(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0218445 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 27, 2003
`Behar
`
`US 20030218445A1
`
`(54) PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
`CARRIER AND CHARGER
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(76) Inventor: Brad M. Behar, Mineola, NY (US)
`
`..... .. H02J 7/00
`(51) Im. c1? .
`(52) US. Cl. ............................................................ ..320/114
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Brad M. Behar
`11 Shortridge Drive
`Mineola, NY 11501 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/155,714
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 21, 2002
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention is a portable carrier and charger for a
`handheld, portable, electronic device With a rechargeable
`battery, such as a cellular phone, that alleviates the need to
`travel With a separate charger. The invention also includes a
`handheld, portable, electronic device With a rechargeable
`battery, such as a cellular phone, and a carrier and charger
`for the electronic device. In one embodiment of the inven
`tion, the portable carrier and charger can be attached to a belt
`or to clothes or the like.
`
`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 1
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 2
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 2 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 3
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 3 0f 16
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 4
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 4 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 5 0f 16
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 6
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 6 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 7
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 7 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 8
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 8 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 9 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 10
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 10 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 11
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 11 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 12
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 12 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 13
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 13 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 14
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 14 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 15
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 15 0f 16
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`US 2003/0218445 A1
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 16
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 27, 2003 Sheet 16 0f 16
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`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 17
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`

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`US 2003/0218445 A1
`
`Nov. 27, 2003
`
`PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE CARRIER
`AND CHARGER
`
`[0001] The present invention is a portable carrier for a
`portable, handheld, electronic device With a rechargeable
`battery, such as a cellular phone, that also functions as a
`charger for the electronic device’s battery. The present
`invention is also a portable, handheld, electronic device With
`a rechargeable battery and a portable carrier and charger for
`carrying the electronic device Wherein the tWo items
`together comprise the necessary components for charging
`the electronic device’s batteries.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] OWnership of portable, handheld, electronic
`devices With rechargeable batteries such as cellular phones,
`personal digital assistants, organiZers, and daily planners are
`common. People routinely carry one such electronic device
`With them if not more than one. Since the batteries in these
`electronic devices are rechargeable, people frequently need
`chargers for these electronic devices. Carrying and/or pack
`ing an eXisting charger or multiple chargers When traveling
`is inconvenient and cumbersome. If someone needs to
`recharge the dying battery in their electronic device and they
`do not have a charger With them, the user has a dilemma.
`
`[0003] One eXample of such an electronic device is a
`cellular phone. The use of cellular phones has become so
`convenient that people carry them everyWhere they go.
`Some people even use a cellular phone as their home
`telephone instead of an old-fashioned landline.
`
`[0004] With electronic miniaturiZation, cellular phones are
`becoming increasingly lighter and smaller. The amount of
`poWer used by cellular phones is being minimiZed and
`batteries for cellular phones are becoming smaller. Smaller
`batteries provide for lighter and smaller cellular phones. The
`technology for rechargeable batteries is also improving and
`the batteries themselves are noW lighter and lasting longer.
`At this point in time, hoWever, the battery in a cellular phone
`cannot last forever. It requires recharging after a certain
`period of use depending upon many factors including the
`poWer demand selected by the user.
`[0005] A conventional cellular phone battery charger
`required the user to remove the battery from the cellular
`phone and place it in a separate cradle that rested upon a
`desk or table. The charger included a plug assembly With an
`AC/DC adapter in it at one end of a chord to convert an
`alternating poWer supply into direct voltage and direct
`current. The other end of the chord Was connected to the
`cradle. The battery Would charge When the plug assembly
`Was plugged in and the battery Was in the cradle.
`
`[0006] The neXt generation charger enabled the user to
`place the battery in the charger With the cellular phone
`attached. This alloWed the user to keep the cellular phone
`poWered While the battery charged.
`[0007] Currently, a charger for a cellular phone typically
`includes some type of AC/DC adapter assembly in the shape
`of a boX or cube With a plug. This is the part of the charger
`that gets plugged into an outlet and converts the alternating
`poWer into direct current and voltage. The charger also has
`a chord that attaches to the AC/DC adapter assembly at one
`end. The other end of the chord includes an attachment
`terminal to connect the charger to the charger terminal on the
`
`cellular phone. This type of charger requires that the user
`plug the charger into a receptacle, such as a standard Wall
`outlet, connect the other end of the chord to the charger
`terminal on the cellular phone and then place the cellular
`phone doWn in the vicinity of the outlet.
`[0008] Another type of charger for a cellular phone is a
`cradle for a desktop. For this type of charger, the user places
`the cellular phone in the cradle and a plug With AC/DC
`adapter circuitry located at the other end of a chord is
`plugged into an outlet.
`
`[0009] One draWback to the above-mentioned types of
`chargers is that the Wire typically gets in the Way of the user
`or other things such as papers on a desk. Another draWback
`is that the cord is not aesthetically appealing, especially at an
`office or in a house. Yet another draWback to this type of
`charger is the user must carry it With them, separate from the
`phone, When traveling in order to be able to recharge the
`battery in their cellular phone. Even if an individual remem
`bers or thinks to bring a charger With them, carrying and/or
`traveling With these types of chargers is inconvenient and
`cumbersome given their siZes and con?gurations. Conse
`quently, people often leave their charger at home or they
`purchase multiple chargers to keep at multiple locations. It
`is not uncommon to hear about someone asking for a charger
`for their cellular phone When visiting someone else’s office,
`or at a hotel, or at someone else’s home, or When traveling
`elseWhere, because they did not bring their charger and their
`battery is dying or is dead.
`
`[0010] It is also common for cellular phone users to oWn
`a separate carry case or “clip” for their cellular phones. A
`carry case or clip is made to hold a cellular phone When it
`is not in use and it is usually capable of attaching to
`something so that the user’s hands are free to hold or do
`other things. A carry case or clip is typically made to attach
`to a belt or strap but it can also function as just a cradle.
`People sometimes place their cellular phones in carry cases
`or clips and then place the tWo in a briefcase, bag, pocket,
`pocket book, or on the seat of their car.
`
`[0011] Some of the carry cases or clips noW knoWn and
`available on the market require the user to separate the
`cellular phone from the carry case or clip before a charger
`is connected to the cellular phone. For these carry cases and
`chargers, the user needs to keep track of the carry case or clip
`When the cellular phone’s battery is charging. The carry case
`or clip is often misplaced When it is separated from the
`cellular phone.
`[0012] Other patents have addressed some of the draW
`backs and disadvantages relating to cellular phone batteries
`and chargers. For example, US. Pat. No. 6,191,553 to
`Feng-Jung (“Portable Charger With a Separate Base and
`Mount With a Belt Clip Attachment”) discloses an improved
`cellular phone battery charger that is portable and possesses
`a concealed plug. The charger includes an attaching mount
`so that the user can carry the charger on their belt separate
`from the cellular phone for removal When needed. The
`invention of the Feng-Jung patent thereby provides for less
`burdensome transport of the charger for the user but requires
`the battery to be removed from the phone before charging
`and does not alleviate the need to carry the charger separate
`from the cellular phone and it’s carry case or clip.
`[0013] US. Pat. No. 6,043,626 to Snyder et al. (“Auxiliary
`Battery Holder With Multicharger Functionality”) discloses
`
`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 18
`
`

`

`US 2003/0218445 A1
`
`Nov. 27, 2003
`
`a portable holder for a phone that recharges the phone’s
`battery While it is in the carrier. The poWer supplied to the
`phone’s battery comes form an auxiliary battery in the
`holder. When the phone is in the holder the auxiliary battery
`charges the phone’s battery. When the charge of the auXil
`iary battery diminishes, the Snyder invention requires
`recharging of the auXiliary battery and the phone’s battery
`With another charger. The user is still required to carry
`another charger device to repeatedly recharge the phone’s
`battery.
`[0014] The present invention alleviates some of the incon
`veniences and shortcomings of these devices and provides a
`portable apparatus that performs the function of both a carry
`case or clip and a charger. The portable apparatus functions
`as both a carrier and charger for a portable, handheld
`electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such as a
`cellular phone. The portable apparatus alleviates the need for
`tWo separate accessories, namely a carrier and a charger.
`
`[0015] The present invention is also a portable apparatus
`for carrying a portable, handheld, electronic device With a
`rechargeable battery, such as a cellular phone, and an
`electronic device. When the electronic device is in the
`portable apparatus, the electronic device can be charged
`Without the need for a separate charger.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a
`portable apparatus that is capable of functioning as both a
`carrier and a charger for a portable, handheld electronic
`device With a rechargeable battery, such as a cellular phone.
`
`[0017] Another object of the invention is provide a por
`table electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such as
`a cellular phone, and a portable apparatus for carrying the
`electronic device, that When attached to each other and
`plugged into an outlet, are capable of charging the battery in
`the electronic device.
`
`[0018] Yet another object of the invention is to alleviate
`the need to carry and transport a battery charger separate
`from, and in addition to, a portable, handheld electronic
`device With a rechargeable battery, such as a cellular phone,
`and its carry case or clip.
`
`[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
`convenient Way to travel With a charger for a portable,
`handheld electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such
`as a cellular phone.
`
`[0020] Another object of the invention is to provide a
`portable apparatus that can function as a chordless charger
`for a portable, handheld, electronic device With a recharge
`able a battery, such as a cellular phone.
`
`[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to
`provide a portable apparatus for carrying a portable, hand
`held, electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such as
`a cellular phone, that can attach to clothing accessories and
`that can also plug into an outlet receptacle to charge the
`electronic device’s battery.
`[0022] It is yet another object of the present invention to
`provide an improved carry case or carry clip for a portable,
`handheld, electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such
`as a cellular phone, as Well as an improved electronic device,
`that alleviates the need for a separate charger.
`
`[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a
`portable charger for a portable, handheld, electronic device
`With a rechargeable battery, such as a cellular phone, that is
`conveniently carried by a user and Which does not add
`Weight to the electronic device itself.
`[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention,
`the portable carrier and charger can serve tWo useful pur
`poses. First, the apparatus is capable of holding a portable,
`handheld, electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such
`as a cellular phone. Second, When the user Wants to charge
`or recharge the battery of the electronic device, the user
`plugs the portable carrier and charger into an outlet and the
`battery in the electronic device charges Without having to
`carry, locate or attach a separate charger. The user conve
`niently carries the charger With them in the same device they
`are using to carry the cellular phone.
`
`[0025] One embodiment of the invention is a portable
`carrier and charger comprising a housing capable of holding
`a portable, handheld, electronic device With a rechargeable
`battery, such as a cellular phone, a plug attached to the
`housing, AC/DC adapter circuitry Within the housing and a
`carrier terminal on the housing. Optionally, an attachment
`device can also be attached to the housing.
`
`[0026] The housing can be made in many con?gurations to
`accommodate varying shapes and siZes of electronic
`devices. The housing is con?gured to hold the electronic
`device When the user places the electronic device in the
`housing. A plug is attached to the housing and the plug is
`connected to AC/DC adapter circuitry Within the housing by
`electrically conductive material. The AC/DC adapter cir
`cuitry is connected to a carrier terminal that is attached to the
`housing, by electrically conductive material. The carrier
`terminal comprises metal contacts or pins or a board type
`connector With metal contacts. The carrier terminal is con
`?gured to connect to a charger terminal for charging the
`battery in the electronic device When the electronic device is
`placed in the housing of the portable carrier and charger.
`
`[0027] An electronic device, such as a cellular phone, is
`placed in the portable carrier and charger to carry the
`electronic device. The portable carrier and charger and the
`electronic device can be carried in a pocket, bag, pocket
`book, briefcase or the like. If the portable carrier and charger
`includes an attachment device, the portable carrier and
`charger and the electronic device therein, can be attached to
`things such as, for eXample, one’s pants belt.
`[0028] When the user Wants to charge the battery in the
`electronic device, the plug on the housing of the portable
`carrier and charger is inserted into an outlet. Current then
`?oWs through the plug to the AC/DC adapter circuitry in the
`housing Which converts the alternating voltage and the
`alternating current into direct voltage and direct current. The
`direct current then ?oWs to the carrier terminal on the
`housing and to the charger terminal on the electronic device
`for charging the electronic device’s battery.
`[0029] Another embodiment of the invention is a portable,
`handheld, electronic device With a rechargeable battery, such
`as a cellular phone, and a portable carrier and charger. The
`electronic device comprises a rechargeable battery and a
`charger terminal connected to the battery by electrically
`conductive material. A direct poWer source is applied to the
`charger terminal to charge the battery in the electronic
`device.
`
`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 19
`
`

`

`US 2003/0218445 A1
`
`Nov. 27, 2003
`
`[0030] The portable carrier and charger comprises a hous
`ing capable of holding the electronic device, a plug attached
`to the housing, AC/DC adapter circuitry Within the housing
`and a carrier terminal on the housing. Optionally, an attach
`ment device can also be attached to the housing.
`
`[0031] The housing is con?gured to hold the electronic
`device When the user places the electronic device in the
`housing. A plug is attached to the housing and the plug is
`connected to AC/DC adapter circuitry Within the housing by
`electrically conductive material. The AC/DC adapter cir
`cuitry is connected to a carrier terminal that is attached to the
`housing, by electrically conductive material. The carrier
`terminal comprises metal contacts or pins or a board type
`connector With metal contacts. The carrier terminal is con
`?gured to connect to the charger terminal on the electronic
`device for charging the battery in the electronic device When
`the electronic device is placed in the housing of the portable
`carrier and charger.
`
`[0032] The electronic device, such as a cellular phone, is
`placed in the portable carrier and charger to carry the
`electronic device. The portable carrier and charger and the
`electronic device together can be carried in a pocket, bag,
`pocketbook, briefcase or the like. If the portable carrier and
`charger includes an attachment device, the carrier and
`charger and the electronic device therein, can be attached to
`things such as, for eXample, one’s pants belt.
`
`[0033] When the user Wants to charge the battery in the
`electronic device, the plug on the housing of the portable
`carrier and charger is inserted into an outlet. Current then
`?oWs through the plug to the AC/DC adapter circuitry in the
`housing Which converts the alternating voltage and the
`alternating current into direct voltage and direct current. The
`direct current then ?oWs to the carrier terminal on the
`housing and to the charger terminal on the electronic device
`for charging the electronic device’s battery.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0034] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, rep
`resentative embodiments are shoWn in the accompanying
`?gures, it being understood that the invention is not intended
`to be limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentali
`ties shoWn.
`
`[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of the front of a
`portable carrier and charger according to one embodiment of
`the invention.
`
`[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective vieW of the back of the
`portable carrier and charger in FIG. 1.
`
`[0037] FIG. 3 is a side vieW of a portable carrier and
`charger according to another embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0038] FIG. 4 is a front vieW of the portable carrier and
`charger shoWn in FIG. 3.
`
`[0039] FIG. 5 is a rear vieW of the portable carrier and
`charger shoWn in FIG. 3.
`
`[0040] FIG. 6 is a side vieW of a portable, handheld,
`cellular phone With a rechargeable battery and a portable
`carrier and charger according to another embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`[0041] FIG. 7 is a front vieW of the portable carrier and
`charger shoWn in FIG. 6.
`
`[0042] FIG. 8 is a rear vieW of the portable carrier and
`charger shoWn in FIG. 6.
`
`[0043] FIG. 9 is a front vieW of the cellular phone in FIG.
`6.
`
`[0044] FIG. 10 is a side vieW of a portable carrier and
`charger according to another embodiment of the invention.
`
`[0045] FIG. 11 is a perspective vieW of the front of a
`portable carrier and charger shoWn in FIG. 10.
`
`[0046] FIG. 12 is a top vieW of a carrier terminal of the
`portable carrier and charger shoWn in FIG. 11.
`
`[0047] FIG. 13 is a perspective vieW of the back of the
`portable carrier and charger shoWn in FIG. 10.
`
`[0048] FIG. 14 is a perspective vieW of the front of a
`portable, handheld, cellular phone With a rechargeable bat
`tery for the portable carrier and charger shoWn in FIG. 10.
`
`[0049] FIG. 15 is a bottom vieW of the cellular phone
`shoWn in FIG. 14.
`
`[0050] FIG. 16 is a perspective vieW of the front of a
`portable, handheld, cellular phone for another embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`[0051] FIG. 17 is a perspective vieW of the back of the
`cellular phone shoWn in FIG. 16.
`
`[0052] FIG. 18 is a perspective vieW of the front of the
`portable carrier and charger for the cellular phone shoWn in
`FIG. 16.
`
`DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0053] Those skilled in the art Will readily appreciate that
`the present invention is applicable to portable, handheld,
`electronic devices With rechargeable batteries including but
`not limited to, cellular phones, personal digital assistants,
`organiZers, daily planners and devices capable of combining
`some or all of the functions of these devices. For purposes
`of illustration, and not limitation, the folloWing detailed
`disclosure provides examples that illustrate the present
`invention for cellular phones.
`
`[0054] One embodiment of the present invention is a
`portable carrier and charger for a portable, handheld, elec
`tronic device With a rechargeable battery. The portable
`carrier and charger comprises a housing con?gured to hold
`the electronic device When it is inserted by the user, a plug
`attached to the housing, AC/DC adapter circuitry Within the
`housing and connected to the plug by electrically conductive
`material, and a carrier terminal on the housing connected to
`the AC/DC adapter circuitry by electrically conductive
`material.
`
`[0055] The housing of the portable carrier and charger can
`be made from one or more materials that are capable of
`being constructed into a con?guration for holding an elec
`tronic device. Such materials are knoWn in the art and
`include, but are not limited to plastics, metals, ?berglass,
`composites, or combinations thereof. Since the AC/DC
`adapter circuitry is located in the housing, manufacture of
`the portable carrier and charger is easier When the housing
`comprises at least tWo pieces that can be securely fastened
`together after assembly of the electronics Within the hous
`ing. For eXample, the housing can be made from tWo pieces
`of plastic that are held together by, for eXample, tabs,
`
`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 20
`
`

`

`US 2003/0218445 A1
`
`Nov. 27, 2003
`
`adhesive or screws. Preferably, the materials of construction
`for the housing are selected to minimize the weight of the
`carrier and charger.
`
`[0056] The configuration of the housing is variable since
`portable, handheld, electronic devices with rechargeable
`batteries come in many sizes and shapes. Configurations
`capable of holding electronic devices such as, for example,
`cellular phones, personal digital assistants, organizers, daily
`planners and devices capable of combining some or all of the
`functions of these devices, are included. For example, the
`housing can be a shape where a specific electronic device
`slides into the housing and stays snugly in it until the user
`removes it. Alternatively, for example, the housing com-
`prises tabs that fit into slots or openings in an electronic
`device when it is inserted into the housing.
`
`[0057] The plug on the housing of the portable carrier and
`charger can be a standard three-prong plug that is fixedly
`attached to and stationary on the housing or the plug can be
`moveable within the housing. Atwo-prong plug is preferred
`because it is more universal for power supplies. A moveable
`two-prong plug is even more preferable, because it con-
`sumes less space when the plug is not needed and is
`concealable within the housing when not being used.
`Examples of moveable plugs include those capable of piv-
`oting, rotating or sliding, or combinations thereof, into and
`out of the housing.
`
`[0058] The plug is configured to fit into a standard outlet
`receptacle in a building (for example, in a home, an office,
`or hotel). The configuration of the plug is also variable for
`different power supplies.
`
`[0059] The plug is connected to the AC/DC adapter cir-
`cuitry in the housing by electrically conductive material.
`When the plug is inserted into a standard outlet receptacle
`with an alternating power supply, alternating current flows
`through the plug and the electrically conductive material to
`the AC/DC adapter circuitry in the housing. The electrically
`conductive material can one or more of many types of
`materials known in the art including but limited to wires,
`metal contacts, and screws.
`
`[0060] The plug is composed of conductive material such
`as a metal (for example, copper or brass) and is connected
`to AC/DC adapter circuitry by electrically conductive mate-
`rial. When the plug is inserted into an outlet, current flows
`through the plug and the connecting electrically conductive
`material to the AC/DC adapter circuitry. One skilled in the
`art might consider the electronically conductive material as
`part of the AC/DC adapter circuitry.
`
`[0061] The location of the plug on the housing is variable
`and can be chosen to minimize the size of the portable
`charger and carrier or for convenience when the plug is used.
`The plug can be located on any side of the housing.
`
`[0062] When the plug is moveable within the housing it is
`preferably concealed in the housing when it not needed.
`Thus, before inserting the plug into an outlet, the user must
`first move (for example, rotate, pivot, and/or slide) the plug
`so that it protracts out of the housing.
`
`[0063] The current and voltage required to charge a bat-
`tery in a portable, handheld electronic device typically varies
`from one device to another. The portable carrier and charger
`of the present invention includes AC/DC adapter circuitry
`
`that is capable of supplying the necessary power for any one
`portable, handheld, electronic device.
`
`[0064] The AC/DC adapter circuitry converts an alternat-
`ing voltage and alternating current at a supplied frequency
`into direct voltage and direct current. The direct current then
`flows through electrically conductive material to the carrier
`terminal on the housing.
`
`[0065] For example, the AC/DC adapter circuitry can be
`configured to convert approximately 100-240 volts AC and
`0.02 amperes at 50-60 hertz to 4.4 volts DC and 1.1 amperes.
`AC adapters or AC/DC power supplies with AC/DC adapter
`circuitry capable of different output voltages and currents
`are well known in the art and are included herein.
`
`[0066] The carrier terminal comprises electrically conduc-
`tive material such as, for example metal contacts, metal pins
`or a board with electrically conductive contacts. The carrier
`terminal is configured to be in a location and to be a type of
`terminal that will connect with a charger terminal on a
`portable, handheld, electronic device with a rechargeable
`battery when it is inserted into the housing. For example, the
`carrier terminal can be one or more copper contacts that
`align with, and make contact with, the one or more copper
`contacts on a charger terminal on an electronic device. The
`carrier terminal and the charger terminal must be compatible
`and capable of conducting electricity between each other.
`
`[0067] Alternatively, the carrier terminal can be a metal
`pin that gets inserted into a hole in a charger terminal of an
`electronic device that is configured to receive a metal pin.
`Similarly, the carrier terminal can be configured to be the
`receiving hole with metal therein for receiving a metal pin
`from a charger terminal on an electronic device.
`
`[0068] More preferably, the carrier terminal is a series of
`small metal contacts or pins on a board. This type of carrier
`terminal
`is configured to fit
`into a similarly configured
`charger terminal on an electronic device with a slot con-
`taining metal contacts or pins. When the carrier terminal is
`inserted into the slot in the charger terminal, the conductive
`path between the two is established.
`
`[0069] The carrier terminal can also be a slot-type con-
`nector containing metal contacts or pins that receives a
`charger terminal comprising a board with metal contacts.
`
`[0070] The carrier terminal is configured to connect to a
`charger terminal on a portable handheld, electronic device
`with a rechargeable battery such that an electrically conduc-
`tive path is created between the carrier terminal and a
`charger terminal in an electronic device. When the portable
`carrier and charger is inserted into an outlet,
`the direct
`current from the AC/DC adapter flows to the carrier terminal
`and the connecting charger terminal and then to the elec-
`tronic device’s battery for charging.
`
`[0071] Optionally, the portable carrier and charger com-
`prises an attachment device. The attachment device is, for
`example, a clip, strap, buckle, magnet, velcro, spring, slot,
`knob, combination thereof or other device known in the art
`for securing a carry case for a portable, handheld, electronic
`device to items such as clothing (for example, a pants
`pocket, a shirt or sweater lining or pocket, or a jacket pocket
`or lining) or clothing accessories (for example, a belt, a tie,
`a briefcase, a bag or a purse). The attachment device is
`configured to allow the user to carry the portable carrier and
`
`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 21
`
`Prong, Inc. Exh. 1012 p. 21
`
`

`

`US 2003/0218445 A1
`
`Nov. 27, 2003
`
`charger on their person (for example, on their belt, on their
`pant’s pocket or on the strap of a bag or briefcase) without
`having to hold it in their hands. The attachment device can
`be fixedly attached to the housing or it can be removable
`from the housing.
`
`[0072] One example of a portable carrier and charger
`according to this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front of the portable
`carrier and charger 5. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the
`back of the portable carrier and charger 5.
`
`[0073] Housing 10 comprises a plug 30 located on the
`back of housing 10. Plug 30 is a rotationally moveable
`two-prong plug and is shown in the concealed position in
`FIG. 2. Plug 30 is connected to AC/DC adapter circuitry 20
`in housing 10 by electrically conductive material
`(not
`shown). One skilled in the art might even consider the
`electrically conductive material not shown as part of AC/DC
`adapter circuitry 20.
`
`[0074] AC/DC adapter circuitry 20 is connected to carrier
`terminal 50 by electrically conductive material (not shown).
`Carrier terminal 50 is a slot in a piece of plastic with several
`copper contacts on one side of the slot.
`
`[0075] An attachment device 40 is attached to the back of
`the portable carrier and charger 5 in FIGS. 1 and 2.
`Attachment device 40 is a plastic clip with a spring (not
`shown) connected to housing 10 by pin 42.
`
`[0076] Housing 10 of the portable carrier and charger 5 in
`FIGS. 1 and 2 is a plastic housing configured to hold a
`portable, handheld electronic device with a rechargeable
`battery such as a cellular phone. Housing 10 further com-
`prises tab 70 to hold a cellular phone in housing 10 when it
`is inserted.
`
`[0077] A cellular phone with a compatible charger termi-
`nal can be carried with portable carrier and charger 5 when
`it is inserted into housing 10. To charge the battery in the
`cellular phone, plug 30 is rotated up and inserted into an
`outlet.
`
`In another embodiment of the invention, the hous-
`[0078]
`ing further comprises an indicator light. The indicator light
`is configured to illuminate when a portable, handheld elec-
`tronic device with a rechargeable battery is in the portable
`carrier and charger and the battery is charging. Alternatively,
`the indicator light can be configured to illuminate when the
`portable carrier and charger is plugged into an outlet with
`power.
`
`[0079] One example of a portable carrier and charger with
`an indicator light is shown in FIGS. 3-5. FIG. 3 is a side
`view