PLUGGING in to charge up his mobile phone while relaxing poolside is no problem for Tamborine man David Hinds.
All he needs to do to recharge his personal devices’ batteries is to connect them to his prototype furniture, called Solar Sun Lounges.
He said a 12V electrical current generated by inbuilt solar-panels powered i-Pads, laptops and other battery-run items. Camping fridges can also be connected, he said.
But Mr Hinds has laughed off suggestions he has designed electric chairs.
The level of electricity emitted, which he said was similar to that generated by a solar-powered garden light, was too small pose a health risk.
“The product is completely safe,” he said. “Like all low voltage products there is no risk to the consumer for shock.”
With the installation of power-points near water prevented due to safety reasons, Mr Hinds said his weather-proof furniture enabled personal devices to remain charged.
It means those working from home can escape outside without fear their laptop will die.
“Work-life balance has changed,” he said. “You can get fresh air, sunshine and still get your devices powered,” he said.
The deck lounges are also equipped with storage compartments.
The entrepreneur, who has worked in solar-power sales for the past six years, said his solar-powered chairs were cheaper than other designs available overseas.
While thousands of dollars are needed to purchase the foreign imports, Mr Hinds said his were on sale for less. They are available here.
But making each lounge by hand is a labour intensive process - it can take about six hours to cut the materials out to size, assemble and powder coat the finished product.
Mr Hinds has started a campaign to raise dollars needed to equip his Logan-based manufacturers with the machinery needed to produce the flat-pack chairs quickly and easily.
With the interest of resort companies piqued by his furniture designs, Mr Hinds said the money raised would allow the outdoors furniture to be produced in batches of about 200 at a time.
To help or find out more about his campaign, visit here.