Solar wind chime
View Patent ↗A solar wind chime includes a chime and a striker suspended from a body. A solar energy system is carried by the body and includes a solar energy collection system configured to recharge a rechargeable electrical power source. An electrical subsystem conductively couples to the rechargeable electrical power source.
1. A solar wind chime, comprising:
a body;
a chime suspended from the body;
a decorative globe suspended from the body;
a solar energy system carried by the body, the solar energy system comprising:
a rechargeable electrical power source; and
a solar energy collection system for recharging the rechargeable electrical power source;
a lighting element disposed within the decorative globe and conductively coupled to the rechargeable electrical power source for illuminating the decorative globe;
a plurality of ribs arranged about the decorative globe to prevent striking contact between the decorative globe and the chime.
2. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , wherein the decorative globe is positioned to strike the chime.
3. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , wherein the decorative globe is positioned such that the decorative globe does not strike the chime.
4. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , further comprising:
an additional lighting element positioned to illuminate the decorative globe in a front lit direction.
5. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , wherein the solar energy system is carried within the body.
6. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , further comprising:
a chime-shaped blower suspended from the decorative globe.
7. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , wherein the lighting element comprises:
a multi-color light emitting diode.
8. The solar wind chime of claim 1 , further comprising:
a switch carried by the body for switching the lighting element on and off; and
a photo cell for activating the lighting element.