Granted Patent B2

US 6,974,904 · App. 10/325,147 · Granted Dec 13, 2005

Abstract

Claims (19)

1. A portable solar powered unit for supplying electric power comprising:

a base adapted to support a battery assembly said base having a front receptacle for receiving an upright structure, said base supported by a wheel assembly disposed opposite said front receptacle, said base including a spreader mounted thereto,

a universal module bar assembly including a pair of upright structures extending from said front receptacle opposite said wheel assembly, said pair of upright structures connected by a cross-bar mounted distal to said front receptacle,

a solar panel movably mounted to said cross-bar by a solar module clamp, wherein said clamp is selectively adjustable to position said solar panel to an optimum angle for receiving solar energy, and

a battery assembly including a battery and associated electronics, said battery assembly operatively connected to said solar panel, said electronics including an electrical output port for supplying electric power, whereby said battery assembly is mounted on said base such that removal thereof does not destabilize said portable solar powered unit.

2. The portable solar powered unit of claim 1 wherein said wheel assembly includes a pair of wheels.

3. The portable solar powered unit of claim 2 wherein said spreader is perpendicular to an axis between said pair of wheels.

4. The portable solar powered unit of claim 1 further comprising a rear receptacle for receiving an accessory support structure and

a leg disposed opposite said rear receptacle for supporting said base.

5. The portable solar powered unit of claim 1 further comprising a foot lock disposed on said base for selective engagement with said solar panel to maintain said solar panel in a fixed position for travelling.

6. The portable solar powered unit of claim 5 wherein said foot lock is made of steel stamping.

7. The portable solar powered unit of claim 5 wherein said foot lock is spring loaded to an edge of said solar panel.

8. The portable solar powered unit of claim 1 wherein the cross-bar is extendable.

9. The portable solar powered unit of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of adjacent solar panels rotatably coupled together.

10. The portable solar powered unit of claim 1 further comprising a cover for said electronics, said cover adapted to selectively expose said electrical output port.

11. The portable solar powered unit of claim 10 wherein said cover is adapted to allow for cross ventilation of the electronics within.

12. The portable solar powered unit of claim 10 wherein said cover is a hinged unitary enclosure having a stop for limiting the degree of opening.

13. The portable solar powered unit of claim 4 further comprising an accessory support structure disposed in said rear receptacle and

an accessory attached to said accessory support structure, said accessory including one of a table, a pole, a back rack, and an overhang.

Assignments (9)