Rechargeable Battery Accessories

• US 20140266000A1
• Filed: 03/13/2014
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Blackbird Tech LLC
• Original Assignee: Blackbird Tech LLC
• Inventors: Meoli, Michael J.
• Granted Patent: US 9,620,989 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/101
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/262 with fastening means, e.g. locks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/296 characterised by terminals of battery packs terminals of batteries H01M50/543
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/20 Charging or discharging characterised by the power electronics converter
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/40 adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A plurality of battery pack accessories are presented. The accessories include a battery power gauge adapted to be applied to a battery pack and provides a visual indication of the state of the charge in the battery pack, a light adapted to the battery pack such that the battery pack can be used as a flashlight when needed, a connector (e.g., a Universal Serial bus (USB) connector) that can be used for charging the battery pack or to allow the battery pack to charge a device.

Claims

1. A battery accessory comprising:

a body;

a power connector adapted to mate with a port on a battery pack; and

wherein said body is removably attachable to a battery pack, said body including at least one of a battery power gauge, a universal connector and a light, said at least one of said battery power gauge and said light in mechanical communication with said body, said light in electrical communication with said battery pack and wherein said universal connector is capable of being placed in mechanical communication with at least one of a plurality of optional devices.

2. The battery accessory of claim 1 wherein said battery power gauge includes a manual slider adjustable by a user to indicate a level of charge for said battery pack.

3. The battery accessory of claim 1 wherein said light is useful to provide light during use of a power tool said battery pack is installed in;

and wherein said light is useful to provide light when said battery pack is not installed in a power tool, said battery pack and said light operating as a stand-alone flashlight.

4. The battery accessory of claim 1 wherein said universal connector is capable of being placed in mechanical communication with at least one of a plurality of optional devices.

5. The battery accessory of claim 4 wherein said plurality of optional devices include at least one of the group comprising:

a light;

a level;

a thermometer;

a radio;

a media player;

a magnet; and

a camera.

6. The battery accessory of claim 1 further comprising a magnetic area disposed on said battery accessory.

7. A battery pack comprising:

a battery case;

at least one direct current (D.C.) battery disposed within said case;

at least one power inverter disposed within said case, said power converter receiving a D.C. voltage at an input from said at least one D.C. battery and providing an alternating current (A.C.) voltage at an output; and

an A.C. power plug disposed within said case, and in electrical communication with said output of said power inverter.

8. A battery pack comprising:

a battery case having a power source disposed therein;

said case having a first mechanical connector capable of mating with a second battery pack;

said case having a first electrical connector capable of mating with said second battery pack; and

wherein said battery pack is capable of mating with said second battery pack by way of said first mechanical connector and said first electrical connector such that said first battery pack and said second battery pack are in mechanical and electrical communication with each other.

9. A battery pack accessory comprising:

an undercarriage having a first mechanical and electrical communication interface for a battery pack; and

a second mechanical and electrical communication interface for a battery pack accessory.

10. The battery pack of claim 9 wherein said battery pack accessory comprises other battery packs.

11. The battery pack of claim 9 wherein said battery pack accessory comprises at least one tool, said tool selected from the group comprising a strobe light, a laser level, a camera, and a video recorder.

12. The battery pack of claim 9 wherein said battery pack accessory comprises a charging device.

13. A battery pack accessory comprising:

a first mechanical and electrical communication interface for a battery pack; and

a set of jumpers for placing said battery pack in electrical communication with a battery.

14. A flip battery comprising:

a first battery having a front side and a back side; and

a second battery having a first side and a second side, wherein said back side of said first battery is in mechanical communication with said back side of said second battery.

15. A charging system for a battery pack comprising:

a charging device in electrical communication with said battery pack, wherein said charging device is selected from the group comprising;

wherein multiple battery packs are stacked one atop the other and all are charged at the same time;

a solar panel;

a connection to a cigarette lighter outlet in a vehicle, a USB cable; and

a hand-operated cranking device.