Patent ID: 12224608

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the modular wireless appliance charging system. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a customizable charging solution for hair appliances and any other suitable types of battery-powered devices. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIG.1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular wireless appliance charging system. The modular wireless appliance charging system includes a primary charging platform10which supports a number of adapters14. Each adapter14includes a receiver16having a charging port23, which includes an electrical contact (not visible, shown as17inFIG.4). The receivers16are sized to receive different types and sizes of appliances. Additionally, the electrical contacts in connection with the charging port23of the adapter14are adapted to connect to the corresponding charging port of the appliance so that the primary charging platform10can charge the appliance's battery.

The adapters14are removably securable within individual adapter slots12disposed on an upper surface of the primary charging platform10. In the shown embodiment, the adapters14include a base15that aligns to fit snugly within the perimeter walls18that define the individual adapter slots12. The perimeter walls18help secure the adapters14in place during use. In some embodiments, additional securement mechanisms such as magnets, clips, and other similar devices may be utilized to form a temporary yet secure connection between the adapters14and the adapter slots12.

Each adapter slot12includes a charging mechanism in the form of an electrical contact13that is operably connected to a power supply. The power supply may be an internal battery within the primary charging platform10or a wired connection to a wall outlet. In such an embodiment, the charging platform10can include an internal invertor to convert the alternating current from the wall outlet to a direct current required for charging the appliance's battery. When the adapter14is secured within the adapter slot12, the adapter slot electrical contact13transmits electrical energy from the power supply to the receiver electrical contact17. This allows the battery of the appliance secured thereto to be charged.

Referring now toFIG.2, there is shown an expanded perspective view of an embodiment of the modular wireless appliance charging system with the adapters separated from the adapter slots. The adapter bases15and adapter slots12all include a common shape and size, so that any adapter14can be used in any adapter slot12. This allows the user to arrange and organize their particular appliances in the pattern they desire. For example, the user may wish to place their appliances from one end of the charging platform10to the other in the order that they will be used during the hair cutting or styling process. This can help to streamline the process and improve the experience for both the individual using the appliances and the person whose hair is being cut or styled.

Referring now toFIG.3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the modular wireless appliance charging system in use with different types of appliances. In some embodiments, the system further includes an auxiliary charging platform21that is removably securable to the primary charging platform10. An electrical connection is formed when the two platforms10,21are secured to one another. In this way, the user can expand the total capacity of the system if needed. Each appliance50is secured within its respective receiver16, since each adapter14is designed to match a particular type of appliance.

Referring now toFIG.4, there is shown an expanded perspective view of the primary and auxiliary charging platforms from an embodiment of the modular wireless appliance charging system. In the shown embodiment, the primary charging platform10includes a base plate11that includes the power supply and other electronic components of the system. In some embodiments, the power supply includes a battery power supply26enclosed within the base plate. A charging port23disposed on one end of the primary charging platform10is configured to receive electrical energy from the battery power supply. The charging port23can include a USB connector or any other suitable electrical connector capable of power transmission. In one embodiment, the charging port23connects to the internal battery power supply26via the charging mechanism27which includes the charging port23and an electrical contact17within the primary charging platform10. In other embodiments, the charging port23connects to an electrical contact17of the charging mechanism27, which in turn is operably connected to a wall outlet-type power supply19, which includes a port that receives a wall outlet connector28that connects to an external wall outlet as a source of electricity for the wall-outlet type power supply19. In some embodiments, the wall outlet-type power supply19is configured to directly convert the electricity received by the wall outlet-type power supply19to the appropriate electrical current required for charging the attached appliances. The primary charging platform's opposing end25includes a connector20that is configured to removably secure to a corresponding connector22on the auxiliary charging platform21. This allows the same power supply to charge appliances secured to either charging platform, whether it be a battery power supply26or a wall outlet-type power supply19.

Similar to the primary charging platform10, the auxiliary charging platform21includes individual adapter slots12with electrical contacts13, which are sized to receive the base15of the adapters14. In some embodiments, the adapter14comprises two electrical contacts, one contact17within its base15, and another contact23within the receiver16. The base electrical contact17is in electrical communication with the receiver electrical contact17, such that electrical energy is transferrable from the power supply to an appliance50secured to the adapter14when the adapter is secured to one of the adapter slots12.

In operation, the user can utilize only the primary charging platform10, or they may attach the auxiliary charging platform21to provide additional adapter slots12. The user can acquire individual adapters12that are configured for use with the specific appliances the user owns. This gives the user the ability to expand their charging capabilities as their collection of appliances grows over time. Further, the adapters12can be placed in any arrangement on each charging platform, so as to organize the appliances in a way that improves the hair cutting and styling process. In this way, the customization and expansion options of present invention provide improvements over any existing charging platforms and related devices.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.