U.S. patent application number 16/111517 was filed with the patent office on 2018-12-20 for portable power charger kit for wirelessly recharging electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Halo International SEZC Ltd.. Invention is credited to Garold C. Miller, Nathan Daniel Weinstein.
Application Number | 20180366971 16/111517 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55913017 |
Filed Date | 2018-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180366971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Garold C. ; et
al. |
December 20, 2018 |
PORTABLE POWER CHARGER KIT FOR WIRELESSLY RECHARGING ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Abstract
A portable power charging kit includes a portable power charging
unit comprising a charger housing and a unit of clothing adapted
for receiving the portable power charging unit and for aligning the
portable power charging unit to an electronic device to be
recharged.
Inventors: |
Miller; Garold C.;
(Hartford, CT) ; Weinstein; Nathan Daniel;
(Hartford, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Halo International SEZC Ltd. |
George Town |
|
KY |
|
|
Family ID: |
55913017 |
Appl. No.: |
16/111517 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14934511 |
Nov 6, 2015 |
10063086 |
|
|
16111517 |
|
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62076017 |
Nov 6, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/025 20130101;
H02J 50/10 20160201; H02J 2207/40 20200101; H02J 7/342 20200101;
H02J 7/0042 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/02 20060101
H02J007/02; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; H02J 50/10 20060101
H02J050/10 |
Claims
1. A portable power charging kit comprising: a portable power
charging unit comprising a charger housing, a rechargeable battery
within the charger housing, and a wireless power transmitter; and a
bag adapted for receiving the portable power charging unit,
comprising a multi-pocket system, wherein the multi-pocket system
comprises a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first
pocket is sized to the shape of the portable power charging unit
such that when the portable power charging unit is located within
the first pocket the position of the portable power charging unit
is know, and wherein the second pocket is configured to align an
electronic device placed within the second pocket with the wireless
power transmitter of the portable power charging unit.
2. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, wherein the portable
power charging unit comprises a power input connector cable, and
wherein the rechargeable internal battery is configured to be
recharged via direct connection with an external power source via
the power input connector cable.
3. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, wherein the charger
housing comprises a power connection port, and wherein the
rechargeable internal battery is configured to be recharged via
direct connection with an external power source via a separate
connector cable that engages the power connection port.
4. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, further comprising a
wireless receiver, wherein the rechargeable internal battery is
configured to be recharged by wireless power transmission.
5. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, wherein the portable
power charging unit comprises a power output connector cable, and
wherein the portable power charging unit is configured to recharge
an electronic device via direct connection with the electronic
device via the power output connector cable.
6. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, wherein the charger
housing comprises a power connection port, and wherein the portable
power charging unit is configured to recharge an electronic device
via direct connection with the electronic device via a separate
connector cable that engages the power connection port.
7. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, wherein the second
pocket comprises at least one strap configured to secure an
electronic device.
8. The portable power charging kit of claim 1, wherein the
multi-pocket system comprises a fabric wall separating the first
pocket and second pocket, and wherein the fabric wall is configured
to not inhibit the portable power charging unit from wirelessly
charging the electronic device.
9. The portable power charging kit of claim 8, wherein the fabric
wall comprises an opening capable of allowing a cable to extend
through the opening from the first pocket into the second
pocket.
10. The portable power charging kit of claim 8, wherein the first
pocket is accessible through a first opening on the interior of the
bag, and wherein the second pocket is accessible through a second
opening on the exterior of the bag.
11. The portable power charging kit of claim 8, wherein the first
pocket and the second pocket are accessible from a common
opening.
12. A portable power charging kit comprising: a portable power
charging unit comprising a charger housing having a rechargeable
battery internally disposed therein; and a bag adapted for
removably receiving the portable power charging unit and for
aligning the portable power charging unit with an electronic device
to be recharged.
13. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, wherein the
portable power charging unit comprises a power input connector
cable, and wherein the rechargeable internal battery is configured
to be recharged via direct connection with an external power source
via the power input connector cable.
14. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, wherein the
charger housing comprises a power connection port, and wherein the
rechargeable internal battery is configured to be recharged via
direct connection with an external power source via a separate
connector cable that engages the power connection port.
15. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, further comprising
a wireless receiver, wherein the rechargeable internal battery is
configured to be recharged by wireless power transmission.
16. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, wherein the
portable power charging unit comprises a power output connector
cable, and wherein the portable power charging unit is configured
to recharge an electronic device via direct connection with the
electronic device via the power output connector cable.
17. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, wherein the
charger housing comprises a power connection port, and wherein the
portable power charging unit is configured to recharge an
electronic device via direct connection with the electronic device
via a separate connector cable that engages the power connection
port.
18. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, further comprising
a wireless transmitter, wherein the portable power charging unit is
configured to recharge an electronic device via wireless power
transmission.
19. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, further
comprising: a wireless receiver; and a wireless transmitter;
wherein the rechargeable internal battery is configured to be
recharged by wireless power transmission, and wherein the portable
power charging unit is configured to recharge an electronic device
via wireless power transmission.
20. The portable power charging kit of claim 12, where in the bag
comprises a multi-pocket system, wherein the multi-pocket system is
configured to hold, align and secure the portable power charging
unit and an electronic device in place relative to one another for
charging.
21. The portable power charging kit of claim 20, wherein the
multi-pocket system comprises: a first pocket; and a second pocket;
wherein the first pocket is sized to the shape of the portable
power charging unit such that when the portable power charging unit
is located within the first pocket the position of the portable
power charging unit is known, and wherein the second pocket is
configured to align an electronic device with a transmission area
of the portable power charging unit for wireless charging.
22. The portable power charging kit of claim 21, wherein the second
pocket comprises at least one strap configured to secure an
electronic device.
23. The portable power charging kit of claim 21, wherein the
multi-pocket system comprises a fabric wall separating the first
pocket and second pocket, and wherein the fabric wall is configured
to not inhibit the portable power charging unit from wirelessly
charging the electronic device.
24. The portable power charging kit of claim 23, wherein the fabric
wall comprises an opening capable of allowing a cable to extend
through the opening from the first pocket into the second
pocket.
25. The portable power charging kit of claim 23, wherein the first
pocket is accessible through a first opening on the interior of the
bag, and wherein the second pocket is accessible through a second
opening on the exterior of the bag.
26. The portable power charging kit of claim 23, wherein the first
pocket and the second pocket are accessible from a common opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/934,511, filed Nov. 6, 2015, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/076,017, filed Nov.
6, 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a portable power
charging kit, and more particularly relates to a portable charger
kit for charging electronic devices in active, on-the-go situations
in a variety of manners, including via direct connection or via
wireless power transmission.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Present day consumers typically own several electronic
devices specifically designed for portability and on-the-go use,
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, a camera, and the like. Each of these devices
requires frequent recharging. Such electronic devices typically
utilize a cable for connecting the device to a power source, such
as a wall outlet, a car charger, an airplane charger, or a
computer. However, a separate cable is usually required for each
power source. Moreover, different electronic devices often utilize
different connection ports and interfaces such that a single
charging cable is not compatible with multiple devices.
Accordingly, a tech-savvy consumer, with several electronic
devices, will usually have multiple charging cables to keep track
of. Even then, the consumer may be without sufficient power to
recharge a phone due to bad weather or a power outage, or may not
always be in a place where a power source is readily available, or
even if so, may not have the appropriate cable or adapter available
to use with a particular power source. In many on-the-go scenarios,
it is desirable to ensure that one's electronic devices have ample
charge, especially in potential emergency situations, so that a
phone call can be made from a smart phone when needed. Accordingly,
a portable battery charger is advantageous to recharge electronic
devices when a standard external power source is not readily
available.
[0004] Portable power chargers exist that permit recharging of
electronic devices when a standard power source is not readily
available. For example, portable power chargers are illustrated and
described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/571,992,
filed Aug. 10, 2012, and Ser. No. 13/682,985, filed Nov. 21, 2012,
which share common inventors with the present application and which
are incorporated herein by reference. Many of these portable
charger devices typically require a charging cable to connect the
device in need of recharging to the portable battery charger. While
this direct connection is advantageous in most on-the-go scenarios,
especially when the user is "at rest", such as in a car or at a
restaurant, charging an electronic device by directly connecting it
to the portable battery charger occasionally has its disadvantages,
such as when the user is in motion, for example, running, hiking,
skiing or biking. In such active, on-the-go situations, the
charging cable can easily be dislodged from either the electronic
device, or the portable battery charging, or both, which will
inhibit the charging process. Indeed, it is in these types of
situations where it is extremely important for an electronic
device, such as a cellphone, has enough charge. For example, when
skiing or hiking, or in a location that is remote, it is important
to have some charge on a cellphone in case of an emergency, such as
being stranded or hurt. If there is no charge, then it will be
difficult to contact someone for help. Additionally, if the user
thought that the electronic device was being charged and wasn't
aware that the charging cable got snagged and unplugged, they may
be without a charge when one is most needed.
[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a means of
recharging electronic devices for such active, on-the-go
situations, where the user doesn't need to worry about the charging
process, or continually stop doing what they are doing to check to
make sure the charging connection hasn't been broken (e.g., a cable
came unplugged).
[0006] Wireless power chargers have been introduced to the market,
especially for mobile electronic devices, that have provided
additional approaches to recharging portable electronic devices.
One such portable wireless power charger is shown and described in
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/220,524, filed Mar. 20,
2014, which shares common inventors with the present application
and which is incorporated herein by reference. Such wireless power
transmission devices have been developed in connection with
wireless charging standardization efforts, including by the
Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), which have led to the adoption of
devices that permit recharging of electronic devices without the
use of separate chargers for each device. More particularly, the
WPC has introduced the Qi wireless charging standard. Qi, which
translates to "vital energy," takes its name from the Chinese
concept of intangible flow of power and utilizes magnetic coil
induction to transmit a charge from a transmitter to a receiver via
a magnetic field.
[0007] Commonly, a wireless power transmission device utilizing
magnetic coil induction includes a charging mat that must be
connected to an external power source, such as a wall socket or a
car charger socket, in order to transmit power wirelessly. The
charging mat includes a transmitter having a coil. When a current
is passed through the transmitter coil, a magnetic field is
generated and transmitted to an electronic device placed on the
charging mat. Such a device, in order to be wirelessly charged via
the charging mat, must include a receiver having a coil, typically
connected to the internal battery of the electronic device. When
the electronic device is placed on an energized charging mat in a
particular location, the receiver receives the wirelessly
transmitted power in the form of a magnetic field, which induces a
voltage in the receiver coil that can be used to power the
electronic device or charge the internal battery of such a
device.
[0008] In accordance with such wireless charging technology, it is
important to ensure that the device in need of a charge is properly
aligned with the wireless transmitter of the power charger. In
active, on-the-go situations, such as skiing, biking, running or
hiking, it may be difficult to ensure such a wireless connection is
maintained. Accordingly, there is a need for such a system and
device where wireless charging capabilities can be used without
affecting the charging process.
[0009] Various drawbacks of prior art wireless power chargers have
been identified. For example, such wireless chargers are not easily
portable and require connection to an external power source for
operation. Such external power sources are often not readily
available, which makes the charger useless for on-the-go use.
Additionally, some charging mat designs are often too small to be
able to charge more than one electronic device at the same time. As
noted, some wireless charging mats require a device to be placed in
a particular spot--e.g., a Qi spot--where the transmitter and
receiver coils must be aligned in order for a charge to be
transmitted. Increasing the size of the charging mat may be
undesirable, as it may take up too much space or be aesthetically
unpleasing.
[0010] With traditional power sources, such as those noted above,
it is often difficult to charge multiple devices at the same time,
especially where each device requires a separate charging cable.
For example, a car charger port may only handle a single cable at a
time. Adaptor devices are available on the market for connecting
multiple devices to a power source at the same time--for example, a
two-to-one or three-to-one car charger splitter. However, such
adapters are often only compatible with certain interfaces.
Moreover, such adapters are separate from portable power sources
and tend to be bulky.
[0011] Similarly, connection interface attachments are also
available for adapting a charging cable for use with a variety of
devices for recharging from a power source, each requiring a
different interface connection. However, such attachments are
usually separate small pieces, and therefore difficult to keep
track of when not in use. Further, use of such attachments does not
solve the problem presented by the need to charge multiple devices
at the same time, from the same power source, as oftentimes, only
one attachment can be used with a charging cable at a time.
[0012] Further, some portable charger devices will not permit
recharging from the charger when the charger is itself being
recharged or connected to an external power source. Such devices
require the charger unit to be disconnected from a power source
before a charge will be passed on to a device connected to the
charger, or require the charger unit to be fully charged first
before any device connected to the charger unit can then be
recharged.
[0013] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a portable
power charger kit 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 headsets and earpieces, GPS
devices, and the like, either individually or simultaneously in
various combinations. Additionally, there is a need for such a
charger kit 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 in active,
on-the-go situations, such as running, hiking, biking and skiing,
without compromising operation and performance. Still further,
there is a need for a portable charger kit that can be recharged
from an external power source or from a wireless power transmission
device, providing increase flexibility and convenience of use for
the portable charger. Still further, there is a need for a portable
charger that can recharge its internal battery from an external
power source or a wireless charging device at the same time as an
electronic device connected to the charger, either directly or
wirelessly, is being recharged by or via the charger unit. Still
further, there is a need for a portable charger unit for such a kit
in a compact size that has increased functionality for a user
requiring a portable source of power. Accordingly, an aspect of the
present disclosure is to provide a portable charger kit that
improves upon conventional power chargers currently on the market
and that overcomes the problems and drawbacks associated with such
prior art power chargers and portable power chargers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In accordance with the present disclosure, a portable power
charger kit is provided for charging one or more portable
electronic devices. In general, a portable power charger kit in
accordance with the present disclosure includes a portable power
charger unit having an internal rechargeable battery unit for
connecting to and recharging one or more electronic devices, as
necessary, and wireless power transmission components, such as a
receiver and a transmitter, for recharging the charger unit as well
as electronic devices via wireless power transmission methods. The
portable charger kit may also include at least one connector cable
for connecting the power charger unit with an external power
source, or at least one electronic device, or both. Similarly, the
portable charger unit may also include at least one power
connection port for connecting the power charger unit with an
external power source, or at least one electronic device, or
both.
[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the charger unit
comprises a charger housing with at least one power connection port
that can function as a power input, a power output, or both. A
rechargeable internal battery is disposed within the charger
housing and is operatively connected with the power connection port
for providing an electrical charge from an external power source
for recharging the internal battery when the charger unit is
connected to the power source via the power connection port (acting
as a power input) and/or for charging other electronic devices from
the internal battery via the power connection port (acting as a
power output). The charger unit is portable as a result of the
small size of the housing. Despite the small size of the unit, the
power capacity is very high so that the charger can accommodate
multiple electronic devices at the same time.
[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a charger unit
with wireless transmission components, such as both a transmitter
and a receiver, can be embedded or incorporated into the fabric of
a unit of clothing, for example sewn into the fabric lining a
pocket of the unit of clothing, for recharging electronic devices
placed within the pocket. In such an embodiment, the charging unit
can itself be recharged whenever the article of clothing is placed
in proximity to a wireless charging device. For example, a charging
unit that is embedded into a jacket pocket can be recharged when
the jacket is hung up with its pocket in proximity to a
wall-mounted wireless charging device. Additionally, the pocket or
other portion of the unit of clothing can include an opening
through which a charging cable can be fed for direct charging of
the charging unit.
[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the charger
unit includes a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the
internal battery for transmitting a power charge to an electronic
device having a wireless receiver. The charger unit may further
include a wireless receiver operatively connected to the internal
battery for receiving a power charge from a power source having a
wireless transmitter. In embodiments of the charger unit including
both a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, the charger
unit can both be charged wirelessly, for example, when placed on a
wireless power transmission device (e.g., wireless charging mat),
and charge other devices wirelessly, for example, when a device is
placed on the charger housing.
[0018] The portable power charger kit in accordance with the
present disclosure also comprises a unit of clothing provided with
at least two pre-aligned pockets, one designated for the portable
power charger unit and one designated for an electronic device
preferably pre-equipped with a wireless receiver for charging via
wireless transmission means. The first pocket--designated for the
portable charger unit--is especially sized to the shape and size of
the charger unit so that the position of the charger unit, and thus
the wireless transmitter contained therein, is known. The second
pocket--designated for an electronic device in need of recharging
(e.g., smart phone)--is designed to align the electronic device so
that it can be recharged by wireless means even in active,
on-the-go situations. That is, when the user is moving about, the
electronic device is maintained in alignment with the power charger
unit so that the electronic device can recharge and be usable when
needed, especially in a possible emergency situation.
[0019] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the unit of
clothing can be a jacket, a sweatshirt, a shirt, pants or shorts.
The pockets may include straps secured by known fasteners, such as
snaps, buttons, tabs, clasps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like,
to further secure the power charger unit and the electronic
device(s) in place during on-the-go activity. The first and second
pockets are separated by a wall of fabric that will not inhibit the
charging process. This wall of fabric may further include an
opening through which a charging cable may be fed for direct
charging of the electronic device (if the device is not equipped
with an appropriate wireless receiver) or for directly charging an
additional electronic device while a first device is being charged
through wireless means.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the first pocket may be accessible
through an opening on the interior of the unit of clothing, while
the second pocket is accessible through an opening on the exterior
of the unit of clothing. Alternatively, both pockets may be
accessed through a common opening, either on the interior or the
exterior of the unit of clothing. Such openings can be closed
through known means, such as by zippers, buttons, flaps,
hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like, to further secure the
devices within their respective pockets.
[0021] In additional embodiments of the portable power charger kit
in accordance with the present disclosure, the kit may comprise a
bag, backpack, tote or purse having the two pocket set-up such as
described above.
[0022] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the power
connection port can comprise a female port adapted for receiving a
complementary male connection interface of a standard charging
cable, which connects at an opposite end to a portable electronic
device. In other embodiments, the power connection port can be a
charging cable attached to the charger housing and preferably
stored within the charger housing when not in use. In preferred
embodiments of the present disclosure, the charger unit includes
both wireless charging capabilities, and direct charging
connectivity.
[0023] In additional embodiments of the charger unit of the present
disclosure, one or more connector cables, each having a respective
connection interface, is attached to the charger housing and
operatively connected to a respective power connection port of the
charger unit. Preferably, the charger housing includes one or more
cavity in which each connector cable may be stored, when not in
use, and from which each connector cable may be removed when needed
for recharging an electronic device. In a more preferable
embodiment of the charger unit, the unit includes multiple
connector cables each with a respective storage cavity formed in
the charger housing, thereby permitting multiple electronic devices
to be charged by the charger unit simultaneously.
[0024] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the
charger unit may further comprise a controller or processing unit,
which can control wireless and direct connectivity with the charger
unit, keep track of the capacity level of the battery unit, store
data or provide a conduit means by which data can be exchanged
between electronic devices, such as between a smart phone and a
computer.
[0025] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will become apparent in light of the detailed
description of embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a portable power
charger kit in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates in a partial cutaway view a portable
power charger unit for use in the portable power charger kit of
FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial break-away view of unit of
clothing adapted for receiving and aligning the portable power
charger unit of FIG. 2 and an electronic device in need of a
charge.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first
embodiment of the portable power charger kit of FIG. 1 with the
portable power charger unit of FIG. 2 and an electronic device in
need of a charge.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of the portable power charger kit of FIG. 1 with the
portable power charger unit of FIG. 2 and two electronic devices in
need of a charge, one being wirelessly charged from the charger
unit and the other being directly charged from the charger unit via
a charging cable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] A portable power charger kit 100 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The
portable power charger kit 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3,
generally comprises a portable power charger unit 102 and a unit of
clothing 104 adapted for receiving the charger unit 102 and
aligning it with an electronic device 106 in need of a charge. The
unit of clothing 104 may be a jacket, sweatshirt, shirt, pants or
shorts such as commonly worn by a person involved in an active,
on-the-go activity, such as running, hiking, biking or skiing. As
discussed further below and shown in various embodiments in FIGS. 4
and 5, the unit of clothing 104 includes a multi-pocket system 108
designed for holding, positioning and securing the portable power
charger unit 102 and an electronic device 106 in place for charging
during an active, on-the-go activity. In alternate embodiments of
the present disclosure, the unit of clothing 104 may be replaced by
a bag, backpack, tote, purse or the like without departing from the
principles and spirit of the present disclosure.
[0032] The portable charger unit 102 for the kit 100 of the present
disclosure generally includes a rechargeable internal battery unit
110 disposed within a charger housing 112. The power charger unit
102, as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, is designed for
portability and convenient on-the-go use to recharge one or more
portable electronic devices 106. The power charger unit 102 is also
designed for easy and flexible recharging of the internal battery
110 from a variety of power sources so that it can be easily
charged up to have sufficient battery capacity when it is needed to
recharge a portable electronic device 106.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the charger unit 102 has a disk-shape
though other shapes and sizes may be used without departing from
the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. The internal
battery unit 110 of the portable power charger unit 102 is capable
of being recharged in a variety of manners, including via direct
connection with an external power source via a power input
connector cable provided with the charger unit 102, via direct
connection with an external power source via a separate connector
cable that engages a power input connection port 114 provided on
the charger housing 112, or via wireless power transmission means.
A portable power charger in accordance with the present disclosure
can include any or all of these recharging features in various
combinations without departing from the principles and spirit of
the present disclosure.
[0034] Similarly, the power charger unit 102 can be used to
recharge one or more portable electronic devices 106 in a variety
of manners, including via direct connection with an electronic
device 106 via a power output connector cable provided with the
charger unit 102, via direct connection with an electronic device
106 via a separate connector cable 118 that engages a power output
connection port 120 provided on the charger housing 112, or via
wireless power transmission means. A portable power charger in
accordance with the present disclosure can include any or all of
these recharging features in various combinations without departing
from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure.
[0035] As noted, the portable power charger unit 102 is equipped
with components for wireless power transmission, both from an
external power source, such as a wireless charging mat as is known
in the art, and to an electronic device 106. In this regard, the
power charger unit 102 includes a wireless transmitter 122 for
transmitting a charge to an electronic device 106 and a wireless
receiver (not shown) for receiving a charge from a wireless
charging mat or power transmitting device.
[0036] The wireless transmitter 122 of the power charger unit 102
generally comprises a magnetic induction coil operatively connected
to the internal battery unit 110. When the charger unit 102 is
positioned within the multi-pocket system 108, as further described
below, a wireless transmission area generally aligned with the
transmitter coil is positioned at a known location within the unit
of clothing 104. When an electronic device 106 that includes a
wireless receiver is aligned with the wireless transmission area, a
magnetic field generated by the transmitter is transmitted to the
electronic device 106, where a voltage is induced to power the
electronic device 106 or recharge its internal battery. In this
regard, it is advantageous for optimal charging that the designated
wireless transmission area is known to the user. This also
facilitates proper alignment and wireless charging in active,
on-the-go situations and activities. A power indicator may be
provided to indicate that an electronic device 106 is being
wirelessly charged from the power charger.
[0037] In an embodiment of the charger unit 102, the charger
housing 112 includes the input power connection port 114 in the
form of a micro-USB input for directly charging the internal
battery 110 of the charger unit 102, and also includes an output
power connection port 120 in the form of a USB output for directly
charging an electronic device 106 from the internal battery 110 of
the charger unit 102, as needed.
[0038] As discussed above, the portable power charger kit 100 in
accordance with the present disclosure also comprises a unit of
clothing 104. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the unit of clothing 104
is provided with a multi-pocket system 108 that includes at least
two pre-aligned pockets 124, 126. A first pocket 124 is designated
for the portable power charger unit 102 and a second pocket 126 is
designated for the electronic device 106, which preferably is
pre-equipped with a wireless receiver for charging via wireless
transmission means. The first pocket 124--designated for the
portable charger unit 102--is especially sized to the shape and
size of the charger unit 102 so that the position of the charger
unit 102, and thus the wireless transmitter 122 contained therein,
is known. The first pocket 124 may include a first set of straps
125 secured by known fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, tabs,
clasps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like, to further secure the
power charger unit 102 in place during on-the-go activity. The
second pocket 126--designated for the electronic device 106 in need
of recharging (e.g., smart phone)--is designed to align the
electronic device 106 with the transmission area of the charger
unit 102 so that the electronic device 106 can be recharged by
wireless means even in active, on-the-go situations. That is, when
the user is moving about, the electronic device 106 is maintained
in alignment with the power charger unit 102 so that the electronic
device 106 can recharge and be usable when needed, especially in a
possible emergency situation. The second pocket 126 may include a
second set of straps 127 secured by known fasteners, such as snaps,
buttons, tabs, clasps, hook-and-loop fasteners, or the like, much
like the first pocket 124, to further secure the electronic device
106 in place during on-the-go activity.
[0039] In certain embodiments of the unit of clothing 104, such as
illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the first pocket 124 and second pocket
126 are separated by a wall of fabric 130 that will not inhibit the
charging process. The wall of fabric 130 may be a separate panel
formed within a larger pocket to define the first pocket 124 and
the second pocket 126 (FIG. 4). Alternatively, the wall of fabric
130 may be part of the unit of clothing 104, with separate pockets
formed on either side thereof (FIG. 5). This wall of fabric 130 may
further include an opening 132 through which a charging cable may
be fed for direct charging of the electronic device 106 (if the
device is not equipped with an appropriate wireless receiver) or
for directly charging an additional electronic device 136 while a
first device is being charged through wireless means, such as is
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the wall of fabric 130 may
incorporate a multi-layer functional fabric as disclosed in
co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Provisional Application
62/232,013 filed Sep. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by
reference. Further, an RF-protective layer of the wall of fabric
130 may be configured to couple with an inductive power transmitter
so as to extend its range, i.e. either to wirelessly recharge the
portable power charger unit 102 from an external source or to
enhance wireless charging of the electronic device 106 from the
adjacent portable power charger unit 102.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the first pocket 124 may be
accessible through an opening on the interior of the unit of
clothing 104, while the second pocket 146 is accessible through an
opening on the exterior of the unit of clothing 104 (FIG. 5).
Alternatively, both pockets may be accessed through a common
opening, either on the interior or the exterior of the unit of
clothing 104 (FIG. 4). Such openings can be closed through known
means, such as by zippers, buttons, flaps, hook-and-loop fasteners,
and the like, to further secure the devices within their respective
pockets.
[0042] In alternate embodiments, a charger unit with wireless
transmission components, such as both a transmitter and a receiver,
can be embedded or incorporated into the fabric of a unit of
clothing, for example sewn into the fabric lining a pocket of the
unit of clothing, for recharging electronic devices placed within
the pocket. In such an embodiment, the charging unit can itself be
recharged whenever the article of clothing is placed in proximity
to a wireless charging device. For example, a charging unit that is
embedded into a jacket pocket can be recharged when the jacket is
hung up with its pocket in proximity to a wall-mounted wireless
charging device. Additionally, the pocket or other portion of the
unit of clothing can include an opening through which a charging
cable can be fed for direct charging of the charging unit.
[0043] In other embodiments, a portable power charging unit
comprises a charger housing, a rechargeable battery within the
charger housing, and a wireless power transmitter. A bag is adapted
for receiving the portable power charging unit, within a
multi-pocket system. The multi-pocket system includes a first
pocket and a second pocket. The first pocket is sized to the shape
of the portable power charging unit such that when the portable
power charging unit is located within the first pocket the position
of the portable power charging unit is known. The second pocket is
configured to align an electronic device with the wireless power
transmitter of the portable power charging unit.
[0044] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and
described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it
should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
various modifications to this disclosure may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
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