US4989124A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar powered sign
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-08-21
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Granted: 1991-01-29
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Expires: 2009-08-21
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to an improved solar powered sign including one or more solar panels used to charge batteries which power various components of the sign. The sign may include a rotary display which is electrically powered and may also include a lamp. The sign may be mounted on a base facilitating easy transport.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas E. Shappell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:35
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An improved sign comprising: (a) a base having an internal chamber; (b) said base having a face with a fixed display thereon; (c) said base carrying a moving display; (d) drive means for said moving display mounted on said base, said drive means being electrically operated; (e) at least one solar panel pivotably mounted on said base between a first stored position lying against said base and a second deployed position extending out from said base; and (f) electrical means controllably conveying electrical power from said solar panel to said drive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An improved sign comprising: (a) a base having an internal chamber; (b) said base having a face with a fixed display thereon; (c) said base carrying a moving display; (d) drive means for said moving display mounted on said base, said drive means being electrically operated; (e) at least one solar panel pivotably mounted on said base between a first stored position lying against said base and a second deployed position extending out from said base; and (f) electrical means controllably conveying electrical power from said solar panel to said drive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said moving display comprises a rotary disc driven by said drive means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein said drive means includes a one-way bearing driven by sequential reciprocations of a solenoid actuated plunger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention of claim 3, wherein said plunger is attached to a lever, said lever having a fulcrum attached to said bearing, said lever extending past said fulcrum with respect to said plunger and having a termination with biasing means attached thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein said biasing means comprises a weight.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein a trough is contained in said chamber to collect fluids, and a drain is fluidly connected to said trough to allow drainage of said fluids therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention of claim 1, further including at least one battery electrically connected to said solar panel via a recharger, said at least one battery powering said moving display.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
The invention of claim 7, wherein said at least one battery comprises two batteries and a crossover circuit connected therebetween, whereby one battery may power said moving display while another battery is being recharged by said recharger, and said crossover circuit may reverse connections so that said another battery may power said moving display while said one battery is being recharged.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
9 words
The invention of claim 1, further including illumination means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 9, wherein said illumination means comprises a strobe light.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said base includes an access door allowing access to said internal chamber.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-01-28 | 1994-07-30 | 1995-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-01-28 | 1998-07-30 | 1999-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-01-28 | 2002-07-30 | 2003-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |