Flashlight charger and rechargeable battery

• US 20040195999A1
• Filed: 04/19/2004
• Published: 10/07/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pelican Products Incorporated (Pelican Products Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: David H. Parker
• Inventors: Parker, David H.
• Granted Patent: US 6,909,260 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/107
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction

Abstract

A recharger device for the battery includes a device with a first slot for a first device, such as a flashlight for recharging. A second slot in relationship to the first slot is provided for receiving a second device for recharging. Locking means with each slot such is moveable to permit release one or other device after moving the locking member between a closed position to an open position. The flashlight includes a battery pack to act as a closure of an opening to a battery housing. The closure is in the tailpiece and is mounted in the battery housing. The closure is connected integral with a rechargeable battery such that when the batteries are located in position in the battery housing the battery housing is closed.

Claims

1-26. -26 (cancelled)

27. A recharger device for a battery comprising:

a base;

a first opening configured to receive a first device requiring recharging;

a second opening in adjacent relationship to the first opening, the second opening configured to receive a second device for recharging; and

electrical contacts within the first and second openings for contacting each of the respective devices, the electrical contacts configured to permit a recharging current to flow through the contacts when the electrical means is connected with an external power supply.

28. A recharger as claimed in claim 27 wherein at least one of the openings further comprises a locking member for securing a respective device in the opening, the locking member being movable to permit release of the device.

29. A recharger as claimed in claim 28 wherein both slots have respective locking members.

30. A recharger as claimed in claim 27 wherein the first opening is for receiving a flashlight housing and the second opening is for receiving a rechargeable battery pack.

31. A recharger as claimed in claim 27 wherein the openings are located in a top face of a recharger device.

32. A recharger as claimed in claim 27 wherein insertion of the device into the opening is in a downward motion.

33. A recharger as claimed in claim 27 wherein insertion of the device into the opening is in a sideward motion.

34. A recharger for a flashlight comprising:

a base;

a first opening configured to receive a first device requiring recharging;

a second opening in adjacent relationship to the first opening, the second opening configured to receive a second device for recharging; and

electrical contacts within the first and second openings for contacting each of the respective devices, the electrical contacts configured to permit a recharging current to flow through the contacts when the electrical means is connected with an external power supply; and

the locking member including a lever spring-mounted and biased in the locking position such that entry of the device into the slot acts to push the lever towards the device, and a lever for facilitating unlocking and releasing of the device.

35. A recharger as claimed in claim 34 wherein both openings have respective locking members.

36. A recharger as claimed in claim 34 wherein the first opening is for receiving a flashlight housing and the second opening is for receiving a rechargeable battery pack.

37. A recharger as claimed in claim 34 including a handle on the lever to permit urging the lever against the spring action and thereby release the device from its locked position in the slot.

38. A recharger as claimed in claim 34 wherein the contacts are located adjacent to the base and wherein the weight of the devices effects contact between the contacts and the device for recharging.

39. A recharger as claimed in claim 34 wherein the openings are located in a top face of a recharger device and wherein the recharger device essentially defines a trapezoidal shape in a sideways cross-section such that the first slot is located in the front of the top face at a lower elevation than a second slot located in the rear of the top face.