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Power pack vending apparatus, system, and method of use for charging power packs with biased locking arrangement

  • US 10,084,329 B2
  • Filed: 03/02/2015
  • Issued: 09/25/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A power pack vending system for providing power to a portable electronic device, the power pack vending system comprising:

  • at least one vending kiosk comprising;

    an outer housing assembly;

    a user interface portion;

    a removable magazine having a plurality of slots;

    a plurality of rechargeable power packs, each power pack sized to be received within one magazine slot, and each power pack having a unique identifier;

    a charging unit adapted to charge the plurality of power packs received within the plurality of magazine slots; and

    a kiosk computer for receiving and storing the unique identifier of each power pack received within the magazine, the specific slot each power pack is in, and current power pack information of each power pack received within the magazine, and the kiosk computer controlling the charging of the plurality of power packs by the charging unit,wherein at least one of the plurality of power packs comprises;

    a main body comprising an outer case defining a substantially rectangular prism having upper and lower surfaces, first and second side surfaces and front and rear end surfaces, the outer case defining a case opening in the upper surface and rear end surface; and

    a device connector assembly having first and second ends, the first end connected to the main body and the second end having a device connector arranged and designed to electrically connect with the portable electronic device, the device connector assembly including a preformed flexible bent portion between the device connector and the device connector assembly first end, the preformed flexible bent portion allowing for different heights of the device connector above the upper surface of the power pack main body while also remembering its preformed shape,wherein the device connector assembly has a first position and a second position, in the first position the device connector assembly is substantially within the case opening such that the device connector assembly is substantially flush with the rear end surface and the device connector is not exposed, and in the second position the device connector is exposed and elevated above, and substantially parallel to, the upper surface of the power pack main body.

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