Abstract:
A timer for displaying the conclusion of a first period of time after a perishable item has been placed into a container. Appropriate periods of time include 3 days, 7 days, or other time periods of any duration selected to correspond to the useful life of a perishable item. The timer includes a display, a first programming button permanently associated with the first period of time, and a timing processor electrically connected between the display and the first programming button. The timing processor may be configured to count the first period of time upon receipt of an input from the first programming button. The timing processor is further configured to cause the display to indicate the conclusion of the first period of time. The timer may include a housing which is selectively attachable to the container. Alternatively, the display, first programming button, and timing processor may be permanently integrated into either the lid or body of the container.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed toward a device for managing the storage of perishable items, and more particularly toward a timing device with simplified programming functions associated with a perishable item container.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0002]     Many types of containers are known for the storage of perishable items, such as leftover or unused food items. In use, a homemaker or restaurant owner will place a perishable item into a suitably sized container and then place the container into a refrigerator, freezer, or other suitable storage device. Typical storage containers are made of plastic and are available in various shapes and sizes.  
         [0003]     Storage containers are useful because they are easy to stack and transport, thus organizing and segregating various types of perishable items. In addition, storage containers can extend the storage life of a perishable item. Typical storage containers provide an airtight seal between the perishable item and the outside environment, thus helping to preserve the perishable food item. In all cases, however, after a certain period of time, the perishable food item placed within the container will begin to spoil and become unsuitable for further use or consumption. The time period before a given perishable begins to spoil or otherwise becomes unusable will vary with the nature of the perishable food item.  
         [0004]     Typically, leftover or surplus perishables are placed into containers and stored without any express provision made for monitoring or managing the likely expiration date for a given perishable. Thus, a homemaker or restaurant owner may often retrieve a storage container only to find that the contents have spoiled or become otherwise unusable. In extreme cases, the contents of the container may be contaminated and a health risk if consumed after a period of time. In addition, the physical inspection of the contents necessary to determine the suitability of the contents for consumption can cause the homemaker or restaurant owner to be exposed to foul and unpleasant smells and sights if spoilage has occurred.  
         [0005]     Various devices are known which allow a homemaker or restaurant owner to manage perishable items placed in storage containers. Several types of containers featuring lids with manually dialed expiration date indicators are known. For example, Kramer, U.S. Pat. No. 3,818,858, teaches a container with a manually dialed date indicator. Kramer and similar art have no active countdown timing capability.  
         [0006]     Another type of apparatus such as that taught by Reber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,606, and Quine, U.S. Pat. No. 6,795,376, feature sophisticated storage containers that incorporate at least one sensor which might be a humidity, temperature, or biological activity sensor which monitors the perishable food items placed within a container and dynamically adjusts a displayed expiration date. These types of devices are quite complex, and thus somewhat costly.  
         [0007]     Fuchs, U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,887, teaches a simpler system for the management of perishable food items. Fuchs teaches a container that features a seal that is broken when the container is first opened. The breaking of the seal triggers a timer that measures elapsed time after the initial opening of the container. Thus, Fuchs is most relevant to newly purchased food products, and may not be particularly well suited to the management of leftover or surplus food items. Fuchs does not teach a simplified programming method where a user can select a period of time for expiration from multiple possible choices.  
         [0008]     The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the problems discussed above.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     One embodiment of the present invention is a timer for displaying the conclusion of a first period of time after a perishable item has been placed into a container. Appropriate periods of time include 3 days, 7 days, or other time periods of any duration selected to correspond to the useful life of a perishable item. The timer includes a display, a first programming button permanently associated with the first period of time, and a timing processor electrically connected between the display and the first programming button. The timing processor may be configured to count the first period of time upon receipt of an input from the first programming button. The timing processor is further configured to cause the display to indicate the conclusion of the first period of time. The timer may include a housing which is selectively attachable to the container. Alternatively, the display, first programming button, and timing processor may be permanently integrated into either the lid or body of the container.  
         [0010]     Another embodiment of the invention is a timer which further includes a second programming button associated with a second period of time. The second programming button may be used to cause the timing processor to count the second period of time and display the conclusion of the second period of time.  
         [0011]     Either embodiment of the timer may include a seal operatively associated with the timer to limit the exposure of electronic components to environmental moisture. Similarly, either embodiment of the invention described above may include a shield operatively associated with the timer configured to limit the exposure of electronic components to electromagnetic radiation.  
         [0012]     The embodiment of the timer which features a housing selectively attachable to the container may also include a magnet operatively associated with the housing opposite the display. The magnet will allow storage of the timer separate from the container on a surface such as a refrigerator door.  
         [0013]     Another embodiment of the present invention is a container including a body, a lid configured to mate with the body, and the elements of a timer which may be programmed as described above.  
         [0014]     Another embodiment of the present invention is a container including a body and a lid configured to mate with the body and a timer substantially as described above. However, in this alternative embodiment, the first and optional second programming buttons are associated with a basic unit of time such as an hour or a day. Programming is accomplished by pressing a programming button multiple times. The timing processor of this embodiment is configured to count a select period of time upon receipt of an integer number of inputs from a programming button, which select period of time is equal to the integer number of basic units of time in the select period of time. As with other embodiments, the timing processor is further configured to cause the display to indicate the conclusion of the select period of time. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container featuring an integrated timer consistent with the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative style container featuring an integrated timer consistent with the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a timer having a housing which is selectively attachable to a container which is consistent with the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a timer consistent with the present invention; and  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a timer suitable for implementing the multiple push programming method of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0021]     A container  10  for the storage of perishable items is shown in  FIG. 1 . The perishable item to be stored in the container  10  will typically be leftover or surplus food items or other materials which are subject to spoilage due to the actions of oxygen, microorganisms, humidity, or other agents. The container  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a body  12  and a lid  14 . Any other configuration of a container  10  with or without a lid  14  which is suitable for the storage of a perishable item is suitable for the implementation of the present invention. For example, the present invention may be implemented with a nontraditional container such as a baby bottle  16  as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0022]     The container  10  includes a timer  18 . The timer  18  may be associated with the lid  14  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the timer  18  may be associated with the body  12  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The timer  18  will include a display  20  and at least one programming button  22 A associated with a specific time period. Other programming buttons  22 B or, as shown in  FIG. 3, 22C , may also be included. Any number of programming buttons are within the scope of the present invention. The use of the programming buttons  22 A,  22 B,  22 C and display  20  is described in detail below.  
         [0023]     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the timer  18  is integrated into either the lid  14  or the body  12  of a container  10 . Preferably, the timer  18  will be integrated into the container  10  by conventional plastic molding techniques in a sealed compartment which will provide access to programming buttons  22 A,  22 B, yet still limit exposure of the inner components of the timer  18  to environmental moisture.  
         [0024]     Alternatively, as is shown in  FIG. 3 , the components of the timer  18  may be operatively disposed within a housing  24 . Preferably, the timer  18  having a housing  24  will be selectively removable from the container  10 . If the timer  18  is removable, the body  12  or lid  14  of the container  10  may be associated with a specific attachment structure  26  configured to releasably receive the housing  24  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The attachment structure  26  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a snap-fit receptacle sized to receive the housing  24 . Alternative attachment structures are within the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, snaps, buttons, sliding locks, magnets, hook and loop structures, or other similar releasable engagement mechanisms.  
         [0025]     Certain components within the timer  18  are shown in schematic form in  FIG. 4 . Input to the timer  18  is provided by programming buttons  22 A,  22 B. A greater number of programming buttons  22 A,  22 B may be provided if desired. The programming buttons  22 A,  22 B may be any type of manual input button, key, or switch known in the electronic arts which can send a signal upon being depressed or otherwise actuated by a user. Buttons similar to those typically used with digital kitchen timers, calculators, or digital watches would be suitable for the implementation of programming buttons  22 A,  22 B.  
         [0026]     Input from the programming buttons  22 A,  22 B is communicated electronically to a timing processor  28 . The timing processor  28  will include digital processing circuitry and memory such as is typically used with digital kitchen timers or digital stopwatches. In particular, the timing processor  28  will include timing logic  30  and a display driver  32 . Power may be supplied to the timing processor  28  through a battery  34 . The timing processor  28  further communicates with the display  20 .  
         [0027]     Preferably, the electronic components of  FIG. 4  will be assembled on a printed circuit board  36  as shown in  FIG. 5 . As is also shown in  FIG. 5 , the housing  24  may include a window  38 , button seals  40 A,  40 B, and a gasket  42 . The window  38 , button seals  40 , and gasket  42  operate collectively with the housing  24  to limit the exposure of the electronic components associated with the timer  18  to environmental moisture.  
         [0028]     As a result of the association of the timer  18  with a container  10  for perishable food items, it is possible that the components of the timer  18  will be exposed to microwave radiation in a microwave oven. Thus, it is preferable that a shield  44  be associated with the housing  24  to protect the electronic components from microwaves or other electromagnetic radiation.  
         [0029]     In an embodiment of the timer  18  which is removable from the container  10 , it is desirable to have a magnet  46  operatively associated with the housing  24  opposite the display  20 . The magnet  46  will facilitate the storage of the timer  18  by attachment to a surface such as a refrigerator front panel during times when the timer is not attached to a container  10  and in use.  
         [0030]     In a highly preferred embodiment, each programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C is permanently associated with a select period of time. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , programming button  22 A is associated with a three day period of time and programming button  22 B is associated with a seven day period of time. Longer or shorter periods may be selected by the manufacturer. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , programming button  22 A is associated with a two hour period of time and programming button  22 B is associated with a four hour period of time. The embodiments of the timer  20  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  are configured to use the “one button” programming method described below.  
         [0031]     In a second embodiment, each programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C is permanently associated with a basic unit of time as opposed to a select period of time. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A , programming button  22 A is associated with a week as a basic unit of time, and programming button  22 B is associated with a day as a basic unit of time. Similarly, the timer  18  shown in  FIG. 6B  has three programming buttons  22 A,  22 B,  22 C with each programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C being associated with a basic unit of time. In the embodiment of the timer  18  depicted in  FIG. 6B , programming button  22 A is associated with a week, programming button  22 B is associated with a day, and programming button  22 C is associated with an hour. The embodiments of the timer depicted in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are configured to use the “multiple push” programming method described below.  
         [0032]     During the countdown of the select period of time, whether programmed with a “one button” or “multiple push” programming method, the timing logic  30  in association with the display driver  32  may output to the display  20  an indication of the elapsed time since the programming button  22 A was depressed. Alternatively, the timing logic  30  in association with the display driver  32  may output to the display  20  an indication of the remaining time in the select timing period as the timing sequence progresses. Upon expiration of the select time period, the timing logic  30  in conjunction with the display driver  32  may output to the display  20  a symbol such as “expired” or “old” or “end” indicating that the select time period has passed.  
         [0033]     The embodiments of the timer  18  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  are configured for programming by the one touch programming method. In the one touch programming method, each programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C is permanently associated with a select period of time. For example, button  22 B of  FIG. 1  is permanently associated with a seven day period of time. Programming a timer  18  configured for use with the one touch programming method consists of depressing the appropriate programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C once. For example, depressing programming button  22 B of  FIG. 1  once will initiate a seven day countdown sequence. Alternatively, the embodiment of the timer  18  shown in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  is configured for use with a “multiple push” programming method. Each programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C is associated with a basic unit of time in this embodiment. For example, programming button  22 B of  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  is associated with a day. To program the timer  18  when configured in this embodiment, the homemaker presses the appropriate programming button  22 A,  22 B,  22 C multiple times in sequence to set the appropriate overall countdown period. For example, if a homemaker or restaurant owner desires to program the timer  18  of  FIG. 6A  or  FIG. 6B  to countdown three days, he or she would depress programming button  22 B three times in sequence. Thus, a timer  18  configured for use with the multiple push programming method offers more flexibility in the choice of countdown time durations. However, the multiple push programming method takes slightly more effort to program.  
         [0034]     The display  20  is preferably an LCD display similar to that typically used with digital kitchen timers or digital wristwatches. Alternatively, the display  20  could show that the select time period has expired by lighting an LED, sounding an alarm, or initiating a suitable graphic representation.  
         [0035]     In use, a homemaker or restaurant owner will first place leftover or surplus food items or other perishables into a suitably sized container  10  selected from those available for use. The homemaker or restaurant owner will determine an appropriate length of time for the storage of the particular perishable item at hand. For example, the homemaker or restaurant owner might determine that steamed vegetables have a useful storage life of three days, or that certain baked goods have a useful storage life of seven days. If steamed vegetables are placed in a container  10  such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , the homemaker or restaurant owner would seal the container  10  with an appropriate lid  14 . If the homemaker is using a container  10  associated with a timer  18  which is configured to be programmed with the “one button” programming method, such as the timer shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the homemaker or restaurant owner will press the programming button  22 A associated with a three day time period. This action causes the timing processor  28  to begin counting down a three day period, upon the expiration of which the timing processor  28  will cause the display of a suitable word or symbol such as “expired.” During the countdown period, the display  20  may show the elapsed time or time remaining in the countdown period. Alternatively, if the homemaker selects a container  10  or timer  18  which is configured to be programmed by the multiple push method, such as the timer  18  shown in  FIG. 6A  or  FIG. 6B , the homemaker or restaurant owner will push the “day” programming button  22 B three times in sequence to initiate a three day countdown period.  
         [0036]     Subsequently, when the homemaker or restaurant owner removes the container  10  from refrigerated or other storage, he or she may simply and quickly determine by examining the display  20  whether the perishable item stored within the container  10  is still good. Thus, the unpleasantness associated with opening a container of spoiled food may be avoided, the risk of food poisoning or disease may be minimized, and the efficient use of leftover or surplus food items can be efficiently managed.  
         [0037]     If the homemaker or restaurant owner were storing baked goods, for example, he or she could use the same container  10  as described above, however, the programming button  22 B associated with a seven day time period would be selected instead. Preferably, the homemaker or restaurant owner will have available a wide selection of containers  10  having programming buttons  22 A,  22 B associated with various applicable time periods.  
         [0038]     In an embodiment where the timer  18  may be selectively removed and reattached to a container  10  such as is shown in  FIG. 3 , the homemaker or restaurant owner will have the additional flexibility of mixing and matching timers  18  having programming buttons  22 A,  22 B associated with various time periods with a selection of appropriately sized containers  10 .  
         [0039]     The sealing apparatus including the window  38 , button seals  40 , and gasket  42  will allow the timer  18  to be used with moist foods or washed while limiting the exposure of the electronic components associated with the timing processor  28  to environmental moisture. Similarly, an embodiment featuring a shield  44  may be used on a container  10  placed in the microwave oven with the shield  44  protecting the electronic components from electromagnetic radiation. In embodiments where the housing  24  is associated with a magnet  46 , the timer  18  may be attached to a refrigerator or other metal surface for storage between uses.  
         [0040]     The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention to the form disclosed. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the scope of the following claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment described and shown in the figures was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.