RF device in drinkware to record data/initiate sequence of behavior

Abstract

A drinkware is provided to provide information to a receiver. The drinkware is a RF device coupled to a handheld drinking container. The RF device can receive and send RF signals and communicate with a sensory device. A transmitter can send a signal to the communication device, which then activates sensory device. The RF device can communicate with the transmitter to control a fountain machine.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. Ser. 10 / 922,470, filed Aug. 20, 2004, and is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 513,662, filed Oct. 23, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 518,904, filed Nov. 10, 2003. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates in general to consumer products and, particularly, to drinkware associated with a receiver and / or transmitter. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Drinkware typically are containers that hold a drinkable liquid, such as water, fountain drinks, or the like. Many times, drinkware filled with a liquid is sold at stadiums, theme or amusement parks, movie theaters, restaurants, complexes, and events (e.g., county fairs). For example, many times drinkware available at an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] In one embodiment, an improved beverage dispensing system is provided. One embodiment provides a new and improved beverage dispensing system and method which has many of the advantages of the prior art and additional advantages.

[0027] It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a new and improved beverage dispensing system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

[0028] It is further object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a new and improved beverage dispensing system which is of durable and reliable constructions.

[0029] An even further object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide a new and improved beverage dispensing system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such beverage dispensing system economically available to the buying public.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional drinkware may not in itself entertain or enhance the experience of a person at one of the aforementioned locations.

In particular, conventional drinkware with advertisements is unlikely entertain or enhance the experience of a person at the amusement park.

Conventional drinkware may not further encourage people to purchase drinks.

Thus, the amusement park is losing drink sales because the drinkware itself may not provide a motivation to purchase the drinkware.

Drinkware found in homes typically does not entertain and is not interactive.

Unfortunately, the drinkware merely holds a liquid and does not further the video game experience.

Thus, conventional drinkware cannot perform functions, thus resulting in reduced drinkware sales and enjoyment.

If the customer wants to refill their cup, they may have to pay for the refill.

Despite the restaurant's policy, customers may refill their cups without making proper payment.

For example, the restaurant may sell the cup to the customer so that the customer can refill the cup during a single continuous visit, but cannot refill the cup during a subsequent visit.

The restaurant loses money because the customer did not make the required payment for their drink.

Thus, the restaurant loses costly liquid.

Additionally, the restaurant may have a lost sale because the customer might have purchased a drink during the subsequent visit if they could not reuse cups.

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