Inflatable solar powered lamp

• US 9,016,886 B2
• Filed: 06/25/2013
• Issued: 04/28/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mpowerd Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mpowerd Incorporated
• Inventors: Snyder, Jason Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US13/926,336
• Publication Number:
  US 20140118997A1
• Time in Patent Office: 672 Days
• Field of Search: 362/183
• US Class Current: 362/183
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/025 the light sources being of different shape or type
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/027 the light sources being a LED
• CPC Class Codes: F21L 4/08 characterised by means for in situ recharging of the batteries or cells
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/037 the solar unit and the lighting unit being located within or on the same housing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/012 Housings with variable shape or dimensions, e.g. by means of elastically deformable materials or by movement of parts forming telescopic extensions of the housing body
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/007 with provision for shipment or storage
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/40 Hand grips
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/406 for portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0414 specially adapted to be used with portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/023 Chinese lanterns; Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/026 being inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/062 the material being plastics
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/005 Sealing arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0033 with successive reflections from one reflector to the next or following
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0066 specially adapted to cooperate with point like light sources; specially adapted to cooperate with light sources the shape of which is unspecified F21V7/16 - F21V7/30 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0075 for portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/05 plane
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/13 comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 : Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A solar powered lamp is provided with flat ends and a translucent flexible housing, such that the housing can be inflated to form a free standing cylinder. A solar panel faces outward on one of the flat ends for recharging a low-profile rechargeable battery which, under the control of a printed circuit panel, powers an array of LEDs, which point into the lamp housing. Reflective surfaces, facing each other on opposite inside end walls of the lamp, maximize the diffusion of light from the LEDs. The lamp is a durable, portable, long light lighting solution for those who live off the electric power grid, victims of disaster, and the like.

Claims

1. A waterproof inflatable solar powered lamp, comprising:

a collapsible, translucent, polyvinylchloride housing having flat end walls and a side wall;

a valve for inflating the housing;

a water-tight seal between the flat end walls and the side wall;

wherein each flat end wall is circular and comprises an inner end wall, an outer end wall and a reflective rigid panel sealed between the inner end wall and the outer end wall;

a printed circuit board on one end wall comprising a planar array of light emitting diodes (LEDs);

a reflective surface on one of the flat end walls having apertures positioned over the planar array of LEDs;

a rechargeable battery attached to the printed circuit board powering the LEDs;

a solar panel on the printed circuit board opposite the array of LEDs adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery; and

the circuit board being operatively connected to the rechargeable battery, the LEDs, the solar panel, and a switch for powering the LEDs on and off.

2. The solar powered lamp according to claim 1, further comprising planar reflective panels covering substantially the entire exposed inside surface of each end wall.

3. The solar powered lamp according to claim 1, wherein the housing is clear flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC).

4. The solar powered lamp according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a lithium ion polymer battery pack having a thickness less than 5 mm, a capacity of 1000 mAh, and a nominal operating voltage of 3.7 V, wherein the planar array of LEDs consists of eight LEDs arranged in a circle and powered by the battery, each having a maximum operating current of 320 mA at 90 lumens.

5. The solar powered lamp according to claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to one or both flat ends.