Abstract:
A customized awning, window covering or other shading device that includes customized photovoltaic modules, panels or other photovoltaic-type devices and capabilities. The awning includes a cost-effective, energy-efficient means of providing solar power to run low-voltage devices at a desired interior or exterior location, while also maintaining or enhancing the aesthetic appearance or physical attributes of the shading device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/134,366 filed Jul. 8, 2008 entitled Customized Shading Device Including Photovoltaic Properties and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a customized awning, window covering or other shading/covering apparatus that includes photovoltaic modules, panels or other photovoltaic-type devices and capabilities. 
         [0003]    In particular, it is known in the art that consumers use awnings and window coverings on their homes and businesses, for example, in order to provide shading or protection from light and other environmental elements (wind, rain, snow, insects, etc). Further, it is known in the art that consumers use photovoltaic modules, panels and other devices (also known as solar panels or solar cells) to generate energy for their homes or businesses. There are numerous patents that describe some form of solar energy devices, ranging from basic to complex applications using solar energy and/or solar energy-generating devices (for example, US Publication No. 2005/0263178, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). However, many such devices are complicated, requiring (at a minimum) knowledge of implementing and managing solar energy-generating equipment, as well as expert knowledge in the art of solar energy generation and special tooling to effectively place or use a device or system. Or fixtures such as solar panels are often static in size and/or application and, as result, can be costly, complicated to use or install or inadequate to perform if a customized application and use is desired. 
         [0004]    There exists a need for a device that provides cost-effective, energy-efficient, customizable solutions that are easy to install and use, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing effect. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In one aspect, the present invention provides a customized shading device including photovoltaic capabilities. 
         [0006]    In another aspect, the present invention provides a device that is easy to install. 
         [0007]    In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a device that cost-effective to manufacture and purchase. 
         [0008]    In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a device that may be custom manufactured based on both shading and energy needs. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a device that provides a reliable, cost-effective and efficient source of energy. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a device that provides a reliable, cost-effective source of energy at a location where common electricity sources may be limited or unreachable. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a device that provides a reliable, rechargeable system to run low-voltage devices. 
         [0012]    In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a device that provides a safe power source to run low-voltage devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment of the device of  FIG. 4  in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the embodiment of the device of  FIG. 6  in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates a device  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that houses at least one photovoltaic portion  14 . The device of this embodiment further generally includes (the following not shown in  FIG. 1 ) wires to guide electricity from the photovoltaic portion to an energy storage portion (for example, a battery) a power control portion and at least one load (to and from which power may be directed), some of which are not shown in  FIG. 1  but are nonetheless inherent to this embodiment of the invention. The device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is mounted to a surface wall  16  of a house, in this example providing shade and elemental covering over a window  24  of the house. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 2 and 8  illustrate a device  10  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that houses a plurality of photovoltaic portions  14 . The device  10  of this embodiment further generally includes (the following, some of which are not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 8 ) wires to guide electricity from the photovoltaic portion to an energy storage portion, from an energy storage portion to a power control portion and thereafter, to a load  22  (for example an exterior light  22 ). 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates a device  10  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that houses at least one photovoltaic portion  14 . The device  10  of this embodiment further includes wires  18  to guide electricity from the photovoltaic portion  14  to an energy storage portion  20  and from the energy storage portion  20  to a power control portion (not shown), which thereafter directs electricity to or from a load  22  (in this embodiment, low-voltage appliances, such as a ceiling fan  22  and an exterior house light  22 ). The device  10  of this embodiment is affixed angularly to an exterior surface  16  of a home, above a window  24  used for shading against sun and environmental elements. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates a device  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that houses a plurality of photovoltaic portions  14 . The device of this embodiment further generally includes wires to guide electricity from the photovoltaic portion to an energy storage portion, from an energy storage portion to a power control portion, and thereafter, directs electricity to at least one load, each of which are not shown in  FIG. 4  but are nonetheless inherent to this embodiment of the invention. The device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is mounted to a surface wall  16  of a house, in this example providing shade and elemental covering over a window  24  of the house. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a side-view of the device  10  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 . The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that houses a plurality of photovoltaic portions (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The device  10  is mounted to a surface wall  16  of the house, at a predetermined angle  26  respective to the surface wall  16  of the house, in order to obtain a desired shading results with respect to the window  24  of the house or in order to obtain a desired solar power capture/efficiency, or both. 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates a device  10  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that is operably connected with at least one photovoltaic portion housing  14   a  and at least one photovoltaic portion  14 , which may or may not cover substantially all of the surface of the shading portion  12  of the device  10 . In this embodiment of the present invention, the shading portion  12  houses a plurality of photovoltaic portion housings  14   a  and each photovoltaic housing  14   a  houses a plurality of photovoltaic portions  14 . The device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , is mounted to a surface wall  16  of a house, in this example providing shade and elemental covering over a window  24  of the house. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side-view of the device  10  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that is operably connected with at least one photovoltaic portion housing  14   a,  which each house, respectively, at least one photovoltaic portion (not shown). In this embodiment of the present invention, the shading portion  12  houses a plurality of photovoltaic portion housings  14   a  and each photovoltaic housing  14   a  houses a plurality of photovoltaic portions (not shown). The device  10  is mounted to a surface wall  16  of the house, the shading portion  12  having a predetermined angle  26  respective to the surface wall  16  of the house, and the photovoltaic portion housing  14   a  having predetermined angles  28  (which may be different or similar predetermined angles) respective to the shading portion  12 , in order to obtain desired shading results with respect to the window  24  of the house or in order to obtain a desired solar power capture/efficiency, or both. 
         [0030]      FIG. 9  illustrates a device  10  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The device  10  generally includes at least one shading portion  12  that is operably connected with at least one photovoltaic portion housing  14   a,  which each house, respectively, at least one photovoltaic portion  14 . In this embodiment of the present invention, the shading portion  12  houses a plurality of photovoltaic portion housings  14   a  and each photovoltaic housing  14   a  houses a plurality of photovoltaic portions  14 . The device  10  is mounted to a surface wall  16  of the house, the shading portion  12  having a predetermined angle (not shown) respective to the surface wall  16  of the house, and the photovoltaic portion housing  14   a  having predetermined angles (not shown)(which may be different or similar predetermined angles) respective to the shading portion  12  and/or the surface wall  16  of the house, in order to obtain desired shading results with respect to the window  24  of the house or in order to obtain a desired solar power capture/efficiency, or both. 
         [0031]    With regards to the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , a shading portion  12  of a device  10  may include any number of materials, designs, shapes and lengths that would serve to shade a window, sidewalk, outdoor recreational apparatus (for example, an outdoor spa or hot tub), or other such features and apparatus as would be contemplated by one of skill in the art, from sunlight and/or other environmental elements. Accordingly, a shading portion  12  may include a variety of shapes and sizes, including but not limited to rectangular, square, curved (dome or canopy, for example) or any combination thereof. A shading portion  12  may include a variety of materials, including but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, glass, elastic or semi-elastic materials (such as nylon, polyester, canvas, etc) and any combination thereof. A shading portion  12  further may include any predetermined length selected to achieve a desired aesthetic and/or physical result. All of these features may be chosen on a custom basis. Most preferably, a shading portion  12  will easily house and support a photovoltaic portion  14 , in its desired shape, size and material (as further described herein). Also, most preferably, a shading portion  12  is comprised of material that is weather-, water- and/or temperature-resistant or tolerant. 
         [0032]    With regards to the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , a photovoltaic portion housing  14   a  and photovoltaic portion  14  of a device  10  may include any number of materials and designs and sizes that would serve to provide sufficient energy to support the energy needs of a low-voltage device (as described herein), in a cost-effective manner. Any material capable of generating photovoltaic properties (as described herein)(for example, a solar panel) is contemplated for use in the present invention, provided that it is includes reliable functionality and is resistant and/or tolerant to environmental elements. The types of materials contemplated for use in housing and placement of the photovoltaic portion  14  at, near or within a shading portion  12  would include, but are not limited to, different types of metals (for example, aluminum), plastics, wood, glass, elastic and semi-elastic materials and fabrics, as well as any number of combinations thereof. Most preferably, the size and shape of the photovoltaic portion  14  provides the desired, reciprocal energy-producing and energy-support effects (for example, the “load” need of a power source  20 , which is thereafter transferred to a particular low-voltage device, as effected by a particular geographic region; that is, availability and duration of sunlight exposure) to accommodate as many low-voltage devices as desired. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a load  22  (for example, a DC (Direct Current) and/or low-voltage device  22 ) contemplated for use in accordance with the present invention includes, but is not limited to, such devices as lights, ceiling fans (whether interior or exterior) and other similar apparatus. As shown in  FIG. 3 , wires  18  (such as DC wires) and/or lighter gauge wires (for example, wires which can be cut and spliced easily) may be used to direct power from a photovoltaic portion  14  to an energy storage portion  20  and accordingly, from an energy storage portion to a power control portion (not shown) to or from a load  22 . The wires  18  described herein are connected therebetween using supporting devices and methods as would be contemplated by anyone of ordinary skill in the art. Also as shown in  FIG. 3 , an energy storage portion  20  is used to house the electrical energy collected as a result of the functionality of the photovoltaic portion  20 , which will provide power for a load  22 . Most preferably, an energy storage portion  20  is a rechargeable battery (or solar rechargeable battery), which includes a basic hard jamming circuit and self-regenerating system (for example, a deep cycle battery). 
         [0034]    Examples of such batteries include but are not limited to motorcycle batteries (which are typically effective to 10 degrees below zero, and thus would be preferable for regions experiencing cold climates), forklift batteries, and car batteries, to name a few. Further, it is contemplated herein that batteries  20  may be strung together to obtain the desired load size (battery sizes are optional, as is voltage). Therefore, the load and voltage are both flexible and may be chosen to provide a desired effect. Most preferably, the battery  20  is kept on a charger (for example, a battery tender or a trickle charger). Such a device is preferable due to both its inherently minimal use of the electricity generated by the photovoltaic portion  14  and its ability to keep the battery for a duration of up to 5-6 years or more (cost-effective). It is also preferable that a power control portion  30  (as shown and described in  FIG. 10  below and herein) is used to regulate and direct energy. For example, a voltage regulator  30  may be used, which serves to smooth out the transition (for example, prevents or minimizes a stall or kill) when the electricity is generated by the photovoltaic portion  14 . More specifically, the use of a voltage regulator is preferable either when electricity is not being drawn by a load  22  or when the sun is not out (for optimal collection of light by the photovoltaic portion  14 ). A voltage regulator typically regulates approximately 110 volts. 
         [0035]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating an electrical wiring and/or system of at least one embodiment of the present invention, as described herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the need to consult a regional, national or international electrical code, in conjunction with the following-described system. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical wiring and/or system may include connectivity between at least one photovoltaic portion  14 , at least one energy storage portion  20  (for example, a battery, as earlier described), and at least one load portion  22  (for example, a ceiling fan, as earlier described), each of which are operably connected with at least one power control portion  30  (for example, a voltage regulator, as earlier described). 
         [0036]    A power control portion  30  may perform several functions for the system of the present invention. For example, the power control portion  30  may prevent power leakage back through the photovoltaic portion  14  when they are in darkness and may thereby configured to adjust the loading of the photovoltaic portion  14  to maximize energy retrieved from the photovoltaic portions  14  (for example, photovoltaic “cells”). The power control portion  30  may further route power to and from an energy storage portion  20 , so as to accommodate any requirements and limitations of the energy storage portion  20 . For example, a chemical battery  20  can be charged by the incoming power but must be protected against, for example, overcharging or overheating. Supercapacitors or ultracapacitors  20  also may be used and are typically more tolerant of charging speeds, but have great variations in terminal voltage that must be accommodated. The power control portion  30  may also control the rate of voltage discharge and limits how low the discharged voltage can go to protect the energy storage portion  20  from damage. 
         [0037]    In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the power control portion  30  may also regulate the output voltage as needed by various load portions  22 , as well as limit the maximum and surge currents that a load portion  22  is likely to draw. The power control portion  30  may also give certain load portions  22 , for example, emergency lights  22 , higher priority than other load portions  22  operably connected with the system, when the available stored power is running low. 
         [0038]    In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical wiring/system may be configured for specific system voltage to accommodate system needs. For example, a system configured around the common automotive battery voltage (which ranges from approximately 11 V to 15 V) can use different load portions  22  designed for automotive and recreational vehicle uses. Commercially available converters can generate 120 V AC from a 12 V system for specific load portions  22  that use a higher voltage. 
         [0039]    In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the device  10  may be installed by a commercial entity trained in installing the device  10  and in conformance with local, regional, national or international electrical code, as would be known by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is also contemplated herein that a device  10  may be installed by an individual if sold in kit form, in whole or in part, so long as the applicable electrical code (as earlier described) is implemented. 
         [0040]    Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.