GB2527619A - A container wtih audio means - Google Patents

Abstract

The insulating container 10 for storing food and beverages has insulating faces and comprises: at least one loudspeaker 18 arranged so that sound propagates from at least one of the faces and a channel 20 so as to receive the speaker of a second container when one container is stacked with another (fig 6). A control means 24 receives a control signal and provides an input to the loudspeaker and a power supply that supplies power to the loudspeaker. At least one outer face of the container has a means adapted to engage with another similar container, thereby providing a greater combined volume from which sound is able to emanate; and a means for permitting communication between the control means of two or more containers.

Description

A container with audio means

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to container with audio means, in particular but not exclusively the invention relates to a container, such as a cool box, having loudspeakers to play music.

Background

Whilst outdoors or away from the home it is common take a supply of food and drink to be able to enjoy in an outdoor environment, for example at a picnic, when camping or at a beach party. Typically food and drinks may be carried in a cool box or cool bag in order to best preserve the food and to be able to provide cooled drinks.

Often there also a desire to be able to listen to music when at an outdoor location and people will carry a mobile device for use at an outdoor location such as sound system or a speaker dock for use with a mobile telephone or tablet. However often use of such devices outdoors is not desirable as there is a risk of damage and such equipment can be expensive.

Furthermore a user is required to carry such equipment along with other items such as a cool box to the outdoor location which can be difficult or problematic, in particular if the location is remote, without vehicle access such as a beach or if a user has children or a dog that must be looked after, possibly carried or led whilst walking to the location.

The present invention provides a means of carrying food and beverages and a means for providing audio output.

There have been a number of cool boxes with an in-built sound capability.

However, these have suffered from a variety of drawbacks including cost and ease of manufacture, ease of shipping, reliability and limited sound output.

PriorArt A number of cool boxes were developed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following. One is described at http:/ //www.kickstarter.com/projects/ryangrepper/coolest-cooler-21 st-century-cooler-thats-actually discloses a cool box with an integrated blender.

However, this device is complex and expensive.

An object of the present invention is to provide a cool box with an improved audio means which is suitable for playing music in open spaces and which can produce a louder volume of music.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cool box with improved transportation characteristics.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an insulating container for storing food and beverages which has insulating faces and comprises: at least one loudspeaker arranged so that sound propagates from at least one of the faces; a control means for receiving a control signal and for providing an input to the loudspeaker; a power supply that supplies power to the loudspeaker; wherein at least one outer face of the container has a means adapted to engage with another similar container, thereby providing a greater combined volume from which sound is able to emanate; and a means for permitting communication between the control means of two or more containers.

Preferably the control signal is a wireless signal received from a remote device. More preferably the control signal(s) is provided by Bluetooth (RTM).

Ideally the walls of the cool box are tapered so as to permit cool boxes to be stacked inside one another for stowage and transportation.

In this way the insulating container or container can be used to play music at any location and furthermore one container can be connected to other containers so as to enable one or more container to be operatively coupled.

The connection of more than one container together permits sound to couple between adjacent containers. In this way volume of sound produced can be enhanced.

In preferred arrangements of two or more containers will have a leader/follower model of communication wherein one container will serve as a leader container having unidirectional control over one or more other follower containers in the arrangement. In the way the leader container controls the control signals transmitted to and received from any follower containers.

Advantageously this enables control signals to be sent selectively to one or more follower containers. Furthermore the leader/follower configuration optionally allows the containers be synchronised and prevents conflicting control signals.

In some embodiments the leader container may send a signal simultaneously to two or more containers or may send different control signals to each or a selection of containers.

In other embodiments the leader may initiate a relay of signals passing a repeated signal from one container to another.

Preferably the container is substantially trapezoid having a displaceable lid so as to permit access to the container. Typically a base of the container is tapered from an opening of the container so that the opening is greater than the base. Advantageously this allows the lid can be displaced so as to allow the one container to be slotted or stacked within another. In this way multiple containers can be stacked and transported requiring lesser space.

In some embodiments the container may be adapted to receive wheels so as to enable the container to be easily rolled from one location to another.

Ideally the wheels are displaceable so that they can be removed when not required.

For example a frame may be provided for fitting to the container that includes at least two wheels arranged to interface the ground and a handle arranged to be readily grasped by a user so that the container can be rolled along whilst the user is holding the handle. The frame is sized and shaped to fit about the container so as to be able to safely and securely move the container.

In some embodiments the wheels may be integrated with the container.

Ideally the container may include a removable interior bucket that lines the container so as to allow contents to be removed from the container by removal of the bucket. Furthermore the bucket prevents leakage of liquids from contents stored within the container such as ice, therefore ensuring liquids are separated from the speakers and control means.

Typically the interior of the container may be shaped in order to provide storage for food and beverages. For example the container may be divided into sections forming separate compartments. In this way food types and drinks can be stored separately. Additionally it may also be possible to keep hot and cold items separately whilst the insulating properties of the container serve to limit or reduce rate of variation in temperate.

In some embodiments the interior may be shaped to receive items such as bottles or cans so as to allow drinks to be carried within the container in a particular orientation and to prevent them toppling over when carried or wheeled.

In yet further embodiments the container may accept displaceable dividers so that a user can change shape and position of compartments to accommodate different foods and beverages.

For example the interior or a container may be adapted to hold cans of drink, bottles of beer, bottles of wine, ice cubes or food.

The container walls include insulation so as to limit transfer or heat. In some embodiments interior parts of the container such as the bucket and dividers may also include insulation.

In preferred embodiments the container includes connection means arranged on an outer face of the device so as enable one container to be stacked atop another when the lid is fixed to the container.

For example the lid may be adapted to receive the base of a second container.

The connection means may comprise a series of predefined protrusions and indentations that are adapted to inter-engage one with another.

Alternatively or additionally the connection means may comprise corresponding surface on an outer face of the base and outer face of the lid that include castellations, wave, undulating or dimpled surfaces.

In some embodiments the base may include at least one foot and the lid may include at least one corresponding recess to accept the at least one foot so as to enable containers to be connected by engagement of the foot and recess.

In a preferred embodiment the container may include four feet, one arranged at each corner of the base and a lid having four corresponding recesses for receiving each of the four feet.

The foot or feet may also serve to elevate the container from a surface upon which it is placed in use in order to enhance transmission of sound. Ideally the feet are hard wearing a durable so as to provide a stable base for the container.

In some embodiments the feet may be formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber for enhance grip to a surface and to provide a secure friction fitting with corresponding recesses on a lid.

Alternatively the foot or feet may include resiliently deformable portions, or may include a resiliently deformable coating.

Advantageously when the containers are not stacked one atop another the lid may be connected to the base of the same container in order to secure the lid in a fixed position whilst the container is open. This may also serve to elevate the container further from a surface for improved propagation of sound from the speakers.

Advantageously the connection means enables one container to be securely positioned upon another container in such as way that they are stacked and thereby prevent from being displaced without being intentionally lifted from the container upon which placed.

In this way the containers may be stacked to provide a tower capable of emitting sound.

In some embodiments the connecting means provided on the lid may be located on an inner face of the lid so that the lid must be removed and inverted in order to enable the connection means to be engaged.

Advantageously the lid therefore may have a smooth outer face when transported.

In some embodiments the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers may include at least one terminal to receive a connection, lead or wire so as to permit communication between two or more other container(s). In this way containers can be hardwired together so as to enable communication between the containers.

In another embodiment the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver. In this way the containers do not need to be physically connected but may instead be positioned at different locations within a predefined range so that signals can be transmitted between the containers.

In yet further embodiments the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers includes an inductive coupling system receiver so as to enable one or more container to be positioned adjacent one another without being physically connected.

It is appreciated that any one container may include one or more means for permitting communication. For example a container may be capable of being hardwired to another container or have means to allow a wireless connection.

The control means facilitate the receipt and transmission of control signals so as to allow sound to be emitted through the speakers of one or more containers.

The control means are provided on an outer face of the container so as to be easily accessible to a user and as not to interfere with the storage capacity of the container.

Preferably the control means is waterproof so as to be suitable for outdoor use.

Typically the signals will permit music to be played although it is appreciated the speakers may be used to transmit sound of any kind. For example the container may be used for karaoke wherein the container is also capable of communication with a microphone so that a user's voice can be played through the speakers.

Preferably the control means includes a volume controller so that a user can control the volume or the speaker(s). In some embodiments the volume of each speaker may be controlled separately for example have a separate volume controller for each loudspeaker.

In some preferred embodiments the speakers are waterproof so as to be suitable for outdoor use.

Ideally the control means may also include a jack for receiving an input, for example a 3mm jack for connecting to a device such as a mobile telephone, microphone, headphone or other non Bluetooth (RTM) device.

In preferred embodiments the jack may be provided on an alternative part of the container.

Additionally the control means may include a universal serial bus (USB) port for connecting to another device and/or for charging purposes. It is appreciated that the USB port may be provided on any face of the container.

In some embodiments the control means may be removable from the container.

In some embodiments each speakers may be configured so as to transmit at different ranges of frequency thereby providing a greater depth of sound. For example one container may have two speakers each of which is configured to operate at a different frequency.

Additionally or alternatively when using more than one container each container may include speakers that operate at different frequencies so that when the containers are used together a more sophisticated sound system is provided.

For example three container may be connected by connecting means wherein a first container includes at least one woofer speaker, a second container includes at least one mid-range speaker and a third container includes at least one tweeter. In this way the range of frequencies, from low to high, is emitted from the communicating speakers. Furthermore this would enable the containers to provide a sound system so as to create audio depth such as a Surround-Sound (RTM) system.

In preferred embodiments the signals are provided to the control means from an electronic device such as a mobile telephone, tablet or computer.

Preferably the control means may be capable of receiving signals from more than one device. In this way the container can be operated remotely.

Advantageously therefore if the battery runs out on a one device a second device could be used to send signals to the device.

Advantageously the container can be used in an outdoor environment wherein signals are transmitted from a remote device that can be kept located so as not to be exposed to the elements. For example the device may be used to initiate playing of music and then may be stored in a user's pocket or back so that it protected from sun, rain, wind etc. Preferably the control signals are transmitted from the electronic device to the control means by Bluetooth (RTM). Advantageously the Bluetooth (RTM) components are preferably integrated with the container so as to integral to the container.

Alternatively the control means may include an Internet connection so as to allow signals to be transmitted through a wireless network to and from the control means.

In preferred embodiments the receiving means includes the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers that is adapted to synchronise output of the loudspeakers.

In some preferred embodiments the container includes at least one displaceable panel arranged on an outer face of the container.

Preferably the container includes a displaceable panel on two sides of the container and preferably on two opposing sides of the container.

The displaceable panel may include text and/or images so as to display information such as advertising or to including branding. In this way the container can be personalised.

Typically the panel is lightweight and durable so as to not significantly increase the weight of the container and so as to be suitable for repeated use.

For example the panel may be formed from a synthetic plastic.

In some embodiments the panel is hingeably attached to the container so that it may be displaced whilst still remaining connected to the container.

In other embodiments the panel may be attached to the container by clips, interlocking means or hook and loop means such as Velcro (RTM).

In yet further embodiments the panel may be attached to the container by means of at least runner that enables the panel to be slid on to and from the container.

The panel may be provided to perform a variety of functions. Furthermore various panels may be provided so as to perform a particular use or function.

For example a panel may be provided for charging electronic devices such as mobile telephones or tablets wherein the panel provides a surface upon which the device can be placed on whilst charging from the containers power supply.

The panel may be shaped to provide a tray for food and beverages, for example it may have recesses shaped to accept drink receptacles, crockery and cutlery.

The panel may provide a plafform for a game for example providing a chess board or a snakes and ladders board.

The panel may also include storage means such as pockets, mesh panels, multiple compartments or stands for items such as a mobile telephone, wallet, jewelry or equipment such as fishing tackle, keys etc. In some embodiments the panel may be displaced so as to provide a surface upon which objects can be supported or under which objects can be sheltered, for example being sheltered from the sun.

The container includes a power supply so as to provide power for the control means and speakers. Typically the power supply is provided by at least one battery.

In a preferred embodiment three AA batteries are used to power the control means.

Ideally the battery or batteries may be rechargeable and preferably the battery or batteries may be rechargeable in-situ wherein a power cable is connected to the battery/batteries within the container typically by means of a battery housing.

In some embodiment the battery housing, or housing, may be removable so that the housing and battery/batteries can be removed and charged remotely from the container and/or replaced with a spare housing and battery/batteries.

In some embodiments the housing may be attached to or integrated with the control means so as to provide a combined unit. Ideally the unit can be removed from the container so as to allow replacement and repair of any parts such as the battery/batteries.

In some embodiments the container may include a photovoltaic cell for generating energy to charge a battery. Preferably the photovoltaic cell may be provided on the at least one panel. Advantageously the photovoltaic cell may be provided on an inner face of the panel so that is it only exposed when the panel is displaced. In this way the photovoltaic cell is protected during transport.

In preferred embodiments the container is provided with instructions regarding use of the container.

Preferable the control means are operable through a software application or app'.

The app will enable a user to send signals and/or data to the control means.

The signals or data may include audio signals for music, transfer of data for example to upload or download information to and from the Internet.

This will enable a user to be able to stream music from an online source as well as from a memory means such as a mobile telephone or tablet.

The app may also be capable of linking to websites to obtain or update information, for example to upload a post to social media to download a weather forecast.

The app may also include a Karaoke function so as to enable words for songs to be provided, may have quiz or challenge options so as to enable group activities and games to be played.

The app may also facilitate purchase of the container and any accessories such as panels or speaker covers. The app may also enable a user to personalise their container by uploading a photo that can be reproduce on the container or an accessory, for example on a panel or speaker cover.

Advantageously the app will include a login feature so that the device sending signals to the control means is controlled. For example the app may prevent a second user sending signals to the container whilst it is in the command of a first user. The app may be able to initiate/control the leader/follower communication mode by designating the available containers in a preferred configuration. The app will also enable a user controlling a leader container to shift leadership from the leader container to a follower container.

Typically the app may require a user to use a password or passcode so as to be able to link to the control means.

The app may have a sharing option to allow a user of a leader container to select one or more other follower containers to also be a leader container. In this way two or more container can control a network of containers at any one time.

Preferably the container is made from a strong, lightweight, durable material.

For example the container may be made from a synthetic plastics material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a similar polymer.

In other embodiments the container may be made from or made include positions formed from carbon fibre, metal, rubber or wood.

Ideally the container provided in a range of colours, patterns and materials so that a user is able to personalise their container.

Advantageously parts of the container are interchangeable so as to further personalise the container. For example the parts or accessories may include speakers, speaker covers, handles, control means and panels. These accessories may all be exchanged in order to alter appearance of the container and or to alter the functionality of the container.

It is envisaged that when a user purchased the container they will have the option to select colours, patterns and materials at point of purchase.

Preferably and online purchase and payment channel will be provided. For example the container may be purchased through a website and payment completed through PayPal (RIM).

The container may be provided in a range of sizes for example in a small, medium and large so as to alter the storage space provided by the container and in additional the size and optionally the quality of the speakers.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1A shows an overview of a preferred embodiment of the insulating container; Figure 1 B shows a control means located on a side face of the container; Figure 2 shows three containers in a stacked arrangement; Figure 3 shows a container having displaceable panel on two opposed sides; Figure 4 shows a selection of displaceable panels; Figures 5A, SB and SC show various leader and follower configurations of containers; and Figure 6 shows an example of seven stacked containers.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, these show preferred embodiments of the insulating container.

Figure 1A shows a trapezoid container 10 having a displaceable lid 12 and a handle 14 for carrying the container.

The lid 12 is rectangular and fits in a rectangular opening on an upper face 16 of the container.

The base 18 of the container is tapered from the upper face 16 so as to enable a second container to be stacked within first container.

The handle 14 attaches to each side of the container 10 by means of a pair of hinges (not shown) so as to allow the handle 14 to pivot.

The lid 12 includes four circular recesses 13. The recesses are for receiving four circular feet (not shown) of a container so as to allow the feet and lid to engage.

The circular recesses 13 may also be used as beverage holders.

The container 10 includes a pair of speakers 18 mounted on opposing sides of the container. The speaker includes a displaceable speaker cover 19. The side of the container on which the speaker is mounted is shaped to include a channel 20 so as to receive the speaker of a second container when one container is stacked within another.

A pair of displaceable panels 22 are provided on opposing sides of the container (opposing sides that to not house the speakers). The displaceable panels 22 are attached parallel and substantially flush to a side wall of the container.

Figure lB shows a control means 24 for controlling volume of the speakers and communication between the container and a remote device. The control means comprises a volume button 24A for a first speaker, a volume button 24B for a second speaker, and Bluetooth (RTM) button 24C and a power button 24D.

A user is able to control the signals sent to and from the control means and the volume of any audio output either by using the control means provided on the container or by using a remote device to send or receive a message from the control means.

Figure 2 shows three containers in a stacked arrangement wherein the containers are stacked one upon another. The containers secured to one another by engagement of the feet (not shown) that are received by the circular recesses 13.

The lid can be locked in position so as to further stabilise the tower of containers.

Figure 3 shows a container having a pair of displaceable panels wherein the panels are displaced from the sides of the container whilst remaining attached to the container.

Each panel 22 is arranged to fit within a pair of parallel runners so as to allow the panel to be slid on to or from the container.

The panel can be locked in positions along the runners so as to fix the panels 22 at the desired location. In this way the panels can also be used to elevate the container from the ground wherein the panels 22 serve as legs to elevate the container from a surface, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows a selection of displaceable panels 22 wherein each panel 22 can be use for different purposes. Therefore a user can exchange panels depending upon use required.

A mesh panel is shown that can be used to support and/or secure lightweight items. The panel has a frame 22A and a mesh 22B arranged across the frame. For example a phone or keys could e supported by the mesh.

A panel for playing a board game such as chess or draughts is shown 22C.

A panel have designated areas for cutlery and crockery is shown 22D so that a user use the panel as a surface for eating a meal from.

A panel 22 include a photovoltaic cell 22E is shown. In this way the panels can be used to generate energy to power the container.

A panel having multiple compartments is also shown 22F. This panel can be used to store various small items for example items of fishing tackle.

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show various leader and follower configurations of a set of containers.

Figure 5A shows a leader container L that sends and receives signals from six follower containers (Fl -F6).

Figure 5B shows a configuration wherein the leader container L sends and receives signals to six follower containers (Fl -F6).

Advantageously the configurations of Figures 5A and SB enable continued audio output even if one container fails, for example if a battery runs out or speaker breaks.

Figure SC shows a relay configuration wherein signals are passed in a chain from one container to another.

Advantageously this would enable a chain of containers to be set up over a distance, for example along a walkway or road, wherein signals are passed from one container to a next container in the chain and so forth so as to transmit audio over a greater area.

Figure 6 shows seven containers stacked together wherein a leader container L is in communication with six follower containers (Fl -F6).

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims (29)

1. Claims 1. An insulating container for storing food and beverages has insulating faces and comprises: at least one loudspeaker arranged so that sound propagates from at least one of the faces; a control means for receiving a control signal and for providing an input to the loudspeaker; a power supply that supplies power to the loudspeaker; wherein at least one outer face of the container has a means adapted to engage with another similar container, thereby providing a greater combined volume from which sound is able to emanate; and a means for permitting communication between the control means of two or more containers.
2. 2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the control signal is a wireless signal received from a remote device.
3. 3. A container according to claim 2 wherein the control signal(s) is provided by Bluetooth (RIM) device.
4. 4. A container according to claims 1, 2 or 3 where one container in a group of containers can be designated a leader container capable of passing control signals to, or receiving control signals from one or more follower containers.
5. 5. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the containers have connection means so as enable one container to be stacked atop another.
6. 6. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the connection means comprises a series of predefined protrusions and indentations that are adapted to inter-engage one with another.
7. 7. A container according to claim 2 wherein the connection means comprises castellations.
8. 8. A container according to claim 2 wherein the connection means comprises wavy or undulating surfaces.
9. 9. A container according to claim 2 wherein the connection means comprises dimpled surfaces.
10. 10.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the container has a displaceable lid.
11. 1l.A container according to claim 7 wherein the lid may be inverted to expose connection means for receiving a second container.
12. 12.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers includes at least one terminal to receive a connection, lead or wire so as to permit communication between two or more other container(s).
13. 13.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver.
14. 14.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers includes an inductive coupling system receiver.
15. 15.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the receiving means includes the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers.
16. 16.A container according to any preceding claim including a displaceable panel arranged on an outer face of the container.
17. 17.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the power supply comprises at least one battery.
18. 18.A container according to any preceding claim including at least one foot for elevating the container off a surface.
19. 19.A container according to claim 13 wherein the connecting means comprises at least one recess on a first device for receiving at least one foot of a second device.
20. 20.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the displaceable panel includes text and/or images on at least one face.
21. 21.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the panel is hingeably attached to the container so as to be partially displaced to provide a substantially horizontal surface upon which items can be placed.
22. 22.A container according to any preceding claim including a means for operating the control means remotely.
23. 23.A container according to any preceding claim including a displaceable handle.
24. 24.A container according to any preceding claim including displaceable speaker covers.
25. 25.A container according to any preceding claim including waterproof speakers.
26. 26.A container according to any preceding claim operable by means of a software application on a separate electronic device.
27. 27.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means adapted to engage with another similar container promotes acoustic coupling between adjacent containers.
28. 28.A set comprising two or more containers according to any of claims 2 to 27 wherein the control signal controls two or more speakers so that the outputs of the loudspeakers are synchronised.
29. 29.A container as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. An insulating container for storing food and beverages has insulating faces and comprises: at least one loudspeaker arranged so that sound propagates from at least one of the faces; a control means for receiving a control signal and for providing an input to the loudspeaker; a power supply that supplies power to the loudspeaker; wherein at least one outer face of the container has a means adapted to engage with another similar container, thereby permitting sound to couple between adjacent containers; and a means for permitting communication between the control means of two or more containers.2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the control signal is a wireless signal received from a remote device.IC') 3. A container according to claim 2 wherein the control signal(s) is provided by Bluetooth (RIM) device.i---4. A container according to claims 1, 2 or 3 where one container in a 0 20 group of containers can be designated a leader container capable of passing control signals to, or receiving control signals from one or more follower containers.5. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the containers have connection means so as enable one container to be stacked atop another.6. A container according to any preceding claim wherein the connection means comprises a series of predefined protrusions and indentations that are adapted to inter-engage one with another.7. A container according to claim 2 wherein the connection means comprises castellations.8. A container according to claim 2 wherein the connection means comprises wavy or undulating surfaces.9. A container according to claim 2 wherein the connection means comprises dimpled surfaces.10.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the container has a displaceable lid.1l.A container according to claim 7 wherein the lid may be inverted to expose connection means for receiving a second container.12.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers includes at least one terminal to receive a connection, lead or wire so as to permit IC) communication between two or more other container(s).0 13.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver.14.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers of the at least two containers includes an inductive coupling system receiver.15.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the receiving means includes the means for permitting communication between the loudspeakers.16.A container according to any preceding claim including a displaceable panel arranged on an outer face of the container.17.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the power supply comprises at least one battery.18.A container according to any preceding claim including at least one foot for elevating the container off a surface.19.A container according to claim 13 wherein the connecting means comprises at least one recess on a first device for receiving at least one foot of a second device.20.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the displaceable panel includes text and/or images on at least one face.21.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the panel is hingeably attached to the container so as to be partially displaced to LC*) provide a substantially horizontal surface upon which items can be placed. ri---22.A container according to any preceding claim including a means for 0 20 operating the control means remotely.23.A container according to any preceding claim including a displaceable handle.24.A container according to any preceding claim including displaceable speaker covers.25.A container according to any preceding claim including waterproof speakers.26.A container according to any preceding claim operable by means of a software application on a separate electronic device.27.A container according to any preceding claim wherein the means adapted to engage with another similar container promotes acoustic coupling between adjacent containers.28.A set comprising two or more containers according to any of claims 2 to 27 wherein the control signal controls two or more speakers so that the outputs of the loudspeakers are synchronised.29.A container as substantially herein described with reference to the figures. IC) rN