MXPA05013319A - Container with light or sound generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (10), for example a drinks bottle, comprises means of producing an output such as a light signal (13) when the container is opened. Opening the container (10) causes switching of a detector circuit (20) included in the container (10), which in turn causes production of the output signal. Removing a cap (11) of the container (10) may directly close or open a switch (21, 22) within a detector circuit (20). Alternatively the switch (21, 22) may be activated by a change in pressure within the container, or by temperature. The output signal may cause illumination of the contents of the container (10) by an LED (13), or of a label (125) on the container (10), which may be constructed by an electroluminescent device (127) comprising a thin sheet of electroluminescent material.

Description

CONTAINER WITH LIGHT OR SOUND GENERATOR The present invention relates to containers, and in particular to portable beverage containers. There is a lot of competition between manufacturers of different brands of products to attract their target consumers. Manufacturers not only rely on the qualities of the products themselves, but on the design of the containers in which the products are packaged to attract the consumer. This can be achieved in many ways, for example by a labeling full of color or attractive to the eye or by designing the shape or style of the container itself. This can be applied in particular where the container is integral with the product itself, for example a container in which edible articles or beverages can be contained. EP 1 155 972 describes a perfume container having means for generating a sound or a light signal that can be activated at different times. The perfume container can include LEDs, which can define a figure or symbol on the container's cover when they are activated. Activation occurs by means of a closing element operating a microint switch when the container is opened. Alternatively, the LEDs can be activated when the container is lifted from a surface. The present invention seeks to provide an output signal, which can be a visual or sensory indication to a consumer in the opening, or other handling, of a container. According to a first aspect of the present invention a portable container is provided for fluid contents including light emitting means, means for detecting events, a source of autonomous power and connecting means for connecting the light emitting means with the means for detecting events and the energy source, such that in a detection of one or more predetermined events the light is emitted, wherein the container is at least partially made of a material capable of transmitting light, wherein the light emitting means are arranged for be able to illuminate the contents of the container. This arrangement allows automatic illumination of the contents of a container in the detection of a particular event. The effect achieved is a significant visual indication to a consumer, and can encourage the consumer to perform the event required for the emission of light and hence the illumination of the contents of the container. Preferably the contents are illuminated substantially evenly. This provides a particularly effective visual indication to the consumer. In the preferred embodiment the container is arranged in normal use such that after the detection of an event, light is emitted until the energy source runs out. This allows the container to be used in circumstances where it would be disposed of substantially immediately after the visual effect has been provided and for short-term use (for example, in a beverage bottle). Also, since there is no need to turn off the power source after it has been activated, the switch can be simple. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting means includes an electrical or electronic circuit, and the event is detected by the opening or closing of the circuit. This provides a simple mechanism for the detection of event links with light emission. The connection means preferably. they include substantially transparent electrically conductive means, which may comprise conductive transparent oxide material. This allows the circuit to be arranged around the outside of the container in a substantially invisible manner. In preferred embodiments, the activating event encompasses the container opening. This can be detected by a change in pressure, or by the removal of an insulating tongue. This provides simple mechanisms to detect when the container has been opened. This characteristic causes the illumination of the contents of the container once the container has been opened, and in effect it provides a lighting effect while the container is in use. The activating event may comprise exposure to a specific temperature or range of temperatures. This could be used to inform a consumer when the product has reached the correct temperature for consumption, or if the product has been exposed to a harmful temperature. The activating event may comprise exposure to an agnetic field. This would allow activation of the lighting effect by proximity to a magnet. This could be done by someone who sells the container to supply the effect to a consumer, or by the consumer himself to supply the effect when desired. The activating event could receive an external signal. Such an external signal could be in the form of wireless or radio frequency communication. The external signal could originate from a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant. This allows remote activation of a container. The activating event could be the removal of the container from a surface. This could be detected by the release of a switch at the base of the container. This would allow the lighting of the contents only during the period in which they are in fact being consumed. The activating event could be touch detection or close approach to the container by a person. The effect of this is that the contents of the container could be made to light up while being held by the consumer. The light emitting means may include at least one light emitting diode (LED). LEDs have low power requirements. The light emitting means may comprise an electroluminium device or a substantially flat light emitting element. These can be extremely thin and flexible and allow animated exhibitions. In the preferred embodiment, the light emitting means is placed in a slot external to the container. This prevents contact with the contents of the container. The energy source can also be placed in the slot. Alternatively, where a substantially flat-shaped battery is used as the energy source, it may be applied against a substantially planar surface of a container, such as the lower surface or a curved side surface of a bottle; such a battery would sit slightly off the surface of the bottle, in the manner of a label.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a portable container including light emitting means, means for detecting events, a source of autonomous power and connecting means for connecting the light emitting means with the means for detecting events and the source of energy, such that in the detection of one or more predetermined events the light is emitted, wherein the light emitting means comprises an electroluminent device. The electroluminicente devices are extremely adaptable to the required use, and can be manipulated to fit the container in the required location. In the preferred embodiment, the event is the container opening. The container may include a symbol or logo, and the symbol or logo is illuminated. This allows the illumination of the name of the brand and / or the label of the container, which can help the advertising of the product. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a portable container arranged in normal use to be opened only once, including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting the container opening, a source of autonomous power and connection means for connecting the means for producing an output signal with the means for detecting the opening of the container and the power source, such that an output signal is emitted at the opening of the container. This container can be used for purposes where containers would generally be placed after a single use, for example, for a beverage bottle. These uses tend to be of relatively short duration. Preferably the container is arranged such that after the opening of the container, the output signal is emitted until the energy source is exhausted. This prevents the output signal from lasting longer than necessary. This arrangement also allows the use of a small deposed source and a simple circuit. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a portable container is provided including means for producing an output signal, a removable isolation tab, a stand-alone power source and connection means for connecting the means to produce an output signal with the removable tongue and the energy source, wherein the removable tongue is arranged such that in the removal of the insulating tongue, a circuit comprising the connecting means, the means for producing an output signal and the energy source is closed and a signal of output is issued. The insulating tongue prevents the termination of the circuit when it is in place, thereby preventing the production of an output signal and the depletion of the power source. The removal of the tongue allows the completion of the circuit and the production of the output signal. The tongue may or may not be located in a closing element of the container, depending on how the activation of the container will be achieved to produce the output signal. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a portable container is provided including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting temperature, a source of autonomous power and connection means for connecting the means for producing an output signal with the means for detecting temperature and the energy source, so that in the detection of exposure to a predetermined specific temperature or range of temperatures an output signal is emitted. This arrangement can inform a consumer if the product is at the correct temperature for consumption, or if it has been exposed to temperatures that make it unsafe. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a portable container is provided including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting exposure to a magnetic field, a source of autonomous power and connection means for connecting the means for producing a output signal with the means to detect a magnetic field and the power source, so that in the detection of exposure to a magnetic field of a predetermined force an output signal is emitted. This arrangement will allow a consumer or another person (such as a vendor) to activate the production of an output signal by attracting a magnet to the proximity of the container. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a portable container is provided including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting reception of an external signal, a source of autonomous power and connection means for connecting the means for producing an output signal. output signal with the means for detecting reception of an external signal and the power source, so that in the detection of reception of an external signal an output signal is emitted. This arrangement allows remote activation of an output signal. The external signal can be a form of wireless or radio frequency communication. The external signal can originate from a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, or a radio transmission. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a portable container is provided including means for producing an output signal, means for sensing touch or close approach to the container by a person, a source of autonomous power and connecting means for connecting the means for producing an output signal with the means to detect touch or close approach to the container by a person and the source of energy, so that in the detection of touch or close approach to the container by a person an output signal is emitted. A consumer may be able to cause the production of an exit signal simply by touching or being near the container. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a portable container is provided including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting events, a stand-alone power source and connection means for connecting the means to produce an output signal with means for detecting events and the energy source, so that in the detection of one or more predetermined events an output signal is emitted, the connection means include substantially transparent electrically conductive means. In this arrangement, the connection means can be arranged outside the container while remaining substantially invisible to the consumer, even in a transparent container. In the preferred embodiment, the substantially transparent electrically conductive means comprise transparent conductive oxide material, which combines the electrical conductivity with high relative transparency (transmissibility). In the preferred embodiment, the activating event comprises the opening of the container. This provides an incentive for the consumer to buy the product and open it, to cause the production of the output signal. Preferably, the output signal is light. This allows a significant visual indication to be provided in a public place not only to the consumer but also to other people in the vicinity, without interfering with the environment of other people. The container may include a symbol or logo, and the symbol or logo is illuminated. This can help in a manufacturer's advertising. Additionally / alternatively, the container can be at least partially made of a material capable of transmitting light and the light emitting means are arranged to be able to illuminate the contents of the container. This provides an attractive effect for the container. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross section of a bottle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view on a reduced scale of a bottle according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the bottle of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the terminals of a modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3; Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a further modification of the bottle of Figs. 1 to 3; Figure ßa is a diagram showing an additional modification of the bottle of figures 1 to 3; Figure 6b is a convenient circuit diagram for the modification of Figure 6a; Figure 7 is a diagram showing a further modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3; Figures 8a and 8b are a diagram showing a further modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3 wherein the bottle is resting on a surface, Figure 8a, and in which the surface has already been lifted, Figure 8b; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a bottle incorporating a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle of Fig. 9; Figure 11 is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle of Figure 9; Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle of Fig. 9; Figure 13 is a diagram showing a replaceable lid according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows a disposable bottle 10, which contains a drink, sealed by a lid 11. Figure 2 shows the same bottle with the lid removed. The bottle is made of a translucent material. The bottle has a slit 12 in its base, in which the LED 13 and the flat batteries 14 are located. The LED 13 and the batteries 14 do not extend below the base of the bottle 10 making sure that the bottle can rest from a Stable way in your base. A transistor switch circuit 20 is located on the outer surface of the bottle and covered by a label (not shown). Electrical conductors 15 for the circuit are located on the outer surface of the bottle and extend to the lid 11. In this embodiment, the electric conductors 15 are of a transparent conductive oxide material such as the Indian tin oxide (otherwise known) as tin oxide doped indium or ITO). Another convenient material is zinc oxide doped with aluminum. These materials combine electrical conductivity with relatively high transparency (transmissibility). The lid 11 of the bottle, when in place, makes connection between the electrical conductors 15 on the upper part of the bottle (see figure 3), the connection being broken when the bottles are opened by the removal of the lid. The ends 324 of the electrical conductors 15 serve as connections for the control and the power circuit. The power circuit is implemented with surface mountable components. The current requirements and the energy dissipation of the necessary devices are minimal for current low lighting; The control circuit is therefore small and unobtrusive and could be implemented as a fully integrated circuit. The terminals (not shown) of the circuit 20 are electrically connected to each other by a conductive lid 11 of the bottle 10 when the lid is applied to the bottle during manufacture. In use, the bottle is of substantially conventional appearance prior to opening. That is, it can be difficult or impossible for a consumer to distinguish the bottle from a similar bottle that is not capable of emitting light. In the opening of the bottle of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the electrical circuit through the lid is opened. This causes the closing of the course of the LED circuit and the emission of blue light by the LED. The non-specific location of the LED in the base causes uniform illumination of the contents, such that the contents seem to glow independently of the bottle. In this mode, once the bottle has been opened, it is not possible to reform the circuit and reactivate the lighting effect. Therefore, lighting can be activated only once. In this mode, the effect lasts for approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on the duration of the batteries (that is, until the battery power is exhausted). There are several advantages of the arrangements described above. The container can be subjected to cold and humid environments and thus is suitable for beverages that are commonly cooled in reflectors, or even submerged in buckets of ice water. The devices used, including all electronics, are designed to withstand these environments and therefore can be encapsulated so that the operation of the electronics is not affected when in contact with water and moisture. Manufacturers may wish to visually improve containers for many reasons, including product promotion, advertising, point of sale, competition-based campaigns, and general marketing purposes. It could be particularly useful for the launch of a new brand. "Seasonal" promotion may be desired in certain periods of the year (Christmas, for example). This type of visual improvement can be used for specific target consumers. For example, it could attract certain consumers to drink beer. Although there would be an initial adjustment cost to supply containers as described above, large-scale production cost will be extremely small. Current manufacturers would be able to easily adapt their facilities to produce such containers. In addition, this arrangement has the advantage that the drivers are substantially invisible and thus do not detract from the aesthetic view or the artistic design of the bottle. There are several modifications that can be made to the modality previously described. It is particularly conceivable that the bottle contains an alcoholic beverage such as an "alcopop", also known as RTD (ready to drink) or FMB (flavored malt beverage), or beer, although, depending on the purpose for which the present system is used the contents can be any, solid (for example, a powder), liquid, paste, gel, or pressurized gas, ranging from food products to toxic or dangerous substances. The invention can be used in other types of containers, for example, jars, packaging boxes, packages, vesicles, bags, pasta dispensers or canisters that are at least partially or completely translucent or transparent. The best effect is obtained from a container made of a translucent material such as frosted glass, or having translucent contents, due to the effect of diffusion in the emitted light. However, transparent containers or contents can also be used, especially for other purposes than visual improvement. The container could be made of any form of plastic (for example, PET or PETE). The container does not necessarily need to be disposable. Alternative embodiments of the invention may include a cap that is replaceable. In particular, replacing the cover could cause the opening of the LED circuit, and a cessation of light emission. In this way, containers can be designed to communicate information related to the security of their contents or the state of the container itself, particularly where the contents are dangerous, volatile or perishable. For example, the LED can be activated if the lid of a product is not properly placed, for example, in medicine bottles where the childproof covers are not properly placed, or in containers containing hazardous or degradable materials. The opening of the bottle can be detected in other ways than by a simple physical break of the circuit by the removal of the lid as described above. This is detected by the opening of the circuit in the mode of Figures 1 to 4. However,, other methods of detection of opening of the bottle can be contemplated. For example, the event can be detected by closing the electronic circuit. Figure 4 shows the neck of the bottle 10 and the lid 11 of a modified bottle. In this embodiment, a strip of insulating material 51 is attached to the lid 11 of the bottle 10 and separates the electrical terminals 21, 22. The opening of the bottle causes the removal of the insulation strip and therefore the closing of the circuit . The opening of the bottle could be detected by a change in pressure. For example, if the contents of the bottle are carbonated, the pressure inside the closed bottle can act on a device, such as a membrane switch. With an area of the bottle chosen to be flexible, a membrane switch, or any other type of pressure sensor, it can be adjusted to respond to the change in internal pressure inside the bottle, when the access seal is broken, in this way supplying a method of interacting the opening action of the bottle with a circuit. In the withdrawal of the lid 11, the pressure inside the bottle falls, and the contacts are thus brought together by closing the circuit. The activation by the change in pressure can also serve to indicate an unintentional opening or leakage of the container while in storage. The embodiment of Figure 4 could be modified such that there is a conductive strip (better than an insulating strip) that is removed in the opening of the bottle and the circuit is opened instead of being closed. The removal of the cap or cap of the container is not the only activating event that can be detected to activate the emission of light. The activating event may be the removal of a sheet of metal from around the neck of the bottle. Depending on the configuration of the circuit, other examples of activating events can be contemplated. An insulating tab 84 could be used in the bottle 10 in other regions than in the lid 11. This would allow the consumer or another person (e.g., a bartender) to activate the lighting effect when desired. Figure 5 illustrates a possible location for an insulating tab 84. Removal of the insulating tab 84 allows the completion of a circuit and thus the illumination. The activating event could be a change in temperature or the contents of the bottle achieving a specific temperature or temperature range. Such an application could be particularly useful as a feature of product improvement by means of the indication to the consumer that the contents of the bottle are at the ideal temperature through which "they are ready to be consumed". Additionally or alternatively, the illumination may act as an indication that the product has been exposed to a particular temperature or a temperature range outside of a desired range for a period of time longer than that specified in the Health and Safety regulations. . The bottle lights up indicating that the contents are unsafe or undesirable to drink or eat or use. The lighting can thus have a product warning function. The lighting effect can be triggered by the exposure of the bottle to a magnetic field. Figure 6a shows a bottle opener 103 having a magnet 104 at its base. In this case the bottle 10 can incorporate a circuit 260, figure 6b, including a reed switch 261, the contacts of which are closed immediately when they are close to a magnetic field, such as the magnet 104. A small current then passes to the door of a thyristor 262, which causes it to become stuck and the LED 13 to light up. In use, the relative positions of the magnet 104 and switch 261 ensure that, when the bottle 10 is opened by a bartender, the reed switch is momentarily closed. A similar circuit is used in bottles according to the modification described later with reference to Figure 11. The activation could be by means of a communication device for example a mobile phone or digital personal assistant. Figure 7 illustrates activation via a signal originating from a mobile telephone 111. Communication of the mobile telephone 111 or any other communication device to the bottle 10 can be either digital or analogue and can be performed by the use of modulated carriers, electromagnetic waves (visible or invisible), sound waves (audible, subsonic or ultrasonic), pulses, or via direct contact communication. In particular, this could be effected by the transmission of an infrared signal, the detection of which results in illumination of a bottle. Activation via the reception of a transmitted external signal, such as from a communication device, could prove very effective for competition-based campaigns.

For example, the bottle may contain a receiver built in FM allowing it to light up when receiving a specific radio signal, indicating to the consumer that it is the winner of a contest. The trigger event may be caused by the detection of an externally transmitted signal, such as a binary code carried in a radio wave transmission or a locally transmitted electromagnetic signal, conveniently arranged so that the device can recognize this signal and understand that it is an activating event. For example, during a sporting event, bottles consumed within a specific venue could be made to light up or flash each time a particular team scores. Instead of originating from a communication device, the activation could be caused by other sources. An example of sound waves coming from another source is a horn in a nightclub, in which a specific sound wave, such as the emission of bass, triggers a bottle so that it flashes in time with the music. A switch 121 at the base of the bottle 10 that is tightened when the bottle 10 is placed (figure 8a) on the surface 122, but released when the bottle is lifted (figure 8b) by a user would result in a visual improvement of the bottle while it is in use. If you are employed in a bottle of drink sold at the bar, this would encourage people to drink faster and therefore buy more product. The proximity of the human body or the tactile effect can be exploited to activate illumination by touch or close approach to the bottle by a person. This can be detected by a driver placed in the bottle, which is located in a non-intrusive location (for example, it can be located under a label, or it can form a label or part of a label). The activating event could be in proximity to two or more bottles of the same type within a defined range. This could be implemented, for example, by the use of Hall-effect detectors, capacitive sensors, and / or other methods used for the detection of physical proximity. Such activation would encourage consumers to buy the same brands of beer when they are out in a group of friends, that is, it is a way to increase the volume sold of a particular brand. The bottles are designed so that if many bottles are kept close to one another, one of the bottles can shine in a specific color if it is a "winning" bottle indicating to the consumer that it has won a prize. Other modalities may use alternative methods of detecting activating events. These can be, for example, inductive or capacitive matching, change in capacitance or inductance, contacts in any removable section of the bottle, direct contact with the contents of the bottle, activation by temperature, activation by plug, via reception of a external signal (could be infrared, radiofrequency or others, by the known methods of modulation of a carrier frequency) or other electromagnetic method. The initial methods of activation are many and varied as already covered and subsequent changes to the activated effect can also be implemented by inductivity, capacitance, field effect, aerial effect of human body, or human body conduction. Second / third effects etc. stages can be obviously implemented. Other examples of activating events include breaking a seal, tearing off a label or strip, removing the metal sheet or label covering the lid and at least part of the neck of the bottle, replacing a label, tilting the container (e.g. , while drinking a drink from a bottle), change in the level of contents, or through a forcing with the container or its contents. Of course, a manually activated switch could also be used to activate the emission of light. For certain of these activation methods, it may be advantageous to have an initial activating event (for example, removal of the lid or tab), with the activating event described being a secondary activating event (for example, the bottle reaching a temperature suitable for consumption, or the touching of the bottle by a user). This would prevent an unwanted activation, said, during the transfer or storage of the product. The lighting effect can be made variable in time for the effect to last or start after a specific period of time or after specified conditions have occurred. The lighting effect can blink intermittently or pulsate, both at random and regular time intervals. This way it can be used to attract the attention of the consumer to the product while it is in the supermarket or in a bar. The effect can therefore be used to encourage the purchase of the product. A single LED, or any combination and color of LEDs could be used. Because the energy requirements for such an effect are minimal, such an effect could last for many months. Organic LEDs can be used. Of course, a second-stage effect could also be used in such a way that as it flashes in a bar, after the second-stage effect was started, for example constant illumination of the contents. Any color of LED can be used. It is preferred that clear lens LEDs be used so that the color of the emitted light can not be determined until after activation has occurred. This is particularly relevant where this system is used for a promotional competition (for example, a limited number of "winning" containers may emit a different color than regular containers). The location of the LED "not specifically" at the base of the container provides a good total lighting effect. The LED can be located elsewhere in the container for a non-specific lighting effect. An electroluminium device, which may comprise a thin sheet of electroluminium material, may be used instead of LEDs. The electroluminicente material can be organic or inorganic and emits light when an AC or DC electric field is applied (depending on its type). Other modes may use fluorescent, semi-conductor or other electrically activated lighting devices. A neon light can be used.

Chemical lighting can also be implemented. Multicolour lighting effects can be achieved using one or more light sources. The wavelength of light emitted can be from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, or it can be invisible, such as ultraviolet or infrared light. The effect may result in the contents or container appearing to change color. A liquid crystal display (LCD) device can be used; for example, an LCD may be embedded with a message. The LCD may be embedded in the container. You may have a dedicated driver circuit and may display a drop-down advertising message, or indicate that the consumer has won a prize. A flexible LCD could be used. It is not essential to use transparent electrically conductive means for the connection means. This will depend on the use of the bottle. However, even if the bottle is replaced by a different type of container the advantage of transparent conductors applies whether the container material is transparent or opaque. If the event that is to activate the electroluminescence device is not the removal of the cap (as in mode 1 to 4), the electrical conductors 15 do not need to extend to the top of the bottle. The conductors can form an integral part of a label or be attached to the container. The conductors may be located on the inner or outer surface of the container, be embedded in the container material, or be part of the container, or a combination thereof. The molding of the container can be designed to accommodate these characteristics. The control circuit may or may not be in direct contact with the contents of the container depending on the specific application. The transistor switch circuit could be located on the internal or external surface of the container. It could be located within a slot molded from the container, or embedded in the material of the container. It could be hidden underneath, or attached to the back of a label, or other material that is subsequently attached to the container. The power source can comprise several types of battery, including rechargeable batteries or photoelectric cells. A battery of substantially flat configuration is preferred. The power source can also comprise clock mechanism generation. In another modification, a label is printed with active ink, for example ink that is sensitive to UV light (ultra violet). Using content lighting according to the above but with a UV LED, the contents are illuminated, and then a secondary process, the UV light of the illuminated contents is taken by the UV sensitive ink on the label so that the label shines . This provides a technically simple and inexpensive way to illuminate a logo since the device and the energy source can all be left at the base of the container, leading to facilitate production, and a normal label is used on the side of the bottle that is sensitive to a particular wavelength of light such that the ink with which it is printed will glow on exposure to that wavelength of light. There is no need for a device to be housed in a slit behind the logo or symbol. A similar approach could be adopted whereby the active ink used on the label is sensitive to infrared light and an infrared LED or other infrared source is used to illuminate the contents of the liquid. Ink sensitive to infrared light is invisible to the naked eye unless infrared radiation is passed through it. The ink can then be used in this way in a promotion through which the user sees a message stating that a prize has been won once the effect has been activated. The use of sensitive infrared ink is particularly convenient with brown or green glass containers. The power source does not need to be located inside a slot in the base of the container, but it could be in any convenient container location. For example, a photosensitive cell could be located in darkness under the lid of the container. Upon opening the container, and exposure of the photosensitive cell to light, the circuit is activated and the current required for the emission of LED light is supplied. Figure 9 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. A disposable bottle 10 having electrically conductive strips 15 applied to the outer surface of the bottle 10 between its upper part 123 and a side region 124 to which a label 125 is applied. The electrically conductive strips 15 are of a transparent conductive oxide material such as indium tin oxide (otherwise known as tin doped indium oxide or ITO). Another convenient material is zinc oxide doped with aluminum. These materials combine electrical conductivity with high relative transparency (transmissibility). The label 125 is part or substantially entirely constructed by an electroluminium device 127 comprising a thin sheet of electroluminium material. The electroluminium device 127 is constructed using phosphoric inks printed on a plastic substrate and overprinted with printed graphics to constitute the label 125. The electroluminent material can be organic or inorganic and emits light when an AC or DC electric field is applied ( depending on your type). A power supply and control circuit 20 is supplied in a recess 132 in the side wall of the bottle under the label 125. In use, the removal of the lid of the bottle 11 is detected via conductive strips 15 by the circuit 20 which is activated to uniformly illuminate the entire label 125 or a selected part thereof, for example, a part carrying a particular symbol or logo. In this mode, once the bottle has been opened, it is not possible to reform the circuit and reactivate the lighting effect. Therefore, lighting can be activated only once. In this mode, the effect lasts for approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on the duration of the batteries (eg until the battery power runs out). There are several advantages of the arrangement described above. This arrangement can be applied to a conventional bottle, and does not need to be included during the manufacture of the bottle. The illumination of the label allows the detachment of the name of the brand and / or a logo in the container. This constitutes a significant advertising tool. An advantage of the use of the electroluminicente material is that it allows an extremely flexible and thin label to be supplied and allows animated visualizations. In addition, the display characteristics of the label are visible under normal lighting conditions so that the label can be read even without being illuminated by the circuit. There are several modifications that can be made to the modality described above. The container can be made of transparent or translucent plastic or glass materials. However, it can be opaque. Instead of a bottle, it can be a box, package, can or other container that can be opened and can be made of cardboard, plastic materials, metal, etc. The electroluminant device 127 can be illuminated by a different event when the bottle 10 is opened, for example, the removal of an insulating tongue 84 (figure 10), the achievement of a particular temperature in which a logo or a "temperature icon" "specific can be illuminated, exposure to a magnetic field (Figure 11) or the reception of an external signal such as a predetermined radio frequency signal or a communication of a mobile phone (as in the embodiment of Figure 7). It will be clear to the skilled person that any of the activation methods described as modifications of the first embodiment could also be used with respect to the second embodiment. The label does not need to be formed of an electroluminicente device. A single LED, or any combination and color of LEDs could be used to illuminate the symbol or logo. The LED could be embedded within a specific part of the bottle to provide illumination independent of a logo or symbol. In a modification shown in the figure 12, the bottle 10 includes a device 71 in the form of a symbol that signifies the brand or contents of the bottle. The device 71 is molded of plastic and is embedded with an LED, a power source and a control circuit for the lighting effect. This modification can be useful where the bottle 10 has contents commonly to be consumed during the day and / or in conditions where there is a significant amount of backlighting, such that its label can not be illuminated to a degree where the light is visible to the consumer (because the background lighting is more intense). High intensity illumination of the symbol is effected on activation. The device 71 could be located in any specific part of the bottle, for example, the neck, the body or the base. One advantage of this being at the base is that it is visible to others when the consumer is in fact drinking from the bottle. Three locations for the device 71 are shown in Figure 12, although it will be appreciated that only one device 71 would normally be provided. The symbol can be a logo meaning the contents of the bottle or its brand, or it can be another type of symbol (for example, a picture of a heart or a brain). Specific characters, letters or words can be chosen for lighting. Any other specific part of the bottle may be illuminated instead of a symbol. Alternatively the logo / symbol could be an integral part of the bottle itself, for example, a low or high relief section of a glass bottle or a molded plastic part that is part of the main structure of a plastic bottle. A unit consisting of an illuminating element, power source and chip can then be attached to the bottle such that the glass relief part or the molded part of the plastic bottle is illuminated. The logo may appear on an engraved part of the bottle, its surrounding area being substantially opaque. The logo is then lit, and the light diffuses through the engraved area, which is translucent. Images, logos or other symbols can be projected from the container. Figure 13 shows an arrangement of a switch 81 and a lid 11 convenient for use in a third embodiment of the invention in which the lid is replaceable. A bottle cap 11 of "childproof" pills is shown. It has been modified such that the upper part of the inner section is adjusted with a membrane switch 81. The wires on top of this switch 81 are fed into the circuit in a new upper cavity 82 housing a power source, circuit and LED . When the lid 11 is properly fitted to the container, the upper lid of the bottle pushes up the seal 83 inside the lid, thereby activating the membrane switch 81. This changes the state of the circuit to stop the warning illumination, and therefore it provides a direct indication that the lid 11 has been correctly re-adjusted. This modality would be useful for example for medical containers or any type of pharmaceutical product or for containers containing hazardous materials. In this mode a flashing lighting effect has the advantage that the power source will last longer. However, a continuous lighting effect can be used. It can be the lid or body of the container that lights up if the lid of the container is not replaced properly. Alternatively, the activation of the LED can attract the attention of a buyer, for example to indicate a previous opening of a jar, can or bottle in a supermarket (and thus a product forcing). An advantage of this system is that the consumer can realize that while a jar remains on the shelf in the supermarket that has been previously opened; you will not need to wait until the opening of the product at home, after it has already been purchased. Preferably, in such "security" applications, the LED would emit light for more than 20 minutes. This can be achieved, for example, by the incorporation of a timer circuit, which turns off the LED after a specific period of time. Alternatively, the use of a flashing light, which will flash randomly or at regular intervals of time, could save energy and thereby allow the lighting effect to last longer. In cases where the LED has been activated for a long time while the container was still in the supermarket and the batteries were depleted, the container fails to t 'turn on the opening at home could also indicate a problem with the contents. A further embodiment is described in connection with Figure 7. A bottle 10 includes a circuit containing infrared components and a power source (not shown). These are integrated into a small package, which is attached to the bottle in a convenient manner. In the opening of the bottle, infrared radiation is emitted. If the consumer has a mobile telephone 11 with the facility of transmitting and receiving infrared signals and transfer data, it is possible to physically position the bottle 10 and the telephone 11 for communication by infrared means. The consumer turns on his phone, adjusts the infrared mode and directs it to the bottle, which if it is a "winning" bottle, will send a message 92 to the phone letting the consumer know that he has won a prize. A possible realization of this concept is to have a pre-programmed logic circuit on the side of the bottle, which, when activated, transmits a call signal waiting for a response from a mobile telephone. Upon receipt of that response the pre-programmed logic circuit then transmits a message 92 to the telephone so that the message is recorded and stored in the telephone. The telephone then returns an agitation acknowledgment from the hand 93 to the bottle 10, which then ceases to transmit the original message 92. Up to this point it is determined that the message or code or data contained within the circuit of the device attached to the container has been transferred or updated. This can then be read as a message on a telephone display supplying instructions for obtaining a prize, for example. Since the bottle has stopped transmitting it is not possible for the code or message or data to be transferred to any other phone in this way ensuring the validity of only one prize of one bottle. The message or code or data may then be transferred to the promoters 94 for verification and remittance of a prize, for example. Instead of a mobile phone, the bottle can communicate with another "communication device" such as a personal digital assistant, or a computer. The activation of the circuit device in the container can be by any of the previously mentioned methods. This method of adding a communication facility to a container can also be adapted for other purposes, such as information on the contents, ingredients, place of manufacture, grade, quality, nutritional information, etc. The communication between a container and a communication device can be both digital and analog and can be done by the use of modulated carriers, electromagnetic waves (visible or invisible), sonic waves (audible, subsonic or ultrasonic), pulses, or via communication direct contact, etc. In a possible modification of the above-described modes, the output signal may encompass a sensory stimulation such as sound (for example, the reproduction of a signature tone, an advertising song, an alarm tone or any form of audio) and could be activated instead of, or in addition to, a lighting effect. Alternatively, the output signal may encompass vibration. Other types of sensory stimulation, such as the release of an odor, can be contemplated. Activation of lighting may occur prior to purchase by a consumer, for example, to draw the attention of a consumer to a product before it has been decided to buy the product. Events that have been described as secondary activation events could constitute the primary event of activation and vice versa. The characteristics of the various modalities and modifications can be exchanged and / or combined as appropriate. The invention has been defined in specific embodiments by way of example and the skilled addressee will understand that various articles of the proposed embodiments may vary or be exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (57)

1. CLAIMS 1. Bottle for fluid contents made of a light transmitting material and having an external slit, the slit containing a circuit device including battery means and means for radiating an output signal, the bottle additionally comprising an externally operable electrical switch to connect the battery means to the radiant means, said switch being of a type that is arranged to be operated only once from "off" to "on", characterized in that said electric switch is also included in the circuit device in the slit, and in which said radiating means are light emitting means located on the side of the circuit device adjacent to the container and arranged, in the activation of said switch "from" off "to" on ", to illuminate the contents of the bottle.
2. 2. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein said switch is arranged to be actuated independently of the opening of the bottle and independently of the movement of the bottle.
3. 3. Bottle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch is activated by the removal of an insulating tab.
4. The bottle according to claim 3, wherein the bottle has a closure element and the location of the tongue is spaced from the closure element.
5. 5. Bottle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch is magnetically activated.
6. 6. Bottle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting means are arranged to illuminate the contents of the bottle until the battery means are exhausted.
7. The bottle according to claim 6, wherein the light emitting means are arranged to illuminate the contents of the bottle for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
8. A bottle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery means is a battery of substantially flat shape.
9. 9. Bottle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting means-comprise a light emitting diode de- forms substantially flat. - - "10 ..
10. Portable container for fluid contents" including light-emitting means, media 5 to detect events, a source of autonomous power and - half connectors to connect the 'light emitting means with the means to detect events and the source of energy, in such a way that in the detection of one or more predetermined events 10 light is emitted, where the container is at least partially-manufactured of a material capable of transmitting light, where the light-emitting media . is it so . arranged to be able to illuminate the . ' contents of the container .. 15.
11. 11. Container according to the claim 10, "where the contents are illuminated 'substantially of. way- uniform.
12. 12. Container according to claim 10. or 11, wherein the container is arranged in use 20. normal so that after the detection of an event, light 'is emitted until the energy source runs out'.
13. 13. Container "according to claim 10, 1 or 12, wherein the activating event comprises 25"the opening of the -container.
14. 14. Container according to claim 13, wherein the opening of the container is detected by the removal of an insulating tongue.
15. 15. Container according to claim 13, wherein the container opening is detected by a change in pressure.
16. 16. Container according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the activating event comprises exposure to a specific temperature or range of temperatures.
17. 17. Container according to claim 10. 11 or 12, wherein the activating event comprises exposure to a magnetic field.
18. 18. Container according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the activating event is the reception of an external signal.
19. 19. Container according to the claim 18, where the external signal is a form of wireless communication.
20. 20. Container according to the claim 19, where the external signal is radiofrequency.
21. 21. Container according to claim 19, wherein the external signal originates from a mobile telephone.
22. 22. Container according to claim 19, wherein the external signal originates from a digital personal assistant.
23. 23. Container according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein -the activating event is the removal of the container from a surface.
24. 24. Container according to claim 23, wherein removal of the container from a surface is detected by the release of a switch on the base of the container.
25. 25. Container according to the claim 10, 11 or 12, where the activating event is the detection of touch or a close approximation to the container by a person.
26. 26. Container according to any of claims 10 to 25, wherein the light emitting means comprises at least one light emitting diode.
27. 27. Container according to any of claims 10 to 25, wherein the light emitting means comprises an electroluminium device.
28. 28. Container according to any of claims 10 to 27, wherein the light emitting means is a substantially flat light emitting element.
29. 29. Container according to any of claims 10 to 28, wherein the light emitting means and / or the energy source are • located inside a slit external to the container.
30. 30. Container according to any of claims 10 to 28, wherein the energy source is a battery of substantially flat shape and is applied against a substantially flat surface of the container.
31. 31. Container according to any of claims 10 to 30, wherein the connecting means includes an electrical or electronic circuit, and the event is detected by the opening or closing of the circuit.
32. 32. Container according to any of claims 10 to 31, wherein the connector means include substantially transparent electrically conductive means.
33. 33. Container according to the claim 32, wherein the substantially transparent electrically conductive means comprises a transparent conductive oxide material.
34. 34. Portable container including light emitting means, means for detecting events, a source of autonomous power and means connectors for connecting the light emitting means with the means for detecting events and the power source, in such a way that in the detection of one or more predetermined events light is emitted, wherein the light emitting means comprises an electroluminent device.
35. 35. Container according to claim 34, wherein the event is the container opening.
36. 36. Container according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the container includes a symbol or logo, and the symbol or logo is illuminated.
37. 37. Portable container arranged in normal use to be opened only once, including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting container opening, a stand-alone power source and connection means for connecting the means to produce an output signal with the means for detecting the opening of the container and the energy source, such that in the opening of the container an output signal is emitted.
38. 38. Container according to claim 37, wherein the container is arranged in such a way that after the opening of the container, the output signal is emitted until the energy source is exhausted.
39. 39. Container according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the container opening is detected by removal of an insulating tab.
40. 40. Container according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the container opening is detected by a change in pressure.
41. 41. Portable container including means to produce an output signal, a removable insulating tab, a self-contained power source and means connectors to connect the means to produce an output signal with an insulating tab and the power source, wherein the removable tab is arranged in such a way that in the withdrawal of the insulating tab a circuit comprising the connecting means, the means to produce an output signal and the power source is closed and the output signal is emitted.
42. 42. Container according to claim 41, wherein the tongue is located in or within a closure element of the container.
43. 43. Container according to claim 41, wherein the location of the tongue on the container is spaced from a closure element of the container.
44. 44. Portable container including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting temperature, a source of autonomous power and means connectors for connecting the means to produce an output signal with the means for detecting temperature and the energy source, such so that in the detection of exposure to a predetermined specific temperature or temperature range an output signal is emitted.
45. 45. Portable container including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting exposure to a magnetic field, a source of autonomous power and means connectors for connecting the means for producing an output signal with the means for detecting exposure to a magnetic field and the power source, such that in the detection of exposure to a magnetic field of a predetermined force an output signal is emitted.
46. 46. Portable container including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting reception of an external signal, a stand-alone power source and means connectors for connecting the means for producing an output signal with the means for detecting external signal reception and the source of energy, such that in the detection of reception of an external signal an output signal is emitted.
47. 47. Container according to claim 4, wherein the external signal is a form of wireless communication.
48. 48. Container according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the external signal is radiofrequency.
49. 49. Container according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the external signal originates from a mobile telephone.
50. 50. Container according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the external signal originates from a digital personal assistant.
51. 51. Portable container including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting touch or close approach of a person to the container, a source of autonomous power and means connectors for connecting the means to produce an output signal with the means for detecting touch or of close approach of a person to the container and the source of energy, in such a way that in the tactile detection or close approach of a person to the container an exit signal is issued.
52. 52. Portable container including means for producing an output signal, means for detecting events, a stand-alone power source and means connectors for connecting the means to produce an output signal with the means for detecting events and the power source, such so that in the detection of one or more predetermined events an output signal is emitted.
53. 53. Container according to claim 52, wherein the substantially transparent electrical conducting means comprises a transparent conductive oxide material.
54. 54. Container according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the activating event comprises the opening of the container
55. 55. Container according to any of claims 37 to 54, wherein the output signal is light
56. 56. Container according to any of the claims 37 to 55, where the container includes a symbol or logo, and the symbol or logo is illuminated.
57. 57. Container according to any of claims 37 to 56, wherein the container is at least partially made of a material capable of transmitting light and the light emitting means are arranged to be able to illuminate the contents of the container.