US5130696A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sound-generating containment structure
Assignee: Decora Industries Inc
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Filing: 1991-02-25
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Granted: 1992-07-14
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Expires: 2011-02-25
Abstract
Abstract An arrangement for the generating or producing of sounds and, more particularly, a containment structure incorporating a sound-generating device which will be activated upon opening of the container structure so as to emit a preprogrammed sequence of sounds. In a more specific aspect, the containment structure may be constituted of a sealed beverage can; for instance, of the type which is widely distributed in the so-called soft drink or carbonated beverage industry, wherein the containment structure incorporates at least one compartment containing a sound-generating and emitting device which is activated upon the opening of the containment structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Theodore Liebman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:13
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B3/00; G08B3/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
In a containment structure having at least one compartment arrangement and an openable closure communicating with said compartment arrangement; said compartment arrangement housing interiorly thereof hidden from external viewing of said containment structure, an operative arrangement comprising sound-generating means, a battery electrically connected with said sound-generating means for supplying electrical energy to said means, and light-activated switch means including a photosensitive element connected to said sound-generating means for initiating the generating of sounds for a predetermined time interval responsive to opening of said closure enabling ambient light to impinge against said switch means for actuating said sound-generating means, said sound-generating means including means for deactivating said switch means upon completion of said time interval so as to terminate the generation of said sounds whereby shielding of said light-activated switch means from exposure to light and upon subsequent reexposure of said switch means to light reactivates said sound-generating means for a subsequent time interval for initiating a repeated generation of said sounds.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
In a containment structure having at least one compartment arrangement and an openable closure communicating with said compartment arrangement; said compartment arrangement housing interiorly thereof hidden from external viewing of said containment structure, an operative arrangement comprising sound-generating means, a battery electrically connected with said sound-generating means for supplying electrical energy to said means, and light-activated switch means including a photosensitive element connected to said sound-generating means for initiating the generating of sounds for a predetermined time interval responsive to opening of said closure enabling ambient light to impinge against said switch means for actuating said sound-generating means, said sound-generating means including means for deactivating said switch means upon completion of said time interval so as to terminate the generation of said sounds whereby shielding of said light-activated switch means from exposure to light and upon subsequent reexposure of said switch means to light reactivates said sound-generating means for a subsequent time interval for initiating a repeated generation of said sounds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said photosensitive element comprises a photosensitive resistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said photosensitive element comprises a photo transistor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said photosensitive element comprises a Photo-Darlington.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sound-generating means comprises a speech processor chip incorporating circuits for emitting programmed synthesized sounds.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said photosensitive element is responsive to low-intensity ambient light impinging thereagainst so as to activate said switch means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein a transparent cover member sealingly covers said compartment arrangement facing said openable closure so as to hermetically seal the contents of said compartment arrangement while facilitating the contact of said light-activated switch means by ambient light upon opening of said closure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said transparent cover member is constituted from a plastic material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compartment arrangement includes a sealing structure constituted from a rigid plastic material and is sealingly fastened to an internal wall surface of the closure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interior of said containment structure is filled with a foam or dry filter material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said containment structure is weighted to impart the weight, appearance and feed of a filled beverage container thereto.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said containment structure includes a sealed compartment shielded from the electrical components in said containment structure which is filled with a liquid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein said liquid is a non-toxic liquid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein said containment structure is a generally cylindrical beverage container.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A structure as claimed in claim 14, wherein said beverage container is a metallic or plastic can, and said openable closure includes a pull-tab opening arrangement.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-07-14 | 1996-01-13 | 1996-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-07-14 | 2000-01-13 | 2000-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-07-14 | 2004-01-13 | 2004-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |