Drinking Apparatus, System and Associated Methods

Abstract

A drinking apparatus comprising a receptacle (2) and a sensor module (4); wherein the sensor module can also be decoupled from the receptacle to allow the receptacle to be cleaned separately from the sensor module; the sensor module comprising an alert system which is able, when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle, to detect a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into a second, cleaning, orientation in which the mouth of the receptacle is angled downwards; the alert system being configured to generate a warning signal on detection of a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation to warn a user against cleaning the drinking apparatus while the sensor module remains coupled to the receptacle.

Claims

1. A drinking apparatus comprising: a receptacle; and a sensor module; the receptacle defining a cavity for holding a liquid for consumption which can be filled into the cavity and drained from the cavity through a mouth of the receptacle; wherein the sensor module can be coupled to the receptacle; wherein the sensor module can also be decoupled from the receptacle to allow the receptacle to be cleaned separately from the sensor module, the drinking apparatus being able to freely stand on a support surface in a first, storage, orientation in which liquid can be retained in the cavity; the sensor module comprising an alert system which is able, when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle, to detect a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into a second, cleaning, orientation in which the mouth of the receptacle is angled downwards; the alert system being configured to generate a warning signal on detection of a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation to warn a user against cleaning the drinking apparatus while the sensor module remains coupled to the receptacle.

2. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the second, cleaning, orientation the mouth of the receptacle is angled downwards to allow liquid to fully, or substantially fully, drain from the cavity out of the mouth of the receptacle.

3. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the second, cleaning, orientation the receptacle has been tilted away from the first, storage, orientation by greater than 90.

4. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the second, cleaning, orientation the drinking apparatus is inverted, so that the mouth of the receptacle is directed vertically, or nearly vertically downwards.

5. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alert system is configured to generate the warning signal immediately on detection of the reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation.

6. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alert system comprises a sensor configured to detect reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation.

7. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alert system comprises one or more lights configured to generate the warning signal in the form of a visual alert; wherein the one or more lights comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs); wherein the one or more lights are located within an interior of the sensor module and are configured to transmit light through a face of the sensor module; and wherein the visual alert comprises one or more patterns of intermittent flashing or pulsing of the one or more lights.

8. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alert system comprises a speaker configured to generate the warning signal in the form of an audible alert; wherein the speaker is located within an interior of the sensor module and is configured to transmit sound waves via a face of the sensor module; and wherein the speaker is an exciter speaker.

9. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sensor module is formed from a transparent or translucent material.

10. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle below the cavity.

11. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor module forms a base unit of the drinking apparatus; and wherein the drinking apparatus is able to freely stand on the support surface with the base unit in contact with the support surface.

12. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor module further comprises a reminder system to intermittently prompt a user to consume liquid from the receptacle; wherein the reminder system comprises one or more sensors configured to detect a drinking event associated with a user consuming liquid from the cavity; and optionally wherein the one or more sensors configured to detect a drinking event associated with a user consuming liquid from the cavity comprises a sensor configured to detect tilting of the receptacle away from vertical; wherein the sensor is configured to detect tilting of the receptacle away from the vertical by greater than 15, and wherein the sensor configured to detect tilting of the receptacle away from the vertical comprises a tilt sensor.

13. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the drinking apparatus comprises the sensor configured to detect reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation and a separate one or more sensors configured to detect a drinking event associated with a user consuming liquid from the cavity.

14. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the reminder system further comprises: a timer configured to measure one or more predetermined time intervals; a speaker configured to generate one or more audio alerts and/or one or more lights configured to generate one or more visual alerts; a controller configured to generate a user alert if no drinking event is detected by the one or more sensors within a selected predetermined time interval as measured by the timer; a control interface; and a power source; wherein the user alert may be one or more visual alerts generated by the one or more lights and/or one or more audio alerts generated by the speaker: and wherein the control interface is configured to permit the user of the drinking apparatus to operate functions of the drinking apparatus.

15. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the reminder system further comprises: an audio recorder configured to allow recording of one or more audio messages by a user of the drinking apparatus, said one or more audio messages then being used as the one or more audio alerts; and wherein the control interface is configured to permit the user of the drinking apparatus to record the one or more audio messages.

16. The drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle the control interface is inaccessible by the user; and the control interface comprises a plurality of buttons for inputting user commands which are inaccessible when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle; wherein the receptacle comprises a recess which receives at least the control interface of the sensor module on coupling of the sensor module to the receptacle so as to render the control interface inaccessible to the user while the sensor module remains coupled to the receptacle; and wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries housed in a battery compartment, and when the sensor module is coupled to the receptacle the battery compartment is inaccessible by the user.

17. The drinking system comprising a drinking apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second receptacle which can be detachably coupled to said sensor module in place of the receptacle; and wherein the second receptacle has a different shape and configuration to the receptacle.

18. A method of preventing damage to a drinking apparatus, wherein the drinking apparatus is as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: using the alert system to detect a reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation; on said detection, generating a warning signal to warn a user against cleaning the drinking apparatus while the sensor module remains coupled to the receptacle.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprising using the alert system to detect when the mouth of the receptacle has been angled downwards to allow liquid to fully, or substantially fully, drain from the cavity out of the mouth of the receptacle, and then generating the warning signal; and using the alert system to detect when the receptacle has been tilted away from the first, storage, orientation by greater than 90 and then generating the warning signal; and using the alert system to detect when the drinking apparatus is inverted, so that the mouth of the receptacle is directed vertically, or nearly vertically downwards, and then generating the warning signal.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising generating the warning signal immediately on detection of the reorientation of the drinking apparatus into the second, cleaning, orientation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0345] The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0346] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of drinking apparatus according to the present disclosure including an optional lid;

[0347] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drinking apparatus of FIG. 1 with the lid removed;

[0348] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the drinking apparatus of FIG. 2 with a sensor module removed;

[0349] FIG. 4 is another view of the receptacle of FIG. 3;

[0350] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lid of the drinking apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0351] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the drinking apparatus of FIG. 1 (not including the optional lid and omitting certain features for clarity);

[0352] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sensor module of the drinking apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0353] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the sensor module of FIG. 7;

[0354] FIG. 9 is perspective view of the sensor module of FIG. 7 with a battery compartment lid removed;

[0355] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cup-shaped body of the sensor module of FIG. 7;

[0356] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of components of the sensor module of FIG. 7;

[0357] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the components of FIG. 11;

[0358] FIG. 13 is a plan view from below of the components of FIG. 11;

[0359] FIG. 14 is a photograph of an example of a main PCB of a sensor module according to the present disclosure;

[0360] FIG. 15 is a photograph of the opposite side of the main PCB of FIG. 14;

[0361] FIG. 16 is a photograph of a partially disassembled view of an example of a sensor module according to the present disclosure which incorporates the main PCB of FIG. 14;

[0362] FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of a first tilt sensor;

[0363] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a second tilt sensor;

[0364] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of drinking apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0365] FIG. 20 is a side elevation of the drinking apparatus of FIG. 19; and

[0366] FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of drinking apparatus according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0367] FIGS. 1 to 18 relate to a first embodiment of a drinking apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. The drinking apparatus 1 comprises generally a receptacle 2 and a sensor module 4. In the current example the sensor module is illustrated and described in the form of a base unit that is coupled to a lower portion of the receptacle 2. However, the sensor module 4 may be configured to be coupled to other part or parts of the receptacle 2. The sensor module 4 may be coupled to the receptacle 2 to form the drinking apparatus 1 and decoupled from the receptacle 2 to allow operation of a control interface 43 of the sensor module 4. The control interface 43 permits a user of the drinking apparatus 1 to control generation of various functions of the drinking apparatus 1 as will be described below.

[0368] Optionally, the drinking apparatus may further comprise a lid 3, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1 and will be described below. The lid 3 may be reusable or disposable.

[0369] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the receptacle 2 may be generally cup-shaped. The receptacle 2 may comprise a side wall 10 which extends from a lower rim 18 to an upper rim 13. The side wall 10 may have a flared shape such that a diameter of the upper rim 13 is greater than a diameter of the lower rim 18.

[0370] A transverse wall 25 may be provided which extends generally perpendicularly to the side wall 10 and spans across the side wall 10. The transverse wall 25 may be located part-way along the side wall 10 to thereby define an upper section 9 of the receptacle 2 above the transverse wall 25 and a lower section 11 of the receptacle 2 below the transverse wall 25.

[0371] The upper section 9 of the receptacle 2 may form a cavity 14 which is suitable for holding a liquid for consumption. The cavity 14 may be bounded by an upper portion 10a of the side wall 10 and the transverse wall 25. An upper end of the cavity 14 may be an open mouth 12 of the receptacle 2 which may optionally receive the lid 3 as a push-fit (when used) to close or partially close the open mouth 12.

[0372] The lower section 11 of the receptacle 2 may form a recess 16 as most clearly shown in FIG. 3. The recess 16 may be bounded by a lower portion 10b of the side wall 10 and the transverse wall 25. A lower end of the recess 16 may be open to receive the sensor module 4.

[0373] Thus, the transverse wall 25 may define a lower extremity of the cavity 14 on one side and an upper extremity of the recess 16 on the other side with the side wall 10 extending both above and below the level of the transverse wall 25.

[0374] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a drainage slot 19 may be provided in the side wall 10 within the lower section 11 which extends from the lower rim 18 upwardly to meet or approach the level of the transverse wall 25.

[0375] The transverse wall 25 may be planar as shown in FIG. 6 or alternatively, and preferably, may be domedin other words may have a convex surface facing the recess 16 and optionally also a concave surface facing the cavity 14. The drainage slot 19 allows for liquid left in the recess 16 after cleaning to drain more easily out of the recess 16 when the receptacle 2 is left to dry in an inverted or substantially inverted orientation with the open mouth 12 lowermost. The convexity of the surface of the transverse wall 25 within the recess 16 may aid drainage of liquid towards the drainage slot 19. More than one drainage slot 19 may be provided spaced around the circumference of the side wall 10.

[0376] The recess 16 provides a void space for allowing detachable coupling of the sensor module 4 to the receptacle 2. An internal face of the lower portion 10b of the side wall 10 within the recess 16 may be provided with a screw thread 17. In the illustrated example the screw thread 17 is provided as a number of discrete screw thread portions, preferably four screw thread portions 17, which are spaced apart around the periphery of the side wall 10.

[0377] An internal face of the upper portion 10a of the side wall 10 may be provided with one or more volume marking rings 15. In the illustrated example two volume marking rings 15 are provided, one demarcating a fill volume of the cavity 14 of 100 ml and a second volume marking ring 15 demarcating a fill volume of 200 ml.

[0378] The receptacle 2 may be formed from a choice of materials. Preferably the receptacle 2 is formed from a plastics material. The receptacle 2 is preferably formed as a single moulding but could be formed from multiple parts that are assembled together. More preferably the receptacle 2 is formed from a hard plastics material that is resistant to impacts and scratching. The material may be transparent or translucent. The material may preferably be free of Bisphenol A (BPA). One example of a suitable material is copolyester, for example Tritan plastic available from Eastman Chemical Company.

[0379] The sensor module 4 may be detachably coupled to the receptacle 2. The sensor module 4 and its components are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 to 18. (For clarity some components are omitted and others are shown schematically in FIGS. 7 to 13). As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the sensor module 4 may comprise a generally cup-shaped body 30 which receives therein a chassis 33 to which are mounted various components of the sensor module 4. The cup-shaped body 30 may comprise a side wall 31 which extends upwardly from a bottom face 32 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. An optional decor ring 65 may be provided which is received over a portion of the side wall 31 as shown in FIG. 7. If the decor ring 65 is not to be used then the side wall 31 may be sized to form a smooth transition into the lower portion 10b of the side wall 10.

[0380] The bottom face 32 may be generally flat and configured to be horizontal when the drinking apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal and flat support surface. A plurality of protrusions 32a may be provided on the bottom face 32 to form stand-offs to raise the bottom face 32 off of the support surface. The bottom face 32 may a solid part of the cup-shaped body 30 that is without apertures. However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 10, the portion of the cup-shaped body 30 forming the bottom is provided with an array of apertures 80 that pass through the cup-shaped housing. A separate thin membrane 81 is affixed to an exterior of the cup-shaped body 30 to cover the apertures 80 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. The membrane 81 may be set into a recessed portion of the exterior of the cup-shaped body 30 whose depth may be the same as the thickness of the membrane 81 so that on the exterior of the drinking apparatus 1 a smooth exterior surface is produced. The membrane 81 may be secured to the cup-shaped body 30 around the circumferential periphery only to allow the membrane 81 to resonate freely against the cup-shaped body 30 when driven by sound waves produced by a speaker located within the cup-shaped body 30, as will be described below. The membrane 81 may be formed from a plastics material that may be flexible.

[0381] The apertures 80 may improve the transmission of the sound waves out of the sensor module 4. The protrusions 32a may create a space between the membrane 81 and a support surface which provides space for the membrane 81 to resonate freely. The resonance of the membrane 81 may enhance the quality and/or audibility of the sound produced by the sensor module 4.

[0382] The side wall 31 may be configured to be vertical and extend at right angles to the bottom face 32. An interface between the side wall 31 and bottom face 32 may be provided with a radiused section 38 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0383] As shown in FIG. 7, the side wall 31 may be provided with a screw thread 37 which is engagable with the screw thread 17 provided on the receptacle 2. By this complementary connection means the sensor module 4 may be detachably coupled to the bottom portion of the receptacle 2 by screwing the sensor module 4 into the recess 16 of the receptacle 2.

[0384] As shown in the cross section of FIG. 6 and in the perspective view of FIG. 2, once coupled to the receptacle 2, at least a portion of the sensor module 4 may be housed within the recess 16 of the receptacle 2. The decor ring 65 may be sized to provide a smooth surface interchange between the sensor module 4 and the receptacle 2. Thus, from the exterior, the user perceives a smooth interface between the side wall 10 of the receptacle 2, the dcor ring 65 and then the side wall 31 which merges into the radiused section 38 and bottom face 32 of the sensor module 4.

[0385] The dcor ring 65 may be chosen to have different colours and/or patterns and/or be provided with textural or pictorial identifiers to allow personalisation of the drinking apparatus 1. For example the decor ring 65 may be provided with the name of the user.

[0386] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertically extending side wall 31 of the sensor module 4 is only partially housed within the side wall 10 of the receptacle 2 which extends downwardly from the location of the transverse wall 25.

[0387] An annular seal 5, for example a gasket, may be provided between the cup-shaped body 30 and the receptacle 2. The annular seal 5 may be received in a rebate in an upper edge of the cup-shaped body 30 and may form a sealing interface against the transverse wall 25. Alternatively, or additionally, a seal may be provided that seals between the cup-shaped body 30 and the side wall 10. The annular seal 5 may hinder and preferably prevents ingress of water or other moisture into the recess 16 when the sensor module 4 is coupled to the receptacle 2.

[0388] As shown in FIG. 6, with the sensor module 4 coupled to the receptacle 2, the drinking apparatus 1 comprises a stable integrated unit which may be freely stood on a support surface with the sensor module 4 in contact with the support surface and with the receptacle 2 orientated so as to be able to retain liquid within the cavity 14.

[0389] The cup-shaped body 30 of the sensor module 4 may be formed from a choice of materials. Preferably the cup-shaped body 30 is formed from a plastics material. The cup-shaped body 30 is preferably formed as a single moulding but could be formed from multiple parts that are assembled together. More preferably the cup-shaped body 30 is formed from a hard plastics material that is resistant to impacts and scratching. Preferably at least the bottom face 32 and the radiused section 38 are formed from a transparent or translucent material. Preferably the whole of the cup-shaped body 30 is formed from a transparent or translucent material. One example of a suitable material is copolyester, for example Tritan plastic available from Eastman Chemical Company.

[0390] The chassis 33 is located within the cup-shaped body 30 and is retained by means of a plurality of retaining screws 36 which pass through apertures in the chassis 33 into engagement with mounting points 66 of the cup-shaped body 30. The chassis 33 may be formed from a variety of materials including hard plastics and metals.

[0391] An upper portion 39 of the chassis 33 forms a top face of the sensor module 4. The chassis 33 further comprises a battery compartment 34 in the form of a rectangular-sectioned recess extending downwards from the upper portion 39 which is closed by a detachable battery compartment lid 35 which may be retained in the closed configuration by means of a clip or screw. The upper portion 39 the chassis 33 is further provided with four apertures through which project a plurality of interface buttons 44 which will be described further below. Further, the upper face of the chassis 33 is provided with sound transmission apertures 56 the use of which will, again, be described further below.

[0392] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a main printed circuit board (PCB) 54 is provided which has mounted thereto a number of components of the sensor module 4. An example of a configuration of the main PCB 54 of the sensor module is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The main PCB 54 may be mounted to the cup-shaped body 30.

[0393] A microphone 51 is provided and may mounted to an underside of the upper portion 39 of the chassis 33. The microphone 51 may be connected by wires to the main PCB 54. Preferably the microphone is orientated to receive audio signals passing through the sound transmission apertures 56. Preferably the microphone 51 and sound transmission apertures 56 are aligned with one another.

[0394] A plurality of buttons 45-48, which may form the interface buttons 44, may be mounted to an upper PCB located between the main PCB 54 and the upper portion 39. The upper PCB may be mounted to the chassis 33. In the illustrated example, four buttons 45, 46, 47, and 48 are provided. The buttons 45-48 may be differently coloured to aid operation of the control interface 43 by a user. For example button 45 may be red, button 46 may be green, button 47 may be yellow and button 48 may be blue.

[0395] A speaker 50 may be connected to the main PCB 54 as shown in FIG. 16. The speaker 50 is preferably orientated to transmit audio signals downwards towards the bottom face 32 of the sensor module 4 and/or sideways towards the side wall 31. The speaker 50 may be an exciter speaker. The speaker 50 may be configured to excite the bottom face 32. Alternatively, as illustrated the speaker 50 may be located above the array of apertures 80 and orientated to direct sound waves through the apertures 80 to resonate the membrane 81.

[0396] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the main PCB 54 may also have mounted to it a plurality of lights and one or more sensors.

[0397] One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) 42 are provided as a first functional group of lights. Separately, one or more further LEDs 82 are provided as a second functional group of lights. The LEDs 42 and LEDs 82 preferably differ in their colour. In one example the LEDs 42 are blue and the LEDs 82 are red. In one example eight blue LEDs 42 are provided and one or two red LEDs 82 are provided. In FIGS. 12 and 13 the red LEDs 82 are omitted for clarity. A red LED 82 is shown in the example of FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows one red LED 82. A second red LED 82 may also be provided, preferably located diametrically opposite across the main PCB 54.

[0398] The LEDS 42, 82 may be located at or near a periphery of the main PCB 54 so as to be located adjacent or near the side wall 31 and/or bottom face 32 of the sensor module 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the LEDs 42, 82 may preferably be located level with the radiused section 38 of the sensor module 4. The LEDs 42 may be equispaced around the periphery of the main PCB 54.

[0399] The LEDs 42 may form visual alert lights. The LEDs 82 may form one or more night-time mode location lights. The same LEDs 82 or another set of the LEDs may form one or more device notification lights. In one example the eight blue LEDs 42 may form eight visual alert lights that may be used to generate one or more visual alerts as will be described below. The one or two red LEDs 82 may form the one or more night-time mode location lights as will be described below. The same one or two red LEDs 82 may form the device notification light as will be described below.

[0400] The main PCB 54 may, in addition, have mounted on it an ambient light sensor 55, as shown in FIG. 14, which is light-sensitive. The sensor may be in the form of a phototransistor. For example, a photodiode such as a PIN GaAs photodiode may be used. The ambient light sensor 55 may be attached to a periphery of the main PCB 54 so that it receives lights signals that have been transmitted through the transparent or translucent radiused section 38 and/or side wall 31 of the sensor module 4.

[0401] The main PCB 54 may have mounted on it a first tilt sensor 85, shown schematically in FIG. 12 and shown in the example of FIGS. 14 and 15. The first tilt sensor may function as an inversion sensor to detect a reorientation of the drinking apparatus 1 into a cleaning, orientation in which the mouth 12 of the receptacle 2 is angled downwards. Preferably, the first tilt sensor 85 is configured to detect when the receptacle 2 has been tilted away from a first, storage, orientation by greater than 90, preferably greater than 100, more preferably greater than 135. (In a typical example, the angle of tilt will be measured from vertically upwards, i.e. a direction opposed to the pull of gravity such that an angle of tilt of greater than 90 would direct the mouth 12 of the receptacle 2 to below horizontal). The switching angle of the first tilt sensor 85 (i.e. the tilt angle at which the sensor changes from an open state to a closed state or vice versa) may be configured by appropriate selection of the switch design and geometry. One example of a suitable type of tilt sensor is a ball-in-can tilt sensor, an example of which is shown schematically in FIG. 17. In this type of sensor two switch contacts 86 are provided at one end of a housing 87 (can) that are electrically isolated from one another. One or two electrically conductive balls 88, e.g. metal ball bearings) are movable within the housing 87 from a position out of contact with the switch contacts 86 (as shown in FIG. 17) representing an open state of the switch to a position where the balls 88 bridge across the switch contacts 86 closing the switch. By appropriate configuration of the geometry of the housing 87, balls 88 and switch contacts 86 the switching angle of the tilt sensor can be changed.

[0402] Where the main PCB 54 is mounted laterally within the sensor module 4 (so that it will be orientated horizontally when the drinking apparatus 1 is stood on a horizontal support surface) the first tilt sensor 85 may be orientated vertically with the switch contacts 86 uppermostso that the first tilt sensor 85 is in an open state when the drinking apparatus is stood on a support surface on its sensor module 4. Use of the first tilt sensor 85 will be described below.

[0403] The main PCB 54 may, in addition, have mounted on it a second tilt sensor 95, shown schematically in FIGS. 12 and shown in the example of FIG. 15. The second tilt sensor 95 may function as a tilt sensor to detect when a drink is consumed from the cavity 14 by a user. Preferably, the second tilt sensor 95 is configured to detect when the receptacle 2 has been tilted away from a first, storage, orientation by greater than 15, preferably greater than 30. (In a typical example, the angle of tilt will be measured from vertically upwards, i.e. a direction opposed to the pull of gravity). The switching angle of the second tilt sensor 95 may be configured by appropriate selection of the switch design and geometry. One example of a suitable type of tilt sensor is a ball-in-can tilt sensor, an example of which is shown schematically in FIG. 18. This example differs to some extent compared to the design of FIG. 17. In this case, the two switching contacts are the housing 97 and a dished platen 96 that is electrically isolated from the housing 97. One electrically conductive ball 98 is provided that can rest in the dish of the dished platen 96 but be moved sideways into contact with the housing 97 when the sensor is tilted to close the switch. The sensor preferably has circular rotational symmetry about the dished platen 96 so that a tilt in any direction away from vertical can activate the sensor.

[0404] Where the main PCB 54 is mounted laterally within the sensor module 4 the second tilt sensor 95 may be orientated vertically with the dish of the dished platen 96 pointing upwardsso that the ball 98 rests in the dish when the drinking apparatus is stood on a support surface on its sensor module 4 so that the second tilt sensor 95 is in an open state. Use of the second tilt sensor 95 will be described below.

[0405] The main PCB 54 may also be provided with means for interconnecting and controlling the components of the sensor module 4. For example, a controller comprising one or more processors and one or more memories may be provided for storing and executing commands and programs for operating the sensor module 4. Means for conveying power to the components is also provided, for example in the form of batteries provided in the battery compartment 34 and suitable electrical connections on and between the PCBs.

[0406] The controller may also include a timer that is configured to measure time intervals under programmed control. The timer may provide for the timing of one or a plurality of time intervals.

[0407] The LEDs 42, 82, the first tilt sensor 85, the second tilt sensor 95 and the ambient light sensor 55 may all be housed within an interior of the sensor module 4 and not provided on an exterior face of the sensor module 4.

[0408] As shown in FIG. 1, the open mouth 12 of the receptacle 2 may be fitted with the lid 3. The lid 3 may be a push fit into the open mouth 12. The lid 3 is shown in FIG. 1 and also in FIG. 5 and comprises a body 20 of a suitable shape to fit into the open mouth 12 of the receptacle 2. Preferably an upper face of the lid body 20 is provided with a dished recess 23 creating two levels of the external face of the lid 3. In an upper level, a mouth port 21 is provided for allowing a user to drink from the drinking apparatus 1 by applying their mouth directly to the mouth port 21. In the lower level, a straw port 22 is provided to allow insertion of a drinking straw. One or more drainage slots 24 may be provided in a rim of the lid 3 to allow better drainage of water from recesses of the lid 3 during cleaning.

[0409] The drinking apparatus 1 may make use of the features described above to provide a reminder system to intermittently prompt a user to consume liquid from the receptacle 2. In particular, the reminder system may use the second tilt sensor 95 to detect a drinking event associated with a user consuming liquid from the cavity 14 and may do so by detecting tilting of the drinking apparatus 1.

[0410] In use, the drinking apparatus 1 may function to generate a user alert if no tilting event is detected by the second tilt sensor 95 within one or more pre-determined time intervals as measured by the timer of the controller. The term tilting event is used to refer to a movement of the drinking apparatus 1 that is sufficient in extent for the second tilt sensor 95 to reach its switching angle and therefore for the tilt sensor to change from an open state to a closed state (or vice versa). If desired the controller may be configured so that only a tilting event lasting for a minimum duration is used to reset the timer and hence prevent (or halt) a user alert. For example, a minimum time interval of 2 or 3 seconds may be chosen. The term user alert is used to refer to one or more alerts (which may differ in their characteristics from one another) that are generated to be received by one or more users of the drinking apparatus 1. Different types of alert may be intended to be received and prompt action by different classes of user of the drinking apparatus 1. For example, one or more audio alerts may be intended to prompt action by a patient who is normally near the drinking apparatus 1 and is thereby prompted to drink from the drinking apparatus 1 when the one or more audio alerts are heard. For example, one or more visual alerts may be intended to prompt action by a care-giver who may be further away from the drinking apparatus 1 or only in the vicinity of the drinking apparatus 1 periodically.

[0411] Thus, the user alert may comprise one or more visual alerts and/or one or more audio alerts as will be described below. Different time intervals may be set for triggering different user alerts. For example a first time interval may be set for triggering the one or more visual alerts and a second time interval may be set for triggering the one or more audio alerts. For example, the one or more audio alerts may be triggered after 20 minutes and the one or more visual alerts may be triggered after 60 minutes.

[0412] Successive user alerts may be generated after the expiry of each successive pre-determined time interval if a tilting event is still not detected. For example, the pre-determined time interval for the one or more audio alerts may be selected as 20 minutes and one or more audio alerts would then be generated every 20 minutes until a tilting event was detected. Likewise, the pre-determined time interval for the one or more visual alerts may be selected as 60 minutes and one or more visual alerts would then be generated every 60 minutes until a tilting event was detected. In an alternative option, the one or more visual alerts once triggered may remain active until a tilting event is detected. Thus, in this configuration, the one or more visual alerts would not be repeated (although accompanying audio alerts may still be triggered). This arrangement may be preferred for alerting a care-giver who is only periodically near the drinking apparatus 1.

[0413] The type of user alert and the length of the time interval for each type of user alert may be set by the user by operation of the control interface 43. The control interface 43 may comprise the plurality of interface buttons 44 alone but preferably also includes voice prompts that are generated by the controller and transmitted via the speaker 50 in response to activation of the interface buttons 44. The voice prompts may confirm the current selection to the user. The interface buttons 44 may be configured to carry out a first action when given a short press (for example less than 1 second) and a second action when given a long press (for example 3 or 4 seconds or more).

[0414] Importantly, the control interface 43 may only be accessed and operated when the sensor module 4 is decoupled from the receptacle 2. Advantageously, this helps to prevent accidental activation of the control interface 43 when a user is drinking from the drinking apparatus 1. In addition, where the drinking apparatus 1 is for a patient who is under the supervision of a care-giver, the control interface 43 may be operated by the care-giver and the patient may be hindered from accidentally or deliberately altering the setting of the drinking apparatus 1 during use.

[0415] To use the drinking apparatus 1 the sensor module 4 must first be switched on. With the sensor module 4 decoupled from the receptacle 2, the user (or care-giver) may switch on the sensor module 4 by a long press on the red button 45. The device notification light in the form of the one or more red LEDs 82 may briefly flash once when the sensor module 4 is switched on, flash intermittently while the sensor module 4 is on, remain illuminated whenever the sensor module 4 is on, or provide a steady slow pulsing light whenever the sensor module 4 is on. In addition, when the sensor module 4 is first switched on it may provide an audio summary of the current settings of the module using the speaker 50.

[0416] The sensor module 4 may then be coupled to the receptacle 2 by means of the complementary connection means. A liquid for consumption, for example water or a isotonic beverage, is poured into the cavity 14. The volume marking rings 15 may be used to assist in filling a desired volume of liquid into the receptacle 2 which may be helpful if the beverage is being made up as a solution of a powdered component dissolved in a carrier fluid such as water.

[0417] If desired, the lid 3 may be fitted to the open mouth 12 and a straw inserted into the straw port 22 if required.

[0418] The drinking apparatus 1 is stood on a support surface, e.g. a bedside cabinet, when not being used. In this storage orientation the second tilt sensor 95 is not triggered. Typically the dished platen 96 will be horizontal, i.e. parallel to the support surface. The generation of user alerts is associated with detecting tilting of the drinking apparatus 1 away from the vertical. Tilting of the drinking apparatus 1 to at least the switching angle, e.g. 15 or 30, will cause the second tilt sensor 95 to be closed and hence triggered (optionally after a minimum time threshold is exceeded). The triggering of the second tilt sensor 95 is detected by the controller which registers this as a tilting event.

[0419] A user alert is generated by the controller if no tilting event is detected by the second tilt sensor 95 within the one or more pre-determined time intervals as measured by the timer. (As noted above, the user alert may include either or both audio and visual alerts which may be set to be triggered after the same or different time intervals). If a tilting event occurs the counting of all measured time intervals by the timer is reset and timing recommences when the second tilt sensor 95 detects that the drinking apparatus 1 has been returned to vertical. Any user alert being generated may be interrupted if a tilting event occurs during the user alert.

[0420] A first type of user alert may be one or more visual alerts making use of the blue LEDs 42. Optionally the eight LEDs 42 may flash sequentially. They may flash in pairs sequentially. The two LEDs of each pair may be on opposed sides of the cup-shaped body 30. The order of illumination of the pairs of LEDs may be configured to create the impression of a moving set of lights. In one example a first pair of LEDs may be illuminated followed by a non-adjacent pair of LEDs, followed by an adjacent or non-adjacent pair of LEDs. For example, in the case of eight LEDs 42 which are equi-spaced (as shown in the example of FIG. 14) these may be numbered 1 to 8 clockwise around the main PCB 54. An illumination pattern may then be numbers 1 and 5 illuminated first, followed by numbers 3 and 7, followed by numbers 2 and 6, followed by numbers 4 and 8. The pattern may then repeat. This may improve visibility of the alert irrespective of the position of the user relative to the sensor module 4.

[0421] This visual user alert may be programmed (when the sensor module 4 is decoupled) by short presses of the yellow button 47. In one example successive short presses of the yellow button 47 cycles the time interval for the one or more visual alerts between settings of 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes and off (when off no visual alerts would be generated).

[0422] A second type of user alert may be one or more audio alerts making use of the speaker 50. This user alert may be programmed (when the sensor module 4 is decoupled) by short presses of the green button 46. In one example successive short presses of the green button 46 cycles the time interval for the one or more audio alerts between settings of 20 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes and off (when off no audio alerts would be generated).

[0423] The first and/or second types of user alerts may be selected in any desired combination. In one example the visual alerts may be selected to generate after 20 minutes and the audio alerts may be switched off. In a second example the visual alerts may be selected to generate after 40 minutes and the audio alerts may selected to generate after 40 minutes as well. In a third example the audio alerts may be selected to generate after 20 minutes and the visual alerts may selected to generate after 60 minutes. Other combinations are of course possible as will be apparent to the reader.

[0424] The one or more visual alerts may be intermittent illumination (e.g. flashing) of the LEDs 42 or constant illumination of those LEDs or a steady slow pulsing light. The one or more visual alerts may be generated for a fixed period only or may be generated until a tilting event is detected. The one or more visual alerts may be visible to the user through the side wall 31 and radiused section 38 of the sensor module 4.

[0425] The one or more audio alerts may be any suitable audio signal. However, preferably the audio alerts are spoken messages conveying a command message, for example, Have a drink, Time to drink, etc. Preferably, a plurality of spoken messages may be provided which are generated cyclically.

[0426] The controller may be provided with one or more default spoken messages which are pre-recorded for use as the audio alerts, for example messages DEFAULT 1, DEFAULT 2 and DEFAULT 3. Message DEFAULT 1 would be played after expiry of a first pre-determined time interval, in this example 20 minutes, if no tilting event is detected. After a further 20 minutes message DEFAULT 2 would be played back if a tilting event is still not detected. After a further 20 minutes message DEFAULT 3 would be played back if a tilting event is still not detected. Thereafter, the pattern would repeat with messages DEFAULT 1, DEFAULT 2 and DEFAULT 3 be played cyclically until a tilting event was detected.

[0427] Preferably, the sensor module 4 has the ability of allowing a user (e.g. a care-giver) to record one or more personalised messages, for example three messages, PERSONAL 1, PERSONAL 2 and PERSONAL 3 using the microphone 51. The personalised messages may then be used cyclically as the audio alerts instead of the default spoken messages in the same manner as just described for the default messages. Personalised messages may be recorded by a long press of the blue button 48. The user may check the content of the stored default or personalised messages by use of short presses of the blue button 48 which will sequentially playback the stored messages.

[0428] Therefore, for example three default spoken messages (DEFAULT 1, DEFAULT 2 and DEFAULT 3) may be stored in the memory of the controller and in addition three personalised messages (PERSONAL 1, PERSONAL 2 and PERSONAL 3) may be stored. If drinking apparatus 1 is reset to clear the personalised messages, the default spoken messages will still be stored and will be used as the audio alerts unless and until new personalised messages are recorded.

[0429] Each time an audio alert is generated it may optionally be repeated after a short delay, e.g. 5 to 7 seconds, to increase the likelihood that the user will notice the audio alert. The volume of the repeat may be set higher than for the original playback. The volume of each repeat may increase up to a set maximum volume.

[0430] The volume of the audio alerts may be set by use of the control interface 43. The volume may be programmed by use of short presses of the red button 45.

[0431] The drinking apparatus 1 may be provided with a night-time mode of operation in which generation of the user alert is prevented whenever the ambient light level is below a predetermined level as detected by the ambient light sensor 55. If desired the controller may be configured that only a change in ambient illumination lasting for a minimum duration is used to trigger starting or stopping of the night time mode. When the night-time mode is operational, the controller may be configured to activate the one or more red LEDs 82 to act as location lights to assist a user in finding the drinking apparatus in the dark. However, it is preferred that the level of illumination is kept low so as not to disturb a user's sleep. Therefore, preferably the maximum intensity of the location lights is kept to a predetermined level by configuration of the number or power of the LEDs used for the location lights. For example, this may be achieved by using only one of the red LEDs 82. In the night-time mode the one or more red LEDs 82 may be activated in a mode pre-programmed to be one of: constant illumination, pulsing illumination or flashing illumination. The night-time mode of operation may be switched on and off by long presses of the yellow button 47.

[0432] The LEDs 42 may also be used to provide a low battery level warning wherein they flash rapidly to alert a user that the batteries need replacing.

[0433] The drinking apparatus 1 may make use of the features described above to provide an alert system which is configured to generate a warning signal on detection of a reorientation of the drinking apparatus 1 into a cleaning orientation to warn a user against cleaning the drinking apparatus 1 while the sensor module 4 remains coupled to the receptacle 2. Such reorientation of the drinking apparatus 1 may be considered an inversion event. The term inversion event is used to refer to a movement of the drinking apparatus 1 that is sufficient in extent for the first tilt sensor 85 to reach its switching angle and therefore for the tilt sensor to change from an open state to a closed state (or vice versa).

[0434] The alert system may help to prevent a user exposing the sensor module 4 to a cleaning environment that may cause damage to the sensor module 4.

[0435] The alert system may be provided instead of the reminder system described above. However, preferably the alert system is provided as well as the reminder system. The alert system may make use of some or all of the same components as used by the reminder system. However, it is preferred that the alert system makes use of a dedicated sensor, for example the first tilt sensor 85 that is separate from the second tilt sensor 95. This allows the functional characteristics of both sensors to be optimised for their differing roles.

[0436] The alert system may be triggered when the mouth 12 of the receptacle 2 is angled downwards. In use the alert system may be triggered when the receptacle 2 has been tilted away from the a orientation by greater than 90, preferably greater than 100, more preferably greater than 135. At the chosen angle the first tilt sensor 85 will be triggered which is detected by the controller of the sensor module and registered as the inversion event. Preferably in an inversion event the mouth 12 is angled downwards, which will typically mean directed below the horizontal plane. Preferably the degree of tilting in an inversion event is significantly greater than the degree of tilting in a tilting event. In this way the majority of tilting events will not be detected as an inversion event. However, this is not to exclude that an event may be both a tilting event and an inversion event.

[0437] In use, when the controller detects that an inversion event has occurred the blue LEDs 42 are triggered to generate a visual warning signal. Preferably the visual alert is generated immediately upon detection of the inversion event. The visual warning signal may be, for example, all eight LEDs 42 flashing rapidly together. Preferably the visual warning signal for an inversion event is different to the visual alert triggered to prompt a user to consume a drink. Other alerts (audio, tactile) may be used as well or instead of a visual warning signal.

[0438] It will be noted that the alert system is configured to produce an alert on detection of a movement of the drinking apparatus 1 occurring whereas the reminder system is configured to produce an alert when a movement of the drinking apparatus has not occurred.

[0439] Cleaning of the drinking apparatus 1 in a dishwasher is an example of where an inversion event may occur. A user may be tempted to place the whole drinking apparatus 1 into the rack of a dishwasher. To do so the drinking apparatus 1 would be inverted (i.e. tilted or rotated) to point the mouth 12 downwards to allow for drainage of cleaning water from the cavity 14. Racks in dishwashers are typically angled slightly away from the horizontal. Thus placing the drinking apparatus 1 upside down in the rack would involve tilting the drinking apparatus through approximately 155 to 175. Since this degree of tilting exceeds the switching angle of the first tilt sensor 85 an inversion event would be detected and the LEDs 42 would flash a warning alert to the user to prompt them to stop and remove the sensor module 4. Thereafter the receptacle 2 may be cleaned in the dishwasher on its own.

[0440] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a second embodiment of a drinking apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. Many of the features of the second embodiment are the same as the first embodiment and will not be described further. In particular the same sensor module 4 may be used in the second embodiment of drinking apparatus 1 as in the first embodiment. Like reference numerals have been used for like components.

[0441] In the second embodiment the receptacle 2 takes the form of a handled cup and comprises a handle 60 which projects from the side wall 10 of the receptacle 2. Advantageously, the handle 60 may assist a user who has limited manual dexterity to grip the drinking apparatus 1. In particular, the handle 60 may be in a general L-shape providing an opening 61 facing towards the bottom to allow easy access for the fingers. The handle 60 may also be provided with a large grip area and a stabilising recess 62 on an upper part that may receive a user's thumb.

[0442] The present disclosure extends to provide a drinking system which may comprise a plurality of receptacles 2 and a single sensor module 4 that can be used with each receptacle 2. For example a receptacle 2 of the first embodiment (without a handle) and a receptacle 2 of the second embodiment (with a handle 60) may be supplied with a single sensor module 4 that is detachably couplable to either receptacle 2. This allows a user a choice of type of receptacle 2 to use. It may also allow the receptacle to form a disposable part of the drinking system and the sensor module 4 to form a reusable part of the drinking system. The drinking system may also comprise the optional lid 3. The lid 3 may form a disposable part of the drinking system.

[0443] FIG. 21 shows a third embodiment of a drinking apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. Many of the features of the third embodiment are the same as the first embodiment and will not be described further. Like reference numerals have been used for like components.

[0444] In the third embodiment, the drinking apparatus 1 is configured to interact wirelessly with one or more external controllers 70 to permit programming of the operation of the sensor module 4 and/or the generation of a user alert remote from the drinking apparatus. Thus, the drinking apparatus 1 and the external controller(s) 70 together form a drinking system.

[0445] The drinking apparatus 1 may be as described above in any of the previous embodiments except for the following modifications of the sensor module 4. The main modification is that the sensor module 4 is provided with a receiver 71 for receiving signals from at least one external controller 70. The sensor module 4 may not be provided with a microphone in this embodiment.

[0446] The external controller 70 comprises means for sending signals to receiver 71 of the sensor module 4. This means may be a transmitter of known type. The signals 72 from the external controller 70 to the receiver 71 of the sensor module 4 may be any suitable signals, for example, infra-red, visible light, wi-fi, GSM, etc.

[0447] The communication may be one way from the external controller 70 to the receiver 71. Alternatively, the communication may comprise two-way communication of signals 72, 73 between the external controller 70 and the receiver 71 (in which case both the external controller 70 and the receiver 71 may function as transceivers). Further the receiver 71 may receive signals from one external controller 70 and send signals to another external controller 70.

[0448] The external controller 70 may be a dedicated controller, for example a remote control, or a program or application running on an external device, for example a desktop computer, portable tablet, mobile phone, etc.

[0449] The external controller 70 may be configured to permit operation of functions of the drinking apparatus 1 including one or more of: [0450] switching the drinking apparatus on and off; [0451] the recording of the one or more audio messages; [0452] selection of one or more predetermined time intervals to be used by the controller for generation of the user alert; or [0453] selection of the user alert from the one or more visual alerts and/or the one or more audio alerts.

[0454] Advantageously, the drinking system permits one or more of the functions of the drinking apparatus 1 to be programmed remote from the drinking apparatus 1.

[0455] The external controller 70 may include means 74 (e.g. a microphone) for recording one or more audio messages by the external controller 70 which may then be transmitted to the receiver 71 of the sensor module 4 and stored as the one or more audio alerts.

[0456] In addition, or alternatively, the external controller 70 may include means (e.g. a speaker and or a light) to generate a user alert if a tilting event is not detected within the measured time interval. The user alert generated at the external controller 70 may be in addition or instead of the user alert generated at the sensor module 4. This function may be useful in a care setting where the external controller 70 is located at, for example, a nursing station on a ward.

[0457] The external controller 70 may include a user interface 75 to permit a user to receive information (including but not limited to user alerts) and select commands.

[0458] The same external controller 70 may be used to generate user alerts as is used to program operation of the sensor module 4. Alternatively, a first external controller 70 may be provided that is dedicated for programming operation of the sensor module 4. A second external controller 70 may be provided by which the user alerts are generated. This may be advantageous in a ward setting where the sensor module 4 may be programmed by a care-giver stationed near the patient but the user alerts are generated at a centralised nursing station.