GB2190235A

GB2190235A - Battery adapter

Info

Publication number: GB2190235A
Application number: GB08608483A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frank Chase
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-01-21
Filing date: 1986-01-21
Publication date: 1987-11-11
Also published as: GB8608483D0

Abstract

A two piece, detachable enclosure of four "D" size rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, connected in series within, an embodiment in which said batteries are converted to a lantern battery size 6 volt rechargeable module, and in which the four "D" size batteries are insertable and/or removeable at will by the user, operable in any device which is generally powered by a 6 volt carbon-zinc or alkaline throwaway lantern battery, providing longer lasting energy use by periodical recharging, and easy replacement of said four "D" size batteries when their energy is exhausted. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Conversion module system The present invention generally related to a device, adapted to provide longer lasting energy for any household or sportsman kind of lantern presently in use. So far, the power supplied to these lanterns has been the 6 volt (Le Clanche) type carbon-zinc or alkaline throwaway battery, costing a considerable amount in the long run. To overcome the shortcomings of the throwaway batteries, the present invention is aimed to eliminate the use of such batteries and utilise the standard, commercially available nickel-cadmium rechargeable "D" size of DIN 20 size batteries, thereby enable the consumer to save the expense on replacement batteries over the years.

Hertofore it has been known to provide, for example a rechargeable battery enclosure, which incorporate as integral parts; three rechargeable cells, a dropping resistor and a recharging jack in a factory sealed unit. A device of this kind is described in U.S. Patent 4.125.681 by Sjogren. Since even rechargeable batteries can be exhausted in a period of 4 to 5 years, with such a prior device, the consumer have no choice, but to purchase a a new unit of that kind.

The object of the present invention is to enable the consumer to use four "D" size rechargeable batteries much more economically in a 6 volt configuration. When the energy in the four batteries are finally exhausted, one can still use the "Module" continuously, simply by refilling it with a new set of "D" size rechargeables, or even carbon or alkaline types when nickel-cadmium batteries are not available.

Another object of the invention is to provide a convenient way to recharge the four "D" batteries, contained within the "Module" via the terminals. This can be accomplished for example by using a charager equipped with two alligator clips, or one may use a lantern like device, equipped with a recharging circuit built in and a standard 3.5 mm. jack attached on its wall (U.S. Patent Pending) invented by this petitioner.

In addition to the primary object of using and recharging the nickel-cadmium batteries, yet another object of the invention is to recharge four carbon-zinc batteries, when these are placed in the "Module", however such batteries must have 50% of their energy remaining upon recharging in order to extend their useful life. This invention when used in the above described manner, is much lighter, than the presently used carbon-zinc and especially alkaline battery. Further this invention intended to save some of the earth's resources which are thrown away otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

The invention consists of two main components; a one piece molded plastic bottom part or container in which four "D" size batteries can be inserted, and a one piece molded plastic top part, which can removably be fitted to the bottom part to make up the complete Conversion Module System. The advantages become apparent from the specification, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which; Figure 1 is a perspective view of the top part 15 and bottom part 20 in an opened state. As it shown it can be recognised that the four "D" size batteries may be inserted and removed at will, of which is intended to be an advantage over prior 6 volt batteries and recharging containers. The top part is fitted with a positive and a negative spring or threaded stud terminal. It is also have two closing strips which snap on the bottom part.

Figure 2 is a sectional and topside view of te top part 15 and bottom part 20 in a closed state incorporating the "D" size batteries, showing the constructional structure thereof.

Figure 3 is a topside view of the conical compressible springs placed in the bottom part of the invention to serve as means of electrical connection between the "D" size batteries and at the same time generate pressure on the batteries and the top part when the two main parts 15 and 20 snapped together.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a divider used to pevent lateral motion of the four "D" size batteries contained in the invention.

Figure 5 is an underside view of the top part 15, showing the electrically conductive metal strips between the respective terminals and and the "D" size batteries and between the second and the third "D" size battery in the series.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.

Referring to the drawing in Fig. 1 the top part 15 of the invention have two terminals such as the throwaway (Le Clanche) battery have. The negative terminal 6 or 26 respectively is placed at the center and the positive terminal 7 or 27 respectively is placed half an inch or 12.5MM from each side in the left hand corner relative to the center. These terminals are fastened to the top part 15 either by welding or by rivets, which are in turn also connecting to electrically conductive metal strips 13 and 14 which may be embedded into the underside of the top part 15. There is also a third such strip placed between the second and third "D" size battery to ensure connection in series. These are shown in Fig.

5 On two sides of the top closure extending downward opposite one another two closing strips formed by the molding process, of which have a hole 4 shown in a triangular shape, however this can be of any geometri cal shape in effect a round or rectangle. These closing strips 3 are curving at their end slightly outward in order to provide for the fingers to pry open the top closure from the bottom container when the changing of the "D" size batteries are necessary. The bottom part 20 of the invention is essentially a container, in which the four "D" size rechargeable batteries are placed, connected in series. In this container there are two recessed rectangular area which are at least half an inch or 15MM longer than the snap closing strips on closure 15, to allow these to slide down.On these recessed area a raised post formed by the molding process on opposing sides, in order to correspond with the snap closing strips, when the two parts 15 and 20 closed together. THe placing of the four rechargeable "D" size batteries, respective of their poles are visible as well as the divider 12, for alignment purposes an arrow 8 is formed on the side of container 20 and a similar arrow 28 formed by the molding process, pointing toward each other.

Referring to the drawing in Fig. 2 is an illustration as to how the top closure 15 and the bottom container 20 are held together. In this sectional view, the two pairs of conical compressible spring 11 placed in bottom container 20, divided by integrally molded spacer 18, serves two functions; one is to facilitate electrical connection between a pair of "D" size batteries in each half of the container, and the other is to generate pressure upon the four "D" size batteries and in turn upon the top closure 15 and container 20 when snap closed together, whereby the two closing strips 3 with their hole 4 will lock on the raised post 5, making up the Conversion Module System, ready to be used in any device requiring a 6 volt (Le Clanche) type throwaway battery.

Referring to the drawing in Fig. 3, it is a separate pair of conical compressible spring which are placed in the container 20. These springs are of such height sa to allow the inserted "D" size batteries to protrude above the uppermost level of the container 20, and thereby provide for the said batteries to act as a spacer between the top closure 15 and the conical compressible springs 11. The top diameter of these springs are such, that the first allows a seat for a "D" size battery negative end, and the succeeding one at its positive end in the series.

Referring to the drawing in Fig. 4 is a spacer, made of thin plastic material, which serves to insulate the "D" batteries and so on.

Referring to the drawing in Fig. 5 it is showing the underside of top closure 15 incorporating the three electrically conducive metal strips 13 and 14 which are connected to the respective positive and negative terminals preferably by welding or hard soldering even riveting, and the third strip 17 to connect the second and third "D" size batteries in the series. All three connecting strips are embedded in the molded top closure The top closure 15 and bottom container 20 molded of impact resisting plastic preferably polyethylene.

Following from the preceeding description, this invention when rechargeable "D" size batteries contained within, "Eveready" "General Electric" or "SAFT" for example, can be used in lieu of the throwaway 6 volt carbon-zinc or alkaline types. The advantage is the lower operating cost of any device powered by such batteries. it is well known that manufacturers claim the nickel-cadmium battery can be recharged a thousand times.

Another advantage is that recharging the four "D" size batteries within the Conversion Module System is convenient by using a a 6 volt 200 mA charger equipped with alligator clips, as the Burgess Model 11 lantern battery charger connecting them to the positive and negative terminals respectively.

Further yet another advantage can be shown, when this invention used in a device called Power Supply System invented by this petitioner (U.S. Patent Pending). This device when using the rechargeable Conversion Module System instead carbon-zinc battery, can be electrically connected to "Walkman type tape recorders, radios, mini television receivers even portable compact disc players and capable to supply years of energy to the banafit to the concumer. The disclosure described hereinabove represents the preferred embodiments of the invention, however variations thereof in the FORM, CONSTRUCTION, MATERIAL AND MODIFIED application of the invention is possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the following claims:

Claims

1. A CONVERSION MODULE SYSTEM, comprising of two main parts; a bottom and top closure, forming a 6 volt lantern battery like enclosure of four "D" size (DIN R-20) rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, electrically connected in series, cumulatively capable of producing 6 volts direct current, a new and improved enclosure comprising: A one piece molded bottom closure, i. e.

container of "D" size batteries, housing two double connected sets of conical compressible springs, divided from each other by integrally molded spacer, upon which the insertable and/or removable "D" size batteries are placed, ensuring electrical connection, and exerting pressure on them, and having a recessed rectangular area on two opposite sides, thocker walled than the rest of the structure for added strenght, on which a raised post formed:: A one piece molded, detachable top closure with two snap closing strips as an integral part, opposite each other, extending down ward perpendicularly from its uppermost surface, provided with holes which corresponds with said raised post on bottom closure, curving slightly outward at the end, and having a positive and negative terminal means, mounted on the uppermost flat surface, mechanically connected by soldering or bolted to electrically conductive metal strips on its bottom side, positioned to be in contact with "D" size batteries at corresponding poles with the first and the last in the series respectively, and a third such conductive strip positioned to connect the second and third "D" size batteries in the series, whereupon the "D" size batteries inserted in bottom container, snap closing on the top closure via the closing strips, the said four "D" size rechargeable batteries are converted to a single 6 volt rechargeable module, usable in lieu of carbon-zinc or alkaline throwaway battery, providing a longer lasting, regenerative energy source for any device by the presently available 6 volt lantern battery.

2. A CONVERSION MODULE SYSTEM, in which the two main parts, the top and bottom closure are of molded construction, formrd of thermoplastic, preferably polyethylene, having the desired characteristics of resisting impact, and specifically being semi-rigid on critical sections as the closing strips, allowing them to move outward without braking off in repeated closing and opening of the two main parts, and able to resist pressure from withihn without deforming; and in which the electrically conductive strips are made of thin non-ferrous metal, preferably chrome plated copper, to resist corrosion, soldered or bolted to the respective terminal means, and a third electrically conductive metal strip, screwed onto the bottom of the top container, positioned to contact the second and the third "D" size batteries in the series.

3. The conversion module system as recited in Claim 4 wherein said finger means extend vertically downwardly from said lid member and are provided with apertures for releasably engaging said tab members and said tab members are formed integrally on and poject outwardly from said outer surface of said base member and wherein said finger means consist of a pair of narrow strips an upper end attached to said lid and an outwardly curved lower end, said strips being slidably received within the recesses formed in said side walls of said base member and including an aperture on each strip for receiving said tab member, said tab member being formed on side wall at said recess.

3. A CONVERSION MODULE SYSTEM of claim 1., a lantern battery like detachable container of four "D" size rechargeable batteries, having the exact heigth, when closed, as the standard 6 volt throwaway battery, whose depth and width are equal in size, conforming to the size of said throwaway battery.

CLAIMS Amendments to the claims have been filed, and have the following effect: Claims 1 to 3 above have been deleted or textually amended.

New or textually amended claims have been filed as follows:

1. A conversion module system for releasably electrically connecting four standard "D" size batteries in series to produce a six volts direct current output, comprising; a one piece base member molded from a plastic material, said base member having a peripheral envelope substantially the same size as the standard 6 volt "Le Clanche" type lantern battery and defined by a horizontal bottom wall and a vertical side wall, the inner surfaces of said walls being configured to releasably retain four said "D" size batteries having poles at the ends thereof in a first battery pair and a second battery pair, said battery pairs in adjacent side by side relationship;; first sping means carried on the inner surface of said bottom wall of said base member and comprising first and second electrically conductive resilient members respectively, engagable with the poles of the batteries in said first battery pair: second spring means carried on the inner surface of said bottom wall of said base member and comprising a third and fourth electrically conductive resilient members respectively, engagable with the poles of the batteries in said battery pair; a lid member molded from a plastic material, said lid member having a peripheral envelope substantially the same size as a standard 6 volt "Le Clanche" type lantern battery and defined by a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall;; means cooperating between said base member and said side walls of said lid member for locating said lid member with respect to said base member, with the distance between said bottom wall of said lid member and said spring means being less than the length between the poles of said batteries, whereby in assembly the four batteries will be compressively held therebetween; a first electrically conductive strip member carried on said bottom wall of said lid member and engagable with the end poles of one of the batteries in said first battery pair and the end poles of one of the batteries in said second battery pair; a second electrically conductive strip member carried on said bottom wall of said lid member and engagable with the poles of the other of the batteries in said first battery pair;; first exterior terminal means, located substantially at the geometric center of said top wall of said lid member and electrically connected to said to said second electrically conductive strip member and one of the batteries in said second battery pair; a third electrically conductive strip member carried on the bottom wall of said lid member and engagable with the poles of other of the batteries in said second battery pair; second exterior terminal means located diagonally offset from said geometrical center of said top wall of said lid member and electrically connected to said third electrically conductive strip member and the other one of the batteries in said first battery pair;; manually releasable elongated vertically extending, elongated finger means associated with one of said base member and said lid member for releasably fixedly connecting said base member to said lid member.

2. The conversion module system as recited in Claim 4 wherein said resilient members of said spring means are inter connected conical springs formed of a single length of electrically conductive wire, whereby the top of the cones alternate in diameter to provide seats snd good electrical connection between battery pairs.