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US 7,163,311 B2Granted
Foodware having visual sensory stimulating or sensing means
OwnerJames F. Kramerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Active foodware comprises at least a plate unit that provides visual stimuli by having a power source and a visual sensory stimulating component to provide light emanating from the plate. Other devices can provide auditory and haptic stimuli. The plate unit can be a single component where the device and circuitry are all contained in the unit and protected from water or can be two components an upper translucent plate and an underplate comprising the devices and circuitry for directing light through the upper plate.
Claims51
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate and optionally an underplate;
- a power source;
- said dining plate or said underplate comprising at least one light source selected from the group consisting of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having light guides, optical wave guides, electroluminescent light sources, liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, fluorescent displays, plasma displays, incandescent lights having light guides, fluorescent lights and fluorescent materials;
- and
- light from said at least one light source forming an image.
2 more elements
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate and optionally an underplate;
- a power source;
- at least one light source selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, fluorescent displays and plasma displays contained by one of said dining plate and said underplate;
- a controller for receiving power from said power source and selectively energizing said at least one light source for enhancing a dining experience;
- and
- light from said at least one light source forming an image.
3 more elements
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate and optionally an underplate;
- a power source;
- a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel contained by one of said dining plate and said underplate;
- a controller for receiving power from said power source and selectively energizing said LCD panel for enhancing a dining experience;
- and
- light from said LCD panel forming an image.
3 more elements
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate and optionally an underplate;
- a power source;
- an electroluminescent light source contained by one of said dining plate and said underplate;
- a controller for receiving power from said power source and selectively energizing said electroluminescent light source for enhancing a dining experience;
- and
- light from said electroluminescent light source forming an image.
3 more elements
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate and optionally an underplate;
- a power source;
- at least one light source selected from the group consisting of light emitting diodes (LEDs), optical wave guides, electroluminescent light sources, liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, fluorescent displays, plasma displays, incandescent lights, fluorescent lights and fluorescent materials;
- a controller for receiving power from said power source and selectively energizing said at least one light source for enhancing a dining experience, said controller comprising a processor under the surface of said dining plate;
- and
- light from said at least one light source forming an image.
3 more elements
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate portion including a rim and a recessed center portion for receiving food;
- a substantially vertically arranged portion including a liquid crystal display;
- a power source;
- a controller for receiving power from said power source and selectively energizing said liquid crystal display;
- and
- light from said liquid crystal display forming an image for enhancing a dining experience.
3 more elements
A dining unit comprising:
- a dining plate portion including a rim and a recessed center portion for receiving food;
- a display portion including a liquid crystal display, said display portion hinged to said dining plate portion for changing the angle of said display portion in relation to said dining plate portion;
- a power source;
- a controller for receiving power from said power source and selectively energizing said liquid crystal display;
- and
- light from said liquid crystal display forming an image for enhancing a dining experience.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.