Storage cart for rechargeable devices

• US 6,218,796 B1
• Filed: 10/06/1998
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: White Consolidated, Ltd. (Johnson & Starley Limited)
• Original Assignee: Mobile Design Corporation
• Inventors: Kozlowski, Kevin M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ip, Paul
• Application Number:
  US09/166,867
• Time in Patent Office: 924 Days
• Field of Search: 318/560-696, 307/43, 307/80, 307/85, 180/19-- 1, 180/23, 180/209, 280/79.11, 280/47.35, 62/36.1, 62/33, 622/37, 622/43, 622/39, 426/418, 993/25, 993/34, 993/52, 993/55, 993/57, 994/67, 358/93, 358/254, 320/107, 320/111, 320/105
• US Class Current: 318/280
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence

Abstract

A cart for storing rechargeable devices includes shelves on which the devices are stored. Charging transformers are positioned in an air cooled upper chamber of the cart and electrical connections for connecting the charging transformers are provided in a lower chamber of the cart. Multiple electrical circuits connect the plugs in the lower chamber of the cart to external circuits. Motility of the cart is provided by four swivel caster wheels at the respective corners of the cart and a fifth drive wheel at the center. The drive wheel is powered by an electric motor supplied by a battery.

Claims

1. A cart for rechargeable devices, comprising:

a cabinet defining an interior space;

a plurality of rechargeable device holding locations in said interior space on which to place said rechargeable devices;

doors on said cabinet to close said interior space;

an electrical supply system in said cabinet to which to connect the rechargeable devices for charging, said electrical supply system includes;

a distribution box having a plurality of plug sockets in said interior space; and

a connection from said distribution box through an external wall of said cabinet and connecting to external power.

2. A cart as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connection is a recessed connector mounted in the external wall of said cabinet.

3. A cart as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connection is a first connection and said cable is a first cable, and further comprising:

at least a second connection to the external wall of said cabinet; and

at least a second cable connecting corresponding ones of said at least second connection to external power.

4. A cart for storing and transporting rechargeable devices, comprising:

a cabinet defining an interior space;

doors on two opposite sides of said cabinet for selectively closing said interior space;

a plurality of rechargeable device holding locations in said interior space on which the rechargeable devices is placeable, said shelves on said two opposite sides of said cabinet being spaced apart by a gap to define a wire chase;

an electrical supply system in said cabinet to which to connect the rechargeable devices for charging, said electrical supply system including;

a distribution box having a plurality of plug sockets, and a cable connecting said distribution box to external power;

a fan mounted in said cabinet and operable to move air within said interior space;

air flow vents in walls of said cabinet;

a thermostat connected to control said fan;

a plurality of swivel-mounted wheels at a perimeter of said cabinet at an underside;

a driven wheel at a center of the underside of said cabinet, said driven wheel being fixed in a position of its axis;

a motor connected to said driven wheel;

a battery connected to supply power to said motor and to said fan; and

a switch for alternately selecting forward and reverse operation of said driven wheel.

5. A cart as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of swivel-mounted wheels are four swivel-mounted wheels mounted adjacent corresponding corners of said cabinet, and further comprising:

pneumatic tires mounted on each of said four swivel mounted wheels and on said driven wheel.