Universally interchangeable and modular power supply with integrated battery charger

• US 5,648,712 A
• Filed: 08/29/1995
• Issued: 07/15/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Advanced Mobile Solutions Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Asian Micro Sources, Inc.
• Inventors: Hahn, Stan S.
• Primary Examiner(s): TSO, EDWARD H
• Application Number:
  US08/521,113
• Time in Patent Office: 686 Days
• Field of Search: 320/2, 320/5, 439/131, 439/170, 439/171, 439/172, 439/173, 439/174, 439/175, 439/221, D13/107, D13/108, 455/89, 455/90
• US Class Current: 320/111
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/00 Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for dissimilar contact members H01R13/35; supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/90
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0068 Battery or charger load switching, e.g. concurrent charging and load supply H02J7/0013 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use

Abstract

An integrated power supply and battery charger with interchangeable and collapsible plug capacity and interchangeable power input modules includes a casing, an electrical plug detachably mounted in the casing and including collapsible prongs, allowing the user to accommodate myriad combinations of power source configurations, electrical devices and rechargeable batteries therefore and to power and charge same in a safe and convenient manner. A cradle accommodates a battery to be charged. Releasable locking mechanisms are included to both engage the interchangeable electrical plug and battery and to lock the collapsible prong in the extended position. The locking mechanisms can be released by a user to allow the plug or battery to be moved to the detached position. A preferred form of electrical connection between a detachable plug and casing comprises a submerged pin and sleeve configuration to protect the user or passerby from electric shock. A preferred form of conducting prong is collapsible within the carrier and is securable in an extended position to avoid inadvertent collapse. A variety of interchangeable electrical plugs can be fitted to the same casing. A power supply is preferably fitted within the casing, allowing an electrical device to be attached to the device while the device is also acting as a battery charger. A collapsible stand is provided to enable the user to easily utilize both the battery charging and power supplying abilities of the inventive device in tandem.

Claims

1. An apparatus for both charging a battery and supplying power to an electrical device, said apparatus comprising:

an electrical circuit including power supply circuitry,

a casing providing a housing for said electrical circuit,

plug means for receiving and forwarding electrical current, including input and output ends, said input end connectable to a source of electrical current, said plug means capable of accommodating a plurality of distinct electrical current source physical configurations at said input end,

current receiving means for detachably connecting said electrical circuit to said plug means output end, said plug means detachably mounted to said current receiving means via said output end,

first current supplying means for detachably connecting said electrical circuit to a first electrical device,

second current supplying means for detachably connecting said electrical circuit to a rechargeable battery, and

fastening means integral with said casing, for releasably attaching the rechargeable battery to said casing and placing the rechargeable battery in electrical communication with said second current supplying means and said electrical circuit, wherein said first electrical device and said rechargeable battery may be simultaneously connected to said electrical circuit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrical circuit selectively supplies electrical current to said first electrical device and said rechargeable battery.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plug means input and output ends are integrated into a single plug means carrier.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said input end comprises a collapsible electrical prong.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input end comprises a cigarette lighter adapter.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said electrical circuit selectively supplies electrical current to both said first and said second electrical devices.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plug output end includes a recessed electrical contact therein for preventing inadvertent contact therewith when said output end is connected to the electrical current source.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first current supplying means comprises a current output receptacle,

a first adaptor connected to said output receptacle,

a first power cord, and

a second adaptor connected to said first electrical device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fastening means is contained within said second current supplying means.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing for battery charging, said housing being connectable with said fastening means and including means for securing a plurality of electrical devices therein and means for placing said second current supplying means in electrical communication with said plurality of electrical devices.