Patent Publication Number: US-2023161175-A1

Title: Watertight Container Systems Having Transparent Display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/162,973, filed Oct. 17, 2018, to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 11,556,017, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/677,824, filed Aug. 15, 2017, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,139,641, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of the current invention relate generally to container systems and closure devices for use with containers. The inventive containers include, but are not limited to, bottles, drinking glasses, jugs, fish tanks, and display housings. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented elsewhere. 
     According to one embodiment, a container system includes a transparent display, a projector for providing image data on the display, and a floor defining part of a watertight cavity. The display is non-perpendicularly angled from horizontal and has proximal and distal ends. 
     According to another embodiment, a closure device is provided for use with a watertight container. The closure device is configured to selectively seal an opening in the watertight container and includes coupling structure (a plug, a flange, and/or threading) for selectively coupling the closure device to the watertight container to seal the opening. The closure device further includes non-transitory computer memory, at least one sensor, and a processor in data communication with the memory and the at least one sensor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a container system according to an embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the container system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the container system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a section view taken from  FIG.  1   , with some features illustrated schematically. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of the display of the container system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is an end view of the display of the container system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the container system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a flowchart illustrating various steps performed by the container system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9   a    is a front view of a container system according to another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG.  9   b    is a section view taken from  FIG.  9   a   , with some features illustrated schematically. 
         FIG.  10    is a front view of a container system according to still another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a container system according to yet another embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of an alternate closure device for use with various embodiments of the current invention, with some features illustrated schematically. 
         FIG.  13    is a front view of a container system according to still yet another embodiment of the current invention, with some features illustrated schematically. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a container system according to a further embodiment of the current invention. 
         FIG.  15    is a section view of a container system according to a further embodiment of the current invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1  through  8    illustrate a container system, according to an embodiment  100  of the current invention. The container system  100  includes an exterior perimeter  110 , a floor  116 , a top end  118 , a transparent display  120  non-perpendicularly angled from horizontal, and a projector  130  for providing image data on the display  120 . 
     The exterior perimeter  110  is defined by at least one external wall  112  extending upwardly from the floor  116 . And the floor  116 , the top end  118 , and the exterior perimeter  110  each form part of a watertight cavity  119 . “Watertight” is used herein to mean capable of retaining water or other liquid  10 . In some embodiments, including the embodiment  100 , the watertight cavity  119  may further be spill-proof (i.e., resistant to losing fluid even if turned upside down). For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1  through  4   , a closure device  140  may be configured to selectively seal an opening  118   a  in the top end  118 . The external walls  112  may be constructed of glass, polycarbonate, transparent aluminum, or any other appropriate material, and may be formed through extrusion, blowing, additive manufacturing, or any other appropriate processes.  FIGS.  1  through  4    show that the exterior perimeter  110  and the floor  116  may define at least part of a bottle  102   a . In other embodiments, the exterior perimeter  110  and the floor  116  may define at least part of another type of container—such as a drinking glass, a jug, a fish tank, or a display housing. 
     The display  120  is inside the exterior perimeter  110 , has proximal and distal ends  121   a ,  121   b , and includes a plurality of (e.g., four) transparent panels  122 . Each panel  122  has a proximal end  122   a , a distal end  122   b  larger than the proximal end  122   a , and opposed sides  122   c . The panel proximal ends  122   a  correspond to the display proximal end  121   a , and the panel distal ends  122   b  correspond to the display distal end  121   b . Each panel side  122   c  is adjacent one of the sides  122   c  of another panel  122 , such that a ring  124  is formed. It may be particularly desirable for the ring  124  to be centered along a center axis  124   a . In the embodiment  100 , the display distal end  121   b  is generally adjacent the floor  116 , and the display proximal end  121   a  is generally adjacent the top end  118 ; said differently, the display distal end  121   b  is closer to the floor  116  than is the display proximal end  121   a . As shown in  FIG.  5   , it may be desirable for each panel  122  to be generally symmetrical about a center line  123 . And it may be desirable for each panel  122  to be generally planar. 
     The display  120  may be constructed of glass, polycarbonate, transparent aluminum, or any other appropriate material. In some embodiments, the display  120  may be formed simultaneously with the exterior perimeter  110 . In other embodiments, the display  120  may be inserted inside the exterior perimeter  110  before the floor  116  or the top end  118  is attached. And in still other embodiments, the display  120  may be inserted inside the exterior perimeter  110  through the opening  118   a  in the top end  118 . Particularly if being inserted through the opening  118   a , the ring  124  formed by the display  120  may be foldable for insertion through the top end opening  118   a  and a biasing member (e.g., a resilient wire) may be coupled to at least one of the panels  122  to bias the ring  124  to the unfolded configuration. As such, the folded ring  124  may be inserted through the opening  118   a  and the biasing member may thereafter cause the ring  124  to unfold inside the exterior perimeter  110 . Especially if the ring  124  is folded, it may be desirable for the panels  122  to be constructed of pliable material. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  4   , an outer portion  119   a  of the watertight cavity  119  extends outwardly from the panels  122  to the external walls  112 , an inner portion  119   b  of the cavity  119  extends inwardly from the panels  122 , and at least one passage  113  allows fluid  10  to freely flow between the outer and inner portions  119   a ,  119   b  of the watertight cavity  119 . In other embodiments, the outer portion  119   a  and the inner portion  119   b  may not be in fluid communication with one another, such that different substances may be housed in the portions  119   a ,  119   b ; or either portion  119   a ,  119   b  may be incapable of housing a substance (e.g., by being sealed or non-hollow). As such, the transparent panels  122  may form at least part of the watertight cavity  119 , with an area between the external walls  112  and the panels  122  being devoid of the fluid. 
     Turning now to the closure device  140 , the closure device  140  has coupling structure  141  (e.g., a plug, a flange, and/or threading) for selectively coupling the closure device  140  to the top end  118  to seal the opening  118   a , and alignment indicators such as indicia or click tabs may be used to position the closure device  140  at a particular angle about the axis  124   a . In addition, the closure device  140  of embodiment  100  contains the projector  130 , non-transitory computer memory  142 , at least one sensor  144 , an input device  145 , an alarm output  146 , networking hardware  148 , and a processor  149 . The projector  130  may have a single lens output, or may have multiple lenses to output images. If a single lens is used, it may be desirable for the lens to have multiple image origination areas, preferably with one image origination area  132  for each panel  122 ; if multiple lenses are used, it may be preferable for each lens to be configured to transmit images to a respective one of the panels  122  (so, for example, four lenses may be used in embodiments having four panels  122 ). With multiple lenses, each lens may be considered a respective image origination area  132 . 
     The computer memory  142  may include volatile and non-volatile memory, and any appropriate data storage devices whether now existing or later developed may be used. Further, the computer memory  142  may be a unitary memory in one location, or may alternately be a distributed computer memory such that one portion of the computer memory is physically separate from another portion of the non-transitory computer memory. In other words, discrete computer memory devices may be linked together (e.g., over a network) and collectively form the computer memory  142 . While this document shall often refer to elements in the singular, those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple such elements may often be employed and that the use of multiple such elements which collectively perform as expressly or inherently disclosed is fully contemplated herein. 
     The at least one sensor  144  may be, for example, at least one sensor for providing data about at least one quality characteristic (e.g., acidity, temperature, pressure, etc.) of a fluid housed in the watertight cavity  119 , at least one sensor for providing data about the quantity of the fluid housed in the watertight cavity  119 , and/or at least one sensor for providing data about whether the closure device  140  is sealing the opening  118   a  in the top end  118 . The input device  145  may be a button, switch, or other appropriate device allowing a user to provide data to the processor  149 . The alarm output  146  may be, for example, an audible or visual alarm indicating that an alarm condition is present or has occurred. The networking hardware  148  may be any appropriate hardware (whether now existing or later developed) allowing the processor  149  to communicate with other electronic devices. Example networking hardware  148  includes ports, transmitters, receivers, and transceivers. 
     The processor  149  may be any appropriate device, whether now existing or later developed, which performs the operations specified by the various programming used. The processor  149  may be electronic circuitry located on a common chip or circuit board, or may be a distributed processor such that one portion of the processor is physically separate from another portion of the processor. The processor  149  is in data communication with the projector  130 , the computer memory  142 , the at least one sensor  144 , the alarm output  146 , and the networking hardware  148 . 
     The following description is an example of the container system  100  in use according to an embodiment. At step S 100  of method S 10 , the processor  149  obtains data from the memory  142 , the at least one sensor  144 , and the input device  145 . After step S 100 , the method S 10  proceeds to step S 112 . At step S 112 , the processor  149  determines if the projector  130  should be actuated. This determination may be based, for example, on the data obtained in step S 110  (e.g., whether the closure device  140  is sealing the opening  118   a , whether an amount of time stored in the memory  142  has been exhausted, et cetera). Yet in other embodiments, the projector  130  may be activated automatically upon the projector  130  being powered. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various electronic components may be powered by batteries and power-generating devices—whether now existing or later developed—and that one or more switches may be provided to selectively power the components. In some embodiments, the processor  149  may additionally select image data (e.g., from the memory  142 ) at step  142  for providing to the projector  130 , again based on the data obtained in step S 110 . If the processor  149  determines that the projector  130  should be activated, the method S 10  proceeds to step S 114 ; if not, the method S 10  continues to step S 116 . At step S 114 , the processor  149  activates the projector  130 , either with the only image data available or using image data selected in step S 112 . “Image data” as used herein encompasses both static and sequential (or what appears to be “moving”) image data. The travel path  135  of images from the image origination areas  132  to the display  120  in the embodiment  100  is illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  4   . The method S 10  then moves to step S 116 . At step S 116 , the processor  149  processes data from the at least one sensor  144  (obtained at step S 110 ) and outputs information through the alarm output  146  and/or the networking hardware  148  based on programming in the memory  142 . For example, if the processor  149  determines that the acidity, temperature, or pressure of the fluid  10  is outside predetermined ranges, that the amount of fluid  10  is low, or that the top end  118   a  is not properly sealed, the alarm output  146  may be activated and/or a warning may be sent to another electronic device through the networking hardware  148 . The method then returns from step S 116  to step S 110 . 
       FIGS.  9   a  and  9   b    illustrate another container system  200  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  200 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  200  to  299  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., exterior perimeter  210  corresponds generally to the exterior perimeter  110 , external wall  212  corresponds generally to the external walls  112 , floor  216  corresponds generally to the floor  116 , top end  218  corresponds generally to the top end  118 , opening  218   a  corresponds generally to the opening  118   a , outer and inner portions  219   a ,  219   b  correspond generally to the outer and inner portions  119   a ,  119   b , transparent display  220  corresponds generally to the transparent display  120 , panels  222  correspond generally to the panels  122 , projector  230  corresponds generally to the projector  130 , closure device  240  corresponds generally to the closure device  140 , processor  249  corresponds generally to the processor  149 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  200 , one difference from the embodiment  100  is that the embodiment  100  has four external walls  112  defining the external perimeter  110 , while the embodiment  200  has one continuous (circular) wall  212  defining the external perimeter  210 . Further, the image origination areas  132  are located radially outside the display proximal end  121   a , while the image origination areas  232  are radially inside the display proximal end  221   a . A reflective surface (mirror)  238  is adjacent or formed by the floor  216 , and the image travel path  235  extends from the image origination areas  232  to the reflective surface  238  and then to the display  220 . 
     Also, the display  120  extends to the top end  118 , while the display  220  stops short of the top end  218 . As such, in the embodiment  200 , fluid may pass between the outer and inner portions  219   a ,  219   b  by going over the display  220 . In other words, a passage over the display  220  may allow fluid to freely flow between the outer and inner portions  219   a ,  219   b.    
       FIG.  10    illustrates another container system  300  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  200 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  200  (and thus the embodiment  300 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  300  to  399  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  200  to  299  (e.g., exterior perimeter  310  corresponds generally to the exterior perimeter  210 , external wall  312  corresponds generally to the external walls  212 , floor  316  corresponds generally to the floor  216 , top end  318  corresponds generally to the top end  218 , outer and inner portions  319   a ,  319   b  correspond generally to the outer and inner portions  219   a ,  219   b , transparent display  320  corresponds generally to the transparent display  220 , panels  322  correspond generally to the panels  222 , reflective surface  338  corresponds generally to the reflective surface  238 , closure device  340  corresponds generally to the closure device  240 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  300 , the primary difference from the embodiment  100  is that the embodiment  300  has four external walls  312  defining the exterior perimeter  310  (similar to the walls  112  defining the exterior perimeter  110 ), instead of the single circular wall  212 . And, instead of the display  320  stopping short of the top end  318 , the display  320  extends to the top end  218  (similar to the embodiment  100 ). 
       FIG.  11    illustrates another container system  400  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  400 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  400  to  499  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., exterior perimeter  410  corresponds generally to the exterior perimeter  110 , floor  416  corresponds generally to the floor  116 , top end  418  corresponds generally to the top end  118 , transparent display  420  corresponds generally to the transparent display  120 , panels  422  correspond generally to the panels  122 , image origination areas  432  correspond generally to the image origination areas  132 , closure device  440  corresponds generally to the closure device  140 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  400 , one difference from the embodiment  100  is that the exterior perimeter  410  in the embodiment  400  is defined by the display  420  (i.e., the panels  422 ) instead of being defined by separate external walls (corresponding to the external walls  112 ). Or, viewed differently, the panels  422  function as both the panels  122  and the walls  112 . Further, the positioning of the image origination areas  432  and travel paths  435  are generally as set out in the embodiment  200  (including use of a reflective surface  438  corresponding generally to the reflective surface  238 ). 
       FIG.  12    illustrates another closure device  540  that may be used in embodiments of the current invention. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  500  to  599  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., coupling structure  541  corresponds generally to coupling structure  141 , projector  530  corresponds generally to the projector  130 , computer memory  542  corresponds generally to the computer memory  142 , at least one sensor  544  corresponds generally to the at least one sensor  144 , an input device  545  corresponds generally to the input device  145 , an alarm output  546  corresponds generally to the alarm output  146 , networking hardware  548  corresponds generally to the networking hardware  148 , processor  549  corresponds generally to the processor  149 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     The closure device  540  differs from the illustrated closure device  140  in a few main ways. First, the coupling structure  541  includes a plug, whereas the coupling structure  141  includes threading. Second, the projector  530  is positioned at an end  543   a  of a rod  543 , allowing the projector  530  to extend further into the cavity  119  (and closer to the display  120 ). And third, the closure device  540  includes a pout spout  547  allowing fluid to be poured from the cavity  119 . The pour spout  547  has upper and lower ends  547   a ,  547   b  and a passageway therebetween. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to have a valve between the ends  547   a ,  547   b  to restrict flow. In the embodiment  540 , the projector  530  is located generally adjacent the lower end  547   b  of the pour spout  547 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates another container system  600  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  100  (and thus the embodiment  600 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  600  to  699  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  100  to  199  (e.g., exterior perimeter  610  corresponds generally to the exterior perimeter  110 , external wall  612  corresponds generally to the external walls  112 , passages  613  correspond generally to the passages  113 , floor  616  corresponds generally to the floor  116 , top end  618  corresponds generally to the top end  118 , watertight cavity  619  corresponds generally to the watertight cavity  119 , transparent display  620  corresponds generally to the transparent display  120 , panels  622  correspond generally to the panels  122 , image origination areas  632  correspond generally to the image origination areas  132 , closure device  640  corresponds generally to the closure device  140 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  600 , there are two primary differences from the embodiment  100 : the display proximal end  621   a  is closer to the floor  616  than is the display distal end  621   b , and the projector  630  is relocated to still provide the image data to the proximal end  621   a  before providing the image data to the distal end  621   b . In  FIG.  13   , the projector  630  is positioned to provide the image data generally upwardly, and the floor  616  is selectively positionable atop the projector  630  such that the image data is provided on the display  620  (via image travel paths  635 ) only when the floor  616  is positioned atop the projector  630 . The projector  630  may be housed in a coaster, a bar surface, or another device, and some embodiments may include a housing below the floor  616  to house the projector  630  and allow the projector  630  to be fixed relative to the display  620 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates another container system  700  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  600 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  600  (and thus the embodiment  700 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  700  to  799  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  600  to  699  (e.g., exterior perimeter  710  corresponds generally to the exterior perimeter  610 , external wall  712  corresponds generally to the external walls  612 , floor  716  corresponds generally to the floor  616 , watertight cavity  719  corresponds generally to the watertight cavity  619 , transparent display  720  corresponds generally to the transparent display  620 , panels  722  correspond generally to the panels  622 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     Embodiment  700  does not have a top end corresponding to the top end  618 ; instead, the watertight cavity  719  is simply open upwardly as the exterior perimeter  710  and the floor  716  define a drinking glass  702   b . In addition, embodiment  700  does not have passages corresponding to passages  613  and liquid does not pass between the panels  722  and the external walls  712 . And the projector  730  is illustrated as part of a coaster  705 . The cup  702   b  is shown separated from the coaster  705  for illustration, and the cup  102   b  is positionable atop the coaster  705  such that image data is provided on the display  720  when the floor  716  is positioned atop the projector  730 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates another container system  800  that is substantially similar to the embodiment  200 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiment  200  (and thus the embodiment  800 ) may be modified in various ways, such as through incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments, for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers from  800  to  899  may be used to indicate elements corresponding to those discussed above numbered from  200  to  299  (e.g., exterior perimeter  810  corresponds generally to the exterior perimeter  210 , floor  816  corresponds generally to the floor  216 , watertight cavity  819  corresponds generally to the watertight cavity  219 , transparent display  820  corresponds generally to the transparent display  220 , projector  830  correspond generally to the projector  230 , et cetera), though with any noted, shown, or inherent deviations. 
     In embodiment  800 , the primary differences from the embodiment  200  involve the display  820 , the omission of mirror  238 , and the projector  830 . More specifically, the display  820  has a single panel  822  non-perpendicularly angled from the floor  816 , and the projector  830  may suffice with only one image origination area  832 . Images are transmitted to the display  820  from the image origination area  832  via image travel path  835 . While the viewing experience in the embodiment  800  is not three-dimensional (or “holographic), contrary to other embodiments described herein, it may nevertheless be sufficient for certain applications. And the image may be viewed from opposite sides of the panel  822  (though not perpendicularly thereto). While the panel  822  (and all other panels described herein) may be fully transparent, a translucent or semi-translucent coating on (or composition of) any of the panels may provide better visibility—and particularly in well-lit environments. 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. The specific configurations and contours set forth in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and not limiting. Some steps may be performed in different orders than described herein.