WO2016172542A1

WO2016172542A1 - Electronic charging system

Info

Publication number: WO2016172542A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/028931
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lloyd Gladstone; Yishai Z. PLINER
Original assignee: Prong, Inc.
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2016-04-22
Publication date: 2016-10-27

Abstract

A mobile device charging system having a housing with upper and lower portions. The lower or upper portion may be operable to receive a mobile device. A pair of prongs may be formed with the upper and lower portions of the housing, wherein each prong may be movable (e.g. pivotable) between a recessed position and an extended position. The extended position permits the prongs to detachably and electrically connect with an external power supply. A mobile device charging port is provided and operable to electrically connect with the mobile device when received by the housing. The port may be positioned on or within the upper or lower portion and in electrical communication with the prongs. A button may be externally positioned on the housing, wherein actuating the button causes a circuit therein to be closed or open to charge a battery of the mobile device and/or of the housing.

Description

ELECTRONIC CHARGING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Application claims priority to and benefit under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/152,726, filed April 24, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to chargers for electronic devices such as mobile phones and for other consumer electronics devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] With increasing regularity, people are using and relying upon their mobile devices including tablets, smart phones, and the like for many daily important tasks.

Unfortunately, mobile devices can consume a significant amount of energy and thus drain batteries of the mobile devices at alarming rates. In this respect, a common complaint amongst consumers is the relatively short battery life of many devices since most mobile devices require a daily charging (and often periodic charges throughout the day).

[0004] To resolve this problem, many charging devices have been devised. For instance, known charging devices can include standard plug-in wall cords or power adapters that plug directly into USB ports on other computing devices. However, it is generally inconvenient to rely on these long charging cables because this requires the user to carry specific charging cables around with them at all times. If the user does not wish to carry cables with them, then users have been frustrated also to always have to return their device to the same charging location when a charge is required. Further, cables have been known to tangle easily which both wastes the user's time in terms of untangling cables prior to use as well as generally frustrating the user.

[0005] Other solutions on the market have been known to resolve some of these problems but important problems with these solutions, however, include their added bulk, weight, cable, and limited functionality. [0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a charging device for mobile devices to resolve these and other problems plagued by the art.

SUMMARY

[0007] The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a mobile device charging system can include a housing with upper and lower portions. The lower and/or upper portion may each be individually, or collectively, operable to receive a mobile device. A pair of prongs formed with the upper and lower portions of the housing, each prong being movable between a recessed position and an extended position. In the extended position, the prongs are permitted to detachably and electrically connect with an external power supply (e.g. AC wall power). A mobile device port may also be provided in communication with the housing, the port being operable to electrically connect with the mobile device when received by the housing. The port may be positioned on or within the upper or lower portions of the housing and can be in electrical communication with the prongs.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the port comprises an inductive or capacitive charging coil within the housing and operably connected with the battery of the charging system. In such embodiments, a mobile device capable of inductive charging may be charged or be provided for access to additional power using inductive charging without requiring access to, and occupation of, an existing power and/or data port of the mobile device.

[0010] Each prong may be manually or automatically movable (e.g. pivotable) between the recessed and extended positions. In this respect, each prong may be pivotally interlocked such that pivoting one prong between recessed and extended positions causes the corresponding prong to pivot about a pivot link of the housing disposed therebetween. A spring bias or resistance element can also be disposed between each prong urging each of the prongs to return to the recessed position from the extended position. In certain embodiments, a spring bias or resistance element is provided to urge each prong to an extended position.

[0011] A button can also be provided and positioned externally on, in, or within the housing. Actuating the button can cause a circuit defined between a battery disposed in the housing and/or an external power supply, the prongs, the port to be closed or open to electrically charge a battery of the mobile device and/or the battery of the housing. The button can be actuated by being depressed by a predetermined applied force and/or by being depressed for a predetermined period of time. The button can be actuated by receiving capacitive input on a capacitive sensing surface, or the like. The button can also include an external battery monitor operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the housing and/or a battery of the mobile device.

[0012] With respect to the housing, the upper and lower portions can be removably connected to each other (e.g. slidably insertable, snap fit, bolted, fastened, clamped, latched, or the like). I n one embodiment, the upper portion is operable to substantially surround the mobile device once inside or otherwise received by the housing. Each prong may also be substantially parallel and pivotally interlocked between recessed and extended positions, wherein in the extended position the pair of prongs are orthogonal to the housing and operable to electrically connect with an external power supply.

[0013] This upper portion may remain affixed to or positioned around the mobile device regardless of the location of the mobile device charging system (or the lower portion thereof) for portability and so that the user can recharge whenever the user's mobile device is running low on battery. This arrangement provides for a significant usefulness to a user such that they can always have their protected mobile device with them, even while the mobile device charging system is charging elsewhere. With the mobile charge monitoring functionality, the charging device and/or battery can be simply plugged in and left for the user only to leave and only return after the battery has achieved a particular or known charge level.

[0014] The housing may comprise a removably attachable or integrally formed battery to supply power to the mobile device. In this respect, the battery of the housing may be formed within perimetral walls of the housing.

[0015] In other embodiments including methods described herein, an external battery monitor may be provided, the monitor being operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the housing and/or a battery of the mobile device. The external battery monitor may be provided with functionality to control the flow of electrical charge between a battery of system 100 and a battery of the mobile device. Often in certain embodiments, when the level of charge remaining in the mobile level reaches a certain, often predetermined, level (e.g., about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, a bout 20%, about 25%, about 30% or another level) a circuit is actuated to permit the flow of electrical charge between a battery positioned in the housing (or external power supply) and the battery or power system of the mobile device. This gated charge flow functionality may be optionally customizable or controllable, frequently in real-time, using an external computing device. I n certain related embodiments, the external battery monitor is operably connected with an alarm or notification provided to the user via the external computing device when a certain time or charge level has been achieved.

[0016] The battery monitor can be externally visible including one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In certain embodiments, these LEDs are visible from either or both of the front and back of the device. The one or more light emitting diodes may be disposed internal to the housing and emit light through a gap between portions of the housing or also through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the upper and/or lower portions of the housing. The gap may be formed from at least one void, hole, aperture, bore, cavity, chamber or orifice.

[0017] The battery monitor may also be wirelessly connected to an external computing device. In this respect, the battery monitor and the external computing device are wirelessly connected through radio waves such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, WiMAX, WiMAX2, LTE, and/or HSDPA. The external computing device may optionally communicate with the battery monitor through an application resident on the external computing device to remotely monitor the battery of the housing and/or the mobile device. The external computing device can be a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a watch, or a desktop computer. I n this respect, the external computing device can be the mobile device itself or can be another device independent of the mobile device and housing. Accordingly, the mobile device may be a phone, a tablet, a computer, or a laptop.

[0018] In other example embodiments, the upper and lower portions of the housing can be slidably connected to each other and form a recess for detachably receiving the mobile device. An adjustable clamp may also be attached to opposing lateral side edges of the housing. The clamp may be movable between multiple extended and retracted states to detachably attach to a plurality of different sized mobile devices. The clamp can include a pair of opposingly oriented side grips, each side grip being in communication with an end of an actuating arm. The actuating arm may be coupled to each of the side grips and the side grips may include a device engaging surface for abuttingly securing one of the plurality of different sized mobiles devices. One or both side grips may be translatable with the actuating arm between the extended and retracted states. The device engaging surface may include a grip inducing surface constructed from one or more of the following materials: rubber, polymeric material, plastic, metal, alloy and composite material.

[0019] In other embodiments, the clamp may include a pair of opposingly oriented side grips operatively connected to each between each lateral edge of the housing through a pair of corresponding actuating arms. The arms may comprise a resistance element to maintain the adjustable clamp in a secured position with the one of the plurality of mobile devices. Each side grip may include a device engaging surface for abuttingly securing with the one of the plurality of mobile devices. The resistance element may be actuatable by an expansive force applied to one or both side grips to bias the adjustable clamp into the secured position.

[0020] One or more cable may be included with the charging system for electrically charging the mobile device. The one or more cables may be adjustably extended from the housing and may be capable of being recoiled within one or more perimetral edges of the housing. The one or more cables may be integrally formed with the housing.

[0021] In an example embodiment, a charging pad can be disposed on a rear surface of the housing for charging the mobile device.

[0022] In another example embodiment, a fastener may be disposed with the lower or upper portion of the housing for removably attaching the housing to the mobile device. The fastener may include a magnet and a magnetic plate may also be removably attached to the mobile device. In this regard, the magnetic plate may be operable to removably fasten with the fastener.

[0023] In another example embodiment, a mobile device charging system is disclosed including a housing. The housing may include a battery and a pair of movable prongs, each prong being movable between a recessed position and an extended position for electrically connecting with an external power supply. A fastener may be coupled to the housing for removably attaching the housing to a mobile device. A mobile device port may be included with the housing operable to electrically connect with the mobile device, the port being positioned on or within the housing and in electrical communication with the prongs. A magnetic plate may be removably attachable to the mobile device, the magnetic plate being operable to removably fasten to the fastener. The magnetic fastener may also be built into the housing.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the housing may be smaller than the mobile device. Each prong may be pivotally interlocked such that pivoting one prong between recessed and extended positions causes the corresponding prong to pivot away from and about a pivot link of the housing. Each prong may be substantially parallel and pivotally interlocked between recessed and extended positions, wherein in the extended position the pair of prongs are orthogonal to the housing and operable to electrically connect with an external power supply. The housing in this embodiment may include an external battery monitor operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the housing and/or a battery of the mobile device.

[0025] In certain embodiments, one or more cables for electrically charging the mobile device may be adjustably extended from the housing. The one or more cables may extend from the housing and may be capable of being recoiled within a perimetral edge of the housing. The one or more cables may also extend from the housing and be integrally formed with the housing.

[0026] A method of assembling a mobile charging device is also provided. The method can comprise: assembling a housing by connecting upper and lower portions to each other, the lower portion operable to receive a mobile device and the upper portion operable to communicate with and/or substantial ly surround the mobile device when received by the housing; interlocking a pair of movable prongs on or within the housing, each prong being movable between a recessed position and an extended position, wherein the extended position causes the plugs to be capable of electrically detachably connecting with an external power supply; and positioning a mobile device charging port on or internal to the housing, the port being operable to electrically connect with the mobile device once received by the housing, the port being in electrical communication with a battery positioned in the housing or the prongs. [0027] The method can also include inserting the mobile device into the housing and connecting the mobile device with the charging port; positioning a battery of the housing in perimetral walls of the lower or upper portions; and/or actuating a button positioned externally on or in communication with the housing so that a circuit defined between the housing, prongs, and port is closed or opened.

[0028] The method can also include pivoting one prong between recessed and extended positions thereby causing the corresponding prong to pivot away from and about a pivot link of the housing and prongs. The method may also include slidably or removably connecting the upper a nd lower portions of the housing to form a recess; and inserting the mobile device into the recess; and connecting the mobile device with the port.

[0029] The method may also include orienting each prong substantially parallel with the other; and pivoting the prongs between recessed and extended positions, wherein in the extended position the pair of prongs are orthogonal to the housing and operable to electrically connect with an external power supply.

[0030] The method may also include attaching an adjustable clamp to opposing lateral side edges of the housing, the clamp being movable between extended and retracted states to detachably attach to a plurality of different sized mobile devices, the clamp comprising a pair of opposingly oriented side grips, each side grip being in communication with an end of an actuating arm coupled to each of the side grips; and abuttingly securing a device engaging surface to one of the plurality of different sized mobiles devices by translating one or both side grip with the actuating arm between the extended and retracted states. The method may also include maintaining the adjustable clamp in a secured position with a resistance element to connected to the actuating a rm, wherein the resistance element is actuatable by an expansive force applied to one or both side grips to bias the adjustable clamp into the secured position; electrically charging one of the plurality of different sized mobiles devices with one or more adjustably extended cables of the housing; recoiling the one or more adjustably extended cables within a perimetral edge of the housing; and/or wherein the one or more adjustably extended cables are integrally formed with the housing.

[0031] The method may also include positioning a magnetic fastener the housing; positioning a magnetic receiver with the mobile device; removably attaching the housing to the mobile device by fastening the magnetic fastener and receiver to each other. The method can also include wirelessly connecting an external computing device with a battery monitor of the housing; and remotely monitoring the battery of the housing and/or the mobile device. More specifically, remotely monitoring the battery of the housing and/or the battery of the mobile device can be done through an externally visibility battery monitor comprising one or more light emitting diodes, the one or more light emitting diodes being disposed on or internal to the housing and emitting light through a gap between portions of the housing or through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the upper and lower portions of the housing.

[0032] A method of enabling use of a charging device is also disclosed, the method being similar to the above but also including insertion of the mobile device into the housing provides electrical communication between the mobile device and the charging port.

[0033] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 is a view of an exemplary charging system with prongs depicted in a retracted position.

[0035] FIG. 2A is a close-up view of the system of FIG. 1, wherein the prongs are more clearly seen in their retracted position.

[0036] FIG. 2B is a close-up view of the system of FIG. 1, wherein the prongs are more clearly seen transitioning between their retracted position to an extended position.

[0037] FIG. 2C is a close-up view of the system of FIG. 1, wherein the prongs are more clearly seen transitioned into their extended position.

[0038] FIG. 3A is a close-up forward perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, wherein the lower portion of the housing is oriented upwards so that the movable prongs are visible. [0039] FIG. 3B is a similar embodiment of FIG. 3A but with external portions of the system having been removed and with certain internal components of the housing being visible.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of one embodiment of an exemplary charging system, wherein a side toggle button is visible.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of one embodiment of an exemplary charging system, wherein the side visible in this figure is opposite the side depicted in FIG. 5.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the system of FIGS. 5-6 depicting the upper and lower portions in an exploded state prior to being engaged.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a lower plan view of the system of FIG. 1, wherein part of the lower portion has been removed so that portions of internal circuitry and related components can be seen.

[0045] FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of resistance elements when coupled to prongs of the system of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 with a user remotely monitoring charging.

[0047] FIG. 11A depicts a view of one embodiment of an exemplary charging system with the prongs movable in a different orientation in a retracted positions.

[0048] FIG. 11B depicts the system of FIG. 11A with the prongs moved to an extended position.

[0049] FIG. 12 depicts a forward plan view of another exemplary charging system with adjustable clamp for a mobile device.

[0050] FIG. 13 depicts a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 12.

[0051] FIG. 14 depicts a forward perspective view of another exemplary charging system with adjustable clamp for a mobile device.

[0052] FIG. 15 depicts a forward plan view of the system of FIG. 14 when assembled with an exemplary mobile device.

[0053] FIG. 16 depicts a rear plan view of the system of FIG. 14 when assembled with the exemplary mobile device of FIG. 15.

[0054] FIG. 17 depicts a rear perspective view of another exemplary charging system when assembled with an exemplary mobile device. [0055] FIG. 18 depicts a forward perspective view of the exemplary charging system of FIG. 18 without an exemplary mobile device assembled therewith.

[0056] FIG. 19 depicts a schematic overview of one embodiment of the herein described charging system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The features of the presently disclosed solution may be economically molded or assembled by using one or more distinct parts and associated components which, may be assembled together for removable or integral application. Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0058] In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, application, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more." As used herein, the term "user", "subject", "end-user" or the like is not limited to a specific entity or person. For example, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses the systems and methods described herein, and frequently may be a technician. However, this term is not limited to end users or technicians and thus encompasses a variety of persons or entities who can use the disclosed systems and methods.

[0060] As used herein, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used herein with reference to certain portions (e.g., housing portions) of the devices and systems described herein and are not intended to impart any specific directionality unless specifically noted, but rather are provided merely for purposes of particularity and ease of reference. [0061] The disclosed solution can now be better understood turning to the following detailed description. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the embodiments as ultimately defined in the claims.

[0062] FIGS. 1-8 show a first embodiment of the herein described improved charging system 100. The system 100 can include a housing 22 with an upper 12 and lower 14 portion. As more clearly seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, housing 22 may include a chamber or recess that is operable to detachably receive a mobile device by orienting the rear portion of the mobile device in communication with the internal side of lower portion 14 so that the mobile device's screen is facing outward, away from the recess. It is to be understood that the mobile device can be anything portable computing device including a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop or the like. Accordingly, the sha pe of housing 22 and corresponding portions 12 and 14 can be any shape including circular, triangular, polygonal of any number of sides/edges. Often the shape of housing 22 is rectangular with rounded corners and/or corresponds generally to the shape, or a specific feature, of the mobile device.

[0063] As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a button 77/77a may be provided in certain embodiments along an externally accessible edge of housing 22. Button 11 /11a may be provided in certain embodiments to provide control over the flow of an electrical charge between a battery positioned in the housing 22 and a corresponding mobile device. In certain related embodiments, button 11 /11a provides an externally visible power indicator to an end-user. For example, actuation of button 11 /11a can cause LEDs positioned in the housing 22 to provide an indication of the power level in a battery of the mobile device and/or battery positioned in the housing 22. Often, different actions (e.g., pressing versus pressing and holding) are taken to actuate the LEDs versus controlling the flow of charge between a battery positioned in the housing 22 and the mobile device. In certain embodiments, button 11 /11a can be provided with the same functionality as button 50 described more particularly below.

[0064] System 100 can include plug unit 30 positioned on, partially within, or otherwise in communication with housing 22. Unit 30 may be operable to operate with any known external power supply including outlets that impart between 110V and 220V.

However, unit 30 is not so limited and can be modified to any power supply environment without exceeding the scope of the herein described solution. [0065] FIGS. 5-7 depict exemplary embodiments of housing 22 when assembled states (FIGS. 5-6) and prior to portions 12 and 14 being assembled or otherwise connected (FIG. 7) with each other. More specifically, FIGS. 5-6 depict side plan views of housing 22 depicting portions 12 and 14 having been assembled, wherein prongs 32 are seen recessed. In FIG. 5, actuator 75 can be seen and may be translatable or otherwise toggled between activated and deactivated states (e.g. including operational states, a locked state, a sleep state, etc.). In frequent embodiments, actuator 75 may correspond to the volume control of the mobile device and/or other settings of the mobile device. An additional button may be provided on the opposite side of housing 22 or another location on housing 22 that provides for actuating volume and/or activation/deactivation states. In one embodiment, toggling actuator 75, or another button or actuation mechanism, in an activated position permits electrical communication between system 100 and an external power supply and/or any mobile device received by housing 22. Optionally, tapping, pressing, or holding actuator 75 for a predetermined amount of time can function to activate or deactivate actuator 75 in a similar manner as the previously described translation.

[0066] In FIG. 7, it can be seen that portion 12 is operable to slidably receive portion 14, wherein a mobile device is capable of being received and substantially surrounded by either, or both of, portions 12 and 14. I n this respect, portions 12 and 14 when assembled can form a chamber or recess for a mobile device. However, system 100 is not so limited and any number of portions can be used to create housing 22 in any manner and shape including being portions being securely and detachably fastened through use of one or more bolts, cables, clamps, dowels, hooks, keys, latches, locks, lugs, rivets, snap fit connectors, hook and loop fasteners or the like. Housing 22 may also be formed from portions 12 and 14 (or other portions) by being permanently welded or integrally formed together (e.g. through molding).

[0067] In certain embodiments, lower portion 14 is provided whereby lower portion 14 mates or connects with a case positioned on the mobile device, and is operatively connected with the mobile device, such as a commercially-available case lacking charging capability. Often, lower portion 14 is operatively provided to surround at least a portion of upper portion 12.

[0068] Overall, the detachability of lower portion 14 may be to provide additional power access without a user ever having to be separated from their protected mobile device. At any given time in most embodiments, the lower portion 14 may be (1) powering, or available to power, a mobile device when operatively connected to the mobile device; and/or (2) connected with an external power supply such as a wall outlet, a computer, or another mobile power supply. In this respect, when lower portion 14 is connected with an external power supply, the mobile device remains protected with upper portion 12 and operating via its own power source. Though a power cord may be used in certain embodiments that utilize external port 76, it is not needed. The power level status of the battery or power source of lower portion 14 can be monitored via LED indicators, or monitored and/or controlled using an external computing device such as the mobile device itself or another external computing device.

[0069] Unit 30 can include one or more movable prongs 32 to electrically connect with the external power supply. Prongs 32 can be movable by being rotated, pivoted about a pivot link 33, or otherwise translated between recessed and extended positions. This is seen more particularly when comparing FIGS. 2A through 2C or FIG 11A through 11B. In the recessed position in FIG. 2A, prongs 32 are seen being spread apart from one another and oriented in generally opposite directions (e.g. distal ends of each prong 32 facing away from the other). Prongs 32 can be moved between the recessed position automatically or manually as seen in FIG. 2B. In the recessed position of FIGS. 1 and 2A, it can be seen that each of prongs 32 may be in the same plane though the design is not so limited. When oriented in the extended position of FIG. 2C, the distal ends of prongs 32 can be positioned to be received within or otherwise electrically communicate with the aforementioned external power supply such as a conventional wall outlet. In this respect, prongs 32 in the extended position may be oriented substantially parallel and/or aligned so as to be properly received by corresponding external power supplies.

[0070] However, system 100 is not so limited and the actuation of prongs 32 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C may be achieved by moving yet maintaining prongs 32 in a substantially parallel position. For example, in FIG. 11A prongs 32 may be recessed and situated in a parallel position. Prongs 32 may then be moved together away from housing 22 into an extended position as shown in FIG. 11B. As can be seen, each prong 32 may be maintained in the same arrangement relative to one-another as when the prongs 32 are in the recessed position of Fig. 11A. [0071] Turning back to FIGS. 2A-2C, pivot link 33 provides an added measure of safety and electrical certification compliance, whereby an individual prong 32 may not be selectively movable without causing a corresponding movement in a paired prong. I n such embodiments, both prongs 32 will always be in an extended or recessed position, or correspondingly travelling or positioned therebetween. With one prong 32 extended and one 32 recessed, the potential for a electronic short and related to damage exists to a mobile device, charging system, or power supply if a user attempts to plug the device into a power supply.

[0072] Accordingly, should it be desirous to charge a battery B associated with housing 22 such as in FIG. 8, prongs 32 must only be extended so that electric

communication with corresponding external power supply is possible. This may be done manually as in FIG. 2B or it may be done in an automated manner by, for example, actuating a spring bias or resistance element 35 operatively connected to the one or more links 32 associated with prongs 32. This is more clearly seen in FIG. 9 as discussed below. Actuating said features will often urge respective prongs 32 back to their original, recessed position of FIGS. 1 and 2A. In pivot link 33 positioned between one or both prongs 32 can be integrally formed with or on either of housing 22 or unit 30 or can be removably attached to either or both. Furthermore, prongs 32 associated with the one or more links 33 can be designed to resist movement between states or be configured to only be movable between the recessed position and the extended position (e.g. through fastening mechanisms such as one or more latches, snap fit connectors, magnets, or the like). Accordingly, prongs 32 may be operable to pivot approximately 90 degrees between recessed and extended positions, though the design is not limited and any preferable range can be used.

[0073] Optionally, as seen in FIG. 9, the one or more links 33 may be interconnected with corresponding resistance elements 35 and prongs 32 of unit 30 so that moving one of the prongs 32 can cause the opposing prong 32 to also move, pivot, rotate, or otherwise translate from either the extended or recessed positions. Resistance element 35 may additionally function as an electrical conductor with corresponding prongs 32. This is advantageous since moving only a single prong 32 can cause the entire unit 30 to go from recessed to extended and ready to electrically connect with an external power source.

[0074] Battery B may be integra lly formed into one or more perimetral walls of portions 12 and/or 14 or may be detachable with either as seen clearly in FIG. 8. In all embodiments, the need for cables to provide electrical communication between system 100 and an external power supply is obviated through system 100. To enable charging, the user must simply insert or otherwise have their mobile device received by housing 22 and communicate internal charging port 66 with the mobile device. Port 66 can be in any shape or design now known or to be developed so as to operate with corresponding mobile device of the user. Optionally, housing 22 may include external port 76 which may be any connector port (e.g. mini-USB, micro-USB, lightning, etc.) to provide a link between any to- be-connected external device or power supply and system 100 and/or mobile device. In frequent embodiments, port 76 provides power and/or data communication with the mobile device and/or system 100.

[0075] In other embodiments, a circuit formed between port 66, prongs 32, and internal circuitry 36 of system 100 can be closed or opened depending on corresponding actuation effected by button 50 (or button 77/77a). Button 50, in turn, may in certain limited embodiments include a spring bias or other resistance element positioned between housing 22 and external surface of button 50 such that depressing button 50 a

predetermined amount to a closed position can close the circuit so that charging between the mobile device and/or battery B of housing 22 can be effected. Most frequently, however, button 50 may include a capacitive sensor on its external surface for capacitive input received by the user (e.g. touching or touching in a predetermined manner) can operate LEDs positioned in the housing 22.

[0076] In other embodiments, the circuit formed between port 66, prongs 32, and internal circuitry may be closed and thus activated only when the prongs 32 are extended.

[0077] System 100 further includes circuitry 36 as seen in FIG. 8. Circuitry 36 may be positioned internal to housing 22 in electrical communication with prongs 32, port 66, and any external power supply connected thereto to operatively charge either or both battery B of housing 22 and the battery of corresponding mobile device being charged by system 100. Optionally, the circuit formed between circuitry 36 and unit 30 may only be closed if corresponding button 11 /11a (FIGS. 3A, 3B) is actuated, for example, as noted herein

[0078] It is also contemplated that system 100 includes a battery monitor for either, or both, of battery B and the battery associated with the mobile device being charged. The battery monitor may be externally visible through one or more LED lights included in or upon housing 22. The battery monitor may be externally visible since the one or more LED lights can be seen through a gap, void, hole, aperture, bore, cavity, orifice, or the like.

Further, a plurality of LED lights or plurality of different colors may be included, wherein the number or color being emitted may indicate the amount of charge remaining in either or both of battery B and the battery of the mobile device. The one or more LED lights may also be visible through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the upper 12 and/or lower 14 portion of the housing 22. Optionally, the battery monitor may include a digital display externally visible by a user. The LED lights may be visible from either the front or back of the device or both the front and back of the device.

[0079] Similarly, as seen in FIG. 10, the battery monitor may also be wirelessly connected to the mobile device M and/or an external computing device E when system 100 is electrically coupled to external power supply P. In certain frequent embodiments, the battery monitor may also be wirelessly connected to the mobile device M and/or an external computing device E regardless of whether system 100 is electrically coupled to external power supply P. It is understood that device E may be another phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or the like.

[0080] Though not depicted, system 100 as depicted in FIG. 10 may not include mobile device M and instead the user could remotely monitor charging characteristics of battery B of housing 22 through mobile device M and/or device E. In this respect, the battery monitor may be wirelessly connected through radio waves such as through wireless LAN, Bluetooth, interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.16 family of wireless- networks standards ratified by the WiMAX Forum (WiMAX), Long-term Evolution (LTE), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). Mobile device M and/or external computing device E may operatively communicate with the battery monitor of system 100 preferably through an application resident in either or both devices.

[0081] Turning to FIGs. 12-16, other embodiments of the herein disclosed charging system 100a are depicted with an adjustable clamp 60. Specifically, FIG. 12 depicts a rear plan view of system 100a with modified housing 22a and clamp 60. Clamp 60 may include one or more actuating arms 65 operable to extend into and/or outwards from housing 22a so as to maintain mobile device M in a secure position. Clamp 60 can be actuated to expand outwards and retract inwardly to conform to different sized devices M to system 100a. For example, an actuating force can be applied one or both side grips 68 of arms 65 to expand or bias outwards one or both arms 65 into an expanded state. In contrast, the actuating force can be released to retract clamp 60 into a deactivated state. Clamp 60 can include one or more elastic resistance or biasing elements connected to one or both arms 65, such as a compression or torsion spring. Such resistance or biasing elements can facilitate actuating clamp 60 between expanded and retracted states.

[0082] As can be seen, arms 65 may be one or more linearly translatable rods extending from the base plate 206. The base plate 206 and the plurality of mounting arms 208 can be one integral part or component parts that are attached together by any attaching means.

[0083] Grips 68 can include a gripping material or friction inducing material on its inner device engaging surface to improved grip or attachment to device M that may be securable with clamp 60. Such material can be applied partially or completely to grip 68 and can include, rubber, polymeric material, plastic, metal, alloy, fabric, composite material or other material or materials capable of increasing the adhesion, grip or coefficient of friction between grip 68 and device M. Inner surface of grip 68 may also be textured to induce gripping between grip 68 and device M.

[0084] As can be seen in FIGS. 12-16, prongs 32 are movable between expanded and retracted states by pivoting about link 33 similar to FIGs. 1-3B. However, system 100a of FIGs. 12-16 is not so limited and other modified embodiments of prongs 32 may be utilized as needed or required including prongs 32 of FIGs. 11A-11B.

[0085] As seen in FIG. 14, device M can be secured with housing 22a and secured therewith via clamp 60. Optionally, system 100a may include one or more charging cables 80 extended therefrom in a manner capable of electrically communicating with device M at its charging portion. One or more cables 80 may also be formed with a perimetral edge of housing 22a as seen in FIGs. 14-18. Each cable 80 may also be operable to be recoiled back into housing 22a and/or stowed with one or more edges of housing 22a. One or more cables 80 may include an integrally formed connector operable to electrically communicate with device M (e.g. mini-USB, micro-USB, lightning, etc.). Since devices M may position their charging ports at different positions and arrangements, cable 80 may be moved between a plurality of positions and orientations to accommodate different models a nd sized devices M. Cable 80 may be removably connected to housing 22a or may be integrally formed therewith. It is to be understood that instead of cable 80, however, housing 22a may optionally include a charging pad operable to electrically communicate with a rear surface of device M without the need for a cable.

[0086] Turning to FIG. 15 is a forward plan view of system 100a of FIG. 14 with exemplary mobile device M secured therewith. In FIG. 15, each of grips 68 have been actuated into an extended state and retracted back onto device M to secure housing 22a. As can be seen in its assembled state of FIG. 15, device M may also indicate status of its internal battery when cable 80 is operatively connected through one or more of its ports. Turning to FIG. 16 is a rear plan view of system 100a of FIG. 15 with an exemplary battery monitor 90 that can be externally visible. Monitor 90 may be disposed on a rear external surface of housing 22a and be defined by one or a plurality of LEDs visible therefrom. The one or more LEDs of monitor 90 may be disposed internal to housing 22a and emit light through a gap between portions of housing 22a or also through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the upper and/or lower portions of housing 22a. The gap may be formed from at least one void, hole, aperture, bore, cavity, chamber or orifice. It is to be understood that clamp 60 and corresponding grips 68 and arms 65 may be operable to be retracted into housing 22a when not connected to device M.

[0087] Turning to FIGs. 17-18 are depictions of another exemplary charging system 100b. As can be seen in FIGs. 17-18, housing 22b of system 100b may be removably secured with device M without clamp 60. Instead, housing 22b of system 100b may include one or more magnetic fasteners formed therewith to removably secure housing 22b with device M. The one or more magnetic fasteners may be operative removable fastening between housing 22b and device M and the magnetic material include some combination of ferromagnetic metals such as ores including iron ores (magnetite or lodestone), cobalt, nickel, gadolinium a nd dysprosium or aluminum. The magnetic material may be sintered or formed by casting and may be corrosion resistant. The magnet material may additionally be constructed from ceramics with powdered iron oxides and/or barium/strontium carbonate. The magnetic material may also be injection molded and therefore be formed as a composite with a suitable resin and powder mixture, wherein magnetic strength and shape are customized and adjusted according to design need or preference.

[0088] The one or more magnetic fasteners of housing 22b may also be neodymium and integrally or removably positioned in a receiver of housing 22b. The magnets may be of any useable size and/or strength as described herein. Preferably, housing 22b may include a relatively small plate operably to be secured to a rear surface of device M, wherein the plate is operable to magnetically attach to any device with the metal plate affixed thereto.

[0089] Turning to FIG. 19 is a schematic overview of an exemplary charging and sync program related to operations of systems 100/lOOa/lOOb and operation of both charging and remote monitoring with the one or more LED lights and/or an application resident in either of mobile device M or external computing device E along with buttons 50 and 75.

[0090] The herein disclosed charging systems are not limited to charging mobile devices but may also be modified to charge other electronic devices including consumer goods with rechargeable batteries such as cameras, video recorders, battery chargers, toothbrushes, electric shavers, or the like. Therefore, it is understood that the illustrated and described embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

[0091] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. It is also contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination(s).

[0092] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the em bodiments. [0093] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned

embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as

"comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A mobile device charging system, the system comprising:

a housing operable to receive a mobile device;

a pair of prongs formed with of the housing, each prong being movable between a recessed position and an extended position, wherein the extended position permits the prongs to detachably and electrically connect with an external power supply; and

a mobile device port operable to electrically connect with the mobile device when received by the housing, the port being positioned on or within the upper or lower portion and in electrical communication with the prongs.

2. The system of Claim 1, wherein each prong is manually pivotable between the recessed and extended positions.

3. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: a button positioned externally on or in the housing, wherein actuating the button causes a circuit to close or open between the housing, the prongs, the port and a battery of the housing or an external power supply to electrically charge a battery of the mobile device.

4. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: a button positioned externally on or in the housing, wherein actuating the button causes a circuit to close or open between a battery disposed in the housing, the prongs, and the port to electrically charge a battery of the mobile device and/or the battery of the housing.

5. The system of Claim 4, wherein the button is actuated by being depressed for a predetermined period of time.

6. The system of Claim 4, wherein the button is actuated by being depressed by a predetermined applied force.

7. The system of Claim 4, wherein the button is actuated by receiving capacitive input.

8. The system of Claim 4, wherein the button further comprises an external battery monitor operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the housing and/or a battery of the mobile device.

9. The system of Claim 1, wherein each prong is pivotally interlocked such that pivoting one prong between recessed and extended positions causes the corresponding prong to pivot away from and about a pivot link of the housing.

10. The system of Claim 9, wherein a resistance element is disposed between each prong urging the prongs to return to the recessed position from the extended position or urging the prongs to the extended position from the recessed position.

11. The system of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises upper a nd lower portions connected to each other to receive the mobile device, wherein the upper and lower portions are slidably or removably connected to each other, and wherein the upper portion is operable to substantially surround the mobile device.

12. The system of Claim 1, wherein each prong is substantially parallel and pivotally interlocked between recessed and extended positions, wherein in the extended position the pair of prongs are orthogonal to the housing and operable to electrically connect with an external power supply.

13. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a battery to supply power to the mobile device.

14. The system of Claim 13, wherein the battery is removably attached to, removably stored in, or formed within one or more perimetral walls of the housing.

15. The system of Claim 13, wherein the battery is removably attached to the housing.

16. The system of Claim 15, further comprising: an external battery monitor operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the housing and/or a battery of the mobile device.

17. The system of Claim 16, wherein the battery monitor comprises one or more light emitting diodes of the housing externally visible from the system.

18. The system of Claim 17, wherein the one or more light emitting diodes are disposed internal to the housing and emit light through a gap between portions of the housing or through a partially or substantially transparent portion of an upper or a lower portion of the housing.

19. The system of Claim 18, wherein the gap is a void, hole, aperture, bore, cavity, chamber or orifice.

20. The system of Claim 16, wherein the battery monitor is wirelessly connected to an external computing device.

21. The system of Claim 20, wherein the battery monitor and the external computing device are wirelessly connected through radio waves such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, WiMAX, WiMAX2, LTE, and/or HSDPA.

22. The system of Claim 16, wherein the external computing device

communicates with the battery monitor through an application resident on the external computing device to remotely monitor the battery of the housing and/or the mobile device.

23. The system of Claim 21, wherein the external computing device is a phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop computer.

24. The system of Claim 23, wherein the external computing device is the mobile device.

25. The system of Claim 16, wherein the mobile device is a phone, a tablet, a computer, a watch, or a laptop.

26. The system of Claim 1, wherein the housing comprises upper a nd lower portions slidably connected to each other to receive the mobile device, and wherein a recess is formed between the upper and lower portions for detachably receiving the mobile device.

27. The system of Claim 1, further comprising: an adjustable clamp attached to opposing lateral side edges of the housing and movable between extended and retracted states to detachably attach to a plurality of different sized mobile devices.

28. The system of Claim 27, the adjustable clamp further comprising:

a pair of opposingly oriented side grips, each side grip in communication with an end of an actuating arm coupled to each of the side grips and a device engaging surface for abuttingly securing one of the plurality of different sized mobiles devices, wherein one or both side grips being translatable with the actuating arm between the extended and retracted states.

29. The system of Claim 28, wherein the device engaging surface comprises a grip inducing surface constructed from one or more of the following materials: rubber, polymeric material, plastic, metal, alloy and composite material.

30. The system of Claim 27, the adjustable clamp further comprising:

a pair of opposingly oriented side grips operatively connected to each between each lateral edge of the housing through a pair of corresponding actuating arms, the actuating arms comprising a resistance element to maintain the adjustable clamp in a secured position with the one of the plurality of mobile devices;

each side grip comprising a device engaging surface for abuttingly securing with the one of the plurality of mobile devices.

31. The system of Claim 30, wherein the resistance element is actuatable by an expansive force applied to one or both side grips to bias the adjustable clamp into the secured position.

32. The system of Claim 27, further comprising: one or more cables for electrically charging the mobile device adjustably extended from the housing.

33. The system of Claim 32, wherein the one or more cables extend from the housing and are capable of being recoiled within a perimetral edge of the housing.

34. The system of Claim 32, wherein the one or more cables extend from the housing and are integrally formed with the housing.

35. The system of Claim 27, further comprising: a charging pad disposed on a rear surface of the housing for charging the mobile device.

36. The system of Claim 1, further comprising:

a fastener disposed with the housing for removably attaching the housing to the mobile device.

37. The system of Claim 36, wherein the fastener comprises a magnet.

38. The system of Claim 37, wherein a magnetic plate is removably attached to the mobile device, the magnetic plate being operable to removably fasten with the fastener.

39. The system of Claim 37, wherein the at least one magnet is removably positioned with the fastener.

40. A mobile device charging system, the system comprising:

a housing comprising a battery and a pair of movable prongs, each prong being movable between a recessed position and an extended position for electrically connecting with an external power supply; a fastener for removably attaching the housing to a mobile device; and

a mobile device port of the housing operable to electrically connect with the mobile device, the port being positioned on or within the housing and in electrical communication with the prongs.

41. The system of Claim 40, further comprising: a magnetic plate removably attachable to the mobile device, the magnetic plate being operable to removably fasten to the fastener.

42. The system of Claim 40, wherein the housing is smaller than the mobile device.

43. The system of Claim 40, wherein each prong is pivotally interlocked such that pivoting one prong between recessed and extended positions causes the corresponding prong to pivot away from and about a pivot link of the housing.

44. The system of Claim 40, wherein each prong is substantially parallel and pivotally interlocked between recessed and extended positions, wherein in the extended position the pair of prongs are orthogonal to the housing and operable to electrically connect with an external power supply.

45. The system of Claim 40, wherein the housing further comprises an external battery monitor operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the housing and/or a battery of the mobile device.

46. The system of Claim 40, further comprising: one or more cables for electrically charging the mobile device adjustably extended from the housing.

47. The system of Claim 46, wherein the one or more cables extend from the housing and are capable of being recoiled within a perimetral edge of the housing.

48. The system of Claim 46, wherein the one or more cables extend from the housing and are integrally formed with the housing.

49. A method of assembling a mobile charging device, the method comprising: interlocking a pair of movable prongs on or within a housing operable to receive a mobile device, each prong being movable between a recessed position and an extended position, wherein the extended position causes the plugs to be capable of electrically detachably connecting with an external power supply; and

positioning a mobile device port on or internal to the housing, the port being operable to electrically connect with the mobile device received by the housing, the port being in electrical communication with a battery positioned in the housing or the prongs.

50. The method of Claim 49, further comprising: assembling the housing by connecting upper and lower portions to each other, the lower portion operable to receive the mobile device and the upper portion operable to communicate with and/or substantially surround the mobile device when received by the housing.

51. The method of Claim 49, further comprising: inserting the mobile device into the housing and connecting the mobile device with the port.

52. The method of Claim 49, further comprising: positioning a battery in one or more perimetral walls of the housing .

53. The method of Claim 49, further comprising: actuating a button positioned externally on or in communication with the housing so that a circuit defined between the housing, prongs, and port is closed or opened, wherein a battery of the mobile device and/or of the housing is capable of being charged.

54. The method of Claim 53, wherein the button is actuated by being depressed for a predetermined period of time.

55. The method of Claim 53, wherein the button is actuated by being depressed by a predetermined applied force.

56. The method of Claim 53, wherein the button is actuated by receiving capacitive input.

57. The method of Claim 49, further comprising: pivoting one prong between recessed and extended positions thereby causing the corresponding prong to pivot away from and about a pivot link of the housing and prongs.

58. The method of Claim 49, further comprising:

assembling the housing by connecting upper and lower portions to each other, the lower portion operable to receive the mobile device and the upper portion operable to communicate with and/or substantially surround the mobile device when received by the housing;

slidably or removably connecting the upper and lower portions of the housing to form a recess;

inserting the mobile device into the recess; and

connecting the mobile device with the port.

59. The method of Claim 49, further comprising:

orienting each prong substantially parallel with the other; and

pivoting the prongs between recessed and extended positions, wherein in the extended position the pair of prongs are orthogonal to the housing and operable to electrically connect with an external power supply.

60. The method of Claim 53, further comprising: wirelessly connecting an external computing device with a battery monitor of the housing; and

remotely monitoring the battery of the housing and/or the mobile device.

61. The method of Claim 53, comprising: remotely monitoring the battery of the housing and/or the battery of the mobile device through an externally visibility battery monitor comprising one or more light emitting diodes, the one or more light emitting diodes being disposed on or internal to the housing and emitting light through a gap between portions of the housing or through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the housing.

62. The method of Claim 49, further comprising:

attaching an adjustable clamp to opposing lateral side edges of the housing, the clamp being movable between extended and retracted states to detachably attach to a plurality of different sized mobile devices, the clamp comprising a pair of opposingly oriented side grips, each side grip being in communication with an end of an actuating arm coupled to each of the side grips; and

abuttingly securing a device engaging surface to one of the plurality of different sized mobiles devices by translating one or both side grip with the actuating arm between the extended and retracted states.

63. The method of Claim 62, further comprising: maintaining the adjustable clamp in a secured position with a resistance element to connected to the actuating arm, wherein the resistance element is actuatable by an expansive force applied to one or both side grips to bias the adjustable clamp into the secured position.

64. The method of Claim 62, further comprising: electrically charging one of the plurality of different sized mobiles devices with one or more adjustably extended cables of the housing.

65. The method of Claim 64, further comprising: recoiling the one or more adjustably extended cables within a perimetral edge of the housing.

66. The method of Claim 64, wherein the one or more adjustably extended cables are integrally formed with the housing.

67. The method of Claim 49, further comprising:

positioning a magnetic fastener with the housing; positioning a magnetic receiver with the mobile device; and

removably attaching the housing to the mobile device by fastening the magnetic fastener to the receiver.

68. A method of enabling use of a charging device, the method comprising: interlocking a pair of pivotable prongs with a housing for receiving a mobile device, each prong being pivotable between a recessed position and an extended position, wherein the extended position causes the plugs to be capable of electrically detachably connecting with an external power supply;

positioning a mobile device charging port internal to or on the housing, the port being operable to electrically connect with the mobile device once received by the housing, the port being in electrical communication with the prongs; and

wherein, insertion of the mobile device into the housing provides electrical communication between the mobile device and the charging port.

69. The method of Claim 68, further comprising: assembling the housing by combining an upper portion and a lower portion with each other, the lower portion operable to receive the mobile device and the upper portion operable to communicate with and/or substantially surround the mobile device when received by the housing.

70. The method of Claim 68, further comprising: positioning a battery in one or more perimetral walls of the housing .

71. The method of Claim 68, further comprising: actuating a button positioned externally on or in communication with the housing so that a circuit defined between the housing, prongs, and port is closed or opened, wherein a battery of the mobile device and/or the housing is capable of being electrically charged.

72. The method of Claim 71, wherein the button is actuated by being depressed or by receiving capacitive input.

73. The method of Claim 71, further comprising: wirelessly connecting an external computing device with a battery monitor of the housing; and

remotely monitoring the battery of the housing and/or the mobile device.

74. The method of Claim 71, further comprising:

remotely monitoring the battery of the housing and/or the battery of the mobile device through an externally visibility battery monitor comprising one or more light emitting diodes, the one or more light emitting diodes being disposed on or internal to the housing and emitting light through a gap between portions of the housing or through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the housing.