memory 13, a microprocessor 18, and a
battery 19.
[0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a container for beverages has
the hollow container body 1 and a device 21 for displaying an alpha
numerical content. The device can have a display 22 formed as an
LED display screen, and on/off button 23, a battery 24, an enter
button 25 to save user input when changing letters or numbers or
symbols, a user's control including up 26 and down 27 buttons, and
a not shown processor.
[0044] In operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the user
turns the on/off button to on position, and with the control
buttons 26, 27 scrolls up or down so as to change the alpha
numerical content which is shown on the display 22.
[0045] A container in accordance with the present invention shown
in FIGS. 4-8 has a hollow body which is identified with reference
numeral 31 and defines an inner space for accommodating an
alcoholic beverage or a non alcoholic beverage. In accordance with
the present invention a device selected from the group consisting
of an electrical device and an electronic device identified with
reference numeral 32 is integrated in the container of the
invention.
[0046] The electrical device or electronic device in the container
in accordance with the present invention can provide visual
messages which can be prerecorded messages or life messages. For
example, the device can be a TV display, a PDA display, a PC
display, a clock, a decorative display, a running line display, an
advertising display, etc. Once activated it produces corresponding
visual messages.
[0047] The device in accordance with the present invention can be
formed so that it produces prerecorded or live audio messages. The
device for generating audio messages can be a device for
broadcasting radio messages, satellite radio messages, I-pod
messages, etc.
[0048] The device in accordance with the present invention can be
also configured as a device which produces prerecorded or life
decorative messages, for example running light, blinking lights,
etc.
[0049] It is to be understood that it is within the spirit of the
invention to provide such a device which combines the visual
messages, the audio messages, the light messages, etc., and even
other messages not specifically mentioned.
[0050] The electrical or electronic device in accordance with the
present invention can be provided with wireless connections. The
light messages can be produced for example by providing luminescent
paints on the container with a light emitting device which excites
the luminescent paint and makes it glow.
[0051] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention the electrical or electronic device can be formed as a
power source 32. The power source can be formed for example by
solar cells, batteries, rechargeable batteries, or combinations
thereof.
[0052] In accordance with the present invention the electrical or
electronic device can be formed as the power source 32 configured
for supplying power to an exterior device for any purpose, which is
not associated with the container, for example to charge a cell
phone located outside of the container, to power a light source
located outside of the container, etc.
[0053] In accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention, the device can include an electrical or an electronic
device 34 and also a power source 35 provided for supplying power
to it for example a TV display powered by solar cells, etc, both
integrated in the container as shown in FIG. 5.
[0054] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
shown in FIG. 4, the container 31 can be provided with a recess 36
which is formed in a peripheral wall 36 of the container. The
electrical or electronic device 32 of the present invention is
accommodated in the recess.
[0055] In accordance with a further embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the
container 31 is provided with an elongated channel 37 formed in the
peripheral wall 36. The electrical or electronic device 32 of the
present invention is accommodated in the channel.
[0056] In accordance with a still further embodiment shown in FIG.
6, the container 31 is provided with an annular neck-shaped
narrowing groove 38 located between the neck and the bottom of the
container 31. The electrical or electronic device 32 is
accommodated in the annular groove. The electrical or electronic
device 32 can be formed as a ring-shaped device which surrounds the
neck-shaped portion of the container and can have an outer diameter
correspondingly to the outer diameter of the container.
[0057] In a still further embodiment of the present invention shown
in FIG. 7, a recess 39 is provided in the bottom of the container.
The electrical or electronic device 32 is accommodated in the
bottom-located recess 39.
[0058] In accordance with a still further feature of the present
invention, the electrical or electronic device 32 is located
outside the body of the container, such as for example in the area
40 around the neck of the container 31 as shown in FIG. 8. The
device 32 can be formed ring shaped.
[0059] Means for covering the electrical or electronic device of
the present invention are further provided. They are used so as not
to dispute an outside appearance of the container. The means for
covering can be formed as a plastic cover 41. The plastic cover can
be formed for example as a sleeve which is fittable over the body
of the container in such a way as to cover the electrical or
electronic device integrated in the container. The covering means
can be also formed as a plastic enclosure which is connected with
the body of the container, for example by adhesive and the
like.
[0060] Generally, the electronic or electrical device 32 is
integrated in the container so that it does not interfere with the
content of the container and substantially does not extend
outwardly beyond its shape.
[0061] When the container is designed in accordance with the
present invention, then in addition to its primary function to
accommodate an alcoholic beverage or a non alcoholic beverage, it
obtains completely new functionality, namely by acting as a system
including a container for a beverage and an electronic or
electrical device which provides corresponding additional
functions, in addition to dispensing of an alcoholic beverage or a
non alcoholic beverage.
[0062] The electrical or electronic device integrated in the
container in accordance with the present invention can operate in
the container, it can be removed from the container and operate
separately, it can operate in wireless or in wired fashion, it can
cooperate with an exterior device, etc.
[0063] The cover which covers the electrical or electronic device
in or on the container can be formed as a transparent cover or a
non-transparent cover. The hollow body can be also composed of a
transparent material or a non-transparent material.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows that the device 32 can be configured as a
ring-shaped device composed of a plurality (at least two) segments.
The cover 41 can be configured as a shell which embraces the device
and is composed of shell portions, which can be connected with one
another by inter-engaging projections and grooves, for example with
snap action. This construction can be used with the embodiments
shown in other figures.
[0065] A beverage container in accordance with the present
invention for alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages shown in FIGS.
9-12 has a hollow body which is identified with reference numeral
43 and defines an inner space for accommodating an alcoholic or
non-alcoholic beverage.
[0066] The beverage container further has a device which can be an
electrical device and identified as a whole with reference numeral
42. The device 42 is associated with the hollow body part, or more
particularly it is arranged on it, for example on a narrowed part
of the hollow body part. It can be formed as an annular device
having an inner hollow space, as disclosed for example in our
patent application Ser. No. 11/558,494.
[0067] The device 42 has indicating means 44 formed for example by
a light generating means. The light generating means can include
several light emitting diodes, each of which can emit light of a
corresponding different color. The light emitting diodes can be
mounted for example on an inner cylindrical wall of the device and
face the interior of the hollow container body.
[0068] The device further has sensing means. The sensing means
include a contact sensor which is identified with reference numeral
45. The contact sensor 45 operates in response to a contact, for
example a touch of the sensor 45 by a user.
[0069] The sensing means further have a motion sensor which is
identified with reference numeral 46. The motion sensor is
configured so that it operates in response to a motion of a person
or an object in the vicinity of the beverage container.
[0070] As can be seen from the drawings, the contact sensor 45 can
be mounted on an outer circumferential wall of the device 42 at one
circumferential location, while the motion sensor 46 can be also
mounted in the outer circumferential wall at another location which
is circumferentially spaced from the contact sensor.
[0071] The device further has an electric power source for powering
the elements of the inventive device. The power source can include
for example batteries identified with reference numeral 47. The
power source alternatingly, or additionally can include solar
panels arranged for example on the outer circumference of the
cylindrical wall of the device.
[0072] Image producing means are further provided for displaying a
text information in form of a running strip for displaying video
images such as movies, etc. These means can be formed for example
by a liquid crystal indicator as identified with reference numeral
48 as arranged on the outer surface of the cylindrical wall of the
device.
[0073] The device is provided with a control unit formed for
example as a microprocessor 49. It is connected with all elements
device, for example by corresponding wires.
[0074] The device further has a flash memory storage device for
example a flash memory stick 50 for loading text and image data to
be displayed by the image generating means 48.
[0075] The device of the inventive beverage container shown in
FIGS. 9-12 operates in the following manner.
[0076] When for example the contact sensor 45 is activated by
touching it by a person or the motion sensor 46 is activated in
response to the presence of a person in the vicinity of it, the
indicating means generates a corresponding visual indication. For
example, in response to touching of the contact sensor 45 the light
emitting diodes can be activated so that red and orange colors are
alternatingly emitted in a continuous succession one after the
other. When the motion sensor 46 is activated, red and blue colors
can be emitted in a continuous succession one after the other. It
is understand that for this purpose the light emitting diodes
include red, orange and blue diodes which are controlled
correspondingly by the microcontroller 49 in response to the
sensing of the corresponding situation by the contact sensor 45 and
the motion sensor 46.
[0077] When the microcontroller 49 receives signals from the sensor
45 and 46 it also activates image generating means 48 for
displaying a text information, video images, etc., and this means
display corresponding text information, for example in form of a
running strip. The text information can include news, advertising,
and any other information. This information can be either
transmitted remotely from a source, or memorized in the device and
activated in response to the operation of the microcontroller
49.
[0078] A beverage container shown in FIG. 13 in accordance with the
present invention has a container element which is identified with
reference numeral 51.
[0079] The container element 51 accommodates a beverage which is
identified with reference numeral 52. The beverage 52 can be an
alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic beverage.
[0080] In accordance with the present invention, the beverage 52
which is accommodated in the container element 51 has an additive
or additives identified schematically with reference numeral 53. It
is to be understood that the illustration or the additives is of
purely relative nature, since the additives can be dissolved in the
beverage so that they are not seen, for example dissolved on a
molecular level.
[0081] The additives 53 are of such nature that they are sensitive
to radiation, so that when they are subjected to a radiation the
color of the additive changes and thereby the color of the beverage
52 changes from its original color to a different color.
[0082] For example, the additives are such that originally they can
be colorless, and when subjected to radiation assumes a certain
color. Or the additive 53 can be such that the additive can have a
certain original color, but when subjected to radiation it assumes
a color which is different from the original color. The additive 53
can be a luminescent additive which under the action of radiation
produces luminescence.
[0083] The additives can be sensitive for example to UV radiation
or blue light radiation, so that under the action of the UV
radiation or blue light radiation they change their color.
[0084] The beverage container further has a device which generates
a radiation that acts on the additive 53 so that the color of the
additive 53 and thereby of the beverage 52 changes from an original
color to a different color. The device 54 can be formed as a necker
which for example, is attached to a neck of the container 51. When
the device 54 operates it acts on the additive 53 which radiation
and causes change of the original color of the additive and thereby
of the beverage to a different color.
[0085] The device 54 has a power source for example a battery, and
is provided with an activation button or a similar activation
member which is identified with reference numeral 55. It is also
provided with an emitting member 56 formed, for example as a light
emitting diode.
[0086] When the button 55 is activated, the light emitting diode 56
emits the light for example blu or UV light.
[0087] It is to be understood that when in this application it is
stated that the color of the additive 53 and thereby of the
beverage 52 in which it is accommodated changes from its original
color to a different color, in actuality the color of the additive
53 dissolved in the beverage 52 changes and therefore it looks like
the color of the beverage 52 itself changes, or the additive 53
emits a light which changes the color of the beverage from the
original color to the different color.
[0088] In the beverage container an element 57 can be provided,
which carries an image 58. The image 58 is originally invisible for
example printed with the use of a luminescent ink, but under the
action of the above-mentioned radiation become visible. The element
57 can be formed as a tag, and the image 58 can be a text, a photo
or the like. The element 57 can be attached to the necker, or place
on any other location of the container, for example glued to
it.
[0089] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application
in other types of constructions differing from the type described
above.
[0090] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, be applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.
* * * * *