Abstract:
A solar charging handbag for recharging electronic appliances such as cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) players, MP3 players, gaming stations, and similar devices. A solar panel is connected to a charge control module and the electronic appliance is plugged into the charge control module. The charge control module may incorporate a rechargeable battery or battery pack.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority from and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/561,163 filed Apr. 10, 2004, entitled: Solar Charging Handbag. This U.S. Provisional Patent Application is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
     FIELD 
     This invention relates to the field of battery charging equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to battery chargers using solar energy. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years there has been a proliferation of personal electronic appliances that are typically designed to be portable and carried for continuously available use. Examples of such appliances are cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, and Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) players. In general these appliances are powered by batteries. While it is possible to carry spare batteries, this is often inconvenient for the user and requires additional expenditures. Most batteries in such appliances are rechargeable. Often there are optional means provided for recharging the batteries, such as adapters for automobile cigarette lighters and adapters for household electrical current recharging. However, such existing technology does not meet the needs of many users of personal electronic devices. For example, in many circumstances the user does not have access to such sources of power when such power is needed for recharging batteries. What is needed therefore is a portable means for recharging the batteries of personal electronic appliances. It would be particularly helpful if the means were independent of additional devices or sources of energy. It would also be helpful if the means were integrated into a user&#39;s other needs related to the use of the electronic appliance, such as storing or carrying the electronic appliance. 
     SUMMARY 
     In the present invention, a solar charging handbag is provided, where the handbag includes a compartment constructed at least in part of sheet material. The compartment is configured for holding an electronic appliance. An aperture is provided in the sheet material and a solar panel is disposed to receive ambient light through the aperture and thereby generate electrical energy. A charge control module is retained with the compartment. The charge control module is configured for connecting a charging line to the electronic appliance. There is an electrical connection between the solar panel and the charge control module, so that at least a portion of the electrical energy generated by the solar panel recharges the electronic appliance when the electronic appliance is connected to the charge control module through the charging line. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a handbag has a compartment constructed at least in part of a sheet material, the compartment being configured for holding a an electronic appliance. A solar panel is attached to the compartment, and the solar panel has solar cells laminated between a backing material and a protective material and the solar panel is configured to receive ambient light and thereby generate electrical energy. There is a charge control module retained with the compartment, and the charge control module configured for connecting a charging line to the electronic appliance. An electrical connection is provided between the solar panel and the charge control module, so that whereby at least a portion of the electrical energy generated by the solar panel recharges the electronic appliance when the electronic appliance is connected to the charge control module through the charging line. 
     In a further embodiment, a solar charging handbag has a compartment configured for holding an electronic appliance and for storing a complement of personal articles. The compartment has a front panel and an opening, and there is a flap having a first portion that substantially covers the opening and a second portion constructed of sheet material that overlaps at least a portion of the front panel when the compartment stores the complement of personal articles. A solar panel is attached to the second portion of the flap, and the solar panel is configured to receive ambient light and thereby generate electrical energy. A charge control module is retained with the compartment, and the charge control module configured for connecting a charging line to the electronic appliance. There is an electrical connection between the solar panel and the charge control module, and at least a portion of the electrical energy generated by the solar panel recharges the electronic appliance when the electronic appliance is connected to the charge control module through the charging line. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of one embodiment based upon a tote bag design. 
         FIG. 2 . is a top perspective view of a tote bag embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of additional components of a solar charging handbag and mechanisms for fastening certain components in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of another alternate embodiment, showing a messenger style design. 
         FIG. 5  is detailed view of mechanisms for fastening solar charging handbag components in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a detailed view of additional components of a solar charging handbag and mechanisms for fastening certain components in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8   a  is a cutaway perspective of an alternate embodiment. 
         FIG. 8   b  illustrates solar charging handbag in its configuration for carrying. 
         FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b  are perspective views of a backpack embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a solar charging handbag  100  is depicted. The term “handbag” as used herein refers to various carrying bags and cases, including tote bags, purses, messenger bags, briefcases, suitcases, satchels, backpacks, pouches, insulated containers, and so forth. In this embodiment of  FIG. 1  the handbag has a back panel  102 , an opposing front panel  104 , a first side panel  106  and an opposing second side panel  108 , and a bottom panel  109  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In the most preferred embodiments back panel  102 , opposing front panel  104 , first side panel  106  and opposing second side panel  108  and bottom panel  109  are composed of sheet material. “Sheet material” as referred to herein includes fabrics such as canvas, linen, denim, oil cloth, knit and other non-woven fabrics, and so forth. Leather, vinyl, polymers, plastic films and sheets, and sheet metal are other forms of sheet material. First carrying strap  110  is attached to the front panel  104  and second carrying strap  111  is attached to the back panel  102 . The back panel  102 , the front panel  104 , side panel  106 , and side panel  108  combine to form a compartment  113 . Compartment  113  has an opening  117  that is formed at least in part by a portion of the top edge of the front panel  104  and the back panel  102 . Preferably compartment  113  is sized to carry a complement of personal articles. A complement of personal articles constitutes items that are typically carried in a purse or a briefcase, such as a wallet, check book, makeup, grooming aids, keys, books, papers, and so forth. Various embodiments may employ a different size compartment  113  in order to accommodate different user&#39;s needs. 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a solar panel  112  is mounted behind aperture  114  in front panel  104 . Thus configured, solar panel  112  receives ambient light through aperture  114  whereby solar panel  112  generates electrical energy. In this configuration solar panel  112  is affixed to front panel  104  by stitching  116 . In alternate embodiments solar panel  112  may be affixed directly to the exterior surface  115  of front panel  104 , without aperture  114 , using adhesives, rivets, or other attachment mechanisms. Preferably the solar panel  112  is a flexible solar panel, such as a rollable panel available from Iowa Thin Film Technologies, Inc. in Ames, Iowa. A first electrical lead  118  and a second electrical lead  120  extend from solar panel  112 . In this embodiment the first electrical lead is attached to the positive terminal of solar panel  112 , and the second electrical lead is attached to the negative terminal of solar panel  112 . First electrical lead  118  and second electrical lead  120  constitute electrical connections, and they may be configured as twisted pairs or coaxial wires. In this embodiment, solar charging handbag  100  has a lining  122  that provides a backing to back panel  102 , front panel  104 , first side panel  106  and second side panel  106 , and first electrical lead  118  and second electrical lead  120  pass around bag  100  between lining  122  and front panel  104 , and between lining  122  and second side panel  108 , and between lining  122  and back panel  102 . 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 1  solar charging handbag  100  has a first pocket  124  and a second pocket  126  affixed to the lining  122  on back panel  102  at the top of compartment  113 . First pocket  124  and second pocket  126  are configure to protrude into compartment  113 . First electrical lead  118  and second electrical lead  120  pass through a grommet  128  installed in lining  122  and into second pocket  126 . Additionally, a first auxiliary pocket  130  and a second auxiliary pocket  132  are provided for supplemental storage. First pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132  are specific embodiments of fastening mechanisms for securing component devices of this embodiment. Alternate embodiments of fastening mechanisms include hook and loop fabric fasteners, elastic straps, clips, cups, or similar devices. Such fastening mechanisms securably restrain their enclosed or affixed component devices, such that the devices are contained in a defined space but the component devices can be accessed or removed if needed. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , first pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132  are fabricated from a band of fastening material  133  is attached that extends across the top of the entire lateral extent of back panel  102 , and the fastening material  133  is attached to the lining  122  at several locations to form first pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132 . While first pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132  are at the top of back panel  102  in this embodiment in alternate embodiments first pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132  could be at the bottom of back panel  102 . In further alternate embodiments first pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132  could be affixed to front panel  104 . However, to counter-balance the weight of components of the solar charging handbag  100 , in the most preferred embodiments, solar panel  112  is affixed to one panel and first pocket  124 , second pocket  126 , first auxiliary pocket  130 , and second auxiliary pocket  132  are affixed to the panel opposing the panel to which the solar panel  112  is affixed. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a top perspective view of further details of one embodiment. Solar panel  112  is seen to be affixed to front panel  104 . First electrical lead  118  and second electrical lead  120  are attached to solar panel  112 , and pass between lining  122  and front panel  104 , between side panel  106  and lining  122 , and between back panel  102  and lining  122 . Then first lead  118  and second lead  120  pass through grommet  128  in lining  122  into pocket  126  where they connect with charge control module  129 . Charge control module  129  is seen connected to automobile cigarette lighter female connector  134  via female connector wire  136 . Charge control module  129  is retained with compartment  113  by pocket  126 . In some embodiments charge control module  129  may be stored in a pocket that is disposed on an exterior surface, such as exterior surface  115 . In such embodiments the charge control module  129  is still considered to be retained with the compartment defined in part by the exterior surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , first lead  118  and second electrical lead  120  are shown running from the solar panel  112  to front panel  104  between side panel  106 , back panel  108 , and lining  122 , emerging from grommet  128  that is installed in lining  122 . It is beneficial to have first pocket  124 , and second pocket  126  disposed on a panel (i.e., back panel  102 ) that is opposed from the panel (i.e., front panel  104 ) upon which solar panel  112  is disposed, so that the weight of the contents of first pocket  124  and second pocket  126  counterbalance the weight of solar panel  112 . In this embodiment an automobile cigarette lighter female connector  134  is connected to first lead  118  and second lead  120 , and automobile cigarette lighter female connector  134  is secured in a plug pocket  144  which is inside second pocket  126 . Plug pocket  144  used in this embodiment is another example of a fastening mechanism. Automobile cigarette lighter female connector  134  is an example of an electronic appliance plug receptacle. The use of automobile cigarette lighter female connector  134  in solar charger handbag  100  is particularly beneficial because most electronic devices have an accessory for recharging their batteries using an automobile cigarette lighter connection. Also depicted in  FIG. 3  is an electronic appliance cigarette lighter male connector  138  which plugs into automobile cigarette lighter female connector  134 . Male connector wire  140  extends from cigarette lighter male connector  138  to electronic appliance connector  142 . Electronic appliance  146 , a cellular telephone in this embodiment, can then be connected to electronic appliance connector  142  to recharge built-in batteries in electronic appliance  146 . 
     It is important in many embodiments that a blocking diode be inserted in the circuitry between the solar cells and any battery being recharged. A low-loss Schottky diode is preferred. The reason for including a blocking diode is that if the solar cells are not generating sufficient voltage potential, which for example, will occur when there is insufficient ambient light, the solar cells will drain the battery unless a blocking diode is inserted in the circuit to prevent this from occurring. Some solar panels, including some models of the rollable panels available from Iowa Thin Film Technologies, Inc. in Ames, Iowa have a blocking diode built into the solar panel. Also, some automobile cigarette lighter male connectors that are designed for portable electronic applications have built-in blocking diodes. 
       FIG. 4  presents a further alternate embodiment. Solar charging handbag  150  is shown having a back panel  152 , an opposing front panel  154 , a first side panel  156 , an opposing second side panel  158 , and a bottom panel  190  which substantially form compartment  163 . Preferably back panel  152 , an opposing front panel  154 , a first side panel  156 , an opposing second side panel  158 , and a bottom panel  190  are formed at least in part from sheet material. Back panel  152 , opposing front panel  154 , first side panel  156 , opposing second side panel  158 , and bottom panel  190  have an exterior surface  169 . This embodiment also incorporates a flap panel  160  which is attached to the top of back panel  152 . In such embodiments flap panel  160  is considered to be opposing back panel  152  because in normal passive standing, flap panel  160  rests atop front panel  154  which opposes back panel  152 . Flap  160  has an exterior surface  167 . A carrying strap  162  is shown attached to first side panel  156  and second side panel  158 . Solar panel  164  is shown affixed in aperture  166  which has been cut into flap  160 . Preferably, solar panel  166  is a flexible 15.4V 100 mA Iowa Thin Film solar panel, or a similar panel having solar cells laminated between a Tefzel® film on the front and Cordura® fabric on the rear. Tefzel® is chosen for its near-100% transparency. Cordura® is a tough nylon material. As illustrated, the backing of solar panel  164  is disposed behind aperture  166 , held in place by stitching  168  through the Cordura® backing of solar panel  164 . Preferably, flap  160  is configured such that solar panel  160  overlaps at least a portion of front panel  154  when compartment  163  contains a complement of personal articles and solar panel  160  overlaps at least a portion of front panel  154  when compartment  163  is substantially void of personal articles. A flap lining  174  is affixed to the underside of flap  160 . A back panel lining  176  is affixed to back panel  152  inside compartment  163 . A first pocket  178  and a second pocket  180  are provided for storage of a charge control module  179  and electronic appliance  181  respectively. Charge control module  179  is retained with compartment  163  by pocket  178 . In some embodiments charge control module  179  may be stored in a pocket that is disposed on an exterior surface, such as exterior surface  167  or  169 . In such embodiments the charge control module  179  is still considered to be retained with the compartment (e.g.,  163 ) defined in part by the exterior surface(s) (e.g.,  167  and  169 ). Charge control module  179  and electronic appliance  181  are disposed to be connected by charging line  183 . Auxiliary pockets  184  and  186  are provide for storage of miscellaneous accessory items. A first electrical lead  170  and a second electrical lead  172  are attached to solar panel  164  and run between flap panel  160  and flap lining  174 , and between back panel  152  and back panel lining  176 . In this embodiment the first electrical lead  170  is attached to the positive terminal of solar panel  112 , and the second electrical lead  172  is attached to the negative terminal of solar panel  112 . 
       FIG. 5  shows further details of certain components in one embodiment. First electrical lead  170  and second electrical lead  172  are shown emerging from grommet  200  which is installed in back panel lining  176 . First electrical lead  170  and second electrical lead  172  are connected to automobile cigarette lighter female connector  212 . Also depicted in  FIG. 5  is an electronic appliance cigarette lighter male connector  138  which plugs into automobile cigarette lighter female connector  212 . Male connector wire  140  extends from cigarette lighter male connector  138  to electronic appliance connector  142 . Electronic appliance  146  is stowed in pocket  146  and is plugged into electronic appliance connector  142  to recharge built-in batteries in electronic appliance  146 . Electronic appliance  146  is illustrated here as a cell phone; in alternate embodiments electronic appliance  146  may be a music player, gaming device, camera, or other electronic device. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a further alternate embodiment. Solar charging handbag  250  is shown having a back panel  252  and an opposing front panel  254 , a first side panel  256  and a second opposing side panel  258 . Back panel  252 , opposing front panel  254  first side panel  256 , and second side panel  258 , and bottom panel  257  form compartment  261 . This embodiment also incorporates a flap panel  260  which is attached to the top of back panel  252 . In such embodiments flap panel  260  is considered to be opposing back panel  252  because in normal passive standing, flap panel  260  rests atop front panel  254  which opposes back panel  252 . Flap  260  has front surface  267 . A carrying strap  262  is shown attached to first side panel  256  and second side panel  258 . A solar panel  264  is visible through aperture  266  which has been cut into flap  260 . Solar panel is affixed to flap  260  by stitching  268 . A flap lining  274  is affixed to the underside of flap  260 . A back panel lining  276  is affixed to back panel  252  inside compartment  263 . A first electrical lead  270  and a second electrical lead  272  are attached to solar panel  264  and run between flap panel  260  and flap lining  274 , and between back panel  252  and back panel lining  276 . In this embodiment the first electrical lead  270  is attached to the positive terminal of solar panel  264 , and the second electrical lead  272  is attached to the negative terminal of solar panel  264 . A first pocket  278  and a second pocket  280  are shown attached to the back panel lining  276 , as are a first auxiliary pocket  284  and a second auxiliary pocket  286 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts details of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  with respect to first pocket  278  and second pocket  280 , and contents thereof in this embodiment. First pocket  278  and second pocket  280  are examples of fastening mechanisms. First pocket  278  positions charge control module  302  in compartment  261  and second pocket  280  positions electronic appliance  246  in compartment  261 . Pocket  278  is shown with a pocket flap  282  that retains charge control module  302  in pocket  278 . Charge control module  302  (also referred to as a charge controller) may include a battery pack. When charger controller  302  includes a battery pack it is particularly beneficial that first pocket  278  that positions the battery pack and second pocket  280  that positions containing the charge control module  302  are positioned opposedly (as shown) across plug pocket  216  so that their weights are counter-balanced. Plug pocket  216  is disposed in pocket  280  and plug pocket  216  is an example of a fastening mechanism. Preferably plug pocket  216  retains automobile cigarette lighter female connector  212  in an upright position to allow easy access for plugging into automobile cigarette lighter female connector  212 . First electrical lead  270  and second electrical lead  272  are shown emerging from grommet  300  which is installed in back panel lining  276 . First lead  270  and second lead  272  connect to a charge control module  302 . An example of such a charge control module is the model RA5 Battery Charger available from Iowa Thin Film Technologies, Inc. in Ames, Iowa. In alternate embodiments, charge control module  302  may consist simply of a 1N5817TR Schottky diode installed in the positive potential electrical lead (i.e., first electrical lead  270 ) and the diode is set into the circuit in the direction where the arrow (or marker on the diode) is oriented toward the positive terminal of the battery to be recharged. A common ground is provided by the second electrical lead  272 . In such embodiments, additional protection for the battery may be provided by a protective circuit module in the electronic appliance. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a further feature of some embodiments. An electrical connection consisting of a first lead  310  and a second lead  311  connects the output of charge control module  302  to automobile cigarette lighter female connector  312 . Male connector wire  240  extends from cigarette lighter male connector  238  to electronic appliance connector  242 . Electronic appliance  246  is plugged into electronic appliance connector  242  to recharge built-in batteries in electronic appliance  246 . In addition, in this embodiment, a rechargeable battery  308  is connected across electrical first electrical lead  310  and second electrical lead  311 . Automobile cigarette lighter female connector  312  is stowed in plug pocket  316  and is connected to rechargeable battery  308  via female connector wire  314  through grommet  318 . Rechargeable battery  308  may, for example, be a 7.4V 700 mA lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, lithium polymer battery, or other rechargeable battery. However, if a lithium ion battery or lithium polymer battery is used, it is important to provide protection for the battery from overcharging or applying excess voltage to the battery. Such protection can come from a protection circuit module built into the rechargeable battery  312  or built into the charge control module  302 . 
     Rechargeable battery  308  charges whenever power is available from charge control module  302 , and provides a reserve of power whenever electronic appliance  246  is connected through automobile cigarette lighter female connector  312 . Charging status indicator light emitting diode  304  is shown popping out through grommet  306  in the front of pocket  278  to show when rechargeable battery  308  is charging. 
       FIG. 8   a  provides a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment. Solar charging handbag  350  is shown having a back panel  352  and an opposing front panel  354 , a first side panel  356  and a second opposing side panel  358 . A bottom panel  290  attaches to the bottoms of back panel  352 , front panel  354 , first side panel  356 , and second side panel  358 . Back panel  352 , front panel  354 , first side panel  356 , second side panel  358  and bottom panel  390  substantially define an interior compartment  361 . This embodiment also incorporates a flap panel  360  which is attached to the top of back panel  352 . In such embodiments flap panel  360  is considered to be opposing back panel  352  because in normal passive standing, flap panel  360  rests atop front panel  354  which opposes back panel  352 . A carrying strap  362  is shown attached to first side panel  356  and second side panel  358 . A solar panel  364  is shown affixed in flap panel  260  behind aperture  365  which has been cut into flap  360 . A flap lining  374  is affixed to the underside of flap  360 . A back panel lining  376  is affixed to back panel  352  inside compartment  361 . A first pocket  378  and a second pocket  380  are shown attached to the back panel lining  376 . A charge control module  402  is secured in first pocket  378  and a rechargeable battery  408  is secured in second pocket  380 . There is a grommet in the lining of the back of the first pocket  378  where the wires from the solar panel come through the lining for the charge controller. The rechargeable battery  408  is connected to the charge control module  402  through wires that come through a grommet between the first pocket  378  and the second pocket  380 . Back panel  352  has a lateral dimension  450 , and first side panel  356  and second side panel  358  establish an average transverse dimension  454 . The bisection of lateral dimension  450  establishes an axis of symmetry  452  that is perpendicular to the lateral dimension  452  and the transverse dimension  454 . A third axis, the axis of balance  456  is perpendicular to both the transverse dimension and the axis of symmetry  452 , and runs through the axis of symmetry  452  at the bottom of the back panel  352 . In order to have solar charging handbag  350  hang straight, and rest evenly when set on bottom panel  390 , first pocket  378  and second pocket  380  are located to position charge control module  378  and the rechargeable battery  408  at distances away from the axis of symmetry  452  such that the bag is substantially counter-balanced about the axis of symmetry  456 .  FIG. 8   b  illustrates solar charging handbag in its configuration for carrying. 
       FIG. 9   a  illustrates a back-pack style solar charging handbag  500  shown opened and viewed from the perspective of looking into the bag from above and behind the bag. Solar charging handbag  500  has a compartment  502 . Inside compartment  502  is an electronic appliance pocket  504  containing electronic appliance  505  and a charge control module pocket  506  containing charge control module  507 . Preferably charge control module  507  includes a battery pack. Solar charging handbag  500  has a flap  508  (the back of which is shown) that has a solar panel  510  (shown in hidden lines) on the front of flap  508 . Electrical leads  512  run from solar panel  510  to charge control module  507 . Solar charging handbag has a first strap  514  and a second strap  516 . 
       FIG. 9   b  illustrates details of electronic appliance pocket  504 , electronic appliance  505 , charge control module pocket  506 , containing charge control module  507 . Charge control module  507  is configured for connecting a charging line to the electronic appliance  505 , as illustrated by male adapter  520  which plugs into female adapter  522 . Charge control module  507  includes a charge controller and a battery pack. LED lights  524  are provided to indicate a full or empty battery pack. 
     In a first exemplary solar charging handbag, the bag portion of a solar charging handbag is shaped similar to an opened paper grocery bag. The bag has a back panel that has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The back panel also has a top edge and a bottom edge and two side edges. There is also an opposing front panel with an interior surface and exterior surface and a top edge and a bottom edge and two side edges. The bag also has a first and second side panels. Each side panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface and a top edge and a bottom edge and two side edges. In the most preferred embodiments, the side edges of front panel, back panel, and two side panels are substantially all the same length. Also in the most preferred embodiments the top and bottom edges of both the front and back panel are substantially all the same length, and the top and bottom edges of the two side panels are substantially the same length. The bag is configured so that one side edge of the first side panel is attached to one side edge of the back panel and the second side edge of the first side panel is attached to one side edge of the front panel. Similarly, one side edge of the second side panel is attached to the second side edge of the back panel and the second side edge of the second side panel is attached to the second side edge of the front panel. Finally, the bag has a substantially rectangular or square bottom panel having four edges. Two opposing edges are substantially the same length as the bottom edges of the front and rear panels, and the other two opposing edges are substantially the same length of the top and bottom edges of the side panels. A first edge of the bottom panel having substantially the same length as the bottom edge of the front and rear panels is attached to the bottom edge of the back panel, a second bottom panel edge adjoining the first edge of the bottom panel is attached to the bottom edge of the first side panel, the edge opposing the first edge of the bottom panel is attached to the bottom edge of the front panel, and the fourth edge of the bottom panel is attached to the bottom edge of the second side panel. In this configuration it is seen that the interior surface of the back panel, the interior surface of front panel, the interior surface of first side panel, the interior surface of the second side panel, and the interior surface of the bottom panel establish an interior compartment with an opening at the top of the bag. 
     Continuing with the description of this first exemplary embodiment, the solar handbag has a solar panel that generates electrical energy when exposed to ambient light. The solar panel is affixed to the exterior surface of one panel of the bag. A fastening mechanism is disposed inside the interior compartment and affixed to the panel opposing the panel to which the solar panel is affixed, and a charge control module is securably restrained by the fastening mechanism. The charge control module has a charge control module and an electronic appliance plug receptacle for providing electrical energy to an electronic appliance. Further, there is an electrical connection between the charge control module and the solar panel whereby the charge control module accepts electrical energy from the solar panel through the electrical connection when the solar panel is exposed to ambient light and the charge control module provides electrical energy to the electronic appliance plug receptacle. 
     Some embodiments of this first exemplary solar charging handbag incorporate a second fastening mechanism for securably restraining an electronic appliance, where the second fastening mechanism is disposed inside the interior compartment and affixed to the panel opposing the panel to which the solar panel is affixed. Some embodiments of this first exemplary solar charging handbag have a flap panel that is attached to the top edge of the panel to which the charge control module is securably restrained by the fastening mechanism. The flap panel has an exterior and an interior surface, and it traverses the opening at the top of the bag, and the flap panel covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the panel opposing the panel to which the charge control module is securably restrained by the fastening mechanism. In these embodiments the solar panel is attached to the exterior surface of the flap panel instead of the exterior surface of the panel opposing the panel to which the charge control module is securably restrained by the fastening mechanism. 
     A second exemplary solar charging handbag includes a bag comprising material that has an exterior surface and forms an interior compartment. This solar charging handbag also includes a solar panel having a negative terminal, and a built-in blocking diode with a positive output terminal. The solar panel is attached to the external surface of the bag and it generates electrical energy when exposed to ambient light. An electronic appliance plug receptacle disposed in the interior compartment. A first electrical connection is made between the positive output terminal of the built-in diode of the solar panel and the electronic appliance plug receptacle and a second electrical connection is made between the negative terminal of the solar panel and the electronic appliance plug receptacle, whereby the solar panel provides electrical energy to the electronic appliance plug receptacle through the electrical connection when the solar panel is exposed to ambient light. 
     In some embodiments of the second exemplary solar charging handbag the bag is configured in a manner similar to the bag described for the first exemplary solar charging handbag, and the solar panel is affixed to one of the exterior surfaces of a panel in that bag. Also, some embodiments include a first fastening mechanism for an electronic appliance that is affixed to the panel opposing the panel to which the solar panel is affixed. Some embodiments also include a second fastening mechanism affixed to the panel opposing the panel to which the solar panel is affixed for securably restraining either the electronic appliance plug receptacle or the electronic appliance itself. Further, some embodiments of this second exemplary solar charging handbag have a flap panel that is attached to the top edge of the panel to which the charge control module is securably restrained by the first fastening mechanism. The flap panel has an exterior and an interior surface, and it traverses the opening at the top of the bag, and the flap panel covers at least a portion of the exterior surface of the panel opposing the panel to which the charge control module is securably restrained by the fastening mechanism. In these embodiments the solar panel is attached to the exterior surface of the flap panel instead of the exterior surface of the panel opposing the panel to which the charge control module is securably restrained by the fastening mechanism. 
     In the most preferred embodiments of the first and second exemplary solar charging handbags the charge control module includes a rechargeable battery, and the solar panel and the electronic appliance plug receptacle are both connected to the rechargeable battery. 
     Some embodiments of the first and second exemplary solar charging handbags incorporate an exterior fastening mechanism on the exterior surface of the solar bag and a passageway from the interior compartment to the exterior surface where the passageway is proximate to the exterior fastening mechanism such that a second electrical connection can be made through the passageway to connect an electronic appliance to the electronic appliance plug receptacle while the electronic appliance is secured by the exterior fastening mechanism. 
     In some embodiments of the first and second exemplary solar charging handbags the charge control module includes at least one charging status visual indicator and the bag further comprises a viewing port through the material at a location whereby at least one charging status visual indicator can be observed from a vantage point perceptive of the exterior surface of the solar charging handbag. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic appliance plug receptacle comprises an automobile cigarette lighter female connector. In some embodiments, the bag comprises a back panel having a lateral dimension, and a fastening mechanism is provided that comprises a band of fastening material that extends substantially across the entire lateral dimension of the back panel. In the most preferred embodiments incorporating a band of and the fastening material the band of fastening material is affixed to the back panel in at least two locations separated to form at least one restraining chamber between affixing locations. 
     Some embodiments include a bag constructed of material that has an exterior surface and forms an interior compartment. Further, the bag has a lateral dimension with an axis of symmetry, and a transverse dimension perpendicular to the lateral dimension, and an axis of balance that is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and parallel to the transverse dimension. These features provide balanced weight distribution for ease of carrying. 
     In the most preferred embodiments there is a first electrical connection between a charge control module and a solar panel and a second electrical connection between the rechargeable battery and the charge control module whereby the charge control module accepts electrical energy from the solar panel through the first electrical connection when the solar panel is exposed to ambient light and the charge control unit recharges the rechargeable battery through the second electrical connection, 
     In some embodiments there are at least two fastening mechanisms in the interior compartment of the bag. One fastening mechanism securably often contains the charge control module and one fastening mechanism securably contains a rechargeable battery. Most preferably, these two fastening mechanisms position the charge control module and the rechargeable battery at distances away from an axis of symmetry such that the bag is substantially balanced about the axis of symmetry. Sometimes a fastening mechanism is provided in the interior compartment for restraining an electronic appliance. In some instances, a solar charging handbag includes a fastening mechanism on the exterior surface of the solar bag and a passageway through the material from the compartment to the exterior surface. Preferably, the passageway is proximate to an electronic appliance plug receptacle such that a second electrical connection can be made through the passageway to connect an electronic appliance to a charge control module the while the electronic appliance is secured by a fastening mechanism. Often an electrical connection is provided between the charge control module and the solar panel where the electrical connection passes from the solar panel through the exterior layer of the flap panel and continues between the exterior material layer and the interior material layer to the back panel where it passes through the interior material layer and connects to the charge control module. 
     In some embodiments the bag has a back panel having a lateral dimension and the interior compartment that includes a fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism incorporates a band of fastening material that extends substantially across the entire lateral dimension of the back panel and the fastening mechanism is affixed to the back panel in at least two locations to form at least one restraining chamber. Preferably the restraining chamber is sized to securably restrain the charge control module, or an electronic appliance, or a battery pack. 
     A flap panel is incorporated in some solar charging handbags, and the flap panel and a back panel are both formed from a common exterior material layer and a common interior material layer. A solar panel is attached to the exterior material layer of the flap panel and it generates electrical energy when exposed to ambient light. Further, a compartment is formed at least in part by the interior material layer of the back panel. A charge control module and a rechargeable battery are disposed in the compartment. A first electrical connection is made between the charge control module and the solar panel, where the first electrical connection passes from the solar panel through the exterior layer of the flap panel and continues between the exterior material layer and the interior material layer to the back panel where it passes through the interior material layer and connects to the charge control module. A second electrical connection is made between the rechargeable battery and the charge control module, whereby the charge control module accepts electrical energy from the solar panel when the solar panel is exposed to ambient light and the charge control module recharges the rechargeable battery. An electronic appliance plug receptacle is connected to the rechargeable battery for providing electrical power to an electronic appliance. 
     In some solar charging handbags, the solar panel is installed between an interior material layer and the exterior material layer of a flap panel, and a window is cut in the exterior material layer of the flap panel such that the window exposes substantially all of the solar panel to ambient light. 
     Some embodiments incorporate an exterior fastening mechanism on the exterior surface of the solar bag and a passageway through the material from the interior compartment of the bag to the exterior surface, where the passageway is proximate to the exterior fastening mechanism such that an exterior electrical connection may be made through the passageway to connect an electronic appliance to an electronic appliance plug receptacle in the interior compartment of the bag while the electronic appliance is secured by the exterior fastening mechanism. 
     The foregoing description of alternate and preferred embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.