U.S. patent application number 17/064087 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-11 for contact charging system for vehicle-mounted batteries.
This patent application is currently assigned to Media Cart Holdings, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Media Cart Holdings, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lon B. Radin.
Application Number | 20210039515 17/064087 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005170106 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-11 |
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210039515/US20210039515A1-20210211-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210039515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Radin; Lon B. |
February 11, 2021 |
CONTACT CHARGING SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE-MOUNTED BATTERIES
Abstract
A system for charging a vehicle-mounted battery comprising a
vehicle, a battery, a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the
plurality of electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at
least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically
connected to the battery, a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components rotates about an axis, and wherein each of the
plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to
prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric
power transfer components and the vehicle, and a power source.
Inventors: |
Radin; Lon B.; (Palo Alto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Media Cart Holdings, Inc. |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Media Cart Holdings, Inc.
Plano
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000005170106 |
Appl. No.: |
17/064087 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13984164 |
Aug 7, 2013 |
10800267 |
|
|
PCT/US2012/024199 |
Feb 7, 2012 |
|
|
|
17064087 |
|
|
|
|
61440144 |
Feb 7, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 5/00 20130101; B60L
2200/30 20130101; B60L 53/14 20190201; Y02T 10/70 20130101; B60L
2240/549 20130101; B60L 53/60 20190201; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; B60L
2200/12 20130101; B60L 2270/147 20130101; B60L 2200/42 20130101;
B60L 53/62 20190201; Y02T 90/14 20130101; B62B 3/1404 20130101;
B60L 2200/22 20130101; B60L 2240/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60L 53/62 20060101
B60L053/62; B60L 53/14 20060101 B60L053/14; B60L 53/60 20060101
B60L053/60 |
Claims
1. A system for charging a vehicle-mounted battery comprising: a
vehicle; a battery; a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the
plurality of electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at
least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically
connected to the battery; a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components rotates about an axis, and wherein each of the
plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to
prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric
power transfer components and the vehicle; and a power source.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a current profile
generating module, wherein the current profile generating module is
operably connected to no more than one electrical contact.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a current flow
monitoring module, wherein the current flow monitoring module is
operably connected to no more than one electric power transfer
component.
4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a current flow
monitoring module, wherein the current flow monitoring module is
operably connected to no more than one electric power transfer
component.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the current profile generating
module and the current flow monitoring module each determine
whether valid electrical contact is made between system
components.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the current profile generating
module and the current flow monitoring module each determine
whether valid electrical contact is made between system
components.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein the electrical contact comprises:
a frame; and a wire.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein the electrical contact comprises:
a frame; and a wire.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the wire comprises: a first
capped end comprising a restriction element to prevent the end from
passing through the frame; a tensioning component, wherein the
tensioning component is positioned between the restriction element
and the frame; and a second capped end.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the wire comprises: a first
capped end comprising a restriction element to prevent the end from
passing through the frame; a tensioning component, wherein the
tensioning component is positioned between the restriction element
and the frame; and a second capped end.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
electric power transfer components comprise: a contact arm, wherein
the contact arm is connected to a tensioning component.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electric power
transfer components are arranged in plurality of layers.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein a first layer transfers
electric power while contacting a first electrical contact and
wherein a second layer functions as a ground while contacting a
second electrical contact.
14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a third layer which
transfers electric power while contacting a third electrical
contact and a fourth layer which functions as a ground while
contacting the second electrical contact, wherein the first layer
contacts the.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein no more than one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components transfers electric
power to each electric contact, wherein at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components transfers electric
power to at least one electrical contact, and wherein at least one
of the plurality of electric power transfer components functions as
a ground.
16. A system for charging a vehicle-mounted battery comprising: a
vehicle; a battery; a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the
plurality of electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at
least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically
connected to the battery; a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric is
tensioned so that at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components maintains contact with at least one of the
plurality of electrical contacts without utilizing a guide
mechanism for the vehicle; and a power source.
17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a current profile
generating module, wherein the current profile generating module is
operably connected to no more than one electrical contact.
18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a current flow
monitoring module, wherein the current flow monitoring module is
operably connected to no more than one electric power transfer
component.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the current profile generating
module and the current flow monitoring module each determine
whether valid electrical contact is made between system
components.
20. A system for charging a vehicle-mounted battery comprising: a
vehicle; a battery; a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the
plurality of electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at
least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically
connected to the battery; a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components is mounted to a plurality of mechanical
constraints, wherein at least one of the plurality of mechanical
constraints is associated with a tensioning component, wherein the
tensioning component is configured to exert force on the least one
of the plurality of electric power transfer components to
facilitate maintaining contact between the at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components and the vehicle,
and wherein each of the plurality of electric power transfer
components is configured to prevent undesired connections between
the plurality of electric power transfer components and the
vehicle; and a power source.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/984,164 filed Aug. 7, 2013, titled "Contact
Charging System for Vehicle-Mounted Batteries," which is a filing
under 35 U.S.C. 371 of International Application No.
PCT/US2012/024199 filed Feb. 7, 2012, titled "Contact Charging
System for Vehicle-Mounted Batteries," which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/440,144 filed on Feb. 7,
2011, which applications are incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a contact charging
system for vehicle-mounted batteries, and more particularly, but
not by way of limitation, to a system for providing an electrical
charge to batteries utilized in electrical power consuming
vehicles, e.g., shopping carts, strollers, dollies, hand-trucks,
golf carts, fork lifts, electric automobiles, scooters, go-carts,
battery-powered ride-on toy vehicles, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Battery-powered electronic devices are increasingly being
mounted on merchant-provided ambulatory devices for consumer use.
Such devices often include shopping carts, strollers, dollies, and
hand-trucks. For example, a battery-powered computerized display
may be provided on a media enhanced shopping cart to provide
information and advertising to shoppers. The batteries used to
power such a media enhanced shopping cart require periodic
recharging, typically each day.
[0004] As is generally understood, the grocery environment presents
numerous challenges to those who try to maximize operating
revenues. For example, marketable space is at a premium so devices
and systems used in that space need to promote sales and occupy as
little of that space as possible. Another example of the challenges
facing grocery-type establishments is the environment itself, e.g.,
rain, snow, heat, humidity, apathy of cart users regarding care of
carts, etc., all of which may take a significant toll on ordinary
carts and systems.
[0005] It has long been a challenge to design charging systems for
vehicle-mounted batteries. Manual connection using cables is
possible, but is problematic due to the time-consuming, ongoing
human intervention required. Various industrial-scale, stand-alone,
electrical contact systems exist, typically involving heavy
metallic contacts and requiring precise alignment. These systems
have bulky, heavy metal contacts that are typically either
floor-mounted or mounted overhead. These floor-mounted and
over-head mounting locations are often undesirable due to the
infra-structure required to implement such bulky and burdensome
installations, as well as the dangerous amounts of electrical
charge readily accessible by unknowing/unaware interlopers.
[0006] Furthermore, while wireless charging systems have been
employed for small, electrically-powered devices that require only
a modicum of electrical charge to function, e.g., electric
toothbrushes and cell phones, it is widely understood that
transferring more than a few watts of power over distances of more
than an inch is inefficient and expensive, and is generally not
safe due to leakage of power into unintended targets.
[0007] What is needed is a charging system for vehicle-mounted
batteries that operates without human intervention, has neither
floor-mounted contacts nor overhead-mounted contacts, may be
relocated, is exceptionally rugged, can continue to function in
spite of abuse to the carts, and is not dangerous to users,
workers, or members of the public.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Disclosed herein is a system for charging a vehicle-mounted
battery comprising a vehicle, a battery, a plurality of electrical
contacts, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts is coupled
to the vehicle and at least one of the plurality of electrical
contacts is electrically connected to the battery, a plurality of
electric power transfer components, wherein at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components rotates about an
axis, and wherein each of the plurality of electric power transfer
components is configured to prevent undesired connections between
the plurality of electric power transfer components and the
vehicle, and a power source.
[0009] Further disclosed herein is a system for charging a
vehicle-mounted battery comprising a vehicle, a battery, a
plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at least one of
the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to
the battery, a plurality of electric power transfer components,
wherein at least one of the plurality of electric is tensioned so
that at least one of the plurality of electric power transfer
components maintains contact with at least one of the plurality of
electrical contacts without utilizing a guide mechanism for the
vehicle, and a power source.
[0010] Also disclosed herein is a system for charging a
vehicle-mounted battery comprising a vehicle, a battery, a
plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at least one of
the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to
the battery, a plurality of electric power transfer components,
wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power transfer
components is mounted to a plurality of mechanical constraints,
wherein at least one of the plurality of mechanical constraints is
associated with a tensioning component, wherein the tensioning
component is configured to exert force on the least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components to facilitate
maintaining contact between the at least one of the plurality of
electric power transfer components and the vehicle, and wherein
each of the plurality of electric power transfer components is
configured to prevent undesired connections between the plurality
of electric power transfer components and the vehicle, and a power
source.
[0011] Also disclosed herein is a contact for receiving an electric
power transfer, wherein the contact comprises a plurality of
contacting portions configured to receive electrical power transfer
from a plurality of electric power transfer components.
[0012] Also disclosed herein is a contact component for
transferring electric power, wherein the contact component rotates
about an axis, and wherein the contact component is configured to
prevent undesired connections between the component and a vehicle
which it contacts for electric power transfer.
[0013] Also disclosed herein is a contact component for
transferring electric power, wherein the contact component is
mounted to a plurality of mechanical constraints, wherein at least
one of the plurality of mechanical constraints is associated with a
tensioning component, wherein the tensioning component is
configured to exert force on the contact component to facilitate
maintaining contact between the contact component and a vehicle
which it contacts for electric power transfer.
[0014] Also disclosed herein is a method of charging a vehicle
mounted battery comprising providing a vehicle, wherein the vehicle
comprises a battery, providing a plurality of electrical contacts,
wherein the plurality of electrical contacts is affixed to the
vehicle and at least one of the plurality of electrical contacts is
electrically connected to the battery, providing a plurality of
electric power transfer components, wherein at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components rotates about an
axis and is electrically connected to a power source, allowing for
the at least one electric power transfer component and the at least
one of the plurality of electrical contacts which is electrically
connected to the battery to come into contact, wherein the
plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to
prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric
power transfer components and the vehicle.
[0015] These and other features and advantages will be more clearly
understood from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts.
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a single
contact arm.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a contact
arm connected to a contact arm mount.
[0019] FIGS. 1C and 1D are perspective views of other embodiments
of a single contact arm.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a side view of an embodiment of a single contact
arm.
[0021] FIG. 2B is a top view of an embodiment of a single contact
arm.
[0022] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of six
contact arms arranged in two layers.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of
twenty-four contact arms arranged in four layers.
[0024] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charging
contact.
[0025] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a charging
contact assembly.
[0026] FIG. 4C is a depiction of an embodiment of a charging
contact assembly and associated circuitry.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a single wire
segment.
[0028] FIG. 6A is a side view of an embodiment of a shopping cart
with two charging contacts affixed.
[0029] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shopping
cart with a charging contact assembly affixed.
[0030] FIG. 7A is a depiction of an embodiment of a single power
contact arm connected to a Cart Contact Circuit Module.
[0031] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a Cart Contact Circuit
Module.
[0032] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a Contact Arm Circuit
Module.
[0033] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a Contact Arm Circuit
Module.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a depiction of an embodiment of a pair of contact
arms and associated circuitry.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle
charging system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0036] It should be understood at the outset that although certain
exemplary implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure
is illustrated below, the present system may be implemented using
any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence.
The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary
implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below,
including the exemplary designs and implementations illustrated and
described herein.
[0037] As will be explained in greater detail below, this
disclosure concerns a charging system for supplying electrical
power to a vehicle having a mounted/integrated power storage
system. The systems described herein generally comprise a base
structure having a power source and a plurality of layers of
electrical power transfer components, e.g., contact arms. The
layers of contact arms generally function to allow only particular
contact arms of particular layers to contact certain areas of a
vehicle's electrical power receptors, e.g., electrical contacts.
The vehicle's electrical contacts are typically connected to the
vehicle's power system, e.g., battery, and function to receive
electrical power transferred by the system's contact arms. Both the
system's contact arms and electrical contacts may be connected to
circuitry which determines whether a valid electrical connection
has been achieved and whether to proceed with electrical power
transfer between the contact arms and the electrical contact. As
will be further discussed, the contact arms and electrical contacts
may interact as the vehicle brushes against the contact arms. For
example, a shopping cart with a rechargeable battery connected to
an electrical contact may be positioned, by a consumer or store
employee, so as to place the shopping cart's electrical contact
(which may be mounted on the side of the cart's basket) in contact
the contact arms of the base structure (and associatively in
contact with a power source) to facilitate recharging of the
shopping cart's battery. Contact between the base structure's
contact arms and the cart's electrical contact forms a flow path
for electrical current between the power source and the battery
such that the battery may be recharged.
[0038] FIG. 1A shows a contact component, e.g., an electric power
transfer component. In an embodiment an electric power transfer
component may comprise a single contact arm 105. The single contact
arm 105 may comprise, e.g., be made of, a naturally occurring
substance, plastic, metal, composite material, polymeric substance,
and/or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 1A, area 101 is a
portion of the contact arm wherein the contact arm's 105 comprising
material is arranged in such a fashion to form a void area in the
contact arm 105 where none of the contact arm's 105 comprising
material is present, e.g., a hole. Area 101 may be occupied,
threaded, and/or penetrated by a bolt, screw, cotter pin, or any
other type of fastener and/or projection, or combinations thereof
that may function as a fulcrum-like object about which the contact
arm 105 may rotate, e.g., rotate about an axis, in a substantially
horizontal plane. Area 102 is a portion of the contact arm wherein
the contact arm's 105 comprising material is arranged in such a
fashion to form a void area in the contact arm 105 where none of
the contact arm's 105 comprising material is present, e.g., a hole.
In an embodiment, area 102 may be an attachment zone for a
tensioning component 103, e.g., a coiled extension spring, an
elastic band (made of synthetic or natural materials), a hydraulic
piston device, any other component configured for providing a
tensioning force, and any combinations thereof, which provides a
force to the contact arm 105 that counters, and is substantially
the opposite direction (while being in substantially the same
horizontal plane), to a force exerted upon the contact arm 105, at
or about the location of the contact arm's charging contact area
104a. The contact arm's charging contact area 104a is located
generally at and about the pinnacle area of the contact arm's 105
convexly configured portion, the contact arm's 105 convexly
configured portion is typically opposite the contact arm's 105
concavely configured portion 104b. The contact arm's charging
contact area 104a comprises an electrically conductive surface
which is curved in at least two dimensions, the electrically
conductive surface may comprise a metallic coating or an exposed
metallic portion of the contact arm 105 which had been coated in a
non-electrically conductive material, e.g., plastic, rubber,
polymeric substance, composite material, and/or other
insulating-type material. In an embodiment, contact arm's charging
contact area 104a may comprise any portion of section 202, section
203, and/or section 204, as shown in FIG. 2B. Referring to FIG. 7A,
the contact arm's charging contact area 104a may be connected to
circuitry 900 that detects whether contact has been successfully
made between the contact arm's charging contact area 104a and
charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405. Details of
the circuitry 900 are discussed more fully with respect to FIGS. 8A
and 8B below.
[0039] In an embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 1A, a
tensioning component, e.g., extension spring 103, may be affixed
to, coupled to, associated with, joined with, and/or otherwise
connected to contact arm 105 and/or about area 102. The extension
spring 103 may be affixed to, coupled to, associated with, joined
with, and/or otherwise connected to contact arm 105 and/or area 102
by establishing a permanent or non-permanent interaction between
the tensioning component and contact arm 105 and/or area 102. The
permanent or non-permanent interaction may comprise (i) hooking of
a portion of the tensioning component into area 102; (ii) securing
a portion of the tensioning component to area 102 via weld, solder,
adhesive, or any other bonding-type interaction; (iii) securing a
portion of the tensioning component to area 102 via bolt, screw,
pin, cable, or any other mechanical-type interaction; (iv) securing
a portion of the tensioning component to contact arm 105 in the
vicinity of area 102 via weld, solder, adhesive, or any other
bonding-type interaction; (v) securing a portion of the tensioning
component to contact arm 105 in the vicinity of area 102 via bolt,
screw, pin, cable, or any other mechanical-type interaction; (vi)
or combinations thereof.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1B, a tensioning component, e.g., extension
spring 103, may also be affixed to, coupled to, associated with,
joined with, and/or otherwise connected to a contact arm mount 300.
The extension spring 103 may be affixed to, coupled to, associated
with, joined with, and/or otherwise connected to contact arm mount
300 and/or area 302 by establishing a permanent or non-permanent
interaction between the tensioning component and contact arm mount
300 and/or area 302. The permanent or non-permanent interaction may
comprise (i) hooking of a portion of the tensioning component into
area 302; (ii) hooking of a portion of the tensioning component
onto a protruding portion of area 302; (iii) securing a portion of
the tensioning component to area 302 via weld, solder, adhesive, or
any other bonding-type interaction; (iv) securing a portion of the
tensioning component to area 302 via bolt, screw, pin, cable, or
any other mechanical-type interaction; (v) securing a portion of
the tensioning component to contact arm mount 300 in the vicinity
of area 302 via weld, solder, adhesive, or any other bonding-type
interaction; (vi) securing a portion of the tensioning component to
contact arm mount 300 in the vicinity of area 302 via bolt, screw,
pin, cable, or any other mechanical-type interaction; (vii) or
combinations thereof. In an embodiment, area 302 is a post or hole
engaged with an end of extension spring 103.
[0041] The coupling, connecting, linking, and/or associating of
contact arm 105 and contact arm mount 300 can be understood as a
contact arm spring mechanism. In alternative embodiments, the
contact arm spring mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded scissors
linkage and/or a spring-loaded parallelogram linkage.
[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, upon exertion of a force upon
the contact arm's charging contact area 104a (e.g., a force exerted
by charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405),
extension spring 103 lengthens in respect to its original length
(i.e., the contact arm's charging contact area's 104a non-force
applied length). In an embodiment, the extension spring 103
lengthens by percentage of its original length, e.g. from about
0.1% to about 200%, as the contact arm 105 rotates about area 101.
In other embodiments an elastic band may stretch by the same
percentage of its original length or hydraulic piston device may
extend by the same percentage of its original length as the contact
arm 105 rotates. In an embodiment, the tensioning component, e.g.,
extension spring 103, is selected such that the tension force
supplied by the tensioning component is sufficient to facilitate
constant contact between the contact arm's charging contact area
104a and an object comprising charging contact 400 or charging
contact assembly 405, while the force supplied by the tensioning
component is not enough to cause the object comprising charging
contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405 to disengage from a
contact or interaction between the contact arm's charging contact
area 104a and the charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly
405. Thus, in the above embodiment, the contact arm's charging
contact area 104a and an object comprising charging contact 400 or
charging contact assembly 405 may remain in contact without the
assistance or utilization of any guide mechanism, slots, rails,
bumpers, or other motion inhibitors for an object comprising the
charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405, e.g.,
shopping cart 600.
[0043] In an embodiment, the tensioning component, e.g., extension
spring 103, elastic band, or hydraulic piston device, lengthens
only a small percentage, e.g., from about 0.1% to about 25% of its
original length as the contact arm 105 rotates about area 101
(similarly an elastic band may stretch by the same small percentage
of its original length or hydraulic piston device may extend by the
same small percentage of its original length as the contact arm 105
rotates). As a result, the force applied by the contact arm 105 in
response to the force upon the contact arm's charging contact area
104a stays relatively constant. The consistency of the applied
forces is advantageous for the design of the charging contact 400
and the charging contact assembly 405.
[0044] The length of contact arm 105 is generally apportioned to a
curved contacting portion 106 and a substantially non-curved
portion 107 (e.g., a straight or linear portion). The curved
contacting portion 106 acts to prevent undesired connections, e.g.,
snagging and/or catching, between contact arms 105 and vehicles
contacting said arms. In an embodiment, the ratio of the curved
contacting portion 106 and the substantially non-curved portion 107
is about 1:1. However, in other embodiments the ratio of the curved
contacting portion 106 the substantially non-curved portion 107 may
be about 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1. As shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B, in an embodiment, contact arm 105 may comprise a length, e.g.:
in a range of about 1 in. to about 120 in.; in a range of about 3
in. to 60 in.; in a range of about 6 in. to about 30 in.; or in a
range of about 9 in. to about 15 in. (for all discussions of
dimensions herein, references to length shall generally mean a
relatively longer dimension as depicted in an associated Figure as
compared to width which shall generally mean a relatively shorter
dimension as depicted in the associated Figure). In an exemplary
embodiment, contact arm 105 may comprise a length of, or about, 24
in., wherein the curved contacting portion 106 comprises a length
of, or about, 12 in. and the substantially non-curved portion 107
comprises a length of, or about, 12 in.
[0045] Contact arm 105 may comprise varied widths along its length.
In an embodiment, portions of contact arm 105 may comprise a width,
e.g.: in a range of from 0.1 in. to about 36 in.; in a range of
about 1 in. to about 18 in.; in a range of about 2 in. to about 9
in.; or in a range of about 3 in. to about 6 in. In an exemplary
embodiment, substantially non-curved portion 107 may comprise a
width of 0.25 in. and curved contacting portion 106 may comprise a
width of 0.5 in. In an exemplary embodiment, contact arm 105 may
comprise a uniform width of, or about, 0.5 in.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1C, in an embodiment, substantially
non-curved portion 107 of contact arm 105 is not present and curved
contacting portion 106(c) is mounted to a plurality of mechanical
constraints, e.g., straight rails 1060. A tensioning component
1070, e.g., a helical compression spring, a bushing, and/or a
hydraulic piston device, is associated with at least one of the
plurality of straight rails 1060 to exert force on the curved
contacting portion 106(c) in a direction away from stabilizing
interface 301(c) and toward a contacting vehicle, a contacting
charging contact 400 and/or a contacting charging contact assembly
405 to facilitate the maintaining of contact between the curved
contacting portion 106(c) and the contacting vehicle, the
contacting charging contact 400 and/or the contacting charging
contact assembly 405. In an embodiment, the tensioning component
1070 is a helical compression spring which wraps around at least
one of the straight rails 1060. Straight rails 1060 may, upon force
exerted on curved contacting portion 106(c), move in a direction
towards stabilizing interface 301(c) and through openings in
stabilizing interface 301(c), while curved contacting portion
106(c) maintains contact with a contacting vehicle, a contacting
charging contact 400 and/or a contacting charging contact assembly
405. In an embodiment, straight rails 1060 may, upon force exerted
on curved contacting portion 106(c), retract towards stabilizing
interface 301(c) due to a telescoping configuration of the straight
rails 1060, while curved contacting portion 106(c) maintains
contact with a contacting vehicle, a contacting charging contact
400 and/or a contacting charging contact assembly 405. In such an
embodiment, the tensioning component 1070 could be wrapped around
straight rail 1060 and/or contained within straight rail 1060. In
other embodiments additional or alternative mechanical constraints
such as thrust bearings, rollers, guide wheels, or slides may be
used to ensure the contact arm 105 moves in substantially parallel
to straight rails 1060.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 1D, in an embodiment, substantially
non-curved portion 107 of contact arm 105 is not present and curved
contacting portion 106(d) is mounted to at least one spring-loaded
extension linkage 1072, e.g., a spring-loaded scissors linkage or a
spring-loaded parallelogram linkage. Spring-loaded extension
linkage 1072, e.g., a spring-loaded scissors linkage, exerts force
on the curved contacting portion 106(d) in a direction away from
stabilizing interface 301(d) and toward a contacting vehicle, a
contacting charging contact 400 and/or a contacting charging
contact assembly 405 to facilitate the maintaining of contact
between the curved contacting portion 106(d) and the contacting
vehicle, the contacting charging contact 400 and/or the contacting
charging contact assembly 405. In an embodiment, the spring-loaded
extension linkage 1072 may, upon force exerted on curved contacting
portion 106(d), collapse in a direction towards stabilizing
interface 301(d) while curved contacting portion 106(d) maintains
contact with a contacting vehicle, a contacting charging contact
400 and/or a contacting charging contact assembly 405.
[0048] In an embodiment, the curved contacting portion 106 may be
solid, e.g., it may be convex on one side while not concave on the
opposite side, or the curved contacting portion 106 may comprise a
curved portion, e.g., it may be convex on one side and concave on
the opposite side, while also comprising an affixed covering
resulting in the curved contacting portion 106 appearing to not
comprise a concave presentation. In an embodiment, as depicted in
FIG. 3A, the substantially non-curved portion 107 is configured to
occupy an area generally below or above the curved contacting
portion 106 of another contact arm 105.
[0049] FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of the contact arm 105 as
viewed from a vertical perspective, i.e., with the convex portion
of the curved contacting portion 106 nearest the observer. In such
vertical presentation, the curved contacting portion 106 has a
substantially curved cross-section 210. In an embodiment, the
radius of curvature for curved cross-section 210 in conjunction
with the flexibility (e.g., tensioning) of wire segment 500 allows
wire 504 of the charging contact 400 to contact much more of the
convex portion of the curved cross-section 210 than would otherwise
occur in the absence of the wire segment's 500 flexibility (e.g.,
absent the flexibility of wire segment 500, the wire 504 may only
contact the curved cross-section 210 at one tangential point). In
an embodiment, the maximum radius of curvature of wire 504 depends
on the wire's 504 diameter (e.g., wire 504 having a 7/64'' diameter
may curve with a 0.75'' radius of curvature). As such, the pairing
convex portion of the curved contacting portion 106 with a wire 504
should be made with consideration given to the possible radius of
curvature allowed by the wire's 504 composition and diameter, and
in respect to the actual radius of curvature convex portion of the
curved contacting portion 106 with which the subject wire 504 will
be contacting to ensure maximum contact area.
[0050] FIG. 2B depicts an embodiment of the contact arm 105 as
viewed from a horizontal perspective, i.e., with the convex portion
of the curved contacting portion 106 positioned to the right
relative to the substantially non-curved portion 107. In an
embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2B, the curved contacting portion
106 has three sections that join smoothly and seamlessly. Section
202 is substantially linear and at an angle to the substantially
non-curved portion 107; the angle is in a range of from greater
than about 90 degrees to less than about 180 degrees. In an
embodiment, section 202 is substantially linear and at about 135
degrees to the substantially non-curved portion 107. Section 203 is
curved and comprises the contact arm's charging contact area 104a,
e.g., the area which makes electrical contact with charging contact
400 or charging contact assembly 405. Section 204 is substantially
linear and at an angle less than about 90 degrees to the
substantially non-curved portion 107. In an embodiment, section 204
is substantially linear and at about 45 degrees to the
substantially non-curved portion 107. In another embodiment,
section 204 may comprise the shape of a logarithmic spiral,
centered at area 101. In an exemplary embodiment of the contact arm
105 depicted in FIG. 2B, when an object comprising a charging
contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405 moves from a position
that is more near section 204 (comprising the shape of a
logarithmic spiral) towards a section 202, the angle of attack the
object comprising a charging contact 400 or charging contact
assembly 405 with respect to section 203 is constantly about 45
degrees due to mathematical properties of the logarithmic spiral.
When an object comprising a charging contact 400 or charging
contact assembly 405 moves from a position that is more near
section 202 towards a section 204 (comprising the shape of a
logarithmic spiral), the angle of attack of the object comprising a
charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405 with respect
to section 203 is consistently about 45 degrees, or less than 45
degrees as the contact arm 105 rotates about area 101. As
described, from whichever direction an object comprising a charging
contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405 approaches a section
203, the angle of attack against the curved contacting portion 106
will consistently be about 45 degrees or less. This being the case,
the resistance felt by the object comprising a charging contact 400
or charging contact assembly 405 is comparable to the spring force
of the contact arm 105, as provided via the tensioning component,
e.g., extension spring 103. In an embodiment, the spring force of
contact arm 105 may be any value within the range of 0.1 ounce to
64.0 ounce. For example, the spring force of contact arm 105 may be
about 8.0 ounces.
[0051] As noted above, in an embodiment the substantially
non-curved portion 107 is configured to occupy an area generally
below or above the curved contacting portion 106 of another contact
arm 105. FIG. 3A depicts and embodiment wherein six contact arms
105 are positioned two layers of three contact arms 105, wherein a
first layer of three contact arms 306 occupy substantially a same
plane and a second layer of three contact arms 307 occupy
substantially a same plane which differs from the plane occupied by
the first layer of three contact arms 105. As reflected in FIG. 3A,
in an embodiment, the first layer of three contact arms 306 and the
second layer of three contact arms 307 are offset horizontally and
overlap. Thus, the contact arms 105 may be positioned closer
together horizontally than the width of a charging contact 400 or a
charging contact assembly 405 (as will be discussed in more detail
herein). As a result, there will always be at least one contact arm
105 contacting a charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly
405; thus, preventing the occurrence of electrical "dead
spots."
[0052] In such a multiple contact arm 105 arrangement, each contact
arm 105 rotates individually about its area 101 and is individually
actuated by a dedicated tensioning component, e.g., a dedicated
extension spring 103. Furthermore, each of the contact arm's
charging contact area 104a is individually connected to circuitry
that detects whether contact has been successfully made between the
contact arm's charging contact area 104a and charging contact 400
or charging contact assembly 405. The number of contact arms 105,
as well as the number of layers in which said contact arms 105 are
divided, are easily varied/modified based upon the particular
requirements or preferences of a user. In other words, two contact
arms in two layers, 100 contact arms in 10 layers, 1000 contact
arms in 2 layers, and all other combinations of multiple contact
arms and multiple layers are considered and disclosed.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 3B, in an embodiment twenty four contact
arms 105 are arranged in four layers (wherein each layer comprises
six contact arms 105) and affixed, connected, and/or mounted to a
stabilizing interface 301. In an embodiment, stabilizing interface
301 may be secured to a floor, wall, column, curb, rail, other
support structure, or combinations thereof via screw, bolt, nail,
adhesive, weld, solder, clamp, other fastening component, or
combination thereof. In an embodiment, stabilizing interface 301
may comprise feet, wheels, pads, other support components, or a
combination thereof allowing the stabilizing interface to be
non-permanently positioned. In an embodiment, the stabilizing
interface 301 is configured so that the layers of contact arms
associated with it may be positioned (and repositioned as desired)
at a height sufficient to contact the appropriate portions of
charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405 which are
affixed/coupled to a mobile object, e.g., a shopping cart as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,782,194, the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 9, in an embodiment, each of the contact
arm's charging contact area 104a is connected to a power source
1000. In other embodiments, only a selected number of the contact
arm's charging contact area 104a may be connected to a power source
1000.
[0055] In an embodiment, power source 1000 comprises at least one
power component 1001. Power source 1000, power component 1001, or a
combination thereof may be located inside, under, on, above, below,
adjacent to, or in proximity to stabilizing interface 301.
[0056] In an embodiment, power source 1000 may comprise a plurality
of power components 1001. In an embodiment, power component 1001
may comprise an alternating current ("AC")-powered direct current
("DC") power supply. For example, power component 1001 may comprise
an AC-powered 15V DC power supply. In an embodiment wherein the
power source 1000 comprises a plurality of power components 1001,
the plurality of power components 1001 may be selected to provided
"X" amount of power per each "Y" amount of length of layer of
contact arms 105, e.g., two 500 Watt power supplies for each three
feet contact arm 105 layer length.
[0057] In another embodiment, power source 1000 may comprise a
non-AC-powered DC power component 1001. In an embodiment, the power
component's 1001 DC power supply may not be rechargeable, hence
disposable. In another embodiment, the DC power supply may be
rechargeable, e.g., a rechargeable battery 610 as depicted in FIGS.
6A and 6B.
[0058] In an embodiment comprising multiple layers of contact arms
105, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, certain layer(s) of contact arms
105 are designated to provide voltage to the charging contact 400
or charging contact assembly 405 and certain layer(s) of contact
arms 105 are designated to provide the ground. In an embodiment, as
disclosed in FIG. 3A, the upper layer 306 may supply the voltage
and the lower layer 307 may supply the ground, or vice versa
depending on the configuration of related charging contact 400 or
charging contact assembly 405. In an embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 3B, the upper two layers of contact arms 105, e.g., layers
3061 and 3062, may supply the voltage and the lower two layers of
contact arms 105, e.g., layers 3071 and 3072, may supply the
ground, or vice versa depending on the configuration of related
charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, power contact arm 105(i) is connected to
a current flow monitoring module, e.g., Contact Arm Circuit Module
(CACM) 900, and ground contact arm 105(ii) is connected directly to
ground (711).
[0060] As also shown in FIG. 9, CACM 900 comprises a programmable
micro-controller 910. The micro-controller 910 monitors voltage
difference between monitored nodes. This voltage difference
indicates the amount of current flowing from contact arm 105 to
charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405. CACM 900
monitors the current flowing through charging contact arm 105(i)
and determines when a desired current profile is detected, e.g., a
current profile generated from a contacted current profile
generating module, e.g., Cart Contact Circuit Module ("CCCM") 700
(as will be described more fully herein with regard to FIGS. 4A,
4B, and 4C). The CACM 900 may determine whether a valid electrical
contact has been made by detecting a desired current profile for a
period of time. After a desired current profile is consistently
detected for selected time period, (e.g., any amount of time within
a range of from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, for this
example, 1 sec) the CACM 900 will begin providing enough current
for the associated current profile. While current is flowing, the
current profile signature is continuously monitored. In an
embodiment, CACM 900 may deliver current to a battery charging
circuit 609, as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, which may, in turn,
deliver current to charge a battery 610, as depicted in FIGS. 6A
and 6B. If interrupted, the micro-controller 910 turns off the
charging current. For example, should a shopping cart be moved so
that the CCCM 700 loses contact with the CACM 900, the signature
will be interrupted and this logic turns off the charging current.
Additionally, if a short circuit falls across power contact arms
105(i) and ground contact arms 105(ii); logic turns off the
charging current. This can be the case if, for example, a metal
frame of a shopping cart touches both the power contact arms 105(i)
and ground contact arms 105(ii).
[0061] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of internal
circuitry of the CACM 900. As shown the CACM 900's circuitry may
comprise: (i) a programmable micro-controller 910; (ii) a field
effect transistor 915, functioning as a power switch, controlled by
signal 9200 (designated as "PWREN") which allows the
micro-controller 910 to flow current freely to the power contact
arm 105(i); (iii) resistive current sensor 930 and resistive
current sensor 935 which develop a signal 9250 (designated as
"SENSLO") in response to the amount of current flowing through
field effect transistor 915 to the contact arm 105(i); (iv)
operational amplifier 960 together with associated discrete
components which condition and amplify the signal at SENSLO node
925 to yield signal 9550 (designated as "SIGDC"), and then further
condition and amplify the SIGDC signal 9555 to yield a band-passed
version 9555 (designated as "SIGBP"); (v) a voltage divider 970 and
voltage divider 975 which develop a signal 9750 (designated as
"SIGOUT") which allows the micro-controller 910 to measure the
voltage present at the contact arm 105(i); (vi) a transistor switch
980 and current limiter controlled by signal 9800 (designated as
"SIGEN") which allows the micro-controller 910 to communicate
digitally with the CCCM 700.
[0062] In an embodiment, the micro-controller 910 first drives
signal PWREN 9200 low to turn off field effect transistor 915, and
also drives SIGEN signal 9800 low, so that the contact arm 105(i)
is connected to 15V through resistor 950. In this state, the
microcontroller monitors SIGOUT signal 9750 for a 15 kHz signal
indicating a CCCM 700 is in contact and is modulating the current
drawn. After the micro-controller 910 detects this signal for an
appropriate time (e.g. in a range of 1-10 seconds) it drives PWREN
signal 9200 high to enable power to flow through field effect
transistor 915. In this state current is flowing freely to the CACM
900, allowing battery charging. While driving PWREN signal 9200
high the micro-controller 910 monitors SIGDC 9550 signal and SIGBP
9555 signal to determine the characteristics of the current flow. A
15 kHz toggling signal is detectable at SIGBP node 955, and SIGDC
signal 9550 includes information on the average value of the
current. If any inappropriate condition is detected (e.g. SIGDC
signal 9550 indicates too much or too little current flow, or the
15 kHz toggle disappears), then the micro-controller drives PWREN
signal 9200 low to turn off field effect transistor 915.
[0063] In an embodiment, the micro-controller 910 receives digital
communications from the CCCM 700 by detecting modulations to the
signals at SIGOUT node 976 and/or SIGBP node 955. For example, a
zero bit can be received when 10 kHz toggling is detected, and a
one bit can be received when 20 kHz toggling is detected. The
digital information communicated from the CCCM 700 to the CACM 900
can include a serial number assigned to a shopping cart 600, and
status information regarding the shopping cart 600.
[0064] In an embodiment, the CACM micro-controller 910 transmits
digital information to the CCCM 700 by toggling SIGEN signal 9800.
For example, the micro-controller 910 can toggle SIGEN signal 9800
at 10 kHz to indicate a 0 bit, or at 20 kHz to indicate a 1 bit.
The digital information communicated from the CACM 900 to the CCCM
700 can include a serial number assigned to the contact arm 105, or
queries or commands.
[0065] FIG. 4A illustrates an example of an electrical contact,
i.e., charging contact 400. Charging contact 400 is electrically
connected to an electrical power consuming vehicle's battery 610
(and/or batteries) and functions as a connective interface between
the electrical power consuming vehicle's battery 610 (and/or
batteries) and contact arm's 105 connected electric power source
1000. As noted, charging contact 400 may be mounted on electrical
power consuming vehicles, e.g., shopping carts, strollers, dollies,
hand-trucks, golf carts, fork lifts, electric automobiles,
scooters, go-carts, and battery-powered ride-on toy vehicles. In
embodiments of the instant invention wherein a charging contact 400
is employed, the electrical power consuming vehicle (for ease of
reference the term "shopping cart 600" may be employed as a
catch-all term for all electrical power consuming vehicles; thus,
references to "shopping cart 600" are not limiting, but rather
merely expedient) may comprise a plurality of charging contacts
400. In embodiments comprising two charging contacts 400, as shown
in FIG. 6A, one charging contact 402 is dedicated to contacting
certain layer(s) of contact arms 105 which are designated to
provide voltage and the other charging contact 403 is dedicated to
contacting certain layer(s) of contact arms 105 which are
designated to provide the ground. Of course, depending on the
arrangement of the layers of charging arms 105, the functions of
charging contacts 402 and 403 could be reversed.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 4A, in an embodiment, charging contact 400
may comprise at least one frame. In another embodiment, charging
contact 400 may comprise a plurality of frames. The charging
contact's 400 frame may comprise, e.g., be made of, a naturally
occurring substance, plastic, metal, composite material, polymeric
substance, and/or a combination thereof. The charging contact 400
may be shaped in any fashion desired as long as the shape does not
interfere with the charging contact's 400 functioning as an
effective electrical charge conductor. Charging contact 400 may be
attached to shopping cart 600 via screw, bolt, nail, adhesive,
weld, solder, clamp, other fastening component, or combination
thereof. Between frame sections 408 and 409, wire 504 is exposed.
In an embodiment, the exposed wire 504 may comprise a single strand
of wire 504, e.g., a singular wire segment 500, as illustrated in
FIG. 5, which is strung between frame sections 408 and 409. In
another embodiment, the exposed wire 504 may comprise a plurality
of wire segments 500, e.g. each wire 504 corresponds to a separate
wire segment 500. In an embodiment, the exposed wire 504 may be
positioned so that each strand of wire 504 contacts adjacent wire
504 strand(s). In an embodiment, the exposed wire 504 may be
positioned so that each strand of wire 504 does not contact
adjacent wire 504 strand(s), for example, the wire 504 strands may
be positioned equidistance apart, may be positioned at differing
distances apart, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, some
wire 504 strands may contact other wire 504 strands while some wire
504 strands do not contact other wire 504 strands. In an embodiment
wherein the wire 504 strands do not contact other wire 504 strands,
the wire stands may be positioned apart at any particular distance
included in the range of about 0.1 in. to 24 in. In an embodiment,
the wire strands may be positioned about 0.5 in. apart.
[0067] In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4A, charging contact
400 may comprise a length, e.g.: in a range of about 0.1 in. to
about 240 in.; in a range of about 1 in. to about 120 in.; in a
range of about 2 in. to about 60 in., in a range of about 3 in. to
about 30 in., in a range of about 4 in. to about 15 in., or in a
range of about 56 in. to about 10 in. In an exemplary embodiment,
charging contact 400 may comprise a length of, or about, 10 in. In
an embodiment, charging contact 400 may comprise a width, e.g.: in
a range of about 0.1 in. to about 240 in.; in a range of about 1
in. to about 120 in.; in a range of about 2 in. to about 60 in., in
a range of about 3 in. to about 30 in., in a range of about 4 in.
to about 15 in., or in a range of about 5 in. to about 10 in. In an
exemplary embodiment, charging contact 400 may comprise a width of,
or about, 8 in.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a single wire segment 500
is shown in detail. Wire 504 may comprise any electrically
conductive material (e.g., iron, copper, gold, silver, bronze), or
combinations thereof and may be coated and/or combined with other
elemental or synthetic coatings (e.g., phosphor, plastic). In an
embodiment, the wire 504 may be a phosphor bronze wire rope. Wire
504 may be capped at each end 501, e.g., a first capped end and a
second capped end, as to prevent the wire 504 from unraveling. End
501 is also configured so as to prevent end 501 from passing
through an opening in frame segment 408 and/or frame segment 409,
the opening in which wire 504 does pass through. Wire segment 500
may also comprise a restriction element, e.g., a fitting, stop,
flange, washer, or other circumference/width increasing element.
For ease of reference, the fitting, stop, flange, washer, or other
circumference/width increasing element will be referred to as
washer 502, such reference to washer 502 is not limiting but should
be understood to be merely for convenience purposes. In an
embodiment, washer 502 may configured to have an interior opening
large enough to allow wire 504 to pass through while the interior
opening is not large enough to allow the entirety of end 501 to
pass through. In another embodiment, washer 502 may be
affixed/incorporated into end 501, e.g., via weld, solder,
adhesive, or as a singularly manufactured unit. Between washer 502
and frame segment 408 and/or frame segment 409 will be positioned a
tensioning component which effects the wire's 504 amount of flex by
controlling the amount of tension in the wire segment 500. The
diameter/width of washer 502 is such that washer 502 may provide a
seating location for the wire segment's 500 tensioning component.
The tensioning component may comprise a spring, a bushing, a band,
flexible feature of frame functioning as an archery bow-type
component, or other resilient component. In an embodiment, helical
springs may serve as wire 504, wherein the helical springs may be
pre-tensioned via attachment to a ridged frame which would anchor
the ends of the helical springs. In an embodiment, the tensioning
component is spring 503, such reference to washer 502 is not
limiting but should be understood to be merely for convenience
purposes. Spring 503 and washer 502 may be mounted on the outside
the frame segment 408 and/or frame segment 409, so that spring 503
controls the tension in wire segment 500. The spring 503, i.e.,
wire segment 500, may be pre-tensioned, e.g., the spring 503 may be
partially compressed prior to and interaction between the charging
contact 400 and contact arm 105. In an embodiment, the spring 503
may be pre-tensioned via actuation of a screw-type area located at
an end 501 of wire segment 500, wherein the screw-type area of end
501 interacts with a screw-type receiving portion of the opening in
frame segment 408 and/or frame segment 409 through which wire 504
passes. The interaction of the screw-type area of end 501 and the
frame segment 408 and/or frame segment 409, allows the tension in
the spring 503 to be adjusted based upon varying the distance
between the washer 502 and frame segment 408 and/or frame segment
409; thus compressing or expanding spring 503. In another
embodiment, the tension on spring 503 may be adjusted by altering a
selectable distance between frame segment 408 and frame segment
409.
[0069] In an embodiment, the flexibility (e.g., tensioning) of wire
segment 500 allows wire 504 of the charging contact 400 to contact
much more of the charging contact arm 105, e.g., the convex portion
of the curved cross-section 210, than would otherwise occur in the
absence of the wire segment's 500 flexibility (e.g., absent the
flexibility of wire segment 500, the wire 504 may only contact the
charging contact arm 105 at one point). It is advantageous if the
tension in these rope segments in controlled, e.g., allowing for
the wire 504 to contact the charging contact arm 105 at multiple
points. An effect of allowing wire 504 to contact charging contact
arm 105 at multiple points is that the contact resistance is lower
than with a single point of contact, and so localized resistive
heating is minimized.
[0070] In an embodiment, wire segments 500 of the charging contact
400 are electrically connected in common. In other embodiments,
portions of the wire segments 500 of the charging contact 400 are
electrically connected in common, e.g., the wire segments 500 from
about the midpoint of charging contact 400 to the right outside are
electrically connected in common, and the wire segments 500 from
about the midpoint of charging contact 400 to the left outside are
electrically connected in common, however each of the portions
("midpoint to right outside" and "midpoint to left outside") are
electrically isolated. The wire segments 500 of charging contact
400 may be electrically connected in common, i.e. apportioned, in
groups of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more. The apportionment of the
charging contact's 400 wire segments 500 provides for multiple,
separate electric energies to be delivered from the power supply
1000 to facilitate more efficient electrical connections and
recharging activities. Each group of electrically isolated wire
segments 500 are connected to a Cart Contact Circuit Module
("CCCM").
[0071] FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate an embodiment of an electrical
contact, i.e., charging contact assembly 405. Charging contact
assembly 405 is electrically connected to an electrical power
consuming vehicle's battery 610 (and/or batteries) and functions as
a connective interface between the electrical power consuming
vehicle's battery 610 (and/or batteries) and contact arm's 105
connected electric power source 1000. Charging contact assembly 405
may be affixed/coupled/mounted on electrical power consuming
vehicles, e.g., shopping carts, strollers, dollies, hand-trucks,
golf carts, fork lifts, electric automobiles, scooters, go-carts,
and battery-powered ride-on toy vehicles. In embodiments of the
instant invention wherein a charging contact assembly 405 is
employed, the electrical power consuming vehicle (again, for ease
of reference the term "shopping cart 600" may be employed as a
catch-all term for all electrical power consuming vehicles; thus,
references to "shopping cart 600" are not limiting, but rather
merely expedient) may comprise a plurality of charging contact
assemblies 405.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 4B, charging contact assembly 405 comprises
a housing 407 to which at least one electrical contact is affixed.
Housing 407 may comprise, e.g., be made of, a naturally occurring
substance, plastic, metal, composite material, polymeric substance,
and/or a combination thereof. Charging contact assembly 405 may be
shaped in any fashion desired as long as the shape does not
interfere with the charging contact assembly's 405 functioning as
an effective electrical charge conductor. Housing 407 facilitates
the affixing/attaching/coupling of charging contact assembly 405 to
vehicles. Charging contact assembly 405 may be attached to shopping
cart 600 via screw, bolt, nail, adhesive, weld, solder, clamp,
other fastening component, or combination thereof. As shown in FIG.
6B, charging contact assembly 405 may be mounted on a side of a
shopping cart 600.
[0073] As also shown in FIG. 4B, charging contact assembly 405
comprises at least one electrical contact 406 and may comprise a
plurality of electrical contacts 406 (as indicated by FIG. 4B, each
electrical contact 406 is differentiated by enumerating the
electrical contacts as 406(i), 406(ii), and 406(iii)). In an
embodiment wherein charging contact assembly 405 comprises a
plurality of electrical contacts 406, electrical contacts 406 may
each be the same shape and size or may each be a different shape
and a different size than that of the remainder of the electrical
contacts 406. In an embodiment, electrical contacts 406(i) and
406(ii) may comprise a length: in a range of about 0.1 in. to about
120 in.; in a range of about 1 in to about 60 in., in a range of
about 3 in. to about 30 in., in a range of about 4 in. to about 15
in., or in a range of about 5 in. to about 10 in. In an exemplary
embodiment, electrical contacts 406(i) and 406(ii) may comprise a
length of, or about, 4 in. In an embodiment, electrical contacts
406(iii) may comprise a length: in a range of about 0.1 in. to
about 240 in.; in a range of about 0.5 in. to about 120 in.; in a
range of about 1 in to about 60 in., in a range of about 3 in. to
about 30 in., in a range of about 4 in. to about 15 in., or in a
range of about 5 in. to about 10 in. In an exemplary embodiment,
electrical contacts 406(i) and 406(ii) may comprise a length of, or
about, 8 in. In an embodiment, electrical contacts 406 may comprise
a width: in a range of about 0.1 in. to about 120 in.; in a range
of about 1 in to about 60 in., in a range of about 3 in. to about
30 in., in a range of about 4 in. to about 15 in., or in a range of
about 5 in. to about 10 in. In an exemplary embodiment, electrical
contacts 406 may comprise a width of, or about, 3 in.
[0074] In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4B, charging contact
assembly 405 may comprise a length, e.g.: in a range of about 0.1
in. to about 240 in.; in a range of about 1 in. to about 120 in.;
in a range of about 2 in. to about 60 in., in a range of about 3
in. to about 30 in., in a range of about 4 in. to about 15 in., or
in a range of about 5 in. to about 10 in. In an exemplary
embodiment, charging contact assembly 405 may comprise a length of,
or about, 10 in. In an embodiment, charging contact assembly 405
may comprise a width, e.g.: in a range of about 0.1 in. to about
240 in.; in a range of about 1 in. to about 120 in.; in a range of
about 2 in. to about 60 in., in a range of about 3 in. to about 30
in., in a range of about 4 in. to about 15 in., or in a range of
about 5 in. to about 10 in. In an exemplary embodiment, charging
contact assembly 405 may comprise a width of, or about, 8 in.
[0075] Electrical contact 406 may comprise, e.g., be made of, any
electrically conductive material (e.g., iron, copper, gold, silver,
bronze), or combinations thereof. In an embodiment wherein charging
contact assembly 405 comprises a plurality of electrical contacts
406 or may each comprise a different electrically conductive
material from the remainder of the electrical contacts 406. In an
embodiment, electrical contact 406 may comprise a wire segment 501
or plurality of wire segments 501, as shown in FIG. 5. In an
embodiment, electrical contact 406 may comprise a solid or
semi-solid electrically conductive material, e.g., mesh, foil, or
lattice, as shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4C, each of charging
contact assembly's 405 electrical contacts 406(i) and 406(ii) are
connected to a Cart Contact Circuit Module ("CCCM").
[0076] As shown in FIG. 7B, in an embodiment, CCCM 700 has two
input connections and two output connections. The inputs are power
contact 705 and the ground contact 710. The outputs are power
(designated as "VOUT") 730 and ground 740 which connect to battery
charging circuitry 609 and battery 610. As shown in FIG. 7, power
contact 705 connects as such: (i) a voltage regulator 720 which
delivers clean 5V power to micro-controller 725; (ii) a voltage
divider circuit which delivers signal 7255 (designated as "SENSE")
to the micro-controller 725, allowing the micro-controller 725 to
calculate the voltage at the power contact 705; (iii) a current
sink 750 which can be alternately turned on and off at
approximately 15 kHz by the micro-controller's 725 toggling signal
7260 (designated as "TOGGLE"); and (iv) field effect transistor
switches 711 comprised of components 715 and 716 which allows the
micro-controller 725 to connect power from the power contact 705 to
the battery charging circuitry 609 and battery 610.
[0077] In an embodiment, when a power contact arm 105(i) connected
to power touches the power contact 705, and a ground contact arm
105(ii) connected to ground touches the ground contact 710, the
voltage regulator 720 delivers a small amount of power to the
micro-controller 725. The micro-controller 725 first drives signal
7270 (designated as "ENPWR") low to turn off the field effect
transistor 711 switches, and then starts toggling the TOGGLE signal
7260 at approximately 15 kHz. While doing this, the
micro-controller 725 monitors the SENSE signal 7255 to determine
the voltage present at the power contact 705. When this voltage
reaches the expected value (e.g. 15V), and stays steady for a
period of time (e.g. any value from 1 to 20 seconds) then the
micro-controller 725 recognizes that valid contact has been made at
both power contact 705 and ground contact 710, and therefore drives
ENPWR signal 7270 high to turn on the field effect transistor 711
switches. This allows current to flow to the battery charger
circuitry 609 and battery 610. While driving ENPWR signal 7270
high, the micro-controller 725 continues to toggle TOGGLE signal
7260 and continues to monitor the SENSE signal 7255. If the voltage
at the SENSE signal 7255 indicates that there is no longer the
expected voltage at the power contact 705 (e.g. 15V), the
micro-controller 725 drives ENPWR signal 7270 low to stop the flow
of current to the battery charger circuitry 609 and battery
610.
[0078] In an embodiment, the CCCM's micro-controller 725 modulates
the TOGGLE signal 7260 in such a way as to communicate digital
information to the CACM 900, for example, by driving the TOGGLE
signal 7260 at 10 kHz to indicate a 0 bit, or at 20 kHz to indicate
a 1 bit. The digital information communicated from the CCCM 700 to
the CACM 900 can include a serial number assigned to the cart, and
status information regarding the cart.
[0079] In an embodiment, the CCCM's micro-controller 725 receives
digital information from the CACM 900 by monitoring the SENSE
signal 7255. For example, the CACM can modulate the voltage at the
power contact arm 105(i) connected to power so that the voltage
delivered to the power contact 705 toggles between 14V and 16V at
10 kHz to indicate a 0 bit, or at 20 kHz to indicate a 1 bit. The
digital information communicated from the CACM 900 to the CCCM 700
can include a serial number assigned to the power contact arm
105(i), or queries or commands.
[0080] As evidenced by FIGS. 3B and 9, in an embodiment power
transfer station 304 comprises a combination of: (i) contact arms
105 (e.g., layers 3061, 3062, 3071, and 3072); (ii) CACM 900; (iii)
stabilizing interface 301; and (iv) power source 1000. Power
transfer station 304 may be permanently or non-permanently
positioned. In an embodiment, power transfer station 304 may be
secured to a floor, wall, column, curb, rail, other support
structure, or combinations thereof via screw, bolt, nail, adhesive,
weld, solder, clamp, other fastening component, or combination
thereof. In an embodiment, power transfer station 304 may comprise
feet, wheels, pads, other support components, or a combination
thereof which may facilitate non-permanent positioning, e.g.,
mobility and/or adjustability, of power transfer station 304.
[0081] As evidenced by FIGS. 6A and 6B, in an embodiment shopping
cart 600 comprises an electrical contact(s), e.g., charging
contacts 402 and 403, or charging contact assembly 405, which are
electrically connected to a battery 610 (or batteries). As also
shown, charging contact 402 and charging contact assembly 405 are
also connected to a CCCM 700.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment vehicle charging
system 1100 comprises: (i) an electrical contact(s), e.g., charging
contacts 402 and 403, or charging contact assembly 405, which are
electrically connected to a battery 610 (or batteries) (charging
contact 402 and charging contact assembly 405 are also connected to
a CCCM 700, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) and (ii) a power transfer
station 304.
[0083] The interaction, e.g., an electrical connection for
transferring electrical power, of charging contact assembly 405 (or
charging contacts 402 and 403, if so configured) and power transfer
station 304 may occur at any height above a base which supports a
vehicle to which is attached charging contacts 402 and 403, or
charging contact assembly 405. In an embodiment, the interaction of
charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402 and 403, if
so configured) and power transfer station 304 may occur at a height
which is greater than the height of the vehicle's wheels, skids,
rollers, blades, tracks, tires, or combination thereof, above the
base which supports the vehicle. In an embodiment, the interaction
of charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402 and 403,
if so configured) and power transfer station 304 may occur at a
height below the top (e.g., the highest point of a vehicle above
the base which supports the vehicle) of the vehicle. In an
embodiment, the interaction of charging contact assembly 405 (or
charging contacts 402 and 403, if so configured) and power transfer
station 304 may occur at a height: in a range of about 0.1 in. to
240 in., e.g., at about 24 in., at about 36 in, at about 48 in., at
about 60 in, at about 72 in., at about 84 in., etc. In an
embodiment, the interaction of charging contact assembly 405 (or
charging contacts 402 and 403, if so configured) and power transfer
station 304 may occur at, or about, an exterior of a vehicle. In an
embodiment, the interaction of charging contact assembly 405 (or
charging contacts 402 and 403 if so configured) and power transfer
station 304 may occur at, or about, an interior of a vehicle. In an
embodiment, the charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts
402 and 403, if so configured) and power transfer station 304 may
occur as charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402
and 403, if so configured) is oriented in at, or about, a plane
which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of
a vehicle. In an embodiment, the interaction of charging contact
assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402 and 403 if so configured)
and power transfer station 304 may occur as contact arms 105 are
oriented in at, or about, planes which are substantially parallel
to the direction of travel of a vehicle. The above recited
embodiments are not exclusive and may be combined in a plurality of
valid combinations to further characterize the interaction of
charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402 and 403, if
so configured) and power transfer station 304. For example,
charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402 and 403, if
so configured) and power transfer station 304 could interact a
height of 18 in. above the base which supports a vehicle (e.g.,
above the vehicle's wheels, but below the top of the vehicle),
wherein the charging contact assembly 405 (or charging contacts 402
and 403, if so configured) is located on an exterior side of the
vehicle (e.g., perpendicular to the direction of the vehicle's
travel), and wherein the contact arms 105 are oriented in planes
which are about parallel to the direction of the vehicle's
travel.
[0084] The following is an example of an interaction between
several of the previously described components. In an embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 6A, two charging contacts 400 are mounted on
shopping cart 600. The two charging contacts 400 are designated as
contacts 402 and 403, and are configured, for example, as a
plurality of wires in a frame as shown in FIG. 4A. In this example,
charging contact 402 will connect to contact arms 105 to supply an
electrical current to the shopping cart 600's battery 610. Charging
contact's 402 wire segments 500 are apportioned into to two
distinct groups, (i) a first associated portion of charging contact
402 and (ii) a second associated portion of charging contact 402,
wherein each group is electrically connected in common, e.g., a
first group and a second group, as such one CCCM 700 is attached to
the first group and a second CCCM 700 is attached to the second
group, for example, as shown in FIG. 4C. Charging contact's 403
wire segments 500 are electrically connected in common and charging
contact 403 will be the ground connector. This example further
comprises a multiple contact arms 105 assembly embodiment as
described in FIG. 3A. In an embodiment, one CACM 900 is attached to
each contact arm 105, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A. The spacing
of the contact arms 105 in the assembly is such that: (i) the
number of contact arms 105 contacting charging contact 402 or 403
is either 1 or 2; never zero (no dead spots); and (ii) the number
of power contact arms 105(i) contacting either the first group of
wire segments 500 or the second group of wire segments 500 of
charging contact 402 is either 0 or 1, never 2. As a result of the
configurations of the contact arms 105 and the apportionment of the
wire segments 500 of the charging contact 402, there is never more
than one CCCM 700 connected to each CACM 900. Likewise, there is
never more than one CACM 900 connected to each CCCM 700. Further,
this example also comprises a +15V power supply 1001, as shown in
FIG. 9. Of further note, as shown in FIG. 6A, by placing the +15V
(i.e., charging contact 402) and ground (i.e., charging contact
403) in such close proximity, the effective antenna loop size is
minimized and spurious electromagnetic emissions are reduced. Thus,
facilitating compliance with electromagnetic emissions limits. In
an embodiment, the +15V (i.e., charging contact 402) and ground
(i.e., charging contact 403) are positioned in as near proximity to
each other as operationally possible, thus resulting in minimal
effective antenna loop size.
[0085] FIG. 7B illustrates the interactions of the above example.
As depicted in FIG. 7B, when +15V is applied between power contact
705 and ground contact 710, timer chip 720 oscillates at 15 kHz,
and switches transistor 715 on and off. This causes a load of 1 k
ohms to switch in and out of the current path at 15 kHz. The
purpose is to introduce a recognizable signature in the +15V
current path.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 8A, the CACM's 900 micro-controller 910
monitors the voltage difference between SENSHI node 926 and SENSLO
node 925. This voltage difference indicates the amount of +15V
current flowing from power contact arm 105(i) to cart electrical
contact, e.g., electrical contact 406(i) or 406(ii). In the initial
idle state, the micro-controller 910 holds PWREN signal 9200 low so
that field effect transistor 960 is off and +15V current must flow
through 1 k ohms of resistance. In this state, the micro-controller
910 looks for current matching the 15 kHz profile generated by the
CCCM 700. After this signature is consistently detected for some
appropriate time period (e.g., 5 seconds), the micro-controller 910
drives PWREN signal 9200 high, thereby turning on field effect
transistor 960, and providing enough current to charge battery 610
on the shopping cart 600.
[0087] While the battery 610 is charging, the 15 kHz signature is
continuously monitored. If it is interrupted, the micro-controller
910 turns off the field effect transistor 960 by driving PWREN
signal 9200 low. For example, should shopping cart 600 be moved so
that the CCCM 700 loses contact with the CACM 900, the signature
will be interrupted and logic turns off the charging current.
[0088] Additionally, if a short circuit falls across the +15V power
contact arms 105(i) and the ground contact arms 105(ii); this same
logic quickly (e.g., instantaneously or within a few hundredths of
a second) turns off the charging current. This can be the case if,
for example, the metal frame of shopping cart 600 contacts both
+15V power contact arms 105(i) and ground contact arms 105(ii).
[0089] The following is an example of an interaction between
several of the previously described components. In an embodiment,
as shown in FIG. 6B, a charging contact assembly 405 is mounted on
shopping cart 600. In this example, charging contact assembly's 405
electrical contacts 406 are apportioned into to three distinct
groups, wherein each group is electrically connected in common,
e.g., a first electrical contact 406(i) is attached to a first CCCM
700 and a second electrical contact 406(ii) is attached to a second
CCCM 700. In such an embodiment, a third electrical contact
406(iii) is connected to the current return path of the first CCCM
700 and the second CCCM 700 (i.e., ground). In this example, first
electrical contact 406(i) and second electrical contact 406(ii) are
electrically connected to the shopping cart 600's battery 610 to
supply an electrical current from their connection to/interaction
with power contact arms 105(i) and the third electrical contact
406(iii) will be the ground connector. As noted, this example
further comprises a multiple contact arms 105 assembly embodiment
as described in FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, one CACM 900 is
attached to each power contact arm 105(i), as shown in FIG. 9. In
an embodiment, the spacing of the contact arms 105 in the assembly
is such that: (i) the number of lower contact arms 105, i.e.,
ground contact arms 105(ii) of layers 3071 and 3072, contacting the
third electrical contact 406(iii) is either 1 or 2; never zero (no
dead spots); (ii) the number of upper contact arms 105, i.e., power
contact arms 105(i) of layers 3061 and 3062, contacting the first
electrical contact 406(i) and the second electrical contact 406(ii)
is either 1 or 2; never zero (no dead spots); (iii) the number of
upper contact arms 105, i.e., power contact arms 105(i) of layers
3061 and 3062, contacting the first electrical contact 406(i) is
either 0 or 1, never 2; and (iv) the number of upper contact arms
105, i.e., power contact arms 105(i) of layers 3061 and 3062,
contacting the second electrical contact 406(ii) is either 0 or 1,
never 2. As such, there is never more than one CCCM 700 connected
to each CACM 900. Likewise, there is never more than one CACM 900
connected to each CCCM 700. This example also comprises a +15V
power supply 1001. Of further note, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 6B, by
placing the +15V electrical contacts (i.e., electrical contacts
406(i) and 406(ii)) and ground contact (i.e., electrical contact
406(iii)) in such close proximity, the effective antenna loop size
is minimized and spurious electromagnetic emissions are reduced.
Thus, facilitating compliance with electromagnetic emissions
limits.
[0090] FIG. 7B illustrates the interactions of the above example.
As depicted in FIG. 7B, when +15V is applied between power contact
705 and ground contact 710, timer chip 720 oscillates at 15 kHz,
and switches transistor 715 on and off. This causes a load of 1 k
ohms to switch in and out of the current path at 15 kHz. The
purpose is to introduce a recognizable signature in the +15V
current path.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 8A, the CACM's 900 micro-controller 910
monitors the voltage difference between SENSHI node 926 and SENSLO
node 925. This voltage difference indicates the amount of +15V
current flowing from power contact arm 105(i) to cart electrical
contact, e.g., electrical contact 406(i) or 406(ii). In the initial
idle state, the micro-controller 910 holds PWREN signal 9200 low so
that field effect transistor 960 is off and +15V current must flow
through 1 k ohms of resistance. In this state, the micro-controller
910 looks for current matching the 15 kHz profile generated by the
CCCM 700. After this signature is consistently detected for some
appropriate time period (e.g., 5 seconds), the micro-controller 910
drives PWREN signal 9200 high, thereby turning on field effect
transistor 960, and providing enough current to charge battery 610
on the shopping cart 600.
[0092] While the battery 610 is charging, the 15 kHz signature is
continuously monitored. If it is interrupted, the micro-controller
910 turns off the field effect transistor 960 by driving PWREN
signal 9200 low. For example, should shopping cart 600 be moved so
that the CCCM 700 loses contact with the CACM 900, the signature
will be interrupted and logic turns off the charging current.
[0093] Additionally, if a short circuit falls across the +15V power
contact arms 105(i) and the ground contact arms 105(ii); this same
logic quickly (e.g., instantaneously or within a few hundredths of
a second) turns off the charging current. This can be the case if,
for example, the metal frame of shopping cart 600 contacts both+15V
power contact arms 105(i) and ground contact arms 105(ii).
[0094] In an embodiment, ground contact arms 105(ii) and ground
electrical contact 406(iii)/ground charging contact 403 are
positioned and allowed to interact differently than power contact
arms 105(i) and electric power receiving electrical contacts
406(i), 406(ii)/a first or second associated portion of charging
contact 402. For example, multiple ground contact arms 105(ii) are
allowed to contact a ground electrical contact 406(iii)/charging
contact 403 simultaneously, whereas multiple power contact arms
105(i) are not allowed to simultaneously contact a single
electrical contact 406(i), 406(ii), a first associated portion of
charging contact 402, or a second associated portion of charging
contact 402. The above may be accomplished by using a first layer
of contact arms 105 and a second layer of contact arms 105, wherein
the contact arms 105 in each layer are spaced by X, wherein X
equals the distance between corresponding portions of contact arms
105 in a layer, and wherein the first layer and the second layer
are horizontally offset by half of the distance between the contact
arms' 105 corresponding portions (e.g. X/2), and by requiring the
electric power receiving electrical contacts 406(i), 406(ii)/an
associated portion of charging contact 402 to be limited in
horizontal length to prevent contact with two power contact arms
105(i) simultaneously (e.g. horizontal length less than X/2), and
by requiring the ground electrical contact 406(iii)/ground charging
contact 403 to have sufficient horizontal length to always contact
at least one ground contact arm 105(i) (e.g. horizontal length at
least >X).
[0095] In an embodiment, a pair of electrical contacts 406(i) and
406(ii), or a first associated portion of charging contact 402 and
a second associated portion of charging contact 402, are arranged
so that the pair's cumulative length is more than X/2, and so that
one of the pair will contact power contact arm 105(i). All ground
electrical contact 406(iii)/ground charging contact 403 are
electrically connected to each other.
[0096] In an exemplary operation, a shopping cart 600 may be
positioned, by a consumer or store employee, placing the shopping
cart's 600 charging contact 400 or charging contact assembly 405 in
contact with contact charging arms 105 (and associatively in
contact with power source 1000) to facilitate recharging of said
shopping cart's 600 battery 610 (or batteries). Contact between
contact arms 105 and charging contact 400 or charging contact
assembly 405 forms a flow path for electrical current between power
source 1000 and the battery 610 such that the battery 610 may be
recharged.
[0097] The disclosed contact charging system for vehicle-mounted
batteries may be further described by the following enumerated
embodiments: [0098] 1. A system for charging a vehicle-mounted
battery comprising: [0099] a vehicle; [0100] a battery; [0101] a
plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at least one of
the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to
the battery; [0102] a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components rotates about an axis, and wherein each of the
plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to
prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric
power transfer components and the vehicle; and a power source.
[0103] 2. The system of 1, further comprising a current profile
generating module, wherein the current profile generating module is
operably connected to no more than one electrical contact. [0104]
3. The system of 1 or 2, further comprising a current flow
monitoring module, wherein the current flow monitoring module is
operably connected to no more than one electric power transfer
component. [0105] 4. The system of 3, wherein the current profile
generating module and the current flow monitoring module each
determine whether valid electrical contact is made between system
components. [0106] 5. The system of 3, wherein the electrical
contact comprises: [0107] a frame; and [0108] a wire. [0109] 6. The
system of 5, wherein the wire comprises: [0110] a first capped end
comprising a restriction element to prevent the end from passing
through the frame; [0111] a tensioning component, wherein the
tensioning component is positioned between the restriction element
and the frame; and [0112] a second capped end. [0113] 7. The system
of 6, wherein the second capped end comprises a screw-type area
which is configured to interact with a screw-type receiving portion
of the frame for affecting the tensioning component. [0114] 8. The
system of 6 or 7, wherein the frame comprises segments separated by
a distance, wherein the distance may be altered for affecting the
tensioning component. [0115] 9. The system of 6, 7, or 8, wherein
the tensioning component is selected from the group consisting of a
spring, a bushing, a band, and a combination thereof. [0116] 10.
The system of 6, 7, 8, or 9, further comprising a plurality of
wires. [0117] 11. The system of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10,
wherein a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact
are positioned in as near proximity to each other as operationally
possible, thus resulting in minimal effective antenna loop size.
[0118] 12. The system of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11,
wherein each of the plurality of electric power transfer components
comprise: [0119] a contact arm, wherein the contact arm is
connected to a tensioning component. [0120] 13. The system of 12,
wherein the tensioning component comprises a helical compression
spring, a coiled extension spring, an elastic band, a bushing, a
hydraulic piston device, a spring-loaded scissors linkage, a
spring-loaded parallelogram linkage, an archery-bow-type component,
or a combination thereof. [0121] 14. The system of 12 or 13,
wherein the contact arm comprises a curved charging portion that
consistently presents about a 45 degree attack angle. [0122] 15.
The system of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14,
wherein the plurality of electric power transfer components are
arranged in plurality of layers. [0123] 16. The system of 15,
wherein a first layer transfers electric power while contacting a
first electrical contact and wherein a second layer functions as a
ground while contacting a second electrical contact. [0124] 17. The
system of 16, further comprising a third layer which transfers
electric power while contacting a third electrical contact and a
fourth layer which functions as a ground while contacting the
second electrical contact, wherein the first layer contacts the.
[0125] 18. The system of 16 or 17, wherein no more than one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components transfers electric
power to each electric contact, wherein at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components transfers electric
power to at least one electrical contact, and wherein at least one
of the plurality of electric power transfer components functions as
a ground. [0126] 19. A system for charging a vehicle-mounted
battery comprising: [0127] a vehicle; [0128] a battery; [0129] a
plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at least one of
the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to
the battery; [0130] a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric is
tensioned so that at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components maintains contact with at least one of the
plurality of electrical contacts without utilizing a guide
mechanism for the vehicle; and a power source. [0131] 20. The
system of 19, further comprising a current profile generating
module, wherein the current profile generating module is operably
connected to no more than one electrical contact. [0132] 21. The
system of 19 or 20, further comprising a current flow monitoring
module, wherein the current flow monitoring module is operably
connected to no more than one electric power transfer component.
[0133] 22. The system of 21, wherein the current profile generating
module and the current flow monitoring module each determine
whether valid electrical contact is made between system components.
[0134] 23. The system of 21, wherein the electrical contact
comprises: [0135] a frame; and [0136] a wire. [0137] 24. The system
of 23, wherein the wire comprises: [0138] a first capped end
comprising a restriction element to prevent the end from passing
through the frame; [0139] a tensioning component, wherein the
tensioning component is positioned between the restriction element
and the frame; and [0140] a second capped end. [0141] 25. The
system of 24, wherein the second capped end comprises a screw-type
area which is configured to interact with a screw-type receiving
portion of the frame for affecting the tensioning component. [0142]
26. The system of 24 or 25, wherein the frame comprises segments
separated by a distance, wherein the distance may be altered for
affecting the tensioning component. [0143] 27. The system of 24,
25, or 26, wherein the tensioning component is selected from the
group consisting of a spring, a bushing, a band, and a combination
thereof. [0144] 28. The system of 24, 25, 26, or 27, further
comprising a plurality of wires. [0145] 29. The system of 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, wherein a first electrical
contact and a second electrical contact are positioned in as near
proximity to each other as operationally possible, thus resulting
in minimal effective antenna loop size. [0146] 30. The system of
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, wherein each of the
plurality of electric power transfer components comprise: [0147] a
contact arm, wherein the contact arm is connected to a tensioning
component. [0148] 31. The system of 30, wherein the tensioning
component comprises a helical compression spring, a coiled
extension spring, an elastic band, a bushing, a hydraulic piston
device, a spring-loaded scissors linkage, a spring-loaded
parallelogram linkage, an archery-bow-type component, or a
combination thereof. [0149] 32. The system of 30 or 31, wherein the
contact arm comprises a curved charging portion that consistently
presents about a 45 degree attack angle. [0150] 33. The system of
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32,
wherein the plurality of electric power transfer components are
arranged in plurality of layers. [0151] 34. The system of 33,
wherein a first layer transfers electric power while contacting a
first electrical contact and wherein a second layer functions as a
ground while contacting a second electrical contact. [0152] 35. The
system of 34, further comprising a third layer which transfers
electric power while contacting a third electrical contact and a
fourth layer which functions as a ground while contacting the
second electrical contact, wherein the first layer contacts the.
[0153] 36. The system of 33 or 34, wherein no more than one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components transfers electric
power to each electric contact, wherein at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components transfers electric
power to at least one electrical contact, and wherein at least one
of the plurality of electric power transfer components functions as
a ground. [0154] 37. A system for charging a vehicle-mounted
battery comprising: [0155] a vehicle; [0156] a battery; [0157] a
plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts is coupled to the vehicle and at least one of
the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to
the battery; [0158] a plurality of electric power transfer
components, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric power
transfer components is mounted to a plurality of mechanical
constraints, wherein at least one of the plurality of mechanical
constraints is associated with a tensioning component, wherein the
tensioning component is configured to exert force on the least one
of the plurality of electric power transfer components to
facilitate maintaining contact between the at least one of the
plurality of electric power transfer components and the vehicle,
and wherein each of the plurality of electric power transfer
components is configured to prevent undesired connections between
the plurality of electric power transfer components and the
vehicle; and [0159] a power source. [0160] 38. The system of 37,
further comprising a current profile generating module, wherein the
current profile generating module is operably connected to no more
than one electrical contact. [0161] 39. The system of 37 or 38,
further comprising a current flow monitoring module, wherein the
current flow monitoring module is operably connected to no more
than one electric power transfer component. [0162] 40. The system
of 37, wherein the current profile generating module and the
current flow monitoring module each determine whether valid
electrical contact is made between system components. [0163] 41.
The system of 40, wherein the electrical contact comprises: [0164]
a frame; and [0165] a wire. [0166] 42. The system of 41, wherein
the wire comprises: [0167] a first capped end comprising a
restriction element to prevent the end from passing through the
frame; [0168] a tensioning component, wherein the tensioning
component is positioned between the restriction element and the
frame; and [0169] a second capped end. [0170] 43. The system of 42,
wherein the second capped end comprises a screw-type area which is
configured to interact with a screw-type receiving portion of the
frame for affecting the tensioning component. [0171] 44. The system
of 42 or 43, wherein the frame comprises segments separated by a
distance, wherein the distance may be altered for affecting the
tensioning component. [0172] 45. The system of 42, 43, or 44,
wherein the tensioning component is selected from the group
consisting of a spring, a bushing, a band, and a combination
thereof. [0173] 46. The system of 42, 43, 44, or 45, further
comprising a plurality of wires. [0174] 47. The system of 35, 36,
37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, or 44, wherein a first electrical
contact and a second electrical contact are positioned in as near
proximity to each other as operationally possible, thus resulting
in minimal effective antenna loop size. [0175] 48. The system of
37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, or 47, wherein each of the
plurality of electric power transfer components comprise: [0176] a
contact arm, wherein the contact arm is connected to a tensioning
component. [0177] 49. The system of 48, wherein the contact arm
comprises a curved charging portion that consistently presents
about a 45 degree attack angle. [0178] 50. The system of 37, 38,
39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48, wherein the plurality of
electric power transfer components are arranged in plurality of
layers. [0179] 51. The system of 50, wherein a first layer
transfers electric power while contacting a first electrical
contact and wherein a second layer functions as a ground while
contacting a second electrical contact. [0180] 52. The system of
51, further comprising a third layer which transfers electric power
while contacting a third electrical contact and a fourth layer
which functions as a ground while contacting the second electrical
contact, wherein the first layer contacts the. [0181] 53. The
system of 51 or 52, wherein no more than one of the plurality of
electric power transfer components transfers electric power to each
electric contact, wherein at least one of the plurality of electric
power transfer components transfers electric power to at least one
electrical contact, and wherein at least one of the plurality of
electric power transfer components functions as a ground. [0182]
54. A contact for receiving an electric power transfer, wherein the
contact comprises a plurality of contacting portions configured to
receive electrical power transfer from a plurality of electric
power transfer components. [0183] 55. The contact of 54, wherein
the contact comprises a charging contact. [0184] 56. The contact of
55, wherein the contact comprises a frame and a wire. [0185] 57.
The contact of 56, wherein the wire comprises: [0186] a first
capped end comprising a restriction element to prevent the end from
passing through the frame; [0187] a tensioning component, wherein
the tensioning component is positioned between the restriction
element and the frame; and [0188] a second capped end. [0189] 58.
The contact of 57, wherein the second capped end comprises a
screw-type area which is configured to interact with a screw-type
receiving portion of the frame for affecting the tensioning
component. [0190] 59. The contact of 57 or 58, wherein the frame
comprises segments separated by a distance, wherein the distance
may be altered for affecting the tensioning component. [0191] 60.
The contact of 57, 58, or 59, wherein the tensioning component is
selected from the group consisting of a spring, a bushing, a band,
and a combination thereof. [0192] 61. The contact of 57, 58, 59, or
60, further comprising a plurality of wires. [0193] 62. The
electrical contact of 54, wherein the electrical contact comprises
a charging contact assembly. [0194] 63. The electrical contact of
62, wherein the electrical contact comprises a housing. [0195] 64.
The electrical contact of 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, or
63, wherein a first electrical contact portion and a second
electrical contact portion are positioned in as near proximity to
each other as operationally possible, thus resulting in minimal
effective antenna loop size.
[0196] 65. A contact component for transferring electric power,
wherein the contact component rotates about an axis, and wherein
the contact component is configured to prevent undesired
connections between the component and a vehicle which it contacts
for electric power transfer. [0197] 66. The contact component of
65, further comprising a current flow monitoring module, wherein
the current flow monitoring module is operably connected to no more
than one contact component. [0198] 67. The contact component of 65
or 66, wherein the contact component comprises a contact arm.
[0199] 68. The contact arm of 67, wherein the contact arm comprises
a substantially non-curved portion and a substantially curved
portion. [0200] 69. The contact arm of 67, wherein the contact arm
does not comprise a substantially non-curved portion. [0201] 70.
The contact component of 65, 66, 67, 68, or 69, wherein the contact
component is connected to a tensioning component. [0202] 71. The
contact component of 70, wherein the tensioning component comprises
a helical compression spring, a coiled extension spring, an elastic
band, a bushing, a hydraulic piston device, a spring-loaded
scissors linkage, a spring-loaded parallelogram linkage, an
archery-bow-type component, or a combination thereof. [0203] 72.
The contact component of 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, or 71, wherein the
contact component comprises a curved charging portion that
consistently presents about a 45 degree attack angle. [0204] 73.
The contact component of 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, or 72, wherein
the contact component is configured for layered association with a
plurality of contact components. [0205] 74. A contact component for
transferring electric power, wherein the contact component is
mounted to a plurality of mechanical constraints, wherein at least
one of the plurality of mechanical constraints is associated with a
tensioning component, wherein the tensioning component is
configured to exert force on the contact component to facilitate
maintaining contact between the contact component and a vehicle
which it contacts for electric power transfer. [0206] 75. The
contact component of 74, further comprising a current flow
monitoring module, wherein the current flow monitoring module is
operably connected to no more than one contact component. [0207]
76. The contact component of 74 or 75, wherein the contact
component comprises a contact arm. [0208] 77. The contact arm of
76, wherein the contact arm comprises a substantially non-curved
portion and a substantially curved portion. [0209] 78. The contact
arm of 76, wherein the contact arm does not comprise a
substantially non-curved portion. [0210] 79. The contact component
of 74, 75, 76, 77, or 78, wherein the tensioning component
comprises a helical compression spring, a coiled extension spring,
an elastic band, a bushing, a hydraulic piston device, a
spring-loaded scissors linkage, a spring-loaded parallelogram
linkage, an archery-bow-type component, or a combination thereof.
[0211] 80. The contact component of 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, or 79,
wherein the contact component comprises a curved charging portion
that consistently presents about a 45 degree attack angle. [0212]
81. The contact component of 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, or 80, wherein
the contact component is configured for layered association with a
plurality of contact components. [0213] 82. A method of charging a
vehicle mounted battery comprising: [0214] providing a vehicle,
wherein the vehicle comprises a battery; [0215] providing a
plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of
electrical contacts is affixed to the vehicle and at least one of
the plurality of electrical contacts is electrically connected to
the battery; [0216] providing a plurality of electric power
transfer components, wherein at least one of the plurality of
electric power transfer components rotates about an axis and is
electrically connected to a power source; [0217] allowing for the
at least one electric power transfer component and the at least one
of the plurality of electrical contacts which is electrically
connected to the battery to come into contact, wherein the
plurality of electric power transfer components is configured to
prevent undesired connections between the plurality of electric
power transfer components and the vehicle. [0218] 83. Use of a
system, electrical contact, or contact component of any preceding
enumerated embodiment for charging a vehicle-mounted battery.
[0219] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the
invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and
are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications
of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the
scope of the invention. Where numerical ranges or limitations are
expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be
understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like
magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations
(e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater
than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). Use of the term
"optionally" with respect to any element of a claim is intended to
mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not
required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of
the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes,
having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower
terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised
substantially of, etc. The various embodiments and components
thereof disclosed herein may be used singularly or in combination
with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Throughout the figures,
like numbers correspond to like parts.
[0220] Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the
description set out above but is only limited by the claims which
follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter
of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the
specification as an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the
claims are a further description and are an addition to the
preferred embodiments of the present invention. The discussion of a
reference herein is not an admission that it is prior art to the
present invention, especially any reference that may have a
publication date after the priority date of this application. The
disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications
cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent
that they provide exemplary, procedural or other details
supplementary to those set forth herein.
* * * * *