SOLAR POWER BOX

• US 20140266001A1
• Filed: 03/13/2014
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nancy K. Wilde
• Original Assignee: Nancy K. Wilde
• Inventors: Wilde, Nancy K.
• Application Number:
  US14/208,594
• Publication Number:
  US 20140266001A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/101
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/10 Photovoltaic [PV]

Abstract

A toolbox is disclosed that provides power via 12-volt DC, 110-volt AC, and USB outlets that includes a solar panel for electrical energy generation. The preferred embodiment of the toolbox is configured for installation on a vehicle and can also be charged via the vehicle'"'"'s inverter or via a common 110-volt AC power supply.

Claims

1. An electrical energy generating and storing tool box comprising:

a top surface;

a horizontal photovoltaic panel with a top surface substantially coplanar with the top surface of the tool box; and

a power module comprising;

a direct current battery;

a battery charge controller;

a sine wave power inverter;

an externally accessible 110-volt power outlet terminal; and

an inverter switch.

2. The tool box of claim 1 wherein the toolbox is configured for installation in the bed of a pickup truck.

3. The tool box of claim 2 further comprising a 12-volt power outlet terminal and wherein the direct current battery comprises a 12-volt deep cycle gel battery.

4. The tool box of claim 3 further comprising fusible links electrically isolating the photovoltaic panel from the battery charge controller.

5. The tool box of claim 3 wherein the 110-volt power outlet terminal comprises a ground fault circuit interrupter.

6. The tool box of claim 3 further comprising a 12-volt power outlet terminal.

7. The tool box of claim 3 further comprising protective means mounted above the horizontal photovoltaic panel.

8. The tool box of claim 3 further comprising an internally accessible 110-volt power outlet.

9. The tool box of claim 3 further comprising means to physically isolates the battery from the battery charge controller, the sine wave power inverter, the 110-volt power outlet terminal, and the inverter switch.

10. The tool box of claim 3 further comprising USB charging ports.

11. The tool box of claim 9 further comprising a ventilation port in communication with the exterior of the tool box.

12. A power generating tool box comprising:

a lid;

a horizontal photovoltaic panel with a top surface substantially coplanar with the lid; and

a power module comprising;

a direct current battery;

a battery charge controller;

a sine wave power inverter;

a 110-volt power outlet terminal; and

an inverter switch;

wherein the tool box is configured for installation in the bed of a pickup truck.

13. The tool box of claim 12 further comprising a 12-volt power outlet terminal.

14. The tool box of claim 12 further comprising a 12-volt power outlet terminal and wherein the battery comprises a 12-volt deep cycle gel battery.

15. The tool box of claim 13 further comprising trickle charge terminals in electrical communication with the battery charge controller.

16. The tool box of claim 12 further comprising USB charging ports.

17. The tool box of claim 12 further comprising means for charging the battery from a power source of the pickup truck.

18. A power supply and tool storage device for a vehicle comprising:

a lid;

a horizontal photovoltaic panel with a top surface substantially coplanar with the lid; and

a power module comprising;

a direct current battery;

a battery charge controller;

a sine wave power inverter;

a 110-volt power outlet terminal;

an inverter switch; and

a connector that provides energy to the power supply and tool storage device from the vehicle.

19. The table of claim 18 further comprising USB charging ports.

20. The table of claim 18 wherein the vehicle is a pickup truck.