Vehicle charger/flashlight
A combination vehicle charger and flashlight provides illumination while a user connects a mobile device to the vehicle charger. A light source disposed on the mobile device plug of the vehicle charger connects to either an external or an internal power supply to provide a beam of light used to illuminate the mobile device. In one embodiment, the external power supply may comprise a vehicle battery. In an alternate embodiment, the internal power supply may comprise a battery disposed within the vehicle charger. Exemplary embodiments may also include a switch to selectively connect the light source to the power supply.
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The present invention relates generally to vehicle chargers for mobile devices, and more particularly to multi-functional vehicle chargers for mobile devices.
Vehicle cigarette lighter ports provide a readily available power supply within a vehicle. As a result, it is convenient to charge the batteries of a mobile device while traveling in a vehicle. However, when driving or riding in a vehicle at night, it is often difficult to see well enough to efficiently connect the vehicle charger to the mobile device.
While interior vehicle lights may provide sufficient illumination to connect the vehicle charger to the mobile device, such light sources are often very distracting to the driver. Smaller light sources, such as pen-lights or other portable flashlights, may not be available and/or may be cumbersome to use while attempting to connect the vehicle charger to the mobile device. The present invention addresses the above identified problems by providing a convenient light source for providing illumination while connecting a vehicle charger to a mobile device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing illumination while connecting a mobile device to a vehicle charger. The vehicle charger includes a plug adaptable to connect to a mobile device. When electrically connected to a power supply, a light source disposed on the plug provides illumination while a user connects the vehicle charger to the mobile device. The power supply may comprise an external battery, such as a vehicle battery. Alternatively, the power supply may comprise an internal battery within the vehicle charger. Further, exemplary embodiments include a switch to selectively connect the light source to the power supply.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An exemplary mobile device plug 110 is shown in further detail in
Light source 114 may comprise any light source known in the art, such as a white light source, a light emitting diode (LED), etc. An exemplary light source 114 implemented in the vehicle charger 100 according to the present invention comprises a white or blue LED 114. LED 114 may dissipate between 50-100 mW and may provide between 425-850 mcd of luminous intensity. Typically, LED 114 dissipates approximately 70 mW and provides approximately 600 mcd of luminous intensity.
In exemplary embodiments, light source 114 connects to power supply 310 via switch 116. Switch 116 may comprise a momentary contact switch 116 (
The default state for light switch 116 is open. When switch 116 is open (
The foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate the present invention in detail. However, the foregoing only describes some embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention may be carried out in specific ways other than those set forth herein without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A method of providing illumination while connecting a vehicle charger to a mobile device, the method comprising:
- mounting a light source on a first plug of the vehicle charger, wherein the first plug is adapted to connect to said mobile device; and
- connecting said light source to a power supply to illuminate said light source.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein connecting said light source to the power supply comprises selectively actuating a switch disposed on said first plug and electrically connected to said light source and the power supply.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein selectively actuating said switch disposed on said first plug connects said light source to a vehicle power supply.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein selectively actuating said switch disposed on said first plug connects said light source to an internal power supply disposed within the vehicle charger.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein selectively activating said switch comprises selectively activating a momentary contact switch or an on/off switch.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein providing illumination while connecting the vehicle charger to the mobile device comprises providing illumination with a light emitting diode (LED).
7. The method of claim 6 wherein providing illumination with a light emitting diode comprises providing illumination with a white or blue (LED).
8. A vehicle charger for a mobile device comprising:
- a first plug adapted to connect with a mobile device; and
- a light source disposed on said first plug to provide illumination while connecting said first plug to the mobile device.
9. The vehicle charger of claim 8 further comprising a switch disposed on said first plug to selectively connect said light source to a power supply.
10. The vehicle charger of claim 9 wherein said switch comprises a momentary contact switch or an on/off switch.
11. The vehicle charger of claim 10 wherein said momentary contact switch comprises a momentary contact rocker switch, a momentary contact push button, or a momentary contact slide switch.
12. The vehicle charger of claim 9 wherein said switch selectively connects said light source to a vehicle power supply.
13. The vehicle charger of claim 9 wherein said switch selectively connects said light source to an internal power supply.
14. The vehicle charger of claim 8 wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED).
15. The vehicle charger of claim 14 wherein said LED comprises a whiter or blue LED.
16-21. (canceled)
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 23, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 10, 2006
Applicant:
Inventor: Jason Cope (Mebane, NC)
Application Number: 11/387,944
International Classification: F21L 4/00 (20060101);