BOTTLE WITH DIGITAL DISPLAY

A reusable water bottle comprising a cap; a container; a power source; and a digital display; wherein said container comprises a top end and a base; wherein said container is configured to store a liquid; wherein said container comprises a container surface and said digital display is configured to engage said container surface.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to bottles configured to operate as electronic accessories. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a reusable drinking bottle, with an outward facing flexible digital display embedded in or on the surface of the bottle, such that the display may be configured to display videos, pictures, graphics, information, gifs, and other moving or static images.

BACKGROUND

Digital accessories are now commonplace, with most individuals having access to a smartphone, among other electronics, at all times. In addition, many individuals also carry other permanent accessories for making their daily life more carbon neutral, such as reusable water bottles. This has become more important as the recognition of the need to move toward green or environmentally friendly alternatives.

Many individuals who carry reusable water bottles with them may enjoy customizing their reusable water bottles with decorative components to express themselves. Additionally, personalization also has the benefit of making an owner's reusable water bottle distinct and easy to identify, which may be important because there are a limited number of styles of popular reusable water bottles.

Therefore, a need exists for reusable water bottles that incorporate electronic components to allow users to customize their liquid bottles and/or broadcast messages to onlookers.

SUMMARY

One embodiment may be a reusable drinking bottle comprising: a container; a power source; and a digital display; wherein the container comprises a top end and a base; wherein the container is configured to store a liquid; wherein the container comprises a container surface and the digital display is configured to engage the container surface; and wherein the digital display is configured to display one or more data files. The reusable drinking bottle may comprise a display cover; wherein the display cover is configured to protect the digital display by substantially covering the digital display; and wherein the display cover is substantially transparent. In some embodiments the container surface, the digital display, and the display cover are curved and/or cylindrical in shape. The reusable drinking bottle may comprise a circuit board; wherein the circuit board may comprise a charging module, a display control, and a power switch; wherein the circuit board is powered by the power source. The circuit board may comprise a wireless communication module. The wireless communication module may be configured to receive one or more electronic signals from a remote electronic device. The one or more electronic signals may comprise one or more of the one or more data files, one or more instructions, and combinations thereof and the one or more data files may comprise videos, pictures, graphics, information, gifs, other moving or static images, or combinations thereof. The power source may be located within the base and the circuit board may be located within the base. The power source may be a battery. The battery may be encased in fireproof foam. The one or more instructions may be configured to cause the one or more data files to be displayed on the digital display. The reusable drinking bottle may further comprise a cap and the top end is configured to engage the cap. The top end may comprise a threaded top portion, the cap may comprise a threaded cap portion, and the top end and the cap may be configured to rotably engage one another via the threaded top portion and the threaded cap portion. The container may comprise a material selected from the group of materials consisting of one or more of: molded plastic, clear molded epoxy, solid molded epoxy, stainless steel, aluminum, and/or combinations thereof. The digital display may be an LED screen.

Another embodiment may be a reusable drinking bottle comprising: a cap; a container; a power source; a digital display; a display cover; and a circuit board; wherein the container comprises a top end and a base; wherein the container is configured to store a liquid; wherein the container comprises a container surface and the digital display is configured to engage the container surface; wherein the display cover is configured to protect the digital display by covering the digital display; wherein the display cover is transparent; wherein the container surface, the digital display, and the display cover are curved; wherein the circuit board comprises a charging module, a display control, and a power switch; wherein the circuit board is powered by the power source; wherein the circuit board comprises a wireless communication module; wherein the wireless communication module is configured to receive one or more electronic signals from a remote electronic device; wherein the one or more electronic signals comprise one or more of one or more data files, one or more instructions, and combinations thereof; wherein the one or more data files comprise videos, pictures, graphics, information, gifs, other moving or static images, or combinations thereof; wherein the one or more instructions are configured to cause the one or more data files to be displayed on the digital display; wherein the power source and the circuit board are located within the base; wherein the power source is a battery; and wherein the battery is encased in fireproof foam.

In accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein, the present disclosure is directed to a portable reusable drinking or water bottle with a digital display.

The system of the present disclosure may comprise a reusable drinking bottle with a digital display, and a circuit board, in order to capitalize on the preferred characteristics of both a reusable water bottle and a digital accessory.

The reusable water bottle of the present disclosure may comprise a battery that may be internally encased in fireproof foam to protect the battery pack from accidental dropping and other potential damage. The circuit board may comprise a charging module, a display control, and a power switch. The reusable water bottle may also comprise a battery status indicator, such as a light having different intensities or colors to represent charge level of the battery. The circuit board may control the digital display and may be powered by the battery.

In one embodiment, the circuit board may further comprise a wireless control device, such as a radio frequency identification device (RFID) and short-range wireless interconnection. This may allow a user to remotely control what may be displayed on the digital display. Additionally, the wireless control device may allow a user to remotely turn the digital display on and off.

In another embodiment, the circuit board may further comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a video processor (GPU), and memory storage device, such as a solid-state memory storage device. This may allow a user access to greater processing power and increased functionality of the device for display of photos, videos, gifs, information, and the like.

In another embodiment, the digital display may be SMB LEDs, and individual LED diodes. In another embodiment, the digital display may be LED diodes in the format of a panel. In other embodiments, the digital display may be OLED screens, plasma screens, and full array LED screens. In other embodiments, the digital display may be an EL panel. It is understood that different types of digital displays may be selected for optimized performance under particular conditions.

In another embodiment, the display cover may be a transparent material configured to allow light to pass through. The display cover may be molded plastic, clear molded epoxy, or solid molded epoxy. Different materials may be utilized depending on particular qualities desired.

In another embodiment, the charging module may comprise a charging port such as micro-USB, Apple40pin/lightening, USB-C charging port, and/or a solar charger. The different types of charging ports may allow for compatibility with a consumer's existing charging hardware, so that the reusable water bottle may be charged with pre-existing cables. In another embodiment, the charging module may be a wireless inductive charging system. The charging module and ports allow the battery or power source to be charged and recharged to allow the digital display the power needed to perform.

Still other advantages, embodiments, and features of the subject disclosure will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes best suited to carry out the subject disclosure As it will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious embodiments all without departing from, or limiting, the scope herein. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still others will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the graphs, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about,” may refer to a deviance of between 0.0001-40% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments. It is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of reusable drinking or water bottles with digital displays.

FIG.1is an illustration of one embodiment of a reusable water bottle. As shown inFIG.1, the reusable bottle100may comprise a cap105, container110, and base115. The container110may comprise a top end120, and the cap105may be configured to engage the top end120. In one embodiment, the container110may preferably comprise a non-porous material, such as molded plastic, clear molded epoxy, solid molded epoxy, stainless steel, aluminum, and other waterproof materials.

The container110may comprise a container surface125. A digital display130may be located on the container surface125. The digital display130may partially, substantially completely, or completely cover the container surface125. In some embodiments, the digital display130may be configured to cover specific portions of the container surface125, depending on specific design. The digital display130may be substantially any type of electronic display, including, but not limited to LED screens, SMB LEDs, individual LED diodes, LED diodes in the format of a panel, OLED screens, plasma screens, full array LED screens, EL panels, and the like. In some embodiments, the digital display130may also cover a portion of the base115, as shown inFIG.6. In some embodiments, the digital display130may be soft or flexible. In other embodiments, the digital display130may be rigid.

In some embodiments, the digital display130may be partially or completely covered by a display cover135. The display cover135may preferably be a partially or completely transparent material, such that the digital display130, when active, may be viewable by an observer.

As shown inFIG.1, the digital display130may display a data file, such as a photograph, image, reoccurring video clip (gif), or video131.

The base115may also comprise a circuit board145(seeFIG.3). In one embodiment, the circuit board145may comprise a charging module150, display control155, power switch140, and communication module170. The power switch140may be accessible from outside the base115. In a preferred embodiment, the base115may also comprise a battery160. The battery may be protected by or encased in a protective structure165. In one embodiment, the protective structure165may be a fire resistant foam. The battery160may be used to power the digital display130, as well as components of the circuit board145. The display control155may be configured to determine what images, video, or materials are displayed on the digital display130and to generate and send the appropriate signals.

The charging module150may be a wired or wireless charging module. Power may be supplied to the charging module150, which may then cause the battery160to be charged. If the charging module150is a wired charging module, then the charging module150may comprise a charging inlet configured in the format of mini-usb, micro-usb, usb-a, usb-c, or substantially any other charging structure. The charging module150may be a wireless charging module, such as an inductive wireless charging protocol.

The circuit board145may also comprise a communication module170. The communication module170may be configured to communicate with a remote device, such as a smart phone, laptop, desktop, tablet, or other electronic computing device, such that the remote device may send to the reusable water bottle100instructions and/or commands to cause the digital display130to activate, deactivate, or display static or moving images on the digital display130. The communication module170may be a wireless communication module, as preferred, or a wired communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module170may receive communication through the charging module150, if the charging module150is a wired charging module. In one embodiment, the communications may comprise one or more electronic signals from a remote electronic device. The electronic signals may comprise one or more data files, one or more instructions, or combinations thereof. The data files may comprise videos, pictures, graphics, information, gifs, other moving or static images, or combinations thereof. The wireless communication may be through a short-range wireless technology standard, such as Bluetooth®, a near field communication, or other wireless/wifi mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the reusable water bottle100may comprise a storage module175configured to store images, video, or other materials to be displayed on the digital display130. In some embodiments, the storage module175may be a part of the circuit board145, or may be in electronic communication with the circuit board145and/or digital display130. The storage module175may be a solid state memory storage device. The storage module175may also comprise a computer processing unit and a video processor, which may allow for more complex use of the digital display130. In some embodiments, the digital display130may display streaming content that is delivered wirelessly to the digital display130through the communication module170.

The cap end120and the cap105may comprise threads to threadably engage one another, thereby sealing the reusable water bottle100and preventing the contents of the container110from spilling out. While the reusable bottle100may be configured to store water, it is understood that other liquids may be stored, such as soup, hot beverages, cold beverages, or even solid materials such as various foodstuffs. Other engagement systems may be used, such as friction, latches, or other types of connectors.

In some embodiments, the base115and container110may be distinct components configured to lockingly or releasably engage one another. In other embodiments, the base115and container110may comprise a unitary structure having a separating piece or portion configured to prevent the contents of the container110from coming into contact with the components housed within the base115. In other embodiments, the electronic components may be held within the sides of the container110.

FIG.1shows that the bottle100may comprise one or more solar panels198,199, which may be on the container110or the base115.

The digital display130may cover a discrete portion of the container110or it may wrap around the entire container110.

FIG.2is a cross sectional view of the reusable water bottle showing the relationship between the container surface, digital display, and display cover. As shown inFIG.2, the container surface125, digital display130, and display cover135may be similar in shape, such that the digital display130is sandwiched between the container surface125and display cover135. In some embodiments, the display cover135may not be present, or may be configured to be removable from the digital display130. In other embodiments, the digital display130and display cover135may not be present or may be configured to be removable from the container surface125.

In one embodiment, the container surface125may be made of molded plastic, clear molded epoxy, solid molded epoxy, stainless steel, aluminum, and similar waterproof alloys. Preferably, the container surface125may be configured to contain a liquid on an interior and engage or support a digital display130on the exterior.

In one embodiment, the display cover135may be made of a transparent material configured to allow some amount of light to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, the display cover135may be waterproof and/or shock resistant.

FIG.2shows that the cover and digital display may cover the entire circumference of container110.

FIG.3is an illustration of one embodiment of the base, showing the components of the circuit board for use with the reusable water bottle. As shown inFIG.3, the circuit board145may comprise the charging module150, display control155, power switch140, and communication module170. The circuit board145may also comprise the battery160, along with the protective structure165.

The circuit board145may be in electronic communication with the digital display130, such that the circuit board145, and its various components, send electronic communications (wired or wireless) to the digital display130to cause the digital display130to show images, video, and other materials.

In one embodiment, the circuit board145may comprise the storage module175configured to store the images, video, or other materials to be shown on the digital display.

The battery160may be configured to provide power to the circuit board145and/or the digital display130.

FIG.4is an illustration of another embodiment of a reusable water bottle. The reusable bottle400may be substantially similar to the liquid bottle100shown and described inFIGS.1-3, with the primary difference being that the reusable bottle400shown inFIG.3comprises a power inlet445configured to receive a charging cable in order to charge a battery of the reusable bottle400.

FIG.5is an illustration of another embodiment of a reusable drinking bottle. The reusable drinking bottle500may be substantially similar to the bottle100shown and described inFIGS.1-3, with the primary difference being that the drinking bottle500shown inFIG.5comprises a digital display530and display cover535that substantially covers a container surface510and base515of the reusable water bottle500. One advantage of this embodiment may be that the digital display530is larger compared to the digital display130shown inFIG.1. Another advantage of this embodiment may be that the base515may be protected by the digital display530and display cover535. Accordingly, to the extent that fragile electronic components are housed within the base515, they may be more effectively protected from damage. This also provides for a larger digital display530.

FIG.6is an illustration of a bottom view of a base for use with a reusable water bottle. As shown inFIG.6, the base615may comprise a wired charging module650as well as a wireless charging module645. The base615may be substantially similar to the base100disclosed inFIGS.1-3, with the primary difference being that the wired charging650and wireless charging module645function as a replacement for the charging module150.

Although the bottles shown in the figures are preferably personal rehydration bottles, it should be understood that the bottles may be larger or smaller, including communal reusable hydration containers and taps. It should also be understood the drinking bottles shown may hold any liquid or solid food item.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications, which set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range, which is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes the illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded. As illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more additional embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.