WO1999012244A1

WO1999012244A1 - Combination battery charger and power source with dual-plug assembly for electrically powered devices

Info

Publication number: WO1999012244A1
Application number: PCT/DK1998/000091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moong-Hung Tsang
Original assignee: Tsang Moong Hung
Priority date: 1997-09-01
Filing date: 1998-03-13
Publication date: 1999-03-11
Also published as: AU6610298A

Abstract

A dual plug assembly for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries is disclosed comprising first and second pivotally movable plugs, each plug having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with first and second respective contacts of a device, and a control mechanism for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding contact at a time, thus allowing only one plug to carry electric current at one time. The control mechanism may comprise first and second cams attached to the first and second plugs, respectively, and a cam follower slidably positioned therebetween. The first and second plugs may comprise an US/European style connector and a UK connector, a two prong plug and a three prong plug, two polarized plugs, or any other style connectors or plugs to meet the plugging needs of a user. The dual plug assembly may be attached to a combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack or may be used on an extension cord or directly on a power cord of an electrically powered device.

Description

Title :- COMBINATION BATTERY CHARGER AND POWER SOURCE WITH

DUAL-PLUG ASSEMBLY FOR ELECTRICALLY POWERED DEVICES

Field of the invention:

This invention relates generally to battery chargers, and power adapters with dual plug or connector assembly, and more particularly to a one piece wall mountable battery charger, or power adapter with a dual plug or connector assembly having two connectors pivotally containable within a single housing wherein only one plug or connector is allowed to carry electric current at one time.

Background of the invention

Battery chargers for removable battery packs for cellular telephones, video cameras and the like are known. However, known chargers are not as convenient as is desirable for a number of reasons. Some such charges allow the battery pack to be slid into place in a charger in a manner that permits the batteries to be charged while still attached to the device on which it is normally used. Other chargers have an electrical connector with a cord for attaching to the battery pack for charging. Chargers known to applicant all include a conventional flexible power cord with a plug at one end for attaching the charger to a power source, such as a conventional AC connector, either in a wall or at the end of an extension cord.

Plug or connector assemblies are known which have a single housing carrying an integral immovable or pivoting single connector. Some adapters have been developed to make such assemblies usable in different conditions. For example, an extension cord type adapter can be placed over such single connectors in order to add an extension if the connector cannot reach an outlet. Other adapters are known which can be placed over a single connector to change the connector type such as from US to European, or from three prong to two prong. Despite the existence of these adapters, connector assemblies are not as accommodating nor as immediately accessible as they should be in meeting the needs of users having different plugging requirements.

Therefore, there is a need for a plug assembly which carries at least two connectors for accommodating at least two connector needs of a user. There is further a need for a plug assembly which carries at least two connectors and only allows one connector to work at one time, to ensure the safety of the user. There is further a need for a plug assembly having a plurality of available connectors and a housing having recessed areas for each of the connectors to be situated in a non- use position. There is further a need for a dual plug assembly for travelers having a USA/European foldable plug and a UK foldable plug which can be used with different household AC main sockets in different countries. There is further a need for a dual plug assembly on a combination battery charger and power source.

Summary of the Invention

With the foregoing needs in mind, it is an object of this invention to provide a battery charger and power source for an electrically powered device with a plug or connector assembly which can accommodate at least two different plugging configurations and which ensures the safety of the user, and is more convenient, has fewer parts and is more flexible in its operation than those known before.

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, a dual plug assembly for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries is disclosed comprising first and second pivotally movable plugs, each plug having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with first and second respective contacts of a device, and a control mechanism for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding contact at a time, thus allowing only one plug to carry electric current at one time. The control mechanism may comprise first and second cams attached to the first and second plugs, respectively, and a cam follower slidably positioned therebetween. The first and second plugs may comprise a USA/European style connector and a UK connector, a two prong plug and a three prong plug, two polarized plugs, or any other style connectors or plugs to meet the plugging needs of a user. The dual plug assembly may be attached to or be a part of a combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack or may be used on an extension cord or directly on a power cord of an electrically powered device.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, a combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack that has one or more batteries enclosed within a battery pack case having a mechanical connector for removably mechanically attaching the battery pack to the device and an electrical connector for electrically connecting batteries within the case to the device when the battery pack is mechanically attached to the device comprises a case having a mechanical connector adapted to engage the mechanical connector of the battery pack for attaching the battery pack to the charger, an electrical connector adapted to make an electrical connection to the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the charger, a recess in the case and an integral plug in the recess and pivotally attached to the case for movement between an extended position permitting the charger to be plugged directly into a conventional AC connector, and a recessed position in which the plug is disposed substantially within the recess in the case.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the integral plug for the combination charger and power source has flat bladed connectors for attachment to a U.S. style electrical connector, and includes an adapter having a female adapter connected to receive the integral plug and a male connector having round pins adapted to be plugged into a European style electrical outlet, the adapter being sized to be received within the recess of the case of the combination charger and power source while attached to the integral plug, when the plug is in the recessed position. In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, the combination charger and power source includes a connector for supplying power from a battery attached to the charger directly to the device, or supplying power from the source to the device when no battery is attached, or the battery has insufficient charge to operate the device.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the combination charger and power source includes an adapter that can be connected to the connector for permitting a second battery pack to be connected to the charger for charging simultaneously with the first battery pack.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the combination charger and power source comprises a power converter for converting eith AC or DC power connected to the integral plug to power for charging the battery and for powering the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The novel aspects of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, together with further objects and advantages thereof may be readily comprehended by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side-elevation of a two way combination charger and power source in accordance with the invention having a dual plug assembly, a UK style plug and a USA/European style plug. A Battery pack is also shown.

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view thereof showing the integral plugs in their recessed position; The USA/European style plug and the UK style plug are each in a separate recess aeras.

Figure 4 is a side elevation thereof showing the recessed USA/European style plug in its extended position and also showing the adapter therefor;

Figure 5 is a side elevation thereof showing the USA/European style plug and the UK style plug in the extended position with the adapter connected thereto;

Figure 6 is an end elevation showing the adapter in place with the USA/European style plug pivoted to the recessed position and the UK style plug in its extened position.

Figure 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a UK style plug; Figure 8a & 8b are side elevation thereof with the plug extended;

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view thereofwith the plug retracted;

Figure 10a & 10b are end plan views thereof with the plug extended;

Figure 11 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the charger/power source in accordance with the invention having a dual plug assembly, a UK style plug and a USA/European style plug;

Figure 12 is a top plan view thereof.

Figure 13 is a bottom plan view thereof showing the integral plugs in their recess positions,. The USA European style plug and UK style plug are each in a separate recess aeras.

Figure 14 is an end elevation thereof with the UK plug extended

Figure 15 is an side elevation thereof with the US style plug extended and the European style adapter removed therefrom;

Figures 16a & 16b are side elevations thereof showing the USA/European and the UK style plugs in the extended position with the adapter connectd thereto

Figure 17 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a USA/European style plug.

Figure 18 is a top plan view thereof

Figure 19 is a bottom plan view thereof with the plug retracted

Figure 20 is a side elevation thereof with the USA style plug extended and the Europen style adapter removed therefrom.

Figure 21 is a side elevation thereof showing the recessed USA/European style plug in its extended position and also showing the adapter therefor.

Figure 22 is an end elevation thereof with the USA/European plug in its recess position.

Figure 23 is a side elevation of an alternative embidiment of a power adapter in accordance with the invention having a dual plug assembly, a UK style plug and a USA/European style plug. Fighure 24 is a top plan view thereof showing one female recepticle for accepting the UK style male plug and another female recepticle for accepting either a USA style or an European male plug.

Figure 25 is a bottom plan view thereof showing the integral plugs are in their recessed positions. The USA/European style plug and the UK style plug are each in a separate recess aeras.

Figures 26a & 26b are end elevations thereof showing the UK style plug in its extended position and the USA/European style plug in ite recessed position.

Figure 27 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a removable solar powered energy source attached thereto;

Figure 28 is a simplified schematic diagram of the charger/power source of the invention;

Figure 29 is a 3-D elevation of the design and construction of the dual plug assembly and its safety features with the invention.

Figure 30 is a cross-sectional side view of a dual plug assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, having a UK style plug and a USA/European style plug both positioned within a cabinet's separate recess areas.

Figure 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the dual plug assembly of Fig.29 with the USA/European style plug in its working position;

Figure 32 is a cross-sectional side view of the dual plug assembly of Fig.29 with the UK plug in its working position;

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments:

In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 , is the side plan view of, a combination charger and power source with a dual plug assembly for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack includes a generally rectangular case 1 preferably formed from a durable non-conductive plastic material in two parts, a bottom part 3 carrying pivotal plugs 6 and 7 and a top part 4 which is preferably connected to the bottom part 3 by screws or other fasteners such as ultrasonic bonding, chemical adhesives not shown for clarity.

Refering now to Figure 2, a top plan view of the device shows a recess area 5 of the top part 4 for receiving a battery pack 2 in mechanical engagement therewith. The connectors 13, 14, 15 and 16 are connectors for contacting the battery pack electrically to the charger. There are also mechanical connectors for holding the battery pack on the charger not shown for clarity. Different battery packs will require different connectors. Both these electrical and mechanical connectors per se form no part of the Invention. Referring now to Figure 3, a bottom plan view of the device shows plug 6 and adapter 11 pivoted to a recessed position within recess 8 of bottom portion 3 of case 1. Adapter 11 has first and second generally round electrical contact pins adapted to engage a standard European style plug. Also within the recess aera 9, showing a UK style connector with the three terminals 17, 18 and 19 in an extended configuration. Terminals 17 and 18 are preferably blade shaped terminals arranged with a cross sectional dimension transverse to the major axis of the case 1. Terminal 19 is preferably a blade shaped connection arranged orthogonally to terminals 17 and 18.

Referring now to Figure 4, a side cross section view of the recess aera 8 with plug 6 in its extended position and adapter 11 removed. Preferably adapter 11 and plug β have cooperating locking elements 12 for fixing adapter 11 in engagement with plug 6. Plug 6 is provided with first and second generally flat blade style pins adapted to engage a conventional U.S. style electrical connector. Adapter 11 is preferably provided with two flat blade style receptacles not visible in Figure 4, for receiving the flat blade USA style pins.

Referring now to figure 5, a side cross section view of the device shows plug 6 with adapter 11 attached thereto and plug 7 are preferably mounted in seperate recess aeras 8 and 9 respectively. The recess aeras are generally rectangular in shape, formed in the bottom cabinet 3 of the device. Preferably plug 6 is pivotal around an axis 10, which may be a conventional pivot pin, or the combination of a projection extending from the plug and a recess in the case or the analog of this or any similar construction. Preferably a UK style plug 7 mounted in a recess aera 9 with the three terminals 17, 18 and 19 are substantially identical to the like numbered terminals shown or described in connection with Figure 3.

Figure β shows an end elevation view of the device with plug 6 and adepter 11 attached to plug 6 and pivoted to the recessed confriguration within the bottom portion 3 of housing 1. It also shows a UK style plug 7 with its terminals 17, 18 and 19 pivoted to the extended position for attaching the charger to a UK style connector. Figure 6 further shows an output cable connector 21 for a cable and plug assembly permitting a second battery pack to be connected to the charger for charging simultaneously with the first battery pack. The output cable and plug assembly is not shown for clarity. Different battery packs or battery powered products will require different output cable and plug assemblies.

Figures 7-10 (b) show an alternative embodiment of the invention with a single UK connector configuration with an output cable and connector assembly 20. Figure 7 is a top view of the device. Figures 8 (a) and 8 (b) are the side plan view and side cross section of the confriguration of the device with the terminals moved to an extended position. Figure 9 is the bottom plan view of the device showing, in their extended positions, the UK style terminals 17, 18 and 19 which are substantially identical to the like numbered terminals shown or descrribed in connection with Figure 3. Figures 10 (a) and 10(b) are the end elevation views of Figure 7.

Figures 11 -16(b) show an alternative embodiment of the invention with the dual plug assembly and a connector 21 for connecting an output cable and plug assembly not shown for clarity. Different battery packs or battery powered products will require different output cable and plug assemblies.

Figure 11 shows a side elevation view of the confriguration with both the US style connector with the European style adapter attached thereto and the UK style connectors at their extended positions. Figure 12 is the top plan view of the confriguration. Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of a charger in accordance with this invention that includes each in a separate recess a UK style connector, and a US style connector with a European style adapter attached to the US style connector. The UK style connectors 17, 18 and 19 are substantially identical to the like numbered connectors shown or described in connection with Figures 3 . The US style connector 6 and European adapter 11 are substantially identical to those shown and described in connection with Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 14 shows an end elevation view of the device with the adapter 11 attached to plug 6 and pivoted to the recessed confriguration within the bottom portion 3 of housing 1. It also shows a UK style plug with the three blade shaped terminals 17, 18 and 19 in their extended positions. Figure 14 further shows an output connector 21 for an output cable and plug assembly permitting a battery pack mounted on a device, which it is normally be used, to be connected and charged by the charger. The output cable and plug assembly is not shown for clarity.

Figure 15 shows the US style plug 6 extended from its recess aera with adapter 11 removed. Plug 6 is provided with first and second generally flat blade style pins adapted to engage a conventional U.S. style electrical connector. Adapter 11 is preferably provided with two flat blade style receptacles not visible in Figure 15, for receiving the flat blade USA style pins. Preferably adapter 11 and plug 6 have cooperating locking element 12 for fixing adapter 11 in engagement with plug 6.

Figures 16(a) and 16(b) show the side cross section views of the configuration of Figure 11. Figure 16(a) and 16(b) also show the recessed aeras of the bottom cabinet 3 for the US style plug 6 with the European adapter 11 attached thereto and the UK style plug 7.

Figure 17 - Figure 22 show an alternative embodiment of the invention with the US style plug 6 and European adapter 11 which are substantially identical to the like numbered plug and adapter shown or described in connection with Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 17 shows the side plan view of the said confriguration with an output cable and plug assembly 20 permitting a battery pack mounted on the device, which it is normally be used, to be connected and charged by the charger. Diffemt battery pack or battery powered device may require different output cable and plug assemblies.

Figure 18 shows the top plan view of the confriguration of Figure 17. Figure 19 is the bottom view of the confriguration of Figure 17 with the US style plug 6 and European adapter 11 retracted at the recessed aear of the bottom cabinet 3. An output cable and plug assembly is also shown.

Figure 20 shows a side cross section view of the recessed aera 8 with the US style plug 6 and European adapter 11 which are substantially identical to the like numbered plug and adapter shown or described in connection with Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 21 is the side cross section view of the confriguration of Figure 17, which shows the recessed aera 8 of the bottom cabinet 3 and the US style plug 6 with the European style adapter 11. Figure 22 is the end plan view of the said confriguration. Figure 23 - 26 show an adapter, in an alternative embodiment, in accordance with this invention. Figure 23 is the side plan view of this confriguration.

Figure 24 is the top plan view which shows a UK style female receptical 23 which accepts standard UK style connectors. Figure 24 also shows another female receptical 24 which can accommodate both two prong or three prong standard US style connectors and standard European style two round prong type connectors. A circuit breaker or surge protection device, not shown for clarity, may also be installed for over voltage or surge protection purposes.

Figure 25 shows the bottom plan view of the confriguration of Figure 23 that includes each in a separate recess a UK style connector, and a US style connector with a European style adapter attached to the US style connector. The UK style connectors 17, 18, 19 are substantially identical to the like numbered connectors shown or described in connection with Figure 3. The US style connector 6 and the European adapter 11 are substantially identical to those shown and described in connection with Figure 3 and Figure 4.

Figure 26 shows the end elevation of the confrigulation of Figure 23 with the US style plug 6 and the adapter 11 in their retracted position and the UK style connectors 17, 18, 19 in their extended position.

Figure 27 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a removable sola powered power source. A generally flat array of sola cells is adapted to be mounted to the rear of button, cabinet 3 by way of a plurality of projections 25, 26, and 27 that are adapted to engage cooperatively styled recesses formed in the face of bottom cabinet 3. Preferably, at least two of the projections also provide electrical connection between the sola cell panel and the charging circuitry inside the cabinet. The sola panel is mechannicaiiy connectabie to the charger by projections 25,26 and 27, as well as a friction fit, side and/or lock mechanism, or other mechanical engagements known in the art. In addition, the charger and solar panel may include electrical contacts to electrically connect the components upon mechanical connection. Alternatively, a jump cable may run from the sola penal to the DC input of the charger.

Figure 28 is a simplified schematic diagram of the electrical portion of a combination charger/power source in accordance with the invention. A power converter 28 is connected to input pins for receiving an AC power signal. Alternatively, an extemal DC power source can be connected to connector 29 . A vehicle battery or solar power source can be employed for this purpose. Power converter 28 produces a DC or quasi-DC signal at positive terminal 30 and negative terminal 31 , which is connected to the respective positive and negative terminals of a single or multi-ceil battery 32 for charging the battery. Positive and negative outputs of power converter 28 are also connected through a diode 33 to output tenninals 34 and 35 for connection to the battery operated device for providing operating power to the device or to an extemal battery that can be charged simultaneously with battery 32. Diode 33 permits the extemal device to be powered by battery 32 if power converter 28 is unplugged or fails. Preferably, a voltage measuring circuit 37 and a light emitted diode 36 are provided to provide an indication of the charging status of the battery pack. For product safety reasons, the dual plug assembly 38 of the invention in different embodiments as shown in Figures. 1 , 11 , 23 and 27, preferably allows only one of the foldable plugs to carry current at one time. The dual plug assembly 38 of Figures. 29-32 could be used in combination with the battery charger and power source as previously described, or with any electrically powered device, such as a hairdryer or at the end of an extension cord or other adapter, or in any other fashion for accommodating the connection needs of a user

In order to ensure that only one plug can carry electric current at one time, a control mechanism is provided. The control mechanism prevents both plugs from working at the same time. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 30-32, the control mechanism prevents the US style connector 6 / European style adapter 11 and the UK style connector 7 from earring electric current at the same time, which ensures the safety of the user. Of course, the invention is not limited to these styles of connectors as the control mechanism could be used with alternate plugsl/connectors, as will be described.

As shown in Figures 29-32, the control mechanism of the invention is composed of three main parts: first cam 39, second cam 40, and lever or cam follower 41. The first cam 39 is connected to plug 6 and the second cam 40 is connected to plug 7. As shown in Figures 29-32, cams 39 and 40 may be generally oval-shaped with their major axes lying generally perpendicular to the axes of the prongs of the plugs.

Figure 29 shows a 3-D drawing of the construction of the dual plug assembly 38 with the US style plug 6, European adapter 11 and the UK style connectors 17 and 18 which are substantially identical to the like numbered of those shown and described in connection with figures 3 and 4. The ground connector 19 of the UK style plug is not shown for clarity. The safety locking devices or control mechanism includes cam 39, cam 40 and lever 41 are also shown.

As shown in Figure 30(a), a cabinet or housing 3 is provided with two recess areas 8 and 9. The recess areas 8 and 9 surround foldable plugs in their non-use position. In one embodiment, the foldable plugs comprise a US style connector/plug 6 and a UK style connector/plug 7 as previously shown and described with respect to Figures 1 , 3 and 4. The plugs 6 and 7 are preferably pivotal within the recess areas 8 and 9 respectively, and may pivot about a conventional pivot pin, or the combination of a projection extending from the plug and a recess in the case or the analog of this or any similar construction. Referring back to Fig. 3, the UK style connector/plug 7 preferably has two blade shaped terminals or prongs 17 and 18 and an orthogonally arranged blade shaped terminal/prong 19 and the US style connector 6 is preferably provided with a removable European style adapter 11 having first and second generally round electrical contact pins 42 and 43 adapted to engage a standard European style outlet.

As can be seen in Fig. 30(a), both the US style plug 6 and the UK style plug 7, as well as the adapter 11 , can be folded into a non-use position and situated in recess areas 8 and 9 of the cabinet or housing 3.

Figure 30(b) shows the positioning of the lever 41 , cam 39 and cam 40 when the plugs 6/11 and 7 are in their non-use position. In the recessed position, the plugs 6/11 and 7 are disconnected from the contact points, not shown for clarity, of the circuitry inside cabinet 3. Both plugs do not carry electric current in the non-use position. A first spring steel plate 42 is provided between the lever 41 and the frst cam 39. A second spring steel plate 43 is provided between the lever 41 and the second cam 40. The spring action of the spring steel plates 42 and 43 provide support and as well as allowing for movement of either the plug 6 or the plug 7 into their working positions.

When a user of the dual plug assembly 38 chooses to employ the UK plug 7, he or she may pivot the UK plug 7 from recess aera 9 of cabinet 3 to the working position shown in Fig. 31. In its working position, the UK plug 7 makes contact with the electrical or electronic circuitry inside cabinet 3 through contact points, not shown for clarity, and may thus carry electric current from the AC mains to operate the device, in moving the UK plug 7 from its non-use position shown in Fig. 30 to its working position shown in Fig. 31, the second cam 40 connected to plug 7 is simultaneously pivoted to abut and push against lever 41 , thus the spring action of the spring steel plate 42 allows the movement of the lever 41 , which in turn, is pushed against first cam 39 and locked cam 39 into slot 44, as shown in Figure 31 (b), thus eliminating the ability of plug 6/11 to pivot into its working position. Plug 6/11 in its non-use or recessed position is not connected to the circuitry inside the cabinet 3 and thus does not carry electrical current. Lever 41 may be appropriately grooved to ensure a snug fit between lever 41 and first cam 39 and second cam 40 when one of plugs 6 or 7 is moved into its working position.

When a user of the dual plug assembly 38 is finished with the UK plug 7 or wishes to employ the US/European plug 6/11 , the UK plug 7 may be pivoted back into the recess area 9 of cabinet 3, thus disconnecting the plug 7 with the contact points of the electrical or electronic circuitry inside cabinet 3. In pivoting the plug 7 back to its non-use position, as shown in Fig. 30, the second cam 40 is pivoted away from the lever 41 , allowing the lever 41 to release the pressure off of the spring steel plate 42. Lever 41 will be returned to its original position by the spring action of the spring steel plate 42, and thus, releases the first cam 39 from its locking position from slot 44 of lever 41. This once again allow the user of the dual plug assembly 38 to move either plug 6/11 or plug 7 into working position.

When the user selects the US/European plug 6/11 , he or she simply moves the plug 6/11 from the recess area 8 of cabinet 3 and pivots plug 6/11 into its working position shown in Fig. 32. Of course, if the user wishes to use the US plug, he or she removes the adapter 11 to reveal the US style prongs as previously described in connection with figure 4. In its working position, the US/European plug 6/11 makes contact with the electrical or electronic circuitry inside the cabinet 3 through contact points, not shown for clarity, and may thus carry electric current from the AC mains to operate the device. In moving the US European plug 6/11 from its non-use position shown in Fig. 30 to its working position shown in Fig. 32, the first cam 39 connected to plug 6/11 is simultaneously pivoted to abut and push against lever 41 , and thus against spring steel plate 43. The spring action of spring steel plate 43 allows the movement of lever 41 , which in turn, is pushed against second cam 40 and locked cam 40 into slot 45 of lever 41 , as shown in Figure 32(b), thus eliminating the ability of plug 7 to pivot into its working position. Plug 7 in its non-use position is not connected to the circuitry inside cabinet 3, and thus, does not cany electrical current.

Thus, a control mechanism has been described which eliminates the ability of more than one plug in a multiple plug assembly to carry electric current at any one time. Although the control mechanism has been disclosed in conjunction with the dual plug assembly 38 having the ability to change from US/European and UK style connectors, it should be understood that other types of connectors may be utilized in conjunction with the control mechanism to accommodate other plugging requirements of a user.

Claims

While the invention has been described in connection with presently preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifcations and changes may be made therein without departing from the truth and scope of the invention. For example, although specific examples have been described for the plugs of the dual plug assemblies, it should be understood that other types of plugs and connectors could be utilized with the disclosed control mechanism. Also, although only two pivotal plugs have been described in the dual plug assemblies, it is envisioned that multiple plug assemblies could be engineered with a control mechanism similar to that disclosed. These and other modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof, which accordingly is intended to be defined fully by the appended claims.What is Claimed is :

1. A combination charger and power source for an electrically powered device having a removable battery pack that includes one or more batteries enclosed within a case having a mechanical connector for removably mechanically attaching the battery pack to the device, and an electrical connector for electrically connecting the batteries to the device when the battery pack is mechanically attached to the device, comprising: a case having a mechanical connector adapted to engage the mechanical connector of the battery pack to attach the battery pack to the charger; an electrical connecor adapted to make electrical connection to the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the charger; recess aeras in the case; a multiple plug assembly in the recess aeras and pivotally attached to the case for movement between an extended position permitting the charger to be plugged directly into a conventional AC connector, and a recessed position substantially within the recess aera; and a connector for supplying power from a battery attached to the charger directly to the device, or supplying power from the power source to the device when no battery is attached, or the battery has insufficient charge to operate the device, or permitting a second battery pack attached to the device to be charged simultaneously with the first battery pack attached to the charger.

2 . The multiple plug assembly of claim 1 for providing electrical power to a device from a plurality of power sources having different receptacle geometries comprising: a first pivotally movable plug having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with a first electrical contact on the device; a second pivotally movable plug having an electrical contact for movement into and out of engagement with a second electrical contact on the device; and, an interlock coupled between the first and second pivotally movable plugs for permitting only one of the plugs to be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding contact at a time, wherein a plug moved into engagement with an electrical contact on the device is in a use positon and wherein a plug moved out of engagement with an electrical contact on the device is in a non-use position.

3. The assembly of claim 2 comprising a housing to which the first and second pivotally movable plugs are attached, and first and second recesses in the housing surrounding the plugs when the plugs are in a non-use position.

4. The assembly of claim 2 comprising first and second cams connected to the first and second plugs for rotation as the plugs are pivoted into and out of engagement with the electrical contacts on the device.

5. The assembly of claim 4 comprising a cam follower engaging the first and second cams for permitting only one of the cams at a time to be rotated to the position in which a corresponding plug engages a contact on the device.

6. The assembly of claim 5 in which the cam follower is siidably mounted between the first and second cams.

7. The assembly of claim 2 in which the first pivotally movable plug having two flat bladed connectors for attachment to a US style electrical connector and the second pivotally movable plug has three flat bladed connectors for attachment to a UK style electrical connector.

8. The assembly of claim 7 further comprising an adapter having a female connector adapted to receive the two flat bladed connectors of the first pivotally movable plug and a male connector adapted to be plugged into a European style electrical outlet.

9. The assembly of claim 8 further comprising a housing having first and second recesses wherein the first recess is shaped to receive the first pivotally movable plug with the adapter attached and the second recess is shaped to receive the second pivotally movable plug.

10. The assembly of claim 5 wherein spring plates are provided at both ends of the cam follower/lever for allowing either the first or second plug from a non-use position to pivot into a use position.

11. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the cam follower/lever is provided with a first slot/groove for engaging the fret cam and a second slot/groove for engaging the second cam.

12. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the first and second cams are generally oval shaped with a major axis lying in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the prongs.