GB2392973A - Illuminatable beverage accessory device - Google Patents

Illuminatable beverage accessory device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2392973A
GB2392973A GB0326549A GB0326549A GB2392973A GB 2392973 A GB2392973 A GB 2392973A GB 0326549 A GB0326549 A GB 0326549A GB 0326549 A GB0326549 A GB 0326549A GB 2392973 A GB2392973 A GB 2392973A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
accessory device
beverage accessory
illuminatable
lid
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0326549A
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GB2392973B (en
GB0326549D0 (en
Inventor
Carl Richard Vanderschuit
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/627,961 external-priority patent/US6416198B1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB0326549D0 publication Critical patent/GB0326549D0/en
Publication of GB2392973A publication Critical patent/GB2392973A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2392973B publication Critical patent/GB2392973B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/0024Household or table equipment
    • F21V33/0028Decorative household equipment, e.g. plant holders or food dummies
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00Table service
    • A47G19/22Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
    • A47G19/2205Drinking glasses or vessels
    • A47G19/2227Drinking glasses or vessels with means for amusing or giving information to the user
    • A47G2019/2238Drinking glasses or vessels with means for amusing or giving information to the user with illumination means
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21YINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

An illuminable beverage accessory device (10) having at least one light (35); at least one power source (41); a cartridge (12) having a chamber (25) for the light and a chamber (21) for the power source, to which may be operated by a push-button switch device ; and a housing (11) having a cavity therein covering the cartridge (12) such that the device is positively buoyant. It is constructed in a water-tight fashion to permit its use and illumination in a liquid. It is also preferably constructed to simulated a partially melted ice cube or ice berg and is adapted to house and display messages or various three-dimensional objects from within.

Description

l TITLE ILLUMINATABLE BEVERAGE ACCESSORY DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This present invention relates to an illuminatable 5 novelty-related accessory for use in containers filled with a liquid substance; i.e. drinks, and is an improvement over prior novelty-related devices.
Currently there are several prior art novelty-related
devices resembling an ice cube. These are either complex in 10 structure or in use or both. U.S. Patent No. 5,860,724 issued to Cheng describes a luminescent light emitter shaped like an ice cube having several chambers within, each filled with chemicals which, when mixed, emit light. Though suited for the intended purpose, it is of complex construction, requiring 15 chemicals, and is a relative burden to use. U.S. Patent No. 5,9,212 issued to Rodgers is even more complex. It is motion-sensitive. The device is powered by any motion through a motion-responsive ball-switch within. After the device is illuminated, a timer controls the duration of light emission.
20 This device is relatively easy to use but is extremely complex in structure. A need still exists for novelty items such as illuminatable beverage accessories or mood enhancers to provide visual pleasure to one's other sensory pleasures while relaxing consuming a beverage; particularly, those novelty 25 items resembling an ice cube for use in a drink.
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are to: a. provide an easy-to-use illuminatable novelty device to enhance the atmosphere of an occasion; 30 b. to enhance one's enjoyment while consuming a beverage; c. provide for all to use an inexpensive pleasurable novelty device, d. create a unique promotional novelty device adapted to 35 convey messages to users; and
e. assist in heating or cooling a beverage.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more 5 prominent features and applications of the intended invention.
Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly,
other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may 10 be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the
detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition
to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
15 The above-noted problems, among others, are overcome by the present invention. Briefly stated, the present invention contemplates an illuminatable beverage accessory device having at least one light; at least one power source; a cartridge having a chamber for the light and a chamber for the power 20 source which is either adapted to permit the power source, upon suitable application of external force, to reciprocally translate from one side (to turn the light on) to the other side (to turn the light off) or which uses a push-button switch device; and a housing having a cavity therein covering 25 the cartridge. A lid is secured to the housing in a water-
tight fashion. The lid and housing may be of a single-piece construction or may be two separate elements. A chamber in the lid houses a support for the power source to prevent undesired movement to the 'on' or 'off' mode. This chamber 30 may have a transparent bottom to display messages. The housing may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, or any combination thereon. In cases where there is a cavity in the housing and the housing has transparency, a display mechanism is connected to one or more inside walls of the housing and is 35 adapted to receive and display plaques conveying messages.
The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be
better understood so the present contributions to the art may 5 be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the present invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific embodiment may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or 10 designing other structures and methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It also should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims.
15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which: 20 Figure 1 is cross-section elevation view of the beverage accessory. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the beverage accessory.
Figure 3 is planar view of a portion of the beverage accessory as taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.
25 Figure 4 is an exploded detail view of a support member for the power source of the beverage accessory.
Figure 5 is a detailed view of another embodiment of a support member for the power source of the beverage accessory.
Figure 6 is a detailed partial view of another embodiment 30 of the beverage accessory.
Figure 7 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the beverage accessory.
Figure 8 is a detailed view of a lead chamber in the beverage accessory as taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a detailed view of another lead chamber in the beverage accessory as taken on line 9-9 of Figure 7.
Figure 10 is a detailed view the lid as taken on line 10-
10 of Figure 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail and in particular to Figure 1, reference character 10 generally designates a novelty item beverage accessory device constructed in 10 accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A housing 11 rests on a lid 14. Within the housing 11 seated on the lid 14 is a cartridge 12. A cavity is, though need not be, formed above the cartridge 12. A cavity is preferred but the space above the cartridge 12 also 15 may be part of the inner housing itself--a single-piece or of a solid construction fitted onto or be a part of the cartridge 12. This solid inner housing may be transparent or translucent and/or comprise any one or more colors or tints or shades. 20 The cartridge 12 can be fixedly sealed to the lid 14 and each, the cartridge 12 and the lid 14, can be fixedly sealed to the housing 11 thereby creating a water-tight integrity for the beverage accessory device 10. It must be understood, however, that any one or more of these parts (that is, the 25 housing 11, the cartridge 12, and the lid 14) may be removably attached to any one or all of the other parts, or fixedly attached to any one or all of the others, or in any combination thereof. For maintaining water-tight integrity, a fixed seal is preferred.
30 Reference is now made to Figures 1-3. Within the cartridge 11 is a light-source chamber 25, a power-source chamber 21, a detent 22 or similar structure suited for the intended purpose of restricting the (unwanted) movement of the power-source 41 within the power-source chamber 21, and wire 35 lead channels 23, 24 adapted to receive the respective wire
leads 33, 34 from the light source 35. The light source 35 seats into the light-source chamber 25. Its wire leads 33, 34 seat into the respective wire lead channels 23, 24 of the underside of the cartridge 12. The power source 41 is seated 5 into the power-source chamber 21 directly below the light source 35. The power-source chamber 21 is sized such that the power source 41 may slide from one side to another side as depicted by direction arrows A and B in Figure 1 (for reference purposes only, and not by way of limitation, this 10 figures depicts a right to left translation of the power source 41 and in this vein, the power-source chamber 21 is slightly longer than the length of the power source 41). Side to side length of the power-source chamber 21 is slightly less than the length of the power source 41 to provide the 15 clearance necessary to permit movement in directions A and B when desired. Undesired movement within the power-source chamber 21 of the power source 41 is restricted by placement of a detent 22 within the power-source chamber 21, or similar structure suited for the intended purpose such as, but not 20 limited to a nub, a bias member, a pin, and the like. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that any restricting-type mechanism suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these forms of restricting-type mechanisms described above.
25 One wire lead (for example purposes only, and not by way of limitation, it is wire lead 33) extends from the light source 35 around the inner perimeter of the power-source chamber 21 to the bottom of the power source 41 as follows: from upper chamber wall to the left side wall then down to the 30 bottom chamber wall and then to the right. This wire lead 33 is in continuous communication with one terminal of the power source (for example purposes only, and not by way of limitation, the wire lead 33 communicates with the positive terminal on the bottom of the power source 41). Below the 35 power source 41 and inside the lid chamber 45 is a bias member
51. The bias member 51 is seated in the lid chamber 45 and is adapted to apply force on and/or support to the power source 41 such that the power source 41 does not and cannot easily move or translate from side to side (directions of arrows A or 5 B) unless external force is applied to overcome the force and support being applied by the bias member 51 to then cause such movement. Wire lead 34 from light source 35 in this example is the negative lead and seats in lead channel 34 of the underside of 10 the cartridge 21. As illustrated in Figure 1, this wire lead 34 is positioned well away from contact with the power source 41 when power source 41 is, by way of this example only, in the full right side position (moved fully in the direction of arrow B). This wire lead 34 is slightly downward angled left 15 of center such that, when the power source 41 is slid in the direction of arrow A, the top side (in this example, the negative terminal) of the power source 41 contacts this wire lead 34 thereby completing the circuit causing the light to power 'on'. When the power source is slid sufficiently in the 20 direction of arrow B. contact between the wire lead 34 and the negative terminal of the power source 41 is broken and light emission from the light source 35 will terminate. To prevent undesired contact between wire lead 33 (positive in this example) and the negative terminal of the power source (top in 25 this example) and undesired contact between wire lead 34 (negative lead in this example) and the negative terminal of the power source 41 (top in this example) an insulator has been inserted on the top (as viewed from the perception of Figure 1) of the power-source chamber 21 between the two wire 30 leads 33, 34 and the top of the power source 41. The insulator 46, however, should extend approximately up to wire lead 33 at a point where it is desired that the wire lead 33 come in contact with the top of the power 41 when the power source 41 is caused to move in direction A (in this example,
and not by way of limitation, this point is approximately where the downward angling of wire lead 33 begins).
The beverage accessory device is preferably formed from biologically safe material, such as, but not limited to, 5 polymers or any other material suited for the intended purpose which has properties suitable for placing it in contact with a material that is to be ingested and falls under the Food and Drug Administration food-contact grade properties. The beverage accessory device also could be manufactured from, or 10 filled with, a material capable of maintaining cold or heat if the beverage accessory device is cooled or heated as the case may be. As such, the beverage accessory device could impart such properties to a drink if desired. As stated earlier, the housing 11 may be hollow; that is, have a cavity within and 15 above the cartridge 12. In such cases, the cavity may be filled with a filler 18 such as, but not limited to, water, jell, powder, metals, heat-retaining materials, cold-retaining materials, and the like, all may be either colored or clear or translucent or any combination thereof. Depending on the 20 material used, such filler 18, if frozen or heated, could impart greater cooling or heating properties, respectively, than a solid housing 11. For cooling and heating properties, any commercially available material bearing cold-retaining or heat-retaining properties will suffice, such as, but not 25 limited to, materials generally used in re-usable ice-packs and heating pads. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that any filler suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these forms of fillers described above.
30 Having a solid inner housing 11 or a filler 18 within creates a negative buoyancy to the beverage accessory device.
Adjusting such combinations of filler 18 and/or solid inner housing 11 or retaining an unused cavity would generally create a positive buoyancy for the beverage accessory device.
35 Since the beverage accessory device could be used as a novelty
ice cube, its outer features could simulate the contours and somewhat curved corners of a real ice cube. It could resemble that of a melted or partially melted or melting ice cube complete with a convoluted exterior surface. Shape, for this 5 purpose, would enhance the pleasure of its use. Indicia, external or internal, could be displayed by the beverage accessory device. Such indicia could impart holiday themes, professional themes, promotional themes, sports related themes, and the like. Those skilled in the art, however, will 10 recognize that any theme suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these types of themes described above.
In an embodiment where the lid chamber 45 is somewhat or completely transparent, the portion of the bias member 51 15 which is exposed to the lid chamber 45 (bottom of bias member 51 for example) could contain any indicia which, as a result of the transparency of the lid chamber 45, is exposed to outside viewers. As above, such indicia also could impart holiday themes, professional themes, promotional themes, 20 sports related themes, and the like. This bottom of the bias member 51 could be of a glossy surface, a non-glossy surface, smooth, or textured, or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment where the inner housing 11 is a cavity, a display mechanism 16 is connected to any one or more side 25 walls or the top of the housing 11. The display mechanism is adapted to receive and hold, but is not limited to, a display placard, plaque, card, any two- or threedimensional objects, and the like, or any combination thereof which may convey a message, project an image or impression, or to merely bring 30 entertainment to the user of the beverage accessory device; to the user. Any display mechanism suited for the intended purpose will suffice, including, but not limited to, clips, slots, hooks, rollers, tabs, and the like. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that any display mechanism
suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these forms of display mechanisms described above.
The light source 35 can be any source which can illuminate the beverage accessory device and preferably the 5 surrounding environment into which the beverage accessory device is placed; into a drink (floating or not), in a planter, in a fish bowl, on a dinner table, at a picnic, and the like. Any light source 35 suited for the intended purpose will suffice, such as, but not limited to light-emitting 10 diodes (LED's), fiber optics, halogen, incandescent, laser, fluorescent, magnetic, and the like. It is preferred, however, that the light source 35 not impart excessive or undesired heat or temperature to the beverage accessory device and the surrounding liquid or drink. An LED is preferred, 15 however, those skilled in the art will recognize that any light source mechanism suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these forms of light source mechanisms described above.
The power source 41 contemplates any means of providing 20 energy to the light source 35 to thereby cause the light source 35 to emit light. An power source 41 suited for the intended purpose will suffice including, but not limited to, renewable batteries, rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, power cells, and the like. If rechargeable, such 25 power source 41 should be rechargeable by solar, magnetic, electrical, and chemical means, and the like or any combination thereof. The preferred embodiment directs that the power source 41 be fully contained within the beverage accessory device and not to be in contact with its external 30 environment. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that any power source mechanism suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these forms of power source mechanisms.
The bias member 51 may be comprised of any suitable 35 material or structure suited for the intended purpose such as,
but not limited to a spring, a resilient pad, a single piece of VELCRO material, a foam pad, a corrugated plate, a spring plate, and the like or any combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment a foam-like member 51 is used. A typical 5 foam-like member may be, but is not limited to, rubber, vinyl, polyethylene polyester, Styrofoam, and the like, or any combination thereof.
A single piece of VELCRO material 151 (that is, the hook side of a hookand-loop VELCRO, or the loop side of a hook-and-loop 10 VELCRO) may also be used (see Figure 4). In such case, a cover 153 would be placed on the VELCRO portion of this material. The VELCRO portions give this element the spring-
like quality necessary to apply pressure or force to the power source 41 to thereby, in the process, provide support for the 15 power source 41 within the power-source chamber 21 and prevent unwanted movement. Printed indicia, as explained above, would be on the reverse side 155. Figure 5 illustrates another type of bias member, that of a corrugated plate-like member 251.
What is necessary for the support is application of upward 20 force on the power source 41 to prevent it from moving when movement is not desired. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that any force applying mechanisms suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not limited to these forms of bias member mechanisms.
25 once the beverage accessory device is so constructed, a user would pick it up and strike an edge (for illustration purposes only, and not by way of limitation, we will adhere to relative positions of Figure 1). To illuminate the beverage accessory device, the user would move the beverage accessory 30 device in the direction of arrow A and strike the left side of the beverage accessory device on any suitable somewhat rigid surface. The force of this blow causes the power source 41 to slide from its right-most position, in the direction of arrow B to the left and cause the negative terminal of the power 35 source 41 to contact the negative lead wire 33. Light
thereupon is emitted. To turn off the light, the user strikes the right side of the beverage accessory device (direction of arrow B) causing the power source 41 to return to the right inside the power-source chamber 21. Contact between the 5 negative wire lead 33 and the negative terminal of the power source 41 is broken and the light thereupon extinguished.
Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that multiple switch mechanisms suited for the intended purposes, such as magnetic switches, mechanical switches, and electrical 10 switches, and the like, may be employed and are not limited to this translating-type switch mechanism.
Figures 6-10 illustrate a conventional 'push-button' type power switch device 63. What has been described before with regard to the beverage accessory device which bears the same 15 reference numerals for Figures 610 apply to this embodiment and are incorporated by reference. What distinguishes this embodiment from the previously discussed embodiment is the switch-facilitating mechanism comprising a mechanical switch device 63, on a foundation member 61, which is seated into a 20 ledge 65 in the lid chamber 45. Any conventional switch device 63 will suffice. For this embodiment, however, a push-button' style is preferred. Here the positive lead wire 33 from the light source 35 is hard-wired into the foundation member 61 and connected to the switch device 63. Reference 25 point 73 is the solder point for the positive lead wire 33 to the foundation member 61; reference point 74 is the solder point for the negative lead wire 34 to a clip-like member 84 which generally maintains constant contact with the power source 41. The power source 41 is held firmly in place 30 thereat and, when switch device 63 is switched on or off, the light source 35 goes on or off as the case may be.
The clip-like member 84 is configured such that it seats firmly on the power source 41. It must be understood, however, that though the negative wire lead 34 is shown to be 35 in constant contact with the power source 41 via the clip-like
member 84, this configuration may be reversed and the positive wire lead 33 may be in constant contact with the power source 41 via the clip-like member 84 instead.
The lid 14 in this embodiment has a lid chamber 45 with a 5 step or ledge 65. As was described, the foundation member 61, with switch device 63 in place, seats into the lid chamber 45 on the ledge 65. The switch device 63 is adjacent to the bottom of the lid chamber 45. The bottom of the lid chamber 45 here is relatively thin (or membrane-like 67) such that it 10 flexes to the touch and exertion of some external pressure.
The purpose of this resiliency and flexibility is to permit a user to contact the internal switch device 63 from the outside and to thereby switch the light source 35 'on' or 'off'.
Figure 6, reference character C (represented by phantom line) 15 illustrates the position of the thin layer 67 in its normal position; reference character D illustrates its position after external pressure is exerted on the thin layer 67.
The present disclosure includes that contained in the
present claims as well as that of the foregoing description.
20 As can be gleaned, the device has multiple functions. If constructed of water-tight integrity, it can be place into liquids. Whether or not of water-tight integrity, it can be used to enhance moods, provide visual pleasure or serenity, or provide numerous novelty-related results. If appropriate 25 fillers are used, it can also impart heating or cooling properties to its adjacent environment. Its external shape also can be altered to facilitate a particular use and it can provide and display messages to others. The principal use envisioned, however, is that of a simulated ice cube or ice 30 berg, of any size and shape, which is immersible in a liquid (to sink or float, depending on how constructed) and is illuminatable at will by a user.
Although this invention has been described in its preferred forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is 35 understood that the present disclosure of the preferred forms
has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the 5 invention should be determined not by the embodiment[s] illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. The invention claimed is:

Claims (5)

Claims
1. An illuminatable beverage accessory device comprising: 5 at least one light source; a housing; a cartridge disposed within the housing, the cartridge including a light-source chamber adapted to receive the light source, the cartridge further lo including a power-source chamber adapted to receive a power-source for powering the light source; a lid disposed adjacent the cartridge and engaged with the housing such that water-tight integrity is maintained within the housing, the lid including a lid is chamber mating with the power-source chamber to contain the power- source therein; a cavity within the housing; the illuminatable beverage accessory device being positively buoyant; and 20 the light source, when connected to the power source, illuminating at least a portion of a liquid when the illuminatable beverage accessory device is placed in the liquid.
25 2. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 1, further comprising: an externally flexible surface portion; and a push-button switching device for switchably connecting the light source to the power source, the 30 push-button switching device being positioned adjacent the externally flexible surface portion such that
application of external pressure upon the externally flexible surface portion activates the push-button switching device thereby causing operation of the light source. 3. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 2, wherein the externally flexible surface portion extends across and forms a bottom surface of the illuminatable beverage accessory device.
4. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: the lid includes a lid chamber and a ledge within the lid chamber; and 15 the push-button switching device is disposed on a foundation member seated on the ledge within the lid chamber. 5. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of 20 claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, further comprising a filler disposed within the cavity, the filler being adapted to at least one of: retain heat when the illuminatable beverage accessory device is heated; and 25 retain cold when the illuminatable beverage accessory device is cooled.
6. An illuminatable beverage accessory device, comprising: 30 at least one light source;
a housing adapted to receive the light source and a power source for powering the light source; a push-button switching device for switchably connecting the light source to the power source; and 5 the light source, when connected to the power source, illuminating at least a portion of a liquid when the illuminatable beverage accessory device is placed in the liquid.
lo 7. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 6, wherein: the housing includes an externally flexible surface portion; and the pushbutton switching device is positioned 15 within the housing adjacent the externally flexible surface portion such that application of external pressure upon the externally flexible surface portion activates the pushbutton switching device thereby causing operation of the light source.
8. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 7, wherein the externally flexible surface portion extends across and forms a bottom surface of the illuminatable beverage accessory device.
9. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 6, 7, or 8 wherein: the housing further comprises a lid, the lid including a lid chamber and a ledge within the lid 30 chamber; and
the push-button switching device is disposed on a foundation member seated on the ledge within the lid chamber. 5 10. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 6, 7, 8, or 9 wherein the housing is substantially solid. 11. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of JO claim 6, 7, 8, or 9 further comprising: a cavity within the housing; and a filler disposed within the cavity, the filler being adapted to retain heat when the illuminatable beverage accessory device is heated.
12. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 6, 7, 8, or 9, further comprising: a cavity within the housing; and a filler disposed within the cavity, the filler 20 being adapted to retain cold when the illuminatable beverage accessory device is cooled.
13. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of claim 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12, wherein the 25 illuminatable beverage accessory device is positively buoyant. 14. An illuminatable beverage accessory substantially as herein described with reference to the 30 accompanying drawings.
l! Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An illuminatable beverage accessory device comprising 5 at least one light source; a housing; a cartridge disposed within the housing, the cartridge including a light-source chamber adapted to receive the light source, the cartridge further lo including a power-source chamber adapted to receive a power-source for powering the light source; a lid disposed adjacent the cartridge and engaged with '-he housing such that water-tight integrity is maintained within the housing, the lid including a lid ]5 chamber mating with the power-source chamber to contain the power-source thereirl; a cavity within the housing; the illuminatable beverage accessory device being positively buoyant; and 20 the light source, when connected to the power source, illuminating at least a portion of a liquid when the illminatable beverage accessory device is placed in the liquid.
2.5 2. The illuminatable beverage accessory device of chair 1, Partner comprising: an externally flexible surface portion; and -,'.!h-b'''c,.. ^'iiciri.- device for s,^'ircnaby connecting the light source to the power source, the push-button switching device being positioned adjacent Eh,, "a-e! 1yT f],,,7 h] e S''f-, i-anti tea,
Lq application of external pressure upon the externally flexih] e surface portion act -Lvates the push-hutton switching device thereby causing operation of the light S CU r c e.
3. The il:I uminatable beverage accessory device of claim 2, wherein the externally f legible surface portion extends across and forms a bottom surf ace of the i llurninatable beverage accessory device.
4. The i lluminatable beverage accessory device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: the lid includes a lid chamber- and a ledge wit:rhir the lid chamber; and the pus--button switching device its disposed on a foundation member seated on the ledge within the lid charnbe r.
5. Tie il:l.uminatable beverage accessory device of 20 claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, further comprising a filler disposed within the cavity, the filler being adapted to at l east one of: retain heat when the illurninatablc beverage accessory device is ideated; and 25 retain cold when the illurninatable beverage accessory device ls cooled.
GB0326549A 2000-07-28 2001-05-23 Illuminatable beverage accessory device Expired - Fee Related GB2392973B (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/627,961 US6416198B1 (en) 1999-09-17 2000-07-28 Illuminatable beverage accessory device
GB0304307A GB2381575B (en) 2000-07-28 2001-05-23 Illuminatable beverage accessory device

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GB0326549D0 GB0326549D0 (en) 2003-12-17
GB2392973A true GB2392973A (en) 2004-03-17
GB2392973B GB2392973B (en) 2004-06-23

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Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US6824289B2 (en) 1999-09-17 2004-11-30 Carl R. Vanderschuit Beverage accessory device
US6874909B2 (en) 2003-01-13 2005-04-05 Carl R. Vanderschuit Mood-enhancing illumination apparatus
US6935761B2 (en) 2003-06-25 2005-08-30 Carl R. Vanderschuit Lighted hat
US7052167B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2006-05-30 Vanderschuit Carl R Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy
US7052154B2 (en) 2003-06-25 2006-05-30 Vanderschuit Carl R Lighted hat
US7063432B2 (en) 1999-09-17 2006-06-20 Vanderschuit Carl R Beverage accessory device
US7073917B2 (en) 2004-05-21 2006-07-11 Vanderschuit Carl R Illuminated implements for drinking and/or eating and related methods
US7077553B2 (en) 2003-03-11 2006-07-18 Vanderschuit Carl R Lighted balloons
US7311411B2 (en) 2003-10-10 2007-12-25 Vanderschuit Carl R Lighted items
US7452092B2 (en) 2003-06-25 2008-11-18 Vanderschuit Carl R Illuminated implements for drinking and/or eating and related methods
US8257416B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2012-09-04 Vanderschuit Carl R Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy

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US8827496B2 (en) 2011-01-11 2014-09-09 Carl R. Vanderschuit Illumination apparatus

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US6824289B2 (en) 1999-09-17 2004-11-30 Carl R. Vanderschuit Beverage accessory device
US7063432B2 (en) 1999-09-17 2006-06-20 Vanderschuit Carl R Beverage accessory device
US6874909B2 (en) 2003-01-13 2005-04-05 Carl R. Vanderschuit Mood-enhancing illumination apparatus
US7077553B2 (en) 2003-03-11 2006-07-18 Vanderschuit Carl R Lighted balloons
US6935761B2 (en) 2003-06-25 2005-08-30 Carl R. Vanderschuit Lighted hat
US7052154B2 (en) 2003-06-25 2006-05-30 Vanderschuit Carl R Lighted hat
US7452092B2 (en) 2003-06-25 2008-11-18 Vanderschuit Carl R Illuminated implements for drinking and/or eating and related methods
US7311411B2 (en) 2003-10-10 2007-12-25 Vanderschuit Carl R Lighted items
US7052167B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2006-05-30 Vanderschuit Carl R Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy
US8257416B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2012-09-04 Vanderschuit Carl R Therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy
US7073917B2 (en) 2004-05-21 2006-07-11 Vanderschuit Carl R Illuminated implements for drinking and/or eating and related methods

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