Motion sensing switch mounted in a novelty device for generating a signal during movement

• US 6,005,204 A
• Filed: 03/17/1998
• Issued: 12/21/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andy Choi, Clifford T. Rosenberg, Robert F. Glaser
• Original Assignee: Andy Choi, Clifford T. Rosenberg, Robert F. Glaser
• Inventors: Choi, Andy, Rosenberg, Clifford T., Glaser, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): SCOTT, JAMES R
• Application Number:
  US09/040,208
• Time in Patent Office: 644 Days
• Field of Search: 200/52 R, 200/61.45 R, 200/61.53, 200/61.45 M, 200/61.83, 200/DIG. 29, 362/101, 215/6
• US Class Current: 200/52.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 19/2227 with means for amusing or giving information to the user A47G23/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0237 Rigid or semi-rigid containers provided with a recess on their external surface for accommodating a smaller container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/248 the closure being provided with transient audible or visual signaling means, e.g. for indicating dispensing, or other illuminating or acoustic devices, e.g. whistles B65D55/026, B65D55/028 take precedence; for indicating incorrect storage B65D79/02

Abstract

A motion actuated switch for operating a signalling apparatus for emitting a light or sound signal from within a novelty article, in which a switch body is defined by a cap attached to plate and the switch body being mountable within the novelty article. The plate has an electrically conductive first contact. At least a portion of the cap has an electrically conductive second contact. The cap and the plate define a cavity within the switch body. An electrically conductive sphere is disposed within the cavity for free movement therein and sized for at least momentarily contacting the first contact and the second contact upon motion of the novelty article. The switch is in electrical communication with a signalling apparatus by a first lead attached to the first contact and a second lead attached to the second contact. Upon closing the switch by imparting motion to the switch body, the electrically conductive sphere moves at least momentarily into electrically touching contact with the first and second switches. Novelty article preferably comprises a container for holding fluids for drinking while the motion actuates switch triggers the signalling apparatus to generate a signal during movement of the container. The novelty article can be an action toy or other novelty article.

Claims

1. A drinking cup for holding a fluid for drinking while generating a signal, comprising:

a frustroconical body defined by a side wall and having an open end for receiving therethrough a fluid for being contained within the body;

a dome-shaped bottom wall in a lower portion of the body cooperating with the side wall to define a first cavity in the body for receiving and containing the fluid and defining a second cavity in the body;

the lower edge of the side wall defining an opening for selective access into the second cavity;

a cover plate for closing the opening into the second cavity;

a signal-generating device attached to said cover plate, said signal-generating device comprising a signal driver selectively actuated by a switch, a supply of power to operate said signal driver, and signal means responsive to the signal driver for making a signal responsive to the signal driver, connected together for electrical communication;

said switch comprising a plate having an electrically conductive first contact and a metal cap attached to the plate, the cap defining a second cavity;

an electrically conductive ball disposed within the second cavity for free movement therein and sized for at least momentarily contacting said first contact and said cap in response to motion of the body;

a first lead attached in electrical communication between the first contact and the signal driver; and

a second lead attached in electrical communication between the cap and the signal driver,

whereby the electrically conductive ball, being momentarily in electrical communication with the first contact and the cap upon motion of the body, closes an electrical circuit to actuate the signal driver to generate a signal by the signal means, the signal-generating device being selectively accessible upon removal of the coverplate.

2. A cup for holding a fluid for drinking while enclosing a lighted signaling device in a separate, selectively accessible compartment therein, comprising:

a cup-shaped body defined by a side wall and having an open end;

for receiving therethrough a fluid for being contained within the body;

a dome-shaped bottom wall in a lower portion of the body cooperating with the side wall to define a first cavity in the body for containing a fluid received therein through the open end, the bottom wall defining a second cavity in the body;

a plurality of spaced-apart pins extending longitudinally from the bottom wall;

a lower edge of the side wall defining an opening for selective access into the second cavity;

a ring engaged to a bottom edge of the body and defining an opening through for access into the second cavity, the ring defining a plurality of openings for aligning with and receiving the pins which define rivets for securing the ring to the bottom wall; and

a cover plate received by the ring for closing the opening to the second cavity;

a signal-generating device attached to said cover plate, said signal-generating device comprising a signal driver selectively actuated by a switch, a supply of power to operate said signal driver, and a signal means responsive to the signal driver, connected together for electrical communication;

said switch comprising a plate having an electrically conductive first contact and a metal cap attached to the plate, the cap defining a third cavity;

an electrically conductive ball disposed within the third cavity and sized for at least momentarily contacting the cap and the first contact upon motion of the body;

a first lead attached in electrical communication between the first contact and the signal driver; and

a second lead attached in electrical communication between the cap and the signal driver,

whereby the electrically conductive ball, being momentarily in electrical communication with the first contact and the cap upon motion of the body, closes an electrical circuit to actuate the signal driver to generate a signal by the signal means, the signal-generating device being selectively accessible upon removal of the cover plate.