Power plants – Utilizing natural heat – Solar
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-15
2001-07-24
Nguyen, Hoang (Department: 3748)
Power plants
Utilizing natural heat
Solar
C060S641800, C060S641150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263674
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 476,183 filed on Jun. 26, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to vending devices and, more particularly, to a solar-powered, mobile vending apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Vending machines provide food and other products at points of consumption which are convenient for the consumer and economically advantageous for the machine owner. They can be found in stores, office buildings, schools, factories, and similar locations all over the world. One common point to all of these locations however, is the availability of electrical power to operate these machines. This fact eliminates the possibility of vending machines operating outside at locations far from electrical power. Ironically, these locations, such as fairs, carnivals, outside concerts, and the like are the locations where vending machine products are most likely needed.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which vending machines can operate in areas without electrical power, and can be set up and removed in a timely manner. The development of the solar-powered, mobile vending apparatus fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose a portable slush-beverage dispensing system: U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,075 issued in the name of Ash, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,275 issued in the name of Billet.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,029 issued in the name of Doe describes an optical solar electric generator.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,307 issued in the name of Chang discloses a solar-powered automatic golf ball dispenser.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,220 issued in the name of Credle, Jr. et al. describes a backpack beverage dispenser.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,430 issued in the name of McCoy discloses a solar-powered golf cart.
U.S. Pat. No. D 398,432 issued in the name of Yerkes describes the ornamental design for a transportable vending cart.
U.S. Pat. No. D 365,906 issued in the name of Lee discloses the ornamental design for an electronic flower cart kiosk.
U.S. Pat. No. D 340,336 issued in the name of Groenewege et al. describes the ornamental design for a mobile bar.
U.S. Pat. No. D 290,438 issued in the name of Mandat discloses the ornamental design for a portable nachos vending unit.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device which allows for the vending of food products at virtually any location in a quick, simple and effortless manner without the requirement of commercial electric power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable vending machine which is mounted on a utility trailer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which can be towed to any location quickly and provides food and other items where they are needed.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device which allows for quick setup and removal.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device which utilizes solar photovoltaic cells for providing electrical power to the vending machine.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device which uses a battery charger and rechargeable batteries for operation during periods of reduced light.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device using photovoltaic cells which are mounted on top of the vending machine.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which operates the vending machine through an electrical inverter.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which reduces pollution and conserves vital natural resources.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which is great for periodic outside events such as fairs, carnivals, outside concerts, and parks.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which is ideal anywhere electrical power is not available.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a solar-powered, mobile vending apparatus is provided for dispensing and vending food, beverages and other products in areas where commercial power is not readily available. A conventional vending machine or group of machines is mounted on a trailer. The top of the machine is covered with solar photovoltaic cells which feed DC power to a battery charger which keeps a set of rechargeable batteries at full capacity. The batteries in turn supply power to an inverter which creates AC power to run the vending machine. In such a manner, vending services can be provided on a temporary basis where commercial power is not readily available such as outside locations at fairs, gatherings, parks, concerts, and the like.
The use of the present invention allows for the vending of food products at virtually any location in a quick, simple and effortless manner without the requirement of commercial electric power.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 290438 (1987-06-01), Mandat
patent: D. 340336 (1993-10-01), Groenewege et al.
patent: D. 365906 (1996-01-01), Lee
patent: D. 398432 (1998-09-01), Yerkes
patent: 4602694 (1986-07-01), Weldin
patent: 4651080 (1987-03-01), Wallace
patent: 4744430 (1988-05-01), McCoy
patent: 5385275 (1995-01-01), Billet
patent: 5529220 (1996-06-01), Credle, Jr. et al.
patent: 5529307 (1996-06-01), Chang
patent: 5772075 (1998-06-01), Ash, Jr. et al.
patent: 6062029 (2000-05-01), Doe
Fileman Shelly
Fileman Stephen
Gugliotta John D.
Nguyen Hoang
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