Electronics Charging Station

Abstract

An electronics charging station for powering and charging an electronic device is provided. The electronics charging station comprises an umbrella. The umbrella comprises a main shaft having a first end and a second end a plurality of ribs extending from the main shaft, and a canopy having a top surface and a bottom surface with the bottom surface of the canopy mounted to the ribs. At least one solar panel is mounted to the top surface of the canopy. At least one rechargeable battery is provided for capturing and storing the energy from the at least one solar panel. An outlet box is electrically connected to the at least one solar panel and the at least one rechargeable battery. Upon connecting the electronic device to the outlet box, the electronic device Is powered and charged.

Claims

1. An electronics charging station for powering and charging an electronic device, the electronics charging station comprising: an umbrella comprising: a main shaft having a first end and a second end; a plurality of ribs extending from the main shaft; and a canopy having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the canopy mounted to the ribs; at least one solar panel mounted to the top surface of the canopy; at least one rechargeable battery for capturing and storing the energy from the at least one solar panel; and an outlet box electrically connected to the at least one solar panel and the at least one rechargeable battery; wherein upon connecting the electronic device to the outlet box, the electronic device is powered and charged.

2. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the canopy is openable and closable.

3. The electronics charging station of claim 2 wherein the solar panels electrically disconnect from the at least one rechargeable battery and the outlet box upon closing of the canopy.

4. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the at least one solar panel is positioned between adjacent ribs.

5. The electronics charging station of claim 1 and further comprising: a plurality of solar panels; wherein a single solar panel is positioned between a set of adjacent ribs.

6. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein each solar panel produces a maximum of approximately forty five hundredths of a volt and a varying amount of current depending on the size of the cell and the amount of light striking the surface.

7. The electronic charging station of claim 6 wherein the at least one solar panel has at least four cells wired in series producing approximately one and eight tenths voltage and a maximum of approximately one hundred milliamps in full sunlight.

8. The electronics charging station of claim 1 and further comprising: a table station secured to the second end of the main shaft of the umbrella; and an enclosed area formed in the main housing; wherein the at least one rechargeable battery is positioned within the enclosed area.

5. The electronics charging station of claim 8 wherein the main housing of the table station has a top end and a bottom end, and further comprising: a table top secured to the top end of the main housing; and a plurality of wheels secured to the bottom end of the main housing.

10. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the outlet box is mounted to the main shaft of the umbrella.

11. The electronics charging station of claim 10 wherein the outlet box is mounted In the approximate center of the main shaft.

12. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the outlet box has at least one electrical power outlet and at least one USB charging dock.

13. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the second end of the main shaft of the umbrella is pointed.

14. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the at least one rechargeable battery is mounted within a receiving area formed in the main shaft.

15. A method for powering and charging an electronic device, the method comprising: providing an umbrella comprising: a main shaft having a first end and a second end; a plurality of ribs extending from the main shaft; and a canopy having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface of the canopy mounted to the ribs; mounting at least one solar panel to the top surface of the canopy; providing at least one rechargeable battery, capturing and storing the energy from the at least one solar panel in the at least one rechargeable battery; electrically connecting an outlet box to the at least one solar panel and the at least one rechargeable battery; connecting the electronic device to the outlet box; and powering and charging the electronic device.

16. An electronics charging station for powering and charging an electronic device, the electronics charging station comprising: an umbrella comprising: a main shaft having a first end and a second end; a plurality of ribs extending from the main shaft, and a canopy having a top surface and a bottom surface: the bottom surface of the canopy mounted to the ribs; at least one solar panel mounted to the top surface of the canopy, the at least one solar panel being positioned between adjacent ribs; at least one rechargeable battery for capturing and storing the energy from the at least one solar panel; and an outlet box electrically connected to the at least one solar panel and the at least one rechargeable battery, the outlet box mounted to the main shaft, the outlet box having at least one electrical power outlet and at least one USB charging dock; wherein upon connecting the electronic device to the outlet box, the electronic device is powered and charged.

17. The electronics charging station of claim 1 wherein the solar panels electrically disconnect from the at least one rechargeable battery and the outlet box upon closing of the canopy.

18. The electronics charging station of claim 16 and further comprising: a plurality of solar panels; wherein a single solar panel Is positioned between a set of adjacent ribs.

19. The electronics charging station of claim 16 and further comprising; a table station secured to the second end of the main shaft of the umbrella., the table station having a top end and a bottom end; an enclosed area formed in the main housing; a table top secured to me top end of the main housing; and a plurality of wheels secured to the bottom end of the main housing. wherein the at least one rechargeable battery is positioned within the enclosed area.

20. The electronics charging station of claim 16 wherein the at least one rechargeable battery is mounted within a receiving area formed in the main shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment of an electronics charging station, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a portable solar powered charging station contained within a shade umbrella and an integrated base table with rolling capability.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a another perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of the electronics charging station, constructed in accordance with the present Invention, showing a portable solar powered charging station contained within a shade umbrella and an integrated base table with rolling capability.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of electronics charging station, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the umbrella rod integrally inserted into a charging component integrally attached to the top of the table and containing plug-in ports for USB and electrical cords.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the first embodiment of electronics charging station, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a base table with an outlet box containing USB and electrical ports along with a housing component for batteries which are used optionally if solar energy is unavailable.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the electronics charging station, constructed m accordance with the present invention, showing a single shade umbrella arid rod that is insertable into a standard patio table or umbrella stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as an Electronics Charging Station, indicated generally at 10, is a charging kiosk powered by solar energy. The Electronics Charging Station 10 is specifically engineered to enable individuals to recharge their electronic devices at outdoor locations such as beaches, pools, parks, campgrounds, and campuses, The Electronics Charging Station 10 provides an easily accessible means for recharging electronic devices particularly when one is enjoying outdoor activities where power outlets are unavailable.

[0021] Portable and self-sustaining, the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention can be constructed in at least two embodiments. The first embodiment of the Electronics Charging Station 10 includes an umbrella 12 having a main shaft 14 and a canopy 16. The main shaft 14 has a first end and a second end. The canopy 16 has a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of ribs 18 are mounted at the first end of the main shaft 14 with the bottom surface of the canopy 16 contactingly stretchable over the ribs 18. A plurality of stretchers (not shown) are pivotally mounted between the ribs 18 and a runner (not shown) movable up and down the main shaft 14 from the second end to the first end of the main shaft 14 and from the first end to the second end of the main shaft 14, When the runner is moved up the main shaft 14 toward the first end of the main shaft 14, the runner causes the stretchers to push the ribs 18 in a generally upward direction to stretch the canopy 16 open. A top spring (not shown) nearingly adjacent the first end of the main shaft 14 can releasably maintain the canopy 16 of the umbrella 12 in the open position. Releasing the top spring allows the runner to move down the main shaft 14 toward the second end of the main shaft 14 collapsing the ribs 18 and the canopy 16. A bottom or hand spring (not shown) mounted nearingly adjacent the second end of the main shaft 14 releasably secures the ribs 18 and the canopy 18 in the collapsed position.

[0022] While the canopy 16 of the umbrella 12 of the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention has been described as being openable and closable by raising and lowering, respectively, of the runner up and down the main shaft 14, it is within the scope of the present invention for the canopy 16 to be fixedly open without the ability to close the canopy 16, as described above.

[0023] The Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention includes a series of solar panels 20 incorporated and mounted on the top surface of the canopy 16 of the umbrella 12. The solar panels 20 are exposed for allowing sun rays to provide necessary power to the Electronics Charging Station 10. Preferably, each solar panel 20 is positioned on the top surface of the canopy 18 between adjacent ribs 18 so as not to interfere with the operation of the umbrella 12, as described above. However, it should be noted, that it is within the scope of the present invention for the solar panels 20 to be positioned at any place on the top surface of the canopy 18. including, but not limited, to over the ribs 18.

[0024] The solar panels 20 of the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention are preferably standard solar cells in a straightforward application. In operation, a single solar cell produces a maximum of approximately forty five hundredths of a volt and a varying amount of current depending on the size of the cell and the amount of light striking the surface. To maximize the output for the Electronics Charging Station 10, the solar panels 20 require at least four cells wired in series The four cells produce approximately one and eight tenths voltage and a maximum of approximately one hundred milliamps in full sunlight, thus providing enough power for the intended purpose of the Electronics Charging Station 10, as will be discussed further below.

[0025] In addition, the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention includes a table station 22 secured, either releasably or otherwise, to the second end of the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12. The table station 22 has a main housing 24 having a top end and a bottom end. A table top 26 is secured to the top end of the main housing 24 while a plurality of wheels 28 are preferable secured to the bottom end of the main housing 24. Secured within an enclosed area formed in the main housing 24 beneath the table top 26 are the at least one rechargeable battery 29 for capturing and storing the energy from the solar panels 20 and keeping a power supply going even after darkness fails.

[0026] The rechargeable battery or batteries 29 of the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention is electrically connected to the solar panels 20 by an electrical wire completely encased within the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12. partially encased within the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12, or completely outside the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12.

[0027] The Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention further includes an outlet box 30 positioned about the main shaft 14 or near the main shaft 14 nearingly adjacent the center or the second end of the main shaft 14. The outlet box 30 preferably has one or more electrical power outlets 32 and/or USB charging docks 34 electrically connected to both the solar panels 20 and the rechargeable battery or batteries 29. The outlet box 30 is electrically connected to the solar panels 20 and the batteries 29 by an electrical wire completely encased within the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12, partially encased within the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12, or completely outside the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12. When an electronic device is plugged into the appropriate outlet 32 or dock 34 on the outlet box 30, the electronic device can be powered by either the solar panels 20 or the rechargeable battery or batteries 29, depending on the available power supply.

[0028] The Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention can be wired such that by opening the canopy 16 of the umbrella 12, the solar panels 20 become electrically connected to both the outlet box 30 and the rechargeable battery or batteries 29 within the enclosed area of the main housing 24. Or, in the alternative, the electrical connection between the solar panels 20 and the outlet box 30 and the rechargeable battery or batteries 29 can be maintained even if the canopy 16 is in the close position.

[0029] The second embodiment of the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present Invention is free from the table station 22. The outlet box 30 is mounted directly to the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12 between the first end and the second end of the main shaft 14. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet box 30 is mounted in the approximate center of the main shaft 14 allowing easy access to the outlet box 30. In addition, the second end of the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12 is preferably pointed allowing the main shaft 14 to be inserted into the sand or ground, or the second end of the main shaft 14 can be inserted into an existing umbrella stand or patio table engineered for holding a shade umbrella. The rechargeable battery or batteries 29 are mounted within a receiving area 36 within the main shaft 14 and accessible to the user in case of maintenance or replacement.

[0030] Extending to a height of approximately six to seven feet, the umbrella of the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention supplies power to the kiosk and provides protection of expensive devices against the elements. The outlet box 30 has a series of AC power outlets 32 and USB charging docks 34 germane to a variety of electronic brands. In the first embodiment, the enclosed area of the table station 22 receives the replaceable batteries 29 and the table station 22 holds the second end of the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12. In the second embodiment containing only an umbrella 12, the outlet box 30 is mounted directly to the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12 and the rechargeable batteries 29 are integrally attached with the main shaft 14 of the umbrella 12.

[0031] The Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention provides cellular telephone subscribers with a simple and effective means of maintaining a fully charged telephone at all times, particularly while relaxing outdoors Stationed in direct sunlight, the Electronics Charging Station 10 begins charging a phone or other electronic device in a matter of seconds. Other electronic devices powerable by the Electronics Charging Station 10 include tablet computers, iPads, iPods, Mp3 players, and virtually any other mobile device with a rechargeable battery. Regardless of its outdoor location, the Electronics Charging Station 10 of the present invention efficiently and expediently can keep electronics powered at all times.

[0032] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.