Novelty beverage holder

Abstract

An insulated beverage container with an integrated sound producing device wherein the sounds emitted from the sound producing device are compatible with images, advertisements or other materials displayed on the surface of the insulated beverage container. The sound emitting device is configured to store and then emit, upon actuation by a user, predetermined sounds over a specific length of time. While the sound emitting insulated beverage container is intended as a novelty device, it can be used for advertisements and in marketing by associating specific sounds with advertisement displayed on the outer surface of the container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/850,544 filed Oct. 10, 2006 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a novelty beverage holder and more particularly to a beverage holder with an implanted device capable of producing sounds when triggered by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverage containers and insulated holders, wraps and coolers are widely varied and are formed from any number of insulating materials. Beverage holders are generally configured to frictionally engage and removably secure a can or bottle of chilled liquid. These devices often provide the dual benefit of maintaining temperature of the beverage being consumed and providing a convenient and relatively inexpensive media for the display of messages, advertisements and the like. For the most part, known beverage holders are simple unitary devices molded or manufactured from a single piece of material and have no accoutrements to enhance their utility or amusement.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the practice of this invention, a thermally insulated beverage holder is fashioned from a material, such as foam, Styrofoam or polyethylene. The beverage holder is generally configured with a substantially closed bottom and a generally open top. The overall form of the beverage holder is generally cylindrical. Further, the beverage holder may include removable insulating liners and be configured to house beverage cans, bottles, or glassware of any variety of shapes and sizes.

The beverage holder is provided with a compartment which houses a device capable of emitting sounds. Several types of devices are generally known, including small electronic relays with a microprocessor and chip capable of electronically retaining a recorded sound and then transmitting, upon operation, the sound via a small audio speaker. Such devices can easily be manufactured approximately the size of a U.S. minted quarter, or less than one inch in diameter. Further, such devices are relatively thin, often less than one-quarter (¼) inch thick. The device includes a triggering mechanism integral thereto although it may be provided with a remote switch. It is preferred that the remote switch be present and positioned and mounted proximate the periphery of the beverage holder. It is understood that the mounting position and orientation of the remote switch can be anywhere on the beverage holder, although, it is preferably mounted substantially adjacent the sound emitting device which is generally placed near the bottom surface of the beverage holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the invention with a bottom mounted switch.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an internally positioned switch.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a side mounted switch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now generally to the drawings, an insulated beverage holder is provided. The beverage holder 102, in the preferred embodiment, has a substantially cylindrical sidewall 104 with a partially closed bottom 106 and an open top 108. It is understood that the beverage holder 102 can be configured in any shape and size configured to retain beverage cans, bottles, glassware, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

It is also understood that the beverage holder 102 can be manufactured from any variety of insulating materials, including foam, plastics, polyethylenes or similar materials. It is preferable that the material from which the beverage holder is manufactured is substantially resistant to liquids and provides insulating properties.

The diameter of the top opening 108, which is adjacent the upper-most edge or rim 110 of the beverage holder 102 is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the beverage container which is to be inserted into the holder. The beverage holder 102 height should be sufficient to encase at least fifty percent (50%) of the beverage container.

As is known within the industry, the beverage holder 102 may also be configured to accept an insulating liner which further insulates the beverage being retained in the holder.

The bottom 106 of the holder will generally be manufactured of the same material as the holder sidewall 104. As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to provide at least one hole 112 completely through the bottom surface 106 to prevent suction or vapor-locking which may occur between the beverage container itself and the holder 102. It is often difficult to remove the beverage from the holder without the presence of such a hole 112. Moreover, the hole 112 allows condensation on the beverage container, or spilled liquid, to readily escape the holder. This promotes the longevity of the device and specifically the electrical components of the inventive device.

The bottom 106 portion of the beverage holder is also provided with a compartment 114 for housing a sound emitting device 116. The sound emitting device 116 is capable of electronically retaining and then audibly transmitting a predetermined sound. Such devices 116 are generally available and can take any variety of configuration. The preferred device 116 is relatively small having dimensions of approximately one inch in diameter with less than one-quarter (¼) inch in height. The device 116 includes a small speaker, a power supply such as a battery, a small timer, and a processor or memory unit capable of storing electronic data, specifically sounds and music. The device 116 is provided with a switch 118 that allows a user to selectively activate the device 116 whereupon a sound or music or combination thereof is emitted for a predetermined period of time, said time period controlled by the timer of the device 116. The switch 118 may be fabricated integral the device 116 or may be remotely connected thereto via electrical wiring 126.

The device 116 is mounted in the compartment 114 substantially adjacent the bottom surface 106 of the beverage container. If the device 116 is provided with an integral switch 118, the switch 118 is positioned substantially adjacent the outer periphery 122 of the cylindrical sidewall 104 of the container. The switch 118 may also be oriented generally downward so that it is accessible through the bottom 106. This orientation allows the device 116 to be triggered and activated either when the beverage holder 102 is placed on a surface, or picked up from a surface. It is preferable, however, that a remote switch 118 be provided to the device 116 which could be mounted substantially adjacent the outer periphery 122 of the cylindrical sidewall 104 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5. This allows ease of user access, and is more convenient than positioning the switch 116 on the bottom surface 106 where it may be inadvertently triggered when the beverage container 102 is placed on a surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, another position for the switch would be on the inner wall 120 or on the upper surface (not shown) of the bottom piece so that the switch 118 would be actuated each time a beverage container is placed into the holder 102. When the container is removed from the holder 102 the switch is released thereby resetting the switch 118 so that it will activate the device 116 when another container is positioned within the holder 102.

The compartment 114 of the bottom surface 104 can take any readily ascertainable configuration, although it is preferable to use a simple two piece bottom portion to the container sandwiching the device 116 therebetween. The compartment may also be manufactured by cutting or placing a slit in the bottom 104 and inserting the device 116 therein as shown in FIG. 2. Depending on the type of device 116 used, it may be necessary to implant the device 116 in the cylindrical sidewall 104 of the holder 102 to limit exposure to moisture, condensation or liquid from the beverage. Modern sound emitting devices may be relatively flexible, such as those found in greeting cards, and accordingly can be flexed into an arc to contour to the shape of the sidewall 104 of the beverage holder.

The device 116 is provided with a timer that can be programmed so that the sound emission expires randomly or after a predetermined period of time. The timer can also be programmed to cause emission of the recorded sound more than one time (looped). The device 116 may be configured to allow a user to record their own music or message to be replayed.

It is understood that it is desirable to provide a sound byte, music or other audible emission in the device 116 which is substantially compatible to a theme or advertisement displayed or present on the outer surface of the insulated beverage holder. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5, the beverage holder surface 124 will be compatible to printed words or graphic images or a combination thereof by screen printing, overlay, adhesive sticker, or other methods known in the industry. If, for example, the insulated beverage holder 102 displays a logo or graphic image of a race car, the device 116 may emit the sound of a race car engine or cheering fans. For a logo used by a beverage manufacturing company on the surface of the insulated beverage holder, the device 116 may emit the jingle or music associated with the beverage. It should be understood that any combination of advertising images and sounds, including music, can be configured in the insulated beverage holder 102. The novelty device provides a desirable marketing and advertising tool which is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture from components which are generally available in the marketplace.

Generally, the user places their desired beverage in the top opening 108 of the insulated beverage container 102 and then, as desired, actuates the switch 118 thereby triggering the device 116 to emit the provided sound. It is understood that a variety of switch locations and methods for activation can be used to change to allow selective operation of the device as more particularly described herein.

Accordingly, while one embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it is understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A novelty device, comprising: an insulating beverage holder which is generally cylindrical with an open top opposing a substantially closed bottom portion; the bottom portion further provided with a compartment for housing a device, said device configured to electronically store and emit at least one sound.

2. The novelty device of claim 1 wherein the device further includes a battery, a processor capable of storing and emitting sound, a speaker for emitting the sound and a switch which selectively activates the device.

3. The novelty device of claim 1 further comprising a microprocessor and a memory unit wherein said microprocessor is connected to said memory unit and wherein said microprocessor is designed to receive an electronic signal from the memory unit which controls emission of pre-recorded sounds.

4. The novelty device of claim 3 further comprising an input which allows a user to record sounds onto the memory unit.

5. An insulated beverage holder having a continuous sidewall, an open top for receiving a beverage container therein and a bottom, the bottom further comprising a compartment for housing a device and wherein the device is configured to emit predetermined sounds upon actuation by a user.

6. The device of the claim 5 further comprising at least one opening through the bottom.

7. The device of the claim 6 wherein the continuous sidewall is provided with an inner surface and an outer surface and the outer surface is manufactured to receive and display static images.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the sound emitted by the device is associated with and compatible to the images displayed on the outer surface.

9. The device of claim 5 wherein a switch remotely positioned from the device is used to selectively activate the device.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the switch is mounted within the sidewall and projects generally inward such that it is actuated when the beverage container is positioned within the holder.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the switch is mounted in the bottom and projects generally downward below the bottom such that is actuated when the holder is placed on a surface.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein the displayed static image is compatible with the sound emitted from the device.