Drinking mug with wireless audio speakers and audio player docking station

Abstract

A drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station including: a mug adapted to retain and dispense liquids disposed therein, and further adapted to removably retain thereupon each of at least one speaker housing, a portable audio player dock, a base, and a lid; at least one speaker adapted to provide sound in response to signals received thereby; at least one speaker housing adapted to receive and retain at least one speaker in secure mechanical engagement therein; a portable audio player dock adapted to receive and retain a portable audio player thereupon in secure removable mechanical engagement; a mug base adapted to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the mug and including at least one compartment; and a lid adapted to be placed in secure removable mechanical engagement with the mug, whereby the lid operates to retain a liquid disposed within the mug.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/955,370, filed Aug. 12, 2007, titled “DRINK MUG WITH WIRELESS AUDIO SPEAKERS AND AUDIO PLAYER DOCKING STATION”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of devices and methods relating to beverage holders with audio devices affixed thereto are disclosed in German Pat. No. DE 196 46 171 issued in the name of Bruns, U.S. Pat. No. 6,778,813 issued in the name of Lilly, and International Pub. No. WO 91/04613 issued in the name of Bailey.

While existing devices suit their intended purposes, the need remains for an easily portable drinking mug having removably affixed thereto a means of retaining a portable audio player, at least one speaker for audio playback, and means for wirelessly connecting the at least one speaker with the portable audio player.

The present invention provides an easily portable drinking mug having removably affixed thereto a means of retaining a portable audio player, at least one speaker for audio playback, and means for wirelessly connecting the at least one speaker with the portable audio player.

SUMMARY

A drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station is provided including: a mug, the mug adapted to retain and dispense liquids disposed therein, and further adapted to removably retain thereupon each of at least one speaker housing, a portable audio player dock, a base, and a lid; at least one speaker, the at least one speaker adapted to provide sound in response to signals received thereby; at least one speaker housing, the at least one speaker housing adapted to receive and retain at least one speaker in secure mechanical engagement therein; a portable audio player dock, the portable audio player dock adapted to receive and retain a portable audio player thereupon in secure removable mechanical engagement; a mug base, the mug base adapted to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the mug and including at least one compartment; and a lid, the lid adapted to be placed in secure removable mechanical engagement with the mug, whereby the lid operates to retain a liquid disposed within the mug.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to drinking vessels and more specifically to drinking vessels having removable attachments affixed thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear plan view of a portable audio player dock in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portable audio player dock in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side plan view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side plan view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a rear plan view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front plan view of a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As defined herein, a battery means any device or combination of devices, whether in series or parallel, capable of storing therein and delivering therefrom an electrical charge. As used herein, a battery may include a conventional alkaline battery, a rechargeable lithium ion battery, a rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery, a capacitor or series of capacitors, or any other suitable battery or batteries, capable of providing a charge of 2000 mAH, as are known in the art.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station 10. Generally, the drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station 10 includes a mug 12, the mug 12 adapted to retain and dispense liquids disposed therein, and further adapted to removably retain thereupon each of at least one speaker housing 14, a portable audio player dock 16, a mug base 18, and a lid 20; at least one speaker 22, the at least one speaker 22 adapted to provide sound in response to signals received thereby; at least one speaker housing 14, the at least one speaker housing 14 adapted to receive and retain at least one speaker 22 in secure mechanical engagement therein; a portable audio player dock 16, the portable audio player dock 16 adapted to receive and retain a portable audio player 24 thereupon in secure removable mechanical engagement; a mug base 18, the mug base 18 adapted to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the mug 12 and including at least one compartment; and a lid 20, the lid 20 adapted to be placed in secure removable mechanical engagement with the mug 12, whereby the lid 20 operates to retain a liquid disposed within the mug 12.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the mug 12 includes a cylindrical mug outer body 26; a handle 28 integrally formed with the mug outer body 26 and adapted to be grasped by a user; a dock tab 30 integrally formed with the mug outer body 26 and adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain thereupon a portable audio player dock 16; at least one speaker housing mounting bore 32, the at least one speaker housing mounting bore 32 integrally formed with the mug outer body 26 and adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain thereupon at least one speaker housing 14; and a cylindrical mug inner body 34, the mug inner body 34 formed within the mug outer body 26 and adapted to receive liquids for drinking therein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mug outer body 26 includes a generally cylindrical form having a predefined height H1 and a predefined diameter D1. The predefined diameter D1 may be uniform throughout the height H1 of the mug outer body 26 or may taper from the base 18 to the lid 20, thereby forming a larger diameter at the base 18 than the diameter of the lid 20.

In another embodiment of the invention, the mug outer body 26 may include formed upon an outer surface thereof features including, but not limited to: indicia, colors, or textures adapted to provide a non-slip grip for a user.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mug outer body 26 may be formed from materials including, but not limited to: plastics, thermoplastics, aluminum, stainless steel, non-metallic composites, or any other material providing sufficient rigidity and durability to substantially retain the shape to retain a predetermined volumetric capacity of liquids therein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mug handle 28 may be formed of sufficient size to allow a user to comfortably grasp the handle 28.

In another embodiment of the invention, the mug handle 28 may include a textured surface adapted to provide a non-slip grip for a user grasping the handle.

In another embodiment of the invention, the handle 28 may not be formed integrally with the mug outer body 26, but instead may be attached thereto by attachment means including, but not limited to: screws, rivets, adhesives, spot welding, or any other suitable means providing sufficient durability and strength to prevent the handle 28 from separating from the mug outer body 26 in use.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dock tab 30 is integrally formed on an opposing side of the mug outer body 26 from the mug handle 28 and includes an upper tab end 36, a lower tab end 38 adapted to cooperate with the upper tab end 36 to define a predefined dock tab length, a predefined dock tab length L2 defined by the upper tab end 36 and the lower tab end 38, and a predefined dock tab width W2.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the dock tab 30 may include a T-shaped cross-sectional profile 40 adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain thereupon a correspondingly formed tab channel 42 formed upon the portable audio player dock 16.

In one embodiment of the invention, the portable audio player dock 16 is adapted to receive and removably retain thereupon a portable audio player 24, such as an audio mp3 player, as is commonly known in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, the portable audio player 24 may include an AM/FM radio receiver, a satellite radio receiver, a TV-band receiver, a compact disc player, a mini-disc player, an analog tape player, a digital tape player, a microprocessor adapted to decode and provide playback of digitally encoded media, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, the portable audio player 24 may include a video screen, and may provide playback of both audio and visual media, whereby the visual media is displayed upon the video screen of the portable audio player 24 while the audio media is played through the speakers 22 of the mug 12.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the portable audio player dock 16 may include a peripheral dock sidewall 44 formed thereupon and a predefined angle A1, the peripheral dock sidewall 44 and the angle A1 cooperating to receive and removably retain a portable audio player 24 therein. The peripheral dock sidewall 44 may include a cord notch 46 integrally formed therewith adapted to provide clearance for a cord end 45.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 3, the portable audio player dock 16 may include a tab channel 42 formed upon a rear surface of the portable audio player dock 16 and adapted to mechanically engage the dock tab 30 formed upon the outer mug surface 47. The tab channel 42 may also include a tab stop 48 formed at an upper end 50 of the tab channel 42 and adapted to limit the progress of the dock tab 30 through the tab channel 42, such that the portable audio player dock 16 is located at a desired position when the dock tab 30 fully engages each of the tab channel 42 and the tab stop 48.

In another embodiment of the invention, the portable audio player dock 16 may include selectively deployable portable audio player cover (not shown). The portable audio player cover may be hingeably affixed to the portable audio player dock 16, whereby a user desiring to cover a portable audio player 24 disposed within the portable audio player dock 16 may pivot the portable audio player cover to a position wherein the portable audio player cover covers the portable audio player 24. The portable audio player cover may be formed of any material having sufficient transparency and durability to allow the portable audio player 24 to be seen while providing protection to the portable audio player 24.

In one embodiment of the invention, the portable audio player dock 16 may be formed of a material having sufficient rigidity and strength to support and retain the portable audio player 24 thereupon. Examples of suitable materials for the portable audio player dock 16 include, but are not limited to: plastics, thermoplastics, aluminum, stainless steel, non-metallic composites, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer mug body 26 has formed thereupon a pair of opposing speaker housing mounting bores 32, each respective speaker housing mounting bore 32 adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain therein a speaker housing 14.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, each respective speaker housing mounting bore 32 includes a bore threaded portion 52, the bore threaded portion 52 having female helical threads 54 formed thereupon, the female helical threads 54 adapted to mechanically engage corresponding male helical threads 56 formed upon a housing threaded portion 53 of a speaker housing 14 wherein the corresponding helical threads 54, 56 formed upon each of the speaker housing 14 and the speaker housing mounting bore 32 cooperate to allow a speaker housing 14 to be easily engaged to, or removed from a speaker housing mounting bore 32 by selectively engaging or disengaging the bore threaded portion 52.

The bore threaded portion 52 and the housing threaded portion 53 cooperate to allow a speaker housing 14 mechanically engaged therewith to be rotated to a desired position while maintaining mechanical engagement betwixt each of the bore threaded portion 52 and the housing threaded portion 53.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), each respective speaker housing mounting bore 32 may include a tapered receiving bore, the tapered receiving bore adapted to frictionally engage and retain therein a speaker housing 14.

In one embodiment of the invention, each respective speaker housing 14 includes a cylindrical body having a housing open end 58 and a housing closed end 60.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing open end 58 is adapted to receive a speaker 22 therein, and further adapted to retain the speaker 22 in secure mechanical engagement therein.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing open end 58 is further adapted to receive a grille 62 thereupon, the grille 62 adapted to shield each of the speaker and an interior of the speaker housing 14 from the entry of undesired objects. The grille 62 may include a mesh structure adapted to allow fluid communication therethrough, whereby sound waves may easily pass through openings formed in the mesh structure, while objects or debris are prevented from passage therethrough.

In another embodiment of the invention, the grille 62 may include a liquid-impermeable barrier (not shown) adapted to exclude undesired liquids and small objects or debris from entering the speaker housing 14. The liquid-impermeable barrier may be formed having a thickness sufficient to prevent the communication therethrough of fluids, while at the same time minimally impeding the passage of sound waves therethrough, so as to not stifle or impede sound produced by the speakers 22.

In another embodiment of the invention, each respective grille 62 may include a polygonal outer periphery (not shown) having at least one flat side, whereby a speaker housing 16 placed upon a planar surface that is not level will be prevented from rolling by the flat side engaging the planar surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, each respective grille 62 may be formed of any lightweight material having sufficient rigidity and durability to prevent undesired objects or debris from passing therethrough. Examples of suitable materials from which each respective grille 62 may be formed include, but are not limited to: plastics, thermoplastics, metallic wire, aluminum, stainless steel, non-metallic composites, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the housing closed end 60 of each respective speaker housing 14 includes a housing base 64, the housing base 64 including a battery compartment 66, a receiver compartment 68, and a housing threaded portion 53, the housing threaded portion 53 including male helical threads 56 formed thereupon and adapted to mechanically engage the housing threaded portion 53 of the speaker housing mounting bore 32 and further adapted to cooperate therewith to removably retain the speaker housing 14 in mechanical engagement with the speaker housing mounting bore 32.

In one embodiment of the invention, the battery compartment 66 may be adapted to receive in secure mechanical engagement at least one battery 70 and may include a battery receptacle 72 and a compartment cover plate 74.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cover plate 74 may be adapted to be placed in removable mechanical engagement with the housing base 64 using mechanical fasteners, a friction fit, or the like as is commonly known in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, the battery compartment 66 may include associated contacts and wiring (not shown) adapted to place a battery 70 disposed therein in electrical communication with each of a receiver 76 and a speaker 22.

In another embodiment of the invention, each respective receiver compartment 68 may be adapted to receive in secure mechanical engagement a receiver 76 and may be covered by the compartment cover plate 74 as covers each respective battery compartment 66 described above.

In another embodiment of the invention, each respective receiver compartment 68 may include associated contacts and wiring (not shown) adapted to place a receiver 76 disposed therein in electrical communication with the battery 70 and in electrical and signal communication with the speaker 22.

In another embodiment of the invention, each of the battery compartment 66 and the receiver compartment 68 may be formed together as a single compartment having a single cover plate 74.

In one embodiment of the invention, each respective speaker housing 14 may be formed of any suitable material having sufficient rigidity and durability and that does not interfere with wireless signal reception or transmission. Examples of suitable materials from which each respective speaker housing 14 may be formed include, but are not limited to: plastics, thermoplastics, aluminum, stainless steel, non-metallic composites, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, each respective speaker 22 is adapted to reproduce audible sounds in response to electrical impulses received from the receiver 76, as is known in the art. A speaker is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,551,447 issued in the name of Marquis, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment of the invention, each respective speaker 22 may include components resistant to moisture and corrosion, whereby the speakers 22 may not be adversely affected in performance by the presence of moisture or condensation thereupon due to the proximity of liquids having relatively disparate temperatures in comparison to that of the ambient atmosphere.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the mug base 18 includes a base threaded portion 78, the base threaded portion 78 including male helical threads 56 and adapted to mechanically engage a correspondingly threaded lower mug end 80 and removably retain the mug base 18 thereto; a mug base battery compartment 66, the mug base battery compartment 66 adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain therein at least one battery 70; a transceiver compartment 82, the transceiver compartment 82 adapted to mechanically engage and securely retain therein a transceiver 84.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mug base 18 includes a signal plug port 86, the signal plug port 86 adapted to allow a signal plug 88 to pass therethrough, whereby the signal plug 88 may mechanically engage, and be in signal communication with, the transceiver 84.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transceiver 84 may be adapted to be placed in signal communication with a portable audio player 24 and may be further adapted to convert signals received from the portable audio player 24 to signals that the transceiver 84 may wirelessly broadcast to each respective receiver 76, each respective receiver 76 disposed within an associated speaker housing 14.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transceiver 84 may receive signals from the portable audio player 24 via a cable 90 having a first cable end 92 in mechanical and signal communication with the portable audio player 24 and a second cable end 94 adapted to mechanically engage and be in signal communication with the signal plug port 86, the signal plug port 86 in signal communication with the transceiver 84.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transceiver 84 may wirelessly broadcast signals to each respective receiver 76 using the Bluetooth wireless communication protocol, as is known in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transceiver 84 may wirelessly broadcast signals to each respective receiver 76 at a broadcast frequency ranging from 800 MHz to 1000 MHz.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the mug base 18 includes a power port 96 integrally formed with the mug base 18 in electrical and mechanical communication with the battery 70 and be adapted to receive therethrough a power plug 112, the power plug 112 in electrical communication with an AC/DC converter, and adapted to recharge the battery 70 by being placed in electrical communication therewith via the power port 96.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mug base 18 may be formed of any material having sufficient rigidity and durability to support each of the mug 12, the portable audio player 24, the dock 16, the speakers 22, and the associated speaker housings 14. The material from which the mug base 18 is formed must be a material that is thermally stable, as well as being a material that does not unduly interfere with wireless signals emitted by the transceiver 84 disposed therein. Suitable materials from which the base 18 may be formed include, but are not limited to: plastics, thermoplastics, aluminum, stainless steel, metallic alloys, non-metallic composites, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, the mug 12 includes a mug inner body 34 adapted to receive and hold liquids for drinking therein. The mug inner body 34 may be integrally formed with the mug outer body 26 and may be separated from the mug outer body 26 by a predefined distance, the predefined distance providing a cavity, whereby the cavity acts as an insulator, minimizing heat dissipation from a liquid disposed within the mug inner body 34 to the ambient atmosphere, or from the ambient atmosphere to the liquid disposed in the mug inner body 34.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mug inner body 34 may have a predefined volumetric capacity. The mug inner body 34 may have a capacity ranging between and including six fluid ounces and seventy fluid ounces.

The mug inner body 34 may be formed of any material having a high degree of thermal stability such that the mug inner body 34 maintains dimensional stability when the mug inner body 34 is exposed to or contains liquids having temperatures highly disparate from that of the ambient atmosphere. The mug inner body 34 must also be formed of a material that is sanitary and has a low propensity to entrap or retain particles or odors of liquids placed therein, whereby the mug inner body 34 may be easily cleaned. The material from which the mug inner body 34 is formed should also be a poor thermal conductor, whereby thermal dissipation to the ambient atmosphere is minimized and liquids placed in the mug inner body 34 are maintained at a desired temperature for a longer period of time. Materials from which the mug inner body may be formed include, but are not limited to: ceramics, plastics, thermoplastics, non-metallic composites, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mug 12 may include a lid 20 adapted to be placed in secure mechanical engagement with each of the mug outer body 26 and the mug inner body 34 and further adapted to prevent undesired communication of liquids from the mug inner body 34 and undesired communication of unwanted debris or objects into the mug inner body 34.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lid 20 may include a fixed lid section 98 adapted to mechanically engage an upper mug portion 100 and having each of a vent hole 102 and a drinking hole 104 integrally formed therewith; and a lid cover 106, the lid cover 106 affixed to, and adapted to rotate about, a center point 108 of the fixed lid section 98, and having a pair of opposing hole covers 110 integrally formed thereupon, wherein the pair of opposing hole covers 110 cooperate to selectively cover or expose each of the vent hole 102 and the drinking hole 104, whereby the vent hole 102 and drinking hole 104 may be covered to prevent inadvertent communication of fluid therefrom. The lid cover 106 may be rotated such that the opposing hole covers 110 align with each of the vent hole 102 and drinking hole 104 when fluid is to be communicated from the mug inner body 34.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the hole covers 110 may partially cover each of the vent hole 102 and the drinking hole 104, whereby a user may select to slow the communication of a liquid from the mug inner body 34 by effectively causing the drinking hole 104 to be smaller by covering a portion thereof.

FIGS. 5-11 illustrate a drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station 200 having at least one detachable speaker housing removably affixed thereto; at least one speaker housing having at least one speaker; a receiver, and at least one battery disposed therein; a portable audio player dock adapted to receive a portable audio player thereupon; a lid adapted to prevent spillage of liquids disposed within the drinking mug; and a base adapted to receive a transceiver and at least one battery therein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transceiver may be adapted to receive signals from the portable music player, whereafter the transceiver operates to wirelessly transmit said signals to the at least one receiver, the at least one receiver operating to receive said signals and transmit said signals to the at least one speaker, whereby audio playback of said signals occurs.

While several aspects have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist and these aspects are merely an example, and it is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those of ordinary skill in the art with a convenient guide for implementing a desired aspect of the invention and various changes can be made in the function and arrangements of the aspects of the technology without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station comprising:

a mug, the mug adapted to retain and dispense liquids disposed therein, and further adapted to removably retain thereupon each of at least one speaker housing, a portable audio player dock, a base, and a lid;

at least one speaker, the at least one speaker adapted to provide sound in response to signals received thereby;

at least one speaker housing, the at least one speaker housing adapted to receive and retain at least one speaker in secure mechanical engagement therein;

a portable audio player dock, the portable audio player dock adapted to receive and retain a portable audio player thereupon in secure removable mechanical engagement;

a mug base, the mug base adapted to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the mug and including at least one compartment; and

a lid, the lid adapted to be placed in secure removable mechanical engagement with the mug, whereby the lid operates to retain a liquid disposed within the mug.

2. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 1 further comprising:

a cylindrical mug outer body;

a handle integrally formed with the mug outer body and adapted to be grasped by a user;

a dock tab integrally formed with the mug outer body and adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain thereupon a portable audio player dock;

at least one speaker housing mounting bore, the at least one speaker housing mounting bore integrally formed with the mug outer body and adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain thereupon at least one speaker housing; and

a cylindrical mug inner body, the mug inner body formed within the mug outer body and adapted to receive liquids for drinking therein.

3. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the handle further comprises:

a textured surface adapted to provide a non-slip grip for a user grasping the handle.

4. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the dock tab further comprises:

an upper tab end;

a lower tab end adapted to cooperate with the upper tab end to define a predefined dock tab length;

a predefined dock tab length defined by the upper tab end and the lower tab end;

a predefined dock tab width; and

a T-shaped cross-sectional profile adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain thereupon a correspondingly formed tab channel formed upon a portable audio player dock 16.

5. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the portable audio player dock further comprises:

a peripheral dock sidewall including a cord notch integrally formed therewith adapted to provide clearance for a cord end formed thereupon;

and a predefined angle, the peripheral dock sidewall and the predefined angle cooperating to receive and removably retain a portable audio player therein.

6. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 5, wherein the portable audio player dock further comprises:

a tab channel formed upon a rear surface of the portable audio player dock and adapted to mechanically engage the dock tab formed upon the outer mug surface.

7. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 6, wherein the portable audio player dock further comprises:

a tab stop formed at an upper end of the tab channel and adapted to limit the progress of the dock tab through the tab channel, such that the portable audio player dock is located at a desired position when the dock tab fully engages each of the tab channel and the tab stop.

8. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 4, wherein the outer mug surface further comprises:

a pair of opposing speaker housing mounting bores formed thereupon, each respective speaker housing mounting bore adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain therein a speaker housing.

9. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein each respective speaker housing mounting bore further comprises:

a bore threaded portion, the bore threaded portion having female helical threads formed thereupon, the female helical threads adapted to mechanically engage corresponding male helical threads formed upon a bore threaded portion of a speaker housing, wherein the corresponding helical threads formed upon each of the speaker housing and the speaker housing mounting bore cooperate to allow a speaker housing to be easily engaged to, or removed from a speaker housing mounting bore by selectively engaging or disengaging the bore threaded portion.

10. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 9, wherein the at least one speaker housing further comprises:

a cylindrical body having an housing open end, the housing open end adapted to receive a speaker therein, and further adapted to retain the speaker in secure mechanical engagement therein, and further adapted to receive a grille thereupon, the grille adapted to shield each of the speaker and an interior of the speaker housing from the entry of undesired objects; and a housing closed end, the housing closed end including a housing base, the housing base including a battery compartment adapted to receive in secure mechanical engagement at least one battery and may include a battery receptacle and a compartment cover plate, a receiver compartment adapted to receive in secure mechanical engagement a receiver and covered by the compartment cover plate, and a housing threaded portion, the housing threaded portion including male helical threads formed thereupon and adapted to mechanically engage the threaded portion of the speaker housing receiving bore and further adapted to cooperate therewith to removably retain the speaker housing in mechanical engagement with the speaker housing receiving bore.

11. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 10, further comprising:

the battery compartment including associated contacts and wiring adapted to place a battery disposed therein in electrical communication with each of a receiver and a speaker; and

the receiver compartment including associated contacts and wiring adapted to place a receiver disposed therein in electrical communication with the battery and in electrical and signal communication with the speaker.

12. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the mug base further comprises:

a base threaded portion, the base threaded portion including male helical threads and adapted to mechanically engage a correspondingly threaded lower mug end and removably retain the mug base thereto;

a mug base battery compartment, the mug base battery compartment adapted to mechanically engage and removably retain therein at least one battery;

a transceiver compartment, the transceiver compartment adapted to mechanically engage and securely retain therein a transceiver; and

a signal plug port, the signal plug port adapted to allow a signal plug to pass therethrough, whereby the signal plug may mechanically engage, and be in signal communication with, the transceiver.

13. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 12, wherein the transceiver is adapted to be placed in signal communication with a portable audio player and may be further adapted to convert signals received from the portable audio player to signals that the transceiver may wirelessly broadcast to each respective receiver, each respective receiver disposed within an associated speaker housing.

14. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 13, wherein the transceiver receives signals from the portable audio player via a cable having

a first cable end in mechanical and signal communication with the portable audio player, and

a second cable end adapted to mechanically engage and be in signal communication with the signal plug port, the signal plug port in signal communication with the transceiver.

15. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 14, wherein transceiver wirelessly broadcasts signals to each respective receiver at a broadcast frequency ranging from 800 MHz to 1000 MHz.

16. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the mug base further comprises:

a power port integrally formed with the mug base in electrical and mechanical communication with the battery and, and adapted to receive therethrough a power plug, the power plug in electrical communication with an AC/DC converter, and adapted to recharge the battery by being placed in electrical communication therewith via the power port.

17. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the mug further comprises:

an inner mug body adapted to receive and hold liquids for drinking therein.

18. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 17, wherein the mug inner body is integrally formed with the outer mug body and is separated from the outer mug body by a predefined distance, the predefined distance providing a cavity, whereby the cavity acts as an insulator, minimizing heat dissipation from a liquid disposed within the inner mug body to the ambient atmosphere, or from the ambient atmosphere to the liquid disposed in the inner mug body.

19. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 18, wherein the mug inner body includes a capacity ranging between and including six fluid ounces and seventy fluid ounces.

20. The drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station of claim 2, wherein the lid further comprises:

a fixed lid section adapted to mechanically engage an upper mug portion and having each of a vent hole and a drinking hole integrally formed therewith; and

a lid cover, the lid cover affixed to, and adapted to rotate about, a center point of the fixed lid section, and having a pair of opposing hole covers integrally formed thereupon, wherein the pair of opposing hole covers cooperate to selectively cover or expose each of the vent hole and the drinking hole, whereby the vent hole and drinking hole may be covered to prevent inadvertent communication of fluid therefrom.