U.S. patent application number 14/677577 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-08 for pouch with embedded portable power charger.
The applicant listed for this patent is Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein. Invention is credited to Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein.
Application Number | 20150288204 14/677577 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54210592 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150288204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weinstein; Nathan Daniel ;
et al. |
October 8, 2015 |
POUCH WITH EMBEDDED PORTABLE POWER CHARGER
Abstract
A pouch has at least one opening. A power charger is securely
positioned in the pouch such that at least a power button, a power
connection port, and a charge level indicator of the power charger
are directly accessible and visible via the at least one opening of
the pouch. At least one layer of the pouch is formed of an RFID
barrier material. A plurality of interchangeable power cables may
be provided connectable with the power charger and stowable in the
pouch or in a pocket adjacent the pouch.
Inventors: |
Weinstein; Nathan Daniel;
(Glastonbury, CT) ; Miller; Garold C.;
(Glastonbury, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Weinstein; Nathan Daniel
Miller; Garold C. |
Glastonbury
Glastonbury |
CT
CT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54210592 |
Appl. No.: |
14/677577 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61974691 |
Apr 3, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 10/46 20130101;
H01M 10/44 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; H02J
7/0042 20130101; H02J 7/0045 20130101; H01M 10/425 20130101; H02J
7/0027 20130101; H02J 7/0044 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. An article comprising: a pouch that has at least one opening;
and a power charger securely positioned in the pouch such that at
least a power button, a power connection port, and a charge level
indicator of the power charger are directly accessible and visible
via the at least one opening of the pouch.
2. The article of claim 1 further comprising a wrist strap affixed
to the pouch.
3. The article of claim 1 further comprising at least one snap or
magnetic clasp positioned to close the at least one opening of the
pouch.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein the pouch has a first opening
through which the power button, the power connection port, and the
charge level indicator are directly accessible and visible, and the
pouch has at least one additional opening through which at least
one power cable is accessible.
5. The article of claim 4 wherein the power button, the power
connection port, and the charge level indicator of the power
charger are co-located components and the first opening of the
pouch is adhered to the case of the power charger surrounding the
co-located components.
6. The article of claim 1 further comprising a pocket adjacent the
pouch, the pocket and the pouch together forming a container.
7. The article of claim 6 wherein the container is formed of at
least one layer that includes an RFID barrier material.
8. The article of claim 6 further comprising at least one power
cable stowable inside the container and compatible with the power
connection port of the power charger.
9. The article of claim 6 wherein the pocket is formed in a flap
that closes the pouch.
10. The article of claim 6 further comprising a plurality of
interchangeable cables connectable with the power charger and
stowable in the pocket or in the pouch.
11. The article of claim 1 wherein the pouch is formed of at least
one layer that includes an RFID material.
12. The article of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the pouch
is adhered to a case of the power charger.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional of, claims the benefit
under 35 USC .sctn.119(e) of, and incorporates herein by reference
U.S. Pat. App. 61/974,691 "Purse with Embedded Portable Power
Charger" filed Apr. 3, 2014.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The invention relates to portable devices ("power chargers")
that incorporate batteries for recharging the batteries of other
portable devices. In general, a power charger includes an internal
(optionally rechargeable) battery unit for connecting to and
recharging one or more electronic device, as necessary, and at
least one power connection port for connecting the charger unit
with at least one electronic device, or an external power source,
or both. Particular embodiments relate to means for efficiently
indicating the charge levels of such portable devices. Particular
embodiments relate to fashion accessories for efficiently
transporting and accessing power chargers while protecting
vulnerable contents from remote scanning.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Art
[0005] Present day consumers typically own several electronic
devices specifically designed for portability and use on-the-go,
including, for example, a mobile phone or smart phone, a portable
music player like an iPod.RTM. or an MP3 player, a tablet, a
portable gaming unit, and the like. Each of these devices requires
recharging. However, when such a device must be connected to an
external (fixed location) power supply for recharging, it becomes
difficult to make use of the recharging device in customary
ambulatory manner, as the device has become tethered to the fixed
location.
[0006] Additionally, different electronic devices may utilize
distinct power connection ports or interfaces that are not mutually
compatible with a single charging cable--e.g., USB.RTM.,
Lightning.RTM., or 30-pin Apple.RTM. connectors. Thus, a consumer
may need to carry around several different charging cables and
possibly different charging adapters.
[0007] Further, it may be the case that a portable device runs out
of power in a location where no power source is readily available,
or while its user is in transit between fixed locations. In such
case a consumer may become unable to use the portable device until
arriving at a different location where a power source is
available.
[0008] On occasion, an electronic device needs a small amount of
charge to finish a task before the device powers down due to
insufficient battery capacity. For example, a user on a call using
a mobile phone may wish to finish the call, but cannot find a power
source to plug into, may not have enough time to get to a power
source, or may not have the appropriate charging cable with her at
the time. As noted, if the phone is plugged into a traditional
power source, like a wall socket, it is difficult to continue using
the phone as desired.
[0009] Accordingly, portable power chargers have been provided for
on-the-go use. However, such power chargers often are inconvenient
to transport. In particular, it is highly unlikely that a consumer
will want to continuously hand-carry a power charger, as typical
power chargers have a very industrial, technological look, and
while they can be made more aesthetically pleasing by using
different colors or decorative covers, they still have the general
look of an electronic device. Thus, power chargers often are shoved
into more convenient and/or more aesthetic carrying containers (a
purse, backpack, pocket, or the like) in which they can become
difficult to access. Indeed, given the typically unplanned and
infrequent nature of using power chargers, it is likely that such
devices will end up in the least-accessible regions of their
carrying containers.
[0010] Moreover, further in consideration of the unplanned nature
of using a power charger, the likely inaccessibility of a power
charger except when a consumer immediately needs to use it, and the
tendency of power chargers to "lose" battery charge over a period
of weeks, it is possible that a power charger may be depleted of
charge, without notice to a consumer, exactly at the time that the
consumer needs to use it.
[0011] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a charger that
can be used to charge a variety of electronic devices, including
but not limited to smart phones, mobile phones, data tablets, music
players, cameras, camcorders, gaming units, e-books, Bluetooth.RTM.
headsets and earpieces, GPS devices, and the like, either
individually or simultaneously in various combinations, but also
having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, there is
a need for such a charger that is portable, has a compact size, and
is easy to use in various conditions and locations to charge one or
more electronic devices simultaneously, including but not limited
to in a house or office, a car or an airplane, as well as
on-the-go, without compromising operation, performance or
appearance. Further, there is a need for a combined charger and
charging cable that is compact, lightweight and easy to transport
without compromising its functionality for a user requiring a
portable source of power. Still further, there is a need for a
power charger that can be easily recharged from an external power
source, providing increase flexibility and convenience of use for
the power charger. Moreover, there is a need for a power charger
that has an attractive external appearance and that can be easily
carried in an accessible manner along with other useful
objects.
[0012] Additionally, certain sorts of electronic devices or
articles, typically carried in purses or wallets, increasingly are
equipped with NFC (near field communication) or RFID (radio
frequency identification) type technologies, which enable
identification or even activation of these devices or articles
("vulnerable contents") without a consumer's knowledge. For
example, both cell phones and credit cards can be equipped with
this kind of technology. Indeed, the Mobil SpeedPass was one of the
first exemplars of NFC technology. Although relatively convenient
for tap-and-pay type transactions, this kind of technology can
render consumers vulnerable to "digital pickpockets." Therefore,
there is a need for protecting these sorts of vulnerable contents
from pickpocketing.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight
power charger is provided with a removably fitted and aesthetic
covering that is usable as a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag or the
like while maintaining the power charger in easy access for
charging one or more electronic devices while also being usable as
a fashion accessory.
[0014] Certain embodiments of the invention provide that the
removably fitted covering also includes spaces for receiving credit
cards, a mobile phone, or the like "vulnerable contents," and also
incorporates RFID barrier material for preventing remote access to
or detection of the vulnerable contents.
[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the charger unit
comprises a charger housing sized to fit into a purse, clutch,
wallet, handbag, or the like, which provides protection to the
charger and improves the aesthetic appearance of the power charger,
permitting it to look and feel more like a fashion accessory than
an electronic gadget. Indeed, a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag, or
other type of portable fashion accessory can be designed to fit
snugly around the charger housing, or include a pocket that
receives the charger housing for on-the-go use. In alternate
embodiments, a power charger in accordance with the present
invention can be designed to fit within a pocket formed into a tote
bag, duffel bag, backpack, luggage, or the like, whereby the
location and positioning of the charger within said pocket does not
interfere with use of the charger. In this regard, it is optimal
that the charger can be used while it is embedded within a purse or
bag and without requiring it to be removed prior to use.
[0016] The charger further includes a rechargeable battery unit
disposed therein and operatively connected to at least one power
connection port that can operate as either a power input (for
providing an electrical charge from an external power source for
recharging the internal battery unit when the charger unit is
connected to the external power source) or a power output (for
charging the internal batteries of other electronic devices from
the rechargeable battery unit) or both.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power charger
includes a power input connector for connecting the internal
battery unit to an external power source for recharging, as well as
a power connection output port to which a charging cable can be
attached to connect the power charger to one or more electronic
devices in need of recharging from the internal battery unit. For
example, the power input connector can be connected to the charger
housing and in operative communication with the internal battery
unit. When not in use, the power input connector can be stored
within the purse, for example, in a pocket specifically designed to
receive the connector. The pocket can be closed by a magnetic
clasp, a zipper or other known means in the fashion accessory
industry. Alternatively, the connector can be stored within a
cavity formed in the charger housing. In use, the connector can be
flexed away from the charger housing and connected to an external
power source, either directly using an appropriate connection
interface provided on the distal end of the connector, or using an
adapter unit than can be connected to the distal end of the
connector.
[0018] In a preferred design of the portable power charger, at
least one removable and replaceable charging cable is also
connected to the charger housing. The charging cable includes a
first end adapted to connect to a power connection port of the
power charger (e.g., the power connection port discussed above) and
a second end adapted to connect to an electronic device for
recharging from the internal battery of the power charger. When not
in use, the charging cable can be stored within the charger housing
and maintained within a desired footprint of the charger housing,
or alternately, positioned adjacent the charger housing or the
purse so that it is readily available when needed. In one
embodiment, the charging cable can be stored against the purse,
with the first end inserted within a storage cavity formed in the
charger housing and the second end and intermediate cord portion
disposed adjacent to the purse material, or within a pocket in the
purse material, or within a storage cavity formed in the charger
housing. The storage cavity for the first end of the charging cable
can merely be an empty cavity shaped to snugly receive the first
end and its connection interface, or alternatively, comprise a
second power connection port with a connection interface that
complements the interface on the first end. In use--that is, to
recharge an electronic device--the second end of the cable can be
flexed away from the charger housing for connection to an
electronic device.
[0019] In preferred embodiments, the charging cable can be removed
from the charger housing and replaced by another charging cable, as
desired--for example, to change out the connection interface on the
second end of the cable between a USB, micro-USB, mini-USB, 30-pin,
Apple Lightning interface, or other type of connection interface,
which provides flexibility in use. In alternate embodiments, the
charging cable can be attached to the charger housing at the first
end with the second end being stored in a storage cavity when not
in use, but flexed away from the charger housing for use.
Additional cables can also be provided--for example, for storage on
the opposite side of the charger housing. Still further, additional
power connection ports can be provided on the charger housing which
can be used as a power connection input for recharging the internal
battery unit of the charger, as a power connection output, for
connection to additional electronic devices, as needed, or
both.
[0020] The power connection port may also comprise means for
indicating a charge level of the power charger. In certain
embodiments, the connection port--for example, a standard USB
port--is surrounded by a clear plastic housing or cage that can be
illuminated by any of a plurality of LEDs (e.g., to light up red,
yellow, or green). The LEDs will illuminate the clear plastic
housing to indicate the level of charge remaining in the internal
battery unit. For example: a green illumination indicates a battery
level between about 67% and about 100%; a yellow illumination
indicates a battery level between about 34% and about 66%; a red
illumination indicates a battery level of between about 0% and
about 33%. The LEDs may also be actuated to indicate charging
status, e.g., flashing or blinking illumination at a first
periodicity may indicate the power charger is being charged whereas
flashing or blinking illumination at a different periodicity may
indicate the power charger is discharging.
[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the power
connection port housing can also act as a power button. For
example, the clear plastic housing can be operatively connected to
a power switch, which is activated when a cable is inserted into
the power connection port. Similarly, the power charger can turn
off when the charging cable is removed from the power connection
port. In alternate embodiments, the power charger can include an
internal timer that turns off the charger at a predetermined time,
or when nothing is attached to the charger to drawn power form the
internal battery unit. In other embodiments, the power switch can
be a toggle type switch, such that inserting a cable into the power
connection port toggles the power switch on, and depressing the
power connection port housing (in order to remove the cable)
toggles the power switch off. For example, the power switch may
need to be actuated by the power connection port housing for a
specific period of time, e.g., in excess of one second to in excess
of three seconds, in order to toggle the power switch off.
[0022] In alternate embodiments, additional charging cables and
power connection ports can be provided within detracting from the
spirit or principles of the present invention.
[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, the power
charger can be embedded within a pouch which can then, in turn, be
embedded within a fashion accessory, such as a purse, clutch,
wallet, handbag, or the like. In this regard, the outer bag would
permit easy removal of the pouch if the power charger was needed
separate from the outer bag. The pouch permits charging cables to
protrude through the pouch to permit charging of the internal
battery unit and recharging of electronic devices connected to the
power charger.
[0024] In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight
power charger is provided with
[0025] The varied exemplary embodiments of the invention, as
briefly described above, are illustrated by certain of the
following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict in perspective views a power charger
that includes a charge indicating power button, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows in cutaway perspective view internal components
of the power charger of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict in perspective views a wristlet pouch
that houses the power charger of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 show in perspective views a wallet that houses
the power charger of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to another embodiment
of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view a clutch that houses the
power charger of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to another embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Although embodiments of the invention are shown in the
drawings and are described as relating specifically to portable
power chargers enclosed in fashion accessories, aspects of the
invention may be applicable to, e.g., power supply devices
generally.
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict in perspective views a power charger 10
that includes a charge indicating power button 12, according to an
embodiment of the invention. The power button 12 houses a charging
port 13 (e.g., a standard female USB port), and is mounted in a
case 14, which includes connections for power cables 16 (the
charging port 13), 18, and 20. The power button 12 typically is
manufactured of a translucent or transparent polymer, e.g., PET,
acrylic, polycarbonate, HDPE. It can be cast or machined. The case
14 typically also is manufactured of a polymer, and typically is
injection molded as two pieces that are split along a midplane. The
cables 16, 18, 20 are commercially available with different
connecting ends. The cable 16 typically has one end standard male
USB, for plugging into the standard female USB port 13. The power
button 12 may be configured around the power connection port 13,
such that plugging in the cable 16 will cause the power button 12
to be depressed against a light spring (not shown), thereby
actuating an internal switch (shown in FIG. 3) so as to deliver
power from a battery to the power connection port 13. The cables 18
and 20 may be integrally attached into the case 14, as shown for
example in FIGS. 1-3. Alternatively, one or both of the cables 18
and 20 may also be detachable like the cable 16, as shown for
example in FIGS. 4 and 5. In case the cable(s) 18 and/or 20 are
detachable from the power charger 10, they may be provided with
differing ends, e.g., each may have a micro-USB end, a standard USB
end, or another commonly used plug for connecting to the power
charger 10 and a different plug end such as micro-USB,
Lightning.RTM., or 30-pin for connecting to a portable device to be
charged from the power charger 10. Other plug ends are known or
will become known to ordinary skilled workers, and are not excepted
from the scope of the invention although not expressly listed.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the case 14 can be
assembled of two injection-molded halves that are fastened across a
midplane by screws, pegs, or similar mechanical fasteners; or,
alternatively, by friction welding, ultrasonic welding, epoxy or
other adhesives. The case 14 houses a battery 22 as well as a
battery control module 24. The battery control module 24
operatively connects the battery 22 with the power connection port
13, the cable 18, and the cable 20, as well as with the internal
switch 26 and with at least one LED (in certain embodiments, at
least three LEDs of differing colors 27, 28, 29). The power button
12 can be configured as a cage around the power connection port 13,
such that pushing the power button inward will actuate the internal
switch 26. The internal switch 26 may be a spring-return switch,
and may operate with the battery control module 24 either as a
normally-off switch (i.e. the battery control module will permit
discharge of the battery 22 via the power connection port 13 and/or
either of the cables 18, 20 only when the internal switch 26 is
actuated by the power button 12) or as a toggle switch (i.e. the
battery control module 24 will permit discharge of the battery 22
in response to the internal switch being actuated, and will
continue to permit discharge of the battery 22 until the internal
switch is again actuated). In certain embodiments of the invention,
the battery control module 24 may be configured to require a
specific actuation of the internal switch 26 in order to interrupt
discharge of the battery 22. For example, the battery control
module 24 may be configured to require that the internal switch 26
is actuated for at least a set period of time, e.g., more than
about one second, or more than about three seconds, so as to
interrupt discharge of the battery 22.
[0034] The battery control module 24 also can be configured to
illuminate the LED or LEDs 27, 28, 29 in response to actuation of
the internal switch 26. For example, the battery control module 24
can be configured to illuminate one or more of the LEDs 27, 28, 29
while power is delivered from the battery 22 to any of the power
connection port 13, the cable 18, and/or the cable 20.
[0035] For example, the power charger 10 may include only a green
LED 27 and a red LED 28. Then during discharge of the battery 22,
the battery control module 24 can illuminate the translucent or
transparent power button 12 by only the green LED 27 in case the
battery control module monitors a charge level of the battery 22
that is between about 67% and about 100%; can illuminate the power
button by both the green LED 27 and the red LED 28 (to provide a
yellow or amber light) in case of a charge level of the battery 22
between about 34% and about 66%; or can illuminate the power button
12 by only the red LED 28 in case of a battery charge level of
between about 0% and about 33%.
[0036] In other embodiments, the power charger 10 may include only
the green (or any other single color) LED 27, in which case, the
battery control module 24 can be configured to illuminate the green
LED 27 (or any other color of LED) when the internal switch 26 is
actuated, at a (blinking) duty cycle corresponding to a charge
level of the battery 22. In other words, the green LED 27 is
constant on at 100% battery charge, and blinks less frequently as
the battery charge level depletes--e.g., 50% duty cycle at 50%
battery level, 20% duty cycle at 20% battery level.
[0037] In yet other embodiments, the power charger 10 may include
green, red, and yellow LEDs 27, 28, 29. In such embodiments, the
battery control module 24 can illuminate the translucent or
transparent power button 12 by only the green LED 27 in case the
battery control module monitors a charge level of the battery 22
that is between about 67% and about 100%; can illuminate the power
button by only the yellow LED 29 in case of a charge level of the
battery 22 between about 34% and about 66%; or can illuminate the
power button 12 by only the red LED 28 in case of a battery charge
level of between about 0% and about 33%.
[0038] In any embodiment, the battery control module 24 can cause
one or more of the LED(s) to blink while charging the battery 22
from an external supply.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, the power charger 10 can be
housed inside a wristlet pouch 30. The pouch 30 can be fabricated
of leather, plastic, or cloth, and can be glued to the external
surfaces of the case 14, can be stitched to closely wrap the case
14, or can be fashioned with a main pocket that closely fits the
case 14 while providing an auxiliary pocket for stowage of a cell
phone, one or more identity cards, cash, or the like contents. In
select embodiments, the pouch 30 includes a layer of RFID barrier
material, which protects vulnerable contents from remote access or
scanning. The pouch 30 has a main opening 32, through which at
least the cable 20 is visible and directly accessible. Any
auxiliary pocket of the pouch 30 also can be accessed via the
opening 32, which includes magnetic clasps 34 for securing the
opening so as to establish the RFID barrier material completely
enclosing any vulnerable contents. The pouch 30 also includes a
wrist strap 36 for ease of carriage. The pouch 30 can be fabricated
specifically of any aesthetic material, e.g., patterned woven or
non-woven fabric, quality leather, or attractively patterned
plastic. The power button 12 and the power connection port 13 are
directly accessible and visible through a dedicated opening of the
pouch 30, separate from the main opening 32. In certain embodiments
the dedicated opening may be snugly fitted around the case 14,
adjacent the power button 12, as shown in FIGS. 4-5.
[0040] Also as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the pouch 30 can include another
dedicated opening, snugly fitted around or adhered to the case 14,
for direct access of the cable 18 to the case 14. The cable 18 may
be formed to remain close to the outer surface of the pouch 30, for
example by including a right-angle connector as shown in FIG. 5.
Also as shown in FIG. 5, the cable 18 can be configured to be
detachable from the case 14, for example so that when not in use
the cable 18 can be stowed within the main opening 32 of the pouch
30. This detachable configuration can permit of interchanging
several cables 18 each having different terminations, e.g.,
micro-USB, mini-USB, Lightning, 30-pin, and the like.
[0041] FIGS. 6-7 show in perspective views a wallet 40 in which the
power charger 10 can be carried. The wallet 40 contains a fitted
compartment or pouch 42, into which the power charger 10 can be
inserted, as well as a flap 44 for closing the pouch 42. The flap
44, as shown, includes a window that defines a card pocket 46. The
flap 44 has a snap closure 48. The pouch 42 is constructed to hold
the power charger 10 such that at least the power button 12, the
power connection 13, and the cable 20 are directly accessible and
visible simply by opening the flap 44.
[0042] FIG. 8 depicts in perspective view a clutch 50 that contains
a fitted compartment or pouch 52 in which the power charger 10 is
held. The pouch 52 is configured such that at least the power
button 12, the power connection 13, and the cable 20 are directly
accessible and visible by opening the clutch 50. The clutch 50 also
contains a main pocket 54, in which various content (including
vulnerable content) can be stowed. At least the main pocket 54 is
lined with an RFID barrier material. The clutch 50 can be closed
with magnetic clasps as shown in FIGS. 4-5, or with one or more
snaps as shown in FIGS. 6-7.
[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described
with reference to attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will
apprehend variations in form or detail that are consistent with the
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *