U.S. patent application number 11/677527 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for methods and systems for a wall mounted universal power supply.
Invention is credited to A. Scott McBurney.
Application Number | 20070194752 11/677527 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38427509 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070194752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McBurney; A. Scott |
August 23, 2007 |
Methods and Systems for a Wall Mounted Universal Power Supply
Abstract
Methods and Systems for charging portable equipment having
divergent power requirements and exhibiting different structural
features are provided by devices having adapters to accommodate the
portable equipment in the form of a wall mounted universal power
supply. Adapters are configured in plate formats that fit into
cradles capable of charging cell phones, video cameras, and
wireless routers.
Inventors: |
McBurney; A. Scott; (Mercer
Island, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM, PLLC
701 FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 4800
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
38427509 |
Appl. No.: |
11/677527 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60775585 |
Feb 22, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0042 20130101;
H01R 25/006 20130101; H01R 27/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/112 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. An electric charger comprising: a plate connectable to an
electric receptacle; the plate having a transformer configured to
deliver a plurality of voltages to a plurality of connectors; and
an adapter configured to connect to the plurality of connectors,
wherein a device requiring charging is slidably engaged to the
adapter to receive electrical power.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application incorporates by reference as if fully
disclosed herein and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/775,585 filed Feb. 22, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Almost all handheld electronic devices in the marketplace
today are delivered with a power supply or transformer to either
power the device or recharge the battery.
[0003] The transformers job is to ensure that the device or battery
receive the proper power input for its particular needs. Because
each device is unique the power requirements are unique with the
end result being that consumers of these devices collect a wide
range of transformers in many different sizes and shapes. These
transformers oftentimes take the form of a brick with two cords,
where one cord attaches to a standard electrical outlet and the
other attaches to the device.
[0004] The transformers invariably collect in ones home and results
in many tangled wires.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0005] The preferred and particular embodiments described here look
to provide a means to charge or power any device without having the
tangled wires in the home.
[0006] A particular embodiment includes several components. The
first component is a switched mode power supply. This will allow
the power output to be altered to adjust to the device that is
attached. This power supply is constructed to allow for multiple
devices to be attached. In some instances the power supply will be
configured to allow for 2 devices such as with a standard wall
outlet. Other embodiments will allow for many devices to be
attached and likely even beyond 10 devices.
[0007] The power supply may be built as a switched mode power
supply thus enabling programmatic changes to the power output
levels as would be needed by different devices. The plates will be
designed to fit a specific device and the plate itself can tell how
much power its devices needs. There could be other means of
enabling different power levels such as over the internet or with
USB base devices.
[0008] The power supply may be housed in a casing that should fit
either into its own housing or that of an electrical junction box.
The ability to put multiple or different power supplies with
different ranges of capabilities is incorporated into the design.
For example one power supply could be built to address higher
powered devices and others could be set to power lower output
devices. Some housings could hold multiple power supplies as
needed. This interchangeability is preferred to ensure that any
device power requirement can be met as well as providing
flexibility to attach a wide number of devices.
[0009] In the case of the power supply fitting within its own
housing, the housing will be plugged directly into the wall outlet.
In other embodiments the standard outlet or switch itself is
replaced within the junction box by the transformer itself.
[0010] The housing may allow for the attachment of many different
plates in addition to holding the power supply. Some housings will
allow for 2 plates while others could allow for more plates. In a
"kitchen office" it is likely you could attach 4 cell phones, 2
laptops, a cordless phone, 2 family radios, a camera battery and a
video camera battery.
[0011] The housing may have several "slots" that will receive the
plates. These slots will be identical/universal whether the housing
has 2 slots or 12 or more or less. The housing will receive the
plates and each plate in turn will be built for a specific
device.
[0012] Plates may be built for a wide range of devices and
purposes. A likely common form of a plate may be one in which the
plate houses a retractable cord and a plug to fit a specific device
such as a laptop or a cordless phone. Many different plates with
different tips to attach to different devices may. be built The
user simply needs to pick the appropriate plate for their device.
Another common form may be a plate that functions as a cradle for
the device itself. For example a cell phone could be placed onto
the plate to be both charged and stored. (This eliminates the cord
draped across the counter) The plate would be built with the cradle
for the device as well as electrical connectors to power and update
the device. Electrical connectors in the plate could allow for
programmatic updates in addition to the power related connections.
Another cradle may be designed for rechargeable batteries as are
often found in cameras and video cameras. The battery can be placed
in the plate and held there. As with the retractable corded plates
there may be multiple different plates for different batteries. The
plates themselves also have the ability to be an electronic device
themselves. Wireless hubs are found in many homes today and
building a plate that performed that function is conceptually
possible. Additional devices that could be built include such items
as video cameras, light and motion sensors for the room, electronic
thermometers and home "weather stations," wireless speakers, and
night lights.
[0013] The end result is a unit attached to your wall that could
store 2 cell phones, 2 Family radio walkie talkies (for example,
the Motorola Talkabout devices) 3 batteries, 2 retractable cords
can be pulled out to charge a laptop, and a wireless hub.
[0014] As users acquire new devices they can acquire a new plate,
they would not however need a new transformer, as that is already
in place. In addition to the advantage of not having to continually
buy another transformer the user gains the advantage of an
aesthetically more pleasing and less cluttered area for charging
and powering devices.
[0015] Up until now, electronics manufacturers have correctly
focused on the next "cool gizmo" or feature hoping to win over the
public with their latest device. This focus has resulted in such
success stories as camera phones, PDA phones, digital video
cameras, and handheld gaming devices. While the world has proven
that it seems to have an almost insatiable desire for the next new
device, we have rapidly collected a plurality of those cumbersome,
annoying, proprietary, often-expensive, never-available
transformers to recharge the ever growing pile of electronics. One
preferable solution, in one embodiment, is a transformer with an
interchangeable adapter that provides a retractable cord and plug
or connector that is capable of attaching to any device.
[0016] All electronic devices need power to run and at present it
takes little imagination to recognize the growth potential in the
handheld electronics industry. While a single cell phone in a
family was extravagant even 12 years ago, now families with 3
teenage children will likely have 3 to 5 phones in the home. Laptop
computers sales have exceeded desktop purchases and will continue
to grow market share. Digital cameras are increasing in sales by
the quarter and video recorders have exceeded sales expectations
despite lagging substantially behind the technology curve within
their segment.
[0017] The following list describes the types of devices that need
power, the examples include but are not limited to Laptops, Cell
phones, FSR/GRS walkie-talkies, PDA's, Digital Cameras, MP3
players, iPods, Video Cameras, Wireless telephone charging
stations, Computer peripherals (ext hard drives, DVD writers),
Cable and DSL modems, Wireless hub/routers, RC Toys, Sprinkler
systems, and/or Security cameras. These devices are just some of
the devices that are power through a preferred embodiment.
[0018] Presently transformers are included with every electronic
device that does not rely solely on alkaline batteries. These
transformers are typically designed to specification overseas.
Overseas firms build the transformer to the device manufacturer's
specification, but the device manufacturer often leaves the
transformer designs to the transformer manufacturer. The level of
design and innovation is very low as the device firms are stressing
low cost. This focus on low cost is a result of the common need for
the transformer to be absorbed into the cost of the device. Today's
best transformers have very little design focus. All are simple
"blocks" with cords hanging out of them. The focus, in one
embodiment, is placed on the mechanical and presentation aspects of
the design of the transformer with an adapter plate. Building units
that elegantly fit into the "kitchen office" space in a manner that
organizes the clutter is as preferable as well as the power
management capabilities.
[0019] Transformers have been used in several ways for
businesses--some businesses find them simply as costs. For example,
laptops come with transformers and the manufacturer has to include
the transformer in its costs. Within the competitive world of
laptops the transformer is a cost to be kept down. Other firms see
these devices as possible revenue sources such as the cell phone
industry which sells car adapters, and additional accessories as
add-ons because these add-ons have begun to subsidize the costs of
the phones.
[0020] All electronics need power of some sort to operate and
function, so while the types of devices will change in appearance,
function and abilities, the need for power is simply going to
continue for as long as people use electronics. There is not even a
remote trend within the industry to change sources of power. For
example the auto industry could in theory convert entirely to a
fuel-cell-based model and eliminate the need for gasoline. While
solar power or even fuel cells present a theoretical alternative to
AC or DC power source there has been little to no interest or
market need to even consider switching. The result is a market for
the extended future.
[0021] In one embodiment, a universal configurable transformer is
designed to power any electronic device and has the ability to
untangle the electronic cords that occur when attempting to charge
multiple devices. These transformer devices would be sold once for
each living unit although many possibilities exist that might cause
multiple units to be sold. In an alternative embodiment, a variety
of transformers are provided that would fit in different situations
such as travel units, auto and car units, RV designed units, in
addition to possible markets in hotels, airport lounges, offices,
universities, libraries, hotels, coffee shops, etc. Once the
primary transformer unit is installed many additional adapters
could be connected that would allow for the charging and powering
of everything from cell phones to PDAs to laptops, to batteries and
more.
[0022] In one embodiment, a purpose of this transformer is to
eliminate the countless transformers needed for all the household
electronics, to reduce the clutter of the inevitable knotted wires
and bulky plugs; and to allow for more places to charge electronics
at a lower cost.
[0023] In one embodiment, a variable transformer is capable of
accepting different adapters that will be capable of charging or
powering different electronic devices. The transformer shall be
programmable by some means such as the internet, a USB dongle, the
charging adapter itself, 802.11 connection from a pc, Bluetooth,
CF, SDIO or other mechanism as needed and becomes available. The
programmable nature allows the transformer to provide power outputs
of varying levels to meet the needs of different devices. Different
versions of the transformer could be designed to allow for higher
and lower output ranges, fewer and larger numbers of devices to be
supported, surge protection and other power management needs.
[0024] In one embodiment, in addition to the transformer, an
adapter is attached that has a device-specific connection. The
adapter, where appropriate, has a retractable cord and/or it has a
connection designed to accept a rechargeable battery. The adapter
would provide the connection requirements to plug into potentially
all electronic devices. Adapters can potentially provide more
capabilities than simply charging and in alternate embodiments
provide additional functionality such as the adapter itself can
serve as a cameras, a set of speakers, a microphone, a router
and/or hub, a timer, an alarm and/or any other household.
[0025] In one embodiment, the cluttered walls full of power cords
are removed. Instead a device is provided capable of charging many
devices at once without the need for multiple power strips or
similar arrangement to allow for many plugs. This device provides
interchangeability to allow for the charging of different types of
devices such as cell phones, batteries and/or laptops. Further, the
device will possess different aesthetic features to enable a
harmonious fit into many different home decors. In an alternate
embodiment a device is placed at a business location in order to
provide device charging to customers, passengers and/or other
visitors with many different devices.
[0026] In one embodiment the power supply used is a switched-mode
power supply, which provides a more efficient power transformation
than mechanical windings often provided to consumers. Further,
multiple programmable options allow for varying power in many ways
from over the internet, from PC in the house (wired or wireless),
via USB or other media such as SDIO or CF.
[0027] In one embodiment, the design concept allows for a base
unit, with different adapters and potentially appropriate aesthetic
packaging. Interchangeable adapters allow for the continued selling
of new adapters at lower cost. Interchangeable adapter plates allow
for changes in the ability to hold adapters. A two unit plate could
be upgraded to a unit with unlimited adapters. Different aesthetic
packaging of adapters and plates allows for fits into different
home styles and, in turn, marketing based on aesthetic values and
not just technical values.
[0028] In one embodiment a transformer is mounted in a fixed
position and/or is portable and can be relocated. The transformer
is designed to fit into a standard electrical box in a home. It is
preferably packaged in other form factors such as its own
"electrical box" that allows for interchangeable plates. In
alternate embodiments the transformer is packaged into a power
strip type device but instead of receptacles it accepts different
adapters.
[0029] In one embodiment there is an interchangeable core
transformer to allow for upgrading and switching to meet different
specific needs. The transformer is programmable by a range of
mechanisms such as USB, Bluetooth, internet, etc. to allow for
multiple and many different devices. A universal interface to the
transformer allows for different adapters to be connected. Each
adapter would fit different devices and or range of devices. The
interchangeable adapter is not restricted to "plug" interfaces but
also allows for batteries to be connected. Alternate embodiments
allow for adapters with the ability to "rest" a device in the
adapter. In alternate embodiments an adapter has a mechanism to
hold the devices and electronics out of the way. In an alternate
embodiment the adapters could be devices themselves. Possible
devices include cameras such as in a baby's room or for any
security need, speakers, microphones, timers, control units and
other.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a line drawing of an adapter and
transformer in one embodiment. A transformer 40 is set into a wall
in the space preferably occupied by a conventional power outlet.
This transformer is configured such that it is connectable to the
typical wiring in a home or business, and it is further configured
to be placed in the area defined by a typical power outlet. The
transformer is connected to an adapter plate through a series of
connectors shown on the front of the transformer 40. These
connectors are configured to operably attach to the back of an
adapter plate 10. This adapter plate is of such size as to fit into
the area defined by the transformer 40 and it has the connectors to
fit with the connectors shown in transformer 40. The front 20 of
the adapter is configured to contain a cord 30. This cord is used
to connect to a particular device, such as, but not limited to, a
cellular phone and/or a digital camera. FIG. 2 shows a transformer
50, which is a magnified depiction of transformer 40 shown in FIG.
1
[0031] Further embodiments separate the components further. The
transformer 40 could be split into several interchangeable
components including a case or box to hold the transformer, the
transformer itself which would be interchangeable to allow for
other transformers to be placed inside, and the external face that
the adapter plates were connected to which could also be modified.
For example, to allow for fewer or more adapters.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of attachments that are used
in a preferred embodiment. Adapter 60 and adapter 70 show the
ability to attach a plurality of retractable power cords, with a
plurality of connectors to the adapter. Adapter 80 is configured to
hold a battery 90, and to charge the battery directly in the wall.
The back of the adapter 100 shows the connectors for connecting the
adapters 60, 70 and 80 to a wall transformer.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates different types of plates
[0034] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate different housing
configurations
[0035] In one business method embodiment, the foundation for the
business model is to sell a universal configurable transformer that
is designed to power any device and has the ability to completely
untangle a plurality of wires used to power electronic devices.
These devices would be sold once for each living unit although many
possibilities exist that might cause multiple units to be sold.
Every living unit has the potential for some variant, whether it is
a home, condominium, or apartment. It is also possible to build a
variety of transformers that would fit in different situations such
as, but not limited to, travel units, auto and car units, RV
designed units, in addition to possible markets in hotels, airport
lounges, libraries, hotels, and/or coffee shops.
[0036] While the primary market is in the technology sector, a
secondary market is the home building and interior design market.
In a sense total consumer based sales are dependent upon remodels,
new homes and finally all total home units in existence. In the US
there are 115 million home units and 2 million new homes every
year. Therefore, in one embodiment, homes can built and/or
remodeled to include a plurality of adaptors and transformers.
Further sales could include business or commercial fits such as
places of employment, hotels, airport, coffee shops and other high
traffic locations.
[0037] Once the adaptor has been sold, the company will sell
adapters to fit the specific device or model that needs power.
Every device needs a unique adapter as every cell phone; camera,
etc has unique needs. Unless multiple family members have identical
phones and do not need to charge their phones at the same time they
will need at least three adapters. The target market for this
component is equal to the total device units in the market itself.
As the number and types of devices grow so will this segment of the
business.
[0038] In one business method embodiment, a business model includes
programming the transformers and adapters for the needs of the
specific devices that will be attached. To do this the wall unit
will need to be programmable by design and in turn programmed for a
specific device. While it may be possible and even desirable to
build the adapter with all the preferable components to both
physically fit the device in addition to altering the power output
out of the transformer, the present business model provides for
internet downloading of programs and files. The user would type in
an appropriate device from a wide selection of choices and the
needed information would be downloaded either directly through
wired or wireless means or indirectly using a USB drive and/or a
flash card to enable programming of the transformer unit and
adapter.
[0039] In one embodiment, the programming of the device will
include a website. The first visit to the website would require
some basic information about the user and their device while
subsequent visits would only require identification of their new
device. Bringing people to the website has many benefits for all
involved. It will allow the company to provide value-added services
such as automatically registering products for users if desired,
which in turn allows users to receive updated firmware and software
that all too often does not get received because someone failed "to
fill out the card." The data gathered about the types of devices in
use in a home can be used as a revenue source in many ways.
Aggregated data could be sold to manufacturers as well as provide a
customized advertising outlet. Knowing what devices a family is
using enables us to structure the site for advertisers,
manufacturers, and others.
[0040] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment.
* * * * *