Flexible unitary charging band system

{
  "publication_number": "US9581972B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Flexible unitary charging band system",
  "abstract": "A band system for a wearable device, or alternately, a flexible smart strap, worn as an article of apparel, for providing reserve power and enhanced functionality to a portable digital device. The band system or smart strap provides both a stylish fashion accessory and a functional rechargeable secondary power source to address an increasing demand for additional battery life due to greater digital demands and functionality of digital smart devices and optionally includes an interchangeable detachable strap with integrated rechargeable batteries, a charging circuit that integrates with a digital device, an interface for recharging the smart strap batteries or a connected portable digital device battery in combination with the smart strap batteries. An additional interface is also described, capable of providing further functionality for various types of data transfer.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A band system for a wearable device, comprising: a first flexible unitary part and a second flexible unitary part; wherein the first flexible unitary part comprises a detachable first section at a first end and a second end, and wherein the second flexible unitary part comprises a detachable third section at a third end and a fourth end, a first detachable strap attachment interface, having a first end and a second end, the first end affixable to the first section at the first end and configured to connect with a first device attachment interface of either a portable digital device or a case for holding the portable digital device; a second detachable strap attachment interface, having a first end and a second end, affixable on the third section at the third end and configured to connect with a second device attachment interface of either the portable digital device or the case for holding the portable digital device; wherein the first flexible unitary part comprises a strap connector comprising at least a first strap connection interface at the second end of the first flexible unitary part and configured to detachably connect with at least one second strap connection interface located near the fourth end of the second flexible unitary part; a rechargeable battery within the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part; and a single, quick disconnect band system charging interface within either the first detachable strap attachment interface or the second detachable strap attachment interface configured to interface with a mating single, quick disconnect charging interface of the first device attachment interface of either a portable digital device or a case for holding the portable digital device; wherein the quick disconnect band system charging interface is operably linked to the rechargeable battery through a detachable connection mechanism between the first or second detachable strap attachment interface and a battery circuit.",
    "2. The band system of claim 1, wherein the first detachable strap attachment interface and the second detachable strap attachment interface, are each provided with an adapter connection interface capable of connecting first detachable strap attachment interface with a mating (male/female) adapter connection interface on the first section at the first end of the first flexible unitary part and the second detachable strap attachment interface with a mating (male/female) adapter connection interface on the third section at the third end of the second flexible unitary part; wherein the adapter connection interface of the first detachable strap attachment interface and the second detachable strap attachment interface comprises: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; a Firewire interface connection; or a proprietary interface connection; and wherein the adapter connection interface of the first section at the first end of the first flexible unitary part and the third section at the third end of the second flexible unitary part comprises: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; a Firewire interface connection; or a proprietary interface connection.",
    "3. The band system of claim 1, further comprising: at least a second rechargeable battery within the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part; wherein the battery circuit optionally bridges the first flexible unitary part and the second flexible unitary part across the strap connector.",
    "4. The band system of claim 1, wherein the band system charging interface comprises an adapter connection interface capable of interfacing with an adapter connection of a digital device comprising: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; and a Firewire interface connection.",
    "5. The band system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of separated batteries encased within one or both of the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part.",
    "6. The band system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flex valleys on an external surface of the first flexible unitary part and second flexible unitary part that dip partially between the plurality of separated batteries in order for the band system to flex around a user's wrist.",
    "7. The band system of claim 1, further comprising an on/off switch or button operatively connected to the battery circuit configured to toggle the battery circuit between an activated state (on) and a deactivated state (off).",
    "8. The band system of claim 1, further comprising: a band system battery charging interface; wherein the band system battery charging interface is configured anywhere along an outer edge or exposed outer surface of the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part.",
    "9. The band system of claim 8, further comprising: a charging adapter connection having a first end and a second end, each end an interchangeable adapter connection interface; and a flexible wired connection between the first charging adapter connection end and second charging adapter connection end; wherein the interchangeable adapter connection interfaces comprises: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; a Firewire interface connection; or a proprietary interface connection.",
    "10. The band system of claim 1, further comprising a digital processing device comprising an operating system configured to perform executable instructions and a memory device operably linked to the battery circuit; a computer program including instructions executable by the digital processing device to create an application comprising a software module configured to manage a plurality of charging circuit conditions; a plurality of sensors configured to monitor battery charge parameters comprising: a portable digital device rechargeable battery charge level; a band system battery charge level; a rate of battery charge; and a rate of battery discharge; wherein the software module monitors the condition of the batteries of the band system and the condition of the rechargeable batteries of the portable digital device, and wherein the software module commands a change in the charging parameters of the portable digital device based at least in part on the power level in the battery of the portable digital device, the power level in the battery of the band system and input from a user.",
    "11. The band system of claim 1, further comprising a digital processing device comprising an operating system configured to perform executable instructions and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store the executable instructions, operably linked to the battery circuit; the non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions executable by the digital processing device to create an application comprising a software module configured to manage a plurality of charging circuit conditions; a plurality of sensors configured to monitor battery charge parameters comprising: a portable digital device rechargeable battery charge level; a band system battery charge level; a rate of battery charge; and a rate of battery discharge; wherein the software module monitors the condition of the batteries of the band system and the condition of the rechargeable batteries of the portable digital device, and wherein the software module commands a change in the charging parameters of the portable digital device based at least in part on the power level in the battery of the portable digital device, the power level in the battery of the band system and input from a user.",
    "12. A band system for a wearable device, comprising: a first flexible unitary part, a second flexible unitary part and a single elastic section between said first flexible unitary part and second flexible unitary part: wherein the first flexible unitary part comprises a first section and a second end, wherein the second flexible unitary part comprises a third section and a fourth end, and wherein the single elastic part, comprising a material with resilient elongation properties and further comprising a flexible portion of a battery circuit, is affixed to and adjoins the first flexible unitary part and the second flexible unitary part at or about the second and fourth ends of the second section and the fourth section, a first detachable strap attachment interface, having a first end and a second end, the first end affixable to the first section at the first end and configured to connect with a first device attachment interface of either a portable digital device or a case for holding the portable digital device; a second detachable strap attachment interface, having a first end and a second end, affixable on the third section at the third end and configured to connect with a second device attachment interface of either the portable digital device or the case for holding the portable digital device; a rechargeable battery within the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part; and a single, quick disconnect band system charging interface within either the first detachable strap attachment interface or the second detachable strap attachment interface configured to interface with a mating single, quick disconnect charging interface of the first device attachment interface of either a portable digital device or a case for holding the portable digital device; wherein the quick disconnect band system charging interface is operably linked to the rechargeable battery through a detachable connection mechanism and a battery circuit.",
    "13. The band system of claim 12, wherein the first detachable strap attachment interface and the second detachable strap attachment interface, are each provided with an adapter connection interface capable of connecting first detachable strap attachment interface with a mating (male/female) adapter connection interface on the first section at the first end of the first flexible unitary part and the second detachable strap attachment interface with a mating (male/female) adapter connection interface on the third section at the third end of the second flexible unitary part; wherein the adapter connection interface of the first detachable strap attachment interface and the second detachable strap attachment interface comprises: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; a Firewire interface connection; or a proprietary interface connection; and wherein the adapter connection interface of the first section of the first flexible unitary part and the third section of the second flexible unitary part comprises: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; a Firewire interface connection; or a proprietary interface connection.",
    "14. The band system of claim 12, further comprising: at least a second rechargeable battery within the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part; wherein the battery circuit optionally bridges the first flexible unitary part and the second flexible unitary part across the strap connector.",
    "15. The band system of claim 12, wherein the band system charging interface comprises an adapter connection interface capable of interfacing with an adapter connection of a digital device comprising: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; and a Firewire interface connection.",
    "16. The band system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of separated batteries encased within one or both of the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part.",
    "17. The band system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of flex valleys on an external surface of the first flexible unitary part and second flexible unitary part that dip partially between the plurality of separated batteries in order for the band system to flex around a user's wrist.",
    "18. The band system of claim 12, further comprising an on/off switch or button operatively connected to the battery circuit configured to toggle the battery circuit between an activated state (on) and a deactivated state (off).",
    "19. The band system of claim 12, further comprising: a band system battery charging interface; wherein the band system battery charging interface is configured anywhere along an outer edge or exposed outer surface of the first flexible unitary part or the second flexible unitary part.",
    "20. The band system of claim 19, further comprising: a charging adapter connection having a first end and a second end, each end having an interchangeable adapter connection interface; and a flexible wired connection between the first charging adapter connection end and second charging adapter connection end; wherein the interchangeable adapter connection interfaces comprises: a magnetic interface connection; a pin-type interface connection; a USB interface connection; a micro-USB interface connection; a mini-USB interface connection; a USB-C interface connection; a Lightning interface connection; a Firewire interface connection; or a proprietary interface connection."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Devices such as portable electronic devices have become smaller and more complex in recent years while making significant advances in their capabilities and usefulness. These devices typically include a power source such as a battery disposed within the device itself. While these internal power sources are typically adequate for conventional use, ever-increasing user demand on devices and device capabilities continue to place higher demands for longer battery service life per charging event on those devices.\n\nDescribed herein is a band system for a wearable device, or alternately, a flexible smart strap, worn as an article of apparel, for providing reserve power and enhanced functionality to a portable digital device. The band system or smart strap provides both a stylish fashion accessory and a functional rechargeable secondary power source to address an increasing demand for additional battery life due to greater digital demands and functionality of digital smart devices and optionally includes an interchangeable detachable strap with integrated rechargeable batteries, a charging circuit that integrates with a digital device, an interface for recharging the smart strap batteries or a connected portable digital device battery in combination with the smart strap batteries. An additional interface is also described, capable of providing further functionality for various types of data transfer.",
  "cpc": [
    "G04C 10/00",
    "A44C 5/0007",
    "A44C 5/14",
    "G04C 10/04",
    "G04G 21/00",
    "G06F 1/163",
    "G06F 1/1656",
    "G06F 1/266",
    "G06F 1/3212",
    "H01M 10/425",
    "H01M 10/46",
    "H01M 2/1044",
    "H01M 2/1055",
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    "H01M 50/209",
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    "H02J 2007/0062",
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    "Y02E 60/10"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G04C 10/00",
    "G04C 10/04",
    "G06F 1/16",
    "G06F 1/32",
    "H01M 50/209",
    "H02J 7/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Reserve Strap Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "John Arrow",
    "Lane Musgrave",
    "Bailey Jones",
    "Jessica Campbell",
    "Charles Hartzell"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2016-05-02",
  "publication_date": "2017-02-28",
  "grant_date": "2017-02-28",
  "priority_date": "2015-12-18",
  "application_number": "US-201615144327-A",
  "family_id": "58056564",
  "cited_by_count": 70,
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}