Post 29: Food Containers that Respond to Sound and Light

Patent# UD 6796671 shocks the user while he or she is eating. It is the result of the fertile imaginations behind the toy company known as Ruddell Design. The patent for these Contact Activated Sound and Light Generating Novelty Food Containers, covers straws, spoons, and ice pops that use YOU or your food to complete an electrical circuit. It’s kind of like having your cake and being allowed to eat it too (or something like that).

The above illustration doesn’t show much, but it is the only one available with this patent

The process begins when a user drinks through a straw as this liquid provides an electrical path between electrodes. This invention is versatile because it also includes a sound/light-emitting toy that supports a piece of candy. By licking the candy, the user provides an electrical path between the electrodes, which closes a circuit and activates the light source.

Now let’s exam this funny patent. Novel? Maybe, I can’t think anyone else who want to have this crazy idea. The idea sound like someone who has Parkinson is eating his food. Non-obvious? Not for me. The patent surprises me, but not obvious enough for me. Useful? Unless someone wants to buy it and make jokes with his friends, I don’t see how useful the patent is. For those who plan to buy it, watch out for those sneaky electrodes when you eat and drink since they are everywhere! Validity? Yes for using as a fool day toy. But definitely NO for normal use.