The patent was granted for the design of a battery system, which works in conjunction with a solar briefcase that recharges the system using sunlight.  This patent exemplifies the blending of green technology and appealing design.

 "Today, small- and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in driving innovation and the growth of our economy," said Under Secretary Kappos. "Design patent protection can be a smart business strategy in a company’s intellectual property portfolio.  They are an efficient and cost effective way to give an owner the right to prevent others from making, using, or selling a product that closely resembles the patented product."

 “Small businesses such as Utah-based Goal Zero create 70 percent of all jobs in the U.S.,” Hatch said. “They are the economic engine that drives our economy, and they are largely responsible for the innovation that has kept our nation at the forefront of the world’s economy. I salute Goal Zero and Provo Craft and Novelty on the occasion of their being awarded design patent number 600,000. I think these two companies admirably reflect on the tremendously skilled, entrepreneurial and high-tech workforce that is increasingly making Utah the place to do business.”

For more information check out this article here : http://www.uspto.gov/news/pr/2009/09_23.jsp