as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 10) Pub. No.: US 2010/0194336 Al
`
`(43) Pub. Date: Aug. 5, 2010
`Azancotet al.
`
`US 20100194336A1
`
`(54)
`
`INDUCTIVELY CHARGEABLE AUDIO
`DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Yossi Azancot, Jerusalem (IL);
`Amir Ben-Shalom, Modiin (IL);
`Oola Greenwald, Mevasseret Zion
`(IL); Arik Rofe, Jerusalem (IL)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BROOKS KUSHMANP.C.
`1000 TOWN CENTER, TWENTY-SECOND
`FLOOR
`
`SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075 (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`POWERMATLID., Neve Ilan (IL)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/693,001
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 25, 2010
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. PCT/IL2008/001348,
`filed on Oct. 12, 2008.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/960,878, filed on Oct.
`18, 2007, provisional application No. 61/006,131,
`filed on Dec. 26, 2007, provisional application No.
`61/064,403, filed on Mar. 4, 2008.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H02J 7/00
`HOAR 1/10
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) US. CMe eeccccsssssssssssssstsneneessesseseesse 320/108; 381/74
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An inductively enabled audio speakeris disclosed configured
`to receive powerinductively from an inductive poweroutlet.
`The audio speaker device has a voice coil which, as well as
`being able to produce an audible output, is further configured
`to function as a secondary inductor to inductively couple with
`a primary inductor. The inductively enabled audio speaker
`may be used to poweran electrical device such as a Bluetooth
`earpiece, a telephoneorthelike.
`
`12
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`1
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`APPLE 1082
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00471
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`1
`
`APPLE 1082
`Apple v. GUI
`IPR2021-00471
`
`

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`Fig. 14a
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`To
`Conventional
`Charger
`—_—___—»
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`Audio Device
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`q
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`1240
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`1220
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`Rectifier
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`1120
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`
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` PowerCell
`
`|
`Q
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`PowerSupply
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`1100
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`1310
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`1300
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`Fig. 17
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`2200
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`2320
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`2200
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`Circuit
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`2250
`2260 Audio Device
`
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`Amplifier
`Audio
`Switching A
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`Signal
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`
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`PowerCell
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`2240
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`2220
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`bs
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`2140
`2270
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` Voice coil
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`Fig. 18b
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` Provide an inductive charger incorporated within the
`
`earphoneunit of the audio device
`
`Step (a)
`
`Provide an external primary inductor connected to a power
`source via a driver
`
`“— Step (b)
`
`
`
`Inductively couple the secondary inductor of the charger to
`the external primary inductor
`
`Provide a variable voltage to the primary inductor
`
`Step (d)
`
`Fig. 20
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`10
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`Power Supply
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`Driving Unit
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`Primary Coil
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`Inductive
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`6160
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`Charging
`Circuit
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`6170
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`Driving
`Circuit
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`
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`Coil
` ModeSelector
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`Power Pack
`
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`6120
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`Fig. 2la
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`N 6100
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`11
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`Electric Load
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`Secondary Coil
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` Inductive
`Coil
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` Driving
`Circuit ModeSelector
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`Circuit Charging
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`6180
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`Power Pack
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`Fig. 21b
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`7120
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`Fig. 22a
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`7122
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`Fig. 23b
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`8120
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`US 2010/0194336 Al
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`Aug. 5, 2010
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`INDUCTIVELY CHARGEABLE AUDIO
`DEVICES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT applica-
`tion Serial No. PCT/IL2008/001348 filed Oct. 12, 2008,
`which claimsthe benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.
`Nos. 60/960,635 filed Oct. 9, 2007; 60/960,878 filed Oct. 18,
`2007; 61/006,131 filed Dec. 26, 2007 and 61/064,403 filed
`Mar. 4, 2008, which are hereby incorporated by reference in
`their entirety.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present inventionis directed to providing power
`to electrical devices. In particular the present inventionrelates
`to portable electrical devices adapted to receive powerinduc-
`tively.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] Mobile communication devices, such as computers,
`cellular telephones and the like, are typically powered by
`powercells, i.e. rechargeable electrochemicalcells often also
`referred to as batteries. In order to recharge the powercells
`such devices are generally provided with a charger unit for
`connecting to a power jack socket on the device which is
`wired to contacts with the terminals of the cells. The charger
`itself usually consists of a plug box containing a step-down
`transformer and an AC-DC converter or rectifier which is
`
`wired to a connecting plug. When in use, the plug box is
`plugged into a 120V or 240V mainssocket and the connecting
`plug is coupled to the device. The wire trailing between the
`device and the plug box can be unsightly. Moreover, if the
`trailing wire is snagged orjerked the wire and connectors may
`be damaged, as indeed could be the socket or the wall. Fur-
`thermore, the device may be pulled to the ground.
`[0004] Chargers are bulky items to carry around. Therefore
`most users of compact portable equipment such as cell
`phones and the like do not carry chargers with them, but
`prefer to rely upon periodic charging, perhaps over night.
`Often users rely on even more infrequent charging. Asa result
`cells often run downat inconvenient times when no chargeris
`available.
`
`Inductive battery charger systems are known suchas
`[0005]
`the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,164,255 to Hui incor-
`porated herein by reference. In Hui’s system a planar induc-
`tive battery charging system is designed to enable electronic
`devices to be recharged. The system includes a planar charg-
`ing module having a charging surface on which a device to be
`recharged is placed. Within the charging module, and parallel
`to the charging surface, is at least one, and preferably an array
`of primary windings that couple energy inductively to a sec-
`ondary winding within the device to be recharged. The inven-
`tion also provides secondary modulesthat allow the system to
`be used with conventional electronic devices not formed with
`
`secondary windings.
`[0006] Hui’s system provides an inductive charging plat-
`form for mobile telephones. However, unless the device to be
`charged has an integral secondary windingcoil, itis necessary
`to carry a bulky secondary module with which to use the
`platform. Hui’s system does not describe any convenient
`means for providing secondary windings for conventional
`devices.
`
`[0007] There is therefore a need for a convenient power
`supply for a mobile communication device and particularly
`for a charger, which may be conveniently retrofitted to con-
`ventional devices.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Itis an aim ofthe invention to provide an inductive
`[0008]
`powerproviding system for an electrical device.
`[0009]
`In accordance with a first embodiment, the present
`invention is directed to providing a powerproviding system
`for an electrical device comprising: a secondary inductor,
`wiredto the electrical device, for inductively coupling with a
`primary inductor hardwired to a power supply, wherein the
`secondary inductor is incorporated into an accessory of the
`electrical device.
`
`Invarious embodiments the electrical device may be
`[0010]
`selected from the group comprising: computers, mobile tele-
`phones, media players, PDAs, Walkman®s, portable CD
`players, dictaphones, portable DVD players and mobile com-
`munications devices. The accessory may be selected from the
`group comprising: removable casingsofthe electrical device,
`carrying cases for transporting the electrical device, straps for
`carrying the electrical device, carrying handles, fashion-tags,
`ormamental pendants, mobile danglers, skins for encasing the
`electrical device, stickers for adhering to the electrical device,
`belt-clips, neck support straps and earphoneunits.
`[0011] Optionally, the secondary inductor comprises an
`electrical connector for coupling to a power jack socket such
`that the secondary inductoris retrofittable to the electrical
`device. Preferably, the electrical connector comprises a her-
`maphrodite connector comprising: a male plug portion, for
`coupling with the power jack socket and a female socket
`portion for coupling to an external power source.
`[0012]
`In some embodiments the electrical device com-
`prises a removable power pack; the power pack being con-
`nectable to the electrical device via contacts, the secondary
`inductor comprising an electrical connector for coupling to
`the contacts. Preferably, the electrical device further com-
`prises an electrochemical cell, and the secondary inductoris
`connected to the electrochemical cell via a rectifier for charg-
`ing the electrochemicalcell.
`[0013] Optionally, the accessory comprises a USBplug for
`coupling to a computer such that the electrochemical cell is
`selectably chargeable by power drawn from the computer.
`Typically, the USB plug is wired to a data jack socket of the
`electrical device such that data is exchangeable between the
`computer and the mobile communication device.
`[0014]
`Inpreferred embodiments, the powerproviding sys-
`tem further comprises an audio device having an external
`earphone unit, wherein the secondary inductor is incorpo-
`rated into the earphone unit. Typically, the external earphone
`unit, comprises at least one inductive element for inductively
`coupling the primary inductor to the secondary inductor.
`Optionally, the inductive element comprising the secondary
`inductor. The secondary inductor may comprise a voice coil
`of at least one speaker of the earphone unit. Alternatively, the
`secondary inductor comprises at least one loop of wire. The
`loop ofwire may be incorporated into a neck support strap for
`supporting the audio device. Alternatively, the endsofat least
`one wire are connected together to producethe at least one
`loop of wire. In other embodiments of the invention the ear-
`phone unit includes an inductive element which comprises a
`
`14
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`US 2010/0194336 Al
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`Aug. 5, 2010
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`ferromagnetic core extending through the secondary inductor
`and into the earphone unit for selectively coupling with the
`primary inductor.
`[0015]
`In still another embodimentof the invention, the
`powerproviding system comprises at least one inductive coil,
`the inductive coil being selectively connectable to: at least
`one charging circuit for connecting the inductive coil to a
`powerpackvia a rectifier for charging the power pack when
`the secondary inductor is inductively coupled to the primary
`inductor; and at least one driving circuit connectable to the
`powerpack for providing a varying electrical potential to the
`inductive coil such that the inductive coil transfers power to
`an external inductor wired to an externalelectrical load.Pref-
`
`erably, the powerpackis selected from the group comprising:
`nickel-cadmium cells, nickel metal hydride cells, alkaline
`cells, flow batteries, rechargeable electrochemical cells and
`capacitors. Optionally, the power providing system compris-
`ing a ferromagnetic core for guiding magnetic flux through
`the inductive coil when inductively coupled. Typically, the
`driver comprises at least one switching unit for intermittently
`connecting the power pack to the inductive coil at high fre-
`quency.
`[0016] Optionally, the power providing system additionally
`comprises a jack for conductively connecting the power pack
`to an external powersource for charging purposes. The power
`providing system may additionally comprise a jack for con-
`ductively connecting the powerpackto the externalelectrical
`load.
`
`It is a further aim of the invention to provide a
`[0017]
`computer comprising an inductive coil which is selectively
`connectable to: at least one charging circuit for connecting the
`inductive coil to a powerpack via a rectifier for charging the
`power pack when the secondary inductor is inductively
`coupled to the primary inductor; and at least one driving
`circuit connectable to the power pack for providing a varying
`electrical potential to the inductive coil such that the inductive
`coil transfers power to an external inductor wiredto an exter-
`nal electrical load. Preferably, the power pack is configured to
`power the computer.
`[0018]
`It is a further aim of the invention to provide an
`inductive charger comprisingat least one inductive coil andat
`least one chargeable power pack, the charger additionally
`comprising: at least one charging circuit for connecting the
`inductive coil to the power pack when the inductive coil is
`inductively coupledto a primary coil wired to a power supply
`for charging the power pack; andat least one driving circuit
`connectable to the power pack for providing a varying elec-
`trical potential to the inductive coil such thatthe inductive coil
`is inductively couplable to a secondary coil wired to an elec-
`trical load.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`For a better understanding of the invention and to
`[0019]
`show how it maybe carried into effect, reference will now be
`made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying draw-
`ings.
`[0020] With specific reference now to the drawings in
`detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of
`example and for purposesof illustrative discussion of the
`preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are
`presented in the cause of providing whatis believed to be the
`most useful and readily understood description of the prin-
`ciples and conceptual aspects of the invention.In this regard,
`no attempt is made to showstructural details of the invention
`
`in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental under-
`standingofthe invention;the description taken with the draw-
`ings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the
`several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
`In the accompanying drawings:
`[0021]
`FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an inductive
`powerproviding means for powering a computer, in accor-
`dance with one embodimentofthe present invention;
`[0022]
`FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a computer
`provided with a secondary inductive coil incorporated within
`the base thereof, for inductively powering the computer by
`bringing into proximity with a power supplying inductive
`coil, according to another embodimentofthe invention;
`[0023] FIG.3 showsthejack sockets ofa portable computer
`according to a further embodimentof the invention for cou-
`pling to an electricity mains power source via an inductive
`couple or via a conventional power supply;
`[0024]
`FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a computer
`carrying case according to another embodimentofthe inven-
`tion with an inductive powercoil built into the base thereof;
`[0025] FIG.5isaschematicillustration of another embodi-
`ment of the computer carrying case having an inductive
`powercoil built into the handle thereof;
`[0026]
`FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of still another
`embodimentof the computer carrying case having an induc-
`tive powercoil built into the shoulderstrap thereof;
`[0027]
`FIGS. 7a and 76 are schematic illustrations of a
`retrofittable carrying handle for a portable computer with a
`built-in inductive power coil according to further embodi-
`ments of the invention;
`[0028]
`FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a fashion-tag
`attachmentwith a built-in inductive powercoil in accordance
`with still another embodiment of the invention;
`[0029]
`FIGS. 9a and 94 are schematic illustrations of a
`computer provided with another embodimentofthe invention
`including a retractable secondary inductive coil attachment;
`[0030]
`FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an inductive
`charger for a mobile communication device of a further
`embodimentof the invention;
`[0031]
`FIGS. 11a and 114 are schematic illustrations of a
`mobile communication device with an inductive charger built
`into the skin thereof according to another embodimentof the
`invention;
`[0032]
`FIG. 12a is a schematicillustration of a self-adhe-
`sive inductive charger for a mobile communication device
`adheredto a powercell according to another embodimentof
`the invention;
`[0033]
`FIG. 126 is a schematic illustration of how theself-
`adhesive inductive charger of FIG. 12a maybe used to charge
`cells;
`FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an inductive
`[0034]
`charger of another embodiment of the invention having a
`hermaphrodite power connector;
`[0035]
`FIGS. 14a-c are schematicillustrations of a protec-
`tive case according to a further embodimentof the invention
`with a built-in an inductive charger for a mobile communica-
`tion device;
`[0036]
`FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a mobile com-
`munication device with an inductive charger built into a fash-
`ion tag;
`FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an inductive
`[0037]
`charger for a mobile communication device with a combined
`data connector;
`
`15
`
`15
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`FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the main ele-
`[0038]
`ments of a charger for an audio device incorporated into an
`earphoneunit in accordance with another embodimentofthe
`invention;
`[0039]
`FIG. 18a is a schematic diagram ofa charger for an
`audio device according to another embodimentofthe inven-
`tion, wherein the voice coil of a speaker is wired to the power
`cell of the audio device and is inductively coupleable to a
`primary inductor;
`[0040]
`FIG. 184 is a block diagram showing the main ele-
`ments of a switching unit for connecting the charger of FIG.
`18a to an audio device;
`[0041]
`FIG. 19a@is aschematic diagram of another embodi-
`mentof the charger for an audio device wherein an induction
`loop is incorporated into a neck support of the earphone unit;
`[0042]
`FIG. 194 is a schematic diagram ofstill another
`embodiment of the charger for an audio device wherein an
`induction loop is formed by connecting contact-terminals
`incorporated into the earphonecables;
`[0043]
`FIG. 19c is a schematic representation of an
`embodiment of the charger for an audio device wherein an
`inductive core extends through an internal secondary coil and
`into the earphone unit for coupling with an external primary
`inductor;
`FIG. 201s a flowchart showing a possible method for
`[0044]
`charging the internal powercell of an audio device;
`[0045]
`FIGS. 21¢ and 216 are block diagrams schemati-
`cally representing an inductive charger according a further
`embodimentof the invention in charging and driving modes
`respectively;
`[0046]
`FIG. 22a is a schematic representation of another
`embodiment of the inductive charger being charged by a
`primary coil;
`[0047] FIG.22is a schematic representation ofthe induc-
`tive charger of FIG. 22a being used to charge a mobile tele-
`phonewired to a secondary coil;
`[0048]
`FIG. 23a is a schematic representation of a mobile
`computer being powered by a primary coil via an integral
`inductive coil according to another embodimentofthe inven-
`tion, and
`FIG. 23is a schematic representation of a mobile
`[0049]
`telephone being charged by the inductive coil of FIG. 23a.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0050] Reference is now madeto FIG. 1, showing a power
`providing means10 for a portable computer 12 consisting of
`a secondary inductor 14 wired to the portable computer by a
`connecting wire 15 that is typically a two stripe multi-fiber
`insulated wire, such as used for providing powerto portable
`computers via a transformer.
`[0051] The secondary inductor 14 is essentially a coil
`which can be brought into proximity with a primary inductor
`16 which is essentially another coil hardwired to a mains
`power supply 18. The primary coil 16 and secondary coil 14
`thus form an inductive power couple 20, allowing powerto be
`provided to the portable computer 12. The primary coil 16
`maybesituated in the table top 18 of a conferencetable, for
`example. By supplying power inductively in this manner,
`trailing wires may be avoided, providing a neater, safer and
`more flexible work environment.
`
`It will be appreciated that, although a system for
`[0052]
`providing power to a portable computer is described herein,
`the power providing means 10 mayalso be applicable to the
`
`provision of powerto other electrical devices such as a desk-
`top computer, handheld computer, vehicle mounted computer
`or the like. Power providing means 10 may also be used by
`other portable systems such as hand-held DVD players, pro-
`jectors, hand-held televisions, digital picture frames or sound
`systems for example.
`[0053] As shownin FIG.2, in an embodimentofthe inven-
`tion, the secondary coil 14 may beintegral to the portable
`computer 12, being built into the base thereof, under the
`keyboard. Positioning the computer 12 over a primary coil
`16a in a work-surface 22, for example, enables power to be
`provided thereto, withouttrailing wires. The power may be
`used to recharge the electrochemical power pack (battery) 24
`or to powerthe portable computer 12.
`[0054] As shownin FIG.3, in another embodimentof the
`invention, the secondary coil 14a may be coupledto a por-
`table computer 12 designed for optional powerprovision in
`this manner, via a jack 26 that is plugged into a dedicated jack
`socket 28 designed for coupling the secondary coil 14a. The
`dedicated jack socket 28 is separate from the power supply
`jack socket 30 supplied for coupling to a power supply (not
`shown)of the type consisting of a transformer for plugging
`into a power mains socket that is typically provided. The
`dedicated jack plug 26 and jack socket 28 may usefully be
`physically different from power supply jack socket 30 and
`jack plug (not shown), to prevent misconnection. Similarly,
`the inductive and transformer sockets 28, 30 are preferably
`appropriately labeled, perhaps with letters I and T for induc-
`tive and transformer, to prevent confusion.
`[0055] However, since the purposeof inductive coupling is
`to avoid and replace transformer coupling,
`in preferred
`embodiments, the secondary coil 14a is connected to the
`portable computer 12 via the powerjack socket 30 designed
`for coupling to a mains via a powersupply ofthe transformer
`type. In this manner, existing portable computers may be
`retrofitted with a secondary coil 14a for inductive powering.
`[0056]
`Power mayalternatively be providedto the portable
`computer 12 via connecting points designed for coupling to a
`rechargeable electrochemical power pack within the housing
`for the powerpack.
`[0057] The secondary coil 14a may be providedas a sort of
`puck on a wire that can be positioned over an access point in
`a surface where a primary coil 16 is provided.
`[0058] Alternatively however, usefully, to provide a neat
`solution, to eliminate trailing wires, recoiling such wires and
`to make disconnecting simpler, as shown in FIG.4 the sec-
`ondary coil 144 is preferably incorporated into an accessory
`that has additional functionality. For example, it may be built
`into the side of a carrying case 40 or skin providedfor carry-
`ing the portable computer 12. In one preferred embodimentas
`shown in FIG. 5 the secondary coil 14c is built into the handle
`42 of a carrying case 44.
`[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the sec-
`ondary coil 14d is built into the shoulderstrap 46 of a carrying
`case 48 which beingflexible, gives moreflexibility to the user,
`in that the computer 12 can beleft in its case, and situated
`anywhere within a radius of about 80 cm from a “power-spot”
`where a primary coil 16 is situated.
`[0060] With reference now to FIGS. 7a and78,a retrofit-
`table carrying handle 52 for a computer 12 is shown. The
`handle 52 is attached to the computerby straps 54 and incor-
`porates a built-in inductive power coil 14e electrically
`coupled to the computer via a powerplug 56 which plugsinto
`the powerjack 30 of the computer 12.
`
`16
`
`16
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`

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`Aug. 5, 2010
`
`[0061] While the computer 12 is being carried, the straps 54
`surround and support the computer 12 as shownin FIG.75.
`However, as shown in FIG. 7a, when the computer12 is laid
`down and in use, the support straps 54 are opened allowing
`the inductive power coil 14e to be coupled to a primary coil 16
`situated anywhere within their radius.
`[0062] Alternatively, with referenceto FIG.8, the inductive
`power coil 14 may be concealed inside a fashion-tag 62
`attached to the computer 12 for example by a connecting
`chain 64 or the like. Thus, by aligning the fashion-tag 62 to a
`powerspot, the computer may draw power from a primary
`coil 16.
`
`In a further embodiment, a retractable secondary
`[0063]
`inductive coil attachment 70 mayberetrofitted to a portable
`computer 12, as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b. The secondary
`inductive coil 14f1is held in a tongue 74 mounted upon the
`base ofthe computer 12 and when the computer 12 is in use as
`shown in FIG.9a, the tongue 74 may be extendedso that the
`secondary coil 14fmaycouple with a powerspot 16 within its
`radius.
`
`[0064] When the portable computer is stowed, as in FIG.
`9b, tongue 74 may beretracted. Preferably, the thickness of
`the secondary inductive coil attachment 70 is less than the
`height ofthe feet 13 ofthe computer 12 sothat the attachment
`70 does not prevent the computer 12 lying flat along a table
`top.
`[0065] Referring now to FIG. 10, an inductive charger 100
`is shown for charging the powercells of a mobile communi-
`cation device 200 such as mobile telephone, personal digital
`assistant (PDA), camera or the like, indeed many mobile
`devices include all of these functions. The charger 100 con-
`sists of a secondary coil 120 wired to the mobile communi-
`cation device 200 typically via a powerjack socket 220 of by
`a connecting wire 140—typically a two stripe multi-fiber
`insulating wire, such as used for electrically connecting a
`powersource to a mobile communication device via a trans-
`former.
`
`[0066] The secondary coil 120 can be broughtinto proxim-
`ity with a primary coil 10 hardwired to a mains powersupply,
`to form an inductive power couple, allowing power to be
`providedto recharge the cells 240 (FIGS. 12a and 125) of the
`mobile communication device 200. The primary coil 10 may
`be situated in the table top 20 of a conference table, for
`example,
`thereby allowing a phone 200 to be recharged
`thereby. By inductively recharging in this manner, trailing
`wires may be avoidedor at least minimized. The secondary
`coil 120 maybe provided for example as a sort ofpuck 122 on
`a wire that can be positioned over an access point in a surface
`where a primary coil 10 is provided. Alternatively the sec-
`ondary coil 120 may be built into an accessory ofthe tele-
`phone 200.
`[0067] Over the years, mobile telephones have become a
`fashion item and various fashionable accessories are often
`
`sold for use therewith. Such accessories include for example,
`replacement phone skins, protective cases, belt clips, small
`omamental pendants, sometimes known as “mobile dan-
`glers” and the like. Some such accessories are merely deco-
`rative, others perform secondary functions such as providing
`added protection to the device, or more convenient ways to
`carry the device. The secondary coil 120 of the current inven-
`tion may be incorporated into any ofthese.
`[0068] As shown in FIG. 11a, according an embodiment of
`the invention the secondary coil 120 maybebuilt into the skin
`or casing 260a, 2605 of the mobile communication device.
`
`Positioning the mobile communication device over a primary
`coil 10, as shown in FIG. 114, at an access point in a work-
`surface 20, for example, enables power to be providedto the
`charger thereby charging the powercells 240 of the mobile
`communication device 200 withouttrailing wires.
`[0069] The charger may be connecteddirectly to the termi-
`nals of the power cells. Alternatively the charger may be
`connected to the powercells via the power jack socket 220 of
`the mobile communication device 200.
`
`[0070] According to another embodiment, shown in FIG.
`12a, the secondary coil 120 may be provided with an adhesive
`surface 122 so that the coil 120 may be adhereddirectly onto
`the powercells 240 of a mobile telecommunication device
`200 in conductive contact with the terminals of the power
`cells. When power cells 240 are positioned such that the
`secondary coil 120 formsas inductive couple with a primary
`coil 10 the cells 240 may be recharged. As shownin FIG. 128,
`it is notedthat in this embodiment,the cells 240 are recharged
`directly from the secondary coil 120 so the cells 240 do not
`need to be connected to the device in order for them to be
`charged.
`[0071] Referring now to FIG. 13, in further embodiment,
`the secondary coil 120 is wired to a hermaphrodite power
`connector 160 including both a male plug 162 and a female
`socket 164. The male plug 162 of the hermaphrodite power
`connector 160 may be coupled to the powerjack socket 220 of
`the device while still providing a female socket 164 for
`accommodating the plug 40 of a conventional conductive
`charger. With this embodiment, a user may select between
`charging the powercells 240 of the mobile communication
`device 200 using the inductive charger 100 or the conductive
`type charger. The selection maybefacilitated by means of a
`switch although, preferably, the power connector 160 is con-
`figured automatically to select the inductive charger when-
`ever the secondary coil 120 is inductively coupled to a pri-
`mary coil 10 and to select the conductive power supply
`wheneverthe female socket 164 is conductively coupled to a
`powersource.
`
`[0072] Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
`14a-c, the secondary coil 120 maybe built into a protective or
`fashionable case 300 which maybefitted to a mobile com-
`munication device 200. The secondary coil 120 is typically
`wired to a hermaphrodite power connector 160 within the
`case 300 which is configured to couple with the powerjack
`socket 220 of the mobile communication device.
`
`is illustrated in FIG. 15
`[0073] A further embodiment
`showing a mobile communication device 200 having a sec-
`ondary coil concealed within a fashionable tag 400, such as a
`so called “mobile dangler”or the like, which may be plugged
`directly into the power jack socket 220 with additional
`mechanical support 420 optionally provided when necessary.
`The inductive charger 100 of the invention maythusbe incor-
`porated within a fashion accessory for the mobile communi-
`cation device. In a similar manner, the secondary coil 120
`may be concealedin other accessories of the mobile telecom-
`munication device such asa belt clip, neck cord, hand strap or
`the like.
`
`[0074] According tostill another embodiment, with refer-
`ence to FIG. 16, an inductive charger 700 has a data channel
`coupledto the data jack socket 280 of the mobile communi-
`cation device 200. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 720
`leading to a USBplugis wired to the inductive charger which
`may be connected to USBjack socket 820 of a computer 800,
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`

`US 2010/0194336 Al
`
`Aug. 5, 2010
`
`thereby providing a data link between the
`for example,
`mobile communication device 200 and the computer 800.
`[0075] The USB connector 740 may,
`in addition, draw
`powerfrom the computer 800 and maythus be used to provide
`powerto charge the powercells 120 of the mobile communi-
`cation device 200 directly. As described hereinabove with
`reference to the hermaphrodite connector, the charger 700
`maybe configured to select automatically between charging
`the power cells 120 from the USB connector 740 or the
`secondary coil 120 depending upon the availability of power.
`[0076] U.S. Pat. No. 7,180,265 to Nokia Corporation,titled
`“Charging Device with an Induction Coil” describes an
`inductive charging device for charging portable electronic
`devices with small footprints. The charger described in ’265
`includesa battery; a first induction coil coupled to the battery;
`and an induction core extending through the first induction
`coil. The induction core has a portion which extends in an
`outward direction from the charging device andis adapted to
`removably couple with a second induction coil of a portable
`electronic device by extending into the second induction coil.
`[0077] The charger described in ’265 is essentially a charg-
`ing hook upon which electronic devices may be suspended by
`support loops. The hook is coupledto thefirst inductive coil
`and is adapted to charge up the electronic devices via the
`secondary inductive coils which may be incorporated into the
`support loops. ’265 claims to provide a convenient way to
`organize devices being charged. However, for s