WO2016007464A1

WO2016007464A1 - Drinking reminder system

Info

Publication number: WO2016007464A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/039308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dean STANTON; Michael D. White
Original assignee: Stanton Dean; White Michael D
Priority date: 2014-07-08
Filing date: 2015-07-07
Publication date: 2016-01-14

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to a beverage container having an integrated reminder system configured to alert a person when to drink a beverage from the container. The reminder system includes a customizable timer configured to initiate alerts at selected intervals. The timer is communicatively coupled to an illumination source and/or an audio source, such that the system is configured to provide a visual alert and/or an audible alert at the specific intervals to remind a person to drink the beverage.

Description

DRINKING REMINDER SYSTEM

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/021 , 851 , filed July 8, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/155,551 , filed May 1 , 2015, the content of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to reminder systems, and, more particularly, to beverage container having an integrated reminder system configured to provide visual and/or audible alerts reminding a person when to consume a beverage within the container.

Background

[0003] Dehydration occurs when water loss exceeds water intake. If severe enough and left untreated, dehydration can cause physical deterioration (e.g. urinary tract infection, kidney failure, shock of vital organs, etc.). Dehydration can also cause mental deterioration and confusion. This can be of serious concern for certain populations, such as the elderly. For example, confusion caused by dehydration can precipitate medication errors as well as decrease safety awareness, possibly resulting in subsequent injury and further complications. Accordingly, if left untreated, dehydration is invariably fatal. Furthermore, some scientific studies suggest that dehydration may be directly linked to, and possibly even a cause of, Alzheimer's disease.

[0004] Water is the human body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of a person's body weight. Every system in the human body depends on water, particularly for flushing toxins out of vital organs, carrying nutrients to cells, and providing a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. The human body loses a certain amount of water through basic functions, such as breathing, perspiration, urination, and bowel movements. Accordingly, in order for the human body to function properly, a certain base level of water, or beverages and/or food containing water, is required so as to compensate for every day water loss.

[0005] When people are ill, elderly, or otherwise receiving medical care, it is especially important that they maintain adequate hydration. For example, studies have shown that age can have an influence on the neural regulation of thirst. In particular, it has been found that the sense of thirst declines with age, while the need for proper hydration remains the unchanged. As such, the elderly population may be particularly prone to dehydration as a result of the lacking sensation of thirst, which may ultimately result in infrequent consumption of fluids. Many senior or aged people require assistance and care. However, when caregivers are busy, it may be difficult to maintain regular water drinking habits, which creates concerns and problems of caring for the elderly. As a result of being left uncared for, a person may become dehydrated, and, in some cases, may result in physical and mental deterioration, and possibly even death.

Summary

[0006] The present invention relates to a beverage container having an integrated reminder system configured to alert a person when to drink a beverage from the container. The reminder system includes a customizable timer configured to initiate alerts at selected intervals for a given period of time. For example, in one embodiment, the timer may be programmed such that an alert is provided every twenty minutes, for a thirty-second period, during a twelve-hour block of time. After the period of time (e.g., twelve-hour block of time), the timer is configured to automatically shut off and resume at a pre-selected time, so that the person does not need to remember to turn the timer on and/or off. The timer is communicatively coupled to an illumination source (e.g., LED(s)) and/or a sound emitting device (e.g., speaker), such that the system is configured to provide a visual alert (e.g., illumination of the LEDs) and/or an audible alert (e.g., sound emitted from speaker) at the specific intervals.

[0007] The beverage container may further include incremental line markers so as to demarcate volume measurements of the beverage. For example, in one embodiment, the container may include line markers provided on the exterior or interior surface of the container demarcating fluid ounce measurements. Accordingly, upon seeing and/or hearing an alert, the person can be reminded to drink the beverage and further refer to the incremental line markers to determine how much of the beverage has been consumed at each interval. In turn, by multiplying the amount of beverage consumed at each interval by the number of intervals per hour, the person can easily ascertain their approximated beverage intake amount. The beverage container and integrated reminder system of the present disclosure is configured to aid a person in drinking an adequate amount liquid required to compensate for every day water loss, plus an additional amount to account for additional activities.

[0008] The beverage container and integrated reminder system of the present disclosure provides a simple, yet effective means of reminding a person to consume fluids throughout the day so as to maintain consistent hydration. The reminder system is configured to provide both visual and audible alerts. As such, the system is amenable to persons who suffer from hearing loss (able to rely on visual alert) as well as persons who suffer from poor eyesight (able to rely on audible alert). Additionally, the incremental line markers on the container provide a person with visual indication of the amount of fluid consumed at any given interval. Further, the timer of the reminder system may be configurable such that the person can customize the specific timing of the intervals at which the alerts occur. For example, in one embodiment, a person can program the timer to alarm every ten minutes during a twelve-hour block of time, such that the person is reminder (via the alerts) to consume the beverage every ten minutes.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention allows a person to maintain compliance with an intended drinking regimen so as to ensure adequate hydration and prevent dehydration. Further, the present invention allows persons to set their own drinking goal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of one embodiment of a beverage container consistent with the present disclosure. [0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 illustrating a reminder system consistent with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 .

[0013] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the beverage container of FIG. 1 illustrating visual and audio alerts provided by the reminder system consistent with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the beverage container illustrating a visual alert provided by the reminder system consistent with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of a drinking reminder system including a coaster having a surface for supporting a beverage container and further including a reminder assembly coupled thereto and configured to alert a person when to consume a beverage within the container so as to maintain adequate hydration.

[0016] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the coaster of FIG. 6 illustrating coupling of the reminder assembly to the coaster and subsequent placement of the beverage container thereon.

Detailed Description

[0017] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional or structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed embodiment.

[0018] By way of overview, the present invention is generally directed to a beverage container having an integrated reminder system configured to alert a person when to drink a beverage from the container. The reminder system includes a customizable timer configured to initiate alerts at selected intervals for a given period of time. For example, in one embodiment, the timer may be programmed such that an alert is provided every twenty minutes continuously during a twelve-hour block of time. It should be noted that the timer may be configurable such that the person can customize the specific timing of the intervals at which the alerts occur. For example, in one embodiment, a person can program the timer to alarm every ten minutes during a twelve-hour block of time, such that the person is reminder (via the alerts) to consume the beverage every ten minutes.

[0019] The timer is communicatively coupled to an illumination source (e.g., LED(s)) and/or a sound emitting device (e.g., speaker), such that the system is configured to provide a visual alert (e.g., illumination of the LEDs) and/or an audible alert (e.g., sound emitted from speaker) at the specific intervals. Accordingly, at a specific interval, the LED will illuminate and/or the speaker will emit an audible alarm, providing a reminder to the person to consume the beverage. The beverage container may further include incremental line markers so as to demarcate volume measurements of the beverage. For example, in one embodiment, the container may include line markers provided on the exterior or interior surface of the container demarcating specific ranges of fluid ounce measurements (e.g., 1 -oz., 2-oz., 3-oz., 4-oz., 5-oz., etc.). Accordingly, upon seeing and/or hearing an alert, the person can be reminded to drink the beverage and further refer to the incremental line markers to determine how much of the beverage has been consumed during each interval.

[0020] The beverage container and integrated reminder system of the present disclosure provides a simple, yet effective means of reminding a person to consume fluids throughout the day so as to maintain consistent hydration. The reminder system is configured to provide both visual and audible alerts. As such, the system is amenable to persons who suffer from hearing loss (able to rely on visual alert) as well as persons who suffer from poor eyesight (able to rely on audible alert). It is generally not recommended to drink the total amount of needed water at one time, but replenish the daily required amount of water regularly at a constant amount each time. The incremental line markers on the container provide a person with visual indication of the amount of fluid consumed at any given interval. Accordingly, the present invention allows a person to maintain compliance with an intended drinking regimen so as to ensure adequate hydration and prevent dehydration. Further, the present invention allows persons to set their own drinking goal.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of one embodiment of a beverage container 10 consistent with the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the beverage container 10. The beverage container 10 generally includes a sidewall 12 extending from a closed base end 14 and terminating at an open top end 16, forming a cavity 18 within. The cavity 18 is configured to hold a beverage within for consumption. Accordingly, the container 10 may also be referred to herein as a cup 10. As shown, the container 10 has a frustoconical shape. It should be noted that a container consistent with the present disclosure is not limited to any particular shape. For example, in another embodiment, the sidewall 12 may be substantially perpendicular to the base end 14. In other embodiments, the sidewall 12 may have one or more arcuate portions.

[0022] The container 10 further includes a reminder system 20 configured to alert a person when to drink a beverage from the container 10 described in greater detail herein. The container further includes incremental line markers 22 so as to demarcate volume measurements of the beverage. For example, in one embodiment, the line markers 22 may be provided on an exterior and/or interior surface of the container 10 and may demarcate specific ranges of fluid ounce (oz.) measurements. In one embodiment, the line markers 22 may demarcate measurements from 0.5 oz. to 8 oz. In another embodiment, the line markers 22 may demarcate fluid ounce measurements from 2 oz. to 6 oz. Still, in yet another embodiment, the line markers 22 may demarcate 4 fluid oz. measurements. The line markers 22 generally provide visual indication of fluid amounts before and after consumption of the beverage, thereby allowing a person to determine how much of a beverage has been consumed.

[0023] The reminder system 20 generally includes a customizable timer 24 configured to initiate alerts at selected intervals for a given period of time. The timer 24 is a multifunctional timer and alarm. The timer 24 includes a time window 25 for displaying a current time and alert settings, including, but not limited to, interval time setting (time between each alert), reminder time period (total period of time during which alerts occur), and alert types (visual and/or audible alerts). The timer 24 may further include inputs 26, such as a programming buttons, hour and minute set buttons, etc. The timer 24 may be programmed such that an alert is provided at a selected interval continuously during a selected period of time. For example, the timer 24 can be programmed to provide an alert in intervals ranging from five minutes to every hour or more. In one embodiment, the timer 24 can be programmed to provide an alert in intervals of twenty minutes, for example. Further, the timer 24 can be programmed to provide alerts at the programmed intervals during a specific block of time, such as a 12-hour block of time. Accordingly, the timer 24 can be programmed to provide alerts during the day, when a person is awake and will automatically shut off in the evening and overnight, when the person is asleep.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of the beverage container 10 of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the beverage container of 10 illustrating visual and audio alerts provided by the reminder system 24. As shown, the timer 24 is positioned within a recess 30 formed in the base end 14 of the container 10. However it should be understood that the timer 24 can be positioned at other portions of the container 10 and need not be positioned within a recess in the container 10. For example, in another embodiment, the timer 24 may be coupled to an exterior surface of the container 10 by other means, such as an adhesive, a fastener, or the like.

[0025] As shown, the timer 24 is communicatively coupled to a sound emitting device 28 (e.g., speaker) and an illumination source 32 (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDS)). In the illustrated embodiment, the speaker 28 and LEDs 32 are formed within the timer 24 unit as a single unitary structure. However, it should be noted that the speaker 28 and LEDs 32 may be separate components from the timer 24. For example, in other embodiments, the speaker 28 and/or LEDs 32 may be positioned within other portions of the beverage container 10, separate from the timer 24. In one embodiment, the LEDs 32 may be positioned along portions of the base end 14, top end 16, and/or sidewall 12 of the container 10.

[0026] The system is configured to provide a visual alert (e.g., illumination of the LEDs 32) and/or an audible alert (e.g., sound emitted from speaker 28) at the programmed intervals. The timer 24 generally includes circuitry configured to communicate with the speaker 28 and LEDs 32 and further transmit an activation signal when a programmed interval is reached. In turn, the speaker 28 is configured to emit an audible alarm, as indicated by arrow 34, and the LEDs 32 are configured to illuminate, as indicated by arrow 36. Accordingly, the reminder system 20 is configured to provide visual and/or audible alerts to a person reminding them to consume the beverage within the container 10. In some embodiments, the timer 24 may include programmable settings for the speaker 28 and/or LEDs 32 for controlling the output of each. For example, in one embodiment, the timer 24 may provide a person with the ability to select from a variety of different sounds to be emitted from the speaker 28 during an alert. The timer 24 may further include a means for controlling the volume of the sound. Additionally, or alternatively, the timer 24 may be configured to allow a person to control illumination settings of the LEDs 32 (e.g., blinking versus constant glow, color of emitted light, etc.). Accordingly, the timer 24 may be configured to allow a person to program the alert settings to their desire.

[0027] The container 10 may be composed from a translucent or transparent material so as to allow light emitted from the LEDs 32 to pass therethrough. The container 10 may further be composed from a material having an optional spectral effect, such as a guiding effect so as to direct the light towards a portion of the container (e.g., carry light from the base 14, through the sidewall 12, and out of the open top end 16. The container 10 material may additionally, or alternatively, having a scattering effect on the emitted light. FIG. 5 is a perspective top view of the beverage container 10 illustrating a visual alert provided by the reminder system.

[0028] Although not shown, the beverage container 10 may further include a complementary removable lid having an integrated drinking straw. The lid is configured to be releasably coupled to the open top end 16 and provide a person with a means for consuming the beverage (e.g., via the integrated drinking straw). The lid may be coupled to the container 10 by any known means and may further provide a substantially water-tight seal. For example, in one embodiment, the lid may be coupled to the top end 16 via a snap-fit engagement. In another embodiment, the lid and top end 16 may be coupled to one another via a threaded-engagement. [0029] Upon seeing and/or hearing an alert, the person can be reminded to drink the beverage and further refer to the incremental line markers to determine how much of the beverage has been consumed during each interval. Accordingly, the beverage container and integrated reminder system of the present disclosure allows a person to maintain compliance with an intended drinking regimen so as to ensure adequate hydration and prevent dehydration. Further, the present invention allows persons to set their own drinking goal.

[0030] It should be noted that other objects may include, or otherwise be coupled to, the reminder system 20 consistent with the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of a drinking reminder system including a coaster 100 for supporting a beverage container, wherein the coaster 100 includes the reminder system 20. As generally understood, the coaster 100 may include a surface 102 upon which the beverage container 10 may be placed and supported. Accordingly, the coaster 100 may be used with a variety of different beverage container shapes and/or sizes, while still providing drinking reminder alerts, as the reminder system 20 is tied to the coaster 100 and not the beverage container 10. Thus, the coaster 100 of the present invention may provide additional flexibility in the sense that a person can use a variety of different beverage containers and is not limited to use of one that has the reminder system 20 coupled thereto.

[0031] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cut-away side view of the coaster 100 illustrating coupling of the reminder system 20 to the coaster 100 and subsequent placement of the beverage container 10 thereon. As shown, the timer 24 is positioned within a recess 104 formed in a bottom base of the coaster 100. However it should be understood that the timer 24 can be positioned at other portions of the coaster 100 and need not be positioned within a recess in the coaster 100. The coaster 100 may further include one or more apertures formed on the surface 102 and providing a pathway between the surface 102 and the cavity 104 so as to allow light emitted from the one or more LEDs 32 to pass therethrough and into the beverage container 10, in a manner previously described herein. For example, each aperture 106 may generally be in alignment with a corresponding LED 32 when the reminder system 20 is coupled to the coaster 100. Accordingly, upon resting a beverage container 10 upon the surface 102 of the coaster 100, light emitted from the LEDs 32 may pass through the apertures 106 and further pass through the translucent or transparent base 14 of the container 10. However, it should further be noted that the coaster 100 itself may be composed from a translucent or transparent material so as to allow light emitted from the LEDs 32 to pass therethrough. As such, the one or more apertures 106 may not be present and instead, light emitted from the LEDs 32 may be guided through a portion of the coaster 100 (e.g., through surface 102, through the sides, etc.) via the transparent or translucent material.

[0032] Other types of coasters to which may be used with the drinking reminder system disclosed herein are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 6,578,809 and international PCT Application No. PCT/US2003/010353, each of which is expressly licensed to the inventors of the present application and the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0033] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is/are used.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0036] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0037] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

[0038] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0039] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1 . A drinking reminder system, comprising:

a beverage container; and

a reminder assembly on-board or releasably coupled to and detachable from the beverage container, the reminder assembly configured to provide at least one of an audible and a visual alert at a selected interval over a selected period of time for reminding a person to consume a beverage within the container.

2. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 , wherein the beverage container comprises a sidewall extending from a closed base end and terminating at an open top end and forming a cavity configured to hold a beverage within.

3. The drinking reminder system of claim 2, further comprising a lid releasably coupled to the top end of the beverage container.

4. The drinking reminder system of claim 3, wherein the lid is coupled to the top end of the beverage container via a snap-fit or threaded engagement providing a substantially water-tight seal.

5. The drinking reminder system of claim 3, wherein the lid comprises an integrated drinking straw.

6. The drinking reminder system of claim 3, wherein the lid comprises an RFID tag.

7. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 , wherein the beverage container comprises incremental line markers for demarcating volume measurements of a beverage within the beverage container.

8. The drinking reminder system of claim 7, wherein each incremental line marker demarcates a fluid ounce measurement from 0.5 oz. to 8 oz. between an immediately adjacent line marker.

9. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 , wherein the reminder assembly comprises a timer and at least one of a sound-emitting device and a light emitting device communicatively coupled to the timer.

10. The drinking reminder system of claim 9, wherein the timer is configured to transmit an activation signal to at least one of the sound emitting device and light emitting device at the selected interval.

1 1 . The drinking reminder system of claim 10, wherein, upon receiving an activation signal, the sound emitting device is configured to emit an audible alarm and the light emitting device is configured to emit a light beam.

12. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 1 , wherein the beverage container comprises a translucent or transparent material configured to allow the light beam emitted from the light emitting device to pass there through.

13. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 1 , wherein the beverage container comprises a material having an spectral effect configured to direct the light beam towards a specific portion of the container.

14. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 1 , wherein the beverage container comprises a material having a scattering effect configured to scatter the light beam.

15. The drinking reminder system of claim 9, wherein the sound emitting device is a speaker and the light emitting device is a light emitting diode (LED).

16. The drinking reminder system of claim 1 , wherein the selected interval is in the range of 5 minutes to 60 minutes and the selected period of time is in the range of 6 hours to 18 hours.

17. A system for hydration management, comprising:

a smart vessel or beverage container effective for reminding a person of needed aliquots of a fluid within the smart vessel or beverage container to be consumed; and a programmable chip-means for recording, tracking and communicating with the person and at least a third party designee with respect to compliance;

wherein the smart vessel or container uses audible and a visual alerts for reminding the person.

18. A computer readable medium for arraying, housing and/or displaying any desired aspect of the disclosures in any one of the claims, figures or the specification herein as data, and/or transmitting the same via wireless and/or Internet linkages to third parties, including service providers, medical care providers, designated family members and/or emergency service providers.

19. An apparatus for reminding a person to hydrate, comprising:

a graduated, liquid holding member;

a computer means for registering data related to consumption of liquid; and a SIP-ALERT® visual and audio brand of activating system for the same.

20. An internet based ordering system according to any disclosures, claims and figures herein.

21 . A drinking reminder system, comprising:

a beverage container;

a coaster configured to be releasably coupled to the beverage container and provide a surface for supporting the beverage container thereon; and a reminder assembly on-board or releasably coupled to the coaster, the reminder assembly configured to provide at least one of an audible and a visual alert at a selected interval over a selected period of time for reminding a person to consume a beverage within the container.

22. The drinking reminder system of claim 21 , wherein the beverage container comprises a sidewall extending from a closed base end and terminating at an open top end and forming a cavity configured to hold a beverage within.

23. The drinking reminder system of claim 22, further comprising a lid releasably coupled to the top end of the beverage container.

24. The drinking reminder system of claim 23, wherein the lid is coupled to the top end of the beverage container via a snap-fit or threaded engagement providing a substantially water-tight seal.

25. The drinking reminder system of claim 23, wherein the lid comprises an integrated drinking straw.

26. The drinking reminder system of claim 23, wherein the lid comprises an RFID tag.

27. The drinking reminder system of claim 21 , wherein the coaster comprises an RFID tag.

28. The drinking reminder system of claim 21 , wherein the beverage container comprises incremental line markers for demarcating volume measurements of a beverage within the beverage container.

29. The drinking reminder system of claim 28, wherein each incremental line marker demarcates a fluid ounce measurement from 0.5 oz. to 8 oz. between an immediately adjacent line marker.

30. The drinking reminder system of claim 21 , wherein the reminder assembly comprises a timer and at least one of a sound-emitting device and a light emitting device communicatively coupled to the timer.

31 . The drinking reminder system of claim 30, wherein the timer is configured to transmit an activation signal to at least one of the sound emitting device and light emitting device at the selected interval.

32. The drinking reminder system of claim 31 , wherein, upon receiving an activation signal, the sound emitting device is configured to emit an audible alarm and the light emitting device is configured to emit a light beam.

33. The drinking reminder system of claim 32, wherein the beverage container comprises a translucent or transparent material configured to allow the light beam emitted from the light emitting device to pass there through.

34. The drinking reminder system of claim 32, wherein the beverage container comprises a material having an spectral effect configured to direct the light beam towards a specific portion of the container.

35. The drinking reminder system of claim 32, wherein the beverage container comprises a material having a scattering effect configured to scatter the light beam.

36. The drinking reminder system of claim 30, wherein the sound emitting device is a speaker and the light emitting device is a light emitting diode (LED).

37. The drinking reminder system of claim 21 , wherein the selected interval is in the range of 5 minutes to 60 minutes and the selected period of time is in the range of 6 hours to 18 hours.

38. A kit, comprising the disclosures of any of the claims and directions for use.

39. A coaster for housing a chip to remind users to hydrate, as disclosed in U.S. Letters Patent Number 6,578,809, in combination with a beverage holder.

40. A system, including a coaster, a chip, and RFID tagging, as disclosed in any claims.

41 . A computer system configured to track and store data according to any claims.

42. A coaster having an embedded chip configured to store and remind a person of hydration needs.