Dispensing – With illuminator or burner
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-11
2001-09-11
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
With illuminator or burner
C362S101000, C222S185100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286719
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Number 463,270 filed on Oct. 25, 1999. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to beverage containers and, more particularly, to a beverage container having a light in the base.
2. Description of the Related Art
Camping, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities are enjoyed by many. A common item that is used during all of these activities, especially those that happen during night time hours, is a battery powered light such as a flashlight or lantern. Another common item is a disposable plastic container for holding water or other liquid that serves as a refreshing beverage. Such disposable plastic containers are commonly sold at grocery stores in the 2.5 gallon size. While these items are separate, they are often used together as would be the case when getting a drink during evening or nighttime hours. This feat often requires the balancing of a flashlight while pouring a drink, which often results in spills and messes. Additionally, both of these items require space and/or weight allowances which are often at a premium during camping activities.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the functions of a water or beverage container can be combined with that of a battery powered light to produce an item that not only combines the functions of the two but also produces a soothing viewing experience.
In the related art, there exists patents for various beverage dispensing device having an integral light for indicating some information related to the beverage dispensing process. The art is completely devoid of any patents which shine light into a beverage for display and illumination purposes. Nor were there any patents which have a combination beverage dispenser and light with a removable light.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No.
Inventor
Issue Date
5,540,355
Hancock et al.
Jul. 30, 1996
4,544,084
Cleland
Oct. 1, 1985
5,967,371
Stephen
Oct. 19, 1999
5,918,768
Ford
Jul. 6, 1999
5,913,454
McHale
Jun. 22, 1999
5,586,691
Gotch et al.
Dec. 24, 1996
4,673,108
de Man
Jun.16, 1987
4,426,021
Rosenthal
Jan. 17, 1984
4,254,452
Switala
Mar. 3, 1981
2,631,393
Hetherington
Mar. 17, 1953
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus which combines the functions of a beverage container and a light into a single unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device which performs the functions of both a water container and an illumination device.
It is another object of the present invention to save space and weight while packing and/or camping.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide pleasing mood lighting, even at home.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to ensure a source of fresh water is always at hand.
It is still yet another object of the present invention that water and light are easily accessible in emergency situations such as power outages, floods, and automobile emergencies.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it can be used to carry just about any liquid refreshment.
It is another advantage of the present invention that it is easy to fill and clean.
It is yet another advantage of the present invention that the fluorescent/incandescent light uses low power.
It is yet still another advantage of the present invention that it is battery operated, can be used anywhere, and does not rely on external sources of power.
It is a feature of the present invention that it can be placed upon virtually any flat surface.
It is another feature of the present invention that it will operate for an extended time on one set of batteries.
It is yet another feature of the present invention that it is controlled by an integral on/off switch.
It is yet still another feature of the present invention that the light illuminating the container is pulled out of the base for use as a spotting/flash light.
It is a benefit of the present invention that the beverage container produces less glare.
It is another benefit of the present invention that it is cool to operate and touch.
Briefly described according to the preferred embodiment of the present, an apparatus is provided that combines the functions of a battery powered light and a water or beverage dispenser into one item. A large liquid container is located on the top of the invention. The container has a removable lid for cleaning and filling. The container is the same size and shape as the disposable, rectangular plastic container of the 2.5 gallon size wherein water is usually sold in grocery stores. In this fashion, water containers from the grocery stores can be alternately used in place of the provided beverage container. A pouring spout is located on the circumference of the container toward the lower edge and functions in the customary manner to dispense the beverage. A base is provided for the container which has a cavity for housing a fluorescent/incandescent lamp having batteries and a switch, and associated electrical components to allow the lamp to illuminate and spot. The base has an opening formed in the top and a lens embedded to allow light from the fluorescent/incandescent lamp to provide light directly into the liquid container.
The opaque plastic that is used for the liquid container allows the light to disperse throughout the container and give the appearance that the light is emanating from within the liquid itself.
The use of the present invention allows one device to serve the multiple functions of liquid dispensing and providing illumination in a manner that is fun and exciting.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 389002 (1998-01-01), Demore et al.
patent: 2562212 (1951-07-01), Rogers et al.
patent: 4344113 (1982-08-01), Ditto et al.
patent: 4836476 (1989-06-01), Wolf
patent: 6065848 (2000-05-01), Tucker et al.
Cartagena M A
Corrigan Michael J.
Gugliotta John D.
Shaver Kevin
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