Leisure, recreational and home-use streaming apparatus

Abstract

A leisure apparatus comprises a body having a volume that is able to contain articles for storage therein and for removal therefrom, or that defines an internal space that is able to seal therein a gas, liquid or solid. An output device is arranged externally at the body. A receiver is located behind a wall of the body to be separated from articles stored in and removed from the body, or is located and sealed within the internal space of the body. The receiver is adapted for receiving an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly from a proximate device and for communicating that signal to the output device.

Claims

1. A leisure apparatus comprising: a portable cooler comprising: a body having a volume that is able to contain articles for storage therein and for removal therefrom; an output device coupled to at the body; and a receiver arranged to be at least one of located (i) behind a wall of the body, (ii) within the wall of the body, and (iii) within a compartment of the body, to be separated from articles stored in and removable from the body, the receiver being configured to: receive an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly from a proximate portable electronic media device in a packeted signal format and according to a wireless technology standard or protocol for transmitting data over short distances by short wavelength radio transmissions; and stream that electronic signal to the output device in real time.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiver is sealed behind an external wall, shell or skin of the body.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the receiver is sealed within the wall of the body.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device employs a digital encoding format, in which format the electronic signal is transmitted wirelessly to the receiver, with the receiver being configured to receive that format of electronic signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a speaker.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body forms part of the portable cooler, and wherein the receiver is sealed within the wall of the portable cooler or within a lid of the portable cooler so as to be separated from articles stored in and removable from the cooler.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body forms part of a bag, wherein the receiver is sealed within the compartment of the bag, the compartment being separate to a discrete compartment in which the articles are stored and from which the articles are removable.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output device comprises a display unit.

9. A leisure apparatus comprising: a portable cooler body having a volume that defines an internal space that is able to seal therein a gas, liquid or solid; an output device coupled to the body; and a receiver disposed at least one of (i) behind a wall of the portable cooler body, (ii) in the wall of the portable cooler body, and (ii) within the internal space, and arranged to be separated from articles stored in and removable from the portable cooler body, the receiver being configured to: receive an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly from a proximate portable electronic media device in a packeted signal format and according to a wireless technology standard or protocol for transmitting data over short distances by short wavelength radio transmissions; and stream that electronic signal to the output device in real-time.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the receiver is located behind an external wall, shell, or skin of the portable cooler body.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the portable electronic device employs a digital encoding format, in which format the electronic signal is transmitted wirelessly to the receiver, with the receiver being configured to receive that format of electronic signal.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the output device comprises a speaker.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the portable cooler body comprises a rigid material.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the output device comprises a display unit.

15. A leisure apparatus comprising: a portable cooler body having a volume that is configured to contain articles for storage therein and for removal therefrom; an output device arranged to provide at least one of audio output and visual output external to the portable cooler body; and a receiver configured to be separated from articles stored in and removable from the portable cooler body, the receiver being adapted to receive an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly from a proximate portable electronic media device and to stream that electronic signal to the output device in real-time, wherein the electronic signal is configured to be transmitted wirelessly from the portable electronic media device in a packeted signal format and according to a wireless technology protocol for transmitting data over short distances by short wavelength radio transmissions.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the output device comprises a speaker.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the output device comprises a display unit.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the receiver is disposed at least one of in a wall of the portable cooler body, behind the wall in the portable cooler body, within a lid of the portable cooler body, and within a compartment of the portable cooler body so as to be separated from items stored in and removable from the portable cooler body.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the portable cooler body comprises a rigid material, the receiver is at least one of (i) disposed at a wall of portable cooler body and (ii) sealed within a compartment of the portable cooler body, and the output device comprises a speaker.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, at least one of which is illustrated in the appended drawing. Understanding that the drawing depicts only typical embodiments of the present invention and is not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic depiction of a first leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic depiction of a second leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic depiction of a third leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of a fourth leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic depiction of a fifth leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic depiction of a sixth leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic depiction of a seventh leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a schematic depiction of a eighth leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device; and

(10) FIG. 9 shows a schematic depiction of a ninth leisure apparatus embodiment in wireless communication with a portable electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Various leisure apparatus having a volumetric configuration (i.e. height, width and depth) will now be described with reference to each of FIGS. 1 to 9. In each case it will be seen that the leisure apparatus comprises a body with a three-dimensional, volumetric profile. This enables the various componentry including receiver, transponder, speakers, screens, etc. to be flush or protectively mounted within the apparatus.

(12) Referring now to FIG. 1, a first leisure apparatus embodiment, in the form of an icebox 10, is shown. The icebox 10 has a body in the form of a hollow, rectangular prism-like housing 12 and a lid 14 hingedly connected to the housing 12 to pivot between icebox open and closed positions. A latching handle 16 may be mounted to the lid 14, to releasably latch the lid in the icebox closed position. The lid 14 may alternatively be freely detached from the housing 12.

(13) In FIG. 1, an output device in the form of two speakers 18 is shown. The speakers 18 are mounted within a side wall 20 of the housing 12. Whilst each speaker may comprise one of a sub-woofer, woofer, mid-range speaker, tweeter and/or super-tweeter, in FIG. 1 each speaker comprises a woofer 22 and a tweeter 24. For additional protection, but to still enable sound release, the speakers 18 may be located behind a perforated/slotted screen or behind a housing outer skin (e.g. with slots or perforations in the skin for sound release).

(14) A receiver in the form of a receiver/transmitter 26 is located under and wholly mounted within an end wall 28 of the housing 12 (i.e. remote from the side wall 20, although both the receiver transmitter 26 and speakers 18 can be located in the same wall). This mounting within the wall 28 seals, protects and insulates the receiver/transmitter 26 from the environment and from the contents of the icebox 10. When the wall is formed from a tough plastics material, this can even more effectively seal and protect the receiver and its associated electronics.

(15) The receiver/transmitter 26 is able to receive an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly (e.g. streamed in real-time or near real-time, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9) from an electronic device in a proximate location to it, and to then communicate that signal to the speakers 18 to produce sound. The signal may be amplified, modulated, transformed, modified, etc. by a microprocessor, amplifier, etc. housed within the end wall 28 before being fed to the speaker.

(16) The receiver/transmitter 26 is configured for the Bluetooth open wireless technology standard, because of the global commercial penetration and acceptance of this standard (the Bluetooth standard is an open wireless technology standard for transmitting data over short distances by short wavelength radio transmissions).

(17) However, other receivers (and optional transmitters) are able to be employed that can receive an electronic signal transmitted wirelessly and then communicate that signal to the speakers to produce sound. The use of a receiver/transmitter 26 may also enable information to be transmitted back to a remote electronic device (e.g. to optimise performance of the sound systemi.e. the receiver/transmitter 26 may take the form of a transponder).

(18) The receiver/transmitter 26 is configured for wirelessly receiving an electronic signal from a proximate device in the form of a hand-held MP3 player 30, held by a user U. The MP3 player can be placed on or adjacent to the icebox 10, or may be located in a caddy, bracket, etc. (i.e. not a socket) that is mounted to the outside of the end wall 28.

(19) The receiver/transmitter 26 is also configured to receive an electronic signal from other hand-held electronic devices including a mobile or smart phone, tablet, pad, laptop, PDA, etc. Thus, the receiver/transmitter 26 can be provided with broad spectrum functionality. In each case, including in the case of the MP3 player 30, the electronic device employs a digital audio encoding format (such as the MP3 standard/protocol). The electronic signal may be transmitted wirelessly in this format to the receiver/transmitter 26, with the receiver/transmitter 26 being configured to receive that particular format of electronic signal. The signal transmitted can be encoded and/or compressed and/or be in a packeted format.

(20) By mounting the speakers 18, and by sealing the receiver/transmitter 26, microprocessor, amplifier and other electronics within the side wall 20 and end wall 28 of the housing 12, the icebox 10 assumes a contained communication function. There are no plug-in issues such as socket fouling, short-circuiting, physical damage, etc. from weather, fluids and particulates, or impact from objects and users, either externally or internally of the icebox 10. Also, the profile of the housing 12 is uninterrupted (save for where the speakers are located, although these may also be contained behind a perforated or slotted external skin of the icebox). The speakers can also easily be provided with a protective external screen/grille.

(21) The receiver, speakers, and associated electronics are powered by a rechargeable battery pack incorporated into the housing 12. The battery pack can be recharged by a remote recharger (e.g. a plug-less/socket-less recharger) or by power fed from a solar panel (e.g. that is mounted to or incorporated in a face of the housing or lid). Alternatively, the battery pack may be connected via a plug to an electrical mains power supply, which may directly recharge the battery and/or supply power directly to the electrical and electronic components.

(22) Referring now to FIG. 2 a second leisure apparatus embodiment is shown in the form of a bar fridge or ice chest 40. In FIG. 2, like reference numerals are otherwise used to denote similar or like parts, and hence will not be re-described.

(23) In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the lid 14 becomes a door 14, and the latch 16, a door handle 16. In addition, instead of using a bracket or caddy, the player 44 can simply be placed to sit on top of and rest on the top end wall 28 of the bar fridge or ice chest 40 (i.e. adjacent to the receiver/transmitter 26).

(24) Instead of having two speakers 18, the bar fridge or ice chest 40 comprises an output device in the form of one speaker 18 and a touch screen 42. The touch screen 42 can display visual and video-type output converted from a signal transmitted thereto via the player 44.

(25) In this case, the player 44 can transmit wirelessly, using an encoded, compressed signal format for producing an audio output, such as MP3, and the player 44 can wirelessly transmit a signal for producing a video output, such as a compressed video signal according to the MPEG video compression standard.

(26) When the output device includes a touch screen 42, the screen can also be employed by a user to enter information, such as for feeding back to the player 44, and to control e.g. the microprocessor within the housing 12. In this case, the receiver/transmitter 26 can take the form of a transponder. For example, this feedback may include volume control information, music selection information, music sequence information, speaker control information (e.g. base and/or treble control), etc.

(27) The walls of bar fridge or ice chest 40 can be formed from a metal or tough plastics material transmissive to a wireless signal, and can again seal-in and protect the receiver/transmitter 26 and its associated electronics. Again, this mounting within a wall of the bar fridge or ice chest 40 functions to seal, protect and insulate the receiver/transmitter 26 from the environment and from the contents of the bar fridge or ice chest 40.

(28) Referring now to FIG. 3 a third leisure apparatus embodiment is shown in the form of a backpack 50. The backpack 50 has a body in the form of a flexible housing 52 that encloses one or more internal spaces (e.g. pockets or compartments). As is known, the housing 52 can store a range of articles therein (in the pockets or compartments). The backpack 50 also includes a number of fasteners in the form of one or more zippers 54 that each provides access into the different pockets or compartments of the backpack 50. A carry handle 56 is mounted to a top part of the backpack 50.

(29) In the backpack of FIG. 3, an output device in the form of a speaker 58 is shown in a side thereof. More specifically, the speaker 58 is flush mounted within a side panel 53 of the backpack housing 52, with an additional speaker optionally being mounted to an opposing side panel. Each speaker may comprise one of a sub-woofer, woofer, mid-range speaker, tweeter and/or super-tweeter. For additional protection, but to still enable sound release, the speaker 58 may be located behind a perforated/slotted screen, grille or outer skin that extends across and over the side wall 53. Additional speakers may also be mounted on one or more of the panels/walls of the backpack housing 52.

(30) In the backpack of FIG. 3, a receiver in the form of a receiver/transmitter 51 is located behind and wholly mounted within a front wall 55 of the housing 52, at a location remote from the side wall 53 (although both the receiver/transmitter 51 and speaker 58 can be located in the same wall). This mounting can be within a compartment or pocket of the backpack 50 (e.g. a dedicated or reconfigured compartment or pocket) and functions to seal, protect and insulate the receiver/transmitter 51 from the exterior, and also from other compartments/pockets of the backpack. When the wall 55 is formed from a tough and tightly woven (e.g. synthetic) material, this can again protect the receiver and its associated electronics, including from moisture and dust ingress.

(31) The backpack of FIG. 3 can be used with a hand-held (portable) player 57 which can transmit a signal wirelessly to the receiver/transmitter 51. The player 57 may sit on top of or even be clipped to the backpack 50. The signal format can be an encoded, compressed signal format for producing an audio output, such as MP3. The player 57 may also wirelessly transmit a signal for producing a video output, such as a compressed video signal according to the MPEG video compression standard.

(32) The backpack 50 may also be provided with a touch screen to enable a user to enter information, such as for controlling output (e.g. via a microprocessor located within the housing 52), and optionally can be used to feedback information to the player 57. In this latter case, the receiver/transmitter 51 can take the form of a transponder. For example, this feedback may include volume control information, music selection information, music sequence information, speaker control information (e.g. base and/or treble control), etc.

(33) Referring now to FIG. 4 a fourth leisure apparatus embodiment is shown in the form of a barbecue 60. The barbecue 60 has a body in the form of a base unit 61 that encloses an internal space (i.e. functioning as a cupboard). The internal space of the base unit 61 may be used to house a range of articles such as cooking implements and utensils, barbecue cleaners, fat drip trays, etc. The base unit 61 includes front swing doors 69 that enable access into the enclosed internal space of base unit 61. A handle 66 may be mounted on each door 69.

(34) The base unit 61 of barbecue 60 is also provided with wheels 601 and castors 602 that enable the barbecue 60 to be moved about. Further, the barbecue 60 as shown comprises a hood 62 that covers and encloses its hotplates/grill and a hood handle 606.

(35) The barbecue of FIG. 4 specifically comprises an output device in the form of twin speakers 68. The speakers 68 are respectively mounted within the doors 69. Additional speakers may be mounted in one or each side wall 63 of the base unit 61. Each speaker may comprise one of a sub-woofer, woofer, mid-range speaker, tweeter and/or super-tweeter. For additional protection, but to still enable sound release, the speakers 68 may be located behind a perforated/slotted screen/grille.

(36) A receiver in the form of a receiver/transmitter 610 is located behind to be mounted within one of the doors 69 of the base unit 61. Alternatively, the receiver/transmitter 610 can be located behind to be mounted within one of the side walls 63 of the base unit 61. In each case, the receiver/transmitter 610 is remotely located from an in-use hot grill part of the barbecue 60.

(37) The door 69 and/or wall 63 may be formed from a metal or plastic material transmissive to a wireless signal, and can seal and protect the receiver/transmitter 610 and its associated electronics. The mounting within the door 69 and/or wall 63 also protects and insulates the receiver/transmitter 61 from heat and oil splashes during the operation of the barbecue 60. The receiver/transmitter 610 and one of the speakers 68 can thus be located in the same door 69.

(38) Referring now to FIG. 5, a fifth leisure apparatus is disclosed in the form of a portable (i.e. wheelable) cooler 70. The cooler 70 comprises a hinged lid 74 having a latch 76 and an end-mounted tow-handle 77. In addition, the cooler 70 comprises opposing wheels 72 located at an opposite end thereof.

(39) A control panel 71 is mounted into a side wall of the cooler 70. The control panel 71 comprises an output device in the form of two speakers 78, and control knobs/dials 72. The control knobs 72 may be used to control various sound parameters such as volume, bass, treble, speaker balance, etc. The control panel 71 may be modified to include a visual display and video-type output.

(40) A receiver/transmitter 73 is located under the control panel 71 (or may be located elsewhere in the cooler 70, remotely from the control panel 71). The control panel 71 thus seals the receiver/transmitter 73 from the exterior, with an opposing internal wall of the cooler 70 sealing the receiver/transmitter 73 from the cooler interior. The receiver/transmitter 73 can also take the form of a transponder so that it can communicate with and feedback to a remotely held player 74.

(41) The receiver/transmitter 73 receives a signal transmitted thereto via the player 74. The player 74 can transmit wirelessly, using an encoded, compressed signal format for producing an audio output, such as MP3, and optionally may wirelessly transmit a signal for producing a video output, such as a compressed video signal according to the MPEG video compression standard.

(42) When the control panel 71 includes a touch screen, the screen can also be employed by a user to enter information, such as for feeding back to the player 74, and to control e.g. the microprocessor within the control panel 71.

(43) The side wall of the cooler 70 and the control panel 71 can each be formed from a tough metal or plastics material to seal and protect the receiver and its associated electronics.

(44) Referring now to FIG. 6, a sixth leisure apparatus is shown in the form of a bar fridge 80. The bar fridge 80 comprises a top-mounted swing-up lid 81 and handle 81A.

(45) The bar fridge 80 also comprises an output device in the form of twin speakers 82. The speakers 82 are mounted within a front wall 84 of the bar fridge. Additional speakers 85 may be mounted in one or each side wall of the fridge. Each speaker may comprise one of a sub-woofer, woofer, mid-range speaker, tweeter and/or super-tweeter. For additional protection, but to still enable sound release, the speakers 82, 85 may be located behind a perforated/slotted screen/grille (e.g. see side grille 88).

(46) Again, a receiver/transmitter 86 can also be located in the front wall 84, or it may be located in the side walls or top panel of the fridge. Again, the receiver/transmitter 86 can also take the form of a transponder so that it can communicate with and feedback to a remotely held player 87. The wall 84 and side walls of the bar fridge can again be formed a metal or plastic transmissive to a wireless signal, to seal thereunder and protect the receiver/transmitter 86 and its associated electronics. The remaining functions of the receiver/transmitter 86 and player 87 are as described above.

(47) Referring now to FIG. 7, a seventh leisure apparatus embodiment is shown in the form of inflatable or fluid-fillable/filled furniture. In this embodiment the furniture takes the form of a recliner 90. A body 92 of the recliner 90 encloses an internal space that is inflatable with a gas (such as air) or which may hold a fluid (such as a liquid; e.g. water), or a fluidisable material such as solid polymeric foam particles (e.g. polystyrene foam balls). The body 92 provides underlying support to a user U as shown.

(48) The recliner 90 has auxiliary support structures in the form of armrests 94 mounted (e.g. integrally formed) on either side of the body 92. The armrests 94 provide the user with additional support and can also be used to support other items (such as cups, plates, utensils, glasses, a hat, towel, etc.see e.g. cup holder 93).

(49) In the recliner 90 of FIG. 7, an output device in the form of speakers 98 are mounted within respective armrests 94 at the upper end of the inside face of each armrest (i.e. to be adjacent to the ears of a reclining user). Each speaker 98 may be located behind a perforated/slotted and usually waterproof screen/grille. Additional speakers may be mounted in the recliner (e.g. at outward facing surfaces of the armrests).

(50) A control panel 91 is mounted into an upper surface of one of the armrests 94. The control panel comprises control knobs/dials 92. The control knobs 92 may be used to control various sound parameters such as volume, bass, treble, speaker balance, etc. The control panel may again be modified to include a visual display and video-type output.

(51) A receiver/transmitter 94 can also be located under the control panel 91, sealed thereby within the armrest 94 (or may be located remotely therefrom, elsewhere within the reclinere.g. within the opposite armrest 94). The receiver/transmitter 94 can also take the form of a transponder so that it can communicate with and feedback to a remotely located player 95. The player 95 can also be securely located in e.g. a cradle defined in the control panel 91. The control panel 91 can again seal thereunder and protect the receiver/transmitter 94 and its associated electronics. The remaining functions of the receiver/transmitter 94 and player 95 are as described above.

(52) FIG. 8 discloses an eighth leisure apparatus in the form of inflatable or fluid-fillable furniture. In this embodiment the furniture takes the form of a chair 100. Again, a body 102 of the chair 100 encloses an internal space that is inflatable with a gas (such as air) or a fluid (e.g. a liquid such as water), or a fluidisable material (e.g. a solid polymeric foam particle such as polystyrene foam balls). The body 102 provides underlying support to a user U. The chair 100 has auxiliary support structures in the form of armrests 104 mounted on the body 102. The armrests 104 provide the user with additional support and can also be used to support other items (such as cups, plates, utensils, glasses, a hat, towel, etc.).

(53) In the chair of FIG. 8, an output device in the form of speakers 108 are mounted within respective sides of a backrest 106 of the chair (i.e. at the upper end of the outside face of the backrest, to locate adjacent to the ears of a seated user). Each speaker 108 may be located behind a perforated/slotted and usually waterproof screen/grille. Additional speakers may be mounted to the chair (e.g. at outward facing surfaces of the armrests).

(54) A control panel 111 is mounted into an outside surface of one of the armrests 104. The control panel comprises control knobs/dials 112 which may be used to control various sound parameters such as volume, bass, treble, speaker balance, etc. The control panel may again be modified to include a visual display and video-type output.

(55) A receiver/transmitter 114 can be located under the control panel 111, sealed thereby within the armrest 104. Alternatively, the receiver/transmitter 114 may be located remotely from the control panel, elsewhere within the recliner (e.g. within the opposite armrest 104).

(56) The receiver/transmitter 114 can again take the form of a transponder so that it can communicate with and feedback to a remotely held player 115. The control panel 111 can again seal thereunder and protect the receiver/transmitter 114 and its associated electronics. The remaining functions of the receiver/transmitter 114 and player 115 are as described above.

(57) FIG. 9 discloses a ninth leisure apparatus in the form of a hamper 200. Again, a body 202 of the hamper 200 encloses an internal space that can hold items such as food, drink, cutlery, crockery, cups, rugs, cloths, napkins, etc. The body 202 includes handles 204 mounted on the body to extend upwardly therefrom and to enable the hamper to be carried. The body 202 also includes lid flaps 206 to enclose items in the body interior. Each lid flap 206 is secured along an inside edge to a central support strap 207, to pivot upwardly therefrom. Each lid flap 206 is also securable at its periphery, via a zip 208, to a rim of the body.

(58) In the hamper of FIG. 9, an output device in the form of a speaker 208 is mounted within a control panel 210. The speaker 208 may be located behind a perforated/slotted and usually waterproof screen. Additional speakers may be mounted to the hamper (e.g. at ends or at an opposing side of the body 202).

(59) Again, the control panel 210 is mounted into an outside surface of the body 202. The control panel comprises control knobs/dials 212 which may be used to control various sound parameters such as volume, bass, treble, speaker balance, etc. The control panel may again be modified to include a visual display and video-type output.

(60) A receiver/transmitter 214 is located under the control panel 210, sealed thereby within a compartment extending into the hamper interior. Alternatively, the receiver/transmitter 214 may be located remotely from the control panel, elsewhere within the hamper walls or lids (e.g. within a dedicated compartment or capsule mounted within the hamper wall or lid). The receiver/transmitter 214 can again take the form of a transponder so that it can communicate with and feedback to a remotely held player 215. The control panel 210 can again seal thereunder and protect the receiver/transmitter 214 and its associated electronics. The remaining functions of the receiver/transmitter 214 and player 215 are as described above.

(61) In any of the embodiments described herein the receiver/transmitter/transponder, electronics, speakers and/or video screen can be integrated into (to be sealingly protected thereby) one or more panels that may be secured within a volumetric profile of the leisure apparatus.

(62) When the housing takes e.g. a round, cylindrical or spherical form, it may comprise just a single wall and optionally a lid, and within which the receiver/transmitter/transponder, speakers, power source and electronics may be incorporated. When the housing takes e.g. a flexible form, it may comprise rigid panels and frames, attached to the remainder of the flexible housing, and to which the receiver/transmitter/transponder, speakers, power source and electronics may be mounted.

(63) The leisure apparatus may also take the form of a carry-all container, configured much like the ice box and cooler shown in each of FIGS. 1 and 5. In this case, the receiver/transmitter/transponder, electronics, speakers and/or video screen can be integrated into a lid, or side or end wall(s) of the container.

(64) It will be understood to persons skilled in the art that many other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the leisure apparatus as disclosed herein.

(65) In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the leisure apparatus.