Digital Drink Coaster Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of drink coasters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a digital drink coaster device with a display screen that displays content in any form, such as images, text, videos, designs, etc. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Coasters are used to prevent rings from forming on a wooden (or other) surface from the condensation of a glass or cup. However, coasters may only display a singular image, text, or other object that is printed or carved on the coaster. With multiple differing styles of coasters at a single location, people may have a preference for which coaster design they set their drink.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that can alter its design while protecting surfaces from condensation rings formed from drinks. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a digital drink coaster device that allows a user or restaurant owner to choose a plurality of text, images, or other designs which be displayed on the device for a more personalized experience. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a digital drink coaster device that is lightweight and sturdy such that it may be easily transported for use on multiple surfaces.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a digital drink coaster device. The device is comprised of a body with a display screen and a charging dock. The device is comprised of an internal battery that may be charged by storing the device in the charging dock. By powering the device on, a display screen may illuminate, displaying any image, video, text, or other content. The content displayed on the display screen may be customized by accessing a mobile application from which content may be uploaded and arranged to the specification of the user or via a QR code.

In this manner, the digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a drink coaster that can have its design changed while protecting surfaces from condensation rings formed from drinks. More specifically, the digital drink coaster device allows a user or owner to choose what designs are displayed on the device, personalizing the experience of the user. Furthermore, the digital drink coaster device may be easily transported to multiple surfaces as it is lightweight and sturdy.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a digital drink coaster device primarily comprised of a body, a display screen, a charging dock, and a mobile application. The device is designed to allow a user to customize the display of the device while the device is also used as a platform to set a drink on to prevent rings from forming on a surface due to the condensation of the drink.

The device is comprised of a body further comprised of a top surface, a button, and a charging port. The top surface is further comprised of a waterproof display screen from which any image, video, text, design, etc., may be displayed. The display screen may be activated by pressing a button, sending power from a battery to the display screen. The charging port may be used to provide power to the battery. The charging port may receive power from a charging dock either by a physical connection to the charging port or by wirelessly charging via a magnetic field.

The device may be further comprised of a transmitter and a receiver that allow the device to communicate with a mobile application. The mobile application may be accessed either by downloading to a smart device or by scanning a QR code with a smart device. The QR code is preferably displayed on the display screen but may be displayed on any other part of the body. The mobile application may be comprised of two primary functions. An upload content function may allow a user to upload any text, image, video, design, etc., to the display screen of the device. A sequence content function may allow the user to control the order, length of time, brightness, etc., of each content that is to be displayed on the display screen.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a display screen, a charging dock, and a mobile application. Then, the device is removed from a charging dock and placed onto a surface. Then, a mobile application is accessed in which content may be uploaded to be displayed on the display screen of the device. Next, a button is pressed, powering on the display screen of the device. Then, a drink is placed on the top surface of the device.

The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a body, a display screen, a charging dock, and a mobile application. Then, the device is removed from a charging dock and placed onto a surface. Then, a QR code is scanned by a smart device to access a mobile application in which content may be uploaded to be displayed on the display screen of the device. Next, a button is pressed, powering on the display screen of the device. Then, a drink is placed on the top surface of the device.

Accordingly, the digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can have its design changed while protecting surfaces from condensation rings formed from drinks. More specifically, the digital drink coaster device is lightweight and durable, allowing the device to be easily transported to different surfaces. Furthermore, the digital drink coaster device allows a user to decide what content may be displayed on the device and how often that content is changed, customizing the experience of the user. In this manner, the digital drink coaster device patent overcomes the limitations of existing drink coasters known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention while a drink is positioned on a top surface of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a plurality of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention while charging in a charging dock in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical view of features of a mobile application of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that can alter its design while protecting surfaces from condensation rings formed from drinks. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a digital drink coaster device that allows a user or owner to choose what text, images, or other designs may be displayed on the device for a more personalized experience. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a digital drink coaster device that is lightweight and sturdy such that it may be easily transported for use on multiple surfaces.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a digital drink coaster device. The device is primarily comprised of a body, a display screen, a charging dock, and a mobile application. The device is designed to allow a user to customize the display of the device while being used as a platform to set a drink on to prevent rings from forming on a surface from the condensation of the drink.

More specifically, the device is comprised of a body further comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is further comprised of a display screen and a protective layer. The display screen is preferably an LED screen but may be any type of electronic display screen. The display screen may display pre-loaded designs, such as text or images, on the top surface of the device. The protective layer may be a clear film that protects the display screen from getting damaged. A QR code may also be displayed either on the display screen or on any other part of the body, allowing a user to easily access a mobile application that allows the user to customize the display screen of the device. The bottom surface of the body may be further comprised of a grip area. The grip area may be made from a different material than the body, such as rubber, or be textured in a way that promotes grip.

To activate the display screen, a button on the body may be pressed. The button may be powered by a battery that may receive power from a charging port on the body. In differing embodiments, the charging port may receive power through a probe or through a magnetic signal, such that it is either charged wired or wirelessly. The device is further comprised of a charging dock in which the device, or multiple instances of the device, may be stored and charged. The charging dock is further comprised of a charging contact and a power cord. The charging contact may be any cord, probe, power adapter, or wireless signal that provides power to the device or devices stored in the charging dock. The power cord of the charging dock may preferably plug into a standard wall outlet. The power cord may additionally be rated for other forms of power retrieval.

The device may be further comprised of a transmitter and a receiver that allows the device to communicate with a mobile application. In one potential embodiment, the mobile application is only accessible by downloading an app onto a smart device. In another potential embodiment, the mobile application may be accessible via a web-based platform that is accessible to anyone with the specific QR code of the device. The mobile application may then be comprised of an upload content function and a sequence content function. The upload content function allows a user to upload any text, image, video, design, etc., to be displayed on the display screen of the device. The sequence content function may allow a user to determine the sequence in which content is displayed on the display screen of the device.

Accordingly, the digital drink coaster device patent of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that can have its design changed while protecting surfaces from condensation rings formed from drinks. More specifically, the digital drink coaster device allows a user to customize the device by choosing the content that is displayed on the device. Furthermore, the digital drink coaster device can be easily transported between surfaces as it is lightweight and durable. In this manner, the digital drink coaster device patent overcomes the limitations of existing drink coasters known in the art.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of a body 110 with at least one display screen 122, a charging dock 170, and a mobile application 190. The device 100 is designed to allow a user to customize the display screen 122 of the device 100 while being used as a platform to set a drink 10 on to prevent rings from forming on a surface from the condensation of the drink 10, as best seen in FIG. 2.

The device 100 is comprised of a body 110 that may be made of any material such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, acrylic, ceramic, etc. The body 110 is further comprised of a top surface 120 and a bottom surface 130. The top surface 120 of the body 110 may further be comprised of at least one display screen 122. The display screen 122 may be any type of electronic screen known in the art, such as a touch screen, a waterproof screen, an electronic display screen, etc., but is preferably an LED screen. The display screen 122 may display any image, text, design, etc., according to the preference of the user. In one potential embodiment, the display screen 122 may be waterproof. In another potential embodiment, the display screen 122 may be covered by a protective layer 124 that prevents water or other liquids from damaging the display screen 122. The protective layer 124 may be a film, glass, or other material that is clear such that the display on the display screen 122 can be easily seen.

Further, the bottom surface 130 of the body 110 may be comprised of a grip area 132. The grip area 132 may be made from a different material than the body 110, such as, but not limited to, a non-slip rubber, or be comprised of a raised or recessed texture to provide additional grip from the device 100 to the surface on which the device 100 was placed. In addition, the grip area 132 may be comprised of a soft material, such as felt, that prevents damage to the surface on which the device 100 was placed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a plurality of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent 100 of the present invention while charging in a charging dock 170 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The body 110 may further be comprised of at least one button 140, at least one charging port 150, and at least one battery 160. By pressing the button 140, the battery 160 may send power to the display screen 122 of the device 100, thus turning the screen 122 on and allowing the screen 122 to display any content in the form of images, text, video, etc. The battery 160 of the device 100 may be charged by the interaction between the charging port 150 and the charging dock 170. The charging dock 170 is preferably capable of storing and charging at least one device 100. The charging port 150 may be any type known in the art such as, but not limited to, a USB that may accept the power transfer from the charging dock 170 via a charging contact 172. The charging contact 172 may transfer power by inserting a charging cord, such as a USB, into the charging port 150 or by wirelessly charging the battery 160 via a magnetic field. The charging dock 170 is also comprised of a power cord 174 which may be plugged into a standard wall outlet. The power cord 174 may, in differing embodiments, be capable of any other form of power retrieval known in the art.

A QR code 126 is preferably displayed on the display screen 122. However, the QR code 126 may be displayed on any part of the body 110 of the device 100 in printed, engrave, embossed, etc., form. The QR code 126 may be scanned by a smart device, where it then directs the user to a mobile application 190 from which the display on the display screen 122 may be customized.

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical view of features of a mobile application 190 of one potential embodiment of a digital drink coaster device patent 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 may further be comprised of a transmitter 180 and a receiver 182 that allow the device 100 to wirelessly communicate with a mobile application 190. In differing embodiments, the mobile application 190 may be accessed as an app on a smart device, as a website platform, or by some combination of both. The QR code 126 may be scanned by a smart device to bring the user to the mobile application 190. An upload content function 192 of the mobile application 190 may then allow a user to upload or select any text, image, video, design, etc., to the display screen 122 of the device 100. A sequence content function 194 of the mobile application 190 may allow the user to determine the order, time length, brightness, etc., of each piece of content displayed on the display screen 122. The mobile application 190 may further be comprised of any additional function that allows a user to further control the device 100, such as, but not limited to, powering the device on/off, or displaying the charge level of the battery 160.

The present invention is also comprised of a method 200 of using the device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 with at least one display screen 122, a charging dock 170, and a mobile application 190 [Step 202]. Then, the device 100 is removed from a charging dock 170 and placed onto a surface [Step 204]. Next, the mobile application 190 is accessed in which content may be uploaded to be displayed on the display screen 122 of the device 100 [Step 206]. Then, a button 140 is pressed, powering on the display screen 122 of the device 100 [Step 208]. Finally, a drink 10 may be placed on the top surface 120 of the device 100 while the screen 122 displays the selected content [Step 210].

The present invention is also comprised of a second method 300 of using the device 100, as seen in FIG. 6. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 110 with at least one display screen 122, a charging dock 170, and a mobile application 190 [Step 302]. Then, the device 100 is removed from a charging dock 170 and placed onto a surface [Step 304]. Next, a QR code 126 (shown on the screen 122 or any other area of the body 110) is scanned by a smart device to access a mobile application 190 in which content may be uploaded to be displayed on the display screen 122 of the device 100 [Step 306]. Then, a button 140 is pressed, powering on the display screen 122 of the device 100 [Step 308]. Finally, a drink 10 may be placed on the top surface 120 of the device 100 while the display screen 122 displays the content [Step 310].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons, may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “digital drink coaster device patent” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the digital drink coaster device patent 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the digital drink coaster device patent 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the digital drink coaster device patent 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the digital drink coaster device patent 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the digital drink coaster device patent 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the digital drink coaster device patent 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Digital Drink Coaster Device

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