Field of the Invention

[0001 ] This invention relates generally to a system for harnessing solar energy using sunshades such as beach umbrellas, gazebos and the like and which comprises solar powering circuitry for recharging an electronic device operably coupled thereto in use.

Background

[0002] A sunshade, such as an umbrella, is a portable and collapsible device designed to provide protection from the sun's intense heat and harmful UV rays. It consists of a fabric canopy attached to a collapsible frame with a handle, allowing individuals to shield themselves from direct sunlight. Sunshades are commonly used for personal comfort and to prevent sunburn when outdoors. They come in various sizes and designs, including compact umbrellas for rain and larger ones specifically designed for sun protection.

[0003] Portable sunshades come in various forms beyond umbrellas, offering versatile options for sun protection outdoors. One popular choice is a pop-up canopy or gazebo, which is a larger and more spacious sunshade. These structures typically have a metal or plastic frame with a fabric or polyester canopy that provides shade over a larger area. They are ideal for outdoor events, picnics, and gatherings. Beach tents are another type of portable sunshade, designed with lightweight materials and easy setup for beachgoers to relax and seek shelter from the sun on sandy shores. Additionally, there are sunshades specifically crafted for use on outdoor furniture, such as patio umbrellas or awnings, which attach to the exterior of buildings to provide extended shade. These diverse options cater to different outdoor activities and preferences, ensuring comfort and protection from the sun.

[0004] These types of portable sunshades, including gazebos, beach tents, and patio umbrellas, typically feature a large fabric covering that is exposed to sunlight during outdoor use.

[0005] The present invention provides a practical and convenient way to harness this solar energy. By integrating solar panels or photovoltaic cells into the design of these sunshades, it allows the collection of solar energy directly from the fabric canopy. This harvested energy can then be utilized for various purposes, such as charging electronic devices, powering LED lights for nighttime use, or even providing electricity for small appliances. This innovative approach not only enhances the functionality of sunshades but also promotes sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor living.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] There is provided herein a sunshade solar power system that can be applied to various sunshade structures, including umbrellas, gazebos, and similar types.

[0007] The sunshade features a support frame and a fabric covering with solar panels integrated into its upper surface. These solar panels are used to collect solar energy, which can be stored in a rechargeable battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery.

[0008] Electrical wiring connects the solar panels to the battery and, if applicable, a power controller. The power controller regulates the voltage and enables a charging port, such as a USB port, to charge electronic devices.

[0009] The charging port may be conveniently located at the lower end of the sunshade shaft. The system may also include features like a charge sensor to monitor the battery status, charge indicators, and a charge controller to optimize battery charging.

[0010] In certain conditions, the system can bypass the battery and draw power directly from the solar panels.

[001 1 ] The solar panels are preferably flexible and designed to fold with the sunshade when stowed.

[0012] In embodiments, the system has a detachable solar panel attachment, which can be used with the sunshade to provide added solar power capabilities.

[0013] This innovation enhances the functionality of sunshades by harnessing solar energy in a practical and convenient manner, making them more sustainable and versatile for outdoor use.

[0014] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 shows solar powering circuitry in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of a sunshade solar power system in accordance with an embodiment

[0018] Figure 3 shows a top view of the system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 shows a further top view of the system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0020] Figures 5 - 7 illustrate how a solar panel of the system is configured to bend or fold up when the structure is collapsed ;

[0021 ] Figure 8 shows an embodiment wherein the system comprises a solar panel attachment;

[0022] Figure 9 illustrates the foldability of the solar panel attachment;

[0023] Figure 10 shows the solar panel attachment attached to an upper surface of an umbrella;

[0024] Figure 1 1 illustrates folding of the umbrella with the solar panel attachment attached;

[0025] Figure 12 shows a carry case designed to separately carry the umbrella and the solar panel attachment;

[0026] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of an umbrella having a distal end cap having a charging port or intake port installed therein;

[0027] Figure 14 shows an embodiment wherein the solar panel attachment is designed to attach to a rectangular structures such as a gazebo;

[0028] Figure 15 shows the solar panel attachment attached to an upper surface of an umbrella; and

[0029] Figure 16 shows a top plan view of the solar panel attachment when opened. Description of Embodiments

[0030] Figure 2 shows sunshade solar power system 100 comprising a sunshade 101 which takes the form of an umbrella, such as a beach umbrella or the like. However, other types of structures 101 are envisaged including gazebos as indicated in Figure 14 and the like.

[0031 ] The structure 101 has a support frame 102 and a fabric covering 103. The fabric covering 103 defines an upper surface. The system 100 further comprises circuitry 104 as is shown in Figure 1 .

[0032] The circuitry 104 comprises at least one solar panel 105 located across the upper surface of the fabric covering 103. The circuitry 104 may further comprise a rechargeable battery 106. The rechargeable battery 106 may be a lithium-ion battery in embodiments. The battery 106 may be operably coupled to the solar panel 105 to be recharged thereby.

[0033] The electrical wiring 107 may interface the solar panel 105 and the battery 106.

[0034] As is shown in Figure 2, the electrical wiring 107 may be installed in a central shaft 108 of the umbrella. According to the embodiment given in Figure 14, the electrical wiring 107 may be similarly installed through a hollow leg of a gazebo.

[0035] The circuitry 104 may further comprise a power controller 109 operably connected between the battery 106 and a charging port 1 10. The charging port 1 10 may be a USB type charging port to which an electrical device such as a mobile phone or the like can be charged. The power controller 109 may regulate the voltage from the battery 106 to 5 V. As is shown in Figure 2, the charging port 1 10 may be accessible through the shaft 108 so that power can be drawn from the charging port 108 when the umbrella is open. In this regard, preferably the charging port 1 10 is located at a located at a lower/proximal end of the shaft 108. Preferably, the charging port is located at a proximal end of the shaft 108 so as to be accessible for recharging even when the umbrella is closed. In this regard, the charging port 1 10 may be installed on a side or end of a handle of the umbrella. [0036] Figure 13 shows an embodiment wherein the charging port 1 10 is accessible from a distal end of the umbrella 101. Specifically, in accordance with this embodiment, the umbrella 101 comprises an end cap 121 which protrude beyond the fabric covering 103 irrespective of whether the umbrella 101 is opened or closed. The charging port 1 10 and may take the form of a USB-C port 131 installed in a side of the end cap 121 . As such, a charging cable can be connected to the port 131 irrespective of whether the umbrella 101 is open or closed.

[0037] In alternative embodiments, the port 131 is an intake port for the connection of a charging cable of a solar panel attachment 122 as will be described in further detail below.

[0038] In embodiments, the circuitry 104 may comprise a charge sensor 1 11 operably interfacing the battery 106 to measure a charge state thereof. The circuitry 104 may comprise a charge indicator 1 12 which provides a visible indication of the charge state of the battery 106 as measured by the charge sensor 1 1 1.

[0039] In embodiments, the charge sensor 1 1 1 may interface the power controller 109 to prevent power draw via the charging port 1 10 when the charge state of the battery 106 is depleted beneath a threshold.

[0040] The powering circuitry 104 may further comprise a charge controller 1 13 interconnected between the electrical wiring 107 and the battery 106. The charge controller 1 13 may regulate the voltage and/or current of electrical power from the solar panel 105 to appropriately charge the battery 106, including depending on the charge state of the battery 106 as measured by the charge sensor 1 1 1 .

[0041 ] In embodiments, the circuitry 104 may operate in a battery power bypass mode wherein the power controller 109 provides power to the charging port 1 10 directly from the solar panel 105.

[0042] For example, in direct sunlight, when the solar energy collected by the solar panel 105 exceeds that which is drawn via the charging port 1 10, the power controller 109 may draw power directly from the solar panel 105 and bypass the battery 106.

[0043] However, when passing clouds for example cause the solar energy collected by the solar panel 105 to fall beneath the power drawn via the charging port 1 10, the power controller 109 may switch across to draw additional power from the battery 106.

[0044] The circuitry 104 may comprise current sensors to measure current flowing from the solar panel 105 and current drawn from the charging port 1 10. Where the current flowing from the solar panel 105 is measured is exceeding the current flowing from the charging port 1 10, the power controller 109 may bypass the battery 106.

[0045] In embodiments, switching may allow the power controller 109 to bypass the battery 106. However, in embodiments, the circuitry 104 comprises a subcircuit allowing the power controller 109 to draw power proportionately from the battery 106 to meet a power shortfall. For example, if 10 W is being drawn from the charging port 1 10 and the solar panel 105 is only able to supply 6 W, the power controller 109 may draw 4 W from the battery 106.

[0046] In embodiments, the sunshade 101 comprises integral lights, such as LEDs. In embodiments where the sunshade 101 takes the form of the umbrella, these lights may be attached under radial arms 1 15 thereof. These lights may be operably coupled to the battery 106 to provide illumination when dark and which may be operated by a photosensor. Alternatively, the power controller 109 may monitor current or voltage levels provided by the solar panel 105 to detect when darkness falls to automatically illuminate the lights.

[0047] The support frame 102 may be collapsible so that the fabric covering 103 is configurable between a deployed configuration as is shown in Figure 2 wherein the fabric covering 103 is generally flat and a stowed configuration wherein the fabric covering is folded.

[0048] The solar panel 105 may be shaped to conform to the geometry of the frame 102.

[0049] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 - 7 wherein the structure 101 is an umbrella 101 , the umbrella 101 comprises a plurality of radial arms 1 15 from an upper end of the shaft 108. When the umbrella 101 is erected, the support arms 1 15 are splayed apart whereas in the stowed configuration, the support arms 1 15 lie along the shaft 1 18. [0050] As is evident from Figure 3, the solar panels 105 may be generally trapezoidal in shape to maximise the surface area between the radial arms 1 15.

[0051 ] The solar panels 105 may be permanently attached at sides thereof to the radial arms 1 15. However, in alternative embodiments as will be described in further detail below, the solar panels 105 may be releasably attached, such as using push buttons, clips or the like.

[0052] Figure 3 shows wherein the fabric covering 103 is defined by a plurality of fabric panels 1 14 between the support arms 1 15. Figure 3 further shows wherein the system 100 may comprise a plurality of solar panels 105 across the upper surface of the fabric covering 103. In the embodiment shown, solar panels 105 are deployed on the panel 1 14 alternately. However, in embodiments, the solar panel 105 may be provided on each panel 1 14.

[0053] Figures 5 - 7 illustrate how the solar panel 105 can preferably flex or fold when the umbrella 101 is stowed.

[0054] Each panel 1 14 may define a fold line 1 17 generally equidistant between the adjacent support arms 1 15 along which the panel 1 14 bends or folds when the umbrella 101 is stowed.

[0055] In one embodiment, each solar panel 105 is flexible so that the solar panel 105 is able to bend as the support arms 1 15 close together.

[0056] In further embodiments, each solar panel 105 may comprise a pair of rigid portions 1 18 which are connected together at the fold line 1 16 by a hinge 1 19. In embodiments, the hinge 1 19 may be a living hinge. As such, when the umbrella 101 is collapsed, the rigid portions 1 18 fold with respect to the hinge 1 19 therebetween.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, each panel 105 is configured to fold along the fold line 1 16 and is also flexible. In this way, each panel 105 is able to fold with the folding of the respective panel 1 14 and is also able to wrap around the shaft 1 08.

[0058] In embodiments, the powering circuitry 104 may comprise a switch 1 19 configured to detect when the solar panel 105 is unfolded or when the structure 101 is erected or stowed. A switch sensing cable 120 may run through the shaft 108 to the charge controller 1 13 or the power controller 109 so that the charge controller 1 13 or the power controller 109 is able to detect when the solar panels 105 are unfolded to thereby either charge the battery 106 or provide power via the charging port 1 10.

[0059] In embodiments, when the circuitry 104 detects that the solar panel 105 is closed, the power controller 109 may draw power from the battery 106. However, when the circuitry 104 detects that the solar panel is open, the power controller 109 may draw power directly from the solar panel 105.

[0060] As alluded to above, Figure 8 shows an embodiment wherein the solar panels 105 are releasably attachable to the umbrella 101. In accordance with this embodiment, the system 100 may comprise an solar panel attachment 122 which attaches to the fabric covering 103 of the umbrella 101 . In accordance with the embodiment shown, the solar panel attachment 122 is generally annular defin ing an interior opening. Fasteners 123 (such as hook and loop fasteners) may be installed on the upper surface of the fabric covering 103 and wherein the solar panel attachment 122 has corresponding fasteners thereunderneath. As such, the fasteners 123 allow the solar panel attachment 122 to be attached to the upper surface of the fabric covering 103.

[0061 ] Figure 9 illustrates the foldability of the solar panel attachment 122. The solar panel attachment 122 may comprise a plurality of segments 123 of flexible backing, preferably of fabric. In accordance with the embodiment shown, the solar panel attachment 122 is designed to concertina with fold lines 124 between the segments 123. Each segment 123, or alternative segments 123 may have respective solar panels 105 installed thereon. The solar panels 105 may be rigid, but are preferably flexible plastic solar panels 105.

[0062] Figure 16 shows a top plan view of the solar panel attachment 122 when opened illustrating each segment 123 supporting a respective solar panel 105 thereon. Interconnecting wiring 126 may interconnect the solar panels 105 in parallel or series.

[0063] Ends of the flexible backing of the solar panel attachment 122 may attach together using an end attachment 127. In the embodiment shown, the end attachment 127 may comprise a fold over flap of hook and loop fasteners. In accordance with this embodiment, the fold lines 120 between the segments 123 form generally trapezoidal segments 123 so that when the end attachment 127 is connected together, the solar panel attachment 122 generally takes the aforedescribed annular shape.

[0064] The interconnecting wiring 126 may be run between the panels 105 except across the attachment end 127 wherein rather returns to the shaft 108.

[0065] In embodiments in Figure 16, the solar panel attachment 122 may comprise a power lead 128 which is connected to the aforedescribed port 131 in the end cap 121 of the umbrella 101 . As such, when the solar panel attachment 122 is unfolded and fastened to the fabric covering 103 of the umbrella 101 around the shaft 108 as is illustrated in Figure 15, the electrical lead 128 may be plugged into the port 131 in the end cap 121. The aforedescribed circuitry 104 componentry may be installed within the shaft 108 or handle of the umbrella 101.

[0066] As is evident from Figures 15 and 16, the fold lines 124 may coincide with the radial arms 1 15 of the umbrella 101 so that when the umbrella 101 is folded, the solar panel attachment 122 folds conformably to thereby allow the umbrella 101 to take for the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 1 .

[0067] Whereas the folded configuration given in Figure 1 1 may not be as compact with the solar panel attachment 122 installed, Figure 12 shows an embodiment wherein the solar panel attachment 122 may be separately carried. In accordance with this embodiment, the system 100 comprises an elongate umbrella carry case 129 which is designed to fit the umbrella 101 therein when folded. However, the carry case 129 further comprises a side carry pouch 130. When the solar panel attachment 122 is folded in the manner illustrated in Figure 9, it may take on a generally rectangular flat configuration which can slide into the side carry pouch 130. As such, the umbrella can be folded into a tight compact configuration without hindrance from the solar panel attachment 122.

[0068] Figure 14 shows the solar panel attachment 122 configured to attach to a gazebo 101 . In accordance with this embodiment, the fold lines 124 of the attachment piece may generally conform with the radial arms 1 15 of the gazebo 101. As such, the solar panel attachment 122 can fold conformably with the gazebo 101. In accordance with this embodiment, the solar panel attachment 122 may be rectangular when attached to the fabric covering 103 of the gazebo 101 as compared to the annular shape for the umbrella 101 described above.

[0069] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.