Abstract:
A power charger includes a case; a battery housed in the case; a power connection port housed in the case; a battery control module operatively connecting the battery with the power connection port; a power button operatively connected to actuate the battery control module between a first mode in which electrical current can flow from the battery to the power connection port, and a second mode in which electrical current can flow from the power connection port to the battery; and at least one LED operatively connected to be energized by the battery control module for illuminating the power button according to a battery charge level.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of, claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of, and incorporates herein by reference U.S. Pat. App. 61/974,691 “Purse with Embedded Portable Power Charger” filed Apr. 3, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
       [0002]    The invention relates to portable devices (“power chargers”) that incorporate batteries for recharging the batteries of other portable devices. In general, a power charger includes an internal (optionally rechargeable) battery unit for connecting to and recharging one or more electronic device, as necessary, and at least one power connection port for connecting the charger unit with at least one electronic device, or an external power source, or both. Particular embodiments relate to means for efficiently indicating the charge levels of such portable devices. Particular embodiments relate to fashion accessories for efficiently transporting and accessing power chargers while protecting vulnerable contents from remote scanning. 
       DISCUSSION OF ART 
       [0003]    Present day consumers typically own several electronic devices specifically designed for portability and use on-the-go, including, for example, a mobile phone or smart phone, a portable music player like an iPod® or an MP3 player, a tablet, a portable gaming unit, and the like. Each of these devices requires recharging. However, when such a device must be connected to an external (fixed location) power supply for recharging, it becomes difficult to make use of the recharging device in customary ambulatory manner, as the device has become tethered to the fixed location. 
         [0004]    Additionally, different electronic devices may utilize distinct power connection ports or interfaces that are not mutually compatible with a single charging cable—e.g., USB®, Lightning®, or 30-pin Apple® connectors. Thus, a consumer may need to carry around several different charging cables and possibly different charging adapters. 
         [0005]    Further, it may be the case that a portable device runs out of power in a location where no power source is readily available, or while its user is in transit between fixed locations. In such case a consumer may become unable to use the portable device until arriving at a different location where a power source is available. 
         [0006]    On occasion, an electronic device needs a small amount of charge to finish a task before the device powers down due to insufficient battery capacity. For example, a user on a call using a mobile phone may wish to finish the call, but cannot find a power source to plug into, may not have enough time to get to a power source, or may not have the appropriate charging cable with her at the time. As noted, if the phone is plugged into a traditional power source, like a wall socket, it is difficult to continue using the phone as desired. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, portable power chargers have been provided for on-the-go use. However, such power chargers often are inconvenient to transport. In particular, it is highly unlikely that a consumer will want to continuously hand-carry a power charger, as typical power chargers have a very industrial, technological look, and while they can be made more aesthetically pleasing by using different colors or decorative covers, they still have the general look of an electronic device. Thus, power chargers often are shoved into more convenient and/or more aesthetic carrying containers (a purse, backpack, pocket, or the like) in which they can become difficult to access. Indeed, given the typically unplanned and infrequent nature of using power chargers, it is likely that such devices will end up in the least-accessible regions of their carrying containers. 
         [0008]    Moreover, further in consideration of the unplanned nature of using a power charger, the likely inaccessibility of a power charger except when a consumer immediately needs to use it, and the tendency of power chargers to “lose” battery charge over a period of weeks, it is possible that a power charger may be depleted of charge, without notice to a consumer, exactly at the time that the consumer needs to use it. 
         [0009]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a charger that can be used to charge a variety of electronic devices, including but not limited to smart phones, mobile phones, data tablets, music players, cameras, camcorders, gaming units, e-books, Bluetooth® headsets and earpieces, GPS devices, and the like, either individually or simultaneously in various combinations, but also having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, there is a need for such a charger that is portable, has a compact size, and is easy to use in various conditions and locations to charge one or more electronic devices simultaneously, including but not limited to in a house or office, a car or an airplane, as well as on-the-go, without compromising operation, performance or appearance. Further, there is a need for a combined charger and charging cable that is compact, lightweight and easy to transport without compromising its functionality for a user requiring a portable source of power. Still further, there is a need for a power charger that can be easily recharged from an external power source, providing increase flexibility and convenience of use for the power charger. Moreover, there is a need for a power charger that has an attractive external appearance and that can be easily carried in an accessible manner along with other useful objects. 
         [0010]    Additionally, certain sorts of electronic devices or articles, typically carried in purses or wallets, increasingly are equipped with NFC (near field communication) or RFID (radio frequency identification) type technologies, which enable identification or even activation of these devices or articles (“vulnerable contents”) without a consumer&#39;s knowledge. For example, both cell phones and credit cards can be equipped with this kind of technology. Indeed, the Mobil SpeedPass was one of the first exemplars of NFC technology. Although relatively convenient for tap-and-pay type transactions, this kind of technology can render consumers vulnerable to “digital pickpockets.” Therefore, there is a need for protecting these sorts of vulnerable contents from pickpocketing. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight power charger is provided with a removably fitted and aesthetic covering that is usable as a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag or the like while maintaining the power charger in easy access for charging one or more electronic devices while also being usable as a fashion accessory. 
         [0012]    Certain embodiments of the invention provide that the removably fitted covering also includes spaces for receiving credit cards, a mobile phone, or the like “vulnerable contents,” and also incorporates RFID barrier material for preventing remote access to or detection of the vulnerable contents. 
         [0013]    In one aspect of the present invention, the charger unit comprises a charger housing sized to fit into a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag, or the like, which provides protection to the charger and improves the aesthetic appearance of the power charger, permitting it to look and feel more like a fashion accessory than an electronic gadget. Indeed, a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag, or other type of portable fashion accessory can be designed to fit snugly around the charger housing, or include a pocket that receives the charger housing for on-the-go use. In alternate embodiments, a power charger in accordance with the present invention can be designed to fit within a pocket formed into a tote bag, duffel bag, backpack, luggage, or the like, whereby the location and positioning of the charger within said pocket does not interfere with use of the charger. In this regard, it is optimal that the charger can be used while it is embedded within a purse or bag and without requiring it to be removed prior to use. 
         [0014]    The charger further includes a rechargeable battery unit disposed therein and operatively connected to at least one power connection port that can operate as either a power input (for providing an electrical charge from an external power source for recharging the internal battery unit when the charger unit is connected to the external power source) or a power output (for charging the internal batteries of other electronic devices from the rechargeable battery unit) or both. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the power charger includes a power input connector for connecting the internal battery unit to an external power source for recharging, as well as a power connection output port to which a charging cable can be attached to connect the power charger to one or more electronic devices in need of recharging from the internal battery unit. For example, the power input connector can be connected to the charger housing and in operative communication with the internal battery unit. When not in use, the power input connector can be stored within the purse, for example, in a pocket specifically designed to receive the connector. The pocket can be closed by a magnetic clasp, a zipper or other known means in the fashion accessory industry. Alternatively, the connector can be stored within a cavity formed in the charger housing. In use, the connector can be flexed away from the charger housing and connected to an external power source, either directly using an appropriate connection interface provided on the distal end of the connector, or using an adapter unit than can be connected to the distal end of the connector. 
         [0016]    In a preferred design of the portable power charger, at least one removable and replaceable charging cable is also connected to the charger housing. The charging cable includes a first end adapted to connect to a power connection port of the power charger (e.g., the power connection port discussed above) and a second end adapted to connect to an electronic device for recharging from the internal battery of the power charger. When not in use, the charging cable can be stored within the charger housing and maintained within a desired footprint of the charger housing, or alternately, positioned adjacent the charger housing or the purse so that it is readily available when needed. In one embodiment, the charging cable can be stored against the purse, with the first end inserted within a storage cavity formed in the charger housing and the second end and intermediate cord portion disposed adjacent to the purse material, or within a pocket in the purse material, or within a storage cavity formed in the charger housing. The storage cavity for the first end of the charging cable can merely be an empty cavity shaped to snugly receive the first end and its connection interface, or alternatively, comprise a second power connection port with a connection interface that complements the interface on the first end. In use—that is, to recharge an electronic device—the second end of the cable can be flexed away from the charger housing for connection to an electronic device. 
         [0017]    In preferred embodiments, the charging cable can be removed from the charger housing and replaced by another charging cable, as desired—for example, to change out the connection interface on the second end of the cable between a USB, micro-USB, mini-USB, 30-pin, Apple Lightning interface, or other type of connection interface, which provides flexibility in use. In alternate embodiments, the charging cable can be attached to the charger housing at the first end with the second end being stored in a storage cavity when not in use, but flexed away from the charger housing for use. Additional cables can also be provided—for example, for storage on the opposite side of the charger housing. Still further, additional power connection ports can be provided on the charger housing which can be used as a power connection input for recharging the internal battery unit of the charger, as a power connection output, for connection to additional electronic devices, as needed, or both. 
         [0018]    The power connection port may also comprise means for indicating a charge level of the power charger. In certain embodiments, the connection port—for example, a standard USB port—is surrounded by a clear plastic housing or cage that can be illuminated by any of a plurality of LEDs (e.g., to light up red, yellow, or green). The LEDs will illuminate the clear plastic housing to indicate the level of charge remaining in the internal battery unit. For example: a green illumination indicates a battery level between about 67% and about 100%; a yellow illumination indicates a battery level between about 34% and about 66%; a red illumination indicates a battery level of between about 0% and about 33%. The LEDs may also be actuated to indicate charging status, e.g., flashing or blinking illumination at a first periodicity may indicate the power charger is being charged whereas flashing or blinking illumination at a different periodicity may indicate the power charger is discharging. 
         [0019]    In another aspect of the present invention, the power connection port housing can also act as a power button. For example, the clear plastic housing can be operatively connected to a power switch, which is activated when a cable is inserted into the power connection port. Similarly, the power charger can turn off when the charging cable is removed from the power connection port. In alternate embodiments, the power charger can include an internal timer that turns off the charger at a predetermined time, or when nothing is attached to the charger to drawn power form the internal battery unit. In other embodiments, the power switch can be a toggle type switch, such that inserting a cable into the power connection port toggles the power switch on, and depressing the power connection port housing (in order to remove the cable) toggles the power switch off. For example, the power switch may need to be actuated by the power connection port housing for a specific period of time, e.g., in excess of one second to in excess of three seconds, in order to toggle the power switch off. 
         [0020]    Thus, embodiments of the invention provide a power charger that includes a case; a battery housed in the case; a power connection port housed in the case; a battery control module operatively connecting the battery with the power connection port; a power button operatively connected to actuate the battery control module between a first mode in which electrical current can flow from the battery to the power connection port, and a second mode in which electrical current can flow from the power connection port to the battery; and at least one LED operatively connected to be energized by the battery control module for illuminating the power button according to a battery charge level. 
         [0021]    In alternate embodiments, additional charging cables and power connection ports can be provided within detracting from the spirit or principles of the present invention. 
         [0022]    In another aspect of the present invention, the power charger can be embedded within a pouch which can then, in turn, be embedded within a fashion accessory, such as a purse, clutch, wallet, handbag, or the like. In this regard, the outer bag would permit easy removal of the pouch if the power charger was needed separate from the outer bag. The pouch permits charging cables to protrude through the pouch to permit charging of the internal battery unit and recharging of electronic devices connected to the power charger. 
         [0023]    In accordance with the present invention, a lightweight power charger is provided with 
         [0024]    The varied exemplary embodiments of the invention, as briefly described above, are illustrated by certain of the following figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1 and 2  depict in perspective views a power charger that includes a charge indicating power button, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows in cutaway perspective view internal components of the power charger of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
           [0027]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict in perspective views a wristlet pouch that houses the power charger of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show in perspective views a wallet that houses the power charger of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  depicts in perspective view a clutch that houses the power charger of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Although embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described as relating specifically to portable power chargers enclosed in fashion accessories, aspects of the invention may be applicable to, e.g., power supply devices generally. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1 and 2  depict in perspective views a power charger  10  that includes a charge indicating power button  12 , according to an embodiment of the invention. The power button  12  houses a charging port  13  (e.g., a standard female USB port), and is mounted in a case  14 , which includes connections for power cables  16  (the charging port  13 ),  18 , and  20 . The power button  12  typically is manufactured of a translucent or transparent polymer, e.g., PET, acrylic, polycarbonate, HDPE. It can be cast or machined. The case  14  typically also is manufactured of a polymer, and typically is injection molded as two pieces that are split along a midplane. The cables  16 ,  18 ,  20  are commercially available with different connecting ends. The cable  16  typically has one end standard male USB, for plugging into the standard female USB port  13 . The power button  12  may be configured around the power connection port  13 , such that plugging in the cable  16  will cause the power button  12  to be depressed against a light spring (not shown), thereby actuating an internal switch (shown in  FIG. 3 ) so as to deliver power from a battery to the power connection port  13 . The cables  18  and  20  may be integrally attached into the case  14 , as shown for example in  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, one or both of the cables  18  and  20  may also be detachable like the cable  16 , as shown for example in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In case the cable(s)  18  and/or  20  are detachable from the power charger  10 , they may be provided with differing ends, e.g., each may have a micro-USB end, a standard USB end, or another commonly used plug for connecting to the power charger  10  and a different plug end such as micro-USB, Lightning®, or 30-pin for connecting to a portable device to be charged from the power charger  10 . Other plug ends are known or will become known to ordinary skilled workers, and are not excepted from the scope of the invention although not expressly listed. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the case  14  can be assembled of two injection-molded halves that are fastened across a midplane by screws, pegs, or similar mechanical fasteners; or, alternatively, by friction welding, ultrasonic welding, epoxy or other adhesives. The case  14  houses a battery  22  as well as a battery control module  24 . The battery control module  24  operatively connects the battery  22  with the power connection port  13 , the cable  18 , and the cable  20 , as well as with the internal switch  26  and with at least one LED (in certain embodiments, at least three LEDs of differing colors  27 ,  28 ,  29 ). The power button  12  can be configured as a cage around the power connection port  13 , such that pushing the power button inward will actuate the internal switch  26 . The internal switch  26  may be a spring-return switch, and may operate with the battery control module  24  either as a normally-off switch (i.e. the battery control module will permit discharge of the battery  22  via the power connection port  13  and/or either of the cables  18 ,  20  only when the internal switch  26  is actuated by the power button  12 ) or as a toggle switch (i.e. the battery control module  24  will permit discharge of the battery  22  in response to the internal switch being actuated, and will continue to permit discharge of the battery  22  until the internal switch is again actuated). In certain embodiments of the invention, the battery control module  24  may be configured to require a specific actuation of the internal switch  26  in order to interrupt discharge of the battery  22 . For example, the battery control module  24  may be configured to require that the internal switch  26  is actuated for at least a set period of time, e.g., more than about one second, or more than about three seconds, so as to interrupt discharge of the battery  22 . 
         [0033]    The battery control module  24  also can be configured to illuminate the LED or LEDs  27 ,  28 ,  29  in response to actuation of the internal switch  26 . For example, the battery control module  24  can be configured to illuminate one or more of the LEDs  27 ,  28 ,  29  while power is delivered from the battery  22  to any of the power connection port  13 , the cable  18 , and/or the cable  20 . 
         [0034]    For example, the power charger  10  may include only a green LED  27  and a red LED  28 . Then during discharge of the battery  22 , the battery control module  24  can illuminate the translucent or transparent power button  12  by only the green LED  27  in case the battery control module monitors a charge level of the battery  22  that is between about 67% and about 100%; can illuminate the power button by both the green LED  27  and the red LED  28  (to provide a yellow or amber light) in case of a charge level of the battery  22  between about 34% and about 66%; or can illuminate the power button  12  by only the red LED  28  in case of a battery charge level of between about 0% and about 33%. 
         [0035]    In other embodiments, the power charger  10  may include only the green (or any other single color) LED  27 , in which case, the battery control module  24  can be configured to illuminate the green LED  27  (or any other color of LED) when the internal switch  26  is actuated, at a (blinking) duty cycle corresponding to a charge level of the battery  22 . In other words, the green LED  27  is constant on at 100% battery charge, and blinks less frequently as the battery charge level depletes—e.g., 50% duty cycle at 50% battery level, 20% duty cycle at 20% battery level. 
         [0036]    In yet other embodiments, the power charger  10  may include green, red, and yellow LEDs  27 ,  28 ,  29 . In such embodiments, the battery control module  24  can illuminate the translucent or transparent power button  12  by only the green LED  27  in case the battery control module monitors a charge level of the battery  22  that is between about 67% and about 100%; can illuminate the power button by only the yellow LED  29  in case of a charge level of the battery  22  between about 34% and about 66%; or can illuminate the power button  12  by only the red LED  28  in case of a battery charge level of between about 0% and about 33%. 
         [0037]    In any embodiment, the battery control module  24  can cause one or more of the LED(s) to blink while charging the battery  22  from an external supply. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4-5 , the power charger  10  can be housed inside a wristlet pouch  30 . The pouch  30  can be fabricated of leather, plastic, or cloth, and can be glued to the external surfaces of the case  14 , can be stitched to closely wrap the case  14 , or can be fashioned with a main pocket that closely fits the case  14  while providing an auxiliary pocket for stowage of a cell phone, one or more identity cards, cash, or the like contents. In select embodiments, the pouch  30  includes a layer of RFID barrier material, which protects vulnerable contents from remote access or scanning. The pouch  30  has a main opening  32 , through which at least the cable  20  is visible and directly accessible. Any auxiliary pocket of the pouch  30  also can be accessed via the opening  32 , which includes magnetic clasps  34  for securing the opening so as to establish the RFID barrier material completely enclosing any vulnerable contents. The pouch  30  also includes a wrist strap  36  for ease of carriage. The pouch  30  can be fabricated specifically of any aesthetic material, e.g., patterned woven or non-woven fabric, quality leather, or attractively patterned plastic. The power button  12  and the power connection port  13  are directly accessible and visible through a dedicated opening of the pouch  30 , separate from the main opening  32 . In certain embodiments the dedicated opening may be snugly fitted around the case  14 , adjacent the power button  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . Also as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the pouch  30  can include another dedicated opening, snugly fitted around the case  14 , for direct access of the cable  18  to the case  14 . The cable  18  may be formed to remain close to the outer surface of the pouch  30 , for example by including a right-angle connector as shown in  FIG. 5 . Also as shown in  FIG. 5 , the cable  18  can be configured to be detachable from the case  14 , for example so that when not in use the cable  18  can be stowed within the main opening  32  of the pouch  30 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 6-7  show in perspective views a wallet  40  in which the power charger  10  can be carried. The wallet  40  contains a fitted compartment or pouch  42 , into which the power charger  10  can be inserted, as well as a flap  44  for closing the pouch  42 . The flap  44 , as shown, includes a window that defines a card pocket  46 . The flap  44  has a snap closure  48 . The pouch  42  is constructed to hold the power charger  10  such that at least the power button  12 , the power connection  13 , and the cable  20  are directly accessible and visible simply by opening the flap  44 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  depicts in perspective view a clutch  50  that contains a fitted compartment or pouch  52  in which the power charger  10  is held. The pouch  52  is configured such that at least the power button  12 , the power connection  13 , and the cable  20  are directly accessible and visible by opening the clutch  50 . The clutch  50  also contains a main pocket  54 , in which various content (including vulnerable content) can be stowed. At least the main pocket  54  is lined with an RFID barrier material. The clutch  50  can be closed with magnetic clasps as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , or with one or more snaps as shown in  FIGS. 6-7 . 
         [0041]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to attached drawings. Those skilled in the art will apprehend variations in form or detail that are consistent with the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.