Patent Application
20070052388
The present invention is generally related to accessories for portable electronic devices including power converters, notebook traveling bags, and other such devices usable with portable electronic devices including notebook computers, MP3 players, cellular phones, portable gaming devices, digital cameras and so forth.
The traveling road warrior typically owns a host of accessories for their portable electronic devices to make traveling easier and more convenient. For instance, notebook computer bags, AC and DC input power converters, extra batteries, retractable cords and so forth are just some devices utilized to make operation of such devices possible when away from the office and during travel.
Power converters are typically utilized to provide power to portable electronic devices to facilitate the operation and/or recharging thereof. DC power, such as available from vehicles including cars and airplanes, and AC power available from wall sources, are typically utilized by the power converter to power the portable electronic devices to avoid the depletion of battery and/or charge the batteries during use or when not in use. Unfortunately, auxiliary power is not always available, and sometimes there is no time to charge such devices inbetween travel, such as when traveling through the airport terminal to terminal, from the terminal to a rental car facility, and so forth. Hence, the traveling user often carries additional power sources, including additional batteries, during these time periods.
There is desired an improved accessory adapted to provide power to portable electronic devices in such situations, which accessory is convenient and affordable.
The present invention achieves technical advantages as a roller bag having integral thereto a battery and a charger geared to recharge the battery when the wheels of the roller bag are rotated. During times of commuting, such as within an airport terminal, between a terminal and a rental car facility, or in route to a hotel, the battery remains charged and available to the mobile user to provide a reliable source of power. At least one power terminal is further integrated into the bag providing external access to the battery, which power terminals are available to connect power cords for portable electronic devices. A universal power solution is achieved through utilization of a programming device, such as programming smart tips.
Referring to
Still referring to
Referring now to Table 1 and Table 2 below, there is shown some basic battery charging calculations based on two and three 6.25 volt cell phone battery charging, respectively.
As shown in Table 1, there is calculated the time to charge in minutes to attain desired battery efficiency, based on the battery having 0 charge prior to charging. Such time to charge is based upon the alternator/mini-motor 14 providing a 4V voltage and a 2A current when rotated by wheels 16 having a 2¼″ diameter rotated at normal walking speed. As can be appreciated, a 100% efficiency can be achieved in approximately 60 minutes. Of course, the size of the battery, the size of the alternator, and the speed of rotation of same will determine the power generated available for recharging the battery.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the notebook computer (not shown) disposed within the laptop bag 10 can be adapted to be directly charged from the alternator 14 if desired. Suitable wiring from the alternator 14 to a voltage regulator, and ultimately provided to the laptop computer, as shown in
Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.
