Abstract:
A portable solar powered unit including a battery with associated electronics and a solar panel on a wheeled frame accommodates a variety of accessories including table tops, mounting poles, overhangs, back racks and a cover for all weather operation.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/343,477, filed Dec. 21, 2001. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to a portable solar powered unit and deals more particularly with a portable solar powered unit having increased structural flexibility and stability, as well as being more resistant to adverse environmental conditions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One of the principal drawbacks of known solar (photovoltaic—PV) powered units is the interface between a mounted solar PV module and the unit itself, as it relates to structural flexibility and stability. In general, known solar PV modules typically comprise an array of solar cells ganged together to provide the current and voltage output to a storage device or other electrical equipment, such as a converter. The solar modules may be configured with a carriage assembly for portability and remote operation. 
     Portability and remote operation of solar PV systems present several challenges, including the need to deliver a range of DC and AC voltages, frequencies and waveforms over widely divergent climate and weather conditions. 
     Another challenge in the solar-photovoltaic industry is that there is no standard size, shape and construction of solar PV modules. This variability typically has constrained users of solar modules to a single type or manufacturer of solar PV modules and limits opportunities to improve cost or performance for packaged systems. Moreover, the prior art devices were not adapted to readily receive multiple solar panels. 
     Compactness, stability and ease of assembly in the field are highly desirable for operation in remote locations. Prior art units, however, are often bulky or difficult to assemble. A design constraint for the carriage assembly is that it must be adapted to receive a storage device, such as a battery, which typically is quite massive when compared to the rest of the equipment or apparatus, which comprises the assembly. Prior art systems were often unstable in the sense that they required the presence of a battery and the solar panel to remain in equilibrium. If the battery was removed and the panel was in place, often times the device would tip over, resulting in damage to both the panel as well as other components. 
     Prior art devices also typically have a plurality of stands, clamps, nuts, bolts and the like, all of which are required to complete the assembly and many of which must be removed or loosened to enable disassembly to make the device portable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An apparatus provided by the present invention is therefore configured to avoid the instability concerns of the prior art and also features a modular universal bar and clamping system for accommodating a range of solar PV module shapes, sizes and constructions or adding additional solar PV modules on either side. These solar PV modules can couple together so that they will rotate together into position, rather than requiring separate adjustments to each solar panel, thereby eliminating the need for additional clamps, brackets and the like. 
     Another feature of the present invention is a foot lock. The foot lock allows a solar panel to be rotated into the locked or travel position. It is designed to receive the end of the panel as it is rotated down, thereby being depressed through its motion and spring loaded so that it retains the solar panel in position. A simple stepping on the outer edge or lip of the foot lock depresses the lever away from the edge of the solar panel and allows it to rotate into position. 
     Another feature of the preferred embodiment of this invention is that the unit is designed to readily assemble, add structure for accessories (such as lighting and signage) and conversely break down into compact sub-assemblies for ease of shipment and transportation. The design accomplishes this as well as providing sufficient structural integrity to carry weights in excess of 180 lbs., using a minimum of material. The invention also encompasses a universal power cover that provides basic weather protection, versatility and functionality for a range of power electronic, monitoring and display devices. It does this with a simple cover and optional base plate arrangement. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a portable apparatus for providing electrical power using solar power includes a base having a front pair of receptacles for receiving upright structures, said base supported by a pair of wheels connected by an axle therebetween, said pair of wheels disposed opposite said front pair of receptacles, said base including a spreader mounted thereto substantially perpendicular to said axle,
         a universal module bar assembly including a pair of upright structures extending from said front receptacles opposite said pair of wheels, said pair of upright structures connected by a cross-bar mounted distal to said front receptacles;   a solar panel rotatably mounted to said cross-bar by a solar module clamp, wherein said clamp is selectively adjustable to position said solar panel to an optimum solar angle; and   a battery assembly including a battery and associated electronics, said battery assembly operatively connected to said solar panel, said electronics including an electrical output port for supplying electric power, whereby said battery assembly is mounted on said base such that removal thereof does not destabilize said portable solar powered unit.       

     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the light of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a stylized view of a base of the solar powered unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a stylized view of the base with uprights of the solar powered unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   a  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention with a tabletop. 
         FIG. 3   b  is an alternative stylized view of the solar powered unit of  FIG. 3   a.    
         FIG. 3   c  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention showing the solar panel in an upright position. 
         FIG. 4  is a stylized view of the basic solar powered unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a stylized view of the basic solar powered unit of  FIG. 4  in the sun-charging mode. 
         FIG. 6  is a stylized view of the basic solar powered unit of  FIG. 4  in the travel or rolling mode. 
         FIG. 7  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention with a back rack. 
         FIG. 8   a  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention with a table and pole. 
         FIG. 8   b  is an alternative view of the solar powered unit of  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 9  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention with a tabletop and dual overhangs. 
         FIG. 10  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention with dual mounting poles. 
         FIG. 11  is a stylized view of the solar powered unit of the present invention with three solar panels. 
         FIGS. 12   a - 12   f  are schematic views of the base frame and support structures of the solar powered unit of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a stylized perspective view of the universal solar module clamp. 
         FIGS. 14   a - 14   e  are schematic views of the cover of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two pairs of receptacles,  12  and  13 , are formed in a substantially rectangular base,  14 . The base  14  forms an opening to an interior. Corresponding support structures  15 , (or legs) extend downward from the receptacles,  12  and  13 , to support the substantially rectangular base structure. Preferably there are both front and back receptacles ( 12  and  13  respectively), two on each side placed outside of the lower rail, which are then welded to the lower substantially tubular support structures that form the lower skeletal portion of the opening. The front receptacles  12  serve two purposes by providing a receptacle for inserting the universal module bar assembly  20  (see  FIG. 2 ) and providing additional area with which to weld the lower tubular support structures  15 , thereby increasing the strength of weld. This mandates that there be opposed complimentary receptacles welded in place in the preferred embodiment on the interior portion of the opposite side of that structure along the main sides or major dimensions that in this case serves three purposes: 1) a set of receptacles for a variety of accessories including a back rack or table top (see  FIGS. 7 ,  3   a , and  3   b ); 2) additional surface area with which to weld the lower tubular support (thereby increasing strength of weld); and 3) serving as hind legs to the side with wheels. Alternatively, the bottom support structures  15  can be run along the major dimensions of the structure or assembly, as opposed to the minor dimensions of the preferred embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the universal module bar assembly  20  (as seen inserted into front receptacles  12  of base  14 ) includes two uprights  22 , which extend from the front receptacles  12 , and a crossbar  24  connecting the two uprights  22 . It is preferable that the receptacles be placed outside the opening formed by the crossbar  24 , although the alternative embodiments may be formed inside. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ,  7 ,  8   a  and  8   b ,  9  and  10 , the back receptacles  13  are adapted to receive a series of accessory support structures  26 , which are configured to extend upward and outward and are otherwise adapted to receive a tray of other device, as depicted in the figures. The sizing of the receptacles  13  and the accessory support structures  26  and corresponding accessories are adapted to maintain the balance of the structure so as not to require a weight, such as the weight of the battery in order to be in equilibrium. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 10 , the rear set of accessory support structures  26  are adapted to receive the modular bar thereof  28 , which is distal from the ends which are provided to the receptacles  13 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3   c , the upwardly extending uprights  22  are mated to a transverse crossbar  24  upon which one or more solar panels  35  may be mounted. 
       FIGS. 1-3  further illustrate the foot lock  30 , disposed on the base  14 , for selective engagement with the solar panel  35  when the solar panel  35  is oriented in an upright manner. The foot lock  30  is preferably made of steel stamping, although other equivalent structures could be substituted for either by stamping or molding in the case of original plastics. 
     The portable solar powered unit,  10  including the base  14  frame, the uprights  22 , the battery  32  and the solar panel  35  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the portable solar powered unit  10  of  FIG. 4  wherein the solar panel  35  may be selectively positioned at a plurality of differing angles, while  FIG. 6  illustrates a travelling position of the portable solar powered unit  10  with the solar panel  35  being locked in a secured position via the integrated foot lock  30 , as is also illustrated in  FIG. 3   c.    
       FIGS. 7-11  depict differing embodiments of the present invention in which the portable solar powered unit  10  includes various utilitarian attachments.  FIG. 7  depicts a back rack attachment  38 , similar to the table top attachment  37  of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , while  FIG. 8  depicts views of a table  37  and overhang pole  39  attachment.  FIG. 9  illustrates the portable solar powered unit  10  having dual overhang poles  39  and table top attachment  37 , and  FIG. 10  depicts matching mounting poles  36 . It will be readily appreciated that the frame members of the various attachments shown in  FIGS. 7-11  may be formed as structural members having a set length, or rather they may be formed as telescoping structural members capable of extending, or retracting, to any desired length. 
     As seen in  FIG. 11 , the solar powered unit  10  of the present invention is capable of supporting a plurality of solar panels  35 , or the like. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a first solar panel  35  may be attached to the horizontal cross-bar  24  via a universal solar module clamp  50  (see  FIG. 13 ) which itself may be selectively loosened to permit the easy rotation of the solar panel to an optimum solar angle, and thereafter subsequently tightened. Additional solar panels may then be mounted adjacent the first solar panel, either by telescopically extending the existing horizontal cross-bar  24 , or rather by inserting additional lengths of frame members into the distal ends of the horizontal cross-bar  24 . It will be readily apparent that the frame members which may be inserted into the distal ends of the horizontal cross-bar  24  are arrested from rotation by any conventional means, such as but not limited to a lynch pin arrangement or the like. 
     It will also be readily appreciated that by allowing the two rear legs  13  of the solar powered unit  10  to act as receptors for a plurality of utilitarian attachments, as depicted in  FIGS. 7-11 , the solar powered unit of the present invention provides for great flexibility in structural configuration without impeding the ability of the solar powered unit to selectively position the solar panels mounted thereon. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the present invention also includes a versatile, cost-effective weatherproof enclosure or cover  150  for the electronics of the solar powered unit whereby a hinging system  51  is utilized to tilt the single-piece cover  150  open to selectively expose the integral electrical ports. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the amount of the cover can open allows on sufficient access to appropriate AC electrical outputs, while preventing access to other components and aspects not intended for user access. The curved shape on both ends allows for cross ventilation of the power electronics contained within. Both, shapes have dual purposes. The left shape also provides a “stop” to limit the degree of cover opening, while the right shape is designed to provide a space for AC power chords to exit the cover. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , another important aspect of the present invention is the orientation of the battery braces, or spreaders  42 , to be substantially perpendicular to the axle  8  of the solar powered unit. By orienting the spreaders  42  in such a fashion, as opposed to being parallel to the axle  8 , the forces generated by tilting the solar powered unit are transferred to the spreaders themselves, thereby significantly reducing the torsional stresses on the axle. 
       FIGS. 12   a - 12   f  and  13  are perspective views of the frame including the base  14 , uprights  22 , cross-bar  24 , accessory support structures  26 , and foot lock  30 , of the solar powered unit, and universal solar module clamp  50 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.