Retention of inductively rechargeable devices on an inductive charger

• US 7,518,337 B2
• Filed: 09/26/2003
• Issued: 04/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Philips IP Ventures B.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC (Alticor Incorporated)
• Inventors: Cheng, Lily Ka-Lai, Beart, Pilgrim Giles William
• Primary Examiner(s): Ullah, Akm E
• Assistant Examiner(s): Muralidar, Richard V
• Application Number:
  US10/529,394
• Publication Number:
  US 20060043927A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,027 Days
• Field of Search: 320/108, 320/114, 320/115
• US Class Current: 320/108
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/40 using two or more transmitting or receiving devices H02J50/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/025 using non-contact coupling, e.g. inductive, capacitive

Abstract

There is disclosed a system and method for retaining portable rechargeable devices to recharging stations wherein one or other or both of the recharging station and the portable device are provided with connecting means adapted for temporary releasable connection of the two. This is particularly advantageous when used with recharging stations, which permit the device to be recharged in multiple places on the recharging station, providing a positive means of retaining the device. This is particularly advantageous if the recharging station is to be used in a mobile environment such as a car, or on a wall or ceiling.

Claims

1. A portable electrical or electronic device adapted to receive power from a primary unit that has a power transfer surface and an inductive power supply which supplies power inductively,

said device being separable from the primary unit and having an inductive power receiver adapted to receive power from the inductive power supply by inductive coupling when the device is placed on or in proximity to the power transfer surface,

the device being arranged such that the device can be placed in any position along a line extending in one translational dimension across the power transfer surface to receive power inductively from the inductive power supply,

and wherein the device comprises at least one attaching element comprising suckers, or a self-adhesive or rubbery surface, disposed on the power transfer surface which temporarily releasably attaches the device to the primary unit in any said position along said line such that the device is held on or in proximity to the power transfer surface,

said attaching element(s) providing a non-gravitational force, acting to resist movement of the device away from the power transfer surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to that surface, when the device is attached to the primary unit in any said position along said line.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one said attaching element has one or more aesthetic or visual qualities to indicate to a user that the device is capable of receiving power inductively.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein there are one or more classes of portable electrical or electronic device, and at least one said attaching element has one or more aesthetic or visual qualities to inform a user that the device belongs to a particular said class of device.

4. A portable electrical or electronic device adapted to receive power from a primary unit that has a power transfer surface and an inductive power supply which supplies power inductively,

said device being separable from the primary unit and having an inductive power receiver adapted to receive power from the inductive power supply by inductive coupling when the device is placed on or in proximity to the power transfer surface,

the device being arranged such that the device can be placed in any position within an uninterrupted two-dimensional area of the power transfer surface to receive power inductively from the inductive power supply,

and wherein the device comprises at least one attaching element comprising suckers, or a self-adhesive or rubbery surface, disposed on the power transfer surface which temporarily releasably attaches the device to the primary unit in any said position within said area such that the device is held on or in proximity to the power transfer surface,

said at least one attaching element providing a non-gravitational force, acting to resist movement of the device away from the power transfer surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to that surface, when the device is attached to the primary unit in any said position within said area.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein at least one said attaching element has one or more aesthetic or visual qualities to indicate to a user that the device is capable of receiving power inductively.

6. A device according to claim 4, wherein there are one or more classes of portable electrical or electronic device, and at least one said attaching element has one or more aesthetic or visual qualities to inform a user that the device belongs to a particular said class of device.