WO2008135760A2

WO2008135760A2 - Control module

Info

Publication number: WO2008135760A2
Application number: PCT/GB2008/001565
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Elson
Original assignee: Patrick Elson
Priority date: 2007-05-02
Filing date: 2008-05-02
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: GB2448908A; GB0708510D0; WO2008135760A3

Abstract

A control module (10) for connecting to and controlling the supply of electricity in a battery operated device. The module (10) may be controlled remotely and may be fitted in place of one or more batteries in the battery-operated device. The control module (10) has a housing (11), a first electrical contact (12) and a second electrical contact (13). The module (10) further comprises a receiver (14), a receiver aerial (140), a controller (15), and a power source (16). The first electrical contact (12) and the second electrical contact (13) are mounted on the exterior of the housing (11).

Description

Control module

The present invention relates to a control module. In particular, the present invention relates to a control module for controlling the supply of electricity to a battery operated device.

Battery operated devices, such as battery operated toys for children, are generally powered by one or more batteries inserted into a battery compartment of the battery operated device. Such devices may not have a switch to allow the device to be turned on and off. Such device may have a standby configuration in which the device is not necessarily in active use, but electrical power is still being used thereby draining the battery. Even if the device does have an on/off switch, it may merely place the device into said standby configuration. If the device does have a switch, the switch or the device itself may be located in an inaccessible location such that it is inconvenient to power off the device.

If the device is a toy and it is being used by a child, then it may be preferable not to take the toy away from the child (for example, to switch it off), because the child may become upset.

There may be certain times of the day that it is not desirable for the device to be switched on at all, but it would be inconvenient for a user to manually switch the device on and off during those times. For example, if the device is a child's toy which makes loud noises, then it may be desirable to have the toy powered off at night.

It is desirable to be able to control the supply of electricity to such battery operated devices in a convenient way - for example remotely. However, many battery operated devices are not necessarily arranged in a way that allows such remote control to be achieved with ease.

Presently, it is relatively difficult to adapt devices so that the supply of electrical power to the device can be remotely operated. Often, the only way that this can be achieved is via intrusive alteration of the battery operated device's existing housing and/or electrical circuitry. This intrusive alteration is time-consuming, inconvenient and also may not be within the technical ability of a user wishing to make the adaptation. Additionally, if such an alteration were to be made, then this may spoil the aesthetic appearance of the device and/or may impair the functioning of the device.

It would be desirable to provide a way in which the supply of electrical power to such a battery operated device can be adapted to be controlled remotely in a convenient manner.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a control module for controlling the supply of electricity to a battery-operated device, the control module comprising, first and second electrical contacts for electrically connecting the control module to the battery-operated device, and a controller arranged for controlling flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts in response to an input signal.

The input signal may be generated externally to or internally within the control module.

The control module may comprise a receiver arranged to receive a signal from a transmitter and, in response, to output said input signal for reception by the controller.

The control module may comprise a timer for outputting said input signal for reception by the controller. The timer may be a user-programmable timer. The timer may be programmable by applying programming signals via the first and second contacts. The timer may be programmable by applying programming signals via a first and a second programming contact. Preferably, the control module comprises a module housing. The programming contacts may be located at respective first and second programming contact locations exterior of said module housing. The programming contacts may be located at respective first and second programming contact locations interior to said module housing, said module housing being arranged to allow access to the interior of the module housing.

The timer may be programmable by transmitting programming signals via induction. The control module may be arranged for observing a pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device when in a passive mode and arranged for controlling the flow of electricity between the first and second electrical contacts so as to replicate said pattern of supply of electricity when in an active mode.

The control module may comprise an observation module to observe the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device and an active controller to control the supply of electricity to the battery-operated device based on the pattern of supply of electricity observed by the observation module.

The control module may comprise a user-operable switch to change the mode of operation of the control module between the active mode and the passive mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a control module for controlling the supply of electricity to a battery-operated device, the control module comprising, a receiver arranged to receive a signal from a transmitter, first and second electrical contacts for electrically connecting the control module to the battery-operated device, and a controller arranged for controlling flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts in response to a signal received by the receiver.

Preferably, the control module comprises a module housing. Preferably, each of said first and second electrical contacts are located at respective first and second contact locations exterior of said module housing. Each of said first and second electrical contacts may be mounted to an external surface of said housing.

The first and second electrical contacts may face away from one another. The first and second contact locations may be at opposite ends of the module housing.

Preferably, the control module has a predetermined size and shape which allows the control module to be substituted into the place of at least one battery by which the battery-operated device is arranged to be powered. Once the control module has been introduced, it is preferred that electrical energy delivered to the battery- operated device will flow via the first and second electrical contacts. It will be understood that substitution of the control module for a battery will typically involve no modification of the battery operated device beyond removal of the battery from the battery-operated device, and insertion of the control module in said battery's place.

Preferably, the module housing defines the overall size and shape of the control module.

The predetermined size and shape of the control module may be equivalent to that of a standard battery. The size and shape of a standard battery will typically be a size and shape that is recognised by a standards organisation such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and/or IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). The following table, table 1, lists some popular standard battery sizes and shapes, along with the designations attributed to those sizes/shapes under different standards:

Table 1

It will be understood that other sizes and shapes are also possible and may also be considered to be of a standard size and shape.

It will be understood that the term 'battery' is used in this specification in a general sense and includes the more specific definition of battery (i.e. a battery of cells) as well as individual cells, and other self-contained electrical power sources.

The control module may have a configuration substantially the same as a standard battery. By stating that the control module has substantially the same configuration as a standard battery, it is meant that the position and arrangement of the electrical contacts of the control module is substantially the same as the position and arrangement of respective electrical terminals on such a standard battery. In general, and also with accordance with the batteries listed in Table 1 above, a control module having the configuration of a standard cylindrically-shaped battery will have its electrical contacts positioned at opposite ends of the cylindrically shaped module housing. Likewise, a control module having the configuration of the rectangular prism shaped 'PP3' battery shown in table 1 shall have each of its electrical contacts located at the same end of the rectangular prism shaped module housing.

Generally speaking, the more closely the control module matches the size, shape and configuration of a standard battery, the better it can be substituted for such a battery. Thus, the more easily a battery-operated device, which is arranged to receive such a standard size battery, can be modified to add remote control functionality.

Generally, a battery operated device will have a battery compartment arranged to accommodate at least one battery - usually of a standard size, shape and configuration. A battery compartment generally comprises at least two electrical contact portions each arranged to make contact with a terminal of a battery to be introduced into the compartment. At least one of the electrical contact portions in the compartment may be arranged to maintain connection with a respective terminal of a battery to be introduced to the compartment. For example, at least one of the electrical contact portions may be biased in a direction promoting factional engagement with an inverted battery. To achieve this, the electrical contact portion may comprise a biasing spring. Preferably the control module is arranged to be introduced into a battery compartment of a battery-operated device, which compartment is arranged to receive at least one standard sized battery, and the first and second electrical contacts of the control module are positioned and arranged to contact with electrical contact portions of the compartment and/or electrical terminals of batteries also introduced to the compartment, such that when the control module is in position, electrical energy delivered to the battery-operated device will flow via the first and second electrical contacts of the control module.

The control module does not necessarily have to be substituted in the place of a battery to provide a battery-operated device with remote control functionality. The control module may be arranged to be installed in a position relative to a battery or batteries of a battery-operated device such that the control module is able to control the flow of electrical energy deliverable by said battery or batteries to the battery-operated device. Generally speaking, in such a case, the battery- operated device will have a full complement of batteries and the control module is arranged to be installed in a position, so that that the first and second electrical contacts of the control module are inserted into the electric circuit normally formed by the battery/batteries and the battery-operated device. Insertion into said electrical circuit may include insertion of the first and second contacts of the control module in between a terminal of a battery and either a terminal of another battery, or an electrical contact portion of the battery compartment of the battery- operated device. If one of the electrical contact portions of the battery compartment of the battery-operated device is of a type that is biased to promote factional engagement (for example comprising a biasing spring) then slack in the biasing of the electrical contact portion may accommodate insertion of the first and second electrical contacts of the control module. If the control module is arranged to be installed in a position relative to a battery or batteries of a battery- operated device, then it is preferable that the control module has a predetermined size and shape which allows the control module to be installed around at least part of at least one battery by which the battery-operated device is arranged to be powered. The size and shape of the control module may such that a accommodating region of the control module fits around the size and shape of a standard battery. Said accommodating region of the control module and the shape of a standard battery may be complementary in shape. For example, if the shape of the standard battery is cylindrical, said accommodating region preferably comprises a surface for facing the battery which is concave and has a substantially uniform curvature.

The control module may comprise a projection protruding from the module housing. The projection may comprise at least one of the electrical contacts. The projection may project from the accommodating region. The projection may comprise a stem supporting the or each electrical contact. This can facilitate positioning of the or each electrical contact into place relative to battery terminals, or electrical contact portions of a battery compartment, thereby allowing suitable electrical contact between the battery operated device and the control module. Preferably, the control module comprises a power source. Said power source may be rechargeable. Preferably, the power source is rechargeable through the provision of electrical energy at said first and second electrical contacts.

Preferably, the power source has at least one electrical characteristic (for example, characteristics relating to voltage, resistance, power and electrical capacity) which is substantially the same as a respective electrical characteristics of a battery by which the battery operated device is arranged to be powered.

Preferably, the receiver is disposed within said module housing. Preferably, the controller is disposed within said module housing. Preferably, the power source is disposed within the module housing.

The control module may have an aerial for improving reception of the signal received by the receiver. The aerial may be disposed exterior of said housing.

The received signal may comprise a connection message and/or a disconnection message. The receiver may be arranged to differentiate between a connection message and a disconnection message within said received signal.

The control of flow of electrical energy by the controller in response to said received signal may include permitting flow of electrical energy if said signal comprises a connection message and interrupting flow of electrical energy if said signal comprises a disconnection message. Preferably, the transmitter and the receiver are arranged to respectively transmit and receive radio waves.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a casing of a predetermined size and shape for receiving an electric device, the casing comprising first and second electrical contacts located at respective first and second contact locations, the electrical contacts being arranged to allow the casing to be electrically connected to a battery operated device, each of the first and second electrical contacts of the casing also being arranged to be electrically connected to an electrical device which the casing is arranged to receive.

Preferably, the size and shape of the casing allows the casing to be substituted in place of at least one battery by which a battery-operated device is arranged to be powered. Preferably, the electrical device is a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. The electrical device may be a battery. The electrical device may be a battery of a standard size.

Preferably, the size and shape of the casing is substantially the same as that of a battery of a standard size.

Preferably, the first and second locations are exterior of the casing. Each of said first and second electrical contacts may be mounted to an external surface of the casing. Preferably, the configuration of the casing is substantially the same as a standard battery. By stating that the casing has substantially the same configuration as a standard battery, it is meant that the position and arrangement of the electrical contacts of the casing is substantially the same as the position and arrangement of respective electrical terminals on such a standard battery.

When the electrical device is a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the casing is arranged so that the first and second contacts of the casing are arranged to be electrically connected to the respective first and second electrical contacts of the control module.

Preferably, the casing comprises first and second receiving electrical contacts positioned at respective first and second receiving locations to make contact with an electrical device which the casing is arranged to receive. The first receiving electrical contact may be electrically connected to the first electrical contact. The second receiving electrical contact may be electrically connected to the second electrical contact. Preferably, the first and second receiving locations are at positions within the casing. At least one of the first and second receiving electrical contacts may be arranged to promote engagement with the electrical device which the casing is arranged to receive. Preferably, at least one of the first and second receiving electrical contacts comprises a spring. When the electrical device is a control module, the first and second receiving electrical contacts of the casing may be arranged to connect with the respective first and second electrical contacts of the control module. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided control apparatus comprising a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention and a casing according to the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a transmission module comprising a transmitter arranged to selectively transmit a signal to a receiver of a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the transmission module is arranged to selectively transmit said signal in dependence on a transmission condition. The transmission condition may be based on a user input, for example, a button provided on the transmission module. The transmission module may comprise a timer. The transmission condition may be based on a timer. The transmission module may comprise a microphone and the transmission condition may be based on sound detected by the microphone. The transmission condition may be based on the volume of sound detected by the microphone. It will be understood that the term 'microphone' is used here to represent any device which can detect sound and transmit an electrical signal is response to the detected sound.

The transmission module may have a receiver arranged to receive a signal from a second, separate, transmitter. Preferably, the receiver of the transmission module and the second transmitter operate via infrared. The transmission condition may be based on the reception, by the receiver of the transmission module, of a signal transmitted from the second transmitter. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a control system comprising a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention and a transmission module according to the fifth aspect of the present invention. The control system may comprise a casing according to the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a battery operated device assembly comprising a battery operated device and a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention located in a battery compartment of the battery operated device. The battery operated device assembly may comprise the casing according to the third aspect of the present invention.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling the supply of electricity to a battery operated device comprising the steps of: introducing a control module according to the first or second aspect of the present invention into a battery compartment of the battery operated device to be controlled; positioning the first and second contacts of said control module such that electrical energy delivered to the battery-operated device will flow via the first and second electrical contacts; and transmitting a controlling signal to the receiver of the control module. The method may further comprise the steps of: putting the control module in a passive mode so that the module observes the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device, and then switching the control module to an active mode so that the module replicates the pattern of supply of electricity by controlling the flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts.

It will be understood that different aspects of the present invention may be combined where the context allows.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a control module and a transmission module of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a control module and a transmission module of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a control module of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a side view of the control module of Figure 3 as viewed from line IV-IV and when inserted into a battery compartment between two batteries;

Figures 5(a) to 5(d) show relative sizes of batteries of different predetermined types; Figures 6(a) to 6(d) together show the relative sizes of different types of control modules each according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7(a) to 7(d) together show the relative sizes of different types of control modules similar to the control modules shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 8(a) shows a control module similar to that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7(a); and

Figures 8(b) to 8(d) each show a control module similar to that shown in Figures 1, 2, 7(a) and 8(a) within a casing according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a control system according to first embodiment of the present invention which comprises a control module 10 and a transmission module 20. The control module 10 has a housing 11, a first electrical contact 12 and a second electrical contact 13. The control module 10 comprises a receiver 14, a receiver aerial 140, a controller 15, and a power source 16. The receiver 14, the controller 15, and the power source 16 are contained within the housing 11. The first electrical contact 12 and the second electrical contact 13 are mounted on the exterior of the housing 11. The aerial 140 is connected to the receiver 14 and is also disposed within the housing 11, although it will be appreciated that in alternatives that the aerial 140 may be, at least in part, disposed on the outside on the housing 11. The electrical contacts 12, 13, the receiver 14, the controller 15, and the power source 16 are shown to be connected in series, but it will be understood that this is for illustrative purposes and does not necessarily represent the actual electrical configuration of these components. The control module 10 has substantially the same size, shape and configuration as a battery commonly referred to as an AAA battery (as shown in Figure 5(a)). The electrical contacts of the control module 10 are positioned at the same location as the electrical terminals of an AAA battery and so the control module 10 can be substituted in the place of an AAA battery in a suitable battery operated device.

The transmission module 20 comprises a housing 21, a transmitter 24 and an aerial 240. The transmitter 24 is arranged to transmit a radio signal 30 in response to a transmission condition which is controlled by a first button 25 and a second button 26. The receiver 14 of the control module 10 is arranged to receive the radio signal 30 transmitted from the transmitter 24.

Remote operation of the control module 10 shown in Figure 1 can be effected using the transmission module 20 shown in Figure 1. If the first button 25 of said transmission module 20 is pressed, the radio signal 30 is transmitted from the transmitter 24 with a connection message. If the second button 26 is pressed, the transmitter 24 transmits the radio signal 30 with a disconnection message. When the receiver 14 of the control module 10 receives the transmitted signal 30 containing a connection message, the receiver causes the controller 15 to allow flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts 12, 13 of the control module 10. Therefore, electrical energy will flow between the first and second electrical contacts 12, 13 when the control module 10 is part of an electrical circuit of the battery operated device in which the control module 10 is installed. When the receiver 14 of the control module 10 receives a transmitted signal 30 containing a disconnection message, the receiver 14 causes the controller 15 to interrupt the flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts 12, 13 of the control module 10. Therefore, electrical energy will not flow between the first and second electrical contacts 12, 13, and so no electrical energy will flow within the electrical circuit of the battery operated device in which the control module 10 is installed. Therefore, supply of electrical power to the battery operated device with which the control module 10 is used can be controlled remotely in a convenient manner. A battery operated device can thus be easily adapted so that its supply of electrical power can be remotely controlled through the use of the control module 10 substituted in the place of a standard battery of the battery operated device.

In alternatives, there may be a common button on the transmission module 20 rather than the two buttons 25, 26. In this case, pressing the common button a first time will cause transmission of a signal 30 containing a connection message, and pressing the common button a second time will cause transmission of a signal 30 containing a disconnection message - and so forth in an alternating manner.

A user may want to be able to control the control module 10, but may not want the inconvenience of carrying around the transmission module 20 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows a set up directed to alleviate this inconvenience. Figure 2 shows a control system of a second embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a control module 10, a second transmission module 20' and a second separate transmission module 40. The control module 10 shown here in Figure 2 is the same as that shown in Figure 1 and the second transmission module 20' is similar to the transmission module 20 shown in Figure 1. However, the second transmission module 20' comprises a receiver 28 which is arranged to receive a signal 50 transmitted by a second separate transmitter 44 of the second separate transmission module 40.

The second transmission module 20' of Figure 2 is not operated by a user pressing a button on the transmission module 20' - there are no buttons on the transmission module 20'. Instead the second transmission module 20' is operated in response to the signal 50 received from the second separate transmitter 44 of the second separate transmission module 40, which in this case is a standard 'TV remote control'. A standard 'TV remote control' generally transmits infra-red signals, and so the receiver 28 in this case is an infra-red receiver. A standard TV remote control generally is able to send a signal containing a number of different control messages intended to control the TV with which it is adapted for use (for example, to change the channel, or to turn the TV on or off). The receiver 28 of transmission module 20' is arranged to be operated in response to a signal containing any such control messages, and so would be operable in response to any button that is pressed on the TV remote. It will be understood that other standard infra-red transmitters (for example, for remote control of different electrical appliances - e.g. video players or lights) are able to cause the transmission module 20' to be operated.

Once the transmission module 20' is operated by the infra-red signals 50 received at the receiver 28, a signal 30' is transmitted in the same way as the signal 30 described in respect of Figure 1 is transmitted. In the case of the second transmission module 20', the reception at the receiver 28 of a first infra-red signal causes transmission of a signal 30' containing a connection message, and reception at the receiver 28 of a second, later infra-red signal causes transmission of a signal 30' containing a disconnection message - and so forth in an alternating manner.

Thus, the control module 10 of Figure 2 can be conveniently operated using a standard TV remote control. The user therefore does not need to carry around a transmission module 20 as in Figure 1 - but rather makes use of a device (such a TV remote) which the user might already have in his or her possession.

In alternatives, the second transmission module 20' may have one or more buttons (like the transmission module 20 described in Figure 1) as well as a receiver which arranged to receive a second separate signal from, for example, an infra-red 'TV remote'. In such a case the transmission module can be operated by either the one or more buttons, or by the infra-red signal. Figures 3 and 4 show a second control module 10' according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The second control module 10' has a projection 19 which comprises first and second electrical contacts 12', 13' and an insulating region 18. The electrical contacts 12', 13' are separated by the insulating region 18. The projection 19 comprises a stem 17 which supports the first and second electrical contacts 12', 13' and the insulating region 18 relative to the housing 11' of the second control module 10'. The second control module 10' comprises a receiver (not shown) and a controller (not shown) like the control module 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the receiver and controller being located within the housing 11'. Unlike the control module 10 of Figures 1 and 2, the second control module 10' does not comprise a power source.

Figure 4 shows the second control module 10' in position relative to a first 160 and second 163 battery within a battery compartment 166 of a battery operated device 167. The first battery 160 has a positive terminal 161 and a negative terminal 162. The second battery 163 has a positive terminal 164 and a negative terminal 165. The battery operated device 167 has a first electrical contact portion 169 and a second electrical contact portion 168. The first electrical contact portion 169 of the battery operated device 167 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 161 of the first battery 160. The negative terminal 162 of the battery 160 is electrically connected to the first electrical contact 12' of the second control module 10'. The second electrical contact 13' of the second control module 10' is electrically connected to the positive terminal 164 of the second battery 163. The negative terminal 165 of the second battery 163 is connected to the second electrical contact portion 168 of the battery operated device 167. The second electrical contact portion 168 is in the form of a biasing spring which promotes frictional engagement (and thus electrical connection) between respective electrical contact portions 168, 169, battery terminals 165, 164, 162, 161 and electrical contacts 12', 13'.

The housing 11' of the second control module 10' has an accommodating region 110 which is shaped to allow the second control module 10' to be fitted around the shape of the batteries 160, 163. The accommodating region 110 has a concave shape with a substantially uniform curvature - i.e. the batteries 160, 163 are both cylindrical in shape, and are aligned with one another and so the accommodating region 110 has a concave shape complementary to the cylindrical shape formed by the batteries 160, 163 to which it is fitted.

When the second control module 10' is fitted in the manner shown in Figure 4, the second electrical contact portion 168 of the battery compartment (which is in the form of a spring) is compressed more than it would be if the electrical contacts 12', 13' and insulating region 18 were not positioned between the respective terminals 162, 164 of the batteries 160, 163.

The second control module 10' is different from the control module 10, shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that it is not placed into operation by substitution of a battery of a battery operated device. Rather, the second control module 10' of Figures 3 and 4 is placed into operation by introducing it at a position where it is able to interfere with the electrical circuit of such a battery operated device. The second control module 10' is typically installed by exposing the battery compartment of battery operated device and inserting the projection 19 at a location allowing the electrical contacts 12', 13' of the control module to be incorporated into the electrical circuit of the battery operated device. With reference to Figure 4, the second control module 10' is installed by moving the second battery 163 away from the first by compressing the second electrical contact portion 168 (which is in the form of a spring) more than it would be normally compressed thereby allowing the electrical contacts 12', 13' to be accommodated in the resulting gap between the first 160 and second 163 battery. The stem 17 of the projection 19 is sufficiently rigid and the combined width of the electrical contacts 12', 13' and the insulating region 18 is such that the projection 19 can easily be driven in between the resulting gap merely by moving the control module 10" into place relative to the batteries 160, 163.

The second control module 10' operates in a similar way to the control module 10 described in relation to Figures 1 and 2 in that reception of a radio signal selectively allows flow or interruption of electrical energy between electrical contacts 12', 13'.

Figures 5(a) to 5(d) show relative sizes of standard batteries. Figure 5(a) represents a standard battery 160' commonly referred to as an AAA battery (US designation). The standard battery 160' in Figure 5(a) has a positive terminal 161' and a negative terminal 162'. The standard batteries shown in Figures 5(b) to 5(d) also have positive and negative terminals. Figure 5(b) represents a battery commonly referred to as a C battery. Figure 5(c) represents a battery commonly referred to as an AA battery. Figure 5(d) represents a battery commonly referred to as a D battery.

Figures 6(a) to 6(d) together show the relative sizes of different sizes of a third control module 10" according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Each of the third control modules 10" in Figures 6(a) to 6(d) has a receiver 14" and a controller 15", but not a power source. Thus the second and third control modules 10', 10" shown respectively in Figures 3, 4 and 6(a) to 6(d) do not have a power source.

In the case of the second control module 10' shown in Figures 3 and 4 a separate power source is not necessary as the second control module 10' is designed to work in a complementary fashion with the battery operated device's 'normal' power sources. In the case of the control modules 10', 10" shown respectively in Figures 3, 4 and 6(a) to 6(d), these control modules are sized to substitute a battery of a battery operated device, and are likely to work only with battery operated devices that are able to function with one less battery than normal.

Figures 7(a) to 7(d) together show the relative sizes of different sizes of control modules 10 of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2. Unlike the second and third control modules 10', 10" shown respectively in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), the control modules 10 in Figures 7(a) to 7(d) do have a power source 16. Each of the control modules shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d) and 7(a) to 7(d) are similar in size, shape and configuration to one of the respective batteries shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d) - e.g. Figures 6(a) and 7(a) each show a control module 10, 10" having substantially the same size, shape and configuration as a battery commonly referred to as an AAA battery. The electrical contacts of each control module are positioned at the same location as the electrical terminals of the respective battery shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d).

The control modules shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d) and 7(a) to 7(d) are sized to fulfil the function of providing remote control of electrical power to different battery operated devices each adapted to be powered by different sized batteries.

However, it may be desirable to produce a control module of only one size (for example, for the purpose of reducing manufacturing cost). If this is the case, then it is desirable to allow such one size of control module to be adapted for use with different battery operated devices each taking different batteries. Figures 8 (a) to 8(d) exemplify one way in which such a desire may be addressed.

Figure 8 (a) shows a control module 10 which is the same as that shown in Figures 1, 2 and 7(a). As will be appreciated, it has the same size, shape and configuration as a battery commonly referred to as an AAA battery. Such a control module may be referred to as an 'AAA control module'. Figures 8(b) to 8(d) each show an 'AAA control module' 10 within a casing 80, 80', 80" according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The casing 80 shown in Figure 8(b) has substantially the same size, shape and configuration as a battery commonly referred to as a C battery (as in Figure 5(b)). The casing 80' shown in Figure 8(c) has substantially the same size, shape and configuration as a battery commonly referred to as an AA battery (as in Figure 5(c)). The casing 80" shown in Figure 8(d) has substantially the same size, shape and configuration as a battery commonly referred to as a D battery (as in Figure 5(d)). Each of the casings 80, 80', 80" in Figures 8(b) to 8(d) has a first electrical contact 861, 861', 861" and a second electrical contact 862, 862', 862" positioned at the same location as respective electrical terminals 161', 162' of the respective battery shown in Figures 5(b) to 5(d).

Each of the casings 80, 80', 80" shown in Figures 8(b) to 8(d) comprises a first receiving electrical contact 8610, 8610', 8610" and a second receiving electrical contact 8620, 8620', 8620". Each respective receiving electrical contact is located inside the respective casing, and is arranged to make contact with the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the 'AAA control module' 10 - each of the respective first receiving electrical contacts 8610, 8610', 8610" connecting with the first electrical contact 12 of the control module 10 and each of the respective second receiving electrical contact 8620, 8620', 8620" connecting with the second electrical contact 13 of the control module 10. Each of the second receiving electrical contacts 8620, 8620', 8620" are in the form of a biasing spring so that frictional (and electrical) engagement between electrical contacts is promoted. Thus the use of the 'AAA control module' 10 in battery operated devices taking standard batteries size other that AAA is possible. The different sized casings 80, 80', 80" shown in Figures 8(b) to 8(d) allow the 'AAA control module' 10 to be placed within a respective casing 80, 80', 80" and the arrangement of the electrical contacts each respective casing 80, 80', 80" allow the control module 10 to control the supply the flow of electrical energy in the manner hereinbefore described.

Alternatives to each of the control modules described hereinbefore are possible. Rather than simply permitting and interrupting flow of electrical energy between the electrical contacts of the control module, the electrical energy may be controlled in another way - for example the amount of electrical energy may be reduced by a selected amount. This may be useful for applications where the battery operated device is, for example, a light, and dimming of the light is desired. Alternatively, the electrical energy can be controlled in a way such that electrical energy is delivered to the battery operated device in bursts. In the example where the battery operated device is a light, this can allow the control module to cause the light to flash on and off. It will be appreciated that where such control of the control module (beyond simple connection/disconnection of the electrical energy) is desired, the signal transmitted to the control module may contain a message defining the desired type of operation, and the transmission module may be thus appropriately configured to transmit such signals. In alternatives, the transmission module may comprise a timer and be configured to transmit a signal in response to the timer. The transmission module may be arranged to allow the user to configure the timer so as to set the time at which signals are transmitted from the transmission module. Thus a battery operated device can be adapted (by incorporating a control module) to allow the device to be switched on/off during predetermined times. Therefore, in the case that the device is a child's toy which makes loud noises, then the toy is easily adapted to have the toy powered off at night.

It will be understood that the use of a timer can allow a 'snooze' function to be built into the device into which the control module has been introduced, in that, the device may be switched off, and then switched back on again after a predetermined period.

In alternatives, the transmission module may comprise a microphone and the transmission module may be configured to transmit a signal in response to sounds detected by the microphone. The transmission module may be arranged to allow the user to configure the microphone so as to set the volume of sound at which at which signals are transmitted from the transmission module. Thus a battery operated device can be adapted (by incorporating a control module) to allow the device to be switched on/off when sounds above a predetermined threshold are exceeded. Therefore, in the case that the device is a child's toy which is capable of producing loud noises, then the toy is easily adapted to have the toy powered off in the event that those loud noise are generated. It will be understood that the term 'microphone' is used here to represent any device which can detect sound and transmit an electrical signal is response to the detected sound.

In alternatives, the control module may not necessarily have a receiver for receiving a radio signal from a remote transmitter. The control module may comprise a timer for outputting a signal to the controller to control the flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts at certain times, and/or for certain periods of time. The timer will generally be a user- programmable timer so that the user can set certain times at which, for example, a toy incorporating the control module is on or off.

In a further alternative, the control module has two modes; a passive mode and an active mode and a user-operable mode switch which controls which mode the module is in.

In this alternative, the control module comprises an observation module and an active controller both of which are connected to the controller. The observation module is arranged to observe the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery- operated device and does so when the control module is in the passive mode.

The active controller is arranged, when the control module is in the active mode, to provide input signals to the controller to control the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device, in dependence on a pattern of supply observed by the observation module when the control module is in the passive mode.

In use, a user sets the mode of operation of the module to the passive mode using the mode switch which sends a signal to the controller that the mode has changed to passive mode. The controller then signals to the observation module to observe the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device. The control module can then be used in the normal way (i.e. manually turning the battery- operated device on and off using the control module). During this time, the observation module observes the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery- operated device.

After a period of time has elapsed, for example a period of time that the user feels represents the pattern of supply of electricity that is desired over such a period, for example 24 hours, the user can set the control module to an active mode using the mode switch. The controller then signals to the observation module to send data regarding the observed pattern of supply of electricity to the active controller. The controller also sends a signal to activate the active mode. The active controller then provides input signals to the controller of the control module to control the supply of electricity to the battery-operated device. These input signals are based in the pattern of supply of electricity observed by the observation module. If desired, the input signals from the active controller can be overridden . I.e. Even when the active controller has sent an input signal to the controller to supply electricity and turn the battery-operated device on, an input signal produced by the transmitter, for example, can stop the supply of electricity and turn the battery- operated device off.

The observation module may be connected in the electricity path of the control module or the battery-operated device and arranged to directly observe when the battery-operated device is turned on and off.

In a further alternative, the active controller and/or observation module may be implemented as sub-modules within the controller.

Alternatively, the observation module may be arranged to continually monitor the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device, even when the module is in the active mode.

Alternatively, the observation module may be arranged to continually feed data regarding the pattern of supply of electricity to the active controller, not just when the module is switched from the passive mode to the active mode.

In another alternative, the mode switch may be located on the transmitter.

Claims

1. A control module for controlling the supply of electricity to a battery-operated device, the control module comprising, first and second electrical contacts for electrically connecting the control module to the battery-operated device, and a controller arranged for controlling flow of electrical energy between the first and second electrical contacts in response to an input signal.

2. A control module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control module comprises a receiver arranged to receive a signal from a transmitter and, in response, to output said input signal for reception by the controller.

3. A control module as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the control module comprises a module housing and the module housing defines the overall size and shape of the control module.

4. A control module according to claim 3 wherein each of said first and second electrical contacts are located at respective first and second contact locations exterior of said module housing.

5. A control module according to claim 4 wherein each of said first and second electrical contacts are mounted to an external surface of said housing.

6. A control module according to any of claims 3 to 5 wherein the first and second electrical contacts face away from one another.

7. A control module according to claim 6 wherein the first and second contact locations are at opposite ends of the module housing.

8. A control module as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7 wherein the control module has a predetermined size and shape which allows the control module to be substituted into the place of at least one battery by which the battery-operated device is arranged to be powered.

9. A control module as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control module has a configuration substantially the same as a standard battery.

10. A control module as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the control module is arranged to be introduced into a battery compartment of a battery-operated device, which compartment is arranged to receive at least one standard sized battery, and the first and second electrical contacts of the control module are positioned and arranged to contact with electrical contact portions of the compartment and/or electrical terminals of batteries also introduced to the compartment, such that when the control module is in position, electrical energy delivered to the battery-operated device will flow via the first and second electrical contacts of the control module.

11. A control module as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the control module is arranged to be installed in a position in a battery-operated device, so that the first and second electrical contacts of the control module are inserted into the electric circuit normally formed by battery/batteries in the battery-operated device and the battery-operated device.

12. A control module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the control module is arranged to be installed such the first and second contacts of the control module can be inserted in between a terminal of a battery and either a terminal of another battery, or an electrical contact portion of the battery compartment of the battery-operated device.

13. A control module as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the control module has a predetermined size and shape which allows the control module to be installed around at least part of at least one battery by which the battery-operated device is arranged to be powered.

14. A control module according to claim 13 wherein the size and shape of the control module is such that an accommodating region of the control module fits around the size and shape of a standard battery.

15. A control module according to claim 14 wherein the accommodating region of the control module and the shape of a standard battery are complementary in shape, for example, if the shape of the standard battery is cylindrical, said accommodating region preferably comprises a surface for facing the battery which is concave and has a substantially uniform curvature.

16. A control module as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 wherein the control module comprises a projection, the projection comprising at least one of the electrical contacts, wherein the projection is arranged to be positioned such that the or each electrical contact can be placed relative to battery terminals, or electrical contact portions of a battery compartment, thereby allowing suitable electrical contact between the battery operated device and the control module.

17. A control module according to any preceding claim wherein the control module comprises a power source.

18. A control module as claimed in any of claims 2 to 17 wherein the control module has an aerial for improving reception of the signal received by the receiver.

19. A control modules as claimed in any of claims 2 to 18 wherein the transmitter and the receiver are arranged to respectively transmit and receive radio waves.

20. A control module as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control module comprises a timer for outputting said input signal for reception by the controller.

21. A control module as claimed in claim 20 wherein the timer is a user- programmable timer.

22. A control module as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the timer is programmable by applying programming signals via the first and second electrical contacts.

23. A control module as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the timer is programmable by applying programming signals via a first and a second programming contact.

24. A control module as claimed in any of claims 20 to 23 wherein the timer is programmable by transmitting programming signals via induction.

25. A control module as claimed in any preceding claim which is arranged for observing a pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device when in a passive mode arranged for controlling the flow of electrical energy between the first and second contacts so as to replicate said pattern of supply of electricity when in an active mode.

26. A control module as claimed in claim 25 which comprises an observation module to observe the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device and an active controller to control the supply of electricity to the battery-operated device based on the pattern of supply of electricity observed by the observation module.

27. A control module as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 which comprises a user- operable switch to change the mode of operation of the control module between an active mode and a passive mode.

28. A control apparatus comprising a control module according to any preceding claim and a casing of a predetermined size and shape for receiving an electric device, the casing comprising first and second electrical contacts located at respective first and second contact locations, the electrical contacts being arranged to allow the casing to be electrically connected to a battery operated device, each of the first and second electrical contacts of the casing also being arranged to be electrically connected to an electrical device which the casing is arranged to receive.

29. A control system comprising a control module according to any of claims 2 to 27 and a transmission module comprising a transmitter arranged to selectively transmit a signal to a receiver of the control module.

30. A control system according to claim 29 wherein the control system comprises a casing of a predetermined size and shape for receiving an electric device, the casing comprising first and second electrical contacts located at respective first and second contact locations, the electrical contacts being arranged to allow the casing to be electrically connected to a battery operated device, each of the first and second electrical contacts of the casing also being arranged to be electrically connected to an electrical device which the casing is arranged to receive.

31. A battery operated device assembly comprising a battery operated device and a control module according to any of claim 1 to 27 located in a battery compartment of the battery operated device.

32. A battery operated device assembly according to claim 31 wherein the battery operated device assembly comprises a casing of a predetermined size and shape for receiving an electric device, the casing comprising first and second electrical contacts located at respective first and second contact locations, the electrical contacts being arranged to allow the casing to be electrically connected to a battery operated device, each of the first and second electrical contacts of the casing also being arranged to be electrically connected to an electrical device which the casing is arranged to receive.

33. A method of controlling the supply of electricity to a battery operated device comprising the steps of: introducing a control module according to any of claims 2 to 27 into a battery compartment of the battery operated device to be controlled; positioning the first and second contacts of said control module such that electrical energy delivered to the battery-operated device will flow via the first and second electrical contacts; and transmitting a controlling signal to the receiver of the control module.

34. A method of controlling the supply of electricity to a battery operated device according to claim 33 further comprising the steps of: putting the control module in a passive mode so that the module observes the pattern of supply of electricity to the battery-operated device, and then switching the control module to an active mode so that the module replicates the pattern of supply of electricity.