Kinetic energy system and apparatus for charging portable batteries

• US 7,327,046 B2
• Filed: 12/23/2005
• Issued: 02/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alexander Benjamin Biamonte
• Original Assignee: Alexander Benjamin Biamonte
• Inventors: Biamonte, Alexander Benjamin
• Primary Examiner(s): Ponomarenko; Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US11/318,185
• Publication Number:
  US 20070145746A1
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 290/1.R, 290/1.A, 290/8, 290/50, 322/1, 322/3
• US Class Current: 290/1.00R
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 31/04 characterised by special function or use protective clothing affording protection against heat or harmful chemical agents or for use at high altitudes A62B17/00; composition of materials for coverings or clothing affording protection against harmful chemical agents A62D5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 13/182 Helicoidal springs
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/00 Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/38 with power sources
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/42 where power is generated by conversion of mechanical movement to electricity, e.g. by piezoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: F03G 5/06 other than of endless-walk type
• CPC Class Codes: F03G 5/063 operated by the leg or foot
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/706 an electrical generator

Abstract

A linear electric generator is mounted to an article of human clothing that is subject to repetitive fore-and-aft motion when worn by a human wearer during locomotion. The linear axis of the generator is aligned generally parallel to the direction of fore-and-aft motion of the wearer to utilize the kinetic locomotion energy of the wearer for production of electricity. A separable electric connector is coupled to the output of the generator to facilitate electrical connection to a battery for charging purposes.

Claims

1. A portable kinetic energy apparatus for generating electrical power to charge portable rechargeable batteries, said apparatus comprising:

an article of human clothing customarily worn on a body part of a human wearer that is characterized by repetitive fore-and-aft motion substantially parallel to a given locomotion axis during ordinary locomotion activity of said wearer;

a linear-motion electrical generator mounted on said article of clothing;

aligned substantially parallel to the locomotion axis of said fore-and-aft motion, said electrical generator having an electrical output;

an electrical output connector coupled to said electrical output of said generator and extending therefrom for coupling said electrical output of said generator to a rechargeable battery.

2. A portable kinetic energy apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said electrical output connector comprises an electrical cable connected to the electrical output of said generator at one end thereof and having a separable electrical connector coupled to the other end thereof for electrically engaging and connecting to a portable battery.

3. A portable kinetic energy apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein:

said separable electrical connector is a battery receptacle for separably receiving a battery and engaging the terminals thereof.

4. A portable kinetic energy apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein:

said separable electrical connector is an electrical connector half for separably engaging and connecting to a mating connector half in any electrical device having a such mating connector half.

5. A portable kinetic energy apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein:

said article of clothing is a shoe.

6. A portable kinetic energy apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein:

said linear-motion electrical generator is enclosed within a space in the sole of said shoe.

7. A portable kinetic energy apparatus in accordance with claim 4, wherein:

said linear-motion electrical generator is embedded in the material forming the sole of said shoe.