Patent Grant
9153981
The present invention is in the technical field of power supplies. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of adapting electric power from a power source that has relatively high voltage for use in charging an electronic apparatus that cannot use such voltage directly, but requires lower voltage and a specific current.
With the rising number of electronic apparatuses being used daily and their increased capabilities and therefore increased power demands, there are several adapters available for sourcing power to charge the batteries within an electronic apparatus over the course of a day. Unfortunately, for people in electric utility vehicles, such as golf cars, there is not yet such an adapter for tapping into the power supply of electric utility vehicles through the vehicle's conveniently located charging receptacle.
There is a growing number of golf applications for smart phones. For example GPS (global positioning system) applications are available to help players navigate golf courses. Although the applications are very popular, many golfers are disappointed that their smart phones run out of power before they come to the end of their game at the golf course.
There are many other electric utility vehicles for which such a power adapter would be useful. Examples include vehicles used by meter maids, by airport personnel, by farmers, by disabled persons, and by event personnel.
What is needed is a simple adapter to source the power found at the charging receptacle in an electric utility vehicle for use in charging electronic apparatuses.
The foregoing aspects and others will be readily appreciated by the skilled artisan from the following description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to a device for sourcing electrical power found at the charging receptacle of an electric utility vehicle for use by an electronic apparatus, comprising a first fitting designed to connect electrically to a charging receptacle of an electric utility vehicle.
The device also includes a DC converter module in electric communication with the first fitting, the DC converter module configured to convert input DC voltage and current to a usable output DC voltage and current.
The device further includes a second fitting in electrical communication with the DC converter module, wherein the second fitting is configured to make an electrical connection with an electronic apparatus.
The preferred embodiments are illustrated in the context of sourcing power found at the charging receptacle in an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate, however, that the materials and methods disclosed herein will have application in a number of other contexts where sourcing electric power found at the charging receptacle in an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle is desirable, particularly where no other convenient power source is available.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
The term, “electric utility vehicle,” is used to mean electric vehicles generally intended for off road use that have top speed of less than about 40 mph. Examples include, but are not limited to electric golf cars, electric general utility vehicles such as used by ground services and maintenance departments, electric power mowers, electric lawn care equipment, and small electric tractors. The term, “electric golf car”, sometimes called, “electric golf carts,” is used to mean electric vehicles generally intended to have a top speed of less than 25 mph and carry golfers and their golf clubs. Specific examples of golf cars include, but are not limited to E-Z-GO™, Club Car™, and Yamaha™.
In one embodiment of the invention, an electric power supply adapter device plugs into a charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle. According to one aspect of the present invention, the electric power supply adapter device includes input electric connectors adapted to fit a charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle, a DC (direct current) converter module to convert input DC voltage and current from the charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle into a desired output DC voltage and current, and an output electric connector adapted to connect to an electronic apparatus and to transmit the DC output power from the DC converter module to the electronic apparatus. Examples of such electronic apparatuses may include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, an iPhone™, an iPad™, a Blackberry™, a SkyCaddie™, audio speakers, GPS units, a tablet, a fan, and a light.
In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, referring now to the invention in more detail, in
In further detail, still referring to the invention of
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The shapes, dimensions, materials of construction, and arrangements of the parts of the various embodiments of the invention as shown in
Referring now to the invention in more detail,
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In further detail, still referring to the invention of
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The shapes, dimensions, materials of construction, arrangements of the parts, etc. of the various embodiments of the invention as shown in
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The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, the ability to allow an electronic apparatus to be powered conveniently from a charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle. Electric golf cars and electric utility vehicles have charging receptacles that have a shape, electrical connector position, and DC voltage combination unlike any other type of charging receptacle. The present invention conveniently fits into a charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle, converts the input voltage and current to the required output voltage and current, and outputs the needed power to an electronic apparatus.
In broad embodiment, power found at the charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle flows through the electric power supply adapter device and to the electronic apparatus.
The exemplary embodiment shown and discussed in
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, methods, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.
This invention has been described herein in considerable detail to provide those skilled in the art with information relevant to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out by different equipment, materials and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/532,552, filed, Sep. 9, 2011 which is incorporated by reference herein.
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