Apparatus and method for lighting a collapsible structure

Abstract

A solar power generator for a structure comprising a collapsible frame assembly is provided. The solar power generator includes a solar panel removably coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The solar panel is configured to absorb solar energy from the sun. A power module is electrically coupled to the solar panel. The power module includes a power source that is configured to convert the solar energy absorbed by the solar panel to electrical energy. At least one power output is electrically coupled to the power source and configured to supply electrical energy to a coupled load device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application 200520126787.2 entitled “Solar Tent” filed on Dec. 29, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to collapsible structures, such as tents and gazebos, and, more particularly, to collapsible structures having an apparatus for converting solar energy to electrical energy and providing that energy to an interior space defined by the collapsible structure. [0003] Camping and social activities are becoming increasingly popular. With people's current living, standards improving, so are the demands for simplified and user-friendly camping and / or social activity structures. For example, tents are becoming a favored necessity for camping activities. To provide more enjoyment for the camper, electric home appliances and / or lighting devices provide the modem conveniences that the camper is acc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032] The present invention provides a collapsible structure, such as a tent, a canopy or a gazebo, including an apparatus for facilitating converting solar energy to electrical energy for supplying electric power to a load device, such as an appliance and / or a lighting device for lighting an interior space defined by the collapsible structure and / or an exterior area about the collapsible structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus utilizes photovoltaic principles to generate electrical energy from solar power obtained from the sun.

[0067] The above-described apparatus and method facilitate illuminating an interior space defined by a collapsible structure, such as a tent or a gazebo. More specifically, the apparatus and method utilize photovoltaic principles to generate electrical energy from solar power obtained from the sun. As a result, in one embodiment electrical energy in the form of light is provided in an efficient, environmentally conscience and cost-effective manner.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the collapsible structure shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration;

Problems solved by technology

However, many conventional batteries supply only a limited amount of electric power.

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