GB2369038A

GB2369038A - Coaster with sound-generating means

Info

Publication number: GB2369038A
Application number: GB0126869A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Fryett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-11-16
Filing date: 2001-11-08
Publication date: 2002-05-22
Also published as: GB0027966D0; GB2369036A; GB0126869D0

Abstract

A coaster for a drinking vessel comprises sound-generating means 2 controlled by placing or removal of a vessel thereon. Activation is by means of telescopic movement of an upper drinking-vessel-supporting casing part 1 relative to a base part 3. The upper part 1 may carry an activating peg 8 engageable against a sound module contact 5. Members 6 normally hold the parts 1, 3 together and guide the telescopic movement, but allow opening so that batteries in the sound-generating module 2 can be replaced, or the whole module removed for silent operation of the coaster. The base part 3 houses a speaker 4 and has perforations for sound to pass through, and also has support feet 7. A label may be applied to the upper surface of part 1 within a centralising ridge 9.

Description

DESCRIPTION

SOUND COASTERS

This invention relates to a single or set of coasters, which has an audio/sound output.

Coasters are used for placing a drink and also to protect a surface from liquid or heat.

The sound coaster is designed to give the user a pleasant surprise, when an object is placed upon it.

Sound coasters can be any shape, size, or colour.

The coaster casings could be made from plastic or a similar material.

The audio output is produced from an electronic sound module. The lower coaster casing incorporates perforated holes, to allow the sound to pass through.

The coaster casing comprises of two separate parts, one upper and one lower coaster casing. This not only enables the battery to be replaced, but also allows the internal components to be removed so the coaster can be used without the sound effects.

The upper case of the coaster is larger then the lower case. When a weight is applied to the coaster, the upper and lower casings telescopically activate the sound module.

The ingenious design ofthe coaster is that no other components i.e. springs, screws of switches etc. are required to make the coaster, other then the upper & lower casings and the electronic sound module. Because of the design of the coaster casing, it enables easy assembling and no dangerous small components are required.

The top of the upper coaster casing has a label centralising ridge, to allow a label to be applied. When the sound module is activated, a sound is produced from the coaster. This could be a sound effect, voice, musical tune or any combination.

1 or more batteries would power the electronic circuitry and speaker.

Drawing 3/3 "Fig E " When a load is applied to the upper coaster casing (1), it enables the coaster casing to telescopically lower over, the lower coaster casing (3). The module activating peg (8) then Push's down onto, the sound module contact (5), which activates the sound module (2) to produce the sound. The coaster casing securing pegs (6) holds the upper and lower coaster casing together and allows for the telescopic movement. The lower casing includes feet (7), to make the coaster more stable.

DRAWINGS

DRAWING 1/3. FIG A / FIG B: Upper coaster casing.

1. Securing pegs.

2. Module activating peg.

3. Upper coaster casing.

4. Label centralising ridge.

DRAWING 2/3. FIG C / FIG D: Lower coaster.

1. Holes for receiving upper casing, securing pegs.

2. Sound Module casing.

3. Lower coaster casing.

4. Speaker.

5. Sound Module contact.

6. Batteries.

7. Coaster Feet.

8. Module securing pegs.

9. Perforated, sound output holes.

DRAWING 3/3. FIG E: Upper and Lower Coaster Casing.

1. Upper coaster casing.

2. Sound module.

3. Lower coaster casing.

4. Speaker.

5. Sound module contact.

6. Securing pegs.

7. Coaster feet.

8. Module activating peg.

9. Label centralising ridge.

10. Module securing pegs.

Claims

1, An audible coaster having a separate upper arid lower telescopic load receiving surface on which an object can be placed, the coaster also including a means of audible output when a load is applied or removed.

2, An audible coaster as claimed in claim 1, with a two-piece upper and lower, telescopic casing, with a built in module activating peg, to activate the sound module.

3, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1 & 2, with the circuitry pre programmed to produce any type of sound output.

4, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1, 2 & 3, with the upper surface fitted with a waterproof label.

5, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1,2,3 & 4, with the coaster casing allowing, access for battery replacement.

6, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4 & 5, with perforated holes in the lower casing, to allow sound to pass through.

7, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4,5 & 6, with built-in feet to the lower casing, to make the coaster stable.

8, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4,5,6 & 7, with access to remove the internal sound module if required. This allows the coaster to still be used without the sound. 9, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 & 8, which require no springs, screws or unfitted switches.

10, An audible coaster as claimed in claims 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 & 9, which only requires the sound module & upper & lower casing to fix together a working sound coaster.