Patent ID: 6034505
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: H01M,H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
A rechargeable cradle and power supply unit for mounting onto a battery-powered device and providing power thereto, the battery-powered device includes an upper side and a lower side, the upper side being useable for interfacing with a user, said cradle and power supply comprising:a housing for slideably receiving the battery-powered device in a manner that allows the upper side to remain unencumbered;a jack wherein the jack is insertable into a power outlet on the battery-powered device;a rotatable AC plug mounted to the housing, wherein the AC plug is insertable into an AC outlet;at least one rechargeable battery and a charging circuit mounted inside the housing; anda switch coupled to the AC plug, the jack, the at least one rechargeable battery and the charging circuit for controlling the operation of the unit; the switch including a first position in which the AC plug is connected to the charging circuit to recharge the at least one rechargeable battery, the AC plugs being disconnected from powering the battery-powered device; and the switch including a second position in which the jack is connected to the at least one rechargeable battery to allow the at least one rechargeable battery to power the battery-powered device, the AC plug being disabled from recharging the at least one rechargeable battery.