CA3044995A1 - Solar powered camping chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The Invention is a foldable camping chair with a custom solar panel used for the side tray. The panel will have integrated USB ports (X2) and one 12V
cigarette lighter socket. The invention functions as an everyday folding camping chair. The traditional side tray table will be constructed from a custom solar panel (10-20W). Affixed to the bottom of the panel will be a weatherproof junction box that houses the wire connections, battery, 12V to 5V transformer and fusing. Mounted into the side of the junction box will be (1) dual USB socket, (1) 12V cigarette lighter socket and all required fusing. Both will incorporate covers to shield them from the elements when not in use.

Description

Solar Powered Camping Chair Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The invention pertains generally to foldable camping chairs incorporating a folding side tray. More specifically, the foldable camping chair provides integrated power ports of 5V and 12V. The chair is equipped with a custom solar panel (10-20W) that also acts as a foldable side tray. A standard cup holder is incorporated into the panel. A weatherproof junction box is affixed to the back side of the solar panel that houses the 12V to 5V transformer, the battery and all necessary wire connections and fusing. The junction box is equipped with (1) dual USB port to provide a constant and consistent charging rate for electronic devices. A 12V cigarette lighter socket is also integrated into the junction box to provide power to 12V devices that utilize this type of connection. Both of these ports are mounted into the side of the junction box for ease of accessibility.
These ports also include weatherproof covers to protect from dust and moisture when not in use.

The invention possesses numerous benefits and advantages over known foldable camping chairs with foldable side trays. In particular, the invention offers a power source on-the-go for areas that typical 5V or 12V power is not readily available. This eliminates the need for users to carry around other external charging power sources that typically need to be charged beforehand from external conventional power sources.
The utilization of a custom solar panel as a side tray allows the on-board battery to be charged anywhere that solar power is available. As modern solar panels have the ability to produce electricity in overcast or shady conditions, the battery will still be able to accept a charge in any weather condition during the day. Efficiency is increased with increased sunlight.
Battery technology also plays an important factor in the effectiveness of the invention. A high performance battery with faster charging rates, higher capacity and power rating will provide the best charging and storage capabilities. The battery will also be fully replaceable by any end-user of the invention.

The invention is capable of providing power to any device that accepts 5V or 12V DC power. The on-board solar panel supplies 12V DC electricity to the cigarette adapter, as well as the 12V to 5V
transformer. The integrated USB ports deliver a 5V
charging current for electronic devices, supplied by the 12V to 5V transformer. The cigarette adapter offers 12V power to any device that utilizes said connection. Other outlet types may be incorporated as technology advances.
Description Of Prior Art It is known in the prior art to provide a chair, bed, lounge or other similar type structure that possesses an energy converter which produces electrical power from conditions to which the structure is exposed on a regular basis to power the functions or features.
Canadian Patent Number 2,399,823, which was issued to Cassaday on August 26, 2002, discloses an office chair that powers a variety of peripheral devices permanently connected to the chair by use of solar panels specific to each device.
U.S. Patent Number 5,975,630, issued on November

2, 1999 to Schreiber, discloses a lounge chair comprised of a solar array driving a DC motor that positions the chair towards the sun. The prior art also incorporates the use of AC power for operating plug-in 120V equipment and for charging the batteries from an AC outlet.
U.S. Patent Number 8,002,349 B1, issued on August 23, 2011 to Pizzuto, teaches of a foldable lounge chair incorporating a solar panel affixed to a telescopic goose-neck extending from the top of the backrest. Sockets are installed into the side of the backrest.
On May 17, 2016, a patent issued to Strolka-Echols et at., under U.S. Patent Number 9,339,1142 B2, describes an electric outdoor lounge chair utilizing solar cells mounted to the back of the upright backrest. This provides power for a drive system for moving the lounger frame or lounger elements.
The multifunctional deck chair of Chinese Patent Number 106,136,628, issued November 23, 2016 to Wang, incorporates an overhead sunshade to mount a flexible solar panel.
Chinese Patent Number 205,568,403U, issued to Xu on September 14, 2016, discloses a chair incorporating a solar panel that powers a network of solenoid-driven hydraulics to position the cushions and backrest.
On September 7, 2016, Chinese Patent Number 105,919,314A was issued to Chenjia Root for an outdoor lounge chair with an overhead solar panel doubling as a canopy. This panel provides power to a humidifying device, head massager and battery charging port.
Chinese Patent Number 106,983,304, issued to Wang et al. on July 28, 2017, discloses a lounge chair comprised of a ceiling with solar panels mounted on top and a fan and light mounted on the bottom. The light source and fan are powered by the solar panel and stored energy is controlled by a controller, infrared sensor and thermometer.
Similarly, Cho et al, bearing Korean Patent Number 10-2016-0136036, issued November 29, 2016, describes a chair with a solar panel affixed to an overhead sunshade. The USB ports and battery are mounted to the underside of said sunshade.
Finally, WIPO Patent Number 2017/088535 Al, issued to Yang et al. on August 25, 2016, teaches a similar design of a canopy-mounted solar panel. This panel provides power to an LED lamp and charging interface located within the armrest.
It is apparent from the foregoing that the prior art fails to teach, or even suggest, a solar powered camping chair incorporating a custom solar panel doubling as a foldable side tray with integrated USB and cigarette lighter adapter.
Summary Of The Invention A main objective of the present invention is to provide a foldable camping chair with provisions to provide 5V
and 12V power to the user. The foldable camping chair includes a custom solar panel that also acts as a folding side tray. The tray has the ability to fold down when not in use or when folding the chair for transport or storage. A cup holder is built into the body of the panel. The solar panel includes a weatherproof junction box assembly housing the battery, 12V to 5V
transformer, wiring, wire connections, wire terminals and fusing. Installed into the side of said weatherproof junction box, is a dual USB port and a 12V cigarette lighter receptacle. This allows the user to have both constant and stored power for charging electronics with a standard USB connection as well as a receptacle offering 12V power for peripheral devices utilizing the cigarette lighter plug.
The chair itself is comprised of a frame and a fabric backrest and seat. The frame construction is of a lightweight, rigid material and hinged to allow the chair to fold in half for transport and storage. The legs and armrests make up an integral part of the frame. Foam pads cover the armrests for comfort which are covered by the fabric backrest and seat.
The fabric human contact sheet is a single piece affixed to the frame to provide a seat, back support and to protect the foam armrests from the elements.
The fabric is a material that facilitates the collapsing of the chair for storage. Fabric handles may be sewn to the fabric human contact sheet for easier lifting and transport when in a folded position.
Brief Description Of The Drawings = FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully assembled solar powered camping chair.
= FIG. 2 is a rear view of the present invention.

= FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the chair in a collapsed state and with the human contact sheet removed.
= FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the custom solar panel side tray removed from the chair with the weatherproof covers in the open position.
= FIG. 5 is a view of the underside of the solar panel side tray.
= FIG. 6 is the same view as FIG. 5 with the cover of the junction box removed to reveal the contents.
Description Of The Preferred Embodiment With reference to the drawings and, in particular, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the solar powered camping chair indicated generally at 1. The chair 1 includes a lightweight and rigid frame, preferably constructed of aluminum, although other materials may be utilized.
The frame is comprised of two identical pieces that make up the seat support 13. Two identical side frames 2 also make up the left and right armrests, support legs, feet and chair back portion. The side frame sections 2 are attached with permanent stationary rivets 11 completing a continuous loop forming the armrest, legs, foot and back rest support.
The seat support frames 13 are attached together with a pivoting rivet system 10 to provide foldability as seen in FIG. 3. The bottom of the seat support frames 13 and support braces 14 are affixed to the front and back of the side frames 2 with pivoting rivets 10. FIG.3 depicts the chair in a folded state and with the fabric human contact sheet 3 removed.
The fabric human contact sheet 3 makes up the backrest and seat portions of the assembled solar powered camping chair 1. The fabric is of a high quality nylon, or other similar material, allowing the chair to fold when not in use (FIG. 3) and have orifices sewn into them 12 to fit over the frame portions. The top of the fabric human contact sheet 3 is affixed to the top of the side frames 2 with a threaded screw or bolt 21 for permanent installation, as depicted in FIG. 2. The armrest portion of the side frames 2 is enveloped by a tubular foam piece 4 and covered by the same fabric type of which the human contact sheet 3 is comprised.

As depicted in FIGS. 1-3, the side tray is mounted to the right side frame 2 with foldable steel arms 9 and hollow inserts 20, allowing the tray to rotate 90 degrees from a vertical to horizontal position. The tray is constructed of a custom solar panel 6 and supported by an aluminum frame 7. The solar panel is in the 10W¨ 20W range to allow sufficient charging current. A standard size cup holder 8 will be installed in the panel and bonded to render it immobile. The top of the foldable steel arms 9 are affixed to the front and back of the tray frame 7 and side chair frame 2 with the use of pivoting rivets 10. The outer portions of the hollow insert systems 20 are mounted adjacent to the arms 9 at the edge of the tray frame 7 closest to the chair. The insert portions are affixed to the side frame 2. The foldable arms 9 are equipped with a rectangular piece 22, preferably of a plastic material, to extend and retract said arms with a pushing or pulling motion. The arms 9 lock into place when fully extended to maintain the tray in a horizontal and usable position and prevent it from reverting back to a folded vertical state. The weatherproof junction box 15 is adhered to the underside of the custom solar panel tray 6 and oriented in such a way that the USB

ports 18 and 12V cigarette adapter outlet 19, complete with the weatherproof covers 17, face outwards for accessibility.
FIGS. 4-6 portray the custom solar panel side tray as detached from the body of the chair. The weatherproof device covers 17 are displayed in an open position in FIG. 4 and have the capability to swing down and lock into place with the application of slight force, preventing moisture, dust, dirt and other outdoor elements from entering the USB ports 18 and the cigarette adapter port 19. Affixed to the bottom of the solar panel 6, either by epoxy or other suitable adhesive, is the junction box 15 along with the cover 16 and gasket 23 to form a complete weatherproof assembly to house and protect the internal components. The cover 16 and junction box 15 may be constructed of a PVC or other suitable material.
The cover is held on with threaded screws 24 to compress the gasket material and form a seal, as seen in FIG. 5. The screws 24 are easily removable to access the internals of the junction box 15 (FIG. 6) and allow battery 25, fuse and component replacement (such as the 12V to 5V transformer 24), in the case of failures. The battery 25 may be a rechargeable, 12V, lithium ion battery, although other types may be used, especially if chargeability, capacity and overall performance is enhanced. All internal components are sized accordingly to fit inside the junction box 15. The dual USB ports 18 may be of any variety to ensure optimal performance and faster charging rates for any attached electronic device, although other USB versions or different charging ports may be utilized.

Claims (8)

The Embodiments Of The Invention In Which An Exclusive Property Or Privilege Is Claimed Are Defined As Follows:

1. An outdoor camping chair comprising of frame sections, of which said frames create the legs, arms, seat and back rest portions, a human contact sheet and a folding side table, of which said table is constructed of a solar panel and weatherproof junction box assembly housing the outlets, battery, voltage transformer and associated wiring and overcurrent protection.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein a foldable outdoor camping chair is outfitted with a custom solar panel side tray.

3. The combination defined in claim 2 wherein a custom solar panel is outfitted with a weatherproof junction box.

4. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein a weatherproof junction box contains a battery for energy storage.

5. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein a weatherproof junction box contains a 12VDC to 5VDC transformer electrically fixed to the solar panel in claim 2 and the battery in claim 4.

6. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein a weather-proof junction box is outfitted with at least one USB port electrically fixed to the transformer in claim 5, capable of delivering 5V charging current.

7. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein a weather-proof junction box is outfitted with at least one cigarette lighter outlet electrically fixed to the solar panel in claim 2 and the battery in claim 4, capable of delivering 12V.

8. The combination defined in claim 6 and claim 7 wherein the electrical outlets are outfitted with weatherproof covers.