Power converter with retractable cable system

• US 7,554,828 B2
• Filed: 11/24/2004
• Issued: 06/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: iGo, Inc.
• Original Assignee: iGo, Inc.
• Inventors: Wilson, John
• Primary Examiner(s): BERHANE, ADOLF D
• Application Number:
  US10/996,655
• Publication Number:
  US 20050117376A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,679 Days
• Field of Search: 363/142, 363/146, 320/111, 174/50, 174/53, 174/59
• US Class Current: 363/146
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/263 Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC G06F1/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/061 for DC powered loads
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/10 Arrangements incorporating converting means for enabling loads to be operated at will from different kinds of power supplies, e.g. from ac or dc
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 3/33561 having more than one ouput with independent control

Abstract

A modular power converter including a first housing enclosing a converter circuit, and a selectively detachable second housing enclosing a retractable power cable. In a first orientation the detachable second housing is secured to the first housing to form a unitary housing. In a second orientation, the second housing is detached from the first housing such that a first end of the extended power cable may tether to the first housing output a selectable distance therefrom. The cable also has a second end extendable from the second housing a predetermined distance. This modular power converter forms a single compact device when the power cable is not extended from the second housing.

Claims

1. A power converter, comprising:

a first housing having a power converter circuit having an input adapted to receive an input voltage and an output, the circuit adapted to convert the input voltage to an output voltage provided at the output; and

a second housing selectively securable to the first housing to collectively form a unitary housing, the second housing having a retractable electrical cable mechanism disposed therein including a first retractable electrical cable having a first end being selectively extendable from the second housing and adapted to connect to the first housing output, and the retractable electrical cable mechanism having a second retractable electrical cable also selectively extendable from the second housing and having a second connector adapted to couple to a portable electronic device, wherein the first and second retractable cables are directly electrically connected to each other and configured to communicate a common same electrical signal.

2. The converter as specified in claim 1 wherein the electrical cable first end has a first connector adapted to selectively couple to the circuit output.

3. The converter as specified in claim 1 wherein the second connector comprises an electrical component adapted to selectively establish the output voltage at the circuit output.

4. The converter as specified in claim 3 wherein the electrical component selectively establishes a resistor in the circuit feedback loop to establish the selectable output voltage.

5. The converter as specified in claim 3 wherein the electrical component comprises a passive electrical component.

6. The converter as specified in claim 5 wherein the passive electrical component comprises a resistor.

7. The converter as specified in claim 1 wherein the circuit is adapted to power the portable electronic device.

8. The converter as specified in claim 1 wherein the first and second cable are coiled within the second housing.

9. The converter as specified in claim 1 wherein the second housing is adapted to positively lock to the first housing.

10. The converter as specified in claim 8 wherein the first and second housing each have a outer surface adapted to be flush with each other when the second housing is coupled to the first housing.

11. The converter as specified in claim 8 wherein the circuit converts a DC input voltage to a selectable output voltage.

12. The converter as specified in claim 8 wherein the circuit converts a DC input voltage or an AC input voltage to a selectable output voltage.

13. The converter as specified in claim 1 wherein the first housing has a member adapted to provide strain relief to the cable when coupled to the first housing.