USRE42469E1 - Battery charger amusement device - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery charger amusement has a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery, an electronic circuit monitoring battery charge status, and a mechanical movement signal activated upon charge status attainment. The battery charger can include a motion actuator so as to move during the battery recharge process. The device is intended to encourage the use of rechargeable batteries over a disposable counterpart.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/101,907 filed Mar. 19, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,592 issuing issued Apr. 18, 2006,; and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/600,260 filed Jun. 20, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,542 issued Feb. 27, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a battery charger device activated by the insertion of a battery to provide educational or entertainment routines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The societal cost of disposable batteries will be felt for generations to come as leachants find their way into soil and ground water. While recent advances in dry cell technology have reduced the toxicity of corroding disposable batteries, the sheer quantity of discarded batteries represents a significant burden on landfills. Annual domestic consumption of disposable batteries exceeds 1.9 billion cells. In most instances, disposable batteries cost a consumer more over time than does a rechargeable battery, yet disposable batteries remain popular owing to the inconvenience of battery charging. Thus, there exists a need for a battery charger device that provides communication with the user other than battery charge status so as to encourage the battery charge. It is intended that with the usage of the present invention, chargeable batteries displace ever more disposable cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A battery charger amusement device includes a battery charger having a receptacle adapted to receive a rechargeable battery. A battery recharge electronic circuit monitors the charge status of a battery placed in the receptacle. A mechanical movement signal is activated by the battery attaining a preselected charge status. The device housing is configured as an attractive item retained in sight when not in use. The mechanical movement signal of having a battery or inventive device portion pop up, begin or stop mechanical movement based on preselected battery charge status alerts a user of charge status attainment and encourages device usage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery charger amusement device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a use process for the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a battery charger amusement device according to the present invention.; and

FIGS. 4A-4D are views of housings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is intended to add amusement value to the task of battery charging. Upon a rechargeable battery being coupled to an inventive device, an electronic circuit is activated that communicates information independent of charge status to a user. The form and content of the information so supplied is not critical. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention contains an electronic circuit that monitors battery charge status and triggers a mechanical movement signal to indicate that the battery has achieved a preselected charge status. The housing for the inventive device can take on any shape and color and be modeled into any number of humanoid, animal, vehicle, imaginary or natural forms. Similarly, the housing texture and materials of construction are not critical limitations.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a battery charger amusement device according to the present invention is shown generally at10. The device includes a conventional battery charger12 including areceptacle14 adapted to receive at least one rechargeable battery B. The insertion of a battery B into the receptacle14 (shown in ghost) or a manual action activates a mechanical or electrical switch16 which in turn initiates an electronic circuit18 to begin the communication of information independent of charge status. It is appreciated that any number of conventional battery chargers is operative herein upon modification to include a switch16. Representative of the battery chargers operative herewith are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,237,409. Typical of a conventional battery charger is a graphical icon19 or LED19′ indicative of the charge status of a battery B. It is appreciated that the size and type of battery B is not critical to the present invention. For example, nickel-cadmium, metal hydride, acid, and polymeric batteries are operative herein. Operative battery sizes illustratively include 24 volt, 12 volt, 9 volt, AAA, AA, B, C, and D sized cells. Power sources to drive the battery charger12 and the electronic circuit18 include line power, a direct current generator, adynamo 80 and solar cell. It is appreciated that a transformer or adaptor20 is often required based on the power characteristics of the source P. Optionally, an inventive battery charger12 further includes an alternating current (AC) coupler as the transformer or adaptor20.

The electronic circuit18 in simplest form integrates a light source, laser diode or other electronic component so as to communicate sound or light information stored within the device on an integrated circuit or on a replaceable memory storage device to a user upon insertion of a battery B. The inventive device communicates information upon insertion of a rechargeable battery or through any activation switch being engaged. In alternate embodiments, the device communicates information in the form of spoken utterances or motion. Optionally, electronic circuit18 is coupled to an information communicating component illustratively including an electric motor, a light source, a video display, a sound synthesizer, or combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit18 includes a microprocessor (not shown) to facilitate more sophisticated communication. In a still more preferred embodiment, a microprocessor is coupled to a memory or data reading device, illustratively including a DRAM chip, CD player, DVD, hard drive, floppy disk drive, and cassette player, and combinations thereof. In still another preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit18 is coupled to auser input interface26. Auser input interface26 provides for an interactive question and answer format between a user and the inventive device, or data entry or icon manipulation as part of a gaming system.

The inventive device preferably includes ahousing28. Preferably, the housing is configured to have the appearance of aperson 28C,robot 28,animated character 28D,animal 28B, avehicle 28A or an object found in nature such as a mountain, tree, or a diorama. Thesealternate housings 28A-28D are shown in FIG. 4. Thehousing28 is really constructed from a variety of durable materials consistent with proximity to electronic circuitry and a battery charger. These housing materials illustratively include plastics, polymeric resins, textile plush, metal, and recycled forms thereof. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, thehousing28 is configured in the form of a robot having moveable jointed appendages29,LEDs30, a sound synthesizer (not shown), and avideo display31 of which are activated engaging aswitch33 or upon insertion of a battery B therein. Optionally, the device ofFIG. 1 further includes an information memory or reader device (not shown) for the uploading of information content and programs, as well as a user input keypad illustratively including a compact disk (CD) player, DVD, floppy disk drive, ZIP disk drive and the like. The embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 preferably also includes a microprocessor (not shown) operating to drive the information communicating functions. It is appreciated that somewhere all of these information communicating components can be incorporated into a different form of housing illustratively including a drive-in movie theater, racing pit-stop, or service station where the spent battery B is loaded into a receptacle incorporated into a model car or other portion of the housing.

It is appreciated that in addition to the entertainment or educational information content provided by the inventive device, in a preferred embodiment, information regarding the battery charge status is also provided as per a conventional battery charger. As is conventional to battery chargers, a battery B is monitored as to voltage and current during the charging process.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the operation of an inventive battery charger amusement device coupled to a power source is initiated by placing a rechargeable battery into abattery rechargeable receptacle30 for a charging duration or by auser activation switch33. The contact of the rechargeable battery B with the battery charger or theactivation switch33 initiates anelectronic circuit32 optionally receiving content or executable programs from a memory device orreader34. The electronic circuit then begins to communicate information to a user independent of thebattery charge status36. The information is in the form of spoken utterances, music, light or movement. Preferably, battery charge status information is also provided38. Battery charge status as used herein is defined to include contact with battery charger terminals, ability of battery to accept a charge, and the dynamic current and voltage status of the battery.User inputs40 are prompted by the inventive device and knowledge for coordination-based interactive game formats.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a battery charger amusement device according to the present invention that affords mechanical notice of battery charge status is shown generally at50 where like numerals correspond to those aspects detailed herein with respect toFIG. 1 or2. Thedevice50 has areceptacle52 adapted to receive at least one rechargeable battery B. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, thereceptacle52 is within acaddy54. Thecaddy54 havingcharging contacts56 mateable withcomplementary contacts55 in electrical communication with a conventional battery charger shown generally at58 located within ahousing28. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 3, thehousing28 is simulative of a toaster and thebattery caddy54 simulative of a bread slice. Upon insertion of thecaddy54 into anaperture60 of thehousing28, the chargingcontacts56 bring the rechargeable battery B into electrical communication with thebattery charger58. As is conventional to battery chargers, battery charge status is evaluated prior to the initiation of battery charging. Thecradle54 upon being placed in theaperture60 of thehousing28 engages araising mechanism62. The raisingmechanism62 depicted inFIG. 3 includes a spring-loadedtray64 coupled to a lever66. However, it is appreciated that a motor driven rack gear, or other conventional means for raising thecaddy54 relative to thehousing28, is also operative herein. Thebattery charger circuitry58 is coupled to a charging source such as line power by way of adetachable cord67. Preferably, ananalog dial69 is provided within thehousing28 to provide thebattery charger58 with battery type information. It is appreciated that battery type information is alternately communicated to the battery charger through the use of acaddy54 selective for each of a variety of rechargeable battery types. A light emittingdiode indicator70 illuminates while battery recharging is in progress.

In actual operation, thebattery caddy54 is loaded into a recharger aperture such that the caddy rests upon a spring-loadedtray64. Thetray64 has a cutout in the base thereof such that chargingcontacts56 protrude from beneath thetray64. Upon pressing thecaddy54 into the aperture in order to compress aspring76 coupled to anexternal lever78, acatch80 82 anchored to the toaster housing engages the spring loaded tray74 64 after thecaddy contacts56 are electrically coupled tocomplementary contacts55. Thecontacts55 in turn being electrically coupled to thebattery recharger circuitry58. Upon coupling between thecaddy54 by way ofcontacts56 to thecomplementary contacts55, and the verification bybattery recharger58, theLED indicator70 is illuminated. Upon a battery B completing recharge ininventive recharger50, thebattery recharger58 activates a solenoid to release the catch and thereby allow the spring loadedtray64 to eject thecaddy54 from the receptacle. Thecaddy54 projecting from the aperture signals to a user the completion of the recharge process. It is appreciated that in addition to a solenoid releasing a catch, other conventional electrical components are operative herein to simulate the action of a toaster and allow thecaddy54 to project from the aperture. In an alternate embodiment, thereceptacle55 is incorporated into the spring-loadedtray64. Thecontacts55 are in electrical communication with thebattery charger58 by way of leads sufficiently long to accommodate the travel of thecontacts55 within thehousing50. It is appreciated that in an alternate embodiment of an inventive battery charger that affords mechanical notice of charge status, and in particular completion of battery recharge, that a caddy need not be used but rather the batteries inserted directly into a charger affording mechanical notice of charge status. In still another inventive embodiment, the charger is configured in the form of a “jack-in-the-box” with a portion thereof being projected in order to signify the completion of charging. Still other configurations include a coffee maker type design where a powder or liquid material moves from one region of the recharger to another consistent with the progression of battery recharge. Still other embodiments illustratively include a carousel that revolves only during battery recharging, a figurine that changes orientation or movement consistent with charge status, and the like that are consistent with the invention as detailed herein. It is further appreciated that one skilled in the art will readily recognize that various spring-loaded and mechanized toys and appliances are readily coupled to a battery charger as detailed herein such that mechanical notice is provided consistent with battery charge status and in particular, the completion of battery recharge.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference was individually and specifically incorporated by reference. These references are indicative of the levels of skill in the art at the time of invention.

A particular embodiment of the invention having been detailed herein, it is appreciated the changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The embodiments described herein are considered exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

a housing configured in a form selected from the group consisting of: humanoid, animate, vehicular and natural;

a dynamo powering a battery charger in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery, the battery having a charge status; and

a source of information communicated to a user and selected from the group consisting of: sound, light, movement or a combination thereof for entertaining the user of the device, the information being independent of battery charge status.

2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the housing has a movable portion.

3. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the information is of a type selected from the group consisting of language, text, music, light, movement and video.

4. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the source of information is light and light is generated by a light emitting diode.

5. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the device comprises a video display.

6. The device ofclaim 5 wherein said housing has the humanoid form or the animate form of a figurine.

7. The device ofclaim 5 wherein said housing has the humanoid form or the animate form of a jack-in-the-box.

8. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising an activator switch for the source of information.

9. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

an electrically moved housing having the appearance of a vehicle;

a dynamo powering a battery charger in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery.

10. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

an electrically moved housing having the appearance of an animal;

a dynamo powering a battery charger in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery.

11. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

an electrically moved housing having the appearance of a person;

a dynamo powering a battery charger in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery.

12. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

an electrically moved housing having the appearance of a robot:

a dynamo powering a battery charger in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery.

13. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

an electrically moved housing having the appearance of an animated character;

a dynamo powering a battery charger in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery.

14. A battery charger amusement device comprising:

a battery charger having a rechargeable battery, the battery having a charge status;

an electronic circuit monitoring charge status;

a dynamo powering said battery charger;

a mechanical movement signal activated upon the battery attaining a preselected charge status as measured by said electronic circuit.

15. The battery charger amusement device of claim 14 further comprising said electronic circuit communicating information to a user independent of charge status prior to the battery attaining the preselected charge status.

16. The device of claim 14 wherein the information is of a type selected from the group consisting of language, text, music, light, movement and video.

17. The device of claim 14 further comprising a housing.

18. The device of claim 14 wherein said mechanical movement signal is selected from a group consisting of: release of a spring, activation of an electric drive motor to create a mechanical movement, deactivation of said electrical motor, and movement of a liquid or powder.

19. The device of claim 17 wherein said housing is configured in a form selected from the group consisting of humanoid, animate, vehicular and natural.

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