Toy that provides an indication when an end user consumes a consumable substance

• US 5,939,983 A
• Filed: 06/19/1997
• Issued: 08/17/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Elliot A. Rudell
• Original Assignee: Elliot A. Rudell
• Inventors: Foster, George, Rudell, Elliot A., Fisher, Raymond Earl
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US08/879,238
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 340/540, 340/384.1, 340/384.7, 340/384.6, 340/384.3, 340/692, 362/109, 446/404, 446/297, 446/484, 446/81, 206/459.1, 206/531, 206/807, 426/104
• US Class Current: 340/540
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 3/50 characterised by shape, structure or physical form, e.g. products with supported structure
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 3/563 products with an inedible support, e.g. a stick
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 9/44 characterised by shape, structure or physical form liquid products, solid products in the form of powders, flakes or granules for making liquid products A23G9/52
• CPC Class Codes: A23G 9/503 products with an inedible support, e.g. a stick
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 19/2227 with means for amusing or giving information to the user A47G23/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2019/2238 with illumination means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2019/2244 with sound emitting means
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/02 Forks; Forks with ejectors; Combined forks and spoons; Salad servers
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/182 with means for amusing or giving information to the user
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/08 Illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 2200/143 producing means
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2517/0056 Unusual elements
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 77/24 Inserts or accessories added or incorporated during filling of containers opening devices B65D77/30

Abstract

A toy that activates an indicator while an end user consumes an edible substance. The toy includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are connected to the indicator. An electrical path is created between the first and second electrodes while the end user is consuming the consumable substance to close an electrical circuit with the indicator. The closed circuit activates the indicator.

Claims

1. A toy that is used in conjunction with the consumption of a food by an end user, comprising:

a first electrode;

a second electrode; and

,

an indicator that is coupled to said first and second electrodes and is activated by the end user coming into contact with the food wherein the end user becomes part of a closed circuit between said first and second electrodes.

2. A toy that is attached to a metal can that contains a food that is consumed by an end user, comprising:

a housing that is adapted to be attached to the can;

a first electrode that is coupled to said housing;

a second electrode that is coupled to said housing;

an indicator that is coupled to said first and second electrodes and is activated by the end user coming into contact with the food wherein the end user becomes part of a closed circuit between said first and second electrodes.

3. The toy as recited in claim 2, wherein said housing is adapted to snap onto a lid of the can and said second electrode is in contact with the can.

4. The toy as recited in claim 2, wherein said housing has a C shape that snaps onto the can.

5. The toy as recited in claim 2, wherein said second electrode is located adjacent to an opening in the can.