USB Charger Related Products has Built-In Fluid and Display Unit

Abstract

USB Charger related products have a built-in liquid display unit including decorative, reflective, and/or miniature items within a medium and an optional heater-means to cause movement of medium and the items included within the medium. The charger related products are supplied with power from an AC power wire, the 110 VAC to 250 VAC input power being converted into an output charging current having a range of 1.0 A to 12 A and 3.5 VDC to 8.5 VDC. In addition, USB digital signal or data ports may be connected with an external computer, consumer electric device, or communication device, and the USB charger related products may further include additional devices such as an AC outlets(s), sensor, motion sensor, remote control, timer, LEDs, power fail circuitry, audio, video, or smell devices, or other electric or electronic devices to provide one or more additional functions in addition to the charging function.

Claims

1. A USB charger device with a built-in fluid-containing display unit, comprising: an AC input wire for supplying an AC input current, a USB charger including a USB-port for receiving and connecting with a plug-end of a USB wire to supply charging current for charging an internal energy storage device of an external electric or digital device, the USB charger outputting a DC output current; at least one additional function device selected from the group including at least one of a USB signal or data port, an AC outlet device, a motion sensor device, a time device, a remote control device, an infrared device, and LED light device, an integrated circuit (IC), a control device, a sensor device, a power fail device, a color changing status-indicating device, a smell device, a motion device, an audio device, a music box, a hand-activated spring music box, motor device, a liquid pumping device, a rotating device, a video device, a cable TV device, an Internet device, a wireless device, an electrical device, and an electronic device, said additional device providing at least one additional function; and a display unit containing a medium selected from the group consisting of a liquid, oil, chemical compounds, water, salt water, wax, gel, liquid-to-solid material, and solid-to-liquid material, wherein at least one decorative element is situated in said medium, said at least one decorative item being selected from the group consisting of a wax, poly piece, shell, leaves, dry flowers, potpourri, plastic piece, floating stuff, fish, animal, smiling face, metal piece, paper piece, wood piece, boat, snow flake, tree, and any material, an optional scene or background with a predetermined shape, colors, design, indicia, drawing, color, painting, or coating that enhances a value and appearance by causing the USB charger device to look like a gift, seasonal, or everyday item, wherein said medium and decorative element are visible from outside the display unit.

2. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one device selected from a motor, movement, liquid pumping device, propeller device, magnetic-set for making rotating assembly, liquid fountain device, filter device, IC chips with desired functions, sensor, rotating, filter, magnetic piece, metal pieces, sound receiver device to provide additional audiovisual effects and functions, or-and a switch to enable selection of the multiple functions.

3. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB charger device has a geometric shape with a space has magnetic unit(s) or holder to store at least one item therein.

4. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one item includes at least one of a stapler-pin, metal paper clip, keys, nails, pins, pens, pencils, and hair clip or other piece can be hold by the said magnetic force.

5. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB charger device has sufficient weight as needed to be installed on desktop so the weight prevents the device from falling down easily from desktop.

6. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB charger device has only USB-ports and at least one AC outlet, and wherein the USB charger device further includes outlet safety or convenience parts and accessories selected from a surge protection device, a remote control device, a master power controller, a sensor device, a current leakage warning device, an overheating protect device, and an auto shut off device.

7. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB charger device has only USB-ports, at least one AC outlet, and at least one LED-unit, and wherein the AC input wire has a gauge sufficient to meet safety requirements for a device having AC outlets.

8. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charger device includes at least one LED and circuit for providing the LED with desired functions selected from the group consisting of steady on and off, pair flashing, scanning, color mixing, color changing, all flashing, sequential, random, freeze color, or-and any combination of market available LED light's functions.

9. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the additional function device includes multiple USB signal or data output ports, or the USB-hub functions with its related parts & accessories.

10. A USB charger device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the USB charger device includes a digital signal or data connection to an external computing or communications device, thereby providing the external computing or communications device additional USB signal or data output ports, as well as at least one additional USB charging port.

11. A USB charger device with a built-in display unit, comprising: an AC input wire for supplying an AC input current of between 110V and 250V AC, a USB charger including a USB-port for receiving and connecting with a plug-end of a USB wire to supply charging current for charging an internal energy storage device of an external electric or digital device, the USB charger outputting a DC output current of at least 1 Amp and between 3.5V and 12 V DC; at least one additional function device selected from the group including at least one of a USB signal or data port, an AC outlet device, a motion sensor device, a time device, a remote control device, an infrared device, and LED light device, an integrated circuit (IC), a control device, a sensor device, a power fail device, a color changing status-indicating device, a smell device, a motion device, an audio device, a music box, a hand-activated spring moving device, a liquid pumping device, propeller device, magnetic-set for making rotating for propeller and motor's disc, liquid fountain device by a motor and rotating propeller device, a video device, a cable TV device, an Internet device, a wireless device, an electrical device, and an electronic device, said additional device providing at least one additional function; and a display unit containing a medium selected from the group consisting of a liquid, oil, solid, chemical compounds, water, salt water, wax, gel, liquid-to-solid material, and solid-to-liquid material, wherein at least one decorative element is situated in said medium, said at least one decorative item being selected from the group consisting of a wax, bubble, air, laser craving image, poly piece, shell, leaves, dry flowers, potpourri, plastic piece, floating stuff, fish, animal, smiling face, metal piece, paper piece, wood piece, boat, snow flake, tree, and any material, an optional scene or background with a predetermined shape, colors, design, indicia, drawing, color, painting, or coating that enhances a value and appearance by causing the USB charger device to look like a gift, seasonal, or everyday item, wherein said medium and decorative element are visible from outside the display unit.

12. A USB charger device with a built-in display unit, comprising: an AC input wire for supplying an AC input current of between 110V and 250V AC, a USB charger including a USB-port for receiving and connecting with a plug-end of a USB wire to supply charging current for charging an internal energy storage device of an external electric or digital device, the USB charger outputting a DC output current of at least 1 Amp and between 3.5V and 12 V DC; at least one additional function device selected from the group including at least one of a USB signal or data port, an AC outlet device, a motion sensor device, a time device, a remote control device, an infrared device, and LED light device, an integrated circuit (IC), a control device, a sensor device, a power fail device, a color changing status-indicating device, a smell device, a motion device, an audio device, a camera device, a storage device, a wireless transmitting image or-and sound device, a music box, a hand-activated spring music box, Liquid pluming device, propeller device, magnetic-set for making rotating propeller and motor's disc assembly, liquid fountain device by a motor and propeller rotating device, a video device, a cable TV device, an Internet device, a wireless device, an electrical device, and an electronic device, said additional device providing at least one additional function; and a display unit containing a medium selected from the group consisting of a liquid, oil, solid, chemical compounds, water, salt water, wax, gel, liquid-to-solid material, and solid-to-liquid material, wherein at least one decorative element is situated in said medium, said at least one decorative item being selected from the group consisting of a wax, bubble, air, laser craving image, poly piece, shell, leaves, dry flowers, potpourri, plastic piece, floating stuff, fish, animal, smiling face, metal piece, paper piece, wood piece, boat, snow flake, tree, and any material, an optional scene or background with a predetermined shape, colors, design, indicia, drawing, color, painting, or coating that enhances a value and appearance by causing the USB charger device to look like a gift, seasonal, or everyday item, wherein said medium and decorative element are visible from outside the display unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6, 6a, 7 are isometric views showing different applications of USB charger related products having built-in liquid and display units for respective paper weight, pen holder, magnetic device, key compartment, and stationary applications for a desktop, each with a built-in USB charger with AC power wires and/or USB digital data wires for connection to USB ports of an external computer, communication device, or consumer electric product.

[0041] FIGS. 8-10, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, and 12/16 show prior art lighting devices to which the principles of the present invention may be applied.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] The current invention relates to USB charger related products having built-in liquid-containing display units, which may be similar to those described in the inventor's U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,926,440 and 7,909,477. U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,440 discloses a liquid-containing display unit with decorative or miniature-means and magnetic-means incorporated with an EL light and a time piece. U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,477 discloses a liquid-containing display unit with decorative or miniature-means and optional heater-means that cause the fluid to move or magnify effects of reflective pieces or characters included therein to provide eye-catching effects, performance, or functions.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment includes a medium-means in the form of a liquid, fluid, oil, water, compound, gel, liquid-to-solid, or solid-to-liquid fills a geometric container to magnify an inner decorative-means, reflective-means, miniature-means, character-means, or any other means available from the market place and that be including the medium means to be seen by a viewer and to provide desired functions, performance, and effects.

[0044] FIG. 1a shows a variation of the first preferred embodiment with four rather than two USB ports. In general, the USB-charger related products of the current invention may be used for desktop applications that include stationary, desk light, and USB-signal devices in the form of or in any combination selected from a paperweight, weighted clip, pen-holder set, magnetic means for metal paper clips, multiple USB-ports for a USB-signal divider, key chain compartment, USB lighting device, and desk lighting, the charger related products including a built-in container filled with a medium-means, decorative means, display means, miniature means, liquid, gel, water, salt water, oil or any other solid-to-liquid or liquid-to-solid means.

[0045] The current invention may include both (1) a USB-charger with an AC power wire to connect with an AC Power source having a range of 110/250 AC, and (2) a USB-signal divider (share) with a USB plug-wire to connect with a computer signal output-end to connect to a printer, removable memory means, external DVD, scanner, ATM reader, and card reader for a digital-data connector.

[0046] FIGS. 2 and 2a shows second and third preferred embodiment in which the USB charger related product is in the form of a cut cylinder shape with a space 100 (see FIG. 2a) to let people store something within such as a stapler-pin, metal paper clip, keys, nails, pins, hair clippers, and so forth, and which also has sufficient weight to become a paperweight as needed. The inner container 104 may be filled with a liquid containing decorative elements or miniatures. As shown in FIG. 2, USB signal-wires may be connected to the base 102 of the product. However, as shown in FIG. 2b, AC power-wire 101 may also be used to supply power to the USB ports 103.

[0047] The container of FIGS. 2 and 2a may be filled up with leaves, shells, miniature fish, and the like within the media-means to cause the miniature fish, leaves, shell, sand, etc. to appear larger than the actual size to enable people to enjoy an aquarium-tank on the desk top.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2b, the USB charger related product may include four USB-ports situated below the container 104. The USB ports may have a charger function rather than USB digital-data connector or divider functions. In that case, all four USB ports may be output-ends for DC current having at least 1 Amp to charge other electric or digital-data device(s) when the other device's plug-means is inserted into any one of the four USB-ports.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a magnetic desktop weight application with an AC power-wire to supply power to three USB charger ports arranged to output DC current to charge other electric or digital-data devices as in the above-described embodiments.

[0050] The desktop weight includes a central concave arrangement with magnetic so can make all metal relative piece such metal paper clipper, stapler's pin or other metal keys on position to easily to use.

[0051] The AC power-wire can also be stored under the charger unit as described in the above-cited patent applications of the inventor. Furthermore, the charger product can have an optional outlets device or air-freshener to provide the desk top products with function in addition to the USB charger function.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows seasonal desk top items having USB ports for receiving signal-data connectors, USB charger ports for charging other devices, and also built-in outlet-means to serve as an AC power source. The seasonal desk top items also have built-in liquid medium-means with miniatures, glitter, reflectors, leaves, floating items, characters, and cartoons with or without heater-means to cause salt-water or chemical compounds to flow and cause the glitter, inner miniatures, decorative items, or reflectors to move. It will also be appreciated that the heater-means may take the form of inner circuit means such as a transformer, inductor, resistor, capacitor, or other parts or accessories also can generate heat.

[0053] FIG. 2c shows wire arrangements for the current invention, including an AC power wire 121 that can be put on the bottom or just arranged to come out from a side wall to connect with an AC power source. The USB charger related product also has built-in liquid and display units and digital data wires 122 to enable data delivery as well as power delivery.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows another unit having USB ports 126 to deliver digital data via USB wires 123 from a computer device as well as USB charging ports 125 supplied with power via AC power cord 124. As a result of the data delivery ports 126, the limited number of computer USB output ports become a plurality of USB ports to enable digital data to be obtained from the computer system. The current invention thus provides a USB charger related product that not only has a built-in liquid display unit, but that also includes both USB charging ports 125 and USB ports 126 for data delivery.

[0055] FIGS. 2c, 5, and 5a all disclose more than one wire, one of which is an AC power wire to connect with an AC power source to provide power to a USB charger circuit that converts the AC power to a DC power current to charge other devices. The second of more than one wires is a digital-data wire that delivers the digital data from the computer so that the limited number of computer USB ports become a plurality of USB ports that can connect computer to external computer related devices such as a printer, scanner, external hard disc, game, speaker, camera, iPad, iPhone, download means, memory means, VCR, DVD, or other computer, communication, or consumer electric device.

[0056] FIGS. 6, 6a, and 7 show different shapes of USB charger related products having built-in liquid display units for different applications, such as a pen holder and paper weight, with more than one electric wire to connect with both a computer digital data source and an AC power source to provided multiple functions.

[0057] The preferred USB charger related products having a built-in fluid display-unit, as described above, may further include at least one LED light-means as well as related circuit means, IC means, switch means, and/or sensor means to offer illumination with predetermined timing, functions, brightness, colors, and duration.

[0058] As noted above, the medium-means included in the liquid display unit may be selected from a liquid, fluid, oil, chemical compounds, water, salt water, wax, gel, or some liquid-to-solid or solid-to-liquid material. In addition, at least one decorative-means may also be provided. The decorative-means may be selected from a reflective-means, diffusion-means, or optics-means to increase the value or appearance of the charger related product. Still further, at least one miniature means may be provided within the medium-means, the miniature being selected from one or more shell, leaves, dry flowers, potpourri, plastic piece, floating stuff, fish, animal, smiling face, metal piece, paper piece, wood piece, boat, snow flake, tree, and any material with a predetermined shape and colors, the material having a design, indicia, drawing, color, painting, or coating that enhances the value and appearance by causing the medium means to look like a conventional gift, seasonal, or everyday item with an optional scene or background inside.

[0059] Moreover, the preferred USB charger related product having a built-in fluid display means may include circuit means for providing an LED light with desired functions selected from the group consisting of steady on and off, pair flashing, scanning, color mixing, color changing, all flashing, and any combination of such functions.

[0060] The input AC current for the USB charger related products may have a range of from 110V to 250 Volt and an output DC current of at least 1 Amp. A converter is included to change the AC power source to DC power having a voltage of 3.5 Volt DC to 8.5 Volt DC at the USB charging port(s).

[0061] The above-described USB charger related products may include one or more additional devices such as a USB electric signal or digital-data divider or connector device (as opposed to current chargers), wire-arrangement construction means, outlet device, motion sensor device, time device, remote control device, infrared device, LED light device, LED aquarium light device, LED fluid light device, LED lava light device, LED Glitter light device, LED wax light device, LED light having a built-in fluid, liquid, wax, or gel container with or without inner heater-means, integrated circuit (IC), control device(s), smell device, air-circulation device, air-cleaner device, air-freshener device, liquid air-freshener device, wax air-freshener device, air-purification device sensor device, light device, sensor device(s), power fail device, color changing status indicator devices, controller device, motion device, audio device, video device, cable TV device, Internet device, or other electric or electronic device(s) to enable the charger related product to have one or more additional function.

[0062] The USB charger related products may also include at least one device selected from a motor, movement, filter device, IC chips with desired functions, sensor, rotating filter, magnetic piece and metal pieces, and sound receiver device to provide additional audiovisual effects and functions, as a switch means to enable selection of the multiple functions.

[0063] The USB charger preferably supplies a DC charging current of more than 1 Amp. The larger the charging current, the shorter the charging time period.

[0064] The USB charger related products may also include at least one AC power outlet for receiving a plug of another device to supply AC Power to the other device. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that if the AC power outlets, LED-units, or other electric function device(s) are omitted, the size of the input AC power wire may be reduced while still meeting AC Power wire safety requirements. On the other hand, if additional AC outlets are included, the charger related product may optionally incorporate other power outlet related devices such as surge protection means, remote control means, a master power outlet (when the master outlet is turned on, all of the other outlets are simultaneously turned or turned on at a later time), sensor control means, current leakage warning means, and/or auto shut off means to increase the safety and convenience of the outlets. The above-described built-in USB-charger(s), AC power outlet(s), LED-unit(s) and other electric function device(s) may provide more than three functions, in which case the built-in AC power wire is arranged to meet the outlet's AC power wire safety standard.

[0065] The USB charger related products has a geometric shape with a space or magnetic-holder to store something within such as a stapler-pin, metal paper clip, keys, nails, pins, hair clips, and so forth, and also has sufficient weight to become a paperweight as needed.