EP2435329A1

EP2435329A1 - Universal container for beverages

Info

Publication number: EP2435329A1
Application number: EP09845332A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tim Goldburt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-27
Filing date: 2009-12-29
Publication date: 2012-04-04
Also published as: CN102482000A; WO2010138107A1; BRPI0924396A2; RU2011152299A; EP2435329A4

Abstract

A container for beverages has a hollow container body, an electrical or electronic device, and a user-operated control for controlling the device.

Description

UNIVERSAL CONTAINER FOR BEVERAGES

Technical Field

The present invention relates to containers for beverages.

Background Art

Containers for beverages are sometimes provided with some elements and devices mounted on them.

Containers for beverages of this type are known in the art. It is believed that such containers for beverages can be further improved.

Disclosure of the Invention

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.

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 electrical or electronic device; and means for controlling the device by a user and provided on said hollow container body.

Another feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in that means for controlling is formed as an alpha-numerical display.

A further feature of the present invention resides in a battery for providing a battery-operated operation of said electronic display.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The electrical device can be operative for producing visual messages, audio messages, light, and combinations thereof.

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.

The device can have image generating means for generating a text information in form of a running strip, video images, etc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Still a further feature of the present invention resides in that an additional insert member is located between said electrical or electronic device and said hollow container body and provided with a message.

Still a further feature of the present invention resides in that the member has two opposite sides visible through said additional element which is substantially transparent from one side and through a wall of said hollow container part which is substantially transparent from the opposite side and is provided with visual images on both said sides.

Still a further feature of the present invention resides in that the electrical or electronic device has one portion with a message on one side and another portion provided with another message at another side to be visible from outside through a substantially transparent wall of the container body.

When the container for beverages is designed in accordance with the present invention, the removable additional element provides an easy and simple way of attachment to hollow container body for many purposes.

A further feature of the present invention, resides in a container for beverages having a hollow container body; and an electrical or electronic device attached to said hollow container body and provided with a display for displaying a running light message, microprocessing means operative for generating the running message on said display, and control means cooperating with said microprocessing means and controlling the generation the running light message on said display means.

The microprocessing means can be configured for generating on said display preliminarily stored electronic messages. The control means can include at least two control buttons for selecting the stored images in an increasing order and in a decreasing order. The microprocessing means can be configured so as to generate on said display running messages composable by a user.

The control means can include an entry button operating said microprocessor means so that said microprocessor means can display on said display means, letters, elements selected from the group consisting of elements selected from the group consisting of letters, numbers and signals thus enabling a user to compose a message; and also additional buttons operative for displaying of a display said elements with a corresponding order.

The illuminating elements can be elements selected from the group consisting of LEDs and OLEDs.

A band element can be provided as a transparent band element and a translucent band element and fitted circumferentially over the electrical or electronic device so as to hold said electronic device in said recess.

An intermediate element can be located between the electrical or electronic device and the band element and provided with throughgoing openings in areas of said display means and control means.

In accordance with a further feature present invention, a retaining element, retains electrical or electronic device on the container body wherein said retaining element is formed as a transparent or translucent and circumferentially outwardly surrounds said additional element and holds the latter in a recess of an outer surface of said container body, said retainer element formed as a band being removable so that when it is removed, the electrical or electronic device can be removed from said recess, and if needed replaced with a new electrical or electronic device. When the container for beverages is designed in accordance with the present invention, the band element retains the electrical or electronic device in the recess of the hollow container body, and at the same time, it can be removed from the container body so that the electrical or electronic device can be replaced with the new electrical or electronic device which is inserted in the recess, and then the band element is placed again around the new additional element to retain the same.

An intermediate element can be located between said electrical or electronic device and said band element and has an opening in which at least one projecting portion engages.

The electrical or electronic device has at least three projecting portions spaced from one another in a circumferential direction, the intermediate element has three openings spaced from one another in the circumferential direction and each formed so that a respective one of the projections can engage in respective one of the openings.

The band element can have an inner diameter substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of the container body so that it is tightly located on an outer circumference of said hollow container body.

The band element can be an elastic element and has an inner diameter which is somewhat smaller than an outer diameter of the hollow container body, so that said band element can be fitted on the hollow container body with an elastic stretching.

The electronic device can be held by tightly fitting into a recess of the container body or by tightly embracing a part of the container body in the recess, or by both actions at the same time, etc.

Adhesive means can be provided for improving holding of said electronic device and said recess of said container body.

In the inventive container said electronic device can have microprocessing means for generating said electronic messages, and control means for controlling operation of said microprocessing means.

The control means can select said messages in an increasing order and in a decreasing order, and can include two control buttons for selecting the messages in the increasing order and the decreasing order. The control means can be s formed so that when a respective one of said buttons is pressed the images are displayed in the increasing order or in the decreasing order correspondingly, but when a pressure on said buttons is removed the selection of the messages is stopped and the selected messages are displayed on said display. Also, the control means is formed so that said display turns off automatically.

The control means can be formed so that a time of displaying the messages before turning off is adjusted by said control means. They also can be formed so that said display can turn off or can stay operating without turning off.

The container of the present invention can have battery means for battery operated power supply to said microprocessor means and said control means, and it can be provided with a cable pluggable into a source of alternating current, and means for converting alternating current into direct current for power supply to said microprocessor means and said control means.

A further feature of the present invention resides in an additional element connected with said electrical or electronic device so as to form together a circumferentially extending unit which as a whole is fittable on a surface of said container body and tightly held on the latter.

The unit can extend over the whole circumference or over only a part of it. The additional element can be stretchable, for example, composed of rubber. The additional element can be connected with said electronic device detachably or non-detachably.

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

Figure 1 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a view showing a container for beverages in accordance with still a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a view showing a container for alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a side view of a container for beverages, provided with an electrical/electronic devices of a further embodiment;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage container;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-section of the electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage container;

Figure 12 is a transverse cross-section of the electrical/electronic device of the inventive beverage container;

Figure 13 is a view schematically showing a container in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a view showing a cross-section of a container for beverages in accordance with the present invention showing a container hollow body, electrical or electronic device, and a member located between the container hollow body and the electrical or electronic device; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the electrical or electronic device;

Figures 16 and 17 are views showing two opposite sides of a member insertable between the electrical or electronic device and the container hollow part;

Figure 18 is a view showing another embodiment of electrical or electronic device of the container for beverages in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 19 and 20 are views showing two opposite sides of the electrical or electronic device of the container for beverages in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 21 is a view showing a cross-section of a part of a wall of the hollow container body and of the electrical or electronic device;

Figure 22 is a front surface of the electrical or electronic device of the inventive container for beverages;

Figure 23 is a view showing a back side of the electrical or electronic device of Figure 22;

Figure 24 shows an intermediate element between the electrical or electronic device and a bottom of a recess in the container;

Figure 25 is a view showing a cross-section of the container for beverages with the electrical or electronic device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of a container for beverages in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 is a view of the container for beverages of Figure 26 in assembled condition;

Figure 28 is a view showing a cross section of Figure 27;

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 30 is a view of the container of Figure 29 in assembled condition;

Figure 31 is a view showing a cross section of Figure 30; and Figure 32 is a view of a portion of the container of Figure 31 ;

Figures 33 and 34 are views showing the cross-section of the container for beverages with the electronic device in accordance with two further embodiments of the present invention; and

Figures 35 and 36 are views showing the cross-section of the container for beverages with the electronic device in accordance with two further embodiments of the present invention.

Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention

Figure 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.

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.

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.

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. The container for beverages shown in Figure 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 numeraf 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.

In order to operate the device of the container for the beverages shown in Figure 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.

In the embodiment of Figure 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.

In operation of the embodiment shown in Figure 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.

A container in accordance with the present invention shown in Figures 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. 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.

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, l-pod messages, etc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Figure 5.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 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.

In accordance with a further embodiment shown in Figure 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.

In accordance with a still further embodiment shown in Figure 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.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 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.

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 Figure 8. The device 32 can be formed ring shaped.

Means for covering the electrical or electronic device of the present invention are further provided. They are used so as not to disturb 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Figure 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.

A beverage container in accordance with the present invention for alcoholic or non alcoholic beverages shown in Figures 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.

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 serial no. 11/558,494.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 altematingly, or additionally can include solar panels arranged for example on the outer circumference of the cylindrical wall of the device.

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.

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. 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.

The device of the inventive beverage container shown in Figures 9-12 operates in the following manner.

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.

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.

A beverage container shown in Figure 13 in accordance with the present invention has a container element which is identified with reference numeral 51.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When the button 55 is activated, the light emitting diode 56 emits the light for example blu or UV light.

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.

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.

The container for beverages in accordance with the present invention shown in Figures 14-21 has an electronic or electrical device which is identified with reference numeral 103.

The electrical or electronic device 103 has a shape which is substantially congruent with the shape of the recess 102. In other words, it can extend over a periphery of the hollow container body over substantially the same circumferential length as the recess.

It also can have a thickness in a radial direction substantially corresponding to the depth of the recess 102 so as to be fully inserted into the recess 102, and the outer surface of the additional element 103 could be a continuation of an outer surface of a remaining part of the hollow container part 101. However, it is of course possible that the outer surface of the electrical or electronic device extends radially inwardly farther than the outer surface of the wall of the hollow container body 101 , or to the contrary farther radially outwardly beyond the outer surface of the hollow container body 101.

As shown in Figure 14, the recess 102 and the electrical or electronic device 103 extend over a circumference with an angle over 180° and therefore the electrical or electronic device 103 is held in the recess 102 and is not lost from the hollow container part 101.

The ends of the groove 110 can be provided with small local depressions 104 while the ends of the electrical or electronic device 103 can be provided with corresponding projections 105 insertable in the depressions so as to more securely hold the electrical or electronic device 3 on the hollow container body. The cross-sectional shape of the depressions and the projections can be selected so that the projections can be press-fitted into the depressions to increase the security of holding of the electrical or electronic device 103 on the hollow container body.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 21 , the vertical dimension along an axis of the hollow container body of the recess and the vertical dimension of the electrical or electronic device 103 can be selected so that the electrical and electronic device 103 can be press fitted into the recess and held it by spring forces.

In the container for beverages in accordance with another embodiment shown in Figure 18, the recess is formed by a local depression or depressions 106 and not as a circumferentially extending recess as in Figure 2, and the electrical and electronic device are provided with local projection or projections which are also press-fitted in to the depressions 106, so that the electrical and electronic device can be securely held on the hollow container body.

The electrical and electronic device 103 can be substantially transparent, for example translucent, completely or partially. It can be also colored, completely or partially.

In accordance with the present invention, the container for beverages has a member 108 which is insertable between the electrical or electronic device and the hollow container body. The additional member can be composed of many materials, for example of paper, cardboard, plastic, etc. As for the electrical and electronic device, it can be composed for example of plastic or another material.

The member 108 has two sides each provided with a corresponding message. When the member is inserted between the electrical and electronic device and the hollow container part, the message on one side of the member 108 is visible through the electrical and electronic device, while the message on the opposite side of the member 108 is visible through a transparent wall of the hollow container part.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the messages can be provided on opposite sides of the electrical and electronic device shown in Figures 19 and 20. In accordance with another embodiment, as shown in these figures the messages can occupy only portions of the electrical and electronic device which are spaced from one another. For example as shown in Figure 19 one side of the additional element 3 is provided with the message on its upper portion, while the other opposite side of the electrical and electronic device is provided with a message on its lower portion. The message of one side is visible from outside, from the message on the other side can be visible through a transparent wall of the hollow container part.

The messages on the electrical and electronic device or on the member 108 can be for example personal messages related to an anniversary birth, a holiday, a congratulation, etc. The messages can be specific to the beverages which can be accommodated inside the container and can have the names of specific beverages. The messages can include advertising and promotional material, advertising certain events, personalities, etc. The message can be personified messages in particular identifying a person to who the container for beverages belongs.

A container for beverages in accordance with the present invention shown in Figures 22-24 has a hollow container body with a recess identified with reference numeral. An electrical or electronic device 203 is arranged in the recess.

The electronic device 203 has a display which is identified with reference numeral 204. The display 204 can include a plurality of LEDs or OLEDs, for example, for example five rows and twenty-five columns of these illuminating elements.

The electrical or electronic device 203 is further provided with a microprocessor 205. The microprocessor 205 is designed to provide several operational features. The microprocessor 204 has a memory in which individual elements such as letters, numbers, and symbols are stored, and in which also preliminary selected messages are stored as well. The microprocessor also has means for generating corresponding elements (letters, numbers, symbols) and the preliminarily selected messages on the display 204.

The electrical or electronic device further has control means which include an on/off button 206, an entry button 207, an up button 208, and a down button 209.

In accordance with the present invention, the microprocessing means or microprocessor 205 is designed so that it provides generation on the display 204 of running light messages. The electrical or electronic device 203 also has batteries 205'

The electrical or electronic device of the container for beverages operates in the following manner.

When the on/off button is pressed by a user, a preliminarily provided message is displayed on the display 204 as a running light message. By pushing the button 208 or the button 209 the other preliminarily provided message can be selected correspondingly in an ascending order or in a descending order.

A user can compose a new running message to be displayed on the display 204. For this purpose the entry button 207 is pressed, and by pressing the buttons 208 or 209 letters, numbers, or symbols successively appear on the display 204. In order to memorize the corresponding letter, number or symbol, the entry button 207 is pressed again. By repeating this operation a corresponding number of times, a corresponding message can be composed, and then the on/off button is pressed to memorize this message. This running light message which is thusly selected by the user is then displayed on the display 204.

The letters to be selected can be letters of any alphabet, the numbers to be selected can be numbers of any calculation system, and the symbols can be any symbols such as a star, a flag, a geometric figure, a face, etc.

The electrical or electronic device can be provided with an electrical cable 210 to be plugged in a power source to operate the device. A clock can be provided, so as to hold the device operational only for a certain short time, for example 3-5 min.

An intermediate element 211 can be provided between the electrical or electronic device 203 and a bottom of the recess 202 and composed for example of plastic. It can have a hole 212 for protruding display 204 and holes 213 for buttons 216, 217, 218, 219.

As shown in Figure 25 a transparent/translucent band 314 can be fitted around the electrical or electronic device 303 to hold it on the container. Also double-sided adhesive inserts 315 can be provided to attach, projections of the electronic to walls of depressions.

A container for beverages shown in Figures 26-32 has a hollow container body which is identified with reference numeral 401 and is configured for containing a beverage. The hollow container body has a recess provided in its wall and extending from its surface radially inwardly over a part of a circumference, as identified with reference numeral 402.

The container for beverages in accordance with the present invention further has an additional element which is identified with reference numeral 403. The additional element 403 has a shape which is substantially congruent with the shape of the recess. In other words, it can extend over a periphery of the hollow container body over substantially the same circumferential length as the recess.

It also can have a thickness in a radial direction substantially corresponding to the depth of the recess 402 so as to be fully inserted into the recess, so that the outer surface of the additional element 403 could be a continuation of an outer surface of a remaining part of the hollow container body. It can also have end projections 404 insertable in depressions 405. An intermediate element 406 is arranged between the additional element and a wall of the container and can be provided with a text, images, etc.

The container for beverages in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention has an electronic device 407 which is also insertable in the recess and produces images, such as a text, a picture image, a running light, etc, electronically, for example with the use of LED, OLED, etc. It has a slightly protruding display 408 and control buttons 409. A frame element 410 having openings 411 and 412 for the protruding display and the protruding control buttons is a further provided and also inserted in the recess on top of the device.

Finally, a retaining element 413 is provided for retaining all additional elements in the recess of the container body. The retaining element is formed substantially as a band element. The band element can be placed circumferentially over the elements so as to hold them in the recess of the container body. The retaining element can be composed of a silicon material, for example PDMS. The band element can have an inner surface with a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the container body so that it snugly passes over the outer surface of the container body and fits over the additional element and the remaining portion of the container body.

On the other hand the band element can be composed of an elastic material and can have in this case an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the container body. In this case the band element can be stretched radially outwardly when it moves over a surface of the container body and onto the outer surface of the additional element and the remaining circumferential portion of the container body.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 33 and the electronic device 503 is formed so that when inserted in the recess, it is firmly held there. The electronic device 503 can be formed for this purpose with dimensions slightly greater that the dimensions (height, width, depth) of the recess, so that when forcibly inserted into the recess 502 due to yieldability of the material of the device and/or container, the device is reliably held there, as shown in Figure 36.

Also, the electronic device 503 can be formed as a substantially springy element, which when inserted in the recess 502, is firmly held inside the recess by a spring action of the springy electronic device 3, which surround a part of the container body over more than 180° as shown in Figure 34.

The electronic device 503 can be provided with additional adhesive means formed for example by adhesive layers 504 which are initially covered by a non-adhesive material that later is removed to expose the adhesive means or layers 504, so as to additionally secure the electronic device 503 in the recess 502 on the part of the container body 501.

A container for beverages in accordance with the present invention shown in Figures 35-36 has a container body which is identified with reference numeral 601. The container further has an electronic device provided with a display for displaying electronic messages, identified with reference numeral 602, and capable of displaying video messages composed of letters, numerals, images, running images, lights, etc.

The inventive container further has means for holding said electronic device on said container body and including an additional element 603 connected with said electronic device so as to form together a circumferentially extending unit which as a whole is fittable on said container body and tightly held on the latter element.

The electronic device 602 and/or the additional element 603 can be somewhat springy.

The whole unit can be completely circumferentially closed as shown in Figure 35, or partially open as shown in Figure 36.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a container for beverages, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

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.

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.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

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 has 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.

26. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1 , wherein said electrical and electronic device is substantially transparent and/or colored.

27. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1 , wherein said recess extends over more than 180°, said electrical and electronic device extending over more than 180° as well.

28. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1 , wherein said recess has a shape, and said electrical and electronic device has a portion with a shape such that said portion of said additional element can be press-fitted in to said recess.

29. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising an additional insert member located between said electrical and electronic device and said hollow container body and provided with a message.

30. A container for beverages as defined in claim 29, wherein said member has two opposite sides visible through said electrical and electronic device which is substantially transparent from one side and through a wall of said hollow container part which is substantially transparent from said opposite side and is provided with visual images on both said sides.

31. A container as defined in claim 1 , wherein said electrical and electronic device has one portion with a message on one side to be visible from outside, and another portion provided with another image on an opposite side to be visible through a substantially transparent wall of the container body.

32. A container as defined in claim 28, wherein said member and/or said electrical and electronic device carries a personal message.

33. A container as defined in claim 29, wherein said member and/or said electrical and electronic device carries a message describing a content of the container.

34. A container as defined in claim 29, wherein said member and/or said electrical and electronic device carries an advertising message.

35. A container as defined in claim 29, wherein said member and/or said electrical and electronic device carries a proprietary message.

36. A container as defined in claim 1 , wherein said electrical or electronic device is with a display for displaying a running light "message", microprocessing means operative for generating a running light message on said display, and control means for controlling operation of said microprocessing means for the generation of the running light message on said display means.

37. A container as defined in claim 36, wherein said microprocessing means is configured for generating on said display preliminarily stored light messages.

38. A container as defined in claim 37, wherein said control means includes at least two control buttons for selecting the stored messages in an increasing order and in a decreasing order.

39. A container as defined in claim 36, wherein said microprocessing means is configured so as to generate on said display running light messages composable by a user.

40. A container as defined in claim 39, wherein said control means includes an entry button operating said microprocessor means so that said microprocessor means provide a display on said display means, elements selected from the group consisting of letters, numbers and symbols thus enabling a user to compose a message, and also additional buttons operative for displaying on a display said elements in a corresponding order.

41. A container as defined in claim 36; further comprising a band element selected from the group consisting of a transparent band element and a translucent band element and fitted circumferentially over said electrical or electronic device so as to hold said electronic device in a recess of said hollow container body.

42. A container as defined in claim 41 , further comprising an intermediate element located between said electrical or electronic device and said band element and provided with throughgoing openings in areas of said display means and said control means.

43. A container as defined in claim 36, further comprising means for holding said electronic device operational only for a predetermined time.

44. A container as defined in claim 36, further comprising an electrical cable for connecting said electronic device to a power source.

45. A container as defined in claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive element located between a projection of said electrical or electronic device and a wall of a depression of said container body to attach said projection to said wall.

46. A container as defined in claim 1 ; and further comprising a retaining element, wherein said retaining element is formed as a transparent or translucent band which circumferentially outwardly surrounds said electrical or electronic device and holds the latter in a recess of an outer surface of said hollow container body, said band element being removable so that when it is removed, the electrical or electrical device can be removed from said recess, and if needed replaced with a new additional element.

47. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1 , wherein said electrical or electronic device has at least one radially outwardly projecting portion; and further comprising an intermediate frame element located between said electrical or electrical device and said band element and having an opening in which said at least one projecting portion engages.

48. A container for beverages as defined in claim 3, wherein said electrical or electronic device has at least three said projecting portions spaced from one another in a circumferential direction, said intermediate element having three said openings spaced from one another in the circumferential direction and each formed so that a respective one of said projections engages in respective one of said openings.

49. A container as defined in claim 1 , wherein said band element is an elastic element and has an inner diameter which is somewhat smaller than an outer diameter of said hollow container body, so that said band element is fitted on said hollow container body with an elastic stretching.

50. A container as defined in claim 1 , wherein the hollow container body has a recess, said electronic device being configured so that when inserted into said recess of said container body it is held in said recess.

51. A container for beverages as defined in claim 50, wherein said electronic device and said recess have corresponding dimensions selected so that when said electronic device is forcibly inserted in said recess it is tightly held there.

52. A container for beverages as defined in claim 50, wherein said electronic device is substantially springy so that when inserted in said recess, it is held in it by a springy action.

53. A container for beverages as defined in claim 50; and further comprising adhesive means for improving holding of said electronic device and said recess of said container body.

54. A container as defined in claim 1 , and further comprising an additional element connected with said electrical or electronic device so as to form together a circumferentially extending unit which as a whole is fittable on a surface of said container body and tightly held on the latter.

55. A container for beverages as defined in claim 54, wherein said additional element is stretchable.

56. A container for beverages as defined in claim 54, wherein said additional element is connected with said electronic device in a manner selected from the group consisting of detachably connectable and non- detachably connectable.

57. A container for beverages as defined in claim 1 , wherein said unit extends over a whole circumference and is closed, or over a part of the circumference.