Solar powered cooler

Abstract

Solar Powered Cooler is an electrically operated portable cooler powered by solar photovoltaic electrical generation incorporated into the cooler design and which may include auxiliary solar photovoltaic electricity generating panels, modules or cells, a supplemental battery power pack, power conditioning, inverter, auxiliary battery charging and direct and alternating current power supply. Solar powered cooler is intended for self-powered operation using the sun as the energy source for generating the electrical power on which it operates.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Solar Powered Cooler Provisional Patent Application, US60/952,417, Filing Date Jul. 27, 2007

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It can be difficult to keep the contents of a cooler adequately chilled when it is hot outside. Even when filled with ice, the soda, beer and perishable food items can rapidly become warm and unappetizing. This can actually be hazardous, since some items can spoil and cause food poisoning and other stomach or intestinal ailments if consumed after they become too warm. Although constantly replenishing the ice is a solution, this is often an inconvenience, while in other instances it is impossible. When outdoors in unshaded areas, such as the beach, it can be difficult to keep the cooler out of the direct sunlight, thereby speeding up the warming process.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to electrically operated coolers, powered with solar energy. Specifically this invention is in regard to mating solar photovoltaic electric generating technology with electric cooler technology.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Patents showing an attempt to meet this need include Hicks, Carole L., and Cudd, Jeffrey S., U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,019 which shows a solar powered portable food container that operates on the principle of fluid condensation and evaporation using solar heat, rather than solar generated electricity. Paeye, Gerard F., U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,384, shows a solar powered refrigeration unit which operates on the principle of desorption and adsorption and is powered by solar heat, rather than by solar generated electricity. Testa, Vincent M., Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,544, shows a portable outdoor fisherman's bait and food cooler incorporating an air pump, but it does not operate on solar power.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Solar Powered Cooler is designed to utilize the power of the sun to keep a portable cooler cold. This innovative device will enable placement of the cooler in direct sunlight to yield positive results. In fact, the more intense and more direct the rays of the sun are, the colder the internal temperature of the Solar Powered Cooler. This is convenient when enjoying the outdoors in areas with little to no shade, such as the beach or on a small boat. Solar Powered Cooler will be lightweight and easily portable. A variety of sizes will accommodate user needs and preferences. An optional battery backup is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

DRAWING 1 outlines the construction and components of the basic Solar Powered Cooler from various angles: FIG. 1—Top View; FIG. 2—Oblique View; FIG. 3—End View; FIG. 4—Side View. The following features are shown for reference: 1—Solar electric generating panel, module or cell(s); 2—Carry Handle; 3—Handle Storage; 4 Refrigeration unit in cooler.

DRAWING 2 outlines the variations of construction and components of the Solar Powered Cooler from various angles, incorporating additional solar electric power panels and auxiliary power supply; FIG. 5—Top View; FIG. 6—Oblique View; FIG. 7—End View; FIG. 8—Side View; FIG. 9—Auxiliary Solar Panel/Module/Cell; FIG. 10—Auxiliary Battery Pack. The following features are shown for reference: 5—Additional Solar Panels/Modules/Cells; 6—Auxiliary Power Interface.

While certain configurations of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of components shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Solar Powered Cooler improves on conventional cooler design, utilizing the power of the sun converted to electricity to keep the cooler's interior cold. While the overall shape of the cooler will be similar to existing cooler designs, this 12V DC refrigeration cooler features a solar panel which will convert solar energy from the sun into direct current (DC) power to power the 12V refrigeration system. All 12V refrigeration systems noted herein refer to nominal automotive voltage, as actual voltage may vary. The panel may be positioned on the top cover of the unit, with an optional adjustable mount mechanism to allow the consumer to tilt the panel to an angle that faces more directly towards the sun's rays for optimal output. This panel will be covered and protected by a piece of plastic, glass or other similar material, in order to prevent damage. The solar panel could be connected to the 12V refrigeration unit with plugs for the leads in the middle of the wiring, enabling the panel and the unit to be disconnected if desired. Since many people enjoy their free time in remote locales, this feature would allow the panel to be removed and connected to a car battery to provide a means of charging a dead battery when stranded. Solar Powered Cooler may contain a power conditioning system, used to regulate the voltage or facilitate uninterrupted power supply during a short interruption. In order to ensure that the cooler remains cold, an optional battery backup is a possible addition to the design, which can be incorporated into the power conditioning system for constant charge and operation. As an option, the unit may contain a power inverter and a conventional AC plug to power the unit when at home, located at a park pavilion or when enjoying recreational time at a campground, if desired. A hinged carrying handle is used for easy transport to and from the picnic, party, barbeque or other gathering. While exact dimensions will be determined upon manufacture, Solar Powered Cooler could be offered in multiple sizes in order to accommodate user needs and preferences. Options ranging in price from simply a solar panel connected to a 12V refrigeration system, to a removable panel connected to a power conditioner and battery with a voltage display, inverter and AC plug may be considered for production, depending on costs. Variations, modifications or additions to the Solar Powered Cooler design can be implemented upon manufacture. Solar panels with higher wattage output may be provided for larger cooler designs. The solar powered cooler may incorporate additional solar-electric panels, modules and/or cells either mounted on the cooler, incorporated into the design, or as plug-in remote panels for additional power, as needed.

Claims

1. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power.

2. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power and which incorporates photovoltaic electrical generating panels, modules and/or cells into the top and/or body of the cooler.

3. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power, and which includes external solar power generating panels, modules and/or cells.

4. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power, and which includes a battery power pack for extended cooling and operation.

5. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power and which provides the capability of an inverter for provision of alternating current power for the cooler or other uses.

6. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power and which provides for direct current power for auxiliary battery charging or other uses.

7. Powering a portable cooler with solar generated electricity with any electrical cooling technology, including by not limited to thermoelectric, evaporative or other refrigeration technologies.

8. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power, with the solar generated electricity being produced by any photovoltaic technology, including but not limited to monocrystalline, polycrystalline; thin film solar panel, module or cell technology either currently available or solar electrical generating technologies to be developed in the future.

9. Incorporating a carrying handle with a portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power, including the capability to store the carrying handle in a recess in the cooler, or to use the carrying handle for additional purposes such as elevating the solar panels, modules or cells for more direct solar gain.

10. A portable cooler which can be used as a food and beverage storage container that uses solar generated electricity for power, with any combination of the preceding claims 1 through 9 made herein.