An apparatus for communicating the status of a consumable includes a sleeve with a tubular housing. The tubular housing has a lumen with a proximal section and a distal section separated by an internal flange. The sleeve includes a battery case or power module with a coaster coupled on the proximal side of the internal flange, an electronic module and a power supply module coupled to the distal side of the internal flange. A sensor in the form of a spring-loaded switch is located on the coaster to trigger and enable a status indicator based on a predetermined weight of a beverage container. The status indicator is an LED light source or wireless signal coupled to the sensor through the electronic module.

An active foodware system includes a visual-stimulating component for displaying information related to a plurality of sensing components, such as load cells, sensing weight of food on respective dining surfaces of supporting dining plates. A mechanical structure supports and positions the dining plates in a constrained relationship to each other, and cavities in the mechanical structure may unattachedly mate with the dining plates. A wireless communication component wirelessly sends weight data to the visual-stimulating component, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. The system is configured to determine calories of the food, and the system may include a camera for sensing the food or a diner. The visual-stimulating component may display information other than information provided by a scale, and auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.

An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure supporting a food surface recessed in relation to an area surrounding the food surface; a heating component for heating food received by the food surface; a sensing component for maintaining the heating component at a desired temperature; a wireless communication component; and a visual stimulating component responsive to data from the sensing component or the wireless communication component.

A drink holder assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, the drink holder assembly includes a drink holder, a ring insert, and at least one lighting device. The ring insert is configured to be inserted into the drink holder. The lighting device(s) are mounted to the ring insert. In this manner, the lighting device provides the light needed so that the user can place a beverage container in the drink holder appropriately when in a poorly lit environment.

A decorative lighted cover for water jugs has an outer cover traversing between a top and a bottom end, with a design cutout traversing laterally through the outer cover and a light source located interior to the outer cover. The light source illuminates the interior of the outer cover, and the illumination is visible through the design cutout. An upper cover obstructs the top end of the outer cover and supports the light source near the top end. The outer cover is affixed around a water cooler's reservoir, and the illuminated design cutout provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A drink coaster is provided with a one or more light-emitting diodes, which collectively are capable of emitting at least two different colors of light, and a power supply for illuminating the diodes. An individual using the coaster is provided with means for controlling the on/off status of the diodes, thereby controlling the color of the emitted light.

A bottle holder with a body includes an upper portion; a base; a cup seat disposed in the upper portion; and one or more lighting elements, at least one of the lighting elements being disposed below the cup seat and oriented to direct light upward. The bottle holder further includes a cup removably positioned in the cup seat, the cup being constructed to support a bottle. The bottle holder may include a control system configured to control the one or more lighting elements and other electronic components that may optionally be included. A system for illuminating a container includes a bottle holder and a remote control unit constructed to communicate with a control unit of the bottle holder.

A decorative lighted cover for water jugs has an outer cover traversing between a top and a bottom end, with a design cutout traversing laterally through the outer cover and a light source located interior to the outer cover. The light source illuminates the interior of the outer cover, and the illumination is visible through the design cutout. An upper cover obstructs the top end of the outer cover and supports the light source near the top end. The outer cover is affixed around a water cooler's reservoir, and the illuminated design cutout provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

An apparatus for communicating the status of a consumable having a tubular housing with a channel, wherein the channel includes a proximal section and a distal section separated by an internal flange, a power module assembly including a coaster coupled on the proximal section of the tubular housing, a top cover, and a bottom cover coupled to the distal section of the tubular housing, a sensor coupled to the coaster for determining a level of beverage in a beverage container, and electronic circuitry for controlling a status indicator, wherein the sensor is in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry, wherein the status indicator is operably coupled to the sensor; and wherein the status indicator is covered by a lampshade.

An active foodware system includes a visual-stimulating component for displaying information related to a plurality of sensing components, such as load cells, sensing weight of food on respective dining surfaces of supporting dining plates. A mechanical structure supports and positions the dining plates in a constrained relationship to each other, and cavities in the mechanical structure may unattachedly mate with the dining plates. A wireless communication component wirelessly sends weight data to the visual-stimulating component, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. The system is configured to determine calories of the food, and the system may include a camera for sensing the food or a diner. The visual-stimulating component may display information other than information provided by a scale, and auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.