WO2017204861A1

WO2017204861A1 - Continuous-charging systems

Info

Publication number: WO2017204861A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/012264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elmer TATE
Original assignee: Tate Elmer
Priority date: 2016-05-26
Filing date: 2017-01-05
Publication date: 2017-11-30

Abstract

A continuous-charging system having a continuous-charging assembly. The continuous-charging assembly including a work-device; with the work-device including a primary-power-supply, an electrical-generator, a voltage-regulator, a universal-serial-bus-port, and a rechargeable-battery(s) in functional combination. The primary-power-supply is structured and arranged to allow a user with a source of energy to perform a work-related task and the electrical-generator is structured and arranged to provide regenerative-electrical- energy from the work-device to the at least one rechargeable-battery via electrical- communication. The voltage-regulator is structured and arranged to provide the at least one rechargeable-battery with a specific voltage for recharging the at least one rechargeable-battery, which may be removable and replaceable. The work-device may be a cordless-drill.

Description

CONTINUOUS-CHARGING SYSTEMS

CRO S S -REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application serial number 62/240,373, filed October, 12, 2015 which application is incorporated herein by reference and prior non-provisional application 1 5, 165,295 filed on May, 26, 2016 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical devices and more specifically relates to a continuous-charging system.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0002] In general, a drill is a tool fitted with a cutting tool attachment (such as a drill-bit) or driving tool attachment (such as a screw or nut driver). These attachments provide for cutting or drilling of material and the driving of fasteners. Drills are commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, and constmction. Often times a hard-wired power supply may not be available due to the phase of construction, remote location, or for other reasons. Therefore, it has become increasingly popular to use a drill which is powered by a battery supply. These types of drills are often referred to as cordless drills.

[0003] Similarly, some types of landscaping equipment like iawnmowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and others may also use a cordless power supply. One such limitation with the use of cordless tools is the limited capacity of the battery. This requires that the battery must be periodically recharged, either requiring downtime or the use of an auxiliary battery to be used when the original battery is being charged. Also, it may be desirable to power other devices from the battery pack of a cordless tool; however, often times the cordless tool battery pack is not directly compatible with other such devices. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.

[0004] Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Patent numbers: 3,784,892 to Zelina; 6,448,727 to Rotterhusen; and

6,680,596 to DeCicco. This art is representative of electrical devices. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

[0005] Preferably, an electrical device should provide a reliable batter}' with continuous charge to at least partially recharge the electrical device and include the capability to power other devices and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable continuous-charging system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the foregoing di sadvantages inherent in the known electrical device art, the present invention provides a novel continuous-charging system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a cordless power tool with a way to provide an electrical charge, extending the life of the battery power supply to the cordless power tool.

[0007] A continuous-charging system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising a continuous-charging assembly. The continuous-charging assembly may comprise a work-device; with the work-device comprising a primary-power-supply, an electrical - generator, a voltage-regulator, a universal-serial -bus-port, and a rechargeable- battery(s) in functional combination. The device is not entirely self-powered.

[0008] The primary-power-supply is structured and arranged to provide a user with a source of energy to perform a work-related task and the electrical-generator is structured and arranged to provide regenerative-electrical -energy from the work-device to the at least one rechargeable- battery via electrical-communication. The voltage-regulator is structured and arranged to provide the at least one rechargeable-batten,' with a specific voltage for safely recharging the at least one rechargeable-battery. Preferably, the work-device comprises a cordless-drill.

[0009] The universal-serial-bus-port is structured and arranged to provide the user with an auxiliary-electrical-port useful for inputting, and alternatively exporting, electrical-energy to/from the continuous-charging assembly. Additionally, the electrical-generator may provide regenerative power in electrical form to at least partly recharge the at least one rechargeable- battery to extend the longevity of the primary-power-supply which may provide a longer work- cycle for the work-device. Preferably, at least one rechargeable-battery is removable and replaceable.

[00010] In the preferred embodiment, the primary-power-supply may comprise an electrical- motor where the electrical -generator may comprise a pinion-gear affixed at a right angle relative to an axis of rotation of the electrical -motor.

[0001 1 ] The continuous-charging assembly may comprise a charging-circuit to prevent overcharging of the rechargeable-battery(s) and may include a charge-indicator to provide the user with a visual indication as to a relative charge of the rechargeable-battery(s). Also, the at least one rechargeable-battery may be additionally chargeable via an external-power- supply and the continuous-charging assembly may include a solar-ceil to allow the user to recharge the rechargeable-batteries with light. In this way, external power may be added to the system.

[00012] Also disclosed herein is a kit; the kit including (at least) a continuous-charging assembly, a USB-cable, a charging-cable; and a set of user instructions. A method is also disclosed herein, including the steps of providing a continuous-charging assembly, commencing use of the continuous-charging assembly to perform a work-related task, recharging the continuous-charging assembly during the work-related task, ceasing the work- related task, and replacing at least one rechargeable-battery.

[00013] The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a continuous- charging system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00014] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, continuous-charging systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

[00015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a continuous-charging system comprising a continuous-charging assembly during an 'in-use' condition showing a user performing a work-related-task using the continuous-charging assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the continuous-charging assembly comprising a work-device according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

[00017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the work-device of the continuous- charging system comprising the continuous-charging assembly further comprising a primary- power- supply, an electrical-generator, a voltage-regulator, a universal-serial-bus-port, and at least one rechargeable-battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the electrical- generator of the continuous-charging assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the continuous-charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00020] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00021] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical device and more particularly to a continuous-charging system as used to improve the longevity and duration of performing a work-related task by at least partially recharging the continuous- charging system during use.

[00022] Generally speaking, continuous-charging systems may comprise a continuous- charging assembly, with continuous-charging assembly comprising a work-device. The present system is not perpetual in nature but rather provides a charging means to aid in powering the device over an extended period to increase relative efficiency.

[00023] Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, continuous-charging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Continuous-charging system 100 may comprise continuous-charging assembly 110, which may comprise work-device 1 16.

[00024] Work-device 1 16 may comprise primary-power-supply 118, electrical-generator 120, voltage-regulator 122, universal-serial-bus-port 124, and at least one rechargeable- battery 126 in functional combination. Primary -power-supply 118 is structured and arranged to provide user 140 with a source of energy to perform a work-related task during an in-use condition 150 (as illustrated in FIG. 1).

[00025] Universal-serial-bus-port 124 is structured and arranged to provide user 140 with an auxiliary-electrical-port useful for inputting, and alternatively exporting, electrical-energy to continuous-charging assembly 110.

[00026] Electrical -generator 120 may provide regenerative power in electrical form to at least partly recharge rechargeable-battery 126 to extend the longevity of primary-power- supply 118 and to provide a longer work-cycle for work-device 116. Electrical-generator 120 may comprise pinion-gear 132 which may be affixed at a right angle relative to an axis of rotation of electrical -motor 130. Electrical-generator 120 is structured and arranged to provide regenerative-electrical-energy from work-device 116 to rechargeable-battery 126 via electrical- communication.

[00027] Work-device 116 may comprise cordless-drill 1 16, landscaping-equipment or other similar devices. Work-device 116 may also include an external-housing to provide impact protection and longevity during use. Primary-power-supply 1 18 may comprise electrical -motor 130, human-power, an internal-combustion-engine, a solar-powered-motor, a pneumatic-motor, depending upon user preferences and specific job requirements.

[00028] Voltage-regulator 122 is structured and arranged to provide rechargeable- battery! s) 126 with a specific voltage for recharging rechargeable-battery(s) 126. At least one rechargeable-battery 126 is preferably removable and replaceable or may be permanently affixed to continuous-charging assembly 110.

[00029] Continuous-charging assembly 1 10 may further include a charging-circuit to prevent overcharging and damage to rechargeable-battery(s) 126. Additionally, continuous- charging assembly 1 10 may further comprise solar-cell 134 to allow user 140 to recharge rechargeable- battery^) 126 with light and may also include charge-indicator 136 to provide user 140 with a visual indication as to a relative charge of rechargeable-battery(s) 126.

[00030] Rechargeable-battery 126 may be additionally chargeable via an exter al -power- supply (e.g., via a standard 120-voit electrical outlet), and rechargeable-battery 126 may be connected-electrically in series with a second at least one rechargeable-battery 126. Alternatively, at least one rechargeable-battery 126 may be connected-electrically in parallel with a second one rechargeable-battery 126.

[00031] It should be noted that continuous-charging system 100 may be sold as kit 180 comprising the following parts: at least one U SB-cable 182, at least one charging-cable 184, and at least one set of user instructions 186. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Continuous-charging system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications.

[00032] Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, staictural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different recharging means and combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

[00033] A method of use 500 for continuous-charging system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: step one 501, providing continuous-charging assembly 110, step two 502, commencing use of continuous-charging assembly 1 10 to perform a work-related task; step three 503, recharging continuous-charging assembly 110 during the work-related task, step four 504, ceasing the work-related task; and step five 505, replacing at least one rechargeable-battery 126.

[00034] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of "step of should not be interpreted as "step for", in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, \ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

[00035] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplar}' and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A continuous-charging system comprising:

a continuous-charging assembly comprising;

a work -device comprising;

a primary-power-supply;

an electrical-generator;

a voltage-regulator;

a universal-serial -bus-port; and

at least one rechargeable-battery;

wherein said continuous-charging system comprises said continuous-charging assembly in functional combination;

wherein said continuous-charging assembly comprises said work-device;

wherein said work -device comprises said primary-power-supply, said electrical- generator, said voltage-regulator, said universal-serial-bus-port, and said rechargeable -batteiy(s) in functional combination;

wherein said primary-power-supply is structured and arranged to allow a user with a source of energy to perform a work-related task;

wherein said electrical -generator is structured and arranged to provide regenerative- electrical-energy from said work-device to said at least one rechargeable-battery via electrical- communication;

wherein said voltage-regulator is structured and arranged to provide said at least one rechargeable-battery with a specific voltage for recharging said at least one rechargeable-battery; wherein said universal-serial-bus-port is structured and arranged to provide said user with an auxiliary-electrical-port useful for inputting, and alternatively exporting electrical -energy to said continuous-charging assembly; and

wherein said electrical-generator provides regenerative power in electrical form to at least partly recharge said at least one rechargeable-batteiy to extend the longevity of said primary-power- supply to provide a longer work-cycle for said work-device.

2. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said primary-power-supply comprises an electrical-motor.

3. The continuous-charging system of claim 2 wherein said electrical-generator comprises a pinion-gear which is affixed at a right angle relative to an axis of rotation of said electrical -motor.

4. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said at least one rechargeable- battery is removable and replaceable.

5. The continuous-chargmg system of claim 1 wherein said at least one rechargeable battery is permanently affixed to said continuous-charging assembly.

6. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said primary -power-supply comprises human-power.

7. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said primary-power-supply comprises an internal -combustion-engine .

8. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said continuous-chargmg assembly further comprises a charging-circuit to prevent overcharging of said rechargeable-battery (s).

9. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said continuous-charging assembly- further comprises a solar-cell to allow said user to recharge said rechargeable-batteries with light.

10. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said continuous-charging assembly furtlier includes a charge -indicator to provide said user with a visual indication as to a relative charge of said rechargeable-battery(s).

11. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said at least one rechargeable- battery is additionally chargeable via an external-power-supply .

12. The continuous-charging sy stem of claim 1 wherein said at least one rechargeable- battery is connected-electrically in series with a second at least one rechargeable- battery.

13. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said at least one rechargeable-battery- is connected-electrically in parallel with a second at least one rechargeable- battery.

14. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said primary -power-supply comprises a solar-powered-motor.

15. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said primary-power-supply comprises a pneumatic-motor.

16. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said work-device comprises a cordless-drill

17. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said work-device comprises landscaping-equipm ent .

18. The continuous-charging system of claim 1 wherein said work-device includes an external -housing to provide impact protection and longevity during use.

19. A continuous-charging system comprising:

a continuous-charging assembly comprising;

a work-device comprising:

a primary-power-supply; an electrical-generator;

a voltage-regulator;

a universal-serial-bus-port; and

at least one rechargeable-battery;

wherein said continuous-charging assembly comprises said work-device;

wherem said work-device comprises said primary-power-supply, said electrical- generator, said voltage-regulator, said universal-serial-bus-port, and said rechargeable-battery(s) in functional combination;

wherem said primary-power-supply is structured and arranged to allow a user with a source of energy to perform a work-related task;

wherein said electrical-generator is structured and arranged to provide regenerative- electrical -energy from said work-device to said at least one rechargeable-batten,' via electrical- communication;

wherein said voltage-regulator is structured and arranged to provide said at least one rechargeable-battery with a specific voltage for recharging said at least one rechargeable-battery; wherein said universal-serial-bus-port is structured and arranged to provide said user with an auxiliary-electrical-port useful for inputting, and alternatively exporting electrical-energy to said continuous-charging assembly; and

wherein said electrical-generator provides regenerative power in electrical form to at least partly recharge said at least one rechargeable-battery to extend the longevity of said primary-power- supply to provide a longer work-cycle for said work-device;

wherein said primary-power-supply comprises an electrical-motor;

wherem said electrical-generator comprises a pinion-gear which is affixed at a right angle relative to an axis of rotation of said electrical -motor;

wherein said at least one rechargeable-battery- is removable and replaceable;

wherein said continuous-charging assembly comprises a charging-circuit to prevent overcharging of said rechargeable-battery(s);

wherein said continuous-charging assembly comprises a solar-ceil to allow said user to recharge said rechargeable -batteries with light;

wherein said continuous-charging assembly includes a charge-indicator to provide said user with a visual indication as to a relative charge of said rechargeable- batiery(s);

wherem said at least one re chargeable -battery is additionally chargeable via an external- power-supply; and wherein said work-device comprises a cordless-drill.

20. The continuous-charging system of claim 19 further comprising a kit including;

said continuous-charging assembly;

said USB-cable;

said charging-cable; and

a set of user instructions.