Universal charging apparatus
US6994592B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/00047
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A universal charging apparatus has a housing, a neck bendably connected to the housing, and an electrical cord which is preferably retractable. The electrical cord is spooled around a retracting spool located inside the housing, allowing the electrical cord to extend by pulling, or retract by activating a switch. The electrical cord has a tip adapted to receive one of a plurality of adapters, each adapter being suitable for connecting the tip to a different one or more electrical devices. The neck has an electrical conductor for connecting with an electricity source and supplying electricity through the electrical cord to the device. An integrated circuit chip adapts the electrical characteristics to be suitable for the different devices to be charged or powered. A ratchet connected to the neck allows the neck to stop in multiple positions, but to allow a user to bend the neck to a different position with slight force. The housing may also have a faceplate and status indicator, such as a light emitting diode. There also may be protrusions molded into the housing to provide additional grip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.