Abstract:
A container includes a receptacle, a stationary base, a rotating device, a power supply device, and an actuator. The receptacle receives a substance therein. The rotating device and the power supply device are arranged in the stationary base. The stationary base includes at least one light-emitting element. The rotating device drives the receptacle to rotate. The power supply device is electrically connected to the light-emitting element. The actuator extends into the stationary base and is reciprocally movable. The movement of the actuator drives the rotating device and actuates the power supply device. When a user pushes the actuator to cause the receptacle to rotate for providing effects of stirring and reducing temperature of the substance (such as liquid) received in the receptacle, the light-emitting element of the stationary base is also caused to generate and emit light to thereby achieve the advantages of enhancing interest, decoration, aesthetics, and practical utilization.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a structure of a container, and more particularly to a structure of a luminous rotary container, which, when a receptacle thereof is caused to rotate for stirring a substance, also provides an effect of light emission so as to achieve the advantages of enhancing interest, decoration, aesthetics, and practical utilization. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    Modern people live in a busy and stressed manner and often desire to get themselves relaxed by for example enjoying a cup of drink in a coffee shop, a bar, or a teahouse. To create interior atmosphere, the coffee shop, bar, or teahouse is often decorated with dim and faint light. On the other hand, the cups or glasses used for drinking are often of unique appearance and outside configuration; however, no design has been made on the stirring function or lighting of the cups or glasses for the purposes of promotion or aesthetics. Thus, in such a dim and faint light, it is generally not possible to demonstrate the beauty and promotion effect of the design of the cups or glasses. 
         [0003]    Known techniques related to lighting cups or glasses are shown in for example Taiwan Utility Model M298948, wherein two electrodes extending through the bottom of a container so that electrical conduction through a liquid is applied to conducting electrically between the two electrodes to achieve the purposes of light emission. However, the following disadvantages exist: 
         [0004]    (1) Electricity conducted between the two electrodes is achieved through electrical conductivity through a liquid received in the container in order to light up the light source on the bottom of the container. If there is no liquid received in the container, there is no way to drive the light source to give off light. Thus, to enjoy the aesthetic effect provided by light projecting from the light source, the drink received in the container could not be drunk up. It is more desired to provide a more actively controllable way of controlling the light source to give off light. 
         [0005]    (2) The electrodes are arranged to extend through the bottom of the container and must be set in contact with the liquid in order to achieve lighting. Thus, the joints between the two electrodes and the bottom of the container must be set in a tightly sealed condition in order to prevent the liquid received in the container from penetrating through the gaps to reach the electronic components set in the bottom of the container. If the assembly process fails to provide such a tight engagement, liquid can easily flow to the electronic components, leading to failure of the electronic components. 
         [0006]    (3) As discussed in item (2), to allow the light from the light source set under the bottom of the container to transmit through the bottom of the container, the container must be made of a transparent material or a translucent material. When dirt is trapped in the gaps, it would be very unpleasant in the outside looking. Further, it is very easy that the residue of the drink that was previously received in the container to be trapped in the gaps when the container is cleaned. This causes serious concerns of hygiene. 
         [0007]    The conventional lighting-included container or cup is generally imperfect and further improvement is desired. 
         [0008]    The present invention aims to provide a solution to overcome such problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a rotary container that, through pushing of an actuator, causes a receptacle to rotate to apply a stirring effect on a substance and also provides a light generation effect for giving off light. 
         [0010]    To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a receptacle, a stationary base, a rotating device, a power supply device, and an actuator. The receptacle receives a substance to be stirred therein. The stationary base carries and supports the receptacle and defines therein a receiving space. The stationary base comprises at least a light-emitting element. The rotating device is arranged in the receiving space and the rotating device drives the receptacle to rotate. The power supply device is arranged in the receiving space. The power supply device is electrically connected to the light-emitting element. The actuator extends into the stationary base and is reciprocally movable. The movement of the actuator drives the rotating device and actuates the power supply device. Through pushing the actuator, the receptacle is caused to rotate so as to provide effects of stirring and temperature reduction of a substance (such as liquid) received in the receptacle and also causes the stationary base to generate an effect of light emission to thereby achieve the advantages of enhancing interest, decoration, aesthetics, and practical utilization. 
         [0011]    The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts. 
         [0012]    Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, showing a stationary base of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, illustrating an operation of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating an operation of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, showing a stationary base according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, illustrating an operation of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating an operation of another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view showing a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, showing a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, illustrating an operation of a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing a light-emitting element according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing light-emitting elements according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, showing a power generation assembly electrically connected to an electric accumulator according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, showing an actuator in direct engagement with a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a plan view, in a sectioned form, showing a socket assembly provided for receiving a plug of an electronic device to plug therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  5 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a receptacle  10 , a stationary base  20 , a rotating device  30 , a power supply device  40 , and an actuator  50 . Operation of the actuator  50  is applied to drive the receptacle  10  to rotate so as to provide effects of stirring and temperature reduction of a substance (such as liquid) received in the receptacle  10 , while at the same time, the stationary base  20  is caused to simultaneously generate an effect of light emission to thereby achieve the advantages of enhancing interest, decoration, aesthetics, and practical utilization. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the receptacle  10  according to the present invention is provided for receiving and holding therein a substance, such as one of liquid, powder, and solid or a combination thereof. An inside bottom of the receptacle  10  is provided with a projecting blending member  11  for stirring and blending the substance. An outside bottom of the receptacle  10  is provided with an axle  12 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stationary base  20  according to the present invention is provided for carrying and supporting the receptacle  10 . The stationary base  20  comprises an enclosure  21  and a bottom board  22  and defines therein a receiving space. The enclosure  21  comprises a circumferential section  211  extending upward to a predetermined height to suitably enclose the receptacle  10  and to allow easy hand holding. The enclosure  21  has a surface on which a plurality of light-emitting elements  212 , such as light-emitting diodes, is provided for emission of light. The light-emitting elements  212  may be arranged in a predetermined configuration to provide an effect of enhancing light emission and variation thereof. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rotating device  30  according to the present invention comprises a rotor  31  and a gear unit  32  that are rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the stationary base  20 . The rotor  31  is rotatably mounted on a positioning peg  221  mounted on the bottom board  22 . The rotor  31  comprises, in an upper portion thereof, a unidirectional rotation driving member  311 , such as a one-way bearing, and the rotor  31  comprises, in a lower portion thereof, a pinion  312 . The unidirectional rotation driving member  311  is coupled to the axle  12  so that the rotor  31  can drive the receptacle  10  to rotate in only one direction. 
         [0034]    The gear unit  32  comprises a toothed disk  321  in an upper portion thereof and a transmission gear  322  in a lower portion thereof. The toothed disk  321  mates and is in driving coupling with the pinion  312 . 
         [0035]    The power supply device  40  is arranged in the stationary base  20 . The power supply device  40  comprises a power generation assembly  41  that is rotatably mounted on the bottom board  22 . The power generation assembly  41  can be a power generation device that, when driven, rotates to generate electrical power. The principle of power generation applied to the power generation assembly  41  is well known and detailed description thereof will be omitted therein. The power supply device  40  further comprises a toothed wheel  42  and a unidirectional rotation driving assembly  43 . The toothed wheel  42  mates the toothed disk  321  for rotation in order to drive the underside unidirectional rotation driving assembly  43 . In the instant embodiment, the unidirectional rotation driving assembly  43  comprises an assembly of a ratchet wheel and a driving pawl. The driving pawl is operatively coupled to the toothed wheel  42  and the ratchet wheel is mounted to the power generation assembly  41 , whereby the toothed wheel  42  can drive, via the unidirectional rotation driving assembly  43 , the power generation assembly  41  to rotate only in a predetermined direction. The power generation assembly  41  is electrically connected to a control circuit  44 . The control circuit  44  is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements  212  to control functions of light emission of the light-emitting elements  212 . 
         [0036]    The actuator  50  is arranged to extend into the stationary base  20  and is guided by a plurality of guide sections  222  mounted on the bottom board  22  to do reciprocal movement. The actuator  50  comprises a toothed rack  51 . The rack  51  mates and drives the transmission gear  322 . The actuator  50  has an end that is exposed to be held by a user&#39;s hand for pulling or pushing. 
         [0037]    An elastic element  52  is arranged in the receiving space of the stationary base  20 . In the instant embodiment, the elastic element  52  comprises an extension spring. The elastic element  52  has an end fixed to the bottom board  22  and an opposite end fixed to the actuator  50 , whereby the elastic element  52  provides a spring force for returning the actuator  50  when the actuator  50  is pushed and moved inward. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in an operation of the present invention, a substance to be stirred, such as liquid, is deposited in the receptacle  10  and the actuator  50  is held and pushed by a user&#39;s hand to cause the rack  51  to move and drive the transmission gear  322  to rotate, causing the toothed disk  321  and the pinion  312  to rotate, and finally causing the rotor  31  to rotate and drive the axle  12  that makes the receptacle  10  rotating simultaneously, whereby with the blending member  11  arranged in the receptacle  10 , effects of stirring and causing air flow to reduce temperature of the substance (such as liquid) deposited in the receptacle  10  can be achieved. 
         [0039]    After the actuator  50  is pushed to cause the receptacle  10  to rotate, in the process that the actuator  50  moves in the opposite direction to return to the original condition (namely moving in a direction toward the outside of the stationary base  20 ), due to the arrangement of the unidirectional rotation driving member  311  between the rotor  31  and the axle  12 , the rotor  31  is no longer in operative coupling with the axle  12  and no resistance is induced therebetween, whereby the user can easily pull the actuator  50  for successive reciprocal movement thereof to maintain continuous rotation of he receptacle  10  and thus effectively and efficiently controlling the stirring speed of the receptacle  10 . 
         [0040]    Further, in the process of the actuator  50  returning back to the original condition (namely moving in a direction toward the outside of the stationary base  20 ), the axle  12  is not caused to rotate in the opposite direction so that the receptacle  10  can maintain rotation in the same direction. 
         [0041]    When the rack  51  is moved to cause the toothed disk  321  to rotate, the toothed wheel  42  of the power supply device  40  is simultaneously caused to rotate and to drive, via the unidirectional rotation driving assembly  43 , the power generation assembly  41  to rotate so that the power generation assembly  41  generates electrical power that is directly supplied to the light-emitting elements  212  of the enclosure  21  to make the light-emitting elements  212  emitting light. As such, advantages of enhancing interest of use and practicability can be achieved. 
         [0042]    The function of the unidirectional rotation driving assembly  43  is to make the actuator  50  not driving the toothed wheel  42  to rotate in the opposite direction in the process that the actuator  50  is returning back to the original condition (namely moving in a direction toward the outside of the stationary base  20 ), whereby the power generation assembly  41  is allowed to maintain rotation in the same direction to facilitate power generation and supply of electrical power to the light-emitting elements  212 . 
         [0043]    The light-emitting elements  212  are controlled by the control circuit  44  to effect various lighting modes, such as continuous illumination, flashing, continuous illumination in part, flashing in part, alternating of different lighting modes, or random lighting. 
         [0044]    The present invention takes advantage of power generated by the power generation assembly  41  to supply electrical power to the light-emitting elements  212 , so that no electrical cell or battery or external power supply is needed and this provides an effectiveness of environment conservation. 
         [0045]    Further, when the present invention is put into practice, if there is no need for the actuator  40 , the rotor  31 , and the power generation assembly  41  to maintain a high rotational speed ratio or if it is desired to simplify the structure for reduction of cost, the gear unit  32  can be omitted and the rack  51  can be put in direct and driving engagement with the pinion  312  and the toothed wheel  42  (this being not illustrated in the drawings). 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 , another embodiment of the present invention is provided, which is operated by pulling the actuator  50  to drive the receptacle  10  to rotate and cause the light-emitting elements  212  to emit lights, wherein the bottom board  22  is provided with a hand-holding section  223  for being held by a user&#39;s hand and the actuator  50  is arranged to extend into the stationary base  20  in an opposite direction with the elastic element  52  being arranged to provide a spring force for position returning of the actuator  50  after the actuator  50  has been pulled and moved outward. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  9 ,  10 , and  11 , another embodiment of the power supply device  40  according to the present invention comprises a conductive contact plate assembly  45 , a plurality of electrical cells  46 , and a control circuit  44  that are electrically connected, wherein the conductive contact plate assembly  45 , comprising conductive contact plates, is set at a predetermined location on the bottom board  22  in such a way that when the actuator  50  is not into operation, the conductive contact plate assembly  45  is kept in a non-engaging condition and when the actuator  50  is put into operation (namely moving in a direction toward the outside of the stationary base  20 ), the conductive plates of the conductive contact plate assembly are deformed by the actuator  50  to become an engaging condition whereby electrical power from the electrical cells  46  is allowed to supply to the light-emitting elements  212 . The control circuit  44  is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements  212  to control the function of light emission of the light-emitting elements  212 . 
         [0048]    With such an arrangement, when the actuator  50  is operated to drive the receptacle  10  to rotate, the actuator  50  also contact and deform the conductive contact plate assembly  45  to make it contacting and conducting so as to allow the electrical cells  46  to supply electrical power to the light-emitting elements  212 , making the light-emitting elements  212  generating and emitting light. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , the light-emitting elements  212  according to the present invention can be arranged in a three-dimensional configuration to enhance the effect of light emission and variation thereof and provide an effect of advertisement and promotion. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the light-emitting elements  212  according to the present invention can be a liquid crystal light-emitting screen, such as a liquid crystal display or a luminescent panel, to allow the light-emitting elements  212  to provide one or a combination of the functions of light emission, text displaying, and pattern displaying to thereby enhance the effect of light emission and variation thereof and provide an effect of advertisement and promotion. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 14 , the power generation assembly  41  according to the present invention may be electrically connected to an electric accumulator  411  and the electric accumulator  411  is controlled by a switch  412  to supply or cut off electrical power supplied to the light-emitting elements  212 . 
         [0052]    With such an arrangement, when the power generation assembly  41  is put into operation, electrical power so generated thereby is partly supplied to the light-emitting elements  212  and is also partly stored in the electric accumulator  411  to allow a user, who does not operate the actuator  50 , to operate the switch  412  for supplying electrical power from the electric accumulator  411  to the light-emitting elements  212 , so that the light-emitting elements  212  are stilled energized to give off light. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , the power supply device  40  according to the present invention may further comprise a socket assembly  48 . The socket assembly  48  is mounted on the stationary base  20  and is electrically connected to the electric accumulator  411 , whereby a plug of an electronic device  60  (such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a portable power supply, and the likes) can be plugged into the socket assembly  48  to allow the electrical power stored in the electric accumulator  411  to be supplied to the electronic device  60 . 
         [0054]    With such an arrangement, the present invention may serve as a temporary power supply, whereby an electronic device  60  owned by the user, when running out of power, can be charged by using the power supply device  40  of the present invention. As such, the convenience and practicability of use can be enhanced. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 15 , the actuator  50  according to the present invention can be arranged to directly mate the power supply device  40  with the toothed disk  321  omitted, where the actuator  50  comprises a further toothed rack  53  and the toothed wheel  42  of the power supply device  40  is set mating the rack  53  to be rotated thereby. As such, similar operations of rotating the receptacle  10  and making the light-emitting elements  212  emit light can be achieved. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 8 , the enclosure  21  according to the present invention may be provided with a layer of transparent material, such as acrylic (not shown), on an outer surface thereof. The transparent material layer may comprise a plurality of recesses forming patterns or texts, whereby when the light-emitting elements  212  give off light, the light transmitting through the transparent material layer is subjected to guiding and condensation by the recesses to achieve an effect of luminous patterns or luminous texts. 
         [0057]    Further, a light condensation and/or absorbing material, such as a fluorescent material or ink dot matrix, can be formed on the transparent material layer to show patterns or texts, so that when the light-emitting elements  212  give off light, an effect of luminous patterns or luminous texts can also be achieved. 
         [0058]    It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
         [0059]    While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.