Portable rechargeable power supply adaptor with illuminated key holder

• US 5,844,472 A
• Filed: 07/25/1997
• Issued: 12/01/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Victor Shiu P. Lee
• Original Assignee: Victor Shiu P. Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Victor Shiu P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LA, ANH V
• Application Number:
  US08/898,843
• Time in Patent Office: 494 Days
• Field of Search: 340/473, 340/438, 340/691, 340/693, 340/692, 340/321, 340/636, 320/107, 320/111, 320/114, 320/115, 320/138, 320/132, 362/439, 362/430, 362/182, 439/622, 248/447.2
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0005 Dashboard
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0071 using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0085 with adjustment by rotation in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• 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

Abstract

A portable, electronic device provides base functions as an illuminated key holder, a recharging system, and an accessory light, as well as extended functions. The internal Nicad battery power supply can be recharged from a variety of sources. With the device plugged into a recharging source such as a cigarette lighter socket, a special docking mechanism interfaces with it to power or recharge a variety of electronic devices. The docking unit provides a universal adaptor to mate with several different popular socket sizes. In the best mode an audio recorder and playback device is combined with the flashlight and key chain apparatus. This enables both voice recording and playback. A map light mounting system enables the module to be held in a desired position within a vehicle to provide a mounted light source once the key ring is removed. The map light uses a resilient stand having a pair of slotted wings that are coupled to specially configured clips that easily adapt to surfaces and projections that might be encountered within an automobile such as air conditioning louvers or the like. The clips have special hooks that are slidably captivated within the wing slots. Zig-zag clip legs are resiliently biased together to readily affix the clips to an object. The docking system normally provides a regulated direct current output that is voltage selectable to supply voltages used by common electronic devices. A bypass switch within the module bypasses the module voltage regulator for docking.

Claims

1. A portable, rechargeable, self powered adaptor comprising:

a module comprising an interior, a handheld portion for grasping by a user, and a reduced diameter shank portion for insertion into a recharger source,

rechargeable battery means disposed within said interior;

module circuit means for recharging said battery means in response to said recharger source;

light means for selectively illuminating an object;

selector switch means associated with said module circuit means for selectively activating said light means;

a key ring assembly removably coupled to said module for selectively holding keys; and

,

docking means adapted to be selectively coupled to said module for interfacing with and powering or recharging a plurality of different electronic devices.

2. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 further comprising output regulator means within said adaptor for outputting regulated voltage.

3. The adaptor as defined in claim 2 further comprising means for selectively bypassing said output regulator means.

4. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 wherein said docking means comprises:

a housing adapted to be coupled to said module to receive a given voltage therefrom;

voltage selection means within said housing for outputting a plurality of different user selected voltages therefrom; and

,

universal Coupling means comprising a plurality of differently sized plugs for interfacing with a plurality of electronic devices for powering or recharging same in response to said voltage selection means.

5. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 further comprising map light means for mounting said module in a convenient position and aiming it at a selected target.

6. The adaptor as defined in claim 5 wherein said map light means comprises:

a tubular receptor for receiving and temporarily mounting the module;

an elongated, resilient stand for supporting the receptor, said stand having a top, a spaced apart lower foot, and a pair of outwardly projecting wings; and

,

mating clip means removably coupled to said wings for securing said stand in a desired orientation.

7. The adaptor as defined in claim 6 wherein said map light means comprises slots defined in said wings, and said mating clip means comprises hook means slidably captivated within said slots.

8. The adaptor as defined in claim 7 wherein said clip means comprises a pair of complimentary, zig-zag legs for clamping about at least a portion of a chosen supporting structure.

9. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 wherein the key ring assembly comprises a split ring for holding keys, said ring having a predetermined diameter, said diameter being greater than the diameter of any recharging source to which the module is plugged so that the module cannot be recharged without removing the key ring assembly.

10. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 further comprising audio record and playback subcircuit means within said module operated by said module circuit means, said audio record and playback subcircuit means comprising:

means for deriving power from said module circuit means;

microphone means within said module for detecting audio;

integrated circuit means for transforming audio between digital and analog states;

memory means for storing digitized audio;

speaker means within said module for reproducing analog audio; and

,

means for switching between record or playback functions.

11. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 further comprising vehicle battery monitor subcircuit means for warning when a vehicle battery or electrical system to which the module is connected is too low or too high in voltage.

12. The adaptor as defined in claim 11 wherein said vehicle battery monitor subcircuit means comprises:

Zener diode means for conducting current when incoming voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold;

means for indicating proper input voltage;

transistor means for activating said last mentioned indicator means in response to said Zener diode means;

means for indicating low input voltage; and

,

second transistor means for disabling said last mentioned indicator means in response to said Zener diode means.

13. The adaptor as defined in claim 1 wherein said adaptor comprises a sound generation alarm system housed therewithin, the sound generation system comprising a subcircuit comprising a sound production integrated circuit, a feedback resistor connected to said integrated circuit, a piezoelectric transducer for producing sound, and wherein said resistor may be switched in value to switch the sound generation system between roles as a personal alarm, a dog repeller, and a mosquito repeller.

14. A portable, rechargeable, battery powered map light comprising:

a module defining an interior, a handheld portion for grasping by a user, and a reduced diameter shank portion for insertion into a recharger source;

rechargeable battery means disposed within said interior;

module circuit means for recharging said battery means in response to said recharger source;

light means for illuminating an object;

selector switch means for selectively activating said light means;

map light means for mounting said module in a convenient position and aiming it at a selected target, said map light means comprising a tubular receptor for receiving said shank portion and temporarily mounting the module, an elongated, resilient stand for supporting the receptor, and clip means removably coupled to said stand for securing said map light means in a desired orientation; and

,

docking means adapted to be selectively coupled to said module for interfacing with and powering or recharging a plurality of different electronic devices, said docking means comprising;

a housing adapted to be coupled to said module to receive current at a given voltage therefrom;

voltage selection means within said housing for outputting a plurality of different user selected voltages therefrom; and

,

universal coupling means comprising a plurality of differently sized plugs for interfacing with a plurality of electronic devices for powering or recharging same in response to said voltage selection means.

15. The map light as defined in claim 14 wherein said stand comprises a top, a spaced apart lower foot, and a pair of outwardly projecting wings, and said clip means removably couples to said wings for securing said stand in a desired orientation.

16. The map light as defined in claim 15 wherein said map light means wings comprise slots, said clip means comprises hook means slidably captivated within said slots, and said clip means comprises a pair of complimentary, zig-zag legs for clamping about at least a portion of a chosen supporting structure.

17. The map light as defined in claim 14 further comprising audio record and playback subcircuit means operated by said module circuit means, said audio record and playback subcircuit means comprising:

means for deriving power from said module circuit means;

microphone means within said module for detecting audio;

integrated circuit means for transforming audio between digital and analog states;

memory means for storing digitized audio;

speaker means within said module for reproducing analog audio; and

,

means for switching between record or playback functions.

18. The map light as defined in claim 14 further comprising vehicle battery monitor subcircuit means for warning when a vehicle battery or electrical system to which the module is connected is too low or too high in voltage.

19. The map light as defined in claim 18 wherein said vehicle battery monitor subcircuit means comprises:

Zener diode means for conducting current when incoming voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold;

means for indicating proper input voltage;

transistor means for activating said last mentioned indicator means in response to said Zener diode means;

means for indicating low input voltage; and

,

second transistor means for disabling said last mentioned indicator means in response to said Zener diode means.

20. The map light as defined in claim 14 wherein said map light comprises a sound generation alarm system housed therewithin, the sound generation system comprising a subcircuit comprising a sound production integrated circuit, a feedback resistor connected to said integrated circuit, a piezoelectric transducer for producing sound, and wherein said resistor may be switched in value to switch tile sound generation system between roles as a personal alarm, a dog repeller, and a mosquito repeller.

21. A portable, rechargeable, key ring and power supply adaptor comprising:

a module comprising an interior, a handheld portion for grasping by a user, and a reduced diameter shank portion for insertion into a recharger source;

rechargeable battery means disposed within said interior;

module circuit means for recharging said battery means in response to said recharger source;

light means for selectively illuminating an object;

selector switch means associated with said module circuit means for selectively activating said light means;

docking means adapted to be selectively coupled to said module for interfacing with and powering or recharging a plurality of different electronic devices; and

,

a key ring assembly removably coupled to said module for selectively holding keys, said key ring assembly comprising a split ring for holding keys, said ring having a predetermined diameter, said diameter being greater than the diameter of any recharging source into which the module is plugged so that the module cannot be recharged without removing the key ring assembly.

22. The adaptor as defined in claim 21 wherein said docking means comprises:

a housing adapted to be coupled to said module to receive current at a given voltage therefrom;

voltage selection means within said housing for outputting a plurality of different user selected voltages therefrom; and

,

universal coupling means comprising a plurality of differently sized plugs for interfacing with a plurality of electronic devices for powering or recharging same in response to said voltage selection means.

23. The adaptor as defined in claim 22 further comprising map light means for mounting said module in a convenient position and aiming it at a selected target, said map light means comprising:

a tubular receptor for receiving and temporarily mounting the module;

an elongated, resilient stand for supporting the receptor, said stand having a top, a spaced apart lower foot, and a pair of outwardly projecting wings; and

,

mating clip means removably coupled to said wings for securing said stand in a desired orientation.

24. The adaptor as defined in claim 23 wherein:

said map light means comprises slots defined in said wings; and

,

said mating clip means comprises hook means slidably captivated within said slots and a pair of complimentary, zig-zag legs for clamping about at least a portion of a chosen supporting structure.

25. The adaptor as defined in claim 24 further comprising audio record and playback subcircuit means operated by said module circuit means, said audio record and playback subcircuit means comprising:

means for deriving power from said module circuit means;

microphone means within said module for detecting audio;

integrated circuit means for transforming audio between digital and analog states;

memory means for storing digitized audio;

speaker means within said module for reproducing analog audio; and

,

means for switching between record or playback functions.

26. The adaptor as defined in claim 24 further comprising vehicle battery monitor subcircuit means for warning when a vehicle battery or electrical system to which the module is connected is too low or too high in voltage.

27. The adaptor as defined in claim 26 wherein said vehicle battery monitor subcircuit means comprises:

Zener diode means for conducting current when incoming voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold;

means for indicating proper input voltage;

transistor means for activating said last mentioned indicator means in response to said Zener diode means;

means for indicating low input voltage; and

,

second transistor means for disabling said last mentioned indicator means in response to said Zener diode means.

28. The adaptor as defined in claim 24 further comprising a transformable sound generation alarm system comprising a subcircuit comprising a sound production integrated circuit, a feedback resistor connected to said integrated circuit, a piezoelectric transducer for producing sound, and wherein said resistor may be switched in value to switch the sound generation system between roles as a personal alarm, a dog repeller, and a mosquito repeller.