Abstract: A battery retention latch (50, 140) comprises an annular ring member (52, 142), a release button (54, 172, 174) and a spring arm (156, 190, 192, 194, 196). The annular ring (52, 142) retains a battery pack (26) in a cordless device (20, 120) regardless of the annular orientation of the battery pack (26) about a casing axis. The spring arm (56, 190, 192, 194, 196) maintains the ring (52, 142) in a normally engaged position and upon depressing the push button (54, 172, 174), the battery (26) may be removed from the device (20, 120).

Abstract: A battery retention latch (50, 140) comprises an annular ring member (52, 142), a release button (54, 172, 174) and a spring arm (156, 190, 192, 194, 196). The annular ring (52, 142) retains a battery pack (26) in a cordless device (20, 120) regardless of the annular orientation of the battery pack (26) about a casing axis. The spring arm (56, 190, 192, 194, 196) maintains the ring (52, 142) in a normally engaged position and upon depressing the push button (54, 172, 174), the battery (26) may be removed from the device (20, 120).

Abstract: A battery retention latch (50, 140) comprises an annular ring member (52, 142), a release button (54, 172, 174) and a spring arm (156, 190, 192, 194, 196). The annular ring (52, 142) retains a battery pack (26) in a cordless device (20, 120) regardless of the annular orientation of the battery pack (26) about a casing axis. The spring arm (56, 190, 192, 194, 196) maintains the ring (52, 142) in a normally engaged position and upon depressing the push button (54, 172, 174), the battery (26) may be removed from the device (20, 120).

Abstract: A battery retention latch (350) comprises a retaining member (354), a release button (356) and a cam element (362). A biasing member 358 maintains the retention catch in a normally engaged position. The cam element (362) retains a battery pack (26) in a cordless device (352) regardless of the annular orientation of the battery pack (26) about a casing axis. A holding device (382, 394) maintains the battery (26) in the cavity (34) against a spring ejecting force such that the battery (26) partially extends from the device (352) enabling the battery (26) to be removed from the device (352).

Abstract: A radio transmitter for vehicle accessories has a key ring including a releasable latch. The latch is attached to a ring strap fixed to the top of the transmitter housing and fits into an opening in the top of the housing. A cam body of the latch is held within the housing by projections extending into a slot in the side of the housing. A latch release member projects from the slot and can resiliently move the cam member for releasing the latch from the housing.

Abstract: A charger 11 is configured to receive alternatively for charging, one at a time, battery packs having three different shapes, namely, a large oval pack 213 (FIG. 10), a small oval pack 219 (FIG. 11) and a D-shaped pack 225 (FIG. 12). When pack 219) is inserted into receptacle 25, a pack locater 77 biases pack 219 against the receptacle sidewall 29 and into a location to properly mate with electrical contacts 65, 66. When pack 225 is inserted into receptacle 25, locater 77 biases pack 225 against a retractable abutment 85 spaced from locater 77 and into a proper location to mate with contacts 65, 66. When pack 213 is inserted into receptacle 25, receptacle contacts 47, 49 mate with pack terminals 24. When pack 213 is in receptacle 25, contacts 65, 66, pack locater 77 and abutmet 85 serve no function and are substantially retracted from receptacle 25 by engagement with pack sidewall 216. Thus, charger 11 is automatically adaptable for charging a plurality of battery pack designs in a simple and low cost manner.

Abstract: An automobile solar powered rechargeable battery-operated utility light comprises a housing, a light bulb, and a rechargeable battery. A solar panel is exposed through a housing wall for receiving solar radiation and generating a charge current for the battery. A bracket supports the light housing with the solar panel facing an automobile windshield and is releasably attached to the housing and to a post for supporting the automobile rear view mirror. The light is located at an optimum position for reception of incoming solar radiation and at a convenient location for removal for use.

Abstract: A cord retention system for a portable electric power tool such as a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, or drill, that is adapted to releasably secure a loop of extension cord in a cavity formed in the handle of the tool. A retaining member pivotably mounted within the cavity in the handle is adapted to capture the loop of extension cord and secure it against withdrawal in its normally biased lock position. To release the extension cord, the user actuates the retaining member causing it to pivot upwardly and free the loop of extension cord, thereby permitting withdrawal of the cord from the handle. The retaining member has a cam surface on its leading edge that is engaged by the loop of cord as it is inserted into the cavity in the handle so that the retaining member will automatically pivot upwardly into the release position to permit the loop of cord to be inserted beyond the retaining member, and thereafter pivot downwardly into the lock positon under the bias of a spring.