Apparatus and method for lighting a collapsible structure

Abstract

A solar power generator for a structure comprising a collapsible frame assembly is provided. The solar power generator includes a solar panel removably coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The solar panel is configured to absorb solar energy from the sun. A power module is electrically coupled to the solar panel. The power module includes a power source that is configured to convert the solar energy absorbed by the solar panel to electrical energy. At least one power output is electrically coupled to the power source and configured to supply electrical energy to a coupled load device.

1 . A solar power generator for a structure having a collapsible frame assembly, said solar power generator comprising: 
 a solar panel removably coupled to the collapsible frame assembly, said solar panel configured to absorb solar energy from the sun;    a power module electrically coupled to said solar panel, said power module including a power source configured to convert the solar energy absorbed by said solar panel to electrical energy; and    at least one power output electrically coupled to said power source and configured to supply electrical energy to a coupled load device.    
   
   
       2 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the coupled load device comprises at least one lighting device removably coupled to said power source.  
   
   
       3 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said at least one power output comprises a plurality of power ports defined by said power module, each said power port electrically coupled to said power source.  
   
   
       4 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 3  further comprising a plurality of lighting devices, each said lighting device electrically coupled to a corresponding power port.  
   
   
       5 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said collapsible frame assembly further comprises: 
 a hub configured to removably couple said solar panel thereto; and    a plurality of frame members pivotally coupled to said hub, said plurality of frame members at least partially forming said collapsible frame assembly.    
   
   
       6 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a conductive wire electrically coupling said solar panel to said power source.  
   
   
       7 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said power source further comprises a battery configured to store at least a portion of the converted electrical energy.  
   
   
       8 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said power module further comprises a socket defining one power port of said plurality of power ports, and a lighting device removably positioned within said socket, said lighting device including a conducting pin electrically coupled to said power outlet with the lighting device positioned within said socket.  
   
   
       9 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 8  wherein, with said lighting device positioned within said socket, said lighting device electrically chargeable to store a quantity of electrical energy.  
   
   
       10 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said lighting device further comprises a rechargeable battery configured to store electrical energy supplied by said power source.  
   
   
       11 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said power module further comprising a switch movable between an on position configured to supply energy to said plurality of power ports and an off position configured to prevent energy from being supplied to said plurality of power ports.  
   
   
       12 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said power module further comprises a conducting pin electrically coupled to a battery, said conducting pin mateable with a solar power output defined by said solar panel.  
   
   
       13 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said power module forms a socket and said solar panel forms a plug removably electrically coupled to said socket.  
   
   
       14 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said solar panel is rotatable with respect to said hub between a locked position and an unlocked position.  
   
   
       15 . A solar power generator in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the coupled load device comprises at least one lighting device directly coupled to said power source.  
   
   
       16 . A solar tent comprising: 
 a hub;    a solar panel removably coupled to said hub, said solar panel configured to absorb solar energy from the sun;    a power module electrically coupled to said solar panel, said power module configured to convert the solar energy absorbed by said solar panel to electrical energy, said power module defining at least one first power port positioned about an outer housing of said power module and electrically coupled to said power source.    
   
   
       17 . A solar tent in accordance with  claim 16  further comprising at least one first light source, said at least one first light source removably electrically coupled to a corresponding power port of said at least one first power port, each said first light source configured to receive electrical energy from said power module.  
   
   
       18 . A solar tent in accordance with  claim 16  further comprising: 
 a socket defining a second power port electrically coupled to said power module; and    a second light source removably positioned within said socket, said second light source including a conducting pin positioned within said power port for electrically coupling said second light source to said power module.    
   
   
       19 . A solar tent in accordance with  claim 18  wherein said second light source further comprises a rechargeable battery configured to store electrical energy supplied by said power module.  
   
   
       20 . A solar tent in accordance with  claim 16  wherein said power module further comprises a power source having a battery configured to store at least a portion of the converted electrical energy.  
   
   
       21 . A solar tent in accordance with  claim 16  wherein said at least one first light source further comprises one of a LED indicator, a rainbow decoration light, a fluorescent light and a lamp.  
   
   
       22 . A solar gazebo comprising: 
 a hub;    a solar panel removably coupled to said hub, said solar panel configured to absorb solar energy from the sun;    a power module electrically coupled to said solar panel, said power module configured to convert the solar energy absorbed by said solar panel to electrical energy, said power module defining at least one first power port positioned about an outer housing of said power module and electrically coupled to said power source.    
   
   
       23 . A solar gazebo in accordance with  claim 22  further comprising at least one first light source, said at least one first light source removably electrically coupled to a corresponding power port of said at least one first power port, each said first light source configured to receive electrical energy from said power module.  
   
   
       24 . A method for providing energy to an interior space defined by a collapsible structure, said method comprising: 
 providing a collapsible structure including a hub and a plurality of frame members each pivotally coupled to the hub, the plurality of frame members at least partially forming a collapsible frame assembly of the collapsible structure;    removably coupling a solar power generator to the collapsible structure, the solar power generator including a solar panel removably coupled to the hub and configured to absorb solar energy from the sun;    electrically coupling a power module to the solar panel, the power module configured to convert the solar energy absorbed by the solar panel to electrical energy.    
   
   
       25 . A method in accordance with  claim 24  further comprising supplying at least a portion of the electrical energy to at least one lighting source electrically coupled to the power module, the at least one lighting source configured to receive the electrical energy and emit light.