Automatic base-mounted container illuminator

• US 7,258,458 B2
• Filed: 03/24/2005
• Issued: 08/21/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dennis Glenn, Michael Mochiachvili
• Original Assignee: Dennis Glenn, Michael Mochiachvili
• Inventors: Mochiachvili, Michael, Glenn, Dennis
• Primary Examiner(s): BANNAN, JULIE A
• Application Number:
  US11/088,453
• Publication Number:
  US 20050213314A1
• Time in Patent Office: 880 Days
• Field of Search: 362/96, 362/101, 362/318
• US Class Current: 362/96
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 23/0309 Illuminated

Abstract

The Automatic Base-Mounted Container Illuminator is a new and improved illumination device for use and attachment on the base of a liquid container. The Illuminator attaches to the container due to a high level of friction between the outer surface of the container and the outer surface of the Illuminator'"'"'s liquid-proof coating. The Illuminator contains a power source and a light source. The power source and light source are connected by an electrical switch mechanism so that when the liquid container and attached Illuminator are lifted from a standing position the circuit is completed until the container is placed back onto its base in a standing position. When the Illuminator is engaged the liquid and the bottle itself become illuminated. This effect is useful for advertising and attracting business, and it is pleasing to the eyes of nearby observers. Thus, the Illuminator can be simultaneously used as an advertising agent and a visual stimulant.

Claims

1. A base-mounted apparatus for automatically illuminating a liquid container and any liquid contained therein comprising:

a hollow base;

a light source within the hollow base;

an electric power source within the hollow base;

an electrical switch mechanism within the hollow base connected to the light source and the power source;

a liquid-proof, high friction outer coating in contact with the hollow base;

said hollow base comprising of an upper surface with an opening, and a lower surface with an opening;

said hollow base further comprising a means for securing the power source;

a means for securing the light source directly below the opening in the upper surface; and

a means for securing the electrical switch mechanism;

said liquid-proof, high friction outer coating comprising a lower surface;

one or more surfaces extending upward from the lower surface to form one or more walls; and

a protrusion on the lower surface that extends both upward into the opening on the lower surface of the hollow base and downward from the lower surface of the liquid-proof, high friction outer coating;

said electrical switch mechanism comprising a PC board that has an upper surface and a lower surface, an electrical contact for the power source located on the upper surface, an electrical contact for the light source located on the upper surface, and an opening positioned directly above the opening in the lower surface of the hollow base; and

a conductive leaf switch positioned above the opening in the PC board.

2. A base-mounted apparatus for automatically illuminating a liquid container and any liquid contained therein as in claim 1 wherein the conductive leaf switch comprises:

an attachment end and a completion end, said attachment end being attached to the upper surface of the PC board at the electrical contact for the power source, and said completion end being positioned directly upon the electrical contact for the light source.

3. A base-mounted apparatus for automatically illuminating a liquid container and any liquid contained therein as in claim 1 wherein the conductive leaf switch further comprises:

an attachment end and a completion end, said attachment end being attached to the upper surface of the PC board at one electrical contact, and said completion end being positioned directly upon another electrical contact on the PC board; and

a removable nonconductive material that is positioned between the completion end of the leaf switch and the electrical contact for the light source.