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Universal charging apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Electrical Connectors, With Insulation Other Than Conductor Sheath, Plural-contact Coupling Part, Two Or More Plural-contact Coupling Parts Combined In One Integral UnitUniversal charging apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060046576, Universal charging apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to electrical power adapters, and more particularly to electrical powering and recharging adapters. The apparatus allows powering or recharging devices with different power outlet configurations, and is flexible in shape to permit use in a variety of locations. Further, the apparatus has an electrical cord which extends or retracts, thereby furthering the number and scope of suitable locations. [0002] Prior art chargers have attempted to provide universal charging capabilities with removable connectors mimicking the physical connections of the various devices. These attempts do not address the more important consideration of the different electrical requirements of the various devices. Transformers and other charging apparatuses work within a narrow range of voltages and currents. These ranges differ from device to device, and often do not overlap. Therefore, even though the physical connections may be appropriate, the chargers will not function universally because the voltages provided and currents drawn are outside their operational ranges. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] According to one aspect of the invention, a universal charging apparatus is provided for providing power to or recharging an electrical device. The apparatus has a housing, and an electrical cord extending from inside to outside the housing. The electrical cord has an extended position where at least a substantial length of the cord is outside the housing, and a retracted position where substantially all of the cord is inside the housing. The cord has a tip on the end outside the housing. The tip can connect to one of a plurality of adapters, and each adapter in turn can connect to one or more electrical devices requires different connectors. Inside the housing is a retracting spool, for spooling the electrical cord in the retracted position. A switch on the housing retracts the electrical cord. [0004] A neck is connected to the housing, and can be bent relative to the housing in at least one direction. According to one aspect of the invention, the neck is connected with a ball joint, and can bend through an angle of approximately ninety degrees. The neck is further connected to a ratchet, allowing the neck to stop in a plurality of positions relative to the housing, yet allowing the user to bend the neck to a different position with slight force. The neck has an electrical conductor to connect with an electricity source. The electrical conductor is electrically connected to the electrical cord for supplying electricity through the cord to a device. [0005] According to another aspect of the invention, the housing is made of a top and a bottom. A faceplate may be attached to the housing, preferably to the top. The faceplate may depress slightly into the housing. [0006] According to another aspect of the invention, the housing may have one or more protrusions extending from it to facilitate gripping of the housing. The protrusions may be molded into the housing, and may be located on the bottom. [0007] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a status indicator is provided. The status indicator provides the user information on the status of the operation of the apparatus, such as whether electricity is being supplied to a device, or whether the device no longer requires electricity. The status indicator may be visual, such as a light emitting diode, or several light emitting diodes. A light emitting diode may emit light of different colors to indicate different statuses. [0008] According to a further aspect of the invention, an integrated circuit chip is electrically connected between the electrical cord and the electrical conductor. The integrated circuit chip adapts the electrical characteristics to be suitable for the different devices to be charged or powered. The integrated circuit chip may also obtain feedback from the device to be charged or powered, and may control the status indicator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: [0010] FIG. 1 shows a top view of the universal charging apparatus, according to the present invention. [0011] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the universal charging apparatus, according to the present invention. [0012] FIG. 3 is a cutaway of the joint between the housing and the neck, according to the present invention. [0013] FIG. 4 shows several electrical adapters, according to the present invention. [0014] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of the housing of the universal charging apparatus, according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0015] Throughout the drawing figures, the same reference numeral has been used to label the same feature or element. [0016] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a universal charging apparatus 1, according to the present invention. The universal charging apparatus 1 has a housing 3 and a neck 5, connected to each other with a joint 7. Preferably, the housing 3 comprises a top 9 and a bottom 11, shown more clearly in FIG. 2. The bottom preferably has one or more protrusions 13 extending from it, and preferably molded into it, to facilitate gripping of the apparatus 1 by a user. [0017] The housing 3 may include a faceplate 15. The faceplate 15 may be removable, and is preferably connected over a substantial portion of the top 9. The faceplate 15 may have a company logo or other decorations. Most preferably, the top 9 will have a slight recess, to allow the bottom of the faceplate 15 to be depressed slightly below the surface of the housing 3. Preferably, the housing 3, top 9, bottom 11, neck 5, joint 7, and faceplate 15 are all made of non-conductive material, and most preferably molded plastic. [0018] The apparatus 1 preferably has a status indicator 17, which is preferably a light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes. The status indicator 17 can indicate to a user several statuses of the apparatus 1. For example, the status indicator 17 can indicate whether electricity is being supplied to a device through said apparatus 1, or whether the device no longer requires electricity, such as when a recharge is complete. Other statuses can be indicated as appropriate or necessary. [0019] In the preferred embodiment where the status indicator 17 is a light emitting diode, the diode can emit different colors of light to indicate different statuses. For example, yellow light can indicate that a device is charging, green can indicate that a charge is complete, and red can indicate a problem. Of course, other indicators such as audible or vibrating indicators could be used, but preferably the status indicator 17 is a visual indicator such as a light emitting diode, and more preferably a blue sapphire power light emitting diode. Continue reading about Universal charging apparatus... Full patent description for Universal charging apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Universal charging apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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