MAGNETIC COASTER

Abstract

A coaster configured to engage another object, specifically a coaster or coaster-like device with means to attach to another object including an object with which is it meant to interact. In a preferred embodiment, the coaster contains a magnetic material capable of engaging with another magnetic componenta soft or hard magnet, an electromagnet or other magnetic materiallocated on or within another object. An additional magnet can be integrated into or attached to the coaster. The coaster can be imprinted with any number of designs, logos, or custom artwork making them an attractive vehicle for marketing efforts or imprinted with game boards or other graphics integral to user interaction with the host device.

Claims

1. A system for releasably affixing a coaster to a housing comprising: a coaster with a piece of magnetic material affixed thereto and a housing having a magnet affixed thereto.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnet is a Neodymium magnet.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnet is an electromagnet.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic material is a ferrous metal.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into a surface of the coaster.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

8. The system of claim 3 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

9. The system of claim 4 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

10. The system of claim 5 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

11. A device for affixing a coaster to a platform or surface containing a magnet comprising: a coaster and a piece of magnetic material embedded in the coaster.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the magnet is an electromagnet.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein the coaster also has a magnet integrated into the coaster.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

18. The system of claim 15 wherein the coaster has a second magnet integrated into the coaster.

19. A method of retaining a coaster affixed to a surface when the surface is turned upside down comprising: affixing a piece of magnetic material to the approximate center of the coaster, affixing a magnet to the approximate center of the surface, placing the magnetic material over the surface such that the magnetic material is in close proximity to the magnet.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the coaster also has a magnet attached to its surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the lower surface of the coaster;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the upper surface of the coaster; and

[0021] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section of the coaster and device with which it engages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown the lower surface 21 or bottom of the coaster, generally 20. The coaster can take virtually any shape desired and will typically have an upper surface (see FIG. 2) and a lower surface 21. Affixed to the lower surface 21 of the coaster 20 is a magnetic component (not shown), for example, a magnet or magnetic material such as ferrous metal. Also affixed to the lower surface 21 of the coaster 20, is an adhesive device 22 such as a sticker that is used to attach the magnetic component (not shown) to the lower surface 21 of the coaster 20. In FIG. 2, there is shown the upper surface 23 of the coaster device 20. A graphic design, lettering or a logo 24 can be printed on the upper surface 23.

[0023] In more detail, referring to the invention of FIG. 3, the coaster 20 is shown in proximity to a device 25 such as the one described in U.S. Application No. 62/233,364. The device in that application is used for reference only as the coaster disclosed in this application is capable of being used with any device configured to accept or engage with a coaster. FIG. 3 also shows the magnetic component 26 uncovered by an adhesive device or sticker. The coaster 20 is configured to be seated on top of the lid or housing that makes up the device 25. In a preferred embodiment, annular lip 27 forms a recess 28 in which the coaster 20 is seated. The magnetic component 26 is affixed to one surface of the coaster 20 such that it is in position to engage with a magnetic component in the device 25. In a preferred embodiment and the best mode of the device, the magnetic component in the device 25 is a neodymium magnet, but it could also be a permanent magnet and/or an electromagnet. The magnet contained in the device 25 acts to hold the coaster 20 in place when it is seated in the recess 28 of the coaster 20. As a result, when the device 25 is turned upside down so as to be placed over the mouth of a beverage container, the coaster 20 stays affixed to the device 25 because the magnetic component 26 interacts with the magnet in the device 25.

[0024] An alternate embodiment of the coaster device uses an electromagnet in place of the magnet located in the device 25. Using the electromagnet, the user can attract or repel the coaster to or away from the device 25 allowing the user to either secure the coaster 20 to the device 25 or to eject the coaster 20 from the device 25. In addition, the inventors contemplate the coaster 20 may also contain a second magnet (not shown) that in addition to the magnetic component 26 so as to increase the attractive force between the coaster 20 and the housing or device 25.

[0025] The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the ability to use a standard coaster to engage with a separate device including or comprising a warning system that alerts a user to the possibility their drink has been contaminated with a foreign substance, such as a drug.

[0026] Reference throughout the specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0027] It is understood that the above described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment, including the best mode, is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, if any, in conjunction with the foregoing description.

[0028] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.