ES2598132T3 - Container with light generator - Google Patents

Abstract

1 A portable container (10) for fluid contents, which includes light emission means (13; 127), means for detecting a radio frequency signal, an independent energy source (14) and connection means (15, 20) for connecting the light emitting means (13; 127) with the means for the detection of a radio frequency signal and with the power source (14), so that after the detection of a radio frequency signal light is emitted, light emission that is activated remotely, wherein the container (10) is manufactured at least partially from a material capable of transmitting the light, in which the light emitting means (13; 127) are arranged to be able to illuminate the contents of the container substantially uniformly.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Container with light generator

The present invention relates to a portable container according to claim 1, and in particular to a portable container for a beverage.

There is a great competition issue between manufacturers of different product brands to attract their target consumers. Manufacturers not only rely on the qualities of the products themselves, but on the design of the containers in which the products are packaged to attract the consumer. This can be achieved in many ways, for example by color or attractive labels or by designing the shape or style of the container itself. This can be applied in particular when the container is integral with the product itself, for example a container that can contain food products or beverages.

EP 1 155 972 describes a perfume container that has means for generating an acoustic or luminous signal that can be activated at different times. The perfume container may include LEDs, which can define a figure or symbol in the container housing when activated. Activation is produced by a container closing element that activates a micro switch when the container is opened. Alternatively, the LEDS can be activated when the container is lifted from a surface.

US 6,005,204 describes a motion detection switch mounted on a novel device to generate a signal during movement.

US 6,020,823 describes a decorative container with special effects.

WO 01/89950 describes a battery-operated audio lock that can be activated remotely through a radio signal.

The present invention seeks to provide an output signal in the form of a light emission.

In accordance with the present invention a portable container is provided as specified in claim 1.

The emission of light allows a significant visual indication to be provided in a public place not only for the consumer but also for other people in the vicinity, without interfering with other people's environments. The illumination of the contents of the container provides an attractive effect for the container.

This arrangement makes it possible to illuminate the contents of a container after the detection of a radio frequency signal. The effect achieved is a significant visual indication for a consumer, and can stimulate the consumer to carry out the event required for the emission of light and therefore the illumination of the contents of the container. The illumination of the contents in a substantially uniform manner provides a visual indication particularly effective for the consumer.

In the preferred embodiment, the container is arranged in normal use so that after the detection of an event, light is emitted until the energy source is depleted. This allows the container to be used in circumstances in which it is disposed of substantially immediately after the visual effect has been provided and during short-term use (for example, in a beverage bottle). In addition, since there is no need to disconnect the power supply after it is activated, the switch can be simple.

In the preferred embodiment, the connection means includes an electric or electronic circuit. This provides a simple mechanism for linking the detection of the event with the emission of light.

The connection means preferably include electrically conductive, substantially transparent means, which may comprise transparent conductive oxide material. This makes it possible for the circuit to be arranged around the outside of the container in a substantially invisible manner. The substantially transparent electrically conductive means may comprise transparent conductive oxide material, which combines the electrical conductivity with the relatively high transparency (transmissivity).

The light emitting means may include at least one light emitting diode (LED). LEDs have few energy needs.

The light emitting means may comprise an electroluminescent device or a substantially flat light emitting element. These can be extremely thin and flexible and allow lively presentations. Electroluminescent devices are extremely adaptable to the required use, and can be manipulated to fix the container in a required position.

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The light emitting means may be located in a groove external to the container. This avoids contact with the contents of the container.

The energy source can also be located in the slit. Alternatively, when a substantially flat battery is used as a source of energy, it can be applied against a substantially flat surface of a container, such as the bottom surface or curved side surface of a bottle; such a battery will remain seated slightly protruding from the surface of the bottle as a label.

The container may include a symbol or logo, and the symbol or logo is illuminated. This makes it possible to illuminate the brand name and / or the content label, which can help to advertise the product.

An embodiment of the present invention is described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1, which is not part of the invention, is a cross section of a bottle; Figure 2 is a perspective view at a reduced scale of the bottle of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the top of the bottle of Figure 2;

Figure 4, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminals of a modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing a further modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 6a, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing a further modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 6b, which is not part of the invention, is a circuit diagram suitable for the modification of Figure 6a;

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle according to the invention, of Figures 1 to 3;

Figures 8a and 8b, which are not part of the invention, are diagrams showing a further modification of the bottle of Figures 1 to 3 in which the bottle is resting on a surface, in Figure 8a, and in which has been lifted from the surface in Figure 8b;

Figure 9, which is not part of the invention, is a cross-sectional side view of a bottle incorporating a lighting device;

Figure 10, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle of Figure 9;

Figure 11, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle of Figure 9;

Figure 12, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing a modification of the bottle of Figure 9;

Figure 13, which is not part of the invention, is a diagram showing a replaceable plug.

Figure 1 shows a disposable bottle 10, containing a beverage, sealed by a cap 11. Figure 2 shows the same bottle with the cap removed. The bottle is made from translucent material. The bottle has a slit 12 at its base, in which an LED 13 and the coin-type cell batteries 14 are located. The LED 13 and the batteries 14 do not extend below the base of the bottle 10 ensuring that the Bottle can be supported in a stable manner on its basis.

A transistor switch circuit 20 is located on the outer surface of the bottle and is covered by a label (not shown). The electrical conductors 15 for the circuits are located on the outer surface of the bottle and extend to the cap 11. In this bottle, the electrical conductors 15 are made of a transparent conductive oxide material such as indium oxide (also known as oxide) of Indian doped with tin or ITO). Another suitable material is zinc oxide doped with aluminum. These materials can combine electrical conductivity with relatively high transparency (transmissibility).

The bottle cap 11, when in place, makes a connection between the electrical conductors 15 at the top of the bottle (see Figure 3), the connection being broken when the bottle is opened by removing the cap. The ends 324 of the electrical conductors 15 serve as connections for the control and energy circuit. The control circuit is implemented with surface mounting components. The current requirement and the energy dissipation of the necessary devices are minimal for low current lighting; The control circuit is therefore small and non-intrusive and could be implemented as a fully integrated circuit.

The terminals (not shown) of circuit 20 are electrically connected together by the conductive cap 11 of the bottle 10 when the cap is applied to the bottle during fabrication.

In use, the bottle is substantially conventional in appearance before opening. That is, it may be difficult or impossible for a consumer to distinguish the bottle from a similar bottle that is not capable of emitting light. When the bottle illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is opened, the electrical circuit through the cap opens. This causes the closure of the

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LED circuit path and blue light emission by LED. The non-specific location of the LED on the base produces uniform illumination of the contents, so that the contents appear to shine independently of the bottle.

In this version, once the bottle is open, it is not possible to restore the circuit and reactivate the lighting effect. Therefore, lighting can only be achieved once. In this bottle, the effect lasts between approximately 15 and 20 minutes depending on the useful life of the batteries (that is, until the energy of the battery is exhausted).

There are several advantages in the configuration described above.

The container can be subjected to cold and wet environments and is thus suitable for drinks that are probably cooled in refrigerators, or even submerged in buckets with ice water. The devices used, which include all electronic components, are designed to withstand these environments and therefore can be encapsulated so that the operation of the electronic elements is not affected when they come into contact with water and moisture.

Manufacturers may wish to visually highlight containers for many reasons, including product promotion, advertising, point of sale, bell-based competition and general marquetin purposes. It could be particularly useful for the launch of a new brand. At certain times of the year a "seasonal" promotion (Christmas, for example) may be desirable. The type of visual enhancement could be intended for specific consumers. For example, it could attract certain consumers to beer drinking.

Although there will be a cost of initial installations to provide containers such as those described above, on a large scale, the cost of production would be extremely small. Current manufacturers will be able to easily adapt their facilities for the production of such containers.

In addition, this provision has the advantage that drivers are substantially invisible and do not detract from the aesthetic appearance or artistic design of the bottle.

It is particularly predictable that the bottle contains an alcoholic beverage such as an "alcopop", also known as RTD (ready to drink) or FMB (Malt Drink with Flavor), or beer, although, depending on the purpose for which it is used The present system the contents may be any solid substance (for example, a powder), liquid, a paste, a gel, or a pressurized gas, from food substances to toxic or dangerous.

The invention can be used in other types of containers, for example, jars, container boxes, cans, containers, blister packs, bags, cans or pasta dispensers that are at least partially translucent or transparent.

The best effect is obtained from a container made from a translucent material such as frosted glass, or having translucent contents, due to the diffusion effect of the emitted light. However, transparent containers or contents can also be used, especially for purposes other than visual enhancement. The container could be manufactured from any form of plastic (for example, PET or PETE).

The container does not necessarily have to be disposable. It can include a plug that is replaceable. In other bottles, replacing the cap could result in the opening of the LED circuit, and the cessation of the light emission. In this way, the containers can be designed to communicate information regarding the security of the contents or the condition of the container itself, particularly when the contents are dangerous, volatile or perishable. For example, the LED can be activated if the lid of a product is not properly placed, for example in medicine bottles, where the child-proof upper parts are not properly placed, or in containers that contain hazardous or degradable materials.

The opening of the bottle can be detected in other ways than the simple physical breakage of the circuit by the removal of the cap as described above. This is detected by opening the electrical circuit in the bottle of Figures 1 to 4. However, although they are not part of the invention, other methods for detecting the opening of the bottle can be provided. For example, the event can be detected by closing the electrical circuit.

Figure 4 shows the neck of the bottle 10 and the cap 11 of a modified bottle. In this arrangement, a strip of insulating material 51 is attached to the cap 11 of the bottle 10 and separates the electrical terminals 21, 22. The opening of the bottle causes the removal of the insulating strip and therefore the closing of the circuit.

Although not part of the invention, the opening of the bottle could be detected by a change in pressure. For example, if the contents of the bottle are carbonated, the pressure inside the unopened bottle can act on a device, such as a membrane switch. With a selected area of the bottle intended to be flexible, a membrane switch or any other type of pressure sensor, it can be set to respond to the change in the internal pressure inside the bottle, when the access seal is broken, providing of this

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mode a method of interaction of the action of opening the bottle with a circuit. After the removal of the cap 11, the pressure in the bottle drops, and contact with which the circuit is closed occurs. The pressure change activation also serves to indicate unintentional opening or leakage of the container while it is stored.

The bottle of Figure 4 could be modified so that it is a conductive strip (instead of an insulating strip) that is removed during the opening of the bottle and the circuit is opened instead of closed.

The removal of the lid or cap from the container is not the only activation event that can be detected to activate the emission of light. Although not part of the invention, the activation event may be the removal of a sheet of metal from around the neck of the bottle. Depending on the configuration of the circuit, other examples of activation events can be provided.

Although not part of the invention, an insulating tongue 84 could be used in the bottle 10 in the distinctive regions of the cap 11. This would allow the consumer or another person (eg, a waiter) to activate the lighting effect whenever they wished. Figure 5 illustrates a possible location of an insulating tongue 84. Removal of the insulating tongue 84 allows termination of a circuit and thus illumination.

Although not part of the invention, the activation event could be a change in temperature or through the contents of the bottle that reach a specific temperature or specific temperature range. Such an application could be particularly useful as a product enhancement feature indicating to a consumer that the contents of the bottle are at the ideal temperature with what they are "ready to consume / use". Additionally or alternatively, the illumination may act as an indication that the product has been exposed to a particular temperature or a particular temperature range outside the desired temperature range for a longer period of time than specified in the Safety Regulations of health. The bottle lights up indicating that the contents are not safe or it is not desirable to drink, eat or use them. The lighting can thus have a product warning function.

Although not part of the invention, the lighting effect can be activated by exposing the bottle to a magnetic field. Figure 6a shows a bottle opener 103 having a magnet 104 at its base. In this case, the bottle 10 can incorporate a circuit 260, Figure 6b, including a tongue switch 261, whose contacts are momentarily approximated when a magnetic field is closed, such as magnet 104. A small current then passes through the entrance of the thyristor 262, which produces the opening and the LED 13 lights up. In use, the relative positions of the magnet 104 and the switch 261 ensure that, when the bottle 10 is opened by a waiter, the tongue switch closes momentarily. A similar circuit is used in bottles according to the modification described below with reference to Figure 11.

According to the invention, the activation is by means of a communication device, for example a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant. Figure 7 illustrates the activation through a signal that originates from a mobile telephone 111. The communication coming from the mobile telephone 111 or from any other communication device with the bottle 10 can be either digital or analog, so that It is carried out through the use of electromagnetic waves or modulated carrier pulses whose detection results in the illumination of a bottle.

Activation through the reception of the transmitted external signal, such as from a communication device, could be proven very effective for competition-based bells. For example, the bottle could contain a built-in FM receiver that makes it possible to light up when it receives a specific radio signal, indicating that the consumer is a winner of the competition. The activation event can occur by detecting an externally transmitted signal, such as a binary code carried on a radio wave transmission or a locally transmitted electromagnetic signal, properly arranged, so that the device can recognize this signal and understand That is an activation event. For example, during a sporting event, the bottles consumed within a specific territory could be illuminated or blinking every time a particular sports team marks.

Instead of originating from a communication device, activation could be caused by other sources. Although not part of the invention, an example of sound waves from another source is a speaker in a nightclub, in which a specific sound wave, such as the bass output, activates a bottle to make it flash I agree with the music.

Although not part of the invention, a switch 121 on the handle of the bottle 10 which is pressed when the bottle 10 (Figure 8a) is on a surface 122, but released when the bottle is lifted (Figure 8b) by a user, It would result in a visual enhancement of the bottle while it is in use. If used in a bottle of beverage sold in a bar, this could encourage people to drink faster so buy more product.

Although not part of the invention, the proximity of the smoked body or a touch effect could activate the lighting when the bottle is touched or approaches a person. This can be detected by a driver located in the bottle, which is located in a non-intrusive position (for example, it can be located under a label, or it can form a label or part of a label).

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Although not part of the invention, the activation event could be the proximity of two or more bottles of the same type within a defined range. This can be implemented, for example, by the use of Hall-effect devices, capacitive sensors, and / or other methods used for physical proximity detection. Such activation could encourage consumers to buy the same beer brands when they are out in a group of friends, that is, it is a way to increase the sales volume of a particular brand. The bottles are designed so that if several bottles are kept close together, one of the bottles can shine in a specific color if it is a “winning” bottle indicating that the consumer has won a prize.

Although not part of the invention, other containers may use alternative methods of detecting activation events. These can be, for example, inductive or capacitive coupling, field in capacitance or inductance, contacts in any removable section of the bottle, direct contact with the contents of the bottle, activation by temperature, activation by alteration, by receiving a external signal (could be infrared or other, by known modulation methods of a carrier frequency) or other electromagnetic method. According to revindication 1, the activation event is the reception of a radio frequency signal.

The initial methods of activation are many and varied already treated and subsequent changes in the activated effect can also be implemented through inductive, capacitive, field effect of the human body or conduction of the human body. Obviously seconds / third parties etc. Stage effects can be implemented additionally.

Although not part of the invention, other activation events include seal rupture, tearing of a label or strip, removal of the sheet or label covering the cap and at least part of the neck of a bottle, replacement of a label, inclination of the container (for example, while drinking from the bottle), change in the level of the contents, or through alteration with the container or other contents. Of course, you could also use a manually activated switch to activate the light emission.

Although not part of the invention, for some of these activation methods, it may be advantageous to have an initial activation event (for example, removal of the plug or a tongue), with the activation event described, being an activation event secondary (for example, the bottle that reaches a temperature suitable for consumption, or the user who touches the bottle). This will prevent an unintended activation, that is, during the transfer or storage of the product.

The lighting effect can be done in variable time so that the effect lasts or starts after a specific period of time, after the specific conditions have occurred.

The lighting effect can be an intermittent pulse or blinking, at random or regular intervals of time. In this way it can be used to attract the attention of the consumer to the product while it is still in the supermarket or on a bar shelf. The effect can therefore be used to encourage the purchase of the product.

You could use a single LED, or any combination of colored LEDs. Because the energy requirements for such an effect are minimal, such an effect could last for many months. Organic LEDs can be used. Of course, a second stage effect could also be used in such a way that also the flickering on a shelf, after opening a second stage effect was initiated, for example the constant illumination of the contents.

Any color of LED can be used. It is preferred that clear lens LEDs be used so that the color of the emitted light cannot be determined until after activation has occurred. This is particularly relevant when this system is used in promotional competition (for example, a limited number of "winning" containers may emit a different color from normal containers).

The location of the LED "not specifically" at the base of the container provides a good overall lighting effect. The LED may be located in another part of the container for a non-specific lighting effect.

An electroluminescent device, which can comprise a delegated sheet of electroluminescent material, can be used instead of the LEDs. The electroluminescent material can be organic or inorganic and emit light when an electric field of alternating or direct current is applied (depending on the type).

Other embodiments may use electrically activated, incandescent, fluorescent, semiconductor or other lighting devices. You could use a neon light. Chemical lighting can also be implemented.

Multicolored lighting effects can be achieved using one or more light sources. The wavelength of the emitted light can be from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, or it can be non-visible, such as the

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ultraviolet or infrared light. The effect may lead to the appearance that the contents of the container change color.

A liquid crystal display device (LCD) can be used; for example an LCD can be embedded with a message. The LCD may be embedded in the container. You can have a dedicated electrical circuit and could present a drop-down advertising message, or indicate that the consumer has won a prize. You could use a flexible LCD.

It is not essential to use electrically conductive transparent media for the connection means. This will depend on the use of the bottle. However, even if the bottle is replaced by a different type of container, the advantage of transparent conductors is applied if the material of the container is transparent or opaque.

In the case where for the activation of the electromagnetic device it is not the removal of a plug, (as with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4), the electrical conductors 15 need not extend to the top of the bottle.

The conductors may form an integral part of a label or may be attached to the container. The conductors may be located on an internal or external surface of the container, be embedded in the container material, or be part of the container, or a combination thereof. The molding of the container can be designed to accommodate these characteristics. The control circuit may or may not be in direct contact with the contents of the container depending on the specific application.

The transistor switch circuit could be located on the internal or external surface of the container. It may be located within a molded groove of the container, or embedded in the material of the container. It may be hidden underneath, or attached to the back of a label, or other material that is subsequently attached to the container.

The power source may comprise several types of battery, including rechargeable batteries, or photoelectric cells. A substantially flat configuration battery is preferred. The source of energy can also comprise the generation of clockwork mechanisms.

Although not part of the invention, a label is printed with active ink, for example ink that is sensitive to UV (ultraviolet) light. Using content illumination as described above but with a UV LED, the contents are illuminated, and after a secondary process, the UV light from the illuminated contents is collected by a UV-sensitive ink on the label so That label shines.

This provides a technically simple and inexpensive way to illuminate a logo since the device and the power supply can all remain at the base of the container, which leads to easy production, and a normal label is used on the side of the bottle. which is sensitive to a particular wavelength of light so that the ink is printed with brightness on exposure to that wavelength of light. It is not necessary for a device to be housed in a slit behind the logo or symbol.

Although not part of the invention, a similar approach could be taken, whereby the active ink used on the label is sensitive to infrared light and an infrared LED or other infrared source is used to illuminate the contents of the liquid. Infrared light sensitive ink is invisible to the smoky eye unless infrared radiation passes through it. The ink can be used in this way in a promotion in which the user sees a message indicating that a prize has been won once the effect has been activated. The use of infrared light sensitive ink is particularly suitable with brown or green glass containers.

The source of energy does not need to be located within a recess in the base of the container, but could be in any suitable location of the container. For example, although not part of the invention, a photosensitive cell could be located in the dark under the lid of the container. When the container is opened, and the photosensitive cell is exposed to light, the circuit is activated and the current necessary for the LED light emission is supplied.

Figure 9 illustrates a disposable bottle 10 having electrically conductive strips 15 applied to the outer surface of the bottle 10 between its upper part 123 and a lateral region 124 in which a label 125 is applied.

The electrically conductive strips 15 are made of transparent conductive oxide material such as indium oxide (also known as tin doped indium oxide or ITO). Another suitable material is zinc oxide doped with aluminum. These materials combine electrical conductivity with relatively high transparency (transmissivity).

The tag 125 is partially or completely constructed by an electroluminescent device 127 comprising a thin sheet of electroluminescent material.

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The electroluminescent device 127 is constructed using phosphorus inks printed on a plastic substrate and is overprinted with printed graphics to constitute the label 125. The electroluminescent material can be organic or inorganic and emit light when an electric field of direct current or alternating current is applied (depending on its type).

An energy supply and control circuit 20 is disposed in a recess 132 on the side wall of the bottle under the label 125.

In use, the removal of the cap 11 from the bottle is detected through the conductive strips 15 by the circuit 20 which is activated to uniformly illuminate the entire label 125 or a selected part thereof, for example a part carrying a particular symbol or logo

In this bottle, once the bottle has been opened, it is not possible to reset the circuit or reactivate the lighting effect. Therefore, lighting can be activated only once. In this bottle, the effect lasts approximately 15-20 minutes depending on the life of the batteries (that is, until the battery power is exhausted).

There are several advantages with the arrangement described above.

The arrangement can be applied to a conventional bottle, and does not need to be included during the manufacture of the bottle.

The illumination of the bottle makes it possible to highlight the name and / or logo of the brand on the container. This constitutes a significant advertising tool.

An advantage of the use of electroluminescent material is that it makes it possible for a flexible and extremely thin label to be provided and allows lively presentations. In addition, the presentation characteristics of the label are visible under normal lighting conditions so that the label can be read even without being illuminated by the circuit.

There are several modifications that can be made with respect to the bottle described above.

The container can be made of glass or transparent or translucent plastic material. Instead of a bottle, it can be a box, a package, or another container that can be opened.

The electroluminescent device 127 may be illuminated by an event other than the opening of the bottle 10, for example, the removal of an insulating tongue 84 (Figure 10), obtaining a particular temperature at which a logo or "temperature icon "Specific may be illuminated, exposure to a magnetic field (Figure 11) or reception of an external signal, such as a predetermined radio frequency signal (according to revindication 1) or a communication from a mobile telephone ( as with the realization of Figure 7).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any of the activation methods described as modifications of the container of Figures 1 to 4 could also be used with respect to the container of Figure 9.

The label does not need to be formed from an electroluminescent device. A single LED, or any color combination of LEDs, could be used to illuminate a symbol or logo. The LED could be embedded within a specific part of the bottle to provide independent illumination of a logo or symbol.

In a modification shown in Figure 12, the bottle 10 includes the symbol-shaped device 71 that expresses the mark of the contents of the bottle. The device 70 is molded from plastic and is embedded with an LED, the power source and the control circuit in order to effect the illumination. This modification can be useful when the bottle 10 has contents that are likely to be consumed in daylight conditions and / or conditions in which there is a significant amount of lighting in the environment, so that its label cannot be illuminated to a degree in which the lighting is visible by the consumer (because the backlight is too intense). The illumination of the high intensity symbol is carried out after activation. The device 71 could be located in any specific part of the bottle, for example, the neck, the body or the base. An advantage of being at the base is that it is visible to others when the consumer is really drinking from the bottle. Three locations for device 71 are shown in Figure 12, although it will be appreciated that normally only one device 71 is arranged.

The symbol can be a logo that expresses the contents of the bottle or its brand, or it can be some type of symbol (for example, an image of a heart or a brain). You can choose specific characters, letters or words for lighting. Any other specific part of the bottle can be illuminated instead of a symbol.

Alternatively, the logo / symbol could be an integral part of the bottle itself, for example, a section of

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stamped relief of a glass bottle or a plastic molded part that is part of the main structure of the plastic bottle. A unit consisting of a lighting element, power source and chip can be attached to the bottle so that the glass stamped part or the molded part of the plastic bottle are illuminated.

The logo may appear on an etched part of the bottle, its surrounding area being substantially opaque. The logo is then illuminated laterally, and the light diffuses through the recorded area, which is translucent.

Images, logos or other symbols can be projected from the container.

Figure 13 shows an arrangement of a switch 81 and a cap 11 suitable for use in a container in which the cap is replaceable. A bottle cap of “child-proof” pills is shown. It has been modified so that the upper part of the internal section is fixed with a membrane switch 81. The cables from the upper side of its switch 81 are fed to the circuit in the new upper cavity 81 that houses a power source, circuit and LED.

When the cap 11 is properly attached to the container, the top cap of the bottle pushes the seal 83 upwardly into the cap, thereby activating the membrane switch 81. This changes the state of the circuit to stop the warning illumination, and This provides a direct indication that the cap 11 has been correctly replaced.

This bottle cap would be useful for example for medicine containers or any type of pharmaceutical product or for containers containing hazardous materials.

In this embodiment, a flashing lighting effect has the advantage that the energy source will last longer. However, a continuous lighting effect can be used.

It may be that the lid or body of the container is illuminated if the lid of the container has not been properly replaced.

Alternatively, the activation of the LED can attract the attention of a buyer, for example, to indicate the previous opening of a jar, canister or bottle in a supermarket (and thus the alteration of the product). An advantage of this system is that the consumer can perceive, while a jar is still on the shelf in the supermarket if it has been previously opened; They do not need to wait until the product is opened at home, after it has already been purchased.

Preferably, in such "security" applications the LED will emit light for more than 20 minutes. This can be achieved, for example, by the inclusion of a timing circuit, which disconnects the LED after a specified period of time. Alternatively, the use of a blinking light, which can blink randomly or at regular intervals, could save energy and therefore allow the lighting effect to last longer. In cases where the LED has been activated for too long while the container was still in the supermarket and the batteries were worn out, a failure of the container to light up at the opening at home could also indicate a problem with the contents.

Although not part of the invention, an additional container is described in relation to Figure 7. A bottle 10 may include a circuit containing infrared components and a power source (not shown). These are integrated in a small package, which is attached to the bottle in a convenient way.

After opening the bottle, an infrared radiation is emitted. If the consumer has a mobile phone 111 with the ability to transmit and receive infrared signals and transfer data, it is possible to physically place the bottle 10 and the telephone 111 for communication by infrared means. The consumer activates his phone, adjusts it to infrared mode and directs it to the bottle, which if it is a “winning” bottle will send a message 92 to the phone allowing the consumer to know that he has won a prize.

One possible realization of this concept is to have a logic circuit previously programmed on one side of the bottle, which, when activated, transmits a call signal waiting for a response from a mobile phone. After receipt of the response, the previously programmed logic circuit transmits a message 92 to the telephone so that the message is recorded and remains in the telephone. The phone then returns a protocol acknowledgment 93 to bottle 10, which then stops transmitting the message or code or data contained within the device circuit attached to the container that has been transferred or loaded. This can then be read as a message on a phone screen that provides instructions for obtaining a prize, for example. Since the bottle has stopped transmitting, it is possible for the message or code or data to be transferred to any other phone thus ensuring the validity of only one prize once from a bottle.

The message or code or data can then be transferred to promoters 94 for verification and referral

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of an award, for example.

Instead of a mobile phone, the bottle can communicate with other "communication devices" such as a personal digital assistant, or a computer. The activation of the circuit device in the container can be 5 by any of the methods explained above.

Although not part of the present invention, this method of adding a communication feature to a container can also be adapted for other purposes, such as information on the contents, ingredients, place of manufacture, grade, quality, nutritional information, etc. .

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The communication between a container and a communication device can be either digital or analog, so that it can be done through the use of modulated carriers, electromagnetic waves, (visible or invisible) sound waves (audible, subsonic or ultrasonic) , pulses, or through direct contact communication, etc.

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In a possible modification of the embodiments described above, although not part of the invention, the output signal may comprise a sensory stimulation, such as a sound (for example, the reproduction of a signature tone, a jingle, a buzzing sound). alarm or any other form of audio) and could be activated in addition to the lighting effect. Alternatively, the output signal may comprise a vibration. Other types of sensory illumination, such as the release of an aroma, may be provided.

The activation of the lighting can occur before the consumer makes the purchase, for example, to attract the attention of the consumer to a product before he has decided to buy the product.

Claims (5)

1. A portable container (10) for fluid contents, which includes light emission means (13; 127), means for detecting a radio frequency signal, an independent energy source (14) and connection means (15, twenty) 5 to connect the light-emitting means (13; 127) with the means for the detection of a radio frequency signal and with the power source (14), so that after the detection of a frequency signal of radio is emitted light, emission of light that is activated remotely, where the container (10) is manufactured at least partially from a material capable of transmitting the light, in which the light emitting means (13; 127) They are arranged to be able to illuminate the contents of the container substantially uniformly. 10 2. A container as claimed in claim 1, which includes an FM receiver for the reception of a specific radio signal. 3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio frequency signal is a binary code carried on a radio wave transmission. 4. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio frequency signal is transmitted locally. 20 5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the components electronics are encapsulated. 6. A container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the light emitting means includes a light emitting diode.