BATTERY CHARGE INDICATOR

• US 20110050238A1
• Filed: 08/18/2010
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nancy J. Sullivan, Robert E. Sullivan
• Original Assignee: Nancy J. Sullivan, Robert E. Sullivan
• Inventors: SULLIVAN, ROBERT E., SULLIVAN, NANCY J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,080,974 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/435
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/488 Cells or batteries combined with indicating means for external visualization of the condition, e.g. by change of colour or of light density
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

The battery charge indicator provides a color-coded battery status indicator system adapted for attachment to or adjacent the battery compartment on a power tool body. The system includes a first member that is adapted for attachment to the surface of the power tool. The front face of the first member is provided with hook and loop fastener material thereon. A second member has a first face fabricated from green-colored hook and loop fastener material and an opposite, second face fabricated from red-colored hook or loop fastener material. Display of the red-colored face indicates that the battery needs recharging. Display of the green-colored face indicates that the battery is charged.

Claims

1. A battery charge indicator, comprising:

a first member having a front face and a rear face;

an adhesive disposed on the rear face;

a fastener disposed on the front face; and

an indicator strip having opposed first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces having fastener material disposed thereon, the fastener material on the first surface having a different color than the fastener material on the second surface, the fastener material on the first and second surfaces selectively and releasably mating with the fastener on the front face of the first member, thereby providing a color-coded indicator to reflect the charge on the battery.

2. The battery charge indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of said indicator strip is green in color and the second surface of said indicator strip is red in color.

3. The battery charge indicator according to claim 1, wherein the fastener disposed on the front face of said first member and the fastener material disposed on the first and second surfaces of said indicator strip are hook and loop fasteners.

4. A battery charge indicator, comprising:

a base strip having a front face and a rear face, the rear face being adapted for attachment to a battery-powered tool, the front face having a releasable fastener disposed thereon; and

a color-coded, indicator strip having opposite sides, each of the opposing sides having a releasable fastener disposed thereon and each of the opposing sides being different in color, the opposite sides alternately mating with the front face of the base strip, whereby the charge state of the battery is indicated by the color of the side of the indicator strip exposed to viewing.

5. The battery charge indicator according to claim 4, further including an adhesive disposed on the rear face of said base strip.

6. The battery charge indicator according to claim 4, wherein the fastener disposed on the front face of said base strip and the fastener disposed on the opposing sides of said indicator strip are hook and loop fasteners.

7. The battery charge indicator according to claim 4, wherein of the opposing sides of said indicator strip is green in color and one of the opposing sides is red in color.

8. A battery charge indicator, comprising:

a base strip having a front face and a rear face;

adhesive disposed on the rear face, the rear face being adapted for attachment to a battery-powered tool, the front face having a releasable fastener disposed thereon; and

a color-coded, indicator strip having opposite sides, each of the opposing sides having a releasable fastener disposed thereon, one of the opposing sides being red in color and the opposite side being green in color, the opposing sides alternately mating with the front face of the base strip, whereby the charge state of the battery is indicated by the color of the side of the indicator strip exposed to viewing.

9. The battery charge indicator according to claim 8, wherein the fastener disposed on the front face of said base strip and the fastener disposed on each of the opposing sides of said indicator strip are hook and loop fasteners.