Solar powered rotating graphic display for drinking cup

Abstract

A solar powered rotating graphic display for a drinking cup where the graphic display is located between an inner cup and an outer transparent cup. The display panel is attached to a base plate that is caused to rotate by a DC gear motor located at the bottom of the outer cup and just below the inner cup. A plurality of solar panels powers the DC gear motor causing the graphic panel to rotate.

Claims

1. solar powered rotating graphic display for drinking cup comprising: an inner cup member; an outer cup member; a graphic panel member; a graphic panel member base plate; a DC powered gear motor; a motor housing; a plurality of solar panels; a battery; said inner cup member and said outer cup member being concentric with each other with a gap formed between the two; said outer cup member being transparent; said graphic panel member being approximately cylindrical in shape and concentrically located between the outer wall of said inner cup member and the inner wall of said outer cup member; said graphic panel attached at its lower perimeter to said graphic panel member base plate; said graphic panel base plate including a centrally located aperture that receives the shaft portion of said DC powered gear motor; said DC powered gear motor located within said motor housing; said DC powered gear motor powered by said solar panels and/or said rechargeable battery which is charged by said solar panels; said plurality of solar panels vertically attached to the perimeter walls of said motor housing; and said graphic panel being caused to rotate when electrical power is sent to said DC powered gear motor by said solar panels or by said rechargeable battery.

2. A solar power rotating graphic display for drinking cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein said inner cup member includes an outwardly disposed horizontal flange; said flange fixedly attached to the inner wall of said outer cup member causing said gap between said inner cup member and said outer cup member.

3. A solar powered rotating graphic display for a drinking cup as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a threaded portion located on the uppermost inner wall of said outer cup member that can engage a matching threaded portion located on a lid designed to screw onto and off of said inner cup member.

4. A solar powered rotating graphic display for drinking cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein said the space within said inner cup member and said outer cup member is water resistant and said drinking cup is dish washer safe

5. A solar powered rotating graphic display for drinking cup as claimed in claim 1 wherein said solar powered rotating graphic panel can also be incorporated into a bottle, a mug, or other fluid filled containers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a section view vertically bisecting of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention.

[0013] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] FIG. 1 is a section view that vertically bisects the invention. A graphic panel 8 is trapped in the space 3 between outer cup member 2 and an inner cup member 1. The graphic panel 8 is fixedly attached to a base plate 14. Outer cup member 2 is transparent thereby allowing a person to view the graphic panel 8 situated behind wall of the outer cup member 2. The base plate 14 includes an aperture that can fixedly retain shaft 10 of DC gear motor assembly 9 housed in an outer housing. An outwardly extending flange 13 extends outwardly from inner cup member 1 and is fixedly attached in a water-proof manner to the inner wall of outer cup member 2. A plurality of solar panels 5 powers the DC gear motor 9 and also charges the rechargeable battery 12 so that the battery 12 can operate the DC motor 9 during low light conditions. The shaft 10 of the DC gear motor rotates plate 14 and attached graphic panel 3. A lid 6 is threaded onto inner cup member 1. A hole in the center of the lid allows straw 11 to protrude.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention. Graphic panel 8 rotates automatically when sunlight strikes solar panels 5. Graphic panel 8 can also rotate when powered by rechargeable battery 12. Lid 6 can be unthreaded as needed. Straw 11 protrudes from the center of the lid 6. The inner cup member 1 and outer cup member 2 are welded together in a water-proof manner so that the items stored between the two cups remain dry even when placed in a dish washer.

[0016] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0017] While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.