U.S. patent application number 14/951144 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-21 for inflatable solar light.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alice M. Chun. Invention is credited to Alice M. Chun.
Application Number | 20160109077 14/951144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46753185 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160109077 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chun; Alice M. |
April 21, 2016 |
INFLATABLE SOLAR LIGHT
Abstract
A solar rechargeable light is disclosed. In some embodiments,
the solar light include the following: an expandable inner bladder
including at least front and bottom surfaces; a solar rechargeable
light assembly joined with the front surface of the inner bladder,
the assembly including a thin-film photovoltaic, a battery charger
in electrical communication with the thin-film photovoltaic, a
rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the battery
charger, and a light emitting diode in electrical communication
with the rechargeable battery; and an expandable outer bladder
configured to contain the inner bladder. The inner and outer
bladders are substantially transparent, flexible, inflatable, and
collapsible.
Inventors: |
Chun; Alice M.; (New York,
NY) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chun; Alice M. |
New York |
NY |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
46753185 |
Appl. No.: |
14/951144 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13450974 |
Apr 19, 2012 |
9200770 |
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14951144 |
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13163239 |
Jun 17, 2011 |
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13450974 |
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61356274 |
Jun 18, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 9/037 20130101;
F21V 17/007 20130101; F21V 3/049 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
F21W 2131/1005 20130101; F21V 23/04 20130101; F21V 7/0075 20130101;
F21L 4/08 20130101; F21V 31/005 20130101; B65D 7/24 20130101; Y02B
20/72 20130101; F21S 8/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21L 4/08 20060101
F21L004/08; F21V 7/00 20060101 F21V007/00; F21V 31/00 20060101
F21V031/00; F21V 3/04 20060101 F21V003/04; F21V 17/00 20060101
F21V017/00; F21V 23/04 20060101 F21V023/04 |
Claims
1. A solar rechargeable lamp, comprising: an expandable inner
bladder including an outer surface and an internal volume for
receiving one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid; an
expandable outer bladder including a flat bottom surface, an
internal volume and configured to contain the inner bladder within
the internal volume of the outer bladder, the outer bladder having
a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user; and a
solar rechargeable light assembly located between the inner bladder
and the outer bladder such that the outer bladder is devoid of an
opening for the assembly; wherein in a first state, the internal
volume of the inner bladder is substantially free of gas, liquids,
and solids and the lamp is substantially collapsed, and in a second
state, the internal volume of the inner bladder includes one or
more of a gas, liquid, and solid, and in the second state, the
inner bladder expands the outer bladder and the lamp is
substantially expanded for standing in an upright position on the
flat bottom surface of the outer bladder.
2. The lamp of claim 1, the solar rechargeable light assembly being
joined to the outer surface of the inner bladder, the assembly
comprising: a photovoltaic panel; a battery charger in electrical
communication with the photovoltaic panel; a rechargeable battery
in electrical communication with the battery charger; and a light
emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable
battery.
3. The lamp of claim 2, further comprising a power switch in
electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and the
light emitting diode, wherein in a first position, the switch
enables the flow of electricity from the battery to the light
emitting diode, and in a second position, the switch prevents the
flow of electricity from the battery to the light emitting
diode.
4. The lamp of claim 2, wherein the assembly includes more than one
light emitting diode in electrical communication with the
rechargeable battery.
5. The lamp of claim 4, further comprising a power switch in
electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and the
light emitting diodes, wherein the switch can be configured to
control an amount of light provided by the light emitting
diodes.
6. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the inner bladder further comprises
a valve through which the inner bladder is inflated to be filled
and deflated to be emptied.
7. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the outer bladder is sealable so
that the lamp both floats and is substantially waterproof.
8. The lamp of claim 1, wherein one or more of the inner and outer
bladders includes one or more surfaces having a particular pattern
configured to promote diffusion of light from the solar
rechargeable light assembly.
9. (canceled)
10. A solar rechargeable lamp, comprising: an expandable inner
bladder including an outer surface and an internal volume for
receiving one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid; a solar
rechargeable light assembly joined with the outer surface of the
inner bladder, the assembly including (i) a thin-film photovoltaic
panel, (ii) a battery charger in electrical communication with the
thin-film photovoltaic panel, (iii) a rechargeable battery in
electrical communication with the battery charger, and (iv) a light
emitting diode in electrical communication with the rechargeable
battery; and an expandable outer bladder having a flat bottom
surface, a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user,
and configured to contain the inner bladder; wherein the inner and
outer bladders are substantially transparent, flexible, inflatable,
and collapsible, and the solar rechargeable light assembly is
located between the inner bladder and the outer bladder such that
the outer bladder is devoid of an opening for the assembly, and
wherein the flat bottom surface of the outer bladder enables the
lamp to stand in an upright position when the lamp is inflated.
11. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the inner bladder further
comprises a valve through which the inner bladder is inflated to be
filled and deflated to be emptied.
12. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the outer bladder includes one or
more surfaces having a particular pattern configured to promote
diffusion of light from the light emitting diode.
13. The lamp of claim 10, wherein in a first state, the inner
bladder is substantially free of gas, liquids, and solids and the
lamp is substantially collapsed and wherein in a second state, the
inner bladder includes one or more of a gas, liquid, and solid and
the lamp is substantially expanded.
14. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the assembly includes more than
one light emitting diode in electrical communication with the
rechargeable battery.
15. The lamp of claim 10, further comprising a power switch in
electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and the
light emitting diodes, wherein the switch can be configured to
control an amount of light provided by the lamp.
16. A solar rechargeable lamp, comprising: an expandable inner
bladder including an outer surface and a valve for filling the
expandable bladder with one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a
solid; a solar rechargeable light assembly joined with the outer
surface of the inner bladder; and an outer bladder configured to
contain the inner bladder within the outer bladder so that the
assembly is located between the inner bladder and the outer bladder
such that the outer bladder is devoid of an opening for the
assembly, the outer bladder comprising a flat bottom surface and an
aperture, the aperture being aligned with the valve when the inner
bladder is contained within the outer bladder, the outer bladder
having a size suitable for being carried in one hand of a user;
wherein in a first state, the inner bladder is substantially free
of gas, liquids, and solids and the inner and outer bladders are
substantially collapsed, and in a second state, the inner bladder
is filled with the one or more of a gas, a liquid, and a solid
through the valve, thereby expanding the inner bladder for standing
in an upright position on the flat bottom surface of the outer
bladder.
17. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the inner bladder also has a
bottom surface, and in the second state, the bottom surface of the
inner bladder is adjacent to the flat bottom surface of the outer
bladder.
18. The lamp of claim 13, wherein the inner bladder also has a
bottom surface, and in the second state, the bottom surface of the
inner bladder is adjacent to the flat bottom surface of the outer
bladder.
19. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the outer bladder is sealable so
that the lamp both floats and is substantially waterproof.
20. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the assembly has a reflective back
surface for reflecting light from the light emitting diode towards
the inner bladder.
21. The lamp of claim 10, wherein the assembly has a reflective
back surface for reflecting light from the light emitting diode
towards the inner bladder.
22. A waterproof inflatable solar powered lamp, comprising: a
collapsible translucent housing having a flat bottom surface, a
side wall, and an interior, the housing having a size suitable for
being carried in one hand of a user; a valve for inflating the
housing; a watertight seal between the flat bottom surface and the
side wall; a light assembly in the interior of the housing, between
the housing and an inner surface such that the housing is devoid of
an opening for the light assembly, the light assembly having (i) a
back side and a front side, (ii) a solar panel on the front side of
the assembly, (iii) a rechargeable battery on the back side of the
assembly for receiving charge from the solar panel, (iv) at least
one light emitting diode on the back side of the assembly for
receiving power from the rechargeable battery; and a switch for
controlling power from the battery to the light emitting diode, to
turn the light emitting diode on and off; wherein in a first state,
the interior of the housing is substantially free of gas, liquids
and solids and the lamp is substantially collapsed; and in a second
state, the interior of the housing includes one or more of a gas,
liquid and solid so the lamp is expanded for standing in an upright
position on the flat bottom surface of the housing.
23. The lamp of claim 22, further comprising a reflective surface
for reflecting light from the light emitting diode towards the
interior of the housing.
24. The lamp of claim 22, wherein the housing is an outer bladder,
and further comprising an inner bladder having an outer surface,
and wherein the inner surface of the lamp is the outer surface of
the inner bladder.
25. The lamp of claim 22, wherein the flat bottom surface of the
housing has a curved perimeter.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/450,974, filed Apr. 19, 2012, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/163,239, filed Jun. 17, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/356,274, filed Jun. 18,
2010, which is incorporated by reference as if disclosed herein in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure is directed towards a light assembly,
and more particularly, to a rechargeable solar light device.
Sustainable lighting solutions are essential to relief efforts in
areas affected by natural disasters, war, and other events that
leave large areas without electricity. Rechargeable batteries
coupled to photo voltaic cells are an ideal sustainable approach to
providing light when the sun goes down. Current solar-charged light
solutions are expensive and difficult to transport which make them
costly to deploy in large numbers.
[0003] Battery- or fuel-powered lighting solutions have the obvious
disadvantage of recurring cost and limited resources. On the other
hand, most renewable lighting solutions require expensive
components and are large and difficult to ship.
[0004] Therefore, what is needed and heretofore lacking in prior
lighting solutions is a lighting device that can be easily shipped
and stored, and which embodies relatively inexpensive
components.
[0005] The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.
SUMMARY
[0006] Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter include a
solar rechargeable light that is expandable for use and collapsible
for packing. In some embodiments, the solar light includes the
following: an expandable inner bladder including at least front and
bottom surfaces; a solar rechargeable light assembly joined with
the front surface of the inner bladder, the assembly including a
photovoltaic panel, a battery charger in electrical communication
with the photovoltaic panel, a rechargeable battery in electrical
communication with the battery charger, and a light emitting diode
in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery; and an
expandable outer bladder configured to contain the inner bladder.
The inner and outer bladders are substantially transparent,
flexible, inflatable, and collapsible.
[0007] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The drawings show embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter for the purpose of illustrating the invention. However, it
should be understood that the present application is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the
drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front isometric exploded view of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of a solar light according to some
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of a solar light according to some
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of an outer bladder of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a back view of an outer bladder of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front view of an inner bladder of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a back view of an inner bladder of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of an inner bladder of a
solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of a light assembly of a
solar light according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front view of a light assembly of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0019] FIG. 11 a side view of a light assembly of a solar light
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0020] FIG. 12 a side view of a solar light according to some
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter in a first, collapsed
state;
[0021] FIG. 13 a side view of a solar light according to some
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter in a second, expanded
state;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a plan view, depicting a first assembly of an
expandable bladder;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a plan view, depicting a second assembly of an
expandable bladder;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a plan view, depicting a third assembly of an
expandable bladder;
[0025] FIGS. 17A-B are perspective views, depicting the forming of
the first assembly shown in FIG. 14;
[0026] FIGS. 18A and B are perspective views, depicting the second
assembly of FIG. 15 and an exploded view thereof;
[0027] FIGS. 19A and B are perspective views, depicting the forming
of the third assembly shown in FIG. 16;
[0028] FIGS. 20A and B are perspective views, depicting another
embodiment of an assembled expandable bladder;
[0029] FIGS. 21A and B are perspective and side views, depicting a
collapsed configuration of the assembly of FIG. 20;
[0030] FIGS. 22A-E are side views, depicting the formation of an
expandable bladder of a further embodiment of an expandable solar
light assembly;
[0031] FIGS. 23A and B are plan views, depicting the assembly of a
light differing element to the expandable bladder of FIGS. 22A-E;
and
[0032] FIGS. 24A-D are plan views, depicting the assembly of a
solar assembly to the expandable bladder of FIGS. 22A-E.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1-13, aspects of the disclosed
subject matter include a solar rechargeable light 100 including an
inner bladder 102, a solar rechargeable light assembly 104, and an
outer bladder 106. Light 100 is expandable by filling inner bladder
102 with a gas, liquid, or solid.
[0034] In some embodiments, inner bladder 102 has at least front
surfaces 108 and 110, respectively. In some embodiments, inner
bladder 102 includes a valve 112 through which the inner bladder
can be expanded and collapsed by inflating or filling and deflating
or emptying, respectively. Inner bladder 102 is typically filled
with one or more of a gas, e.g., air, liquid, and solid.
[0035] As best shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 9-11, solar rechargeable
light assembly 104 is joined with front surface 108 of said inner
bladder 102. Solar rechargeable light assembly 104 includes a
photovoltaic panel 114, a battery charger 116 in electrical
communication with the photovoltaic panel, one or more rechargeable
batteries 118 in electrical communication with the battery charger,
and one or more light emitting diodes (LED) 120 in electrical
communication with the rechargeable batteries. Battery charger 116
typically includes an integrated circuit chip with overcharge
control. In some embodiments, rechargeable batteries 118 include
two 3.7 volt coin cell batteries. Of course, other size batteries
are contemplated depending on the particular application.
[0036] In some embodiments, assembly 104 includes more than one LED
120, e.g., four LEDs, in electrical communication with rechargeable
batteries 118. Embodiments including more than one LED 120
typically have an increased viewing angle, e.g., four LEDs provides
about a 100 to 120 degree viewing angle, which provide
approximately 30-40 lumens of light. In some embodiments assembly
104 includes a power switch 122 in electrical communication with
rechargeable batteries 118 and LEDs 120. Switch 122 is configured
to selectively introduce and prevent the flow of electricity from
batteries 118 to LEDs 120. Switch 122 is configured so that a user
can control the amount of light output by light 100, e.g., includes
off, low, high settings. This can be achieved in at least two ways.
First, where there is more than one LED 120, switch 122 can be
configured so as to selectively introduce and prevent the flow of
electricity from batteries 118 to a desired number of LEDs 120.
Alternatively, regardless of the number of LEDs 120, switch 122 can
be configured to selectively regulate the flow of electricity from
the batteries to the LEDs. In some embodiments, switch 122 is
configured to prevent accidental turn-on, e.g., has enough
resistance to being switched and is concave. Some embodiments
include charging lights 123 for indicating whether batteries 118
are charged, e.g., a red LED for indicating that the batteries are
not charged and a green LED for indicating that the batteries are
fully charged. Charging lights 123 are in communication with
battery charger 116. In some embodiments, depending on the size of
thin-film photovoltaic 114, strength of batteries 118, and number
of LEDs 120, the batteries will provide enough power to energize
the LEDs for 8 hours on a low setting and 4-6 hours on a high
setting, and the batteries will recharge after 5-8 hours in the
sun.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, outer bladder 106, which is also
expandable, is configured to contain inner bladder 102. One or more
of inner bladder 102 and outer bladder 106 is typically fabricated
from a frosted plastic material or similar to promote diffusion of
light from LEDs 120. One or more of inner bladder 102 and outer
bladder 106 typically includes one or more surfaces 124 having a
particular pattern 126 configured to promote diffusion of light
from LEDs 120. In some embodiments, pattern 126 includes a white
background portion 128 having a grid of transparent portions 130
thereby defining an about thirty percent transparent white pattern.
Outer bladder 106 is typically sealable so that light 100 both
floats and is substantially waterproof. In some embodiments, outer
bladder 106 includes a bottom portion 132 that has a flat bottom
surface 134 and a top portion 136 defining a handle 138. As
assembled, bottom surface 110 of inner bladder 102 rests on or is
adjacent to bottom surface 134. Flat bottom surface 134 generally
allows light 100 to be positioned so as to stand in an upright
position. Both outer bladder 106 and inner bladder 102 are
generally fabricated from materials that are substantially
transparent, flexible, inflatable, and collapsible.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, in use, light 100 is
configured so as to have first and second states 140 and 142,
respectively. In first state 140, inner bladder 102 is
substantially free of gas, liquids, and solids and light 100 is
substantially collapsed. In second state 142, inner bladder 102
includes one or more of a gas, liquid, and solid and light 100 is
substantially expanded.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 14-21B, another approach to a solar
light assembly 200 is disclosed (See FIGS. 21A-B for completed
assembly). The light assembly includes an expandable bladder 202
which is formed from a plurality of subassemblies.
[0040] A first assembly (See FIGS. 14, 17A-B) 210 is defined by a
longitudinal, flat rectangular structure having a first end 212 and
a second end 214. This structure is folded along fold lines 220 and
joined at the first and second ends 212, 214 to form a rectangular
box with open opposite ends 222, 224. A terminal end 226 of one end
212, 214 is folded over another end 212, 214 so that a weld can be
created between the ends. Terminal end portions 220 of the side
walls defining perimeters of the open opposite ends 222, 224 of the
folded rectangular structure are provided and folded to join with
further assemblies which close the open opposite ends 222, 224. The
first assembly 210 can be formed from a recyclable 0.75 mil PET
laminated hybrid plastic and fabric sheet material. Further, in one
specific embodiment, the folded sections of the first assembly are
generally 4.5.times.4.5 inch squares, with the terminal end portion
230 of the side walls having a 0.25 inch breadth. The terminal end
226 of the one end 212, 214 which is provided for welding purposes
can also have a 0.25 inch dimension.
[0041] The second subassembly 240 (See FIGS. 15 and 18A-B) of the
solar light assembly 200 is sized and shaped to enclose one open
end 222 of the first assembly 210. The second assembly (See FIG.
18A for complete assembly) includes a first generally rectangular,
flat component 242, a second generally rectangular, flat component
244, and a flat strip of material defining a handle 246. The first
component 242 can be formed from a polyester film such as Polyart
FLEX08, 0.75 mil PET. The second component 244 can embody a sheet
having a mirrored printed surface or a shiny/silver surface on one
side thereof. Terminal end portions 250 extending about the
perimeter of each of the first and second components 242, 244 are
provided for attaching the components to the first assembly 210,
with the first components 242 overlaying the second component 244.
To mate with the first assembly, the first and second components
can have an effective width and height (excluding the terminal end
portions) of 4.5 inches. When so assembled to the first assembly
210, the mirrored surface faces an interior of the resulting
bladder 202. The handle 246 can be formed by the same material as
the first component 242 and can also include terminal end portions
252 intended to fold over opposite sides of the first assembly 210.
Thus, the handle can have an overall length of 5.0 inches and a
width of 0.375 inches. In the contemplated assembly, the handle 246
is configured across a mid-section of the first component 242.
[0042] The third assembly 260 (See FIGS. 16 and 19A-B), is also
sized and shaped to be attached to the first assembly 210. In this
case, the third assembly is configured to enclose another open end
224 of the first assembly 210. It further includes a first
generally rectangular, flat section 262 residing adjacent and
connected by a fold 264 to a second generally rectangular flat
section 266. When folded against each other, the first and second
sections 262, 266 form a pocket for receiving a solar rechargeable
light assembly 290 (See FIGS. 19B and 20B). In particular, the
solar rectangular light assembly 290 is contemplated to include the
LED, battery and solar panel. Again, in one particular embodiment,
the third assembly 260 has an effective width and height of 4.5
inches and further includes a terminal end portion 220
(approximately 0.25 inches) extending about the perimeter of the
second section 266, such structure being provided to join the third
assembly 260 to the first assembly 210. This assembly can be formed
from a clear PET material that has a thickness of 0.005 mil or
more.
[0043] A completely assembled solar light assembly 200 is shown in
FIG. 20B. As shown, the assembly has a generally rectangular prism
shape. Additional fold lines 295 formed in the sides of the
assembly (see dashed lines) are provided in the portion of the
assembly defined by the first assembly 210. Such folds permit the
assembly to be collapsed and expanded when forces (see arrows) are
applied to the solar light assembly 200. The collapsed bladder 202
is best seen in FIGS. 21A-B, an end of which can be removed to
provide a mechanism for expansion of the bladder 202. In this way,
the assembly 200 can be shipped or stored in a collapsed state and
then expanded when in use. In use, the shiny or reflective surface
of the second assembly 246 reflects light generated by the solar
rechargeable light assembly 290 to enhance the power of the light,
and such enhanced light is diffused through the pure white walls of
the bladder 202.
[0044] In a specific embodiment, the solar rechargeable light
assembly 290 includes a 5V/120 MA, 0.65 W solar panel
(monocrystalline silicon) having a ten-year life cycle. A power
storage device can be in the form of Li--ON rechargeable batteries
such as a 3.7V/800 MAH device with a life cycle of 1000 charges.
The LED can include 6 PCS SMD having a total of 20-22 lumens and a
life cycle of 50,000 hours. The working time of the light assembly
is intended to be eight continuous hours and/or bashed continue ten
hours, in a working condition of 20.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.
[0045] Turning to FIGS. 22A-24D, yet another approach to a solar
light assembly 300 is presented. As with the immediately preceding
example, this solar light assembly 300 is formed from a plurality
of subassemblies to form an expandable bladder 302 (See FIG. 24D).
A first assembly 310 is embodied in a strip of material formed into
a loop 312. The loop 312 can be made from a PET textile and ends of
the strip can be heat sealed to create the loop 312. Next, the loop
312 if folded in half to make a rectangular shape, and the
rectangle is folded in half lengthwise. While folded in half
lengthwise, each of the corners 314 are folded over to create a
triangular fold 316. Once all the corners 314 are folded, an
octagonal shape results, with a square opening 318 on each side of
the structure. These square openings are covered with one square
sleeve containing a solar panel and circuit. The other square
opening is filled with a panel which has a handle on one side and a
shiny mirrored surface coating on the other side.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 23A-B, a first square opening 312 in the
first assembly 310 is covered with a second assembly 320. The
second assembly 320 is a generally flat, rectangular structure that
is contemplated to include a mirror or shiny surface facing an
interior of the first assembly 310. As before, this surface is
intended to enhance the light emitted by a solar rechargeable light
assembly. The second assembly 320 is affixed to the first assembly
310 by welding or other attachment means. A handle 322 is placed
over a mid-section of the second assembly 320 and attached to the
bladder device.
[0047] A third assembly 330 is further provided and is embodied in
a pocket-like structure. The third assembly is sized and shaped to
cover and close a second opening 312 formed in the first assembly
310. Again, here, the third assembly 330 is attached by welding or
other conventional means to the first assembly 310. Facing
outwardly is a photovoltaic element 352. In this way, solar energy
can be captured and turned into light energy which is reflectable
and enhanced by the reflective surface of the second assembly 320
through white, transparent walls of the solar light assembly to
provide a useful light source.
[0048] For a self-expanding solar lamp 300, after the first and
second assemblies 320, 330 have been attached, small micro holes
are punctured in the triangular panels 316 of the PET textile
material. These micro punctures allow for the air to come in
automatically when the handle is pulled. Thus, pulling the handle
while grabbing the panel with the solar panel and gently unfolding
and pulling the lamp into a cube shape, resulting in expanding the
bladder 302. For the inflation hole alternative, a 3/8 inch tip is
cut from a top corner of one of the triangular sides 316 of the
flattened octagonal shape to form a hole. To expand the bladder
302, the side with the solar panel and also the handle side are
held and pulled slightly apart, air is blown into the bladder to
inflate into a cube shape.
[0049] Lights according to the disclosed subject matter offer
benefits over known technology. In the wake of a natural disaster,
because they are collapsible, they can be shipped in conjunction
with other disaster relief supplies. Families and individuals in
tent cities are in desperate need of light to improve safety at
night. Children need light at night to continue their studies.
Lights according to the disclosed subject matter are a cost
effective improvement over flashlights and kerosene lanterns.
Lights according to the disclosed subject matter are also designed
to provide light to individuals with little to no access to a
functioning electrical grid. In developing nations, the World Bank
estimates that families spend an average of 30% of their disposable
income on kerosene lamps and other forms of non-renewable lighting.
Lights according to the disclosed subject matter are designed to
last 3-5 years. The money families are able to save will allow them
to buy food and other necessities.
[0050] Lights according to the disclosed subject matter can be used
by campers and hikers in outdoor uses as a rechargeable, easy
transportable light source. They are waterproof and can be used in
water sport activities. They can also be used as a household pool
light.
[0051] Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and
illustrated with respect to embodiments thereof, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that features of the
disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, etc., to produce
additional embodiments within the scope of the invention, and that
various other changes, omissions, and additions may be made therein
and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0052] Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while
particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, various modifications can be made without parting from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *