Method for Renting a Portable and Universal Power Charger from a Vending Machine
First Claim
1. A method for renting a portable and universal power charger from a vending machine, the method comprising:
- providing a power charger, the power charger configured to provide at least one charge to a communication device;
integrating the power charger into at least one vending machine, the at least one vending machine having a charging portion and a fee collection portion;
positioning the at least one vending machine in at least one public site;
charging the power charger with the charging portion of the at least one vending machine;
receiving an access fee through the fee collection portion of the at least one vending machine, wherein the access fee is received prior to accessing the power charger;
dispensing the power charger from the at least one vending machine;
adapting the power charger to provide at least one charge to different types of communication devices;
returning the power charger to the at least one vending machine for recharging and additional access;
receiving a periodic fee through the fee collection portion of the at least one vending machine, wherein the periodic fee is commensurate with a period of time that the power charger was accessed; and
communicating between the at least one vending machine and a central processor about the access fee, the periodic fee, and the period of time that the power charger is accessed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for renting a portable and universal power charger from a vending machine. The method provides at least one vending machine that dispenses a power charger. The dispensed power charger is generally small, portable, and carries sufficient power to provide multiple charges to the communication device. The power charger is also configured to charge a variety of different styles and sizes of communication devices. A user may rent the portable power charger for a predetermined period and then return the power charger after it is depleted. The rented power charger is portable and contains a full store of power, such that the user may fully recharge the communication device at least one time while traveling, at work, or at a public event.
42 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for renting a portable and universal power charger from a vending machine, the method comprising:
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providing a power charger, the power charger configured to provide at least one charge to a communication device; integrating the power charger into at least one vending machine, the at least one vending machine having a charging portion and a fee collection portion; positioning the at least one vending machine in at least one public site; charging the power charger with the charging portion of the at least one vending machine; receiving an access fee through the fee collection portion of the at least one vending machine, wherein the access fee is received prior to accessing the power charger; dispensing the power charger from the at least one vending machine; adapting the power charger to provide at least one charge to different types of communication devices; returning the power charger to the at least one vending machine for recharging and additional access; receiving a periodic fee through the fee collection portion of the at least one vending machine, wherein the periodic fee is commensurate with a period of time that the power charger was accessed; and communicating between the at least one vending machine and a central processor about the access fee, the periodic fee, and the period of time that the power charger is accessed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for renting a portable and universal power charger from a vending machine, the method comprising:
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providing a power charger, the power charger configured to provide at least one charge to a communication device; integrating the power charger into at least one vending machine; charging the power charger in the at least one vending machine; receiving an access fee, wherein the access fee is received prior to accessing the power charger; dispensing the power charger from the at least one vending machine; adapting the power charger to provide at least one charge to different types of communication devices; returning the power charger to the at least one vending machine for recharging and additional access; and receiving a periodic fee, wherein the periodic fee is commensurate with a period of time that the power charger is accessed. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A method for renting a portable and universal power charger from a vending machine, the method comprising:
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providing a power charger, the power charger configured to provide at least one charge to a mobile phone, the power charger defined by a plurality of ports, a charge capacity, a cable, and a power level indicator; integrating the power charger into at least one vending machine, the at least one vending machine having a charging portion and a fee collection portion; positioning the at least one vending machine in at least one public site; charging the power charger with the charging portion of the at least one vending machine; registering a renter to access the power charger, wherein the registration includes receiving personal information and credit card information from the renter; receiving an access fee from the renter through the fee collection portion of the at least one vending machine, wherein the access fee is received from the renter prior to accessing the power charger; dispensing the power charger to the renter from the at least one vending machine; adapting the power charger to provide at least one charge to different types of mobile phones; returning the power charger, by the renter, to the at least one vending machine for recharging and additional access; receiving a periodic fee through the fee collection portion of the at least one vending machine, wherein the periodic fee is commensurate with a period of time that the power charger is accessed; and communicating between the at least one vending machine and a central processor about the access fee, the periodic fee, and the period of time that the power charger was accessed.
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Specification