Tool box power center

• US 20050156564A1
• Filed: 06/23/2004
• Published: 07/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael Krieger
• Original Assignee: Michael Krieger
• Inventors: Krieger, Michael
• Application Number:
  US10/873,626
• Publication Number:
  US 20050156564A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/112
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/122 Provisions for temporary connection of DC sources of essentially the same voltage, e.g. jumpstart cables
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A “tool box” style power center is provided. The power center may be designed as a versatile, portable power center addressing the most common needs of power for a consumer. The power center preferable can provide DC power, AC power, battery charging capability, the capability to jumpstart a vehicle with a depleted battery, and other power providing capabilities. The power center includes a housing that is adapted to be used as a toolbox. The housing can include various compartments and the like to house accessories and tools.

Claims

1. A portable power center, comprising:

a housing;

an AC outlet provided on the housing;

a DC outlet provided on the housing;

a battery disposed with the housing and coupled to the DC outlet;

a power inverter disposed in the housing and receiving DC input from the battery and providing AC output to the AC outlet;

a battery charger disposed in the housing, the battery charger coupled to the AC input and providing charging current to the battery; and

an air compressor disposed with in the housing and coupled to the battery.

2. The power center of claim 1, wherein the DC outlet is adapted to receive a cigarette plug adapter.

3. The power center of claim 1, further comprising jumper cables having one end coupled to the battery charger and receiving charging current therefrom and a second end including battery clamps.

4. The power center of claim 1, further comprising jumper cables having one end coupled to the battery and receiving charging current therefrom and a second end including battery clamps.

5. The power center of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a compartment to store the jumper cables.

6. The power center of claim 1, further comprising a light disposed on the housing and powered by the battery.

7. The power center of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprising a recess for receiving a light stick.

8. The power center of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a base and a lid hingedly connected to the base, the housing defining a storage cavity therein.

9. The power center of claim 1, wherein the AC input and AC output are one outlet.

10. A portable power center, comprising:

a housing;

an AC outlet provided on the housing;

a DC outlet provided on the housing;

an AC input provided on the housing;

a battery disposed with the housing and coupled to the DC outlet;

a power inverter disposed in the housing and receiving DC input from the battery and providing AC output to the AC outlet;

a battery charger disposed in the housing, the battery charger coupled to the AC input and providing charging current to the battery;

jumper cables having one end coupled to at least one of the battery and the battery charger and receiving charging current therefrom and a second end including battery clamps for attachment to an external battery; and

an air compressor disposed with in the housing and coupled to the battery.