U.S. patent application number 11/487274 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for solar powered umbrella.
This patent application is currently assigned to Enlightened Innovations. Invention is credited to Arian Reyes, Kluis Jermaine Wimbush.
Application Number | 20070283987 11/487274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38820648 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070283987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reyes; Arian ; et
al. |
December 13, 2007 |
Solar powered umbrella
Abstract
A self-contained, maintenance free, rechargeable, and portable
device with a photovoltaic canopy that provides electricity to a
variety of electrical devices while under direct sunlight and in
the absence of sunlight. The system operates and functions
accordingly in the absence of a direct power source. By utilizing
solar energy, the system is free of electrical cords, thereby
making it usable in a variety of applications where electrical
outlets are either not readily accessible or may present a safety
concern.
Inventors: |
Reyes; Arian; (Sunrise,
FL) ; Wimbush; Kluis Jermaine; (Davie, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Arian Reyes
P.O. Box 292301
Davie
FL
33329-2301
US
|
Assignee: |
Enlightened Innovations
Davie
FL
|
Family ID: |
38820648 |
Appl. No.: |
11/487274 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60811504 |
Jun 7, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/16 ; 136/248;
320/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 2023/0012 20130101;
A45B 2200/1027 20130101; A45B 3/04 20130101; A45B 2200/1036
20130101; A45B 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/16 ; 136/248;
320/101 |
International
Class: |
A45B 3/04 20060101
A45B003/04 |
Claims
1. I am asking to be protected an umbrella comprising of
photovoltaic material, rechargeable batteries, whether Lithium-ion,
NiCad, etc, an electrical outlet, diodes, inverter, converters,
electric solenoid switch(s), dc bypass, dc electrical current
splitter, static inverter(s), static inverter with a built-in
solenoid switch, circuit breaker(s), fuse(s), and solid and/or
stranded electrical wires fit for one or different size gauge
sizes, which have these components connected together in no
particular series and transfers electrical current collected by the
sun's radiation and chemical reaction form the photovoltaic solar
panel(s) to provide electricity at any time of day, which is
referred to as the "solar powered umbrella" in this patent.
2. I am asking to be protected the solar powered umbrella with the
intent to use at any random location that protects against the
sun's harmful ultraviolet rays and at the same time provide a user
with a portable source of electricity to power up and/or charge
small electrical appliances, among the many there are cell phones,
laptops, televisions, CD players, radios, portable DVD/TV
combination players, electric grills, electric coolers, cell
phones, PDAs, string of lights, etc.
3. I am asking to be protected a portable electricity source
attached to some sort of canopy, pole or stem with all of claim 1
and 2 electronic components built in, that has the capabilities to
bring electrical current to electrical appliances as a power
outlet.
4. I am asking to be protected a cigarette lighter outlet and
household electrical outlet connected to all electrical components
found in claim 1 and 2 that fit within a portable housing station
while collecting solar rays be means of photovoltaic panels.
5. I am asking to be protected a solar powered self contained
apparatus which delivers electricity to a variety of different
electrical components.
Description
[0001] Conventionally, beach and table umbrellas are used to
provide protection from the high temperature or vigorous sunlight.
On the other hand, an umbrella outfitted with photovoltaic
material, rechargeable batteries, an electrical outlet, and wires
connecting the components together, which transfer electrical
current, provide electricity at any time of day. Examples of what
can be powered by the aforementioned device are the following: an
electric grill, electric ice cooler, radio, television, DVD player,
I-Pod, portable video game console, fan, possible heater and air
conditioning unit can be individually attached to the side of the
umbrella. The solar powered umbrella may either fit on a patio
table with a stand, dug into the sand at the beach, or placed
outside any given area that requires its need. During dusk,
nighttime hours or during periods where there is insufficient
sunlight, the umbrella can power up electrical appliances by means
of rechargeable batteries. Electrical components may typically be
attached to the pole of the umbrella and are powered by a standard
electrical outlet. The need for an external power source increases
the effectiveness of this umbrella under certain situations, such
as in a crowded outdoor restaurant where multiple extension cords
may be a safety hazard, or in secluded areas where access to an
electrical outlet may be difficult or impossible.
[0002] Furthermore, the wiring are mounted on the ribs of the
conventional models of the umbrella canopies, they are trapped
within the ribs and the hard surfaces of these ribs serve as
support mechanisms when closing or lowering the fabric canopy.
[0003] Therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a
self-contained, maintenance-free, rechargeable electricity
providing system in combination with an umbrella, this system is
suitable during periods of insufficient sunlight, without the
necessity of external wires or cords. This invention finds
application in a variety of locations, such as beaches, patios,
decks, backyards, kiosks, outdoor dining areas, and queue
lines.
[0004] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an electrical device charger umbrella assembly, including a canopy,
a support member supporting the canopy between an open position and
a closed position, and a rechargeable battery system including one
or more photovoltaic solar materials, and an energy storage
component associated with the one or more photovoltaic solar
collectors.
[0005] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an electrical device charger umbrella assembly within
minimal or no wiring in the vicinity of the umbrella ribs, and that
utilizes an electrical outlet that is positioned a safe distance
away from the hard surfaces of the umbrella canopy.
[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an umbrella kit including the aforementioned components, along with
instructions for assembling the same umbrella with the
components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A Solar Umbrella that provides a self-contained electrical
device charger system in combination with an umbrella. The solar
umbrella charger system includes one or more outlet sources, which
preferably are mounted on the pole of the umbrella and are powered
by an energy storage component such as one or more batteries. The
energy storage component is preferably housed in close proximity to
the umbrella stand, and is recharged by energy received from a
solar collector preferably attached to the outer surface of the
canopy. The system also comprises a power manager, which directs
energy from the solar collector to the energy storage component
during periods of sunlight, and draws energy from the energy
storage component to power electrical appliances during periods of
sunlight and insufficient sunlight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of the present invention with the
canopy in the open position;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention with the
canopy in the closed position;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front and back view of the present invention in
greater detail;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an inside and aerial view of the present invention
without the canopy;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an electrical diagram that can be used in
accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front view of the present invention with an
alternate energy storage assembly location and a semi-permanent
installation; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a view of the present invention with an external
conduit and orientation key locations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Examining FIG. 1, detailed picture is a solar encapsulating
transportable umbrella adapted with photovoltaic fabric, an
electrical outlet and rechargeable batteries. The solar umbrella
may be applied to an outdoor table and used as a beach umbrella.
REF. 1 The solar encapsulating transportable umbrella has a canopy
and numerous photovoltaic solar panels attached to the canopy; the
photovoltaic material is highly flexible, weather durable and
tested for reliability, an example is Powerfilm made by
www.iowathinfilm.com. REF. 2 A material or mesh may be placed over
the photovoltaic material as to camouflage the umbrella's true
nature; such a material, which allows the sun's rays to penetrate
through at maximum SPF, Microsol made by a company named
www.tanthrough.com. REF. 3 The rechargeable batteries serve as a
method of charging after a product has been charged or after the
sun has set; the power manager is Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
pack and is made by Voltaic.com. REF. 4 A series of electrical
outlets, such as those found in hardware stores, would be placed
on, within, or over the supporting member, shaft, or pole in order
to deliver electrical current to a desired device. REF. 5 The
canopy may be made up of one, several or a different pieces of
material such as synthetic, cotton, vinyl or a blend of different
materials. If possible, the material may be water-resistant or
retardant. REF. 6 The solar umbrella's supporting member, the
shaft, pole, or conduit, may be made of, but not limited to, a
metal alloy, metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, fiberglass,
carbon fiber or plastic. REF. 7 The solar umbrella has hollow ribs
that serve as a conduit for passing copper wiring. The solar
umbrella may be built of a material of satisfactory weight, or
built to be filled with a material of sufficient weight, for
example water or stones, and help serve as a counterweight or a
secure holder for the canopy and pole. The size and shape of the
canopy is not predominantly restricted and depends partly of the
particular application preferred. The support member, the shaft,
pole, or conduit, is sized suitably so that the sunshade cover, in
its opened form, is of the preferred height. The solar umbrella
should be hollow to house wiring as written about below.
[0016] Examining FIG. 2, REF. 1 The present invention has one or
more solar collectors attached to the canopy of the umbrella which
are capable of receiving energy from the sun. Suitable solar
collectors are readily and commercially available through several
companies, such as Iowa Thin Film. The solar collector(s) are
placed so that when the canopy is in the open position as shown in
FIG. 1, the solar collector is thus tilted toward the sun. Hence,
this facilitates it to encapsulate sufficient and if possible
optimal amount of solar energy. REF. 2 The present invention also
comprises a power manager and a storage assembly, such as one or
more batteries, both preferably mounted on or within the pole of
the umbrella in order to reduce the invasiveness and obviousness of
these devices. REF. 3 The present invention also comprises of an
electrical outlet, such as the one shown here. REF. 4 The solar
umbrella would possibly need a stand at the bottom of the
supporting member as to maintain the umbrella in the erect
position.
[0017] Examining FIG. 3, REF. 1 The solar powered umbrella is
incorporated with a power manager that is favorably a solid state
device that has a wattage/power meter, an on and off switch, a
switch that allows the user to alternate between voltages and
electrical wires that travel to an outlet. This power manager is
readily and commercially available through several companies, such
as Voltaic. REF. 2 The pole has a voltage meter where an individual
sees and reads the amount of current left in the battery pack. REF.
3 Although not a necessary, there may be a ventilation window with
the possibility of a mesh of some sort that allows the batteries
and the power manager breath or release heat from the pole. REF. 4
The enlarged view of the backside of the supporting member, pole or
shaft shows the possible shape of the ventilation area and the
screws or rivets that hold the two doors in place. The doors can
also snap on depending which application is required.
[0018] Examining FIG. 4, This artistic depiction of the innards of
a solar powered umbrella has REF. 1 the copper wiring from the
photovoltaic, REF. 2 a clear view of the rechargeable batteries and
REF. 3 an electrical box outlet.
[0019] Examining FIG. 5, REF. 1 The figure of two ribs out of the
possible 2, 4, 6, 8, or more ribs are showing the depiction of the
umbrella in the closed position. REF. 2 The photovoltaic fabric
does not fold, instead it bends or rolls halfway.
[0020] Examining FIG. 6, REF. 1 Shown are 4 photovoltaic panels
that are attached through REF. 2 wiring to REF. 3 an electrical
current collector and distribution panel in which goes on the REF.
4 rechargeable batteries, REF. 5 possible current splitter, and
lastly, the REF. 6 electrical outlet.
[0021] Examining FIG. 7 This is a pictorial illustration of a
zoomed-in section of the pole or shaft from the Solar Powered
Umbrella, which is the exterior close up of an alternate door shown
as a sliding or movable door for the electrical outlet. In Ref. 1,
the pictorial pictures the slide door in the open position, hence
Ref. 3 the opening and forth exposing Ref. 2 the electrical outlet
housed within Ref. 4 the solar powered umbrella's pole, shaft or
housing. Further, Ref. 5 represents door stopping, or door
withholding, mechanism that may maintain of the moving cover either
at an open or shut position, whereas Ref. 6 shows running tracks
for Ref. 8 the slide door and Ref. 9 the movable cover that may be
manually operated by the use of Ref. 10 a lift gate of decent
appendix size where someone may use his or her thumb or any finger,
all of which are located within Ref. 7 the pole or shaft of the
Solar Powered Umbrella.
[0022] The manager uses the sun's power produced during periods of
daylight hours to distribute electricity to electrical devices.
[0023] The solar photovoltaic panels should be kept free of any
items that may reduce the available sunlight rays from reaching the
photovoltaic panels. Not limited to a "slot and key" arrangement, a
roll up, or a push up design to open the solar umbrella may be
applied in the supporting member to open and close the canopy.
[0024] If needed to exchange the power manager controller, unscrew
or pop open the door to replace it. When the battery uses all of
its available power, the electrical power manager will be turned
off. When voltage is reinstated to the battery by the sun's energy
being collected from the photovoltaic panels and the power manager
will resume operation.
[0025] The present invention may be provided in the form of a kit,
whereas one or more solar collectors, the energy storage component,
the power manager, and suitable wiring are provided for either
retrofitting with an existing umbrella, or are included with an
umbrella. Instructions for assembly of the solar powered,
illuminated, stand-alone umbrella are inc
* * * * *
References