Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a charging pocket (112) capable of receiving either a first battery (102) in a first orientation or a second battery (104) in a second orientation. The charging pocket (112) includes a first set of contacts (170) and a second set of contacts (152). The contacts (172-175) of the first set of contacts (170) have a first spacing so as to mate with contacts (187) disposed on the first battery (102) when the first battery (102) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). The contacts (154-157) of the second set of contacts (152) have a second spacing so as to mate with contacts (199) disposed on the second battery (104) when the second battery (104) is inserted into the charging pocket (112). By providing two sets of contacts (170, 152) in a single charging pocket (112), the battery charger (100) can charge batteries (102, 104) having dissimilarly positioned contacts.

Abstract: A latching mechanism (160) disposed on an accessory (102) for attaching the accessory (102) to a portable device (100) includes a support (164) and a latch (162) disposed about opposite ends (150, 152) that mate with first and second portions (206 and 300, 302) of a retaining device (123) disposed about opposite ends (112, 122) of the portable device (100). The support (164) includes feet (412, 414) having prongs (420) that face a hooked end (404) of the latch (162). The latch (162) includes a spring (502, 510) coupled to the hooked end (404) such that when the latch (162) is extended, the hooked end (404) exerts a force (700) on the first portion (206) of the retaining device (123) drawing the support (164) into abutment with the second portion (300, 302) of the retaining device (123). The exerted force (700), which is in a plane parallel to a front surface (146) of the accessory (102) extending between the ends (150, 152) thereof, maintains the accessory (102) in attachment with the portable device (100).