Sunshades with solar power supplies for charging electronic devices

A device includes a frame structure; a shade attached to the frame structure; and a pole attached to the frame structure. The device includes a solar panel attached to the frame structure and positioned above the shade. The frame and the shade unfold upward along the pole to open the shade. The solar panel rotates up as the frame and shade unfold upward. The frame and the shade fold down along the pole to close the shade. The solar panel rotates down as the frame and shade fold down.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to furniture. More particularly, implementations of the present invention provide outdoor furniture having integrated solar panels for powering and charging portable electronic devices.

Outdoor furniture is a type of furniture that is often used during daylight hours to provide comfortable outdoor seating, to shade users from the sun, or both. Outdoor furniture is commonly set up, for example, by swimming pools, on beaches, on patios, at picnic areas, at outdoor dining areas, on the decks of boats and ships, and at other outdoor recreational areas. Outdoor furniture is often used a relatively long distance away from electrical power sources. Since users often spend up to several hours using outdoor furniture while partaking in outdoor activities, the portable electronic device (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants, portable music players, or portable televisions) that users use outdoors may run out of power and need to be charged.

As a result, users may have to use portable battery packs to recharge portable electronic devices, or manually run electrical lines from a main power source out to areas where outdoor furniture is located. Battery packs are often not designed to charge larger devices, such as tablet computers, and often are not capable of charging more than one device at a time. Furthermore, battery packs have a limited amount of stored power. Once a battery pack discharges, no power remains for charging portable electronic devices. Running a power line from a main power source to where users are at outdoors is often not possible where no power supply exists or is not practical where no power supply is reasonably close.

Therefore, an impetus exists for providing a convenient charging device for outdoor use for charging portable electronic devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor furniture, such as umbrellas, sunshades, chairs, lounge chairs, and the like incorporate solar panels to supply portable electrical power for users to power and charge portable electronic device.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes a collapsible frame structure includes a cap structure that comprises a plurality of first hinge structures. The collapsible frame structure includes plurality of rigid struts comprising a plurality of second hinge structures. Each of the rigid struts is coupled to one of the first hinge structures of the cap via a respective one of the second hinge structures, and for each of the rigid struts. While the first and the second hinge structures are mated together, the rigid strut is rotatable about the mated first and second hinge structures.

The collapsible frame structure includes a plurality of solar panels where at least one of the solar panels is coupled to each of the rigid struts.

The umbrella includes a collapsible umbrella shade. The cap of the collapsible frame structure is coupled to a shaft of the umbrella and the cap is secured by a finial to the shaft, so that plurality of rigid struts are position above an exterior of the collapsible umbrella shade,

The collapsible umbrella shade includes an open position and a collapsed position. When the collapsible umbrella shade is in the open position, each of the rigid struts is rotated to a first position comprising a first angle between a top of the cap and a top of the rigid strut. When the collapsible umbrella shade is in the closed position, each of the rigid struts is rotated to a second position comprising a second angle between the top of the cap and the top of the rigid strut, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

According to one implementation, each of the rigid struts comprises a sleeve into which a solar panel is inserted.

According to another implementation, each sleeve of each of the rigid struts comprises a rigid clear surface over the solar panel.

According to another implementation, at least two solar panels are inserted in each of the sleeves.

According to another implementation, an axis of rotation of each hinge is transverse to the spine of the umbrella.

According to another implementation, the umbrella includes a plurality of electrical wires routed from electrical connectors on the solar panels through openings in the rigid struts and under the cap and hinges formed by the mated first and second hinge structures.

According to another implementation, the umbrella includes a battery housing, couple to the shaft of the umbrella, comprising a plurality of charging ports, openings respectively positioned in front of the charging ports, and a plurality of retractable covers that are biased to cover the charging ports.

According to another implementation, the umbrella includes a plurality of universal serial bus (USB) charging ports couple do the shaft of the umbrella, wherein the USB charging ports are electrically coupled to the plurality of solar panels.

According to another implementation, the umbrella of claim1includes a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a circuit positioned on the PCB; and a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels through the circuit.

According to another implementation, the umbrella includes a plurality of charging ports, wherein the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the plurality of charging ports, and the charging ports connect to one or more portable electronic devices.

According to another implementation, the charging ports are USB charging ports that operates according to a USB protocol.

According to another implementation, the circuit receives a first digital bit stream via one of the charging ports from a first portable electronic device connected to the charging port, determines a device type of the first portable electronic device based on the first digital bit stream, passes a first current from the rechargeable battery to the charging port if the first portable electronic device is a first device type, and passes a second current from the rechargeable battery to the charging port if the first portable electronic device is a second device type, and the first current is less than the second current.

According to another implementation, the first device type is a portable phone and the second device type is a tablet computing device.

According to another implementation, the umbrella includes a battery level indication circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a plurality of visible indicators, coupled to the rechargeable battery through the battery level indication circuit, wherein the battery level indication circuit determines a charge level of the rechargeable battery and activates none, or one or more of the visible indicators to visibly indicate the determined charge level.

According to one implementation, a method includes providing a collapsible frame structure. The collapsible frame structure includes a cap structure that comprises a plurality of first hinge structures, and a plurality of rigid struts comprising a plurality of second hinge structures. Each of the rigid struts is coupled to one of the first hinge structures of the cap via a respective one of the second hinge structures. For each of the rigid struts, while the first and the second hinge structures are mated together, the rigid strut is rotatable about the mated first and second hinge structures. The collapsible frame structure includes a plurality of solar panels, wherein at least one of the solar panels is coupled to each of the rigid struts.

The method includes providing a collapsible umbrella shade, wherein the cap of the collapsible frame structure is coupled to a shaft of the umbrella and the cap is secured by a fastener to the shaft, so that plurality of rigid struts are position above an exterior of the collapsible umbrella shade.

The method includes changing the collapsible umbrella shade from a collapsed position to an open position. The method includes rotating the rigid struts from a first angular position to a second angular position about hinges formed from the mated first and second hinge structures. In the first angular position, each of the rigid struts is oriented at first angle, which is between a top of the cap and a top of the rigid strut. In the second angular position, each of the rigid struts is oriented at second angle, which is between a top of the cap and a top of the rigid strut, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

According to one implementation, the method includes changing the collapsible umbrella shade from the open position to the collapsed position; and rotating the rigid struts from the second angular position to the second angular position about the hinges.

According to another implementation, the method includes generating electrical power at the solar panel; and routing the electrical power through electrical wires from the solar panels to universal serial bus (USB) ports of the umbrella.

According to another implementation, the method includes routing the electrical power from the solar panels through a control circuit to terminals of a rechargeable battery.

According to another implementation, the method includes providing a battery housing, couple to the shaft of the umbrella, comprising a plurality USB charging ports, openings respectively positioned in front of the USB charging ports, and a plurality of retractable covers that cover the USB charging ports. The method includes when the retractable covers are open, biasing the retractable cover closed to cover the openings.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes a collapsible frame structure comprising a cap structure that comprises a plurality of arms and a plurality of first hinge structures, wherein the first hinge structures are respectively positioned at ends of the arms. The umbrella includes a plurality of rigid struts comprising a plurality of second hinge structures, wherein each of the rigid struts is coupled to one of the first hinge structures of the cap via a respective one of the second hinge structures, and for each of the rigid struts. While the first and the second hinge structures are mated together, the rigid strut is rotatable about the mated first and second hinge structures. The umbrella includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein each of the rigid struts comprises a clear sleeve into which at least one of the photovoltaic cells is inserted.

The umbrella includes plurality of electrical wires routed from electrical connectors on the solar panels through openings in the rigid struts and under the cap and hinges formed by the mated first and second hinge structures.

The umbrella includes a collapsible umbrella shade, wherein the cap of the collapsible frame structure is coupled to a shaft of the umbrella and the cap is secured by a fastener to the shaft, so that plurality of rigid struts are position above an exterior of the collapsible umbrella shade.

The collapsible umbrella shade comprises an open position and a collapsed position. When the collapsible umbrella shade is in the open position, each of the rigid struts is rotated to a first position comprising a first angle between a top of the cap and a top of the rigid strut. When the collapsible umbrella shade is in the closed position, each of the rigid struts is rotated to a second position comprising a second angle between the top of the cap and the top of the rigid strut, and the second angle is greater than the first angle.

The umbrella includes a battery housing, coupled to the shaft of the umbrella, comprising a plurality of USB charging ports; a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a circuit positioned on the PCB; a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels through the circuit, wherein the USB charging parts are electrically coupled through the circuit to the rechargeable batter; openings respectively positioned in front of the USB charging ports; and a plurality of retractable covers that are biased to cover the charging ports.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing comprises: a circuit; and a rechargeable battery. The circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The umbrella further includes an inductive charging pad where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad. The rechargeable battery receives electrical power generated by the solar panels. The electrical power is provided to the rechargeable battery from solar panels through the circuit. The rechargeable battery supplies charging power to the inductive charging pad through the circuit for inductively charging one or more portable electronic devices that can be positioned on the inductive charging pad.

According to a specific implementation, the battery housing comprises a plurality of charging terminals, and the inductive charging pad includes a power terminal that removably connects to one of the charging terminals and receives electrical power from the one of the charging terminals. The charging terminals operate and the power terminal can operate according to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol.

According to another specific implementation, the inductive charging pad comprises at least one inductor. The inductor can be a resonance device, such as a capacitively loaded inductor.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella further includes shelf coupled to the umbrella pole where the shelf includes the inductive charging pad. The shelf can have a recess formed in the shelf where the inductor is positioned in the recess. The recess can formed in a bottom of the shelf. According to another specific implementation, the inductor is integrally formed in the shelf. The shelf can be formed at least in part of a plastic type material and the inductor is molded in the plastic type material.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a circuit, and a rechargeable battery. The circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The battery housing further includes an inductive charging pad where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad. The rechargeable battery receives electrical power generated by the solar panels. The electrical power is provided to the rechargeable battery from solar panels through the circuit. The rechargeable battery supplies charging power to the inductive charging pad through the circuit for inductively charging one or more portable electronic devices that can be positioned on the inductive charging pad.

According to a specific implementation, the battery housing comprises a top and an inductor of the inductive charging pad includes is positioned under the top or in a recess formed in the top. The inductor can be attached to an underside of the top. The inductor can be a capacitively loaded inductor.

According to another implementation, an inductive charging method includes providing: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a first circuit; and a rechargeable battery. The first circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The umbrella further includes an inductive charging pad where the first circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad. The method includes receiving electrical power at the inductive charging pad from the rechargeable battery through the first circuit, and powering the inductive charging pad with the electrical power. The method includes detecting a first portable electronic device positioned on the inductive charging pad, and providing first inductive charging power from the inductive charging pad to the first portable electronic device based the detecting of the first portable electronic device.

According to a specific implementation, the method includes detecting a second portable electronic device positioned on the inductive charging pad. The method includes providing second inductive charging power from the inductive charging pad to the second portable electronic device based on the detecting of the second portable electronic device. The first inductive charging power and the second inductive charging power are different inductive charging powers.

According to another specific implementation, the first inductive charging power is provided according to a first inductive charging specification and the second inductive charging power is provided according to a second inductive charging specification. The first inductive charging specification and the second inductive charging specification are different inductive charging specifications.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes receiving first information at the inductive charging pad from the first portable electronic device where the first information identifies a first charging specification of the first portable electronic device. The method includes a first circuit of the inductive charging pad to operate according to the first charging specification. The method includes providing the inductive charging power from the first circuit of the inductive charging pad to the first portable electronic device based on the first charging specification.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes receiving second information at the inductive charging pad from a second portable electronic device where the second information identifies a second charging specification of the second portable electronic device. The method includes configuring a second circuit of the inductive charging pad to operate according to the second charging specification. The method includes providing a second inductive charging power from the second circuit of the inductive charging pad to the second portable electronic device based on the second charging specification. The first inductive charging specification and the second inductive charging specification are different inductive charging specifications.

According to another specific implementation, the step of receiving the first information and the step of receiving the second information include inductively receiving of the first information and the receiving of the second information at the inductive charging pad via inductive communication or via radio frequency communication.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes receiving information at the inductive charging pad from the first portable electronic device where the information indicates that charging of a rechargeable battery of the first portable electronic device is complete. The method includes configuring the circuit to stop providing inductive charging power based on the information.

According to one implementation (sometimes referred to as an embodiment), an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The he umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a circuit; a rechargeable battery, wherein the circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery; and a plurality of charging terminals. The circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the plurality of charging terminals. The rechargeable battery is configured to receive, via the circuit, electrical power generated by the solar panels. The rechargeable battery is configured to supply charging power to the charging terminals, via the circuit, for charging one or more portable electronic devices that can be connected to the charging terminals of the umbrella.

According to a specific implementation, the charging terminals are universal serial bus (USB) ports that are configured to operate according to a USB protocol. The battery housing has a plurality of charging-terminal openings formed in a sidewall of the battery housing, and the charging terminals are accessible via the charging-terminal openings from an exterior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes at least one door, which has a first position for covering one of the charging terminals and blocking one of the charging terminal openings that corresponds to the one of the charging terminals, and the door has a second position configured for uncovering the one of the charging terminals and unblocking the one of the charging terminal openings. The door is configured to slide laterally in a first direction for covering the one of the charging terminals and blocking the one of the charging-terminal openings and slide laterally in a second direction for exposing the one of the charging terminals and unblocking the one of the charging-terminal openings. The battery housing includes a spring that is configured to bias the door in the first direction if the door is in the second position.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing has a substantially central shaft formed therein and the umbrella pole passes through the substantially central shaft. The circuit includes a connecter configured to receive a DC voltage for charging the rechargeable battery. The connecter is a barrel connecter and the DC voltage is 12 volts.

According to another specific implementation, the plurality of charging terminals includes at least one barrel connecter, and the rechargeable battery is configured to supply a current, via the circuit, to the barrel connector for powering or charging a portable electronic device that can connected to the barrel connector.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella further includes an inverter configured to invert a DC voltage supplied from the rechargeable battery to an AC voltage, wherein the inverter is configured to supply the AC voltage to one of the charging terminal.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing includes a metallic shield that is coated on an interior surface of the battery housing.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella further includes a separable wire that is positioned inside the umbrella pole and electrically couples the solar panels to the circuit, wherein the umbrella pole is separable and the separable wire is separable at a location of the umbrella pole where the umbrella pole is separable. Each of the charging terminals includes a wire coupled to an end terminal, which is configured to connect to a portable electronic device, and the wire and the end terminal extend from the battery housing. The battery housing is configured to retract each of the wires into the battery housing.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing. The battery housing includes a first housing portion; a rechargeable battery housed in the first housing portion and electrically coupled to the solar panels; a second housing portion; a printed circuit board housed in the second housing portion and having a circuit located on the printed circuit board; and a plurality of charging terminals connected to the printed circuit board, accessible from an exterior of the battery housing, and configured to supply charging current from the rechargeable battery, via the circuit, to a plurality of portable electronic devices that can be connected to the charging terminals. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing has a plurality of charging-terminal openings formed therein in a circular arrangement around a vertical axis of the battery housing. The charging-terminal openings are configured for respectively accessing the charging terminals, which are arranged in the circular arrangement.

According to a specific implementation, the first housing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a first diameter, the second housing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a second diameter, and the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. In an alternative implementation, the first diameter and the second diameter are the same. The battery housing includes a top and a bottom and a shaft is formed between the top and the bottom through which the umbrella pole passes, and the shaft is configured for the umbrella pole to be oriented longitudinally trough the battery housing. The charging-terminal openings are formed in the second housing portion.

According to another specific implementation, at least one indicator opening is formed in the second housing portion adjacent to at least one of the charging-terminal openings, and the indicator opening is configured for viewing a connecter indicator of the circuit, and wherein the connector indicator indicates whether a portable electronic device connected to the at least one charting terminal is charging or charged.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing includes at least one door, which has a first position configured to block at least one of the charging-terminal apertures and at least one of the charging terminals, which is accessible via the at least one of the charging terminal apertures, and has a second position configured to unblock the at least one of the charging-terminal apertures and the at least one of the charging terminals. The at least one door is configured to slide laterally in a first direction to block the at least one of the charging-terminal apertures and the at least one of the charging terminals and slide laterally in a second direction to unblock the at least one of the charging-terminal apertures and the at least one of the charging terminals. The battery housing includes a spring that is configured to bias the at least one door in the first direction if the at least one door is in the second position.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material, coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap, positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; a battery housing having a shaft passing from a first end of the battery housing to a second end of the battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the shaft. The battery housing includes a circuit; a rechargeable battery coupled to the solar panels through the circuit and configured to be charged by the solar panels; and at least three USB charging port connectors electrically accessible from an exterior of the battery housing and connected to the rechargeable battery through the circuit.

According to a specific implementation, the rechargeable battery includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells positioned within the battery housing and arranged in an arrangement around the shaft. A longitudinal axis of the shaft is substantially positioned along a longitudinal axis of the battery housing, and the shaft positions the battery housing substantially centered on the umbrella pole.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing includes a metallic shield on an interior of the battery housing.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing includes: a first printed circuit board on which the circuit is positioned; a second printed circuit board that is oriented substantially transverse to the first printed circuit board; a wiring harness that electrically couples the first and the second printed circuit boards; and a battery level indicator positioned on the second printed circuit board and visible, at least in part, from an exterior of the battery housing.

According to another specific implementation, the rechargeable battery has at least about 10000 milliamp hours of capacity. The rechargeable battery can supply at least 10 watts of power to each of the at least three USB charging ports at the same time. The battery housing includes a riser platform that positions the rechargeable battery above the at least three USB charging ports.

According to another implementation, a device includes: a battery housing for an umbrella where the umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; and an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame. The battery housing has a shaft formed in the battery housing that passes from a first end of the battery housing to a second end of the battery housing and is configured to allow the umbrella pole to pass through the shaft. The battery housing includes: a rechargeable battery configured to electrically couple to the solar panels; at least three USB charging ports accessible from an exterior of the battery housing and configured to charge a plurality of portable electronic devices at the same time with charging power provided from the rechargeable battery to the at least three USB charging ports; and at least three charging indicators that are respectively adjacent to the at least three USB charging ports. At least three indicator apertures are formed respectively in front of the at least three charging indicators to allow light signals from the charging indicators to be visible from an exterior of the battery housing and each of the charging indicators indicates whether a portable electronic device connected to the USB charging port adjacent to the charging indicator is charging or charged.

According to another specific implementation, the rechargeable battery includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells within the battery housing arranged around the shaft. The at least three USB charging ports are substantially circularly arranged in the battery housing around a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes: a plurality of panels, each enclosing a solar panel and including a first part of a hinge on one end; a metal cap including a hole, through which a bolt of the umbrella passes through. The metal cap is secured against a top of an umbrella pole by a finial screwed onto the bolt. The metal cap includes a plurality of arms extending in a direction away from the hole, and at an end of each arm is a second part of a hinge that mates with one of the first part of the hinge of the plurality of panels.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame, and an umbrella cap. The umbrella cap includes a central portion coupled to the umbrella pole and positioned above the umbrella shade material, and a plurality of arms positioned at a side of the central portion, wherein at least a first portion of each of the arms has an arc shape that extends downward from central portion. The umbrella further includes a plurality of solar panels, wherein the solar panels are respectively coupled to the arms; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole, wherein the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes: a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery; and a set of charging terminals that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of portable electronic devices.

According to a specific implementation, the solar panels are positioned above the umbrella shade material. Each of the arms includes a first end that attaches to the central portion and a second end, which is oppositely disposed on the arm from the first end, and wherein each second end includes of a hinge portion. The hinge portions respectively hinge attach to the solar panels. Each of the hinge portions includes a barrel, and each of the barrels is configured to receive a hinge pin, which is configured to hinge attach one of the solar panels to the cap. The central portion is substantially flat. The central portion is substantially round.

According to another specific implementation, each of the arms includes a second portion positioned between the first end and the first portion, and a third portion positioned between the second end and the first portion. For each of the arms, the second portion is transverse to the third portion. The central portion has a plurality of apertures formed therein for attaching the central portion to the umbrella frame. The plurality of arms includes four or more arms.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella further includes a fastener removably attached to the umbrella pole to fasten the cap to the umbrella pole.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap coupled to the umbrella pole and including a plurality of arms; a plurality of solar panels, wherein the solar panels are respectively hinge coupled to the arms; and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes: a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the solar panels and is configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery; and a set of charging terminals that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of portable electronic devices.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella cap is positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella shade material is positioned between the cap and the umbrella pole. Each of the arms includes a hinge portion positioned at an end of the arm, and the solar panels respectively hinge couple to the hinge portions.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella further includes a plurality of hinge pins, wherein each of the hinge portions includes a barrel, and the hinge pins are respectively positioned in the barrels and respectively hinge couple the solar panels to the hinge portions. Each of the arms includes a first portion that is arced. Each of the arms includes: a second portion positioned on a first side of the first portion; and a third portion positioned on a second side of the first portion, and the first side and the second side are on different sides of the first portion. For each of the arms, the second portion is transverse to the third portion. The plurality of solar panels includes four or more solar panels.

According to another implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella where the umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material, coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap, positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels, coupled to the umbrella cap, and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a circuit, first and second charging ports accessible from an exterior of the battery housing, and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is coupled to the solar panels through the circuit, and the battery is coupled to the first and the second charging ports through the circuit. The method further includes detecting, via the circuit of the umbrella, that a first portable electronic device has been coupled to the first charging port of the battery housing; and determining, via the circuit of the umbrella, a device type of the first portable electronic device. When the device type of the first portable device is determined to be of a first device type, using the circuit to cause first current or less to be passed from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port at a first charging rate. When the device type of the first portable device is determined to be of a second device type, using the circuit to cause a second current or less to pass from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port at a second charging rate. The second charging rate is greater than the first charging rate.

According to a specific implementation, the method includes looking up, via the circuit, the first charging rate based on the first device type; and looking up, via the circuit, the second charging rate based on the second device type.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes: detecting, via the circuit of the umbrella, that a second portable electronic device has been coupled to a second charging port of the battery housing; determining, via the circuit of the umbrella, a device type of the second portable electronic device; when the device type of the second portable device is determined to be of the first device type, using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port at the first charging rate; and when the device type of the second portable device is determined to be of the second device type, using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port at the second charging rate.

According to another specific implementation, the first and the second charging ports are respectively first and second USB charging ports. The method further includes charging the first portable electronic device at the first charging port at the first charging rate; and charging the second portable electronic device at the second charging port at the second charging rate, wherein the first and second charging rates are different from each other.

According to another specific implementation, the method further includes detecting, via the circuit of the umbrella, that the second portable electronic device has been coupled to the first charging port of the battery housing; determining, via the circuit of the umbrella, the device type of the second portable electronic device; when the device type of the second portable device is determined to be of the first device type, using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port at the first charging rate; and when the device type of the second portable device is determined to be of the second device type, using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port at the second charging rate.

According to another specific implementation, the step of using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the first and the second charging ports includes using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery simultaneously to the first and the second charging ports.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes: detecting, via the circuit of the umbrella, that the first portable electronic device has been coupled to the second charging port of the battery housing; determining, via the circuit of the umbrella, the device type of the first portable electronic device; when the device type of the first portable device is determined to be of the first device type, using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port at the first charging rate; and when the device type of the first portable device is determined to be of the second device type, using the circuit to cause current to be supplied from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port at the second charging rate. The first charging rate can be one of 2 watts, 2.1 watts, 2.2 watts, 2.3 watts, 2.4 watts, and 2.5 watts, and the second charging rate can be one of 5 watts, 5.1 watts, 5.2 watts, 5.3 watts, 5.4 watts, 5.5 watts, 10 watts, 10.1 watts, 10.2, watts 10.3 watts, 10.4 watts, and 10.5 watts.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes: generating electrical power by the plurality of solar cells, receiving the electrical power at a battery-charging controller of the circuit, converting the electrical power by the battery-charging controller; and transmitting, from the battery-charging controller to the rechargeable battery, the electric power converted by the battery-charging controller; and storing the electric power converted by the battery-charging controller in the battery.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes coupling a battery-charging controller between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery, such that fluctuations in electrical power received from the solar panels at the battery-charging controller do not affect the current provided from the rechargeable battery to the first or the second charging ports.

According to another specific implementation, the battery-charging controller electrically isolates the solar panels from directly supplying electric power generated by the solar panels to the first and the second charging ports. The step of determining the device type of the first portable electronic device includes: sending, from the circuit, a first signal through the first charging port to the first portable electronic device; and in response to the first signal, receiving at the circuit, a second signal through the first charging port from the first portable electronic device; and wherein based on the second signal, identifying, by the authentication circuit, the device type of the first portable electronic device.

According to another specific implementation, the first signal is a first binary logic signal, the second signal is a second binary logic signal, and the first and the second signal are not charging power.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes: measuring, via a battery gauge of the circuit, a voltage output by the rechargeable battery; determining, via the battery gauge, a charge state of the rechargeable battery based on the voltage output by the rechargeable battery; and providing, via a battery level indicator, an indication for the charge state of the rechargeable battery.

According to another specific implementation, the method includes: converting, via the circuit, the voltage from an analog value to a digital value via an; and transferring the digital value to the battery gauge, wherein determining the charge state of the rechargeable battery includes determining the charge state, via the battery gauge, based on the digital value. The battery housing includes a first printed circuit board that includes the circuit, and a second printed circuit board positioned transverse the first printed circuit board, and the second printed circuit board includes a battery charge indicator, which is visible from an exterior surface of the battery housing.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap, and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing, wherein the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes: a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels; a printed circuit board. The umbrella pole passes through the printed circuit board. The battery housing further includes a circuit mounted on the printed circuit board and configured to receive electrical energy from the solar panels to charge the rechargeable battery; and a set of charging terminals that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery through the circuit and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery through the circuit for charging a plurality of portable electronic devices.

According to a specific implementation, the printed circuit board has an aperture formed therein and the aperture is substantially centered in the printed circuit board and is configured to position the umbrella pole substantially about a center of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is substantially round and is configured to be substantially centered about the umbrella pole.

According to another specific implementation, the circuit includes: a processor connected to the charging terminals and configured to communicate with a portable electronic device connected to one of the charging terminals to collect device type information from the portable electronic device; and an authentication circuit connected to the processor configured to receive the device type information from the processor and determine a set of charging parameters for the portable electronic device based on the device type information.

According to another specific implementation, the circuit further includes a DC-to-DC converter electrically connected to the plurality of charging terminals and the rechargeable battery and the DC-to-DC converter is configured to convert electrical energy received from the rechargeable battery for generating converted electrical energy and supply the converted electrical energy to the plurality of charging terminals. The authentication circuit is configured to configure the DC-to-DC converter based on the set of charging parameters for charging the portable electronic device. The charging parameters specify a charging power for the portable electronic device.

According to another specific implementation, the circuit further includes: an analog-to-digital (A-D) converter configured to measure a voltage of the rechargeable battery and generate a digital value for the voltage; and a battery gauge connected to the A-D converter and configured to receive the digital value for the voltage and determine an amount of charge stored in the rechargeable battery based on the digital value for the voltage.

According to another specific implementation, the umbrella further includes a second printed circuit board oriented transverse to the first mentioned printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board is transverse to the umbrella pole. The second printed circuit board includes a battery charge level indicator that is coupled to the battery gauge and is configured to indicate to a user the amount of the charge stored in the rechargeable battery based on the amount of charge stored determined by the battery gauge.

According to another specific implementation, the battery charge level indicator includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for indicating the amount of the charge stored in the rechargeable battery. The umbrella further includes a controller connected to the battery gauge and configured for controlling the battery charge level indicator to indicate the charge stored in the battery via the plurality of LEDs.

According to another specific implementation, the circuit includes a battery-charging controller that is configured to receive the electrical energy from the solar panels and convert the electrical energy for charging the rechargeable battery. Converting the electrical energy includes performing a DC-to-DC conversion on the electrical energy received from the solar panels.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing, wherein the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes: a rechargeable battery, coupled to the solar panels; a printed circuit board, wherein the umbrella pole passes through the printed circuit board; and a circuit mounted on the printed circuit board and configured to receive electrical energy from the solar panels and use the electrical energy to charge the rechargeable battery. The circuit includes: a plurality of charging terminals configured to electrically couple to a plurality of portable electronic devices for simultaneously charging the portable electronic devices, wherein the charging terminals are configured to receive electrical energy from the rechargeable battery; a processor connected to the charging terminals and configured to communicate with one or more portable electronic devices connected to the charging terminals to collect device type information from the one or ore portable electronic devices; and an authentication circuit configured to receive the device type information from the processor and determine sets of charging parameters for the one or more portable electronic devices based on the device type information.

According to a specific implementation, the charging terminals are configured to receive the electrical energy from the solar panels via the rechargeable battery that is configured to be charged by the solar panels. The circuit further includes an electrical isolation circuit to prevent the solar panels from directly supplying electrical energy to the charging terminals. The circuit further includes a DC-to-DC converter electrically coupled to the charging terminals, and wherein the processor can configure the DC-to-DC converter to convert the electrical energy to converted electric energy based on the sets of charging parameters and supply the converted electrical energy to the charging terminals for charging portable electronic devices. The DC-to-DC converter is configured to receive the electrical energy from the solar panels. The DC-to-DC converter is configured to receive the electrical energy from the rechargeable battery. The processor, the authentication circuit, or both can configure the DC-to-DC converter to convert the electrical energy to converted electric energy based on the sets of charging parameters. Each of the sets of charging parameters specify one or more of a charging voltage, a charging current, and a charging power.

According to another specific implementation, the circuit includes: an analog-to-digital (A-D) converter (ADC) configured to measure an output voltage of the rechargeable battery and generate a digital value for the output voltage; a battery gauge connected to the ADC converter and configured to receive the digital value for the output voltage and determine an amount of charge stored in the rechargeable battery based on the digital value for the output voltage; and a battery charge level indicator coupled to the battery gauge and configured to provide a signal that indicates the amount of charge stored in the rechargeable battery.

According to another specific implementation, the battery charge level indicator includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for indicating the amount of the charge stored in the rechargeable battery. The circuit further includes a controller for the battery charge level indictor for controlling the battery charge level indicator to provide the signal for the amount of charge stored in the rechargeable battery. The circuit further includes a battery-charging controller, and the battery-charging controller is configured to receive the electrical energy from the solar panels and convert the electrical energy for charging the rechargeable battery. The battery-charging controller includes a DC-to-DC converter configured to convert the electrical energy generated by the solar panels.

According to another specific implementation, the charging terminals are universal serial bus ports.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the solar panels and is configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery; a battery level indication circuit enclosed within the battery housing; one or more visible indicators coupled to the battery level indication circuit; a button, coupled to the battery level indication circuit, wherein when the button is pressed, the button causes the battery level indication circuit to determine a charge level of the battery and the battery level indication circuit to activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level; and a set of charging terminals enclosed in the battery housing, wherein the charging terminals are electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of portable electronic devices.

According to a specific implementation, the battery housing includes a first printed circuit board that is transverse to the umbrella pole, and a second printed circuit board that is oriented at substantially transversely with respect to the first printed circuit board. The battery level indication circuit is positioned on the first printed circuit board. The one or more visible indicators is positioned on the second printed circuit board. The battery housing includes a wiring harness that couples the first printed circuit board to the second printed circuit board.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing includes one or more apertures formed therein and the one or more visible indicators are visible via the one or more apertures. The button is positioned on the second printed circuit board. The battery level indication circuit includes a processor that is configured to execute computer code to determine the charge level based on a voltage reading of the rechargeable battery. The one or more visible indicators comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are vertically arranged, horizontally arranged, or arranged in an arc on a sidewall of the battery housing.

According to another implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; a rechargeable battery coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery; a battery level indication circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery; one or more visible indicators, coupled to the battery level indication circuit, wherein the battery level indication circuit is configured to determine a charge level of the rechargeable battery and activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level; and a set of charging terminals that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of portable electronic devices.

According to a specific implementation, the umbrella further includes a button coupled to the battery level indication circuit. When the button is activated, the button causes the battery level indication circuit to determine a charge level of the battery. The one or more visible indicators are coupled to the umbrella pole, or on a sidewall of the battery housing. The rechargeable battery and the battery level indication circuit are positioned in the battery housing.

According to another specific implementation, the battery housing includes a first printed circuit board that is oriented transverse to the umbrella pole, and a second printed circuit board that is oriented at substantially transversely with respect to the first printed circuit board. The battery level indication circuit is positioned on the first printed circuit board. The one or more visible indicators is positioned on the second printed circuit board. The button is positioned on the second printed circuit board. The battery level indication circuit includes a processor that is configured to execute computer code to determine the charge level based on a voltage reading of the rechargeable battery.

According to another specific implementation, the one or more visible indicators comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes.

According to another implementation, a method includes; receiving at an activation button of an outdoor umbrella a user input. The outdoor umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; a battery housing, wherein the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing, and the battery housing includes a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery; a battery level indication circuit, enclosed within the battery housing; one or more visible indicators coupled the battery level indication circuit; the activation button, coupled to the battery level indication circuit; and a set of charging terminals enclosed in the battery housing and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of portable electronic devices. The method further includes determining via the battery level indication circuit a charge level of the rechargeable battery; and activating, via the battery level indication circuit, none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the charge level based on the charge level.

According to a specific implementation, the method further includes comparing the determined charge level to at least one threshold charge level. The activating step includes, activating, via the battery level indication circuit, one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the charge level based on the comparing step. The one or more visible indicators can include a plurality of light sources, and wherein the step of activating the at least one of the one or more of visible indicators to indicate the charge level, includes lighting one or more of the light sources.

According to another specific implementation, the method further includes: measuring an output voltage of the rechargeable battery; receiving output voltage information at that processor based on the output voltage. The battery level indication circuit includes a processor. The step of determining the charge level includes executing executable code, via the processor, to determine the charge level based on the output voltage information.

According to another implementation, a kit for an umbrella includes: an umbrella cap configured to be connected to an umbrella where the umbrella includes: an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame, wherein the umbrella cap is configured to be positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels configured to hinge couple to the umbrella cap and configured to be positioned above the umbrella shade material; and a battery housing having a shaft formed therein and the umbrella pole is configured to pass through the shaft, the battery housing includes a rechargeable battery configured to be coupled to the solar panels and charged by power generated by the solar panels.

According to a specific implementation, the battery housing includes: a battery charge level indication circuit enclosed within the battery housing; one or more visible indicators coupled to the battery charge level indication circuit; and a button coupled to the battery charge level indication circuit. When the button is pressed, the button causes the battery charge level indication circuit to determine a charge level of the battery and the battery charge level indication circuit to activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level.

According to another specific implementation, the kit further includes one or more wires configured to couple the solar panels to the rechargeable battery.

According to another specific implementation, the kit further includes a shelf configured to couple to the umbrella pole below the battery housing.

According to another specific implementation, the kit further includes a bracket configured to attach the shelf to the umbrella pole.

According to another specific implementation, the kit further includes a pin configured to couple to a trough in a bottom of the battery housing and pass through the umbrella pole. The pin is configured to inhibit the battery housing from rotating on the umbrella pole.

Advantages of implementations of the present invention provide for the solar panels to be integrated into sunshades and other movable furniture. For example, these can include stand-alone umbrellas, detachable umbrellas (e.g., compatible for use with chairs or lounges), table umbrellas, beach umbrellas, pool umbrellas, and other umbrellas; awnings; shades; shelters; tents, gazebos; curtains or drapes; canopies; sails (e.g., sails for boats); and shade structures. The solar panel can also be integrated into movable items not necessarily compatible with furniture. For example, these can include car window shades, stroller shades, and portable pet shelters. Further, a solar panel can also be integrated with camping and related items. For example, these can include tents and tent-like structures, shelters, backpacks, sleeping pads, mattresses, hammocks and cots, tarps, and sleeping bags.

Another advantage is the ability to provide a mobile supply of electricity to users because elements of the system (i.e., solar panel, battery, ports, and connector) are integrated into the sunshades and furniture. A user need not depend on an electrical outlet for electrical power because there is battery storage within the sunshade or furniture itself. As a result, a user can change location outdoors throughout the day while maintaining a continuous supply of electrical power. For example, a user can charge a smartphone using a portable, detachable sunshade for a lounge chair on the beach. The phone can continue to charge from the reserve battery power even after the sunshade is detached from the lounge chair, and while it is moved to a different lounge chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1Crespectively show a front view, a perspective view, and an underside view of an umbrella100according to one implementation.FIG. 1Dshows a further enlarged underside view of umbrella100. Umbrella100is configured to protect a user from light (e.g., sunlight), collect the light, then convert the light into electricity, and use the electricity to power or charge one or more connected portable electronic devices107. Light collection, conversion, and charging are described further below after various mechanical elements of umbrella100are described.

In one implementation, umbrella100includes a shade105, a number of struts110(e.g., 8 struts), a number of ribs115(e.g., 8 ribs or spines), a first hub120, and a second hub125. Umbrella100also includes an umbrella pole130(sometimes referred to as an umbrella spine or spine) that holds the umbrella upright when in use. The umbrella pole can be aluminum, steel, wood, carbon fiber, or other material. Umbrella100also includes a number of solar panels135(also sometimes referred to as struts or rigid struts) that charge a rechargeable battery housed in a battery housing147. In alternative implementations, umbrella100includes one or more of these elements in any combination.

Shade105may be attached to struts110, which in-turn may be hinge coupled to first hub120at an end of each strut. Ribs115are respectively coupled to struts110along a length of the struts and are hinge coupled to second hub125.

First hub120and second hub125each have central shafts in which umbrella pole130may be positioned. Second hub125is configured to slide up and down along umbrella pole130to rotate struts110and ribs115upward and downward for opening and closing (also sometimes referred to as unfolding and folding) shade105in a conventional manner. Umbrella100may include a crank132on umbrella pole130that connects to second hub125via a cord or the like (not shown) for sliding second hub125up or down along umbrella pole130to open or close shade105. The cord can pass through the center of the umbrella pole or pass along the outside of the umbrella pole.

With the shade and the frame in the upward position (i.e., open position), the top of each solar panel and the top of the cap are at a first angle with respect to each other. SeeFIGS. 1A and 1B. With the shade and the frame in the downward position (i.e., closed position), the top of each solar panel and the top of the cap are at a second angle with respect to each other. SeeFIG. 1E. The second angle is greater than the first angle.

According one implementation, wires electrically couple the solar panels the battery housing. The wires can be routed through the umbrella pole from the solar panels to the battery housing. In the umbrella pole the wires can include a separable wire where the umbrella pole is separable and the separable wire is separable at a location of the umbrella pole where the umbrella pole is separable.

The wires can be routed out of the umbrella pole under the cap and through the housings of the solar panels to the photovoltaic cells that are positioned in the housings. The wires can also be routed under the hinges that hinge couple the solar panels to the cap. In some implementations, the wires can be routed through the hinges, which can include electrical contacts therein for routing current.

FIG. 1Eis a simplified image of umbrella100in a closed configuration with shade105, struts110, ribs115, and solar panels135are folded downward. Second hub125is moved to a downward position along umbrella pole130to effect the closed configuration. Struts110, ribs115, first hub120, and second hub125are sometimes referred to as the foldable frame structure of umbrella100.

Umbrella100may include a strap or other closing device that is configured to wrap around shade105to hold the shade, the foldable frame structure, and the solar panels in the closed configuration. The closing device may be a attached to shade105and might include a piece of fabric (e.g., fabric strap) with a hook and loop fastening mechanism (e.g., Velcro® of Velcro Industries B.V) or other type of closing mechanism including clasps, buckles, and ties.

Shade105is shown inFIGS. 1A-1Das being substantially round or circular as viewed from the top of the shade. Shade105may have a variety of other shapes with straight or relatively straight sides such as square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or the like. The number of struts and the number of ribs that umbrella100includes may match the number of sides of shade105. For example, for a square shaded implementation, umbrella100might have 4 struts and 4 ribs; for a pentagonal shaded implementation, the umbrella might have 5 struts and 5 ribs; for a hexagonal shaded implementation, the umbrella can have 6 struts and 6 ribs, and so forth.

FIG. 14shows an example of an umbrella having a four-sided shade (e.g., square shade or a rectangular shade). The figure shows a four-sided shade from a perspective view. The four sided umbrella includes four solar panels. The solar panels are shown as extending along the struts of the frame, but may extend along portions of the shade away from the struts. Some embodiments can include more or fewer solar panels, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more solar panels. The four sided shades (as well as other shades described in this application) can include an overhang portion that extends downward from edges of the shade. For example,FIG. 14shows a four-sided shade embodiment that includes an overhang portion that extends downward from an edge of the shade. The four sided shade umbrella may include one or more of the umbrella elements and features described in this application in any combination including for example, battery housings, rechargeable batteries, charging terminals, and other elements and features.

Struts110and ribs115may be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, or the like, or a combination of one or more of these materials. The dimensions of the shade can vary depending on the shape. For example, a round, hexagonal or octagonal shade can have a diameter of about 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 feet or greater when the shade is fully extended. A square or rectangular umbrella can have a width of about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 feet or greater when the shade is fully extended.

In various specific implementations, an umbrella with 8 struts and 8 ribs can have a 9-foot diameter shade (or 11-foot diameter shade). An umbrella with 6 struts and 6 ribs can have a 7-foot diameter shade (or 8-foot diameter shade). For example, the umbrella with 8 struts and 8 ribs can have about a 9-foot diameter shade (e.g., from 7- to 11-foot shade) with 8 solar panels135, each associated with a strut, each panel being about 30 inches long by about 3.5 inches wide by about 0.5 inches thick and extending greater than 50 percent down shade105(i.e., 50 percent of the radius of shade105or greater). While the solar panels are descried as being about 30 inches long, each solar panel may have a other lengths, such as 10 inches, 15 inches, 20 inches, 25 inches, 35 inches, 40 inches, or other lengths. Further, while the solar panels are described as being about 3.5 inches wide, each solar panel may have other widths, such as 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, or other widths. Further, while the solar panels are described as being about 0.5 inches thick, each solar panel may be other thicknesses, such as about 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.85 inches, 0.9 inches, 0.95 inches, 1 inch, or other thicknesses.

Shade105may also include a skirt (sometimes referred to as an overhang) that hangs down from a side of the shade. A skirt of shade105may hang down from the shade from about 2 inches to about 9 inches, although skirts of other widths might be used with relatively large umbrellas. Umbrella10may also include a vent layer108(e.g., formed from the same material that forms shade105) that is positioned above a central portion of the shade (seeFIG. 1F). Shade105may have a cutout (or vent) in the material forming the shade (e.g., canvas (e.g., cotton), plastic, nylon, mylar, vinyl, polyester, olefin, acrylic, or the like) under vent layer108so that air moving across the shade can move under the vent layer and through the vent. Vent layer108is shown inFIG. 1Fas being positioned above solar panels135, but may be positioned under the solar panels and above shade105. The vent in shade105may be smaller than the vent layer so that the vent is substantially not visible when viewing the umbrella from the side.

FIG. 1Gis a simplified image of umbrella100with a solar panel135′ that is positioned substantially at the top of the umbrella. Solar panel135′ may include one or more photovoltaic cells positioned inside of a housing (e.g., a plastic housing). The housing includes a clear top, e.g., formed of clear rigid plastic, that allows light to pass to the photovoltaic cells that are positioned in the housing. The housing inhibits dust, moisture, and other small particles from reaching the photovoltaic cells in the housing. Solar panel135′ may be attached to umbrella pole130via a cap150(described further below) or by other devices. Solar panel135′ is configured to charge battery185(described below) substantially similarly to solar panel135as described in this application. Solar panel135′ may be round as shown inFIG. 1Gor may have other shapes. Further, while solar panel135′ is shown as generally flat, the solar panel may have a variety of other shapes such as cone (e.g., a cut off cone) where the angle of the cone substantially matches the sloping angle of shade105.

Inductive Charging Pad. In an implementation, a solar-charging station includes, in addition or as alternative to the USB ports, inductive charging ports. As an example, referring toFIG. 1H, the shelf160includes four positions that are marked (e.g., square or rectangular boxes) to indicate the location of wirelessly charging ports. The user can place their battery-operated device within or near the wireless charging port, and the device will be charged wirelessly. In a design for four devices, there can be various implementations that total four ports, wired or wireless. For example, one implementation has four wireless charging ports. Another implementation as three wireless ports and one USB charging port. Another implementation as two wireless ports and two USB charging ports. The wireless charging ports are connected to battery housing147by wires.

In a specific implementation,FIG. 1Hshows an umbrella400. Umbrella400is similar to umbrella100, but differs from umbrella100in that umbrella400includes an inductive charging pad405, connected via USB. The inductive charging pad can be provided to users who want to charge wirelessly.

A wireless charging port, such as inductive charging pad405, is electrically connected to the umbrella and is configured to use electrical energy received from the umbrella′ solar panels to inductively charge at least one portable electronic device107placed on the wireless charging port. More specifically, the wireless charging port is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field that can be collected and used by the portable electronic device to charge the portable electronic device's rechargeable battery.

A wireless charging port, such as inductive charging pad405, may be electrically connected to battery housing147to receive electrical energy from the battery housing's rechargeable battery. The wireless charging port may be hardwired to the battery housing via a charging wire410, or charging wire410may be configured to removably connect to one of the battery housing's charging terminals. In an integrated design, charging wire410secured and hidden from view.

The inductive charging pad includes an exterior housing that houses an electronic circuit and at least one inductor that may be controlled by the electronic circuit. The inductor is positioned under a top of the exterior housing and has winding that are substantially planar with respect to the top, substantially transverse with respect to the top, or positioned at a different angular orientation.

In some implementations the exterior housing houses more than one inductor, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more inductors where each inductors is controlled by the electronic circuitry. For example, two or more inductors may be positioned laterally adjacent to each other within the exterior housing to provide two or more charging zones on a top of the exterior housing. Each charging zone is configured to charge one or more portable electronic devices at a given time.

In some implementations, each charging zone includes a number of inductors (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or more inductors). Multiple inductors in a charging zone may be positioned to overlap each other or may be positioned laterally adjacent. Positioning a number of inductors in a charging zone provides that a portable electronic device can be positioned in a variety of positions in the charging zone and be inductively coupled to at least one of the charging zone's inductors. That is, a portable electronic device does not have to be placed in one specific location or one specific orientation in the charging zone to be inductive coupled to the inductive charging pad.

In one implementation, the top of the exterior housing includes one or more indicators that indicate the locations of the one or more charging zones. The one or more indicators include one or more visible indictors, one or more physical indicators (e.g., raised portions, lowered portions, or both), or both. For example, a visible indicator can include a visible loop (e.g., a loop of white paint or other material) that indicates a charging zone. A physical indicator may include a raised ridge (e.g., a closed raised ridge), a trench (e.g., closed trench), a textured surface, or combination of these indicators to indicate a charging zone.

The inductive charging pad is configured to operate according to one or more wireless charging specifications. For example, the inductive charging pad can operate according to one or more of the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) wireless charging specifications, such as one or more versions of the WPC Qi specification. The WPC Qi wireless charging specification is a highly active specification that is actively being expanded to address multiple charging applications and charging configurations. As an example, the inductive charging pad can operate according to one or more versions of the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) specifications. As another example, the inductive charging pad can operate according to one or more of the versions of the Aliance for Wireless Power (A4WP) specifications, such as the Rezence™ (trademark of A4WP) specification for inductive charging. Each of these wireless charging specifications and all of the revisions of these wireless charging specification are incorporated by reference.

In one implementation, the visible indicators that indicate the one or more charging zones on the top of the external housing include one or more logos for the charging specifications, such as the trademarked logos for the WPC Qi specification, the PMA specification, the A4WP, or other specifications.

In some implementations, the inductive charging pad is configured to communicate with a portable electronic device positioned on the top of the inductive charging pad. The inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device may communicate (e.g., digitally) via the induced magnetic fields generated by the inductors in the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device. The inductors in the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device that are configured for communication may also be configured for providing charging power to a portable electronic device.

In one implementation, prior to the inductive charging pad providing charging power to the portable electronic device, the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device engage in a handshake procedure where device information is provided by one or both devices to the other of the devices. For example, the inductive charging pad may collect information from the portable electronic device regarding the charging specification that the portable electronic device is configured to operate under for inductive charging. The portable electronic device may also collect information from the inductive charging pad regarding the charging specification that the portable electronic device is configured to operate under for inductive charging. The inductive charging pad or the portable electronic device may also provide other information, such as revision information (e.g., revision number) for the particular revision of the inductive charging specification, operating system information, device type information, or other information. The inductive charging pad, the portable electronic device, or both devices can provide the other device with one or more of these pieces of information in any combination.

FIG. 1Iis a diagram of an electronic circuit420of the inductive charging pad according to one implementation. Electronic circuit420includes a processor430, a communications and control unit435, a driving circuit440(also sometimes referred to as an power conversion unit), at least one inductor445, a communication bus447, a memory450, a power bus455, a power bus455, and a power port457. The electronic circuit can include one or more of these circuit elements in any combination. The described circuit elements can be positioned on one or more printed circuit boards that are enclosed in the exterior housing of the inductive charging pad where the exterior housing may be configured to be positioned on shelf160of umbrella400for use.

In some implementations, the inductive charging pad includes two or more electronic circuits420so that the inductive charging pad can inductively charge two or more portable electronic devices at the same time. In some implementations that include two or more electronic circuits420, some of the circuit elements included in the electronic circuits can be shared between the electronic circuits, such as the processor, the memory, or other circuit elements.

Processor430can include a microcontroller or a microprocessor. In some embodiments, processor430is replaced with programmable logic device, a field programmable gate array, or other control circuit. Memory450can be FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, PROM, or other nontransitory memory type. The memory may store information for the various charging specifications that the inductive charging pad operates under, communication information that may be transmitted to a portable electronic device via the inductive charging pad, as well as other information used by the inductive charging pad.

Communication bus447connects the processor, the memory, the driving circuit, and the communications and control unit. The communication bus provides for communication between the circuit elements. In some implementations, the communication bus does not connect to each of the circuit elements as shown inFIG. 1I. For example, in some implementations, the communications and control unit may be electronically positioned between the processor and the driving circuit where communications from the processor to the communications and control unit pass through the communication bus to the driving circuit, and then through the driving circuit to the communications and control unit.

In implementations that include the power bus, the power bus can distribute power from battery housing147of umbrella400to one or more of the processor, the memory, the driving circuit, the communications and control unit, and other circuit elements. Inductor445may receive power from one or both of the driving circuit and the communications and control unit. The inductive charging pad can be hard wired to the battery housing, or can be removably connectable to one of charging terminals165of the battery housing. In an implementation where the inductive charging pad is configured to removably couple to one of the charging terminals165of the battery housing, the charging terminals of the battery housing and the inductive charging pad may operate according to a USB standard. The inductive charging pad can include a USB stack (e.g., a software element stored in the memory) and various circuits to execute and support the USB stack.

The inductive charging pad can receive electrical power from the rechargeable battery of the battery housing through the control circuit180(described further with respect toFIG. 9Abelow) of the rechargeable battery. That is, the control circuit180of umbrella400may be electronically positioned between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad to control electrical power delivery from the rechargeable battery to the inductive charging pad.

In one implementation, the inductive charging pad receives electric power directly from the solar panels. Electrical power received directly from the solar panels may bypass the battery housing or may be routed through the battery housing to the inductive charging pad.

In one implementation, shelf160includes the inductive charging pad. Specifically, shelf160includes inductor445where the inductor can inductively charge a portable electronic device that is positioned on the shelf. The inductor may be positioned on a bottom surface of the shelf or within the shelf, such as integrally formed with the shelf.

For example, for a plastic shelf or a shelf formed of a similar material, the inductor may be positioned inside the plastic material that forms the shelf with a connector to the inductor formed at a side or bottom of the shelf. The inductor may be integrally formed in the shelf within the top half of the shelf, within the top quarter of the shelf, within the eighth of the shelf, within the top sixteenth of the shelf, within the top thirty second of the shelf, or other fractional location with respect to the top of the shelf. The inductor may positioned in the shelf within a 1 millimeter from the top, within a 2 millimeters from the top, within a 3 millimeters from the top, within a 4 millimeters from the top, within a 5 millimeters from the top, within a 6 millimeters from the top, within a 7 millimeters from the top, within a 8 millimeters from the top, within a 9 millimeters from the top, within a 10 millimeters from the top, or other distance from the top of the shelf

In one implementation, the shelf includes a compartment formed in the shelf where the inductor is positioned in the compartment. The compartment may be formed in the top of the shelf with an upward facing opening (e.g., upward with respect to the bottom of the umbrella pole and with respect to the shade of the umbrella) or formed in the bottom of the shelf with a downward facing opening (e.g., downward with respect to the bottom of the umbrella pole and with respect to the shade of the umbrella). The compartment may be configured to be covered by a cover, such as a user detachable cover. More specifically, the compartment may include an area where the shelf is thinned from the bottom or top of the shelf.

In a configuration where the compartment is formed in the bottom of the shelf (opening downward), the inductor can be located along (e.g., attached) a top surface of the thinned area, which positions the inductor relatively close to the top of the shelf for efficient transfer of inductive energy to a mobile charging device positioned on top of the shelf. In a configuration where the compartment is formed in the top of the shelf (opening upward), the inductor can be poisoned on the inside (e.g., attached to) of the detachable cover that covers the compartment.

The shelf can include various markings to indicate were a portable electronic device can be positioned on the shelf for inductive charging.

Shelf160may include one or more of processor430, communications and control unit435, driving circuit440, communication bus447, memory450, a power bus455, and a power terminal457. For example, these circuit elements may be positioned in a housing coupled to a bottom or a top of the shelf or may be positioned in a compartment formed in the shelf with a cover configured to cover the circuit elements. The circuit elements can be located in the same compartment that houses the inductor. The shelf can include power terminal457(e.g., a USB connector) that is configured to receive electrical power from the battery housing and route the electrical power from the battery housing to the circuit elements located on or in the shelf.

In an alternative implementation, battery housing147houses one or more of the circuit elements. The battery housing can include an electrical connector that connects the circuit elements to the shelf, which includes the inductor. The electrical connector of the battery housing can be one of the battery housing's charging ports (e.g., a USB connector) or can be a dedicated connector.

According to another implementation, battery housing147includes the inductive charging pad. Specifically, the described electronic elements of electronic circuit420are contained in the battery housing and receive power from the rechargeable battery. Inductor445can be contained within the top of the battery housing (e.g., integrally formed in the top), may be positioned on a bottom side of the top of the battery housing, or may be contained in a compartment (thinned portion) in the top. Thereby, the inductor can provide inductive charging power to a mobile device that is located on the top of the battery housing. In some embodiments, the battery housing includes a shelf that includes the inductor. The shelf may extend from a side of the battery housing, and may be configured to be unfolded and folded from the battery housing for use and storage.

FIG. 1Jis a flow diagram for an inductive charging method for inductively charging a portable electronic device according to one implementation. The flow diagram represents one example implementation and steps may be added to the flow diagram, removed from the flow diagram, or combined without deviating from the scope of the implementation.

In an initial step500, a portable electronic device is placed on the inductive charging pad, and the portable electronic device and the inductive charging pad detect each other. Thereafter, the inductive charging pad, the portable electronic device, or both transmit information to each other (see step505) via their respective inductors. For example, the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device may execute a handshake procedure where the devices recognize each other and share information regarding their charging requirements. For example, the portable electronic device may transmit information for the portable electronic device's charging requirements (such as the charging specification) to the inductive charging pad, and the inductive charging pad may transmit information to the portable electronic device regarding the inductive charging pad's charging capabilities, such as weather the inductive charging pad can provide inductive charging power according to the charging requirements requested by the portable electronic device.

For example, driving circuit440can place a substantially steady alternating current on the inductor and communications and control unit435may modulate this current with a digital communication signal for communicating with to the portable electronic device. The communications and control unit435may also be configured to demodulate digital communication signals received on inductor447from the portable electronic device. The processor can control both the driving circuit and the communications and control unit to drive the modulated alternating current onto the inductor. The portable electronic device may undergo a similar step of placing a modulated digital signal onto the device's own inductor470. The processor may retrieve various information from the memory for interpreting received communications and for transmitting information.

In some implementations, the inductive charging pad is a listening device, and does not transmit communication signals to the portable electronic device, but responds to requests for providing inductive charging power according to charging specification information received from the portable electronic device. For example, in response to a transmission from the portable electronic device requesting that the inductive charging pad provide inductive charging power according to the given charging specification, the communications and control unit may receive the transmitted request and configure the drive circuit to provide the requested inductive charging power according to the given charging specification.

Further, while specific embodiments of the inductive charging pad have been described as including one inductor that is configured for inductive charging and inductive information communication, the inductive charging pad may include one or more inductors that are dedicated for information communication and one or more inductors that are dedicated for inductive charging.

According to one implementation, the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device communicate through a communication channel other than the induction field. For example, the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device may be configured to communicate through an RF link, such as a Bluetooth link. The inductive charging pad can include a Bluetooth stack that is electronically coupled to the processor through the communication bus for controlling Bluetooth communications. The portable electronic device can be similarly configured to Bluetooth communications.

In some implementations, one or both of the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device operate under two or more charging specifications. If the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device operate under two or more charging specifications, the handshake procedure can include communications where the inductive charging pad and the portable electronic device agree to operate under one of the common charging specifications that both devices can operate under.

Alternatively, the portable electronic device may be configured to operate under one charging specification and the inductive charging pad may be configured to operate under a number of charging specifications. The inductive charging pad may adapt to operate under the charging specification requested by the portable electronic device (see step510). For example, the communications and control unit435may configure driving circuit440to operate under the charging specification requested by the portable electronic device.

For example, the communications and control unit435may connect or disconnect various circuits in the driving circuit440so that the driving circuit operates according to the charging specification requested by the portable electronic device. For example, the communications and control unit435can connect and disconnect various circuitry in driving circuit440so that the inductive charging pad can operate according to the WPC's Qi specification, the PMA specification, the A4WP's Rezence specification, or other specifications.

Subsequent to conforming to the charging specification of the portable electronic device, the inductive charging pad powers inductor445to provide inductive charging power to the portable electronic device (see step515) where the charging power if derived from the electrical energy generated by the solar panels and provided to the inductive charging pad from the solar panels. The processor may then control a charging indicator460to indicate that the inductive charging pad is charging the rechargeable battery of the mobile device (see step520). The charging indicator may be an LED indicator (such as an orange LED indicator), may be a display (such as an LED display) that displays a message (text, graphics, or both) that indicates charging. The charging indicator may include a speaker system that generates a sound that indicates charging. The portable electronic device may similarly include a charging indicator to indicate that the portable electronic device is being charged by the inductive charging pad.

Alternatively, if the inductive charging pad and portable electronic device are not configured to operate under the same charging specification, the processor may then control an incompatibility indicator465to indicate that the inductive charging pad is not charging the rechargeable battery of the mobile device. The incompatibility indicator may be an LED indicator, such as a red LED indicator, may be a display, such as an LED display, that displays a message (text, graphics, or both) that indicate that the portable electronic device is no being charging. The incompatibility indicator may include a speaker that generates a sound that indicates the lack of charging. The portable electronic device may similarly include an incompatibility indicator to indicate that the portable electronic device is not being charged by the inductive charging pad.

According to another implementation, if the inductive charging pad and portable electronic device are not configured to operate under the same charging specification, the processor can control the driving circuit and the communication and control unit to operate the inductor according to a charging specification that most closely matches the charging specification of the portable electronic device. The mismatch in charging specifications may result in the rechargeable battery of the portable electronic device charging, but charging at a lower than optical charging efficiency. That is, inductor470of the portable electronic device may reflect back a portion of the received inductive power provided by inductor445where the reflected power will be wasted and not used for charging the portable electronic device's rechargeable battery. The processor may control the charging indicator to indicate this less than optimal charging by lighting an LED of third color, such as a yellow LED.

When the rechargeable battery of the portable electronic device is fully charged, the portable electronic device may transmit a communication to the inductive charging pad that indicates that charging is complete (see step525). After receiving and processing the communication, the processor can control the driving circuit and the communications and control unit to stop providing charging current to the inductor (see step530). The processor may control the charging indicator to indicate that the portable electronic device is fully charged. For example, the processor may control the charging indicator to light a green LED to indicate that charging is complete. The portable electronic device may be similarly configured to indicate that charging is complete.

The method described above with respect toFIG. 1Jcan be operated for a number of portable electronic devices positioned in the inductive charging pad. Portions or the entire method can be executed substantially in parallel for two or more portable electronic devices positioned on the inductive charging pad. As described, the two or more portable electronic devices positioned on the inductive charging pad can operate according to two or more different inductive charging specification, which the inductive charging pad can adapt to for providing inductive charging power to the two or more portable electronic devices substantially simultaneously. The two or more portable electronic device can respectively communicate specification information for their two or more inductive charging specification to the inductive charging pad.

FIG. 1Kis a schematic of an inductive charging pad600and portable electronic device607for use with umbrella400according to an alternative implementation. Inductive charging pad600is substantially similar to inductive charging pad400, but differs in that charging pad600includes a relatively high resonance device645. Portable electronic device607similarly includes a relatively high resonance device670. Resonance device645is configured to inductively generate an alternating magnetic field that resonance device670is configured to detect and based on the detection generate an alternating current in resonance device670based on the detection. In some embodiments, the inductive charging pad includes a number of electronic circuits shown inFIG. 1Kwhere the electronic circuits are associated with a corresponding number of charging zones.

The resonance devices are configured to resonate at substantially the same frequency of alternating magnetic field and the portable electronic device is configured to use the magnetic field detected by resonance device670for charging the portable electronic device's rechargeable battery or for other useful purpose, such as powering the portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can include various circuits (not shown) for rectifying the alternating current for charging the portable electronic device's rechargeable battery.

The resonance devices can operate in the nonradiative near field where evanescent magnetic field patterns provide for relatively high efficiency energy transfer between the resonance devices. Operating in the nonradiative near field provides that the resonance devices can be separated by approximately a wavelength or less of the electromagnetic wavelength of the operating frequency and maintain a relatively high Q factor.

Resonance device645may generate an alternating magnetic field that alternates at a variety frequencies. In some implementations, resonance device645generates a magnetic field that alternates at a frequency from about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, such as about 6.78 megahertz. The Q factor for the resonance devices can be 50 or greater, 100 or greater, 200 or greater, 300 or greater, 400 or greater, 500 or greater, 600 or greater, 700 or greater, 800 or greater, 900 or greater, or 1000 or greater.

In some implementations, resonance device645includes a metal ring650or a coil, such as a copper ring or copper coil, and includes a pair of terminal devices655and660. The terminal devices can be capacitive plates that at least in part control a resonant frequency of the resonance device. The resonance devices are sometimes referred to as capacitively-loaded conducting loops, capacitively-loaded conducting loops coils, or capacitively-loaded inductors.

The terminal devices can include dielectric or metal and can have various dielectric and conductive properties to control the resonant frequency. The terminal devices can also have a variety of shapes, such as disk shape, spherical shape, or other shape. For example, the terminal devices can be a dielectric disk, a dielectric sphere, a metallic disk, a metallic sphere, a metallodielectric disk, a metallodielectric sphere, a plasmonic disk, a plasmonic sphere, a polaritonic disk, a polaritonic sphere, a capacitively-loaded conducting-wire loop. The radius of the disk or sphere can be proportional to a radius of the metal ring or coil. Resonance device670may be similarly configured to resonance device645.

The radius of each of the resonance devices can be approximately 0.5 centimeters or greater, such 1 centimeter or greater, 2 centimeters or greater, 5 centimeters or greater, 10 centimeters or greater, 15 centimeters or greater, 20 centimeters or greater, 30 centimeters or greater, 40 centimeters or greater, 50 centimeters or greater, or 100 centimeters or greater. While the resonance devices are shown inFIG. 1Kas being generally circular in shape, the resonance devices can have other shapes, such as square, rectangular, ovoid, elliptical, triangular, capricious, or other shapes.

FIGS. 1N-1Pshow umbrella pole130as being relatively straight and configured to be relatively vertically oriented when umbrella100is in use. In alternative implementations, umbrella pole130has a variety of other shapes, such as the capricious-cantilever shape shown inFIG. 1N, the multiple-pole cantilever shapes shown inFIGS. 1O and 1P, or other shapes. In the implementations where umbrella pole130has a multiple-pole cantilever shape, a cantilever arm130aof the umbrella pole may be attached (FIG. 1O) to the foldable frame structure of the umbrella or may form a portion of the foldable frame structure. For example, cantilever arm130acan be attached to one of struts110or may be one of the struts. The cantilevered arm can be above shade material105or below shade material105. In some implementations, cantilevered arm130ais attached to the umbrella pole (e.g., detached from foldable the frame structure) or attached to the top of the foldable frame (FIG. 1P). Cantilever arm130amay be cantilever attached to a stand pole130band may have additional support from a truss pole130c.

FIG. 2is a top view of umbrella100that is shown without shade105. As shown inFIG. 2and other figures, umbrella100further includes one or more of solar panels135. Each solar panel135may include 3 photovoltaic cells140a,140b, and140c(generally photovoltaic cells140) and a housing145that houses the photovoltaic cells. While each solar panel135is described as including three photovoltaic cells, each solar panel may include more or fewer photovoltaic cells, such as one, two, four, five, six, seven, or more photovoltaic cells. Each housing145may be a sleeve in which photovoltaic cells140a-140care housed. Each housing145may be formed from a variety of materials such as plastic, nylon, metal (e.g., aluminum), or the like, or any combination of these materials.

In one specific implementation, each solar panel135has three photovoltaic cells where each photovoltaic cell is 10 inches long by 3 inches wide. Each photovoltaic cell can produce up to about 12 volts at 750 milliamps, depending on the available sunlight. The three photovoltaic cells of a solar panel are inserted into one of the housings145(e.g., clear housings) that holds the photovoltaic cells together and protects them. For example, each housing145may be configured to be substantially water resistant so that moisture (e.g., rain, mist, or the like) does not penetrate the housing and reach the photovoltaic cells in the housing. Each housing may also be configured to inhibit dust from reaching the photovoltaic cells.

In an alternative specific implementation, each solar panel135has two photovoltaic cells where each photovoltaic cell is 10 inches long by 3 inches wide and each photovoltaic cell can produce up to about 12 volts at 750 milliamps, depending on the available sunlight. For example, an umbrella that is used in a relatively sunny environment might include two photovoltaic cells per housing, whereas an umbrella that is used in a less sunny environment might include three or more photovoltaic cells per housing.

For some implementations, a housing145that is configured to house three photovoltaic cells, houses the two photovoltaic cells where an additional photovoltaic cell can be put into each housing as an optional upgrade to the umbrella. The position at which a third photovoltaic cell would have been placed in a housing can be filled with a spacer the size of a third photovoltaic cell. A spacer in a housing inhibits the two photovoltaic cells included in a housing from sliding in the housing and inhibits the photovoltaic cells from being damaged when the umbrella is moved. In implementations where each housing includes one photovoltaic cell, the housing can include two spacers where the spacers are removable for the possible later inclusion of one or two additional photovoltaic cells.

In some implementations, each housing has a length that is configured to house a specific number of photovoltaic cells. For example, a housing that includes one photovoltaic cell, is shorter than a housing that includes two photovoltaic cells, and a housing that includes two photovoltaic cells is shorter than a housing that includes three photovoltaic cells. Solar panels that include one or two photovoltaic cells can have lengths that are fifty percent of the radius of the shade of the umbrella or shorter than fifty percent of the radius. Solar panels that include three or more photovoltaic cells can have lengths that are greater than fifty percent of the radius of the shade.

In one implementations, the photovoltaic cells are 9 to 11 inches long (e.g., 10 inches long as described above) and approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches wide (e.g., 3 inches wide, described above). Each set of three photovoltaic cells on each strut110may be configured to generate approximately 500 milliamps to approximately 1000 milliamps (e.g., 750 milliamps, described above) at approximately 10 volts to 14 volts (e.g., 12 volts, described above). The amount of current or power generated will depend on the intensity of the light source (e.g., sun) that is shining on the panel. The sets of three photovoltaic cells may be electrically parallel to provide approximately 4 amps to approximately 8 amps (e.g., 6 amps, described above) at the described voltages. Various photovoltaic cell technologies may be used for photovoltaic cells140, such as single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, polymer solar cells, organic solar cells, and other thin film technologies.

In the configuration described above, a 9- to 11-foot umbrella shade can support 24 cells, yielding a maximum current of about 6 amps at 12 volts. This voltage can charge a rechargeable battery having about 22,000 milliamp-hour capacity. The rechargeable battery is connected, through a printed circuit board (PCB, described below) including circuitry discussed below, to supply power to three charging terminals (e.g., 3 USB type A receptacles described below) that are used for charging one or more portable electronic devices107at the same time.

For example, corresponding USB plugs can connect to these charging terminals for charging of portable electronic devices107. Power is delivered from the rechargeable battery through the charging terminals, and through cables that connect the charging terminals to the portable electronic devices. As the rechargeable battery becomes depleted, sun or another light source shining on the solar panels causes the generation of electricity, which via circuitry (described below) on the printed circuit board charge the rechargeable battery.

In some implementations, each housing145is attached to one of struts110. For example, each housing145may be attached to one of struts145at a first end portion145aof housing145. Various clasps, brackets, or the like may attach housings145to struts110. Alternatively, each housing145can be positioned above one of the struts110without being attached to the strut where shade105is positioned between the housing and the strut. With solar panels135attached to the struts or above the struts at the top of umbrella100, the solar panels are positioned to collect a relatively large amount of light that falls on the umbrella for conversion to electrical energy.

In some implementations, each housing145can be hinge rotated independently of struts110being raised and lowered. According to another alternative, each housing145may be positioned above shade105and positioned laterally between two struts110. Further, each housing145may be attached to, or detached from, shade105. According to another specific implementation, each housing is not included in a fabric pocket of shade105, but is positioned above fabric forming the shade.

Umbrella Cap. In one implementation, umbrella100includes a cap150(seeFIG. 2) and a cap retainer155that connects the cap to a top of the umbrella pole. Cap retainer155may be a finial that includes a threaded rod, a threaded nut, or other attachment device that attaches (e.g., threads) the cap to the umbrella pole. In some implementations, cap retainer155is configured to removably attach the cap to the umbrella pole. Cap150may be configured to be positioned above the first hub on the umbrella pole and above the shade. The cap can be made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, nylon, plastic, composites, or other suitable material.

FIG. 3Ais an enlarged view of cap150according to one implementation. Cap150includes a top portion150aand a number of arms150b(e.g.,8arms that are respectively associated with ribs115and solar panels135) that extend from the top portion (e.g., extend outward and down from the top portion). Top portion150amay be substantially flat and have a centrally positioned aperture150eformed in the top portion. Aperture150emay be configured to receive a fastener, such as a bolt (e.g., threaded bolt) of umbrella pole130or cap retainer155for attaching cap150to the umbrella pole.

In one implementation, the top of the umbrella (e.g., the top of the umbrella pole) has a threaded bolt to which the cap retainer155(e.g., an ornament or finial) is typically screwed onto. When the cap retainer is unscrewed, the threaded bolt is exposed. Cap150can then be placed onto the bolt, such that the bolt passes through aperture150e. The cap retainer is then screwed onto the bolt, holding the cap in place on the umbrella. The cap is positioned between the cap retainer and the shade material of the shade.

Arms150bare attached to solar panels, where a hinged connection between each arm and solar panel allows the solar panels to rotate up and down (i.e., open and close) as the shade of the umbrella opens and closes.

Each arm150bmay be connected to top portion150aof cap150. The arms may be curved and may extend downward from the top portion150. In one implementation, each arm has a substantially continuous curve between the ends of the arm.

The arms and the top portion of the cap can be integrally formed. For example, the cap can be a stamped piece of metal, can be cut from a single piece of metal where the arms are bent downward, or the arms can be welded to the top portion to form an integrated cap. Alternatively, the arm can be attached to the top portion of the cap via fasteners, such as nuts and bolts.

In one implementation, cap150has a number of apertures150fformed in top portion150a. The apertures may be formed in pairs150gand each pair may be positioned adjacent to the ends of arms150b, which are nearest to top portion150a. Apertures150fmay be configured to receive fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, pins, or the like) or the like for attaching cap150to struts110, via brackets or the like, to top hub120, or to laterally extending portions of umbrella pole130. Aperture150fcan be threaded or may have attached nuts or the like, which may be threaded. In various alternative implementations, top portion150aincludes a variety of other devices for attaching cap150to struts110, such as studs, threaded studs, or the like which may extend downward from the top portions for receiving various fasteners.

As briefly described above, the solar panels and their housings are hinge attached to the umbrella. This hinge attachment is currently described further. According to one implementation, the hinge attachment if provided by hinge components of cap150and housings145of the solar panels. According to the implementation, each end portion150cof each arm150bof cap150includes a hinge part, such as an elongated barrel. The elongated barrels are configured to respectively receive pins150dthat can rotate inside of the elongated barrel and attach to the housings. Specifically, pins150dmay be longer than the barrels and extend from the ends of barrels so that the ends of the pins may be attached to end portions145bof housings145to provide for the hinge coupling and hence the rotation of the housings and solar panels with respect to the arms of the cap.

In some implementation, cap150does not include arms150band the hinge parts of the cap are attached to top portion150a. According to a further specific implementation, each end portion145bof each housing145includes a front hinge plate145dand a back hinge plate145e, which are configured to attach to one another and hinge coupled (i.e., rotationally couple) to the ends of pins150d. The hinge coupling of front and back hinge plates145dand145eto pins150dallows the solar panels and their housings to rotationally raise and lower as the umbrella opens and closes. The curve of each arm150bcan provide flex for housings145as the housings raise and lower to inhibit the housing from experiencing forces that might separate the housing from the arms by allowing some lateral movement of the housings along the struts.

For each housing of each solar panel, one or both of front and back hinge plates145dand145emay include electrical contacts145fand145gthat are configured to mechanically and electrically couple to corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of elongated portion145c. The electrical contacts in the hinge plates and the electrical contacts in the elongated portions of the housings allow current generated by the photovoltaic cells to flow out from the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery of the umbrella. A pair of wires (not shown) may electrically connect the electrical contacts of the solar panels to circuitry (described below with respect toFIG. 9A) in battery housing147that charges the rechargeable battery with the current received via the wires. The wires may run down the center of umbrella pole130for delivering the generated current to the circuit and the rechargeable battery, which is configured to be electrically coupled to and charge one or more portable electronic devices107. Positioning the wires in the umbrella pole provides the benefit of the wires not being exposed where the wires might be snagged by users, for example, when the umbrella is opened and closed, when the umbrella is being setup or taken down for storage, while the umbrella is in storage, or the like. In alternative implementations, the wires are run along the outside of the umbrella pole, which provides easy access to the wire, such as for repair or replacement.

Referring now toFIG. 3B, this figure shows an alternative implementation of a cap152for umbrella100. The arms150bof cap152have different shapes compared to the arms of cap150. For example, each arm of cap152includes a first straight portion that extends laterally from a side of the top portion, a second portion that curves downward from the first portion, and a third straight portions that extends downward from the second portions. The curve of the second portion can be a sharp bend or a gradual bend. For example, an angle α of the bend can be about 90 degrees. In other implementations, the angle can be less sharp. For example, the bend can have an angle of 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, or 155 degrees, or any angle in this range or greater. In other implementations, the angle may be less than 90 degrees.

Similar to the cap150, each arm of cap152can have an end portion that includes a hinge part, such as an elongated barrel. The elongated barrels are configured to receive pins that can rotate inside of the elongated barrels and hinge couple the solar panels to the cap.

Referring again toFIG. 3A, for each solar panel135, each end portion145bof each housing145is removably attached to an elongated portion145cof the housing. The elongated portions of the housings house the photovoltaic cells. Providing for the end portions145bof the housings to be removable from the elongated portions145cof the housings provides for the relatively easy removal and replacement of the photovoltaic cells should one or more of the photovoltaic cells fail.

Central Portion of Umbrella.FIG. 4Ais a simplified perspective view of a central portion of umbrella100according to one implementation. The central portion of the umbrella may include the battery housing147that is configured to house the charging circuitry and the rechargeable battery. In a specific implementation, battery housing147has a tubular passageway or shaft147athat extends from a top of the battery housing through to a bottom side of the battery housing. During the assembly of the solar umbrella, the shaft of the umbrella (e.g., umbrella pole130) is placed through tubular passageway147a.

InFIG. 4A, battery housing147is positioned above or on a shelf or table160. But in other implementations, battery housing147can be underneath shelf160. Further, shelf160can be omitted, and the battery housing147can be attached or fastened to the umbrella shaft, can rest on an umbrella stand (in which the umbrella shaft is placed), or can sit on an extended table, such as a backyard garden table or a picnic table where the umbrella pole passes through the extended table.

In one implementation, the battery housing has a number of charging terminal (also referred to as charging ports)165that are used to charge portable electronic devices107, which can include smartphones, tablet computers, and other devices. In a specific implementation, the charging terminals are USB type A connectors, but can include other types of connectors including other types of USB connectors, Apple 30-pin connector, Apple Lightning™ port, Firewire, DC barrel connector, and others, and combinations of these. The charging terminals are accessible via apertures147bformed in the battery housing.

For charging, a user connects a portable electronic device to a charging terminal via a cable, and the portable electronic device will be charged by solar umbrella100. While charging, the user can leave the device resting on table160. In other implementation, there may be other receptacles to hold the portable electronic device such as a basket or shelf that is attached to the umbrella shaft (e.g., attached above the charging station). Other mechanisms for holding the portable electronic device include hooks, nets, cradles, smartphone holders (e.g., smartphone holder with adjustable side grips), and many other mechanisms.

In a specific implementation, battery housing147has three charging terminals (e.g., USB type A female ports) However, in other implementation, there can be more or fewer charging terminals such as 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 or more. Further, there can be a charging input port166(described in further below and shown inFIGS. 4F, 7, and 9) that is used to charge the rechargeable battery via an AC adapter connected to a wall socket (or other power source). This allows recharging of the battery from a power source other than only the solar panels. The charging input port is a DC barrel connector that accepts 12 volts DC. In other implementation, other types of DC power ports can be used.

FIGS. 4B and 4Care simplified perspective views of the central portion of umbrella100according to one alternative implementation where battery housing147includes at least one door147gpositioned in front of one of charging terminals165.FIG. 4Bshows door147gclosed andFIG. 4Cshows the door open. Door147gis configured to be opened by a user so that the charging terminal positioned behind the door is exposed. With the charging terminal exposed, a user can connect their portable electronic device to the charging terminal for charging.

In one implementation, door147gis configured to close if a connector (shown inFIG. 4C) is not inserted in the charging terminal165. When the door is closed, this helps protect the charging terminal from damage such as from the elements (e.g., dust, wind, and water) and accidental spills and splashes from a nearby pool. In some implementations, the battery housing includes one or more seals, such as rubber seals, that the door is configured to contact to further seal out moisture, dust, dirt, sand, wind, and other debris. The seals can be positioned on an inside surface of the battery housing where the seals are positioned adjacent to the sides and edges of the door. In an alternative implementation, the seal is attached to the door, such as at the sides and edges of the door. Seals can be attached to both the battery housing and the door.

Door147gmay be hinge coupled to battery housing147, may be slide coupled to battery housing147, or otherwise coupled to the battery housing. In one implementation, door147gis a sliding door and includes a first continuous portion147hthat covers the charging terminal if the door is closed, and has an aperture147i1formed therein that exposes the charging terminal if the door is slid open. Door147gmay include a second continuous portion147jthat is exposed if the door is opened and is positioned inside battery housing147if the door is closed. Second continuous portion147jof door147gis configured to inhibit dust and moisture from entering battery housing147if the door is opened. First and second continuous portions147hand147jof door147gare positioned on opposite sides of aperture147i1.

Aperture147i1may have a shape (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoid, or the like) that substantially matches the shape (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoid, or other shape) of the charging terminal behind the door and substantially matches the shape (e.g., square, rectangular, trapezoid, or other shape) of the connector that is configured to attach to the charging terminal. With the shapes matched and with the connector inserted through the aperture into the charging terminal, the connector may press against the door to inhibit dust and moisture from passing through the aperture and reaching the charging terminal. Thereby, the charging terminal may be kept from being fouled from debris (e.g., sand) in the environment (e.g., beach) where umbrella100is used.

Door147g(seeFIG. 4C) may have a second aperture147i2formed therein that exposes an indicator light (e.g., an LED) that is positioned behind the door. If door147gis closed, the indicator light may be hidden from view by the door (seeFIG. 4B). The indicator light may be mounted a printed circuit board and coupled to the circuitry located in the battery housing. The circuit controls the indicator light to indicate whether a connected portable electronic device is charging or charged. For example, circuit may control the indicator light to light orange or yellow if the connected portable electronic device is charging and light green if the portable electronic device is charged.

In some implementations, apertures that expose the indicator lights for indicating whether connected portable electronic devices are charging or charged are formed in the battery housing adjacent to the charging terminals as compared with the apertures being formed in doors147g. These apertures might be formed in a battery housing that does not include doors that cover the charging terminals or might be adjacent to the doors.

FIGS. 4D and 4Eare simplified perspective views of the central portion of umbrella100according to the alternative implementation where battery housing147includes at least one door147kpositioned in front of one of charging terminals165where the charging terminal has a round shape or in front of input port166where the input port has a round shape. Door147kis substantially similar to door147gand is configured to be opened by a user so that a connector may be inserted into the charging terminal or input port that is behind the door. Door147kis shown as open inFIG. 4E, and is shown as closedFIG. 4D. Door147kmay be configured to be closed if the connector is not inserted in the charging terminal or the input port.

Door147kmay have an aperture147lformed therein where the aperture has a shape (e.g., round, ovoid, oblong, or the like) that substantially matches the shape (e.g., round, ovoid, oblong, or the like) of the charging terminal or the input port behind the door and substantially matches the shape (e.g., round, ovoid, oblong, or the like) of the connector that is configured to attach to the charging terminal or the input port. Door147kmay be hinge coupled to battery housing147, may be slide coupled to the battery housing, or otherwise coupled to the battery housing.

FIG. 4Fis a simplified schematic of battery housing147, door147g, and door147k. As shown in figured4F, battery housing147may include one or more spring devices147mor the like that are configured to provide a force on the doors for closing the doors after a connector is removed. In one implementation, each of spring devices147mis substantially planar in one dimension (along the planes of their respective doors) and have curved shapes along the lengths of the spring devices where the curved shapes provides at least a portion of the spring force for pushing the doors closed. It will be understood that while spring devices147mare shown inFIG. 4F, the spring devices are positioned inside battery housing147where they are not visible from outside of the battery housing. In alternative implementations, springs147mhave other shapes, such as coil shapes. In other alternative implementations, the spring devices are pneumatic devices that close the doors at a relatively slow and aesthetically pleasing rate of closure.

The springs cause their respective doors to substantially automatically close when a connector is removed. Thereby, the springs and the doors of the battery housing147provide for automated protection for various components (electronic components, batteries, and the like described below) positioned within the battery housing from exposure to environmental elements (e.g., extreme sunlight, heat, rain, humidity, and wind) that can damage and reduce the life of these components. Battery housing not only protects the components positioned in the battery housing, but also protects users from contacting these internal components (e.g., protects users from touching electrical wires, circuitry, and the battery).

Battery housing147provides the additional advantage of providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance by removing from sight these various components. The battery housing may include a number of cylindrical sections147c,147d,147e, where the cylindrical sections have increasing diameters downward along the battery housing. Middle section165cmight be configured to house a battery. Bottom section165dmight be configured to house various electronic components and house charging terminals165.

Battery housing147may have a top147fthat seals the battery housing from debris, moister, and the like. Top147fof battery housing147may be integrally formed with the cylindrical sections of the battery housing.

The battery housing is also aesthetically pleasing because the battery housing is centered on the battery pole due to the shaft of the battery housing passing through the center of the battery housing and thereby providing for the umbrella pole to be centered in the battery housing. This circularly symmetric configuration of the battery housing and the umbrella pole is a highly compact design the does not take up excessive space around the umbrella pole.

FIG. 4Gis a bottom view of battery housing147according to one implementation where the battery housing includes a bottom149(e.g., a removable bottom) that provides access to the interior of the battery housing. Bottom149may have an aperture149aand a recess149bformed therein that allows access to a connector149c. Specifically, aperture149aprovides for passage of connector149cfrom the interior of the battery housing to the exterior of the battery housing for connection to a wire149dthat runs down the interior of umbrella pole130and carries current generated by solar panels135to the circuit and the battery located in battery housing147. Umbrella pole130may have an aperture formed therein through which wire149dpasses from the interior of the umbrella pole to the exterior of the umbrella pole.

Wire149dhas a connector149e(e.g., female connector) that is configured to connect to connector149c(e.g., male connector). Connectors149cand149dare slip-friction connectors (e.g., not a solder connection) that can be slipped together by a user with relatively low force, and can be detached by a user with relatively low force. Connectors149cand149dprovide that wire149dcan be relatively easily connected and disconnected from battery housing147to that the battery housing can be relatively easily attached and unattached from the umbrella pole. With the battery housing relatively easily removed from the umbrella pole, the bottom of the battery housing can be removed by the owner, the seller, or a qualified service technician so that the battery can be replaced as needed. For example, the seller can provide a mail service where battery housings can be sent to the seller or the seller qualified technicians for serving battery housing and sending the battery housings back to the owners after servicing. Providing a mail in service for serving battery housings inhibits umbrella owners from disposing of used batteries in landfill sites. In other implementation, wire149dcan be soldered to the battery housing to inhibit owners from disassembling the battery housing so that the owners use a seller or qualified service technician for servicing the battery housing.

Recess149bprovides that the portion of wire149dthat extends from the umbrella pole and connector149ecan sit flush within bottom149. The flush fit of the wire and its connector inside the recess provides for the bottom the battery housing to sit flush on shelf160or other table on which the battery housing is placed. The flush placement of the battery housing on the shelf or other table provides for an aesthetic appearance of the battery housing on the shelf or table.

Connector149cmay be configured to relatively easily connect to, and disconnect from, connector149eof wire149d. This relatively easy connection and disconnection from wire149dallows battery housing147to be relatively easily removed from umbrella pole130(e.g., slid up along the umbrella pole to an end of the umbrella pole) and coupled to the umbrella pole (e.g., slid down from the end of the umbrella pole into a position above shelf160). Providing for the battery housing and the umbrella pole of the umbrella to be modular further provides for relatively easy to service of the battery housing, such as removing the battery housing for changing the battery, updating firmware of circuits in the battery housing, changing out the circuits in the battery housing, or other service.

The relatively easy connection and disconnection of wire149dalso provides that the wire may be untwisted (e.g., by hand from the portion of the wire extending from the hole in the umbrella pole) if the wire becomes twisted during use or assembly of the umbrella. The wire might become twisted, for example, if a top portion of the umbrella (e.g., the frame, the shade, and top portion of the umbrella pole for a two piece umbrella pole that separates at a central portion of the umbrella pole) rotates with respect to a bottom portion (e.g., lower portion of the umbrella pole and the battery housing) of the umbrella. Providing for the wire to untwist inhibits the wire from applying excessive forces on the connectors, on the battery housing, on the solar panels, and on one or more printed circuit boards in the battery housing to thereby inhibits damage to these devices.

In some implementations, wire149dis a two piece wire having (i) an upper portion that connects to the solar panels and passes through a top portion of the umbrella pole and (ii) a lower portion that passes through the bottom portion of the umbrella pole to the battery housing. The two portions of wire149dcan be attached by electrical connectors where the top and bottom portions of the umbrella pole are connected. A two piece wire provides for relatively easy untwisting of the wire by detaching the top and bottom portions of the umbrella pole to allow the wire to untwist. In some implementations, the two portions of the wire are physically attached to interior or exterior portions of the umbrella pole to inhibit the wire from becoming twisted. In other implementations, the wire is allowed to twist and may have a length that allows the wire to shorten when twisted so that the twisted wire does not apply excessive damaging forces to the wire's connectors, the solar panels, the battery housing, and the printed circuit board.

FIG. 4Hshows bottom149of battery housing147attached to umbrella pole130according to one implementation of the umbrella. Bottom149includes a first trench structure147nformed in the bottom that inhibits the battery housing from rotating about the umbrella pole. Specifically, the trench may rest on a pin147por similar device that passes through the umbrella pole or is otherwise attached to the umbrella pole where the pin does not rotate about the umbrella pole thereby inhibiting the battery housing from rotating with respect to the umbrella pole. In other implementations the battery housing can be clipped to the umbrella pole, screwed to the umbrella pole, or otherwise attached to the umbrella pole to inhibit the battery housing from rotating with respect to the umbrella pole. In some implementations, the battery housing includes one or more mechanical surface features that surround the battery that also inhibit the battery from rotating inside the battery housing. The battery housing can also include padding positioned between the inside walls of the battery housing and the battery that inhibit the battery from rotating inside the battery housing. Inhibiting the battery housing and the battery from rotating inhibits the electrical connectors connected to the printed circuit board, the battery housing, and the battery from being mechanically stressed from rotations and from breaking.

FIG. 5Ais a simplified perspective view of the central portion of umbrella100with battery housing147removed. Battery housing147houses a printed circuit board170(PCB) and a battery riser or a battery shelf175on which a battery185(e.g., a rechargeable battery) is positioned. PCB170includes a circuit180(briefly mentioned above and described in further detail below). Circuit180is configured to receive electrical energy (voltage and current) generated by solar panels135and provide the electric energy to battery185for charging the battery. Circuit180may include various electronic components (described below) that transform or condition (or both) the current, the voltage, or both, which are received from solar panels135. After the current, the voltage, or both are transformed or conditioned, this electrical energy is supplied to battery185(e.g., a rechargeable battery) for charging the battery. Transforming and conditioning the voltage can include reducing or increasing the voltage and current and can include clamping the current available for charging the battery. Conditioning the voltage or current can include smoothing the voltage or current.

According to one implementation, battery185is separated from circuit180via the battery shelf (or riser, spacer, or standoff assembly) on which the battery is configured to sit. One or more electrical traces or wires may couple battery185to circuit180. Battery shelf175may include one or more apertures formed therein for routing the traces or wires from the circuit to the battery. Stacking the battery and circuit using the battery shelf allows for the battery housing to be relatively compact around the umbrella pole and allows for a compact aesthetic design of the battery housing.

Battery185may be cylindrical, round, rod shaped, or the like. As shown inFIG. 5A, battery185may be cylindrically shaped and have a shaft185alocated in a central portion of the battery where the shaft is configured to receive umbrella pole130. The cylindrical shape of battery185allows the battery to occupy a substantially optimal amount of space in battery housing147and accordingly allows the battery to provide relatively high charge storage. For example, battery185may be configured to store about 20,000 milliamp-hours or more of charge. According to one specific implementation, battery185is a 22,000 milliamp-hour battery. Other battery sizes are possible, such as 5200 milliamp hours, 8600 milliamp hours, 10,000 milliamp hours, 15,000 milliamp hours, 25,000 milliamp hours, 30,000 milliamp hours, 50,000 milliamp hours, or 100,000 milliamp hours, or other values, or values smaller or less than these values. Battery185may use a variety of battery chemistries, such as lithium ion, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or the like.

In some implementation, battery185includes a plurality of battery cells. A number of sets of two battery cells may be arranged in series electrically, and these sets may then be arranged in parallel electrically. Each battery cell may output 3.7 volts for example, and a set of two battery cells in series electrically may output 7.4 volts. In parallel electrically, a number of these sets of two battery cells in series electrically, can provide 7.4 volts at relatively high current, such as for charging three tablet computers (e.g., Apple iPads™) simultaneously. The battery calls that form battery185may be arranged in a substantially cylindrical arrangement to form shaft185ain the center of the battery cells. In one implementation, two battery cells are vertically stacked, and numerous one these two battery cells stacks are adjacently arranged to form a cylinder. The diameter of battery185may be about 5 centimeters to about 10 centimeters (e.g., 5.0 centimeters, 5.5 centimeters, 6.0 centimeters, 6.5 centimeters, 7.0 centimeters, 7.5 centimeters, 8.0 centimeters, 8.5 centimeters, 9.0 centimeters, 9.5 centimeters, 10.0 centimeters, or other diameter). The length of battery185may be about 10 centimeters to about 16 centimeters (e.g., 10.0 centimeters, 10.5 centimeters, 11.0 centimeters, 11.5 centimeters, 12.0 centimeters, 12.5 centimeters, 13.0 centimeters, 13.5 centimeters, 14.0 centimeters, 14.5 centimeters, 15.0 centimeters, 15.5 centimeters, 16.0 centimeters, or other length). The battery housing, in one implementation, includes a set of pads that holds the battery substantially securely in the battery housing so that the battery cannot rotate or translate within the battery housing, for example, when the umbrella is moved or rotated. The padding provides that the battery cannot twist any wires that connect the battery to the circuit, and therefore, the wires will be inhibited from twisting and breaking when the umbrella is moved.

In one alternative implementation, one or more batteries185may be alternatively positioned in or on umbrella100. For example, one or more batteries185may be positioned in umbrella pole130, which may be hallow or have a compartment configured for storing the batteries.FIG. 5Bis a simplified schematic of a central portion of umbrella100and umbrella pole130where one or more batteries185are positioned in the umbrella pole. In addition to one or more batteries185being positioned in umbrella pole130, PCB170, circuit180, one or more charging terminals165, and other circuit elements descried below may be positioned in the battery pole. Battery pole130may have a number of apertures formed therein where charging terminals165may be positioned for connecting to one or more portable electronic device107for being powered or charging. In some implementations where additional electrical power may be used, one or more batteries may be positioned in battery housing145, in umbrella pole130, or at other locations on the umbrella.

FIG. 6provides a further enlarged view of shelf160, PCB170, and battery shelf175, andFIG. 7provides a simplified top view of PCB170. Central apertures are formed in shelf160, PCB170, and battery shelf175and are respectively labeled with reference numbers160a,170a, and175a. Each central aperture160a,170a, and175ais configured to receive umbrella pole130so that shelf160, circuit board170, and battery shelf175may each be substantially centered on the umbrella pole providing a relatively compact, symmetric, and aesthetic design. Each of the central apertures160a,170a, and175amay have diameters of about 1.75 inches to about 3.25 inches (e.g., 2 inches) for receiving umbrella pole130, which may have a diameter of about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches (e.g., 1.5 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.5 inches, 3.0 inches, or 3.5 inches.). It is noted that while each of battery housing147, shelf160, circuit board170, and battery shelf175are shown inFIGS. 5-7as being generally round from a top view, one or more of the battery housing, the shelf, the circuit board, and the battery shelf may have alternative shapes such as square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or the like.

In one implementation, the shapes of the PCB and the battery shelf substantially match a cross-section shape of the battery housing to provide substantially optimal space on the PCB for circuit and substantially optimal space for the battery. For example, when the battery housing has a cross-section shape that is round or circular, then the PCB and the battery shelf have corresponding round or circular shape.

Moreover, while battery housing147, shelf160, circuit board170, and battery shelf175are described and shown as including central apertures for receiving umbrella pole130therethrough, in alternative implementations one or more of the battery housing, the shelf, the circuit board, and the battery shelf may not have the central apertures formed therein and might be configured to mount on a side of umbrella pole130or mount to portions of the umbrella frame structure.

In a specific implementation, battery shelf175has a smaller diameter than PCB170. For example, battery shelf175may have a diameter of about 5 inches to about 6 inches (e.g., 5.75 inches) and PCB170may have a diameter of about 6 inches to about 6.5 inches (e.g., 6.25 inches). Battery shelf175may be mounted on the PCB via a number of posts172(seeFIG. 6) or the like, which positions the battery shelf above the PCB with an air gap between the battery shelf and the PCB. Screws or other fasteners can be used to couple the PCB to the posts of the battery shelf. In one implementations, screws that pass through the bottom of the battery housing also pass through the PCB and screw into the battery shelf to couple the PCB to the battery shelf. With the central aperture formed in PCB170, PCB may have an area of about 640 square centimeters to about 670 square centimeters (e.g., 640 square centimeters, 645 square centimeters, 650 square centimeters, 655 square centimeters, 660 square centimeters, 665 square centimeters, 670 square centimeters, or other area).

Shelf160may be mechanically attached to umbrella pole130via a bracket162(seeFIG. 4A) or the like that clamps to the umbrella pole and attaches to the shelf. In some implementations, shelf160is detachable from umbrella pole130, or the height of shelf160may be adjusted upward or downward via bracket162. For example, the height of shelf160may be adjusted to the height of the top of an outdoor table that umbrella100is being used with. Battery housing170or PCB170may be attached to shelf160via a one or more fasteners, clamps, or the like.

While shelf160is shown as being relatively continuous, the shelf may have a number of apertures formed therein (e.g., having a grate pattern) where the apertures allow air to circulate under a portable electronic device that is sitting on the shelf and charging. The circulating air allows the portable electronic device to dissipate heat into the circulating air while the portable electronic charges. The apertures also allow debris, such as sand, to pass through the shelf and not accumulate, which inhibits the debris from accumulating on portable electronic devices on the shelf. In some implementation, shelf160is a metal shelf and is coated with plastic, rubber, is painted, or the like. In other implementations, shelf160is a plastic type material, a resin-coated fiber material (e.g., fiberglass type material), or the like.

With battery housing147, shelf160, charging terminals165, PCB170, battery shelf175, battery185, and the like positioned at a central portion of umbrella pole130, this positioning provides a convenient height for use by a user for charging and power devices while a user sits or stands near umbrella100. For example,FIG. 8Ashows an implementation of umbrella100where the height of battery housing147, shelf160, charging terminals165, PCB170, battery shelf175, battery185are positioned along umbrella pole130at about the height of a table top of an outdoor table148(e.g., a patio table, a picnic table, or the like).

Not only does the central location along battery pole130provide for convenient use for powering and charging device, the central location also provide for easy maintenance of these elements by maintenance technicians or the like. In some implementations, such as where battery housing147is positioned substantially at the height of outdoor table148, umbrella100might not include shelf160. In an implementation where umbrella100does not include shelf160, portable electronic devices107may be placed on the tabletop of outdoor table148. In other implementations, battery housing147, umbrella pole130, or both include one or more holders into which a portable electronic device107may be placed and held during charging by umbrella100. Each holder may be configured to hold a portable electronic device107loosely so that the portable electronic device may be relatively easily placed into the holder and relatively easily removed from the holder. In some implementations, the holders include nets, such as netted bags, that are configured to hold portable electronic devices107during charging. In one implementation, umbrella100includes one holder that is an extended net bag that partially encircles or fully encircles battery housing147, umbrella pole130, or both.

In other implementations, the holder is an extended basket type device that has sides and a bottom and opens upward. The holder may hold a number of portable electronic devices107relatively loosely for charging. The holder's sides, bottom, or both may be perforated so that portable electronic devices in the holder may be seen through the sides and the bottom and so that debris (e.g., sand, dust, or the like) may fall through the perforations and not accumulate in the holder. The holder may fully or partially encircle battery housing147or umbrella pole130and may be attached thereto. In the implementations where battery housing147, umbrella pole130, or both include one or more holders, such as those described above, for holding portable electronic devices107, the umbrella might not include shelf160.

Retrofit Kit.FIG. 8Bshows the components of a conversion or retrofit kit for retrofitting an existing outdoor umbrella to operate substantially as solar charging umbrella100. The retrofit kit may include one or more solar panels135, cap150, a number the hinge end portions145bof housings145of the solar panels, a battery housing147, a set of wires800, and an assembly guide for assembling the kit. Optionally, a shelf165and a bracket162can also be included in the kit. The retrofit kit may be supplied with the hinge end portions145bof housing145attached to housing145or to cap150as shown inFIG. 8B.

While the retrofit kit shown inFIG. 8Bincludes eight solar panels135, the retrofit kit may include more or fewer solar panels, or solar panels of other configurations, such as solar panel135′. The retrofit kit may include two wires800where a first wire may be configured to couple to an electrical connector in the cap, and drop down to an end of a top section of an umbrella pole130, and a second wire may be configured to connect to the first wire and to battery housing147. The wires are configured to deliver electricity generated by solar panels135to battery housing147for charging rechargeable battery185(included in the battery housing in the retrofit kit along with circuit180). While the retrofit kit is shown as including two wires, the retrofit kit may include more or fewer wires.

The elements of the retrofit kit may be relatively easily attached to an existing outdoor umbrella. For example, a shade retainer155(e.g., a finial) of an existing umbrella may be removed (e.g., unscrewed) from the existing outdoor umbrella and cap150may be placed on the existing outdoor umbrella and the shade retainer may be secured to the existing outdoor umbrella thereby securing the cap to the existing outdoor umbrella. Solar panels135may thereafter be snapped onto the copy by snapping the hinge end portions145bof housings145to the arms of the cap. In some retrofit kits the solar panels are provided with the solar panels attached to the cap.

A first one of wires800in the kit may be attached to an electrical connector of cap150to which the solar panels attach. This wire and the electrical connector of the cap can include connectors that are relatively easy to attach and detach. After the wire is electrically coupled to the solar panels, for example, via an electrical connector of the cap or other electrical connector that couples to the solar panels, the wire may be run through a top section of the umbrella pole of the existing outdoor umbrella. A second one of wires800may be run through a bottom section of the umbrella pole. These two wires may be attached via connectors where the top section and the bottom section of the umbrella pole meet for being attached.

Thereafter, shelf165, bracket162, and battery housing147may be slid onto to the bottom section of the umbrella pole. Bracket162may be also secured to the bottom section of the umbrella pole and shelf160may be attached to the bracket. Battery housing147may be lowered onto shelf160and attached to the second wire. For some existing outdoor umbrellas, a hole may need to be drilled or otherwise created in the bottom section of the umbrella pole for feeding the second wire out of the bottom section and coupling it to battery housing147. The battery housing and wire may include connectors that are configured to easily coupling the wire to the battery housing. Thereafter, the existing outdoor umbrella may be opened and operated for charging portable electronic devices107.

The retrofit kit may include a variety of optional devices, such as a variety of shaft adapters that are configured to be fitted into the shaft of the battery housing147for accommodating umbrella poles having a variety of diameters. Further, a wiring harness for cap150may be provided as an element that needs to be attached to the cap and solar panels135. Further, battery housing147may be provided assembled with circuit180and a rechargeable battery, or may be provided such that the battery housing requires assembly.

Charging Circuit.FIG. 9Ais a simplified block diagram of circuit180, which is mounted at least in part on PCB170. Circuit180implements the electronic functionality and electronic modes of the umbrella as briefly described above and described in further detail below. Circuit180may include the charging terminals165, a DC charging port166, the charge indicators167, a solar-panel and battery-charging controller200(battery-charging controller), a DC-to-DC converter205, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)215, a battery gauge220, a processor or other control circuit230, an authentication circuit235, a memory237, a battery level indicator240, an indicator controller245for the battery level indicator, an output converter255, a power inverter246, a digital communication bus247, and a power distribution bus248. In some implementations, battery housing147(e.g., the bottom149of the battery housing) and circuit180include a power switch147q(seeFIG. 4H) that can power down circuit180(i.e., power down the circuit elements included in circuit180). Circuit180may include all or a portion of the foregoing listed circuit elements in any combination.

In some implementations, digital communication bus247communicatively connects one or more of charging terminals165, DC charging port166, charge indicators167, battery-charging controller200, DC-to-DC converter205, analog-to-digital (ADC) converter215, battery gauge220, control circuit230, authentication circuit235, memory237, battery level indicator240, indicator controller245, power inverter246, output converter255, and power switch147q. The digital communication bus may be configured to operate according to one of a variety of bus protocol and route digital signal between one or more of the elements coupled to this bus. Power distribution bus248may be configured to receive power from the output converter255and distribute the receive power to elements of circuit180that require a power source, such as control circuit230, authentication circuit235, memory237, battery level indicator240, indicator controller245, or other circuit elements that require power.

In some implementations, the battery level indicator240includes or is positioned on a second PCB241(seeFIGS. 6 and 7) that is oriented transversely with respect to PCB170inside battery housing147. Indicator controller245is also mounted on second PCB241in some implementations. The second PCB can be attached to an inside wall of the battery housing by a bracket242into which the second PCB can slide. Bracket242can be integrally formed with battery housing147. PCBs170and241are coupled by a wiring harness, such as a ribbon cable, in some implementations.

According to one implementation, solar panels135are electrically connected to battery-charging controller200and configured to supply generated voltage and current to the battery-charging controller. Battery-charging controller200may also be electrically connected to battery185and may convert the generated current, generated voltage, or both to levels used by battery185for charging. For example, the battery-charging controller may include a DC-to-DC converter that may convert the charging voltage to about 4.2 volts to about 4.4 volts for charging a lithium ion battery and may provide a suitable current for charging a lithium ion battery. For example, the DC-to-DC converter may include a current clamp circuit for clamping the current provided to battery185to a suitable charging level.

Battery-charging controller200in one implementation is configured to operate as an electrical isolation circuit that prevents solar panels135from directly supplying electrical energy to charging terminals165. In some implementation, circuit180may include additional or alternative circuits that are configured provide electrical isolation between solar panels135and charging terminals165.

Battery-charging controller200may further monitor the charge of battery185and manage the conditions for initiating charging, topping off charging, and stopping charging. Battery-charging controller200may be implemented using an integrated circuit manufactured, for example, by Texas Instruments, Linear Technology Corporation, Maxim Integrated Products, Incorporated, or National Semiconductor Corporation. For example, battery-charging controller200may be the TI BQ24650 circuit of Texas Instruments, which is referred to by the manufacturer as a “High Efficiency Synchronous Switch-Mode Charger Controller-Solar Battery Charger.” The data sheet and product information for the TI BQ24650 product and other products in its product family are incorporated by reference.

Battery185may alternatively be charged via DC charging port166, which may include a charging connector166a, which may be a barrel connector. A DC voltage applied to DC charging port166may be routed through battery-charging controller200for charging the battery. Battery-charging controller may convert the voltage, the current, or both that applied through the charging port as necessary for charging the battery. For example, if 12 volts is applied to DC charging port166, the DC-to-DC converter of battery-charging controller200may convert the applied 12 volts to about 4.2 volts to about 4.4 volts for charging lithium ion battery technology. In some alternative implementations, DC charging port166may bypass battery-charging controller200for charging battery185.

DC charging port166may also operate as a test port for testing battery185for determining whether the battery is diminishing in charging capacity. DC charging port166my include test circuitry for testing battery185or may be coupled to an external device configured to test the battery. In some implementations, Battery-charging controller200includes test circuitry for testing battery185and is configured to operate with the DC charging port for testing the battery.

Battery-charging controller200is configured to detect whether a DC voltage (e.g., 12 volts) is being supplied to DC charging port166and provide the battery with the power supplied to the DC charging port. Further, if the battery-charging controller200detects a DC voltage applied to the DC charging port, the battery-charging controller can stop supplying the battery with power generated by the solar panels. If the DC voltage is disconnected from the DC charging port, the battery-charging controller can resume providing power generated by the solar panels to the battery. The battery-charging controller can include auto-detect circuitry for this switching. The battery-charging controller and the switching circuitry in the battery-charging controller can operate as an isolation circuit that provides that only one of the solar panels and the DC charging port can supply charging power to the battery.

Metallic Shield.FIG. 9Bshown in interior view of battery housing147where the battery housing147includes a metallic shield300that is positioned on a lower interior wall of the battery housing. The metallic shield can be any conductive material, such as copper, aluminum, platinum, gold, or silver, that protects a connected portable electronic device107from electrical or radio frequency (RF) interference noise that is generated by circuit180, battery level indicator240, battery185, and any other electronic elements located in battery housing147.

In one implementation, metallic shield300is a metallic coating that is coated onto the lower interior wall of the battery housing. The metallic shield can be coated onto the lower interior wall by spraying, dusting, an electrostatic process, or other process. In one implementation, the metallic coating is conductive paint that is sprayed onto the lower interior wall. The metallic coating can also be sprayed on a power that is later cured, such as by backing or via a chemical process. In another implementation, the metallic shield is a thin sheet of metal, such as copper foil, that is mechanically or adhesively (e.g., a metal sheet with a sticky backing) attached to the lower interior wall.

According to another implementation, a metallic shield305is positioned on an upper interior wall of battery housing147. Metallic shield305is substantially similar to metallic shield300and can be similarly applied. In some implementations, additional metallic shields are positioned on additional interior surfaces of the battery housing.

According to other implementations, battery housing147includes one or more metallic shields that are positioned above, below, or around a side of PCB170. For example, a metallic shield can be attached to a top, a bottom, or both of battery riser175where this metallic shield is above PCB170. According to another example, a metallic shield can be attached to a top, a bottom, or both of the battery housing's bottom149where this metallic shield is below the PCB. Metallic shield300that is positioned at a side the PCB is described immediately above.

According to another implementation, battery housing147is coated with a surface treatment, such as metallic paint that can be applied to the interior, the exterior, or both of the battery housing. According to another implementation, the material from which the battery housing is formed is conductive and provides RF shielding. Specifically, the battery housing can be formed of a metal impregnated plastic, nylon, or other similar material. According to another implementation, the battery housing is formed, at least in part, of metal (e.g., sheet metal) that provides RF shielding. These metallic shields can be relatively thin pieces of metal, such as copper foil.

The metallic shields provide that portable electronic devices147(such portable phones and tablet computers) that are connected to the charging terminals of umbrella100will have better reception and transmission (e.g., less drop outs, voice conversations will be clearer, and content streaming will have fewer interruptions). Touch screens on the portable electronic devices will also operate more reliably, such as by having fewer false touch interactions and having improved accuracy.

Charging. As described briefly above, battery185may be configured to store 22,000 milliamp-hours of electrical charge and in a fully charged state may fully charge a number of portable electronic devices from a state of complete discharge to a state of full charge. For example, battery185may be configured to store sufficient power for charging three tablet computers, such as iPad™ tablet computers of Apple of Cupertino Calif. and tablet computers by other manufacturers such as Google, Samsung, or Amazon, at the same time. Any trademarks listed in this patent application are the property of their respective owners.

Tablet computers charge using about 10 watts of power. When three tablets are charged at the same time, the tablet computers will draw about 30 watts of power. Therefore, the solar charging umbrella station can supply at least 30 watts of power, and is designed to supply more, such as 60 watts, in order to ensure the robustness of the battery and circuitry.

Via DC-to-DC converter205and circuit180, battery185may provide the requisite voltages, currents, and power (sometimes referred to as a charging rate) for a variety of battery types of a variety of types portable electronic devices coupled to charging terminals165. Specifically, DC-to-DC converter205may convert the output voltage of battery185(e.g., 7.4 volts) to a voltage level used by a portable electronic device for charging (e.g., about 3.3 volts or 5 volts for a portable phone (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, or LTE) or tablet computer).

DC-to-DC converter may also be configurable to supply different currents to various portable electronic devices according to the currents required by the portable electronic devices as determined by authentication circuit235. Specifically, DC-to-DC converter205in one implementation is configured to operate as a current clamping circuit that supplies current up to a given level required by a portable electronic device for charging. The DC-to-DC converter clamps this supplied current to the given level and does not supply a higher level of current.

For example, in one implementation, the DC-to-DC converter is configured to supply up to 5 volts and current up to 0.5 amps (2.5 watts of power, e.g., a first charging rate) for some types of portable devices (such as portable PDAs and portable phones), or supply 5.0 volts and current up to 1.0 amp (5 watts of power, e.g., a second charging rate) for other types portable phones (e.g., some types of Apple iPhones™ or some types tablet computers, or supply 5.0 volts and current up to 2.1 amps (10 watts of power, e.g., a third charging rate) for other types of portable devices (e.g., tablet computers such as an Apple iPads™). The foregoing charge voltages, charge currents, and charge power are exemplary and the DC-to-DC converter can supply other charge voltages, charge currents, and charge powers based on the type of portable electronic device detected, such as an Apple iPad™ third generation device, fourth generation device, fifth generation device, or later generation device. In some implementations, where authentication circuit235cannot determine the type of device connected to one of the charging terminals, DC-to-DC converter may be set to a set of default charging parameters for charging a portable electronic device, such as 5 volts, 0.5 amps (2.5 watts of power) or other defaults.

According to one implementation, the circuit includes a current meter, a voltage meter, or both electrically positioned between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. In one implementation, the current meter, the voltage meter, or both are integrally formed with battery-charging controller200. Battery level indicator240or other indicator can be configured to operate in conjunction with the battery-charging controller200, the control circuit230, or both of these circuits as well as other circuits for displaying the charge current or the charge voltage generated by the solar cells.

Charging Terminals. One or more of charging terminals165may be universal serial bus (USB) terminals. The USB terminals may be configured as type A, type B, mini-A, mini-B, micro-A, micro-B, or the like, or any combination of the foregoing. Also, other types of connectors such as FireWire (i.e., an IEEE 1394 interface, i.LINK, or Lynx), eSATA, or proprietary connectors (e.g., Apple 30-pin connector, Apple 19-pin connector, Apple 8-pin connector (e.g., Apple's Lightning™ connector) may be used instead of, or in addition to, USB terminals. Portable electronic devices may be connected to the charging terminals via cables, such as USB cables where the connectors of the charging terminals may have the same or different terminal types at opposite ends of the cables. Charging terminals165may be configured to operate according to a variety of USB protocol, such as USB 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 or other versions so that a variety of portable electronic devices107may be charged, such as the devices listed above as well as MP3 players, handheld GPS devices, portable game consoles, battery rechargers, laptop computers, and the like.

In one implementation, charging terminals165are substantially circularly arranged on PCB170as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7and are positioned within battery housing147. The substantially circular arrangement of charging terminals165provides that at least one charging terminal may be easily reached by a user located at any angular position with respect to umbrella100, so that the user does not have to move or rotate the umbrella to reach and access a charging terminal for charging the user's portable electronic device107. In a lounging environment in which umbrella100may be used, this substantially circular arrangement provides for increased ease of use of the umbrella for charging portable devices. Also, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, PCB170and battery housing147position charging terminals165a distance (e.g., 2 to 7 inches) away from umbrella pole130and towards where users may be seated or the like for easy and convenient access.

One or more of charging terminals165may be DC connectors that provide a relatively low DC output voltage, such as 12 volts. The DC connector may be a barrel type connector, a cigarette lighter type receptacle, a mini-jack, a micro-jack, or other connector type. The DC connector may supply DC voltage for powering or charging a variety of devices, such as lights, fans, music players, computers (e.g., laptop computers), beverage heating devices, beverage cooling device, and small motorized tools. The 12-volt outlet may be used in an implementation of the present invention. The foregoing described implementations of charging are provided for example and the described implementations are not exhaustive of the types of charging terminals that that may be included in circuit180.

Turning now to power inverter246, the power inverter changes direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), such as 110 volts AC. Power inverter246may be electrically connected to one or more of battery185(as shown inFIG. 9A), DC-to-DC converter205, and solar panels135and may invert the DC voltages supplied by one or more of these elements to AC voltage. An AC voltage put out by power inverter246may be used for powering or charging a number of devices, such as electronic devices, tools, and appliances. Many common appliances run on AC power. For implementations of the umbrella that include the power inverter, the power inverter can be positioned on PCB170or can be configured as a stand alone circuit in battery housing145. Further, whileFIG. 9Ashows that umbrella100includes one power inverter, various implementation of the umbrella may include one or more power inverters. The power inverter can be configured to deliver AC power through an AC outlet (e.g., NEMA 1 15 or NEMA 5-15 sockets, or other socket types) that may be in housing145. Some umbrella implementations do not include a power inverter.

Some implementations of umbrella100include a number of solar panels135that is sufficient to provide an amount of current that can be used by the umbrella to charge a variety of portable electronic devices without accumulating charge in battery185. These implementations might not include a battery and electrical energy generated by the solar panels might be directed to connected portable electronic devices for charging. The electrical energy generated by solar panels135might be routed through DC-to-DC converter205for conversion to voltages and currents useful for charging the batteries of connected portable electronic devices.

It is noted that while umbrella100is described herein as being configured to charge the batteries of portable electronic devices, umbrella100may be configured to charge a variety of charge store devices that are often included in portable electronic devices, such as capacitors, super capacitors, or other charge store devices. While various implementation are described herein the include solar panels for charging battery185, alternative implementations of umbrella100may include alternative or additional elements for generating electrical energy, such as wind turbines, thermoelectric generators, bioenergy sources, or the like.

Control Circuit. Turning now to control circuit230and authentication circuit235, the control circuit may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, control logic (e.g., programmable logic or a field programmable gate array), or the like, or any combination of these circuits. In a specific implementation, control circuit230is the ATMega32 microcontroller from Atmel Corp.

Among other functions, control circuit230controls communication with portable electronic devices107that are connected to charging terminals165. Control circuit230may operate in conjunction with a USB stack (not shown) that can be included in the control circuit. The USB stack facilitates communication between the control circuit and connected portable electronic devices by operating according to a communication protocol, such as one or more of the standard USB communication protocols. Other implementations of the umbrella operate according to other communication protocols, such as one or more Apple protocol, one or more proprietary protocols, or other protocols.

For example, when a portable electronic device is initially connected to a charging terminal165, control circuit230may operate according to one of the standard USB protocols or other protocols for communicating with the portable electronic device to collect device type information, which specifies the device type of the portable electronic device. The collected device type information may include information that identifies the portable electronic device, for example, as a phone, a tablet computer, a PDA, or the like. The device type information may include information that identifies the manufacturer of the portable electronic device. The authentication circuit can use this information to determine a device type (e.g., Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, and identify the version (e.g., first generation, second generation, third generation, fourth generation, fifth generation, or future generations) of the portable device and

FIG. 9Cis a flow diagram of a communication method according to one implementation of the invention. The flow diagram represents one example implementation and steps may be added to the flow diagram, removed from the flow diagram, or combined without deviating from the scope of the invention.

In a step900, when a portable electronic device107is connected to one of charging terminals165, circuit180(e.g., control circuit230) detects the connection. Thereafter, circuit180implements a handshaking protocol by sending a first communication (e.g., a self-identification signal) through the charging terminal to the portable electronic device, see step905. If the portable electronic device recognizes the signal, the portable electronic device accepts the signal. In some implementations, the portable electronic device authenticates the circuitry of the umbrella based on the signal.

Thereafter, the portable electronic device sends a second communication back to the circuit (e.g., control circuit230) through the charging terminal (see step910). The second communication is sent in response to the first communication. The second communication received by the circuit includes device type information for the portable electronic device.

The circuit (e.g., control circuit230) sends one or more portions (e.g., the device information) of the second communication to the authentication circuit (see step915). The authentication circuit then uses the device type information to determine a device type of the portable electronic device (see step920). For example, the authentication circuit uses the device type information to determine that the portable electronic device is a first device type (e.g., Apple iPod™), a second device type (e.g., Apple iPhone™), a third device type (e.g., Apple iPad™), or other device type. Circuit180(e.g., the control circuit, the authentication circuit, or both) then use the determined device type to determine (e.g., lookup in memory237) a set of charging parameters (e.g., one or more of a charging voltage, charging current, a current rate, or other parameters) for the portable electronic device (see step925).

Thereafter, the circuit (e.g., battery control circuit200, DC-to-DC converter205, or both) is configured to supply the charging voltage and charging current (based on the determined charging parameters) to the charging terminal for charging the portable electronic device (see step930). Battery control circuit200, DC-to-DC converter205, or both can be configured by one or both of control circuit230and authentication circuit235for supplying the charging voltage and charging current.

For example, if battery185is a lithium ion battery that supplies 7.4 volts, DC-to-DC converter205can lower the voltage supplied through the charging terminal to about 5.0 volts for charging the portable electronic device connected to the umbrella. One or both of the battery control circuit and the DC-to-DC converter is configured to clamp the current supplied from the battery to the charging terminal. The clamped current is the specified current or less.

In an implementation, if authentication circuit235determines that the portable electronic device is a first type of device (e.g., PDA (e.g., Apple iPod™), portable phone (e.g., Apple iPhone™), or other device), then circuit180(e.g., the DC-to-DC converter) is configured to supply a first level of power (e.g., 2.5 watts) to the portable electronic device for charging the portable electronic device where the first level of power is associated with the first type of device. For example, according to the voltage, the current, or the power required by a first type of portable electronic device, the DC-to-DC converter can be configured to supply up to 5 volts and current up to 0.5 amps (i.e., up to 2.5 watts of power).

Alternatively, if authentication circuit235determines that the portable electronic device is a second type of device (e.g., portable phone (e.g., Apple iPhone™), tablet computer (e.g., Apple iPad™), or other device), then circuit180(e.g., the DC-to-DC converter) is configured to supply a second level of power (5 watts) to the portable electronic device for charging the portable electronic device. The second level of power can be greater than the first power level. For example, for a second type of portable electronic device, the DC-to-DC converter can be configured to supply up to 5 volts and current up to 1.0 amps (i.e., up to 5 watts of power).

Alternatively, if the authentication circuit235determines that the portable electronic device is a third type of device (e.g., a tablet computer (e.g., Apple iPad™), then circuit180(e.g., the DC-to-DC converter) is configured to supply a third level of power (e.g., 10 watts) to the portable electronic device for charging the portable electronic device. The third level of power can be greater than the first and second levels of power. For example, for a third type of portable electronic device, the DC-to-DC converter can be configured to supply up to 5.0 volts and current up to 2.0 amps (e.g., up to 10 watts of power).

In other implementations, other device types (e.g., Apple iPads™ of the third generation, the fourth generation, the fifth generation, or higher generations, Samsung Galaxy tablet computers, Amazon tablet computer, Google tablet computers, or other types of devices) may be detected by the authentication circuit, and based on the type of detected portable device, circuit180may be appropriately configured to supply power to these types of devices.

In some implementations, where authentication circuit235cannot determine the type of portable electronic device connected to one of the charging terminals, DC-to-DC converter may be set to a set of default charging parameters for charging a portable electronic device, such as 5 volts, 0.5 amps (2.5 watts of power) or other defaults. In some implementations, DC-to-DC converter is configurable by control circuit230, authentication circuit235, or a combination of these circuits for supplying appropriate voltages, currents, and power simultaneously to one or more portable electronic devices connected to one or more corresponding charging terminals.

The table below shows a number of example device types and their associated charging voltages, charging currents, and charging powers (i.e., charging parameters) that can be associated with the device types. The device type numbers (e.g., first type, second type, third type, and the like) shown in the table are shown for purposes of example. The device type numbers shown in the table can switched for specific number schemes that may be used by specific manufacturers (e.g., number schemes used by Apple, Samsung, Motorola, or others). The information in the table can be stored in memory237in a database for lookup and retrieval by control circuit230or other circuit elements of circuit180.

Table

In some implementations, the DC-to-DC converter is configured to operate as a current clamp circuit, a power clamp circuit, or both. That is, the DC-to-DC converter is configured to provide current, power, or both up to a given limit and not supply current, power, or both beyond the given limit. For example, if portable electronic device connected to a charging terminal is determined to require 2.5 watts of power for charging, then the DC-to-DC converter will supply up to 2.5 watts of power and not supply more power.

In one implementation, the above described authentication process or handshake process uses certificates, which get exchanged between the circuitry and the portable electronic device when the device is connected to one of the charging terminals. The circuitry of the umbrella and the connected portable electronic device open up communication channels once these certificates have been exchanged and authenticated. After the communication channels are opened, the portable electronic device supplies the device type information to the circuit as described above with respect toFIG. 9A, and thereafter the authentication circuit determines the device type and determines the charging parameters for the device. Charging can proceed as described above.

In one specific implementation, upon connecting the portable electronic device to one of the charging terminals, if portable electronic device authenticates the umbrella, via circuit180, the portable electronic device will display its normal screen and no warning messages regarding the umbrella will appear on the screen of the device. In another specific implementation, if the portable electronic device does not authenticate the umbrella, via circuit180, the umbrella will not be presented as a valid accessory and the screen of the portable electronic device displays a warning message. This warning message may be referred to as a “nag message,” informing the user that the umbrella is not a valid accessory or has not been approved by the manufacturer of the phone. In one implementation, the umbrella communicates with the portable electronic device to prevent a nag message from being displayed if authentication is not successful, and thereafter the umbrella may supply the default charge voltage and default charge current to the connected portable electronic device.

Battery Gauge. Turning now to battery gauge220and A-D converter215, the A-D converter is electrically coupled to battery185and is configured to determine a voltage level of the battery according to at least one implementation of the umbrella. More specifically, the A-D converter is configured to sense the voltage across the battery's terminals, and thereafter convert the sensed analog voltage to a digital voltage value. The A-D converter then supplies the digital voltage value to control circuit230, which then determines the amount of charge stored in battery185based on the digital voltage value. Control circuit230may execute battery gauge computer code (e.g., battery gauge220according to one implementation) to determine the amount of charge stored in battery185.

The battery gauge computer code includes one or more mathematical formulas that are used by the control circuit to determine the charged stored in the battery based on the battery's output voltage. The one or more mathematical formulas may be based on known information about the battery, such as the charge capacity of the battery, the battery chemistry, the drop in the output voltage of the battery versus the drop in charge stored in the battery, or other known information about the battery.

In some implementations, the battery gauge computer code can be stored in memory237and can be changed, updated, or modified if the battery185changed, if battery models are developed, or for other reasons. As described briefly above, memory237can be FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, PROM, or other memory type.

In one alternative implementation, battery gauge220includes a battery gauge circuit that is configured to receive the digital value for the voltage and determine the charge stored in battery185. The battery gauge circuit can be an independent circuit element that is included in circuit180and is located in PCB170. The battery gauge circuit may operate independently of control circuit230or in conjunction with the control circuit to determine the charge stored in battery185. In some implementations, control circuit230includes the battery gauge circuit.

After the battery gauge determines the charge stored in the battery, one or both of the battery gauge and the control circuit may operate to turn on (i.e., light) none, or one or more of the indicators (e.g., lights, such as LEDs) included in battery level indicator240to indicate the amount of stored charge in the battery.

As briefly described briefly above and in further detail below, battery level indicator240may include a number of indicators250for indicating the charge status of battery185. For example, battery level indicator240may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or other number of indicators, such as LEDs or the like, to indicate a stored charge level of battery185. Typically, the more indicators turned on indicates a greater amount of stored charge in the battery, and less indicators turned on indicates a lesser amount of stored charge. When no indicators turn on, the battery will be discharged or have a relatively low charge (e.g., less than 5 percent charge, less then 4 percent charge, less then 3 percent charge, less that 2 percent charge, less then 1 percent charge, or other low charge percentage).

When battery185is fully charged, all indicators should be turned on. In other implementations, in a reverse indicator scheme, the indicators can be turned off to indicate a charged battery and turned on to indicate a discharged battery. If battery level indicator240indicates that battery185has a low level of charge, a user might turn the top of the umbrella to face the sun to increase the electrical energy generated by solar panels135so that the battery can be charged at an increate charge rate. One benefit, however, of various implementations of umbrella100described herein is that solar panels135may be disposed on a number of faces of shade105such that the umbrella does need to be rotated to provide increased charging current for battery185. As such, if a low charge of battery185is indicated by the battery level indicator, then the ambient light may be relatively low (e.g., dawn, dusk, or night). In such circumstances, the battery can then be charged via DC charging port166.

FIGS. 4I and 4Jshow views of battery housing147and battery level indicator240according to one implementation. The battery housing has one or more openings formed in the battery housing that expose indicators250(e.g., lights, such as LEDs or OLED, or LCD indicators) of battery level indicator240. According to one implementation, battery level indicator240includes the indicator controller245(e.g., button or switch), which is configured to be activated by a user for turning on indicators250.

According to another implementation, when activated, indicator controller245is configured to initiate the determination of the output voltage of the battery by analog-to-digital (A-D) converter215and control circuit230. When activated, the indicator controller is further configured to initiate the determination of the charge level of the battery by battery gauge220, and thereafter control battery level indicator240to indicate the charge level.

WhileFIGS. 4I and 4Jshow that the individual indicators250of battery level indicator240are vertically oriented, the indicators can be oriented in other orientations. For example, indicators250may horizontally arranged, arranged in an arc, arranged in a circle, or have other arrangements.

Battery gauge220may also be configured to provide information for a number of operating hours that battery185has operated, a number for the charge percentage of the battery, the maintenance status of the battery (e.g., whether the battery needs replacing, the battery is new, or the like), or any combination of these and other parameters. These parameters may be indicated to a user via battery level indicator240on indicators250or other display types, such as a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display, which may display text and numbers). This information may be important to a user of the present invention in order to gauge the types and quantity of devices to charge at a given time. In other implementations, more than one gauge may be used with umbrella100.

In one implementation, circuit180includes a voltage conversion circuit255to step down the generated voltage of the solar panels135, the output voltage of battery185, or both for powering the various circuit elements of circuit180. For example, voltage conversion circuit255may step down the 12 volts, for example, generated by solar panels135to 3.3 volts, 5.0 volts, or the other voltage used by the circuit elements. The voltage conversion circuit may step down the 7.4 volts, for example, output by battery185to 3.3 volts, 5.0 volts, or the other voltage used by the circuit elements.

Various components of circuit180may be in sleep modes when not in use to preserve the charge of battery185. For example, A-D converter215, battery gauge200, control circuit230, authentication circuit235, and memory237may each have sleep modes that are used by these circuits when the circuits are not in use. User activation of indicator controller245, detection of a recently connected portable electronic device, or the like may wake (e.g., enter a full power mode) the sleeping circuits. A sleep mode as referred to herein can include a number of power down states including states that are sometimes referred to as low power modes and deep sleep modes.

Network Communication Device. In an implementation, a solar-charging battery device includes a wireless communication interface such as a wide area network (WAN) connection interface (e.g., 4G module, 3G module, or the like), for connecting a mobile device in proximity to the device to a wide area network, such as the mobile Internet (e.g., provided by Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, or T-Mobile).

As an example, the circuitry inFIG. 9Acan include a 4G module, thus creating a mobile hotspot to the 4G LTE mobile Internet. The solar panels charge the rechargeable battery, which powers the 4G circuitry. A smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other client device can connect wirelessly (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or by wire (e.g., USB cable) to the 4G circuitry. Then the smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other device can connect to the Internet.

Typically, portable mobile hotpots use significant power and drain batteries quickly. In a solar-powered implementation, since power comes from the sun, as long as the sun is shining, the mobile hotspot will provide continuous continuity. And at night, the battery will power the mobile hotspot. With sun, the mobile hotspot can be available for the entire day.

FIG. 9Dshows a block diagram of a specific implementation of a solar-powered mobile hotspot. The circuitry is similar to that shown inFIG. 9A, but further includes the wide area network circuitry. The components can be contained in a battery housing700, such battery housing147. The circuitry includes a network communication device705. The network communication device is configured to provide network access for one or more electronic devices107. That is, the network communication device is configured to operate as a network portal that provides network access, such as Internet access, intranet access, or both, for the electronic devices.

In an implementation, network communication device705(e.g., including a 4G module) can be on the same printed circuit board (PCB) as the solar charging and rechargeable battery circuitry. In an implementation, network communication device705(e.g., including a 4G module) can be on a different printed circuit board from the solar charging and rechargeable battery circuitry. For example, solar charging and rechargeable battery circuitry can be a first printed circuit board while network communication device705is on a second printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board (may be referred to as a “daughterboard”) and can plug into (or otherwise connect) to the first printed circuit board (may be referred to as “motherboard”) through a connector.

Network communication provided by the network communication device may include packetized network communication or other types of communication that are specified by an communication protocol, such as an internet protocol (IP), such as the transmission control protocol IP (TCP/IP).

The network communication device may be configured for wired communication with one or more portable electronic devices, wireless communication with one or more portable communication devices, or both. The network communication device may also be configured for wired communication with an external network (e.g., the Internet, an internet, or both), wireless communication with an external network or both for providing network access to one or more portable electronic devices.

In an implementation, network communication device705includes a mobile WAN (wide area network) module720, a memory725, an access point730, a wireless Bluetooth module735, a USB module745(e.g., USB stack firmware and USB circuitry), a router switch750, a DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) module765, a SIM card770, and a communication bus775. The network communication device can also include a power distribution bus (not shown) that distributes power to the circuit elements. The network communication device can include one or more of the circuit elements in any combination.

According to the implementation, one or more of the circuit elements are positioned on PCB170of circuit180. In another implementation, one or more of the circuit elements are positioned on a network communication PCB that is electrically connected (e.g., ribbon cable, edge connector, or other connector types) to PCB170.

Memory725can be FLASH, EEPROM, EPROM, PROM, or other memory type. The memory can store computer code, such as firmware, that can be used by one or more of the circuit elements for providing network access, for example via a cell tower, for one or more portable electronic devices that are communicatively linked to the network communication device. The firmware can also be used by one or more of the circuits (e.g., access point730) for providing password protection for allowing authorized portable electronic devices to login to the access point, and for disallowing unauthorized portable electronic devices to login to the access point.

The firmware can be resident in a memory of the network communication device. The firmware can updated by a wired connection to the device, or a wireless connection, such as a firmware update delivered via the mobile WAN (e.g., provided by a carrier such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, or T-Mobile. The firmware can be code that presents users' client devices (e.g., smartphone or laptop) who connect to a mobile hotspot device a graphical user interface, for signing into and connected to the mobile WAN. For example, the user can enter their carrier account information in the graphical user interface on the phone to identify themselves. If they do not have an account with the carrier, the graphical user interface can provide options for paying for one-time user, such as entering credit card information.

Alternatively, instead of firmware (or software) stored locally at the hotspot device, the login or sign-in screen may be presented via software that executes on the remote server. Or, the login or sign-in code may be a combination of local firmware or software and remote software on a server.

Mobile WAN720can be configured for cellular communication with a cellular network via a variety of communication protocols such, as one or more 2G protocols, one or more 3G protocols, one or more 4G protocols, or other communication protocols in use, such as 5G, 6G, 7G, or higher generation protocols. According to one implementation, mobile WAN720is a 4G module. The 4G module can communicate via one or more of: IEEE 802.16m standards (e.g., WiMAX protocol or Mobile WiMAX protocol), one or more long term evolution (LTE) protocols, one or more LTE Advanced protocols, one or more IEEE 802.16e standards (e.g., the WirelessMAN-Advanced protocol), the Flash-OFDM protocol, one or more IEEE 802.20 standards (e.g., the iBurst protocol, or the MBWA protocol), the HIPERMAN protocol, the EDGE Evolution protocol, the UMTS protocol, the EV-DO protocol, or other standards or protocols.

The mobile WAN can use a transmission technology such as CDMA, TDMA, GSM, or EDGE. TDMA stands for time division multiple access. CDMA stands for code division multiple access. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. Most GSM device use a removable Subscriber Identity Module or SIM cards, more commonly known as a smart card, containing a user's account information, phone book, and security parameters.

The mobile WAN includes an antenna720athat provides for communication with a cellular network that includes a number of cell towers, a wireless router, or other network access devices. Antenna720acan be an on-chip antenna (e.g., mounted on the printed circuit board) or an external antenna (e.g., connected through an antenna connected to the printed circuit board). In one implementation, antenna720ais an external antenna that is positioned in the battery housing, such as positioned on an interior surface of the battery housing. In another implementation, antenna720ais positioned on one or more portions of the umbrella, such as along (e.g., inside) umbrella pole130, along (e.g., inside) one or more struts110, ribs115, or a combination of these positions. The antenna can also be positioned along shade105, such as positioned on a lower surface of the shade. Typically, the more elevated the antenna, the greater the range of the broadcast, since there are fewer obstacles that interfere with the signal.

The mobile WAN and antenna can operate at a variety of frequencies based on the protocol that the mobile WAN is configured to operate under. According to an implementation where the mobile WAN and antenna are 4G devices, the mobile WAN and antenna can operate at frequencies ranging from about 500 megahertz to about 5 gigahertz, such as 500 megahertz, 800 megahertz, 1 gigahertz, 1.1 gigahertz, 1.3 gigahertz, 1.5 gigahertz, 1.7 gigahertz, 1.9 gigahertz, 2 gigahertz, 2.3 gigahertz, 2.5 gigahertz, 2.7 gigahertz, 2.9 gigahertz, 3.0 gigahertz, 3.3 gigahertz, 3.5 gigahertz, 3.7 gigahertz, 3.9 gigahertz, or higher frequencies.

In one implementation, the mobile WAN operates as a portal that provides network access for one or more portable electronic devices via one or more of the access point730, the wireless Bluetooth module735, and the USB module745. In one implementation, one or more portable electronic devices107can wirelessly couple to the access point, one or more portable electronic devices can wirelessly couple to the wireless Bluetooth module, and one or more portable electronic devices can couple via a wired cable through the USB module.

In one implementation, the access point includes a Wi-Fi router or a router that operates according to one or more related standards. The access point can provide network access (e.g., via the mobile WAN) for one or more portable electronic devices wirelessly connected to the access point. For example, a client device connects through the access point to the router or switch. The DHCP server assigns an IP address to the client device. This IP address may be assigned via network address translation (NAT). Through the router or switch, multiple client devices can be connected to the wide area network at the same time. The router or switch routes the network traffic from the wide area network to the appropriate client.

The access point can be single band (e.g., 2.4 gigahertz Wi-Fi or 5 gigahertz Wi-Fi) or multiple bands (e.g., both 2.4 and 5 gigahertz Wi-Fi). The access point can include one or more antenna, for example antennas730aand730b, that allow the access point to communicate at a variety of frequencies. For example, the access point and one of the antennas can be configured to operate at frequencies specified by IEEE 802.11a or 802.11 ac (e.g., 5 gigahertz frequency band). The access point and the other of the antenna can be configured to operate at frequencies specified by IEEE 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n (e.g., 2.4 gigahertz band) or operate at frequencies that are specified by other standards.

The access point can be one or more antennas tuned for the specific frequency bands being used. In other implementations, for multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) operation, there can be two or more antennas for each frequency band.

The access point can be configured for secured access via one or more passwords, or may be configured for unsecured access where a password is not required for accessing the access point. A guest at a location (e.g., a hotel, a resort, a restaurant, or other location) may be able to collect a password for the access point at the location (e.g., from a hotel check in desk, a host or waiter at a restaurant, or from other people of devices).

In one implementation, the wireless Bluetooth module can provide network access (e.g., via the mobile WAN) for one or more portable electronic devices wirelessly connected to the wireless Bluetooth module. The wireless Bluetooth module can be a standard power Bluetooth module or a low power Bluetooth module. The wireless Bluetooth module includes an antenna735that provides for wireless communication with a wirelessly connected portable electronic device. The wireless Bluetooth module and antenna can operate at a variety of frequencies, such as the 2.4 gigahertz band.

In one implementation, the USB module includes, or is configured to use, one or more of the USB charging ports165of the battery housing. The USB module can provide network access (e.g., via the mobile WAN) for one or more portable electronic devices connected to the USB charging ports. At the same time while providing network connectivity, circuit180of the battery housing can provide electrical power to the one or more portable electronic device for charging the one or more portable electronic devices. That is, the network communication device and the battery charging circuits of circuit can provide substantially simultaneous network access and battery charging power for one or more connected electronic devices. For example, there are four USB ports to allow four client devices to connect to the wide area network (and potentially charge) at the same time.

The DHCP module is electronically connected via bus775to each of the access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, the USB module, and the mobile WAN. The DHCP module provides Internet protocol (IP) parameters, such as IP addresses, to the electronic devices that connect to one of the access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, and the USB module. The DHCP protocol operates based on the client-server model, and is common to modern networks that range in size from home networks to large campus networks and regional Internet service provider networks.

Network switch is connected to bus775and filters and forwards packets from the mobile WAN to the access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, the USB module. The access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, the USB module thereafter forward the packets appropriately to one or more portable electronic devices that are communicatively coupled to these communication devices. The network switch also receives packets from the access point, the wireless Bluetooth module, and the USB module and forward the packets to the mobile WAN for further transmission, such as to a cell tower.

One or more antennas of the mobile WAN, the access point, and the wireless Bluetooth module can be on-chip antennas, can be positioned within the battery housing, can be positioned along umbrella pole130, can be positioned along the stays, the ribs, the shade, or a combination of one or more of these elements.

In an implementation, the battery housing includes the network communication device, and the battery housing includes one or more solar panels that can charge the rechargeable battery as described above. The solar panels can be positioned on the top of the battery housing, along the sides of the battery housing, or both. Solar panels on top of the battery housing can be substantially planar, and solar panels on the side of the battery housing can be planar or curved to substantially match an exterior shape of the battery housing. The battery housing can have a variety of shapes, such as a cuboid, a cube, or other shapes.

In an implementation, the battery housing may be detachable from the umbrella pole or may be a stand-alone device that recharges the rechargeable battery via the solar panels attached to the battery housing.

In an implementation, the battery housing and the components contained within it are a stand-alone device that can supply battery power to the USB ports, and can be recharged via DC charging port166. The hole for the umbrella pole can blocked with a cover. A handle can be attached to the unit. Such a stand-alone device can be used as a portable power pack for use at, for example, a hotel or other conference facility for use by users to charge their battery-operated device. The portable power pack can be placed at conference room tables or other locations convenient for users. As discussed above, in a specific implementation, this power pack can be used by four people simultaneously to charge four device (even higher drain devices such as tablet computers). The battery housing can include a locking mechanism (such as a Kensington security slot) to secure the power pack to a table. After use, the conference room staff can easily move the power packs to a storage location, where they can be charged via the charging jack, or wirelessly (as described elsewhere in this application).

FIG. 9Eis a diagram of an umbrella780according to one implementation. Umbrella780is similar to umbrella100but differs in that umbrella780includes a network communication device705having an external housing742that is connected to the battery housing via a wired connection. The network communication device connects to one of the battery housing's charging terminals (e.g., a USB charging terminal), and can operate according to a USB protocol. The battery housing provides for charging a connected portable electronic device107and the network communication device provides a network portal for the portable electronic device while the device's rechargeable battery is being charged by the battery housing.

In one implementation, the network communication device receives electric power from the rechargeable battery through circuit180. In another implementation, the network communication device receives electrical power directly from the solar panels. Electrical power received directly from the solar panels bypasses circuit180but may be routed through PCB170.

FIG. 9Fis a flow diagram of a method for charging a portable electronic device and substantially simultaneously providing network access to the portable electronic device according to one implementation. The flow diagram represents on example embodiment. Steps may be added, combined, and removed from the flow diagram without deviating from the prevue of the implementation.

At an initial step950, a portable electronic device107is connected to one of the battery housing's charging terminals. Circuit180of the battery housing performs a handshake operation with the portable electronic device (see step955). Thereafter, the battery housing may begin providing electric power to the portable electronic device for charging the battery of the portable electronic device (see step960), and the network communication device links to the portable electronic device for providing network access to the device (see step965).

In some embodiments, the network communication device also performs a handshake procedure with the portable electronic device prior to providing network access to the device. In some implementations, the wireless network device can provide network access to the portable electronic device via the access point or the wireless Bluetooth module while the potable electronic device is connected to the USB charging terminals.

In one embodiment, the handshake procedure includes the transmission of an access code (e.g., password) from the portable electronic device to the network communication device. Acceptance of the access code allows the portable electronic device to link to the network communication device. Subsequent the portable electronic device linking to the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device operates as a network portal for the portable electronic device so that the portable electronic device can access the Internet, an intranet, or both via the wireless communication device.

According to a further embodiment, a second portable electronic device is connected to another one of the charging terminals of the battery housing. Steps950-965are repeated for the second portable electronic device. That is, the battery housing and the network communication device can provide electrical power for charging the rechargeable battery of the second portable electronic device and provide network access for the second device. Additional portable electronic device can be connected to additional charging terminals of the battery housing for being charged and receiving network access.

In one embodiment, subsequent to a portable electronic device being charged by the battery housing, the portable electronic device can be disconnected from the battery housing by a user while the network communication device continues to provide network access to the portable electronic device. In one embodiment, if the USB module of the network communication device provides network access to the portable electronic device while the portable electronic device is connected to the battery housing, after disconnection, the network communication device wirelessly connects to the portable electronic device via one of the access point or the wireless Bluetooth module. The wireless connection to the access point or the wireless Bluetooth module may occur in the background of the portable electronic device where the user is not made aware of the new wireless connection. That is, the network communication device can initiate wireless connection to the portable electronic device subsequent to the disconnection. Accordingly, the transition from receiving wired network access to receiving wireless network access from the network communication device can occur without notification from the network communication device and the portable electronic device.

According to another implementation, if the access point or the wireless Bluetooth module is providing wireless network access for the portable electronic device, and the portable electronic device is disconnected from the battery housing, the portable electronic device and the network communication device remain wirelessly connected. That is, after being disconnected, the portable electronic device will continue to receive network access via the network communication device.

According to another implementation, the battery housing includes a display device that is configured to display information for the network connection status for one or more connected portable electronic devices. The network communication device can include a processor that collected information from the circuits and control the display device. The network communication device and display may also be configured to display information that identifies the particular circuit module (e.g., access point (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, or USB) that currently provides network access to a given portable electronic device. The display may be configured to display other information, such as the strength of the signal that the network communication device is receiving from a cell tower, a Wi-Fi device, or other network source. The display device may also display an identifier for a particular network provider (e.g., a cellular telephone company) currently providing network access to the network communication device. The display device may also be configured to provide information for the charging state for the rechargeable batteries of portable electronic device connected to the battery housing.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare a simplified side view and a top view of an umbrella1000according to one alternative implementation of the present invention. Umbrella1000is substantially similar to umbrella100described above, but differs from umbrella100in that solar panels1135are foldable and may be attached to shade105, struts110, or both. Solar panels1135may be foldable solar panels and may be folded with shade105as the shade is closed, and may be unfolded with the shade as the shade is opened. In one implementation, solar panels1135are positioned on shade105and between struts105where sides of the solar panels may or may not be attached to the struts. In another alternative implementation, solar panels1135are positioned on shade105and straddle struts105. For example, solar panels1135may be on shade105and may be laterally centered on struts105.

Umbrella1000may include one or more solar panels1135, which may be positioned on each panel (i.e., each section of the shade between a pair of struts110) of shade, on every other panel, or the like. In other implementations, the quantity and arrangement of the solar panels may be varied in accordance for various other types of outdoor umbrellas or other types of sunshades and furniture having sunshades.

Solar panels1135may include an electronic integrated photovoltaic system (EIPV) which may be made from copper-indium-gallium-diselenide (CIGS) thin-film semiconductors. The EIPV may be manufactured on relatively thin plastic substrates which provide the flexibility for integrating solar panel1135onto the material forming shade105and for folding with the shade as the shade is opened and closed. In one specific implementation, each of the soar panels1135has a width of about 9.38 inches, and a length of about 27 inches. In a folded arrangement, a width of each of the folded solar panels135is about 5 inches or less, and may have a length of about 9.5 inches, and a height is about 1.25 inches.

A weight of each of solar panels1135may be about 12 ounces to about 16 ounces (e.g., about 14.8 ounces). The dimensions of the solar panels can vary, however, according to the type and size of the shade of the umbrella. Furthermore, the shape (e.g., rectangular, square, circular, triangular, or trapezoidal) of solar panels1125may vary according to the size of umbrella. Solar panels1135may be custom made to fit various shapes and sizes of shades105. Specific implementations of solar panels135and1135may be manufactured by Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. and known as the WaveSol Mobile, WaveSol Mobile Fringe, and WaveSol Light, all of which are trademarks of Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc.

Solar panels1135may be attached to shade105by a variety of devices and techniques, such as fasteners, eyelets and hooks, buttons and button holes, grommets, zip ties (also known as cable ties and tie wraps), Velcro® of Velcro Industries B.V., sewing, adhesives, material infusion (application of heat to bond the raw materials), or the like. These attachment devices allow for the removal and replacement of solar panel1135if a solar panel needs to be replaced. While both solar panels135and1135are shown in the various figures as being arranged from a top of shade105and extending outward along the shade, the solar panels can be arranged in a variety of configurations, such as side-by-side, in rings or arcs about circumferences of the shade, or a variety of other configurations.

FIG. 10Cis a simplified image of umbrella1000according to one alternative implementation where charging terminals165includes wires165athat extend the charging terminals (e.g., end terminals165b) from umbrella pole130or battery housing147(not shown inFIG. 10c). Wires165amay be retractable into battery pole or battery housing147. Alternative implementations of umbrella100may similarly include charging terminals165with wires165athat extend the charging terminals from umbrella pole130or battery housing147.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11Cshow a simplified side view, top view, and back view, respectively, of specific implementation of the invention incorporated in a chaise lounge1100. Chase lounge1100includes an umbrella1105that includes one or more solar panels135or1135attached to a panel1110of a foldable shade105′. Foldable shade105′ may be coupled to a frame structure1115that couples to a seating portion of chase lounge1100. Foldable shade105′ and frame structure1115may be adjustable by folding the foldable shade and the frame structure backward or forward with respect to the length of the chase lounge by a user to protect against direct sunlight. Frame structure1115may include a hinge1115athat allows the frame structure to fold including being foldable for storage.

In the specific implementation shown inFIGS. 11B and 11C, two solar panels are attached to an upper panel of foldable shade105′. In other implementations, fewer or more solar panels are integrated into foldable shade105′. Chase lounge1100may include a storage unit1140configured to house battery185, PCB170, circuit180, charging terminals165, and the like described above. Storage unit1140may be box shaped and be incorporated with chase lounge1100along a side of the chase lounge as shown inFIGS. 11A-11Cor may be incorporated into other elements of the chase lounge such as the frame1145and the arm rests1150of the chase lounge to provide an esthetic and functional design. In other implementations, storage unit1140may be incorporated into the frame structure1115, or a combination of the elements of the chase lounge. For example, the storage unit1140may be located on a back side of foldable shade105′. Charging terminals165and charge indicator167may be located on a variety of locations on chase lounge1100. For example, one or more charging terminal165and charging terminal167may be located on frame structure1115, storage1140, frame1145, arm rest1150, or the like. In some implementation, the umbrella1105and from structure1115are separable from the sitting portion of chase lounge1100and are moveable from one location to another. For example, umbrella105′ and foldable structure1115may be configured for free standing use and might include at least one wheel allowing for relatively easy moving.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bare side views of a detachable sunshade1200, andFIG. 12Cis a back view of the detachable sunshade according to another implementation. Sunshade1200includes a frame structure1205that in-turn includes a sunshade support1210, a spine1215, and a connector1220. Sunshade support1210and spine1215may be coupled by a first hinge section1225, and spine1215and connector1220may be coupled be a second hinge section1230. Detachable sunshade1200may further include a shade105″ that is coupled to sunshade support1210and is adjustable by rotating sunshade support1210with respect to spine1215via the first hinge section1225. Shade105″ may be further adjustable by rotating spine1215with respect to connector1220. Accordingly, first hinge section1225may provide for relatively fine rotational adjustments of detachable sunshade1210, and second hinge second1225may provide for relatively coarse rotational adjustments of detachable sunshade1210. In alternative implementations, one or both of the first and the second hinge sections1225and1230may be fixed joints that do not allow for rotation of sunshade support1210.FIG. 12Ashows shade105″ rotated into a planar view andFIG. 12Bshows the shade rotate about ninety degrees from the planar view ofFIG. 12A. According to an additional implementation, frame structure1205may include a rotational joint1232that is positioned at a central location on spine1215(seeFIG. 12C) where the rotational joint provides for the detachable sunshade to be folded substantially in half for storage or the like.

Connector1220may be configured to be removably attached to an outdoor table, a bar, chair, or the like. Accordingly, connector1220provides for relatively easy movement of detachable sunshade1200from one location to anther location.

According to one implementation, a length of the shade105″ is about 20 inches to about 30 includes long and is about 10 inches to about 20 includes wide. Shade105″ includes a solar panel135or1135that may be integrated onto the shade. Frame structure may include the various electronic elements describe above, such as battery185, PCB170, circuit180, charging terminals165, and the like. One or more charging terminals165and charge indicator167may be located on a variety of locations on detachable sunshade1200, such as on shade105″, sunshade support1210, spine1215, and connector1220, or any combination of these. Further, while shade105′ is shown inFIG. 10Aas including one solar panel, shade105″ may include more solar panels, such as are needed for various current demands for charging battery185or for substantially direct connection to charging terminals165.

In a specific implementation, one or more self adjusting solar panels may be attached to outdoor furniture described herein. The solar panels may be configured to self adjust to changing sunlight conditions by using various mechanisms to face the solar panels more favorably towards a light source (e.g., to track the moving sun). For example, some solar panels135contain converters that allow the solar panels to turn automatically to collect a substantially optimum amount of sunlight for generating a substantially optimum amount of electrical energy. Other solar panels may include servo motors or the like to adjust the angle of the solar panels toward a light source to substantially optimize light exposure and light capture.

In another specific implementation, the present invention includes a reset feature which allows the user to reset the charging function of the solar panels. Portable solar panels, such as solar panels135and1135may need to be unplugged and re-plugged from time to time in order to reset charging. This can be cumbersome and dangerous to the user. The improved reset feature may be incorporated into the present invention in the form of a reset switch, button, or other type of user control. The reset option would disengage the electrical current and then reengage it to reset the charging.

In further implementations, the solar panels or solar cells are integrated into the shades and are not necessarily separate panels incorporated onto the outdoor furniture. In an implementation, solar cells are printed onto a surface of the shade material (e.g., printed on textile, material, fabric, cloth, photovoltaic fabric, or similar materials). Printing solar panels can be on materials made by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, or pressing fibers together. The photovoltaic fabric can be used for, for example, sails for boats, or cabanas for boats and ships.

For example, the solar panels can be printed on materials that are used for shades105,105′,105″, or the like. Using printed solar panels, the fabrics of the shades can continue to bend, fold, crease, stretch, or otherwise used as they normally would.

In an implementation, the fabric portion of the shades is constructed, in part or in whole, from solar thread. This solar thread incorporates photovoltaic material (e.g., a coating) to generate solar energy. For example, the threads may include a core that is surrounded by one or more layers (e.g., electrode layer, power generating layer, conductive layer, and layers for hole transport). Light shines on the photovoltaic material of the thread, which generates electricity, and the thread carries this electrically energy to an electrode (e.g., for charging batteries or an electronic device).

Using solar thread, solar panels can be woven into a variety of materials used in the shades described herein, or shades can be made entirely from solar thread. The material incorporating the solar thread can be used to generate solar energy. The solar cells need not be limited to specific arrangements on the fabric (e.g., between adjacent ribs of an umbrella). They may be incorporated into the fabric as desired.

In another implementation, photovoltaic material is infused into the fabric material of the shades. For example, individual fibers are coated with photovoltaic material (i.e., semiconducting material) to convert collected sunlight into electrical energy. In another implementation, the photovoltaic material is infused into a distinct fibrous layer of the fabric of the shades. Further, in other implementations, a system of building integrated photovoltaics is used, in which solar cells are embedded, infused, or otherwise incorporated into building materials. For example, plastic-based solar panels can be used to construct a plastic awning for a building.

In other implementations, solar panels are incorporated into shades using various other techniques. For example, solar panels may be deposited on surfaces of materials using a spray-on technique or other application techniques. Furthermore, solar-powered textiles can be created using processes such as weaving, knitting, braiding, and felting.

In other implementations, outdoor furniture collects ambient thermal energy or generates thermal energy from collected light, such as sunlight. Heat from solar energy can be used to generate thermal energy that is used to produce various types of power including electrical, mechanical, and chemical power. Sunlight from solar radiation may be collected, concentrated, and converted into heat energy. This heat energy may be used to generate alternative forms of energy. For example, heat may be collected in solar concentrators (e.g., parabolic mirrors, lenses, and reflectors, flat mirrors and receivers, or dish systems), and used to drive a generator to produce electrical energy.

In another implementation, a combination of thermal conversion systems and photovoltaic systems is used to collect both light and heat from solar radiation that is used to generate electrical energy, mechanical energy, and chemical energy.

FIG. 13is an image of an environment where implementations of the present invention, such as umbrellas100, lounge chairs1100, detachable sunshades, beach cabanas1300(e.g., also cabanas for boats or ships), or the like, may be used by a user for charging a portable electronic device. For example, in a beach environment as shown inFIG. 10, a main power source1100or an electrical outlet1105on a hotel building1110may not be relatively close to where umbrellas100or lounge chars1100may be used on a beach or other recreation location, and therefore, running power lines to such areas may not be convenient or safe. Even if power lines could be run to such areas, the power lines may not have the movable convenience of the implementations of the present invention when uses might move and move their umbrellas100or lounge chairs1100to follow the sun, follow the shade, move to a different section of beach, or the like.

As users often enjoy such outdoor locations for several hours, and as user use their portable electronic device for several hours, the batteries of these devices need to be recharged for continued use and enjoyment. Outdoor furniture and sunshades, such as umbrella100, of the present invention provide users with a convenient, portable, and local source for charging their portable electronic devices throughout the daytime hours and into the evening and night where charge stored in batteries185may be used for such charging.

Other benefits of the implementations of the present invention include simple storage in a storage area1320or the like. The implementations can be stored without the need to unplug and wind up any power cords. Each implementation can be folded, disassembled, moved, or the like, as it normally would, and moved to storage area1320while the parts of the power supply systems (i.e., solar panel, battery, and circuits, and charging connectors for devices) stay incorporated with the implementations since they are physically integrated.

As discussed previously, umbrella100, chair1100, detachable sunshades1200, and cabana102with solar panels135or1135are movable and can be collapsed into a compact form (e.g., folded umbrella, folded lounge chair, or the like) or otherwise folded into a housing (e.g., shade rolled up into a box). In one business application for umbrella100, chair1100, detachable sunshade1200, cabana102, or the like, guests of a hotel, cruise ship, or the like can rent out these devices and can move them (e.g., wheeled from location to another location) where the guests would like to be. Further, a number of umbrella, lounge chairs, cabanas, or the like with integrated solar panels can be rented by a rental company (e.g., which can deliver via a truck or van) to various locations. Ordering or reservations may be via the Internet (e.g., Web browser) or a smartphone application. Then during winter, a hotel (and other rental customers) can stop renting and let the rental company pick up and store the sunshades with integrated solar panels in a warehouse.

Battery Housing and USB Charging Terminals. According to one embodiment an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a circuit; a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels through the circuit; and a plurality of charging terminals. The circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the plurality of charging terminals. The rechargeable battery is configured to receive, via the circuit, electrical power generated by the solar panels. The rechargeable battery is configured to supply charging power to the charging terminals, via the circuit, for charging one or more portable electronic devices that can be connected to the charging terminals.

According to some embodiments, the charging terminals are (USB) ports that are configured to operate according to a USB protocol. The battery housing has a plurality of charging-terminal openings formed in a sidewall of the battery housing, and the charging terminals are accessible via the charging-terminal openings from an exterior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes at least one door that slides in a first direction to block one of the charging-terminal openings and slides in a second direction to unblock the one of the charging-terminal openings. The battery housing includes a spring coupled to the door and the battery housing that biases the door to slide in the first direction.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a shaft and the umbrella pole passes from a first end to a second end of the shaft. The battery housing includes a metallic shield that is positioned on an interior surface of the battery housing.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a bottom having a surface contour configured to couple to a latch device that inhibits rotation of the battery housing relative to the umbrella pole.

According to some implementations, the circuit prevents direction electrical connection between the rechargeable battery and the solar panels.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material, coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap, positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing having a shaft passing from a first end of the battery housing to a second end of the battery housing.

The umbrella pole passes through the shaft. The battery housing includes a circuit and a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels through the circuit. The rechargeable battery includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells arranged around the shaft. The battery housing includes at least three USB charging port connectors electrically accessible from an exterior of the battery housing and connected to the rechargeable battery through the circuit.

According to some implementations, the circuit prevents direction electrical connection between the rechargeable battery and the solar panels. The battery housing includes a riser positioned between the circuit and the rechargeable battery and includes a plurality of standoff posts that separate the rechargeable battery from the circuit.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a metallic shield on an interior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a first printed circuit board on which the circuit is positioned and is oriented laterally in the battery housing between the first end and the second end of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a second printed circuit board that is oriented substantially transverse to the first printed circuit board and oriented vertically in the battery housing along an interior wall of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a wiring harness that electrically couples the first and the second printed circuit boards. The battery housing includes a battery level indicator positioned on the second printed circuit board and visible, at least in part, from an exterior of the battery housing.

According to some implementations, the rechargeable battery has at least about 10000 milliamp hours of capacity. The rechargeable battery can supply at least 10 watts of power to each of the at least three USB charging ports at the same time.

According to some implementations, the battery housing is substantially cylindrical, is at least 5 inches long, and has a diameter of at least 3 inches. The rechargeable battery is substantially cylindrical, is at least 4 inches long, and has a diameter of at least 2.5 inches.

According to one implementation, a device includes a battery housing for an umbrella. The umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; and an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame. The battery housing has a shaft formed in the battery housing that passes from a first end of the battery housing to a second end of the battery housing and is configured to allow the umbrella pole to pass through the shaft.

The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery configured to electrically couple to the solar panels; at least three USB charging ports. The USB charging ports are accessible from an exterior of the battery housing and configured to charge a plurality of portable electronic devices at the same time. Charging power is provided from the rechargeable battery to the at least three USB charging ports.

The battery housing includes at least three charging indicators that are respectively adjacent to the at least three USB charging ports. At least three indicator apertures are respectively formed in front of the at least three charging indicators to allow light signals from the charging indicators to be visible from an exterior of the battery housing. Each of the charging indicators indicates whether a portable electronic device connected to the USB charging port adjacent to the charging indicator is charging or charged.

According to some implementations, each of the charging indicators emits a first color of light that indicates a connected portable electronic device is charging and emits a second color of light that indicates a connected portable electronic device is charged, and the first color is different than the second color. The first color can be amber and the second color can be green.

Umbrella with Umbrella Cap. According to one implementation an umbrella includes a plurality of panels, each enclosing a solar panel and including a first part of a hinge on one end. The umbrella includes a metal cap having a hole formed therein, through which a bolt of the umbrella passes. The metal cap is held against a top of an umbrella pole by a finial connected to the bolt.

The metal cap includes a plurality of arms extending in a direction away from the hole. At an end of each arm is a second part of a hinge that mates with one of the first parts of the hinges of the plurality of panels.

According to some implementations, each of the arms includes a curved portion extending the second part of the hinge downward from the hole. The metal cap includes a central portion that is flat and the arms extend in a direction away from the central portion. Each of the arms includes a first portion that extends downward relative to the central portion.

According to some implementations, the first portion of each of the arms is transverse to the central portion. Each of the arms includes a second portion that extends from the central portion and the first portions are transverse to the second portions. The plurality of arms can include four or more arms.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes a plurality of panels, each enclosing a solar panel and including a first hinge part on one end. The umbrella includes a metal cap having a hole formed therein, through which a bolt of the umbrella passes, and the metal cap is held against a top of an umbrella pole by a finial connected to the bolt. The metal cap includes a plurality of second hinge parts arranged about a perimeter of the metal cap. The second hinge parts respectively mate with the first hinge parts to form a plurality of hinges.

According to some implementations, the second hinge parts extend in a direction away from the hole. The metal cap includes a plurality of arms that extend in a direction away from the hole and the second hinge parts are respectively positioned at ends of the arms. The hole is centrally positioned in the metal cap.

According to some implementations, each of the arms includes a first portion and a second portion that are oriented transversely. The metal cap includes a central portion that is flat and the arms extend in a direction away from the central portion. Each of the arms includes a portion that extends downward from the central portion. The portion of each of the arms that extends downward from the central portion is transverse to the central portion. According to some implementations, the plurality of arms includes four or more arms.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes a plurality of panels each enclosing a solar panel and including a first part of a hinge on one end. The umbrella includes a metal cap having a hole formed therein, through which a bolt of the umbrella passes. The metal cap is held against a top of an umbrella pole by a finial connected to the bolt. The metal cap includes a central portion and plurality of arms.

According to some implementations, each of the arms of the cap includes a first portion connected to the central portion extending in a direction away from the central portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion, extending transversely downward from the first portion and the central portion. At an end of second portion of each arm is a second part of a hinge that mates with one of the first parts of the hinges of the plurality of panels.

According to some implementations, the central portion is flat. The plurality of arms can include four or more arms.

Portable-Device Charging Method. According to one implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella that includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material, coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap, positioned above the umbrella shade material; and a plurality of solar panels, coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a circuit, first and second charging ports accessible from an exterior of the battery housing, and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is coupled to the solar panels through the circuit, and the rechargeable battery is coupled to the first and the second charging ports through the circuit.

The method includes receiving a first digital bit stream from a first portable electronic device connected to the first charging port, and determining a device type of the first portable electronic device based on the first digital bit stream. The method includes passing a first current from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port if the first portable electronic device is a first device type. The method includes passing a second current from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port if the first portable electronic device is a second device type. The first current is less than the second current.

According to some implementations, the method includes receiving a second digital bit stream from a second portable electronic device connected to the second charging port; and determining a device type of the second portable electronic device based on the second digital bit stream. The method includes passing the first current from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port if the second portable electronic device is the first device type; and passing the second current from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port if the second portable electronic device is the second device type.

According to some implementations, the method includes limiting current passed to the first charging port to the first current or less if the first portable electronic device is the first device type. The method includes limiting current passed to the first charging port to the second current or less if the first portable electronic device is the second device type.

According to some implementations, the step of passing the first current or the second current to the first charging port and the step of passing the first current or the second current to the second charging port are contemporaneous steps. According to some implementations, the first and the second charging ports are USB charging ports.

According to some implementations, the first current is 1.0 amps or less and the second current is 2.1 amps or less.

According to some implementations, the method includes providing a battery-charging controller between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The method includes electrically isolating the solar panels from directly supplying electric power generated by the solar panels to the first and the second charging ports via the battery-charging controller.

According to some implementations, the first digital bit stream and the second digital bit stream are not charging power. The method includes receiving the first digital bit stream in response to a digital bit stream transmitted from the circuit through the first charging port to the first portable electronic device.

According to one implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella that includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material, coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap, positioned above the umbrella shade material; and a plurality of solar panels. The solar panels are coupled to the umbrella cap, and positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a circuit, first and second charging ports accessible from an exterior of the battery housing, and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is coupled to the solar panels through the circuit, and the rechargeable battery is coupled to the first and the second charging ports through the circuit.

The method includes receiving a first digital bit stream from a first portable electronic device connected to the first charging port and a second digital bit stream from a second portable electronic device connected to the second charging port. The method includes determining a device type of the first portable electronic device based on the first digital bit stream and a device type of the second portable electronic device based on the second digital bit stream.

The method includes passing a first current from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port if the first portable electronic device is a first device type. The method includes passing a second current from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port if the first portable electronic device is a second device type.

The method includes passing the first current from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port if the second portable electronic device is the first device type; and passing the second current from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port if the second portable electronic device is the second device type. The first current is less than the second current.

According to some implementations, the method includes transmitting digital bits streams from the circuit through the first and the second charging ports, respectively, to the first and the second portable electronic device. The method includes receiving the first digital bit stream and the second digital bit stream in response to the digital bit streams transmitted to the first and the second portable electronic devices.

According to some implementations, the method includes limiting current passed to the first charging port to the first current or less if the first portable electronic device is the first device type; and limiting current passed to the first charging port to the second current or less if the first portable electronic device is the second device type.

According to some implementations, the method includes limiting current passed to the second charging port to the first current or less if the second portable electronic device is the first device type; and limiting current passed to the second charging port to the second current or less if the second portable electronic device is the second device type.

According to some implementations, the method includes contemporaneously passing the first or the second current the first charging port and passing the first or the second current the second charging port.

According to some implementations, the method includes shielding the first and the second portable electronic devices from electromagnetic noise generated by the circuit.

According to some implementations, the method includes providing a battery-charging controller between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery; and electrically isolating the solar panels from directly supplying electric power generated by the solar panels to the first and the second charging ports via the battery-charging controller.

According to some implementations, the method includes converting a first voltage generated by the solar panels to a second voltage; passing the second voltage to the rechargeable battery; and converting a third voltage output by the rechargeable battery to a fourth voltage. The method includes passing the fourth voltage to the first and the second charging ports where the first, the second, the third, and the fourth voltages are different.

According to one implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella that includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material, coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap, positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels, coupled to the umbrella cap, and positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a circuit, first and second charging ports accessible from an exterior of the battery housing, and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is coupled to the solar panels through the circuit, and the rechargeable battery is coupled to the first and the second charging ports through the circuit.

The method includes transmitting a first digital bit stream from the circuit through the first charging port to a first portable electronic device connected to the first charging port. The method includes transmitting a second digital bit stream from the circuit through the second charging port to a second portable electronic device connected to the second charging port.

The method includes receiving a third digital bit stream from the first portable electronic device via the first charging port and a fourth digital bit stream from the second portable electronic device via the second charging port. The method includes determining a device type of the first portable electronic device based on the third digital bit stream and a device type of the second portable electronic device based on the fourth digital bit stream.

The method includes passing a first current or less from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port if the first portable electronic device is a first device type. The method includes passing a second current or less from the rechargeable battery to the first charging port if the first portable electronic device is a second device type. The method includes passing the first current or less from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port if the second portable electronic device is the first device type; and passing the second current or less from the rechargeable battery to the second charging port if the second portable electronic device is the second device type. The first current is less than the second current.

According to some implementations, the method includes shielding the first and the second portable electronic devices from electromagnetic noise generated in the battery housing.

Printed Circuit Board and Circuit. According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery, and a first printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board is coupled to the solar panels via wires that pass through the umbrella pole. The printed circuit board includes a hole through which the umbrella pole passes.

The battery housing includes a plurality of USB ports positioned on the first printed circuit board and accessible from an exterior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a first circuit, formed on the first printed circuit board, coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The battery housing includes a second circuit, formed on the first printed circuit board, coupled between the USB ports and the rechargeable battery.

According to some implementations, the first circuit includes a first DC-to-DC converter. The first DC-to-DC converter includes an input that can receive a first voltage from the solar panels; and an output that can provide a second voltage to the rechargeable battery. The first DC-to-DC converter holds the second voltage substantially constant when the first voltage varies.

According to some implementations, the second circuit includes a second DC-to-DC. The second DC-to-DC converter includes an input that can receive a third voltage from the rechargeable battery; and an output that can provide a fourth voltage to the USB ports where the third and the fourth voltages are different. The first voltage and the fourth voltage are different.

According to some implementations, the second DC-to-DC converter includes a current limiter that can provide a first current or less to at least one the USB ports based on a connected portable electronic device being a first type of connected portable electronic.

The second DC-to-DC converter can provide a second current or less to the at least one of the USB ports based on a connected portable electronic device being a second type of connected portable electronic device. The first and the second types of portable electronic devices are different, and the first current is less than the second current.

According to some implementations, the second DC-to-DC converter includes a current limiter control pin, and depending on a binary signal on the current limiter control pin, output current provided by the output of the second DC-to-DC converter can vary and is limited.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a second printed circuit board coupled to the first printed circuit board and positioned along an inside surface of an exterior wall of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a plurality of visual indicator lights, formed on the second printed circuit board and visible from an exterior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a third circuit, formed on the first printed circuit board, and coupled between the rechargeable battery and visible indicator lights.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a processor positioned on the first printed circuit board and connected to the USB ports. The processor includes an input that can receive a digital bit stream from a connected portable electronic device.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes an authentication circuit positioned on the first printed circuit board and coupled to the processor. The authentication circuit includes an input that can receive the digital bit stream from an output of the processor. The authentication circuit can authenticate a device type of the connected portable electronic device based on the digital bit stream. The authentication circuit includes an output that can output an authentication bit stream based on the digital bit stream.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes an analog-to-digital (A2D) converter, coupled to output terminals of the rechargeable battery. The A2D includes an input line that can receive an output voltage from the rechargeable battery; and an output line that can output a digital value for the output voltage. The battery housing includes a battery gauge, connected to the output line of the A2D converter. The battery gauge includes an input that can receive the digital value. The battery gauge can determine an amount of charge stored in the rechargeable battery based on the digital value.

According to some implementations, the wires comprise at least one user-detachable connector that can be user connected to the battery housing and user detached from the battery housing for removably sliding the battery housing onto the umbrella pole and removably coupling the battery housing to the solar panels.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a battery-charging controller positioned on the first printed circuit board between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The battery-charging controller includes an input that can receive a first voltage from the solar panels. The battery charging control can convert the first voltage to a second voltage. The battery-charging controller includes an output that can supply the second voltage to the rechargeable battery where the first and the second voltages are different.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; and a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap. The solar panels are positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame, and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery. The battery housing includes a first printed circuit board coupled to the solar panels via user-detachable wires that pass through the umbrella pole. The printed circuit board includes a hole where the umbrella pole passes through the hole. The first printed circuit board is oriented transverse to the umbrella pole.

The battery housing includes a plurality of USB ports positioned on the first printed circuit board and accessible from an exterior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a first DC-to-DC converter formed on the first printed circuit board and coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The first DC-to-DC converter includes an input that can receive a first voltage from the solar panels; and an output that can provide a second voltage to the rechargeable battery. The first DC-to-DC converter can hold the second voltage substantially constant when the first voltage varies.

The battery housing includes a second DC-to-DC converter positioned on the first printed circuit board and coupled between the USB ports and the rechargeable battery. The second DC-to-DC converter includes an input that can receive a third voltage from the rechargeable battery, and an output that can provide a fourth voltage to the USB ports. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth voltages are different; and

The second DC-to-DC converter includes a current limiter that can provide a first current or less to at least one the USB ports based on a connected portable electronic device being a first type of connected portable electronic device. The second DC-to-DC converter can provide a second current or less to the at least one of the USB ports based on a connected portable electronic device being a second type of connected portable electronic device. The first and the second types of connected portable electronic devices are different, and the first current is less than the second current.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a second printed circuit board coupled to the first printed circuit board and positioned along an inside surface of an exterior wall of the battery housing. The second printed circuit board is positioned transverse to the first printed circuit board.

The battery housing includes a plurality of visual indicator lights formed on the second printed circuit board and visible from an exterior of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a circuit formed on the first printed circuit board and coupled between the rechargeable battery and visible indicator lights.

According to some implementations, the circuit includes an analog-to-digital (A2D) converter coupled to output terminals of the rechargeable battery. The A2D includes an input line that can receive an output voltage from the rechargeable battery; and an output line that can output a digital value for the output voltage.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a battery gauge connected to the output line of the A2D converter. The battery gauge includes an input line that can receive the digital value where the battery gauge can determine an amount of charge stored in the rechargeable battery based on the digital value.

According to some implementations, the battery housing further includes a processor positioned on the first printed circuit board and connected to the USB ports. The processor includes an input that can receive a digital bit stream from a connected portable electronic device. The battery housing includes an authentication circuit positioned on the first printed circuit board and coupled to the processor. The authentication circuit includes an input that can receive the digital bit stream from an output of the processor. The authentication circuit can authenticate a device type of the connected portable electronic device based on the digital bit stream. The authentication circuit includes an output that can output an authentication bit stream based on the digital bit stream.

According to some implementations, the wires includes at least one user-detachable connector that can be user connected to the battery housing and user detached from the battery housing for removably sliding the battery housing onto the umbrella pole and removably coupling the battery housing to the solar panels.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a battery-charging controller positioned on the first printed circuit board. The battery charging controller includes an input that can receive a first voltage from the solar panels where the battery charging controller can convert the first voltage to a second voltage. The battery charging controller includes an output that can supply the second voltage to the rechargeable battery where the first and the second voltages are different.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a metallic shield poisoned on an inside surface of an exterior wall of the battery housing. The battery housing includes a DC charging port that is connected to the first DC-to-DC converter. The DC charging port can receive a voltage supplied to the battery through the first DC-to-DC converter.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap, and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing where the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery, and a first printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board is coupled to the solar panels via user-detachable wires that pass through the umbrella pole. The printed circuit board includes a hole where the umbrella pole passes through the hole.

The first printed circuit board is oriented transverse to the umbrella pole. The user-detachable wires includes at least one user-detachable connector that can be user connected to the battery housing and user detached from the battery housing for removably sliding the battery housing onto the umbrella pole and removably coupling the battery housing to the solar panels.

The battery housing includes a plurality of USB ports positioned on the first printed circuit board and accessible from an exterior of the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a first DC-to-DC converter positioned on the first printed circuit board and coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The first DC-to-DC converter includes an input that can receive a first voltage from the solar panels; and an output that can provide a second voltage to the rechargeable battery. The first DC-to-DC converter can hold the second voltage substantially constant when the first voltage varies.

The battery housing includes a DC charging port, connected to the first DC-to-DC converter, that can receive a third voltage where the DC-to-DC converter can receive the third voltage from the DC charging port, provide a fourth voltage to the rechargeable battery, and the third and the fourth voltages are different.

The battery housing includes a second DC-to-DC converter, positioned on the first printed circuit board and coupled between the USB ports and the rechargeable battery. The second DC-to-DC converter includes an input that can receive a fifth voltage from the rechargeable battery. The second DC-to-DC converter can provide a sixth voltage to the USB ports. The first voltage, the second voltage, the fifth voltage, and the sixth voltages are different.

The battery housing includes a current limiter that can provide a first current or less to at least one the USB ports based on a connected portable electronic device being a first type of connected portable electronic device. The current limiter and can provide a second current or less to the at least one of the USB ports based on a connected portable electronic device being a second type of connected portable electronic device. The first and the second types of portable electronic devices are different, and the first current is less than the second current.

Battery Housing and Battery Gauge. According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery.

The umbrella includes a battery level indication circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a plurality of visible indicators coupled to the rechargeable battery through the battery level indication circuit. The battery level indication circuit is configured to determine a charge level of the rechargeable battery and activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level.

The umbrella includes a plurality of charging terminals this is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery for receiving charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a one or more connected portable electronic devices.

According to some implementations, the umbrella includes a button coupled to the battery level indication circuit and when activated. The button causes the battery level indication circuit to determine a charge level of the rechargeable battery and activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level.

According to one implementation, the umbrella includes a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole where the one or more visible indicators are positioned on a sidewall of the battery housing and are visible from an exterior of the battery housing.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a first printed circuit board oriented laterally with respect to the umbrella pole and a second printed circuit board oriented substantially transverse with respect to the first printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board is along an inner surface of an exterior wall of the battery housing. The battery level indication circuit is positioned on the first printed circuit board. The visible indicators are positioned on the second printed circuit board and are visible from an exterior of the battery housing.

According to some implementations, a surface area of the first printed circuit board is at least 640 square centimeters and has a central aperture formed therein which receives umbrella pole therein. The first printed circuit board has an aperture centrally formed therein and the aperture receive the umbrella pole to center the first printed circuit board on the umbrella pole.

According to some implementations, the battery level indication circuit includes a processor that is configured to execute computer code to determine the charge level based on a voltage measurement of the rechargeable battery.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the solar panels and is configured to receive power generated by the solar panels for charging the rechargeable battery. The battery housing includes a battery level indication circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery; and a plurality of visible indicators coupled to the rechargeable battery through the battery level indication circuit. The visible indicators are viewable from an exterior of the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a button coupled to the battery level indication circuit and when pressed, the button causes the battery level indication circuit to determine a charge level of the battery and activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level.

The battery housing includes a plurality of charging terminals positioned in the battery housing and accessible from an exterior of the battery housing. The charging terminals are electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of connected portable electronic devices.

The battery housing includes a first printed circuit board oriented laterally with respect to the umbrella pole. The battery housing includes a second printed circuit board oriented substantially transversely with respect to the first printed circuit board along an interior surface of an exterior wall of the battery housing. The battery level indication circuit is positioned on the first printed circuit board, and the visible indicators are positioned on the second printed circuit board.

According to some implementations, a voltage generated by the solar panels is different from a voltage provided by the rechargeable battery to the charging terminals. The battery housing includes a first DC-to-DC converter coupled to the first printed circuit board.

According to some implementations, the battery is coupled to the battery level indication circuit through the first DC-to-DC converter, and the battery is coupled to the solar panels through the first DC-to-DC converter.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a second DC-to-DC converter coupled to the first printed circuit board and the rechargeable battery is coupled to the charging terminals through the second DC-to-DC converter.

According to some implementations, the button is positioned on the second printed circuit board and is accessible from an exterior of the battery housing.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a plurality of charging indicators visible from an exterior of the battery housing. The charging indicators are respectively adjacent to the charging terminals. Each of the charging indicators emits of a first color of light that indicates a connected portable electronic device is charging, and emits a second color of light that indicates a connected portable electronic device is charged. The first color is different than the second color. The first color can be amber and the second color can be green.

According to some implementations, a surface area of the first printed circuit board is at least 640 square centimeters and has a central aperture formed therein which receives umbrella pole therein.

According to some implementations, the umbrella frame includes a hub having a shaft centrally formed therein that receive the umbrella pole and the hub slides on the umbrella pole to raise and lower the umbrella frame, the shade, and the solar panels.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame. The umbrella includes a battery housing having a centrally positioned shaft formed therein that passes vertically from a top to a bottom of the battery housing where the battery housing is coupled to the umbrella pole and a portion of the umbrella pole is positioned in the shaft.

The battery housing includes a first printed circuit board positioned in the battery hosing and oriented laterally with respect to the umbrella pole and having a centrally positioned aperture formed therein. The centrally positioned aperture is substantially co-centric with the shaft around the umbrella pole;

The battery housing includes a circuit positioned on the first printed circuit board. The circuit includes a battery level indication circuit and a battery charging controller circuit.

The battery housing includes a rechargeable battery that is electrically coupled to the solar panels through the battery charging controller circuit and is configured to receive power generated by the solar panels through the battery charging controller circuit for charging the rechargeable battery.

The battery housing includes a plurality of visible indicators coupled to the rechargeable battery through the battery level indication circuit and viewable from an exterior of the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a button coupled to the battery level indication circuit and when pressed. The button causes the battery level indication circuit to determine a charge level of the battery and activate none, or one or more of the visible indicators to indicate the determined charge level.

The battery housing includes a plurality of charging terminals positioned in the battery housing and accessible from an exterior of the battery housing. The charging terminals are electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and configured to receive charging power from the rechargeable battery for charging a plurality of connected portable electronic devices. The battery housing includes a second printed circuit board oriented substantially transversely with respect to the first printed circuit board along an interior surface of an exterior wall of the battery housing. The battery level indication circuit is positioned on the first printed circuit board, and the visible indicators are positioned on the second printed circuit board.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a first DC-to-DC converter coupled to the first printed circuit board. The battery is coupled to the battery level indication circuit through the first DC-to-DC converter. The battery is coupled to the solar panels through the first DC-to-DC converter. A voltage generated by the solar panels is different from a voltage provided by the rechargeable battery to the charging terminals.

Kit for an Umbrella. According to one implementation, a kit for an umbrella includes an umbrella cap having a hole formed therein through which a bolt of the umbrella passes to attach the umbrella cap to the umbrella. The umbrella cap includes a plurality of arms extending in a direction away from the hole, and at an end of each arm is a first part of a hinge.

The kit includes a plurality of solar panels where each solar panel has a second part of hinge configured to mate with one of the first parts of the hinge of the umbrella cap.

The kit includes a battery housing that includes a rechargeable battery configured to be electrically coupled to the solar panels. The rechargeable battery is charged by power generated by the solar panels. The battery housing has a shaft formed therein that passes from a top of the battery housing to a bottom of the battery, and an umbrella pole is configured to pass through the shaft.

According to some implementations, the kit includes one or more wires for electrically coupling the solar panels to the rechargeable battery.

The kit includes a shelf configured to couple to the umbrella pole below the battery housing when the battery housing is positioned on the umbrella pole. The kit includes a bracket configured to attach the shelf to the umbrella pole.

The kit includes a pin for coupling the battery housing to the umbrella pole where the battery housing has a trough formed in the bottom of the battery housing and the trough is configured for receiving the pin when the pin passes through a hole in the umbrella pole.

The kit includes a user manual having instruction for attaching the umbrella cap, the plurality of solar panels, and the battery housing to the umbrella. The user manual can be a video user manual.

According to some implementations, each of the solar panels includes a housing that houses a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

According to one implementation, a kit for an umbrella includes an umbrella cap having a hole formed therein through which a bolt of the umbrella passes to attach the umbrella cap to the umbrella. The umbrella cap includes a central portion and a plurality of arms extending in a direction away from the central portion. Each of the arms includes a first portion connected to the central portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion and positioned transverse to the first portion. At an end of each second portion of each arm is a first part of a hinge.

The kit includes a plurality of solar panels each having a second part of hinge configured to mate with one of the first parts of the hinges of the umbrella cap. The kit includes a battery housing that includes a rechargeable battery that is configured to be electrically coupled to the solar panels and charged by power generated by the solar panels. The battery housing has a shaft formed therein that passes from a top of the battery housing to a bottom of the battery, and an umbrella pole is configured to pass through the shaft.

According to some implementations, each arm includes a curved portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion and orients the second portion of each arm downward with respect to the central portion. The second portion of each of the arms is transverse to the central portion of the umbrella cap.

According to some implementations, the kit includes one or more wires for electrically coupling the solar panels to the rechargeable battery. The kit includes a shelf configured to couple to the umbrella pole below the battery housing when the battery housing is positioned on the umbrella pole. The kit includes a bracket configured to attach the shelf to the umbrella pole. The kit includes a pin for coupling the battery housing to the umbrella pole.

According to some implementations, the kit includes a user manual having instruction for attaching the umbrella cap, the plurality of solar panels, and the battery housing to the umbrella.

According to some implementations, each solar panel includes a housing that houses a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

According to one implementation, a kit for an umbrella includes an umbrella cap having a hole formed therein through which a bolt of the umbrella passes to attach the umbrella cap to the umbrella. The umbrella cap includes central portion and a plurality of arms extending in a direction away from the central portion. Each of the arms includes a first portion connected to the central portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion and positioned transverse to the first portion and to the central portion.

At an end of each second portion of each arm is a first part of a hinge. The kit includes a plurality of solar panels where each solar panel includes a housing that houses a plurality of photovoltaic cells. Each housing of each solar panel includes a second part of hinge configured to mate with one of the first parts of the hinges of the umbrella cap.

The kit includes a battery housing where the battery housing includes a rechargeable battery that is configured to be electrically coupled to the solar panels and charged by power generated by the solar panels. The battery housing has a shaft formed therein that passes from a top of the battery housing to a bottom of the battery and an umbrella pole is configured to pass through the shaft.

According to some implementations, each arm of the cap includes a curved portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion and orients the second portion of each arm downward with respect to the central portion. The kit can include one or more wires for electrically coupling the solar panels to the rechargeable battery.

Umbrella with Inductive Charging Pad. According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame, and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a circuit and a rechargeable battery. The circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The umbrella includes an inductive charging pad where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad.

According to some implementations, the umbrella includes a shelf coupled to the umbrella pole where the inductive charging pad is coupled to the shelf. The shelf includes a recessed portion and the inductive charging pad is positioned in the recessed portion. In some implementations the recessed portion is positioned in a bottom of the shelf. In some implementations the recessed portion is not accessible from a top of the shelf.

According to some implementations, the inductive charging pad includes at least one inductor integrally formed in the shelf. The shelf can be formed at least in part of a plastic type material and the inductor can be molded in the plastic type material.

According to some implementations, the inductive charging pad includes an inductor that includes a resonance device. The resonance device can be a capacitively loaded inductor.

According to some implementations, the rechargeable battery supplies electrical power to the inductive charging pad through the circuit for inductively charging one or more electronic devices. Additionally, the solar panels supply electrical energy through the circuit to the rechargeable battery.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a plurality of charging terminals, and the inductive charging pad includes a power terminal that removably connects to one of the charging terminals. The charging terminals and the power terminal can be universal serial bus (USB) terminals.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material.

The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. According to some implementations, the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

The battery housing includes a circuit, a rechargeable battery, and an inductive charging pad. The circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery, and the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad. The rechargeable battery receives electrical power through the circuit from the solar panels.

According to some implementations, the inductive charging pad receives electrical power through the circuit from the rechargeable battery.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a top and the inductive charging pad includes at least one inductor positioned under the top or in a recess formed in the top. The inductor can be a resonance device that includes a capacitively loaded inductor.

According to one implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella that includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; and an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material. The umbrella includes a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material.

The umbrella includes an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame. The umbrella includes a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole where the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing.

According to some implementations, the battery housing includes a circuit and a rechargeable battery. The circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The umbrella includes an inductive charging pad where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the inductive charging pad.

The method includes receiving electrical power at the rechargeable battery from the solar panels through the circuit; receiving electrical power at the inductive charging pad from the rechargeable battery through the circuit, and powering the inductive charging pad with the electrical power.

According to some implementations, the method includes detecting a first portable electronic device positioned on the inductive charging pad; and providing first inductive charging power from the inductive charging pad to the first portable electronic device based on the detecting of the first portable electronic device.

According to another implementation, the method includes detecting a second portable electronic device positioned on the inductive charging pad; and providing second inductive charging power from the inductive charging pad to the second portable electronic device based on the detecting of the second portable electronic device. The first inductive charging power and the second inductive charging power are different inductive charging powers.

According to some implementations, the first inductive charging power is provided according to a first inductive charging specification and the second inductive charging power is provided according to a second inductive charging specification where the first inductive charging specification and the second inductive charging specification are different inductive charging specifications.

According to some implementations, the method includes receiving first information at the inductive charging pad from the first portable electronic device where the first information identifies the first charging specification of the first portable electronic device. The method includes receiving second information at the inductive charging pad from the second portable electronic device where the second information identifies the second charging specification of the second portable electronic device. Receiving the first information and the second information can include receiving the first information and the second at the inductive charging pad via inductive communication or via radio frequency communication.

According to some implementations, the method includes receiving information at the inductive charging pad from the first portable electronic device that indicates that charging of the first portable electronic device is complete; and includes configuring the circuit to stop providing inductive charging power from the inductive charging pad to the first portable electronic device based on the information.

Umbrella with a Network Communication Device. According to one embodiment an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole where the umbrella pole passes through the battery housing. The battery housing includes a circuit and a rechargeable battery. The circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The umbrella includes a network communication device where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the network communication device. The rechargeable battery can receive electrical power generated by the solar panels. The rechargeable battery can receive electrical power from solar panels through the circuit. The rechargeable battery can supply electrical power to the network communication device through the circuit.

In some implementations, the rechargeable battery can provide electrical power through the circuit to a portable electronic device that is electrically connected to a charging terminal of the battery housing, and the network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device. The network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device through a wireless connection. The network communication device includes a wireless communication module that can wirelessly connect to the portable electronic device.

In some implementations, the wireless communication module includes an access point or a Bluetooth module. The access point includes a Wi-Fi router. The wireless communication module includes an antenna that extends outside of the battery housing. The antenna is positioned along a portion of the umbrella pole.

In some implementations, the rechargeable battery can provide electrical power and the network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device simultaneously. The network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device through the charging terminal. The network communication device includes a wired communication module that is configured for wired connection to the portable electronic device. The wired communication module is a universal serial bus module.

In some implementations, the network communication module includes an antenna positioned along the umbrella pole. The battery housing includes a plurality of charging terminals, and the network communication device includes a power terminal that removably connects to one of the charging terminals and receives electrical power from the one of the charging terminals. The charging terminals and the power terminal operate according to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol.

According to one implementation, a method includes providing an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels hinge coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The battery housing includes a circuit; and a rechargeable battery where the circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The method includes providing a network communication device where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the network communication device. The method includes receiving electrical power at the network communication device from the rechargeable battery through the circuit, and detecting a first portable electronic device electrically connected to the battery housing. The method includes providing network access to the portable electronic device by the network communication device, and providing electrical power from the rechargeable battery through the circuit to the portable electronic device.

In some implementations, the method includes transmitting network packets between the network communication device and the first portable electronic device for network communication. The network packets can include Internet packets or intranet packets.

In some implementations, the method includes detecting a second portable electronic device electrically connected to the battery housing; providing network access to the second portable electronic device by the network communication device; and providing electrical power from the rechargeable battery through the circuit to the second portable electronic device.

In some implementations, the method includes detecting a second portable electronic device wirelessly connected to the battery housing; and providing network access to the second portable electronic device by the network communication device.

According to one implementation, an umbrella includes an umbrella frame; an umbrella shade material coupled to the umbrella frame; an umbrella cap positioned above the umbrella shade material; a plurality of solar panels coupled to the umbrella cap and positioned above the umbrella shade material; an umbrella pole coupled to the umbrella frame; and a battery housing coupled to the umbrella pole. The battery housing includes a circuit and a rechargeable battery where the circuit is electrically coupled between the solar panels and the rechargeable battery. The umbrella includes a network communication device where the circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the network communication device. The rechargeable battery can receive electrical power generated by the solar panels, the electrical power can be provided to the rechargeable battery from solar panels through the circuit, and the rechargeable battery can supplies power to the network communication device through the circuit. The umbrella includes a first antenna that communicates with a network, and a second antenna that communicates with a portable electronic device.

In some implementations, the first antenna is positioned along the umbrella pole. The second antenna is positioned along the umbrella pole. The first network is a cellular network. The first network includes a router.

In some implementations, the battery housing includes a plurality of charging terminals, and the network communication device includes a power terminal that removably connects to one of the charging terminals and receives electrical power from the one of the charging terminals. The charging terminals can operate according to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol. The power terminal can also operate according to a USB protocol.

In one implementation, a battery pack includes a circuit; a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the circuit; and a network communication device. The circuit is electrically coupled between the rechargeable battery and the network communication device. The battery pack includes a charging terminal where the circuit is electrically coupled between the charging terminal and the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery can supply electrical power to the network communication device through the circuit for powering the network communication device. The rechargeable battery can supply electrical power through the circuit to the charging terminal for supplying electrical power to a portable electronic device connected to the charging terminal for charging a rechargeable battery of the portable electronic device. The network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device.

In some implementations, the network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device and the rechargeable battery can supply electrical power to the portable electronic device simultaneously. The rechargeable battery can supply electrical power to the circuit for powering the circuit. The battery pack includes a plurality of solar panels electrically connected to the circuit for supplying generated electrical power from the solar panels through the circuit to the rechargeable battery for recharging the rechargeable battery.

In some implementations, the battery pack includes a DC port electrically connected to the circuit for supplying received electrical to the rechargeable battery for recharging the rechargeable battery through the circuit. The network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device through the charging terminal. The network communication device can provide network access to the portable electronic device through a wireless link.

In some implementations, the wireless communication module includes an access point or a Bluetooth module that provide the wireless link. The access point includes a Wi-Fi router. The charging terminal operates according to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol.