INDUCTION CHARGING SYSTEM

• US 20130214931A1
• Filed: 02/15/2013
• Published: 08/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing Limited (Vodafone Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Vodafone IP Licensing Limited (Vodafone Group PLC)
• Inventors: CHIA, Stanley
• Application Number:
  US13/768,720
• Publication Number:
  US 20130214931A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/815.4
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/02 Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 15/00 Purses, bags, luggage or other receptacles covered by groups A45C1/00 - A45C11/00, combined with other objects or articles A45C1/08, A45C3/14, A45C11/321, A45C13/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/002 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence

Abstract

An apparatus for charging a mobile device includes an inductive coupler adapted to couple to an inductive charger such that, in use, the inductive coupler receives inductive charge from the inductive charger. The apparatus further comprises a battery and a battery charger, the battery charger being configured to transfer power from the inductive coupler to the battery. The apparatus further includes a power outlet adapted to provide power from the battery. In use, power received by the inductive coupler is transferred via the battery charger to charge the battery. When required, power may then be transferred from the battery to the power output. The power output can be connected to a power input of a mobile device and by this the internal battery of the mobile device may be charged using power stored in the battery of the charging apparatus.

Claims

1. An apparatus for charging a mobile device, comprising:

an inductive coupler adapted to couple to an inductive charger such that, in use, the inductive coupler receives inductive charge from the inductive charger;

a battery;

a battery charger for charging the battery, configured to transfer power to the battery from the inductive coupler; and

a power outlet adapted to provide power from the battery.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inductive charger configured to connect to a power source.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is substantially portable.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inductive coupler is arranged to receive inductive charge from the inductive charger through an outer surface of a bag.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

an alignment mechanism to align the inductive coupler with the inductive charger.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the alignment mechanism includes at least one of:

a co-operating magnet or a visual marking.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a charging connector for connection between the power outlet and the mobile device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the charging connecter is reconfigurable for connection to different types of mobile device having different types of power input connector.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

a recharging cable connecting the power outlet and charging connector; and

a reel arranged to retract the recharging cable for storage.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a status indicator for indicating a status of the mobile device or a status of the apparatus for charging the mobile device.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the status indicator comprises a receiver and a display.

12. A bag, comprising:

an apparatus for charging a mobile device, the apparatus comprising;

an inductive coupler adapted to couple to an inductive charger such that, in use, the inductive coupler receives inductive charge from the inductive charger;

a battery;

a battery charger for charging the battery, configured to transfer power to the battery from the inductive coupler; and

a power outlet adapted to provide power from the battery.

13. The bag according to claim 12, wherein the inductive coupler is arranged to receive inductive charge from the inductive charger through an outer surface of the bag.

14. An apparatus for receiving status parameter updates, comprising:

a receiver for receiving the status parameter update from a transmitter, said transmitter coupled to a device having a status parameter; and

a display which, when in operation, displays an indication of the status parameter.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus is substantially portable.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the status parameter includes at least one of:

(i) a charge level of the internal battery of a mobile device, (ii) a charging status of a mobile device, or (iii) receipt of a communication by a mobile device.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus communicates with the mobile device through a connection that is at least one of:

a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a Bluetooth connection.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising:

a battery.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing software for execution on a mobile device, the software comprising:

executable code that transmits a status parameter of the mobile device to an external status indicator.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 19, wherein the status parameter is transmitted via a connection that is at least one of:

a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a Bluetooth connection.

22. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 19, wherein the status parameter is at least one of:

(i) a charge level of an internal battery of a mobile device, (ii) a charging status of a mobile device, or (iii) receipt of a communication by a mobile device.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium 19, further comprising:

executable code of an status indicator apparatus that receives and displays the transmitted status parameter.