WO2019197369A1

WO2019197369A1 - Solar powered foldable freezer kiosk

Info

Publication number: WO2019197369A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/058888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter William Dale BISHOP
Original assignee: Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A.
Priority date: 2018-04-10
Filing date: 2019-04-09
Publication date: 2019-10-17

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar powered foldable kiosk (1) comprising at least two solar panels (2,3) rotatable mounted in extension of one another, a freezer or cooler (4) comprising a housing (5) comprising a cabinet (6) for storing products and a door (12) providing access to the cabinet (6), first and second lever arms (7) which in one end are rotatable mounted on the housing (5) and in the opposite end rotatable mounted on one of the solar panels, means for fixing the lever arm (7) in an upright position, and means for fixing the solar panels (2,3) in a common plane (8), wherein in a closed configuration (A) of the kiosk (1), the lever arms (7) and the solar panel (2) connected thereto are pivoted to a position where they abut and extend along an upper surface (9) of the housing, and where the solar panel (3) which is mounted in extension of the other solar panel (2) is pivoted in relation thereto and extend downwards along the side surface (10) of the housing (5), and in an unfolded configuration (B) of the kiosk (1) the lever arms (7) extend upwards from the upper surface (9) of the housing and support the solar panels (2,3) which are fixed in a plane (8) and define a roof above the freezer or cooler (4).

Description

SOLAR POWERED FOLDABLE FREEZER KIOSK

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a solar powered foldable kiosk comprising a freezer or cooler.

Background

Many freezer and coolers for food and beverages require electrical power to operate. Typically, this power has been provided by connection to an electrical grid, or in cases where this is not available, connection to a standalone generator. More recently, power generated from renewable sources such as photovoltaic (PV) arrays or wind turbines has been used as an alternative to generators for locations without a grid connection .

This opens up to new consumer markets in less-developed countries where previously sale of cold products have been difficult because of a lack of infrastructure and a concomitant inability to store and display products such as cold drinks and ice creams. Often the situation is made worse by the fact that the climate in these markets is tropical which increases the need for a reliable cooling apparatus.

W02014 /207626 discloses a mobile cooler comprising a trolley including a cold box mounted therein, the trolley including a handle and a frame including one or more solar panels, the solar panels and / or the frame being adjustable to permit optimal exposure to light and / or provision of shelter. W02014 /207626 explains that this is obtained by positioning the panels above the cold box. However, this creates a problem of stability of the trolley when the solar panels has a certain weight.

There is a need for providing a standalone kiosk with increased stability and safety.

There is also a need for a kiosk, which can be changed into a compact unit when not in use. This is convenient for transportation and storage of the freezer.

Furthermore, there is a need for easy deployment of the panels when required.

Thus, there is a need for a mobile kiosk comprising freezer or cooler with solar panels, which addresses one or more of the issues mentioned above.

Obj ect of the invention

It is thus the object of present invention to provide a standalone kiosk with increased stability and safety, which is compact when not in use and convenient for transportation.

In particular, it is an object to provide such a solution for a kiosk with solar powered freezers or coolers.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a solar powered foldable kiosk comprising at least two solar panels rotatable mounted in extension of one another, a freezer or cooler comprising a housing comprising a cabinet for storing products and a door providing access to the cabinet, first and second lever arms which in one end are rotatable mounted on the housing and in the opposite end rotatable mounted on one of the solar panels, means for fixing the lever arm in an upright position, and means for fixing the solar panels in a common plane, wherein in a closed configuration of the kiosk, the lever arms and the solar panel connected thereto are pivoted to a position where they abut and extend along an upper surface of the housing, and where the solar panel which is mounted in extension of the other solar panel is pivoted in relation thereto and extend downwards along the side surface of the housing, and in an unfolded configuration of the kiosk the lever arms extend upwards from the upper surface of the housing and support the solar panels which are fixed in a plane and define a roof above the freezer or cooler.

The present invention provides a kiosk which may be a standalone kiosk which can be based upon energy from solar panels such as photovoltaic (PV) and thus can be without grid connection. From the kiosk, cold or frozen product can be sold. In the unfolded configuration, the kiosk comprises a roof of solar panels which are in an optimal position for exposure to the sun and which at the same time provides shading and sheltering to the operator and costumers. In a closed configuration the kiosk can be changed into a compact unit when not in use. This is convenient for transportation and storage of the freezer or cooler.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the kiosk according to the invention comprises at least one support element, which can be folded or extended from the housing, and wherein the support element in the closed configuration (A) of the kiosk sits between the solar panel and the side surface of the housing. The at least one support element provides stability to the kiosk. Preferably, one or more support elements may be used for stabilizing the kiosk. In a preferred embodiment of the kiosk according to the invention, the support elements are at least on two opposite sides of the kiosk. The ability of the support elements to be folded up along the housing of the kiosk means that the support elements will not be extending from the housing in the folded and compact configuration of the kiosk. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support element may be hidden inside the housing and extended therefore from when the kiosk need support.

A further benefit of the support element is that they may be used to create a floor in the kiosk on to which the operator or costumers may stand. For example, a chair may be fixed on the support element for the operator.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described further, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figures la and lb are a perspective representation of a mobile standalone retail kiosk according to the invention for dispensing or selling food and/or drink; Figures 2a and 2b are top and bottom representation of the kiosk in Figures la and lb;

Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are representations of a kiosk according to the invention with side curtains. The figures shows the kiosk viewed from the front, the two sides, and the back respectively .

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are representations of a kiosk according to the invention without side curtains and in an unfolded configuration (B) . The figures shows the kiosk viewed from the front, the two sides, and the back respectively.

Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c are representations of a kiosk according to the invention in a folded configuration (A) . The figures shows the kiosk viewed from the front, the side, and in a perspective representation respectively.

Detailed Description of the invention

The invention relates to a solar powered foldable kiosk. The kiosk comprises at least two solar panels rotatable mounted in extension of one another and a freezer or cooler comprising a housing with a cabinet, preferably a chest cabinet, for storing products. The kiosk is also providing a door giving access the cabinet. First and second lever arms connects the housing with the solar panels. The lever arms are in one end rotatable mounted on the housing and in the opposite end rotatable mounted on one of the solar panels. It is preferred that the lever arms engage with only one of the solar panels. This provides a mechanism where the solar panels can moved between a closed configuration of the kiosk to an unfolded configuration. The kiosk is, furthermore, provided with means for fixing the lever arm in an upright position, and means for fixing the solar panels in a common plane. In the closed configuration (A) of the kiosk, the lever arms and the solar panel connected thereto are pivoted to a position where they abut and extend along an upper surface of the housing, and where the solar panel which is mounted in extension of the other solar panel is pivoted in relation thereto and extend downwards along the side surface of the housing. In an unfolded configuration (B) of the kiosk the lever arms extend upwards from the upper surface of the housing and support the solar panels which are fixed in a plane and define a roof above the freezer or cooler.

Preferably, a door is provided in the upper side of the housing. This allows an easy access for the operator to the product in the freezer or cooler cabinet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the freezer is a chest freezer with a door on the upper side of the freezer housing.

In preferred embodiment the door is blocked by the solar panel (2) which extends along the upper surface of the housing in the closed configuration (A) . This prevents access to the freezer or cooler cabinet in the folded configuration (A) . This means that product cannot be removed from the cabinet without unfolding the kiosk, and thus reduces the risk of theft from the freezer. If desired for additional security the kiosk may comprises a mechanism for locking the solar panels in the closed position.

Advantageously, the kiosk according to the invention comprises at least one side wall which extends from the solar panel or panels. The side wall may be of flexible material such as plastic or tissue which can easily be rolled or folded up. It is preferred that the side wall extends between the solar panel or panels and the supporting element. In a preferred embodiment the at least one side wall is in the form of a blind or curtain attachable to the solar panels. Preferably, these are rollable.

To facilitate the opening and closing of the kiosk least one of the lever arms comprises a piston or ram mechanism to facilitate the lifting of the solar panels. This may e.g. be gas struts.

For the locking of the lever arms 8 the means for fixing, the lever arms in the upright position and/or the panels in a plane are preferably locking pins or fastening latches. The fastening latches may e.g. be butt-joint panel fastening latches.

Advantageously, the kiosk according to the invention comprises wheels to facilitate transportation.

To ensure alignment of the solar panel with the side surface of the freezer or cooler housing it is preferred that the lever arms have at least the same length as that of the upper surface of the housing. This will allow the two solar panels to pivot relative to one another can be positioned along the upper surface of the housing and one along the side surface.

The upper surface is conveniently provided with a counter top around the door to the freezer. The counter top will in the folded configuration of the kiosk be present between the solar panel and the housing.

The kiosk may be movable between locations and may, for example comprise a mobile or portable kiosk. That kiosk includes a freezer or cooler in which frozen or chilled product may be stored until purchased. The kiosk illustrated in the figures is not connected to grid power. The kiosk includes a PV panel and a rechargeable battery not shown.

The invention also relates to a method for folding and unfolding the kiosk.

Examples

Figures la and lb show perspective representations of the main functional elements of a mobile standalone retail kiosk according to the invention for dispensing or selling food and/or drinks .

The kiosk may be movable between locations. The kiosk includes a freezer or cooler in which frozen or chilled product may be stored until purchased.

The kiosk illustrated in the figures is not connected to grid power. The kiosk (1) includes PV panels (2,3) and a rechargeable battery not shown.

The kiosk (1) is shown with the solar panels rotatable mounted in extension of one another and a freezer or cooler comprising a housing (5) comprising a chest cabinet (6), for storing products. The housing (5) has door (12) giving access the cabinet. The housing has an upper surface (9) and a side surface (10) .

First and second lever arms (7) connect the housing with the solar panels. The lever arms are in one end rotatable mounted on the housing and in the opposite end rotatable mounted on one of the solar panel. The lever arms (7) are in this figure shown in the position where they support the solar panels in the unfolded configuration where they create a roof above the freezer or cooler .

The kiosk in figures 1 have a support element in front of the freezer or cooler housing providing stability to the kiosk.

Furthermore, the kiosk has side wall in form of curtains (13) which extends from the solar panels to the freezer housing. In addition to that, a side wall is provide on the back side of the kiosk. It is also in the form of a curtain. The side wall extends from the solar panel above and down to a support element connected to the back side of the housing.

Figures 2a and 2b show top and bottom representations of the kiosk in Figures la and lb.

Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d show representations of a kiosk according to the invention with side curtains (13) and support elements (11) . The figures show the kiosk viewed from the front, the two sides, and the back respectively.

The same kiosk as the one in figures 3 is shown in figures 4. Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are representations of a kiosk according to the invention without side curtains and in an unfolded configuration (B) . The figures shows the kiosk viewed from the front, the two sides, and the back respectively. A chair is positioned on the support behind the freezer or cooler housing. The chair is removed when the kiosk is being folded together .

Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show representations of a kiosk according to the invention in a folded configuration (A) . The figures shows the kiosk viewed from the front, the side, and in a perspective representation respectively. The kiosk has a support element (11) which is be folded along the housing so that the support element in this closed configuration (A) of the kiosk sits between the solar panel (3) and the side surface (10) of the housing.

The solar panel (2) block the door to the freezer or cooler cabinet (6) as it extends along the upper surface (9) of the housing. This prevents access to the freezer or cooler cabinet and products cannot be removed from the cabinet. This reduces the risk of thefts from the freezer.

It should be understood that there are various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A solar powered foldable kiosk (1) comprising

at least two solar panels (2,3) rotatable mounted in extension of one another, a freezer or cooler (4) comprising a housing (5) comprising a cabinet (6) for storing products and a door (12) providing access the cabinet (6), first and second lever arms (7) which in one end are rotatable mounted on the housing (5) and in the opposite end rotatable mounted on one of the solar panels, means for fixing the lever arm (7) in an upright position, and means for fixing the solar panels (2,3) in a common plane

wherein in a closed configuration (A) of the kiosk (1), the lever arms (7) and the solar panel connected thereto are pivoted to a position where they abut and extend along an upper surface (9) of the housing, and where the solar panel (3) which is mounted in extension of the other solar panel (2) is pivoted in relation thereto and extend downwards along the side surface (10) of the housing (5) , and in an unfolded configuration (B) of the kiosk (1) the lever arms (7) extend upwards from the upper surface (9) of the housing and support the solar panels (2,3) which are fixed in a plane (8) and define a roof above the freezer or cooler (4) .

2. A kiosk according to claim 1, wherein the kiosk (1) comprising at least one support element (11) which can be folded or extended from the housing (5) , and wherein the support element (11) in the closed configuration (A) of the kiosk sits between the solar panel (3) and the side surface (10) of the housing.

3. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the door (12) is in the upper side of the housing (5) .

4. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the door (12) is blocked by the solar panel (2) extending along the upper surface of the housing (5) in the closed configuration (A) .

5. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kiosk (1) comprises a mechanism for locking the solar panels in the closed position.

6. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kiosk (1) comprises a side wall (13) which extends from the solar panel or panels (2,3).

7. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (13) extends between the solar panel or panels and the supporting element (11) .

8. A kiosk according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the side wall (13) is in the form of a blind or curtain attachable to the solar panels .

9. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the lever arms (7) comprises a piston or ram mechanism to facilitate the lifting of the solar panels.

10. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for fixing the lever arms (7) in the upright position and/and the panels in a plane are locking pins or fastening latches .

11. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kiosk (1) comprises wheels (3) to facilitate transportation.

12. A kiosk according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lever arms (7) have at least the same length as that of the upper surface (9) of the housing.