Abstract: An ice screw comprises an elongated shaft with an external thread, and a bit with teeth. Each tooth has a cutting edge, and the bit is provided at a longitudinal end of the shaft. A notch is formed in bit at the base of each cutting edge in order to delimit a sharpening reserve of the associated tooth.

Abstract: This invention includes a battery pack having an improved battery retention system for coupling to another device, like a desktop charger. The battery pack, which includes one rechargeable cell and optional circuitry, has an exterior housing that is generally rectangular in cross section. The exterior housing, which includes major faces and intersection seams, has at least two female slots that project inward at an angle that is non-orthogonal to the major faces or intersection seams. These non-orthogonal slots, when coupling to corresponding non-orthogonal rails in the pocket of a battery charger, allow batteries of various sizes to be inserted into a single charger pocket with reliable and consistent electrical connections between the electrical contacts of the pocket and the charging terminals of the battery. Electrical contacts may be disposed within the non-orthogonal slots, thereby improving both the function and aesthetic appearance of the battery pack.

Abstract: A charger and battery combination for recharging batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

Abstract: A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided. The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: This invention includes a battery pack having an improved battery retention system for coupling to another device, like a desktop charger. The battery pack, which includes one rechargeable cell and optional circuitry, has an exterior housing that is generally rectangular in cross section. The exterior housing, which includes major faces and intersection seams, has at least two female slots that project inward at an angle that is non-orthogonal to the major faces or intersection seams. These non-orthogonal slots, when coupling to corresponding non-orthogonal rails in the pocket of a battery charger, allow batteries of various sizes to be inserted into a single charger pocket with reliable and consistent electrical connections between the electrical contacts of the pocket and the charging terminals of the battery. Electrical contacts may be disposed within the non-orthogonal slots, thereby improving both the function and aesthetic appearance of the battery pack.

Abstract: A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided. The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: A charger for rechargeable batteries has a pair of snap arms for retaining a battery within the pocket of the charger. When the battery is inserted into the charger pocket, the snap arms provide a downward force against the battery, thereby ensuring a sound electrical connection between the battery and electrical contacts disposed within the pocket. In one embodiment, the charger pocket includes a pair of channel apertures in which the snap arms are placed. Upon battery insertion, a flex member of the snap arm deflects, thereby allowing a mating feature of the battery to pass. When the battery is fully inserted, a coupling member of the snap arm exerts a force against the battery, thereby pushing the battery towards the bottom of the pocket.

Abstract: This invention includes a pocket for a charger that is capable of accommodating a number of different batteries, each battery having a different mechanical and electrical form factor. The pocket includes a pocket divider that may be inserted into multiple pairs of notches. The pocket divider thereby allows the pocket to be reconfigured. The pocket further comprises at least two sets of electrical contacts, and at least two springs for ensuring the proper contact force between a battery and the electrical contacts.

Abstract: This invention includes a pocket for a charger that is capable of accommodating a number of different batteries, each battery having a different mechanical and electrical form factor. The pocket includes a pocket divider that may be inserted into multiple pairs of notches. The pocket divider thereby allows the pocket to be reconfigured. The pocket further comprises at least two sets of electrical contacts, and at least two springs for ensuring the proper contact force between a battery and the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A battery housing is described comprising a frame, a top cover, and a bottom cover, wherein the frame has a ledge at its bottom, and an arch formed on one or more walls of the frame. The top cover has one or more rod-shaped projections protruding downward from the bottom side of the top cover, each projection having a ridge at the distal end of the projection. The bottom cover of the housing is wedged between the ledge and the arch, and the top cover of the housing fits onto the frame. Each rod is slid through a corresponding opening in the arch, and the ridge at the distal end of each rod slides through and past the opening of each arch, locking the rod in place vis-a-vis the arch.