WO2015120300A1

WO2015120300A1 - Mobile multi-charger for mobile device external batteries

Info

Publication number: WO2015120300A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/014858
Authority: WO
Inventors: E. Ismael DICHIARA; Aaron Ray FLOREZ
Original assignee: Dichiara E Ismael; Florez Aaron Ray
Priority date: 2014-02-06
Filing date: 2015-02-06
Publication date: 2015-08-13
Also published as: US20220288232A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing a plurality of external rechargeable batteries for mobile devices.

Description

MOBILE MULTI-CHARGER FOR MOBILE DEVICE EXTERNAL BATTERIES

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/936,794, entitled: "MOBILE MULTI-CHARGER FOR MOBILE DEVICE EXTERNAL BATTERIES" filed February 6, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates generally to the fields of mobile device battery recharging docks, kiosks and methods of using the same.

II. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[003] With the advancements in mobile technology, the number of mobile devices is increasing at an astounding rate. Central to the use of mobile devices is a battery to keep the mobile devices running. However, while mobile technology and advancements have increased at a tremendous rate battery technology has lagged. Thus, as mobile devices become increasingly powerful, so do their requirements for power. The increased demand for power has manifested itself in reduced battery life for mobile devices.

SUMMARY

[004] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a charger for charging a plurality of rechargeable batteries for mobile devices. The charger or docking station comprises at least two docks for charging a first and second rechargeable battery for a mobile device, and a power supply electrically coupled to each of said docks.

[005] In one embodiment the disclosure provides a charger kiosk comprising a transaction network and a charger system, the charger system comprising at least a first and second dock, at least a first and second rechargeable battery, wherein the first and second rechargeable batteries are in the first and second docks, and at least one power supply electrically coupled to at least the first and second docks. In addition, the kiosk comprises a vending controller located within the kiosk structured to determine whether the first or second battery is present in the first or second dock and whether communication with the transaction network provides for instructions to release the first or second battery.

[006] In addition, the disclosure provides a rechargeable battery for a mobile device comprising at least a first and second plug for insertion into said mobile device, wherein said first and second plug are compatible with different mobile devices.

[007] In one embodiment the disclosure provides a method of providing rechargeable batteries for mobile devices comprising providing a charger as outlined above, distributing at least a first charged battery to a consumer, collecting at least a first battery from the consumer, wherein the battery is at least partially discharged and recharging the at least partially discharged battery in the battery dock.

[008] In one embodiment the disclosure provides a method of providing rechargeable batteries for mobile devices comprising providing a charger kiosk as described above, receiving a request from a consumer for a battery compatible with an input for a mobile device; receiving input from the consumer of payment information; and upon confirmation of the adequacy of said payment information, providing a battery to the consumer compatible with said request.

[009] In one embodiment the disclosure provides a method of messaging a mobile device user comprising providing a charged, rechargeable battery for a mobile device, whereby upon attachment of the battery to the mobile device, software stored in the battery is executed and provides a message to the mobile device.

[010] It is contemplated that any embodiment of a method or composition described herein can be implemented with respect to any other method or composition described herein.

[011] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." [012] The use of the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternative are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and/or."

[013] Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to indicate that a value includes

[014] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[015] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWI NGS

[016] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specification embodiments presented herein.

[017] FIG. 1 depicts a battery docking station as described herein.

[018] FIG. 2 depicts specific configurations of a battery docking station. A. Battery docking station with cord for wall outlet. B. Battery docking station with cord attached to solar battery. C. Battery docking station with rechargeable battery attached to docks. [019] FIG. 3 depicts multiple, rechargeable batteries attached to the mobile charger. A. Batteries attached directly to the charger. B. Batteries attached to the charger via a cord. C. Batteries in contact with the charger so as to charge wirelessly. D. Batteries in contact with charger so as to charge wirelessly. E. Multiple batteries stacked and charging on the mobile charger. F. Configuration showing mobile device batteries attached directly to the charger via a connector appendage. G. Configuration showing mobile device batteries attached to the charger via a cord.

[020] FIG. 4 depicts a stand-alone kiosk for dispensing, receiving and charging rechargeable batteries.

[021] FIG. 5 depicts a rechargeable battery with two distinct appendages for inserting into mobile devices having different types of connectors.

[022] FIG. 6 depicts a rechargeable battery with cords for attaching to different mobile devices. A. Rechargeable battery with cord leading to mobile device. The cord is fitted with a multi-tip adaptor allowing for insertion into different types of mobile devices. B. Rechargeable battery with cord capable of retracting into the case of the battery. C. Rechargeable battery with cord capable of being stored in a molded storage slot on the exterior of the battery. D. Rechargeable battery with kickstand.

DESCRIPTION

[023] In view of the rapid expansion of mobile technologies and the plethora of mobile devices all using increasing amounts of power, there exists a need for a devices and methods that allow mobile device users to charge their devices throughout the day at a variety of locations. Frequently, mobile device users simply use their devices until the batteries are discharged. When the mobile device is a mobile phone, smart phone, tablet and the like, it is frequently the primary method these users have to communicate with third parties. Thus, upon discharge of the batteries, the users are left with no means to communicate with people, rendering them at least uncomfortable and potentially vulnerable. Currently, users overcome this challenge by carrying with them mobile device charge cords. While this allows the user to charge the device throughout the day, it requires that the user find an available plug with which to charge their device. When in a public setting, such as a restaurant, bar and the like, this requires the user to either stay in close proximity to the outlet to which their device is attached, or leave the device unmonitored. Accordingly, there exists a need for improved methods and devices for charging mobile device batteries.

[024] Turning to FIG 1 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a battery docking station 110 for charging a plurality of rechargeable batteries for mobile devices. By plurality is meant at least two. As such the docking station, charger, or charging station includes a plurality of docks for charging batteries for mobile devices. The batteries are external batteries for recharging mobile devices, e.g. recharging one or more mobile device internal battery.

[025] By mobile devices is meant a smart phone, including but not limited to iPhone, Windows phone, Android phone, and the like, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a laptop computer, iPod, "wearable technology", including but not limited to smartwatch, Google glass, Nike+ FuelBand, or other activity trackers, and the like. In general a mobile device that uses a rechargeable battery finds use in the invention. The batteries for mobile devices as described herein include one or more appendages or connections for plugging into the mobile device, such as but not limited to USB connections, mini-USB connections, micro USB connections, and the like and can be updated or used with adapters to so as to make them compatible with updated or new connectors.

[026] By charging or recharging is meant to replenish the electrical charging capacity of a rechargeable battery.

[027] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG 2A, rechargeable batteries 220 are attached to the docking station 210 by any of a variety of methods, including contacting with a positive 230 and negative 240 pole. The rechargeable batteries may be placed in molded receivers for the battery. The positive and negative poles are in electrical communication with the batteries when inserted into or placed on the docking station for charging. [028] In addition, in one embodiment the docking station has an electrical cord 250 extending therefrom which is plugged into or associated with a power supply and carries electricity to the docking station. In an embodiment, the free terminus of the electrical cord has a conventional plug 260, which may be inserted into a wall outlet. As shown in FIG 2B, the electrical cord may be attached to other sources of electricity 270, including but not limited to one or more solar panels or as shown in FIG 2C, or other sources of electricity, such as a generator 280, and the like.

[029] Turning to FIG. 3, the present disclosure provides different configurations of contacting the rechargeable batteries 340 to the docking station 310. As shown in FIG 3 A and 3F, rechargeable batteries 340 may be placed in openings 350 in the docking station, wherein the openings are electrically coupled to a power source and allow for charging of the rechargeable batteries. In one embodiment the batteries are inserted into the charger. In another embodiment the docking station includes cords 360 emanating from the docking station, whereby the rechargeable batteries can be connected to the cords. As such, the rechargeable batteries include inputs or and/or appendages capable of being connected to the cords or to the docking station. Such inputs and complementary cords include USB connections, mini-USB connections, micro USB connections, and the like. For instance, in Fig 3F and 3G, the battery 340 contains an appendage 370 for connection into the complementary plug 380 in the docking station or the cord emanating from the docking station. In some embodiments the rechargeable battery is charged wirelessly.

[030] In one embodiment, the rechargeable batteries are placed on the docking station and charged via contact with magnetic strips on the docking station FIG 3C and FIG 3D. In an embodiment, a p plurality of rechargeable batteries are stacked one on top of the other and in electrical connectivity so as to charge each of the stacked batteries FIG 3E. In one embodiment, a rechargeable battery may be adapted to couple with the docking station through latching mechanisms. According to another embodiment, a rechargeable battery may be adapted to couple a docking station through magnetic or electromagnetic-based systems. According to an embodiment, power may be transferred to and from a rechargeable battery through metal contacts. According to another embodiment, power may be transferred to and from a rechargeable battery through inductive charging technology. Any of the configurations as outlined in Fig 3 can be used in conjunction with any of the docking station electrical sources outlined in Fig. 2. In some embodiments the external, rechargeable batteries have are charged through contact with the docking station via a first connector that is distinct from the connector used to connect to the mobile device.

[031] In an embodiment, the docking station itself may be powered by a rechargeable battery. In this embodiment, the docking station need not be connected to a power supply at all times. Rather, it can be a stand-alone docking/charging station that is recharged only as necessary. In some embodiments, the rechargeable batteries themselves may also be recharged by solar power. That is, the batteries are configured to receive a charge from one or more solar panels. In some embodiments the chargers are charged by inductive charging as known in the art.

[032] In one embodiment, the docking station includes a multi-hub connector, such as a multi-hub USB connector, which provides power to a plurality of docks in the docking station or provides power to a plurality of rechargeable batteries or mobile devices.

[033] In an embodiment, the docking station is enclosed within a water-tight container or otherwise made waterproof by methods known to those in the art.

[034] In yet another embodiment the rechargeable battery charging station is found within a kiosk. As shown in FIG 4, the kiosk may be a stand-alone station capable of receiving and vending batteries in response to customer input. In an embodiment, the kiosk also is capable of recharging discharged batteries. As described above for the docking station, the kiosk may be powered by external power or by an internal generator or rechargeable battery.

[035] On one embodiment, the kiosk contains a transaction network that mediates purchases by the customer. In this embodiment a customer provides information regarding the type of rechargeable battery is required, such as but not limited to a battery capable of recharging an iPhone, Windows phone, Android phone and the like. In addition, the transaction network is configured to receive payment information. In this regard, the transaction network may be configured to receive cash, credit card, debit card, bitcoin, Paypal and/or other electronic methods of payment. As is appreciated by one of skill in the art, the kiosk may be configured with a router for internet access by direct connection or wireless connection.

[036] As described above the kiosk is configured with internal docking stations for charging and/or storing a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The kiosk may also comprise memory and software configured to store information about the rechargeable batteries, including the type of battery found in each dock as well as the level of charge associated with each of the rechargeable batteries.

[037] The kiosk also contains a vending controller configured to determine whether a particular dock is occupied and capable of releasing a battery upon instructions received from the transaction network.

[038] In one embodiment the present disclosure also provides a rechargeable battery having a plurality of connectors for different types of mobile devices. As shown in FIG 5A and FIG 5B, in one embodiment, first and second plugs may be embedded within the casing of the battery and moved in and out of the casing as needed. In this embodiment, the first and second plugs are different and are compatible with first and second different mobile devices.

[039] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery may have a first cord or at least first and second cords extending therefrom, wherein the cords have termini capable of connecting to a plurality of different mobile devices or batteries from mobile devices FIG 6A. In this embodiment, the cords may be retractable and therefore capable of being stored within the battery casing FIG 6B. The battery casing also may comprise a molded depression capable of receiving and storing the cords or cables. In this embodiment, the location of the depression may vary and may be on a vertical or horizontal surface of the battery as shown in FIG 6C. In addition as shown in FIG 6D, the battery may also comprise an appendage capable of extending from the battery forming a "kick-stand" so that the battery can be positioned as desired on a surface. [040] In other embodiments, the rechargeable battery may have attached thereto agents to facilitate or mediate attachment to the mobile device, which makes charging the mobile device convenient for the user. For instance, the rechargeable battery may have attached thereto, Velcro, at least one suction or a plurality of suction cups, suction cup tape and/or adhesive free grip, such as but not limited to CLINGO™ adhesive free grip, as is known in the art.

[041] In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery is surrounded by a waterproof casing or otherwise rendered waterproof using methods known in the art.

[042] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a method of providing rechargeable batteries. In this embodiment, a docking station having a plurality of charged, rechargeable batteries is provided. Charged batteries are distributed to consumers as needed. Once the rechargeable battery has been used by the consumer, it is returned to the docking station where it is reinserted into or otherwise plugged into the dock for further charging. The advantage of such a system to the consumer is that they neither have to carry a spare battery with them nor have to stay next to a plug while their mobile device recharges.

[043] In an alternative embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of providing a rechargeable battery using a kiosk. In this embodiment, the kiosk received a request for a battery from a user. If the appropriate type of battery is available and charged, the kiosk also receives input from the user about payment information. The kiosk contains hardware and software to allow for confirmation of payment information. Upon such confirmation, a signal is sent from the transaction network described above to the vending network to release the requested battery. Following usage of the battery or when user's battery is charged, the user may return to the battery to the kiosk where it may be sorted into the appropriate type of charger and docked so as to be recharged.

[044] Placing the rechargeable battery under the control of a kiosk or third party provider allows for the kiosk manager or third party provider to customize batteries. For instance, the batteries may be customized on the exterior by having custom colors, logos, messages and the like. In addition, the batteries may be customized by containing memory and software capable of providing messages or information to the user of the mobile device being recharged. For instance, in this embodiment, upon plugging the rechargeable battery into the mobile device, or upon placing them in sufficiently close proximity when wireless charging is being performed, software stored in the memory in the battery is launched on the mobile device and provides advertising, messages, logos, instructions to connect to local Wi-Fi, and the like. Other messages, such as subscriptions (e-mail signup), social media connections (like, follow), and the like may also be launched. In this way, the batteries provide a method for third parties to provide advertising to users while also provide a service to users/customers in the form of rechargeable batteries.

[045] While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present invention.

Claims

A charger for charging a plurality of external rechargeable batteries for mobile devices comprising: a. at least two docks for charging a first and second external rechargeable battery for a mobile device; b. a power supply electrically coupled to each of said docks.

The charger according to claim 1 , wherein said power supply is a rechargeable power supply.

The charger according to claim 1 , wherein said rechargeable power supply comprises a connector to electrically connect to an external power supply.

The charger according to claim 3, wherein said external power supply is selected from the group consisting of a wall outlet and a solar panel.

The charger according to claim 1, wherein said power supply is connected to an electrical source.

The charger according to claim 5, wherein said electrical source is a wall outlet or a solar panel.

The charger according to claim 5, further comprising a converter for converting AC voltage to DC voltage.

The charger according to claim 1, further comprising said first and second external rechargeable batteries.

The charger according to claim 1, wherein said docks comprise a positive and negative connection for receiving said batteries.

10. The charger according to claim 1 comprising magnetic strips or pins for charging said batteries.

11. The charger according to claim 1 , wherein said docks comprise a connector to attach to said batteries.

12. The charger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an enclosure around said charger.

13. The charger according to claim 12, wherein said enclosure is waterproof.

14. The charger according to any of the preceding claims further comprising at least a first cord for connecting to a mobile device, wherein said cord is electrically coupled to said power supply.

15. The charger according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of different of different connectors attach to the end of the cord to which the mobile device attaches.

16. A charger kiosk comprising : a. a transaction network; b. a charger system, said charger system comprising: i. at least a first and second dock; ii. at least a first and second rechargeable battery, wherein said first and second rechargeable batteries are in said first and second docks; and iii. at least one power supply electrically coupled to at least said first and second docks; c. a vending controller located within the kiosk structured to determine: i. whether said first or second battery is present in said first or second dock; and ii. whether communication with the transaction network provides for instructions to release said first or second battery.

17. The charger kiosk according to claim 16, wherein said transaction network is capable of processing payment information.

18. The charger kiosk according to claim 17, wherein said payment information is selected from the group consisting of credit card information, debit card information, cash, online account information and bitcoin.

19. The charger kiosk according to claim 16, further comprising memory capable of storing user login information and payment account information.

20. An external rechargeable battery for a mobile device comprising at least a first and second plug for insertion into said mobile device, wherein said first and second plug are compatible with different mobile devices.

21. The battery of claim 20, wherein said first and second plugs are attached to said battery by first and second cords.

22. The battery of claim 21, wherein said first and second cords are stored in a casing of said battery.

23. The battery of claim 21, wherein at least one of said first and second cords are capable of retraction into the interior of said battery.

24. The battery of claim 21, wherein at least one of said first and second cords are capable of being stored in a molded storage slot on the exterior of said battery.

25. The battery of claim 21, wherein a plurality of different of different connectors attach to the end of the cord to which the mobile device attaches.

26. The battery of claim 20, further comprising a moveable appendage attached thereto, wherein said appendage, when extended forms a stand for said battery.

27. The battery of claim 20, wherein at least one of said first and second plugs retract into said charger.

28. The battery of claim 20, further comprising a material for holding said battery to said mobile device.

29. The battery of claim 28, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of Velcro, at least one suction cup, suction tape and adhesive free grip.

30. The battery according to claim 21, further comprising a waterproof encasement.

31. The battery according to claim 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30, wherein said battery is capable of being charged from one or more solar panels.

32. A method of providing rechargeable batteries for mobile devices comprising; a. providing a charger according to claim 1 ; b. distributing at least a first charged battery to a consumer; c. collecting at least a first battery from said consumer, wherein said battery is at least partially discharged; and d. recharging said at least partially discharged battery in said battery dock.

33. A method of providing rechargeable batteries for mobile devices comprising a. providing a charger kiosk according to claim 15; b. receiving a request from a consumer for a battery compatible with a input for a mobile device; c. receiving input from said consumer of payment information; d. upon confirmation of the adequacy of said payment information, providing a battery to said consumer compatible with said request.

34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising receiving a partially discharged battery associated with the account of said consumer.

35. The method according to claim 33, whereby said kiosk replaces said partially discharged battery in one of said docks, whereby said partially discharged battery is capable of being charged.

36. The method according to claim 35, whereby said battery is charged.

37. A method of messaging a mobile device user comprising providing a charged, rechargeable battery for a mobile device, whereby upon attachment of said battery to said mobile device, software stored in said battery is executed and provides a message to said mobile device.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein said message is selected from the group consisting of a request to login to Wi-Fi, advertisements and surveys.

39. The charger according to claim 1, wherein said rechargeable batteries are charged wirelessly from said charger.

40. The method according to claim 32, wherein said rechargeable battery is charged wirelessly from said charger.

41. The method according to claim 32, wherein said mobile device battery is charged wirelessly from said rechargeable battery.

42. The method according to claim 41, whereby a receiver is connected to said mobile device, whereby said receiver is capable of wirelessly receiving a charge from said rechargeable battery.