Rechargeable DC battery with magnetic connection port

Abstract

The invention relates to a rechargeable DC battery with a magnetic connection port. A rechargeable portable DC battery includes a waterproof battery housing defining flat, parallel front and rear walls and surrounding edge walls. The housing contains a substance that is capable of generating an electrical current and is rechargeable. An embedded magnetoelectric connection port is disposed at a predetermined position in a top region of one of the front wall and the rear wall, and is spaced adjacent to a top surrounding edge wall of the surrounding edge wall. The embedded magnetoelectric connection port has inwardly inclined guide surrounding sidewalls that guide to connector terminals in a bottom wall thereof. One or more magnets are disposed in the embedded magnetoelectric connection port and electrically insulated from the connector terminal. The one or more magnets generate a magnetic coupling force for magnetic coupling with an external magnetic coupling electrical connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rechargeable DC battery having an embedded magnetic electrical connection port integral with the battery housing and arranged to automatically magnetically couple with a magnetic connector fixed in a battery support bag and wherein the connector automatically connects by magnetic attraction, the magnetic attraction also keeping the DC battery captured. In a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment, the support bag is a support bag associated with a heated wearable device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that portable and rechargeable batteries can be used in heated wearable devices, and these batteries are usually inserted into battery holding bags associated with heated wearable devices (such as jackets, vests, pants, socks and gloves, etc.). These bags formed in clothing items have a bag cover or other means to keep the battery captured, and are positioned to be easily accessible to allow the battery to be replaced with a charged battery when it is exhausted. This DC battery is provided with a power output port usually mounted on the upper edge wall of the battery to receive an electrical connector to feed current to (multiple) electric heating circuits permanently fixed in the wearable device. Control devices are accessible to the wearer and are connected between the power output port of the battery and (multiple) electric heating circuits by a feed cable and a connector to control the power fed to the (multiple) electric heating circuits. As mentioned above, these control devices are either permanently fixed to the heated wearable device or can be provided as accessories that need to be connected to the connectors set in the heated wearable device.

[0003] It would be advantageous to provide a rechargeable portable DC battery that can overcome the wiring issues of the above-mentioned known prior art heated wearable devices in connecting and controlling the battery power to the heating circuit and providing additional desirable features.

[0004] Rechargeable and portable DC batteries also need to be disconnected when they need to be charged. This is very inconvenient for the user. In addition, when the removed battery is charged on a remote charger, it may sometimes be forgotten to be replaced in the warming article (such as a jacket), and the wearer may not realize that the heating feature is not operational when wearing the article. In addition, it may be difficult to replace the exhausted battery and reconnect the charged battery and the connector in a cold climate environment. The control device is usually provided with lights, which are installed to be visible to the user to indicate that the (multiple) batteries are charged or indicate the remaining power, and if the battery power is completely exhausted, it needs to be replaced with a charged battery. Therefore, the mounting location of the control device and the battery support bag needs to provide visual access to the user. Once the battery power is exhausted or it needs to be recharged, the user must cut off the retaining bag cover or other form of retaining device associated with the bag, remove the battery connector, remove the battery from the bag and install the charged battery. This is time consuming and causes heat loss in cold weather conditions when the body is exposed to these elements.

[0005] It would be advantageous to provide a rechargeable DC battery and support pouch to simplify such assembly of components and functionality, particularly where the user must secure or detach the battery output connector to a connector secured to a cable of an electrical heating circuit or to a control device secured to a wearable device or to other items associated with different functions (e.g., medical or military applications).

[0006] When a wearable device is in use and its battery needs to be replaced with a charged battery, it is also necessary to provide for quick replacement, i.e. "battery swapping", and to perform such a swap with only one hand. In cold weather conditions, these simple tasks are sometimes difficult to operate the battery and its cable connection, not to mention the heat loss during the replacement process.

[0007] Another problem with existing battery connections to heating circuits or control devices is that the power supply cable may accidentally disconnect due to the user's movement and entanglement of the power supply cable with clothing. It is also important to secure these control devices and their batteries in a location that protects the batteries and their connections from adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a completely waterproof rechargeable DC battery.

[0008] Further, the installation of such control devices and their associated wiring requires the manufacturer of such wearable devices to be extremely careful to precisely connect the wiring from the control devices to the heating wires to prevent the risk of the wiring becoming detached during use. In addition, the connectors of these control devices and (multiple) heating circuits require that the clothing items be dry cleaned only, and damage to their wiring may occur during such dry cleaning. Because these known control devices and their associated remote charging ports and wiring form a bulky package, their application is somewhat limited to the types of devices that can be equipped with such heated wearable devices, and are generally limited to installation on jackets, vests, or other large garments. They are often not visually appealing to assemble.

[0009] For example, electrically heated socks, boots, and gloves require a small pouch to be manufactured directly on the article, which contains a small, thin battery and a battery power connector. The pouch is typically closed with a zipper-type closure to seal the pouch to protect the battery from water penetration. Once the battery is depleted, the user needs to open the pouch closure, remove the battery from the pouch, which is typically small and difficult to access, and disconnect the battery from its connector. If a charger is available nearby, the battery needs to be connected to the charger. The process is then reversed and the charged battery is reinstalled into the pouch. This process requires frequent handling of the battery, which ultimately leads to wear and damage, and sometimes loss due to frequent removal. It would be advantageous to be able to recharge the battery without removing the pouch containing the battery.

[0010] Yet another disadvantage of existing rechargeable and portable DC batteries is their configuration. These batteries are typically configured in a rectangular shape and mounted in a bag with their long axis extending vertically. The connectors are also bulky and protrude from the battery walls. In heated clothing articles, a disadvantage of such battery shapes and connectors is that they often cause discomfort to the wearer's body, especially when performing certain movements, such as bending forward or in a sitting position. Therefore, there is a need to provide a battery and (multiple) connectors that overcome this additional disadvantage.

[0011] Another disadvantage of existing rechargeable and portable DC batteries is that sometimes the power connection from the battery to the heating circuit is disconnected from the battery due to the wearer's movement or a fall during a sporting activity such as skiing. The battery may also extend out of its support pouch. Therefore, there is a need to improve the strength of this connection to reduce the risk of the battery disconnecting. There is also a need to provide a method for easily connecting and disconnecting the battery connector from its support pouch.

[0012] Known portable DC batteries for heating wearable devices only provide power to the heating wearable device. For the purpose of controlling the communication between the device and the battery, it is also desirable to transmit data.

[0013] In summary, it would be advantageous to provide an improved rechargeable DC battery that overcomes all of the above-mentioned problems of the known prior art and provides additional desirable features. Summary of the invention

[0014] It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a rechargeable DC battery that substantially overcomes all of the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior art rechargeable DC batteries.

[0015] It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a waterproof rechargeable DC battery having a recessed magnetic output power connecting port and requiring no wiring when it is placed in a support pouch where it automatically connects to a connector that provides power to the heated wearable device as well as retaining the battery within the support pouch.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable and portable DC battery that does not require manual connection of cables to the heated wearable device, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to exposed cables associated with heated wearables.

[0017] Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable portable DC battery secured to an electrical connector mounted on a support strap provided with a pull tab and secured in a battery support pocket, and wherein the battery output connector can also provide recharging. In another embodiment, the battery is provided with a universal USB Type C charging port that does not require a specific visual orientation of the charging cable to connect to the battery.

[0018] It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a rechargeable DC battery that can be easily interchanged and reconnected to the electrical connections of a heating circuit or other circuit containing data without requiring visual access to the connections and finger manipulation of external connections.

[0019] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable and portable DC battery wherein the connector coupling is automatically affected by the magnetic field strength of an opposing magnet (on the order of about 0.8 kg), and wherein the connector can be separated from its magnetic coupling by using a finger receiving tab secured to a battery support pocket.

[0020] It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a rechargeable portable DC battery in a square shape that makes the battery less cumbersome when worn in a heated wearable device and wherein the battery can be charged without being removed from a battery receiving pouch of the heated wearable device.

[0021] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable DC battery having an output power port for connecting to a cable having wiring for transmitting power and data. Thus, the battery output power port has multiple pins that can not only power the heated wearable device, but also transmit data to communicate information between the battery and a controller and / or sensors (such as a temperature sensor and a proximity sensor) in the wearable device.

[0022] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a completely waterproof battery and connection port(s) by eliminating openings such as connection ports for DC plugs. The magnetic connection of the battery prevents water penetration.

[0023] Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a magnetic connector assembly that can be secured to a battery support pouch to automatically couple to a magnetic output connector of a battery and provide a strong magnetic coupling force to lock the battery in place and prevent it from moving and popping out of the pouch during user activity and securement, the ability for continuous data communication and power connection between the battery and a heating system of a wearable device.

[0024] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a charging station with multiple magnetic charging ports to simultaneously charge multiple batteries of the present invention for multi-user applications of heated garments (such as police stations), and the user is able to quickly grab a fully charged battery with one hand and quickly place an empty battery on the charging station without having to worry about cables and DC connections.

[0025] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a support bag in the form of a battery holster and to have the battery supported independently of the heated wearable device. For example, a police officer needs to wear a bulletproof vest and the heating system needs to be located between the body (closer to the skin) and the bulletproof vest. Because the battery does not fit there, it must be placed separately from the heated garment. One location for the battery holder could be on the belt of the pants or on the top of the bulletproof vest. Therefore, it may be advantageous to have a separate battery holster equipped with the magnetic connector of the present invention to facilitate interchangeability (battery swapping).

[0026] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a rechargeable DC battery with one or more vibration devices to communicate certain information to the user's fingers and / or the user's skin / bone, for example, the system is "on" or "off", various information from sensors, temperature settings, battery power, etc. The communication of the tactile / vibration system for each of the transmitted information and feedback is intuitive to the user or can be easily learned. The circuit board installed in the battery can also have circuits to provide Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication to transmit information to an application on the user's smart device to communicate information.

[0027] According to the above features, in a broad sense, the present invention provides a rechargeable portable DC battery, which includes a waterproof battery housing, which defines flat parallel front and rear walls and surrounding edge walls. The housing contains a substance capable of generating electric current and is rechargeable. An embedded magnetic electrical connection port is disposed at a predetermined position in the top area of ​​one of the front wall and the rear wall, and is spaced adjacent to the top edge wall in the surrounding edge wall. The embedded magnetic electrical connection port has an inwardly inclined guiding surrounding side wall that leads to a connector terminal in its bottom wall. One or more magnets are disposed in the embedded magnetic electrical connection port and are electrically insulated from the connector terminal. The one or more magnets generate a magnetic coupling force for magnetically coupling with an external magnetic coupling electrical connector.

[0028] According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a magnetic electric connector for securing in a DC battery support bag. The magnetic electric connector has a support strap formed of a flexible non-conductive material. The support strap also has a pull tab extending therefrom. The support strap is secured to a rear wall of the support bag, which is closely spaced from an accessible top end of the bag. The bag is sized to receive a portable DC battery therein, wherein the DC battery has an embedded electrical connection port that magnetically couples with a connector terminal and is disposed at a predetermined position in a top end portion thereof, wherein when the DC battery is positioned in the bag, the protruding connector and the embedded magnetic connection port are automatically coupled together by the strength of a magnetic field generated between the magnetic protruding connector and the embedded magnetic connection port when they are in close proximity to each other.

[0029] According to another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetically coupled electrical connector for connecting to an embedded magnetic electrical connection port of a rechargeable portable DC battery. The magnetically coupled electrical connector is formed with an electrically insulating support strap having a cable secured thereto. The cable has wires electrically insulated from one another for connection to an electrical heating circuit secured in a heated wearable device. An elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member is secured to the support strap and defines an upwardly and inwardly inclined contoured sidewall leading to an elongated flat top surface thereof. An elongated coupling rib of electrically insulating material is formed on the flat top surface and is concentrically positioned thereon. Electrical terminals are spaced apart on the flat top wall of the elongated coupling rib, and magnets are secured in the elongated flat top surface of the elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member.

[0030] According to another broad aspect of the present invention, a rechargeable portable DC battery for a heated wearable device is provided. The battery has a flat waterproof housing that defines opposing parallel front and rear walls and surrounds parallel edge walls. The housing contains a substance capable of generating an electric current and being rechargeable. An embedded magnetic charging port is fixed in the top region of the rear wall of the opposing parallel front and rear walls for automatic coupling with an external magnetic coupling electrical connector that is immovably fixed at a predetermined position in the top region of the battery support bag of the heated wearable device when the battery is positioned in the battery receiving bag, wherein the embedded magnetic electrical connection port is in a substantially facing relationship with the magnetic coupling electrical connector. The charging port is mounted on the top edge wall surrounding the parallel edge walls. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable portable DC battery as viewed from its rear wall, showing the battery's embedded magnetic electrical connection port and auxiliary electrical components mounted in the battery's top edge wall;

[0033] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a magnetic coupling connector for securing to a connection port of a battery;

[0034] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the magnetic coupling connector;

[0035] Figure 4 is a partially fragmented side view showing a magnetically coupled connector magnetically and electrically coupled to a magnetically embedded electrical connection port of a battery;

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view and fragmentary top view of a battery support pouch for a heated wearable device showing the location of a magnetic coupling connector secured therein and its location in the pouch for coupling with a magnetically embedded electrical connection port of a battery;

[0037] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 5 A perspective view and a fragmentary top view of a battery receiving bag of FIG. 1 showing the position of the battery in the battery receiving bag when the magnetic connector is engaged and showing a pull tab of a support strap of the magnetic coupling connector extending above a top edge wall of the battery;

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing how the engaged connectors are separated from each other in order to remove the battery from the battery support bag;

[0039] Figure 8is an enlarged perspective view showing the construction of a magnetic coupling connector mounted on a support strap formed of a flexible material;

[0040] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded perspective view of

[0041] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly components of a magnetically embedded electrical connection port forming part of a battery structure,

[0042] Fig.11 Yes Display Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the structure of the magnetic coupling connector;

[0043] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a rectangular magnetically coupled electrical connector formed in a top end region of a rechargeable portable DC battery, illustrating another embodiment in which the connector terminals are formed by pin connectors.

[0044] Fig.13 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling alignment of the embedded electrical connection port of the battery with the external magnetically coupled electrical connector;

[0045] Fig.14 A cross-sectional view showing a battery embedded electrical connector secured to an external connector showing a portion of the top end of the battery and the location of a circuit board secured above the battery in a sealed waterproof housing of a DC battery;

[0046] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a holster-style battery support pouch having a body-attaching strap supported by the wearer's body for monitoring a sensor device attached to the wearer's body, and

[0047] Fig.16 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a stand-type inclined support bag with a belt clip secured thereto for support by a wearer's belt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Before explaining any embodiment of the present application in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the component parts set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting, but should include their equivalents.

[0049] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5, a rechargeable portable DC battery of the present invention is shown generally at 10, which is specifically designed to be held and secured to a magnetically coupled electrical connector 25 mounted in a battery support pouch 50 of a heated wearable device, as will be described in more detail below. The battery 10 includes a sealed, waterproof battery housing 11, which defines opposing parallel front and rear walls 13 and 12, respectively, and surrounding edge walls, herein a top edge wall 14, a bottom edge wall 15, and opposing side edge walls 16 and 16'. The housing 11 contains a substance in the form of (multiple) rechargeable batteries, which are capable of generating an electrical current and being charged, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0050] Further references Fig.10 It can be seen that the rechargeable DC battery is configured with an embedded electrical connection port 17 mounted at a predetermined position in the top end region of the rear wall 12 adjacently spaced from the top edge wall 14. Further reference Fig.10 It can be seen that the embedded electrical connection port 17 is an elongated rectangular structure and defines opposite outwardly curved end walls 18, 18' and opposite elongated side walls 18". The side walls and end walls are downwardly and inwardly inclined walls leading to the connector terminals 19 installed in the flat elongated bottom wall 20. The flat elongated bottom wall 20 is formed by the top surface of the elongated support base member 21, which is formed of an electrically insulating material.

[0051] The magnetic retaining means in the form of an elongated annular magnet 22 is retained around the elongated support base 21 and is electrically insulated from the connector terminal 19 by the non-conductive material of the elongated support base 21. The structure of the embedded electrical connection port 17 is particularly suitable for retaining external magnetically coupled electrical connectors 25, 25' by magnetic attraction, as described herein. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.11 , and adapted to be connected to one or more conductive heating circuits. The heating circuit may be in the form of a heating pad or heating wire wired into a defined area of ​​the device or garment to provide heat, not shown but apparent to one skilled in the art. In the case of a heated wearable device, the heating circuit may be integrated into a jacket, vest, pants, gloves, socks, by way of example but not limitation. Other applications of batteries and external magnetically coupled electrical connectors 25 are also contemplated.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the battery housing 11 is a square flat housing with parallel edge walls that are opposite to each other around the edge walls. It is found that the square housing can provide more comfort to the wearer's body. Typically, the DC battery used with the heated wearable device is a long rectangular battery vertically arranged in a battery support bag of the wearable device, wherein the pin connector is located in the top wall for receiving a connector fixed to a control device, which is fixed to a heating circuit installed in the wearable device. The disadvantage of this rectangular shaped battery and its support bag in the heated wearable device is that they often cause trouble to the wearer when certain postures and movements are taken, such as when one or more batteries are supported on the chest area of ​​the wearer, especially when in a sitting position and bending forward. By constructing a battery with a square form, such disadvantages are substantially overcome. Another advantage of the square shaped battery is that it frees up vertical space on the clothing item for other uses.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, a push button switch 23 is mounted on the top edge wall 14 of the battery 10, and an associated visual functional display device in the form of an LED light 24 to inform the wearer of the battery's charging status. By activating the switch 23, the light is turned "on" to indicate the battery's charging status. Reactivating the switch 23 causes the light to be "off".

[0054] Also like Figure 1 As shown, a USB charging port 26 is also mounted on the top edge wall 14. The charging port is a USB Type C port, which is now a universal port adapted to receive connectors for various electronic devices throughout the world. This type of port does not require visual orientation of the charging connector to secure it, as the connector can be engaged in the port from either side, as is well known in the art. A further advantage of the charging port in combination with the embedded electrical output connection port 17 is that the battery 10 can be charged without having to remove the battery from its battery retaining pocket, whether it is worn by the wearer or when the clothing item is not in use.

[0055] In another embodiment, the embedded electrical output connection port 17 is wired to receive a magnetically coupled electrical connector similar to the connector 25 but connected to the output of a charger or portable rechargeable battery. For such an embodiment, the USPC charging port in the top edge wall 14 of the battery would not be needed. If the charger is a portable rechargeable battery, it can also be connected to a DC battery 10 supported in the wearable device or its support pouch. It is also contemplated that for applications where there are many service personnel (such as police or military personnel), wearing heated wearable devices, or needing to have a wearable device support battery to provide power to a specific device (such as a communication device (cell phone)), the charging of the battery can be in the form of a long charger combination with a magnetic connector, where these service personnel will swap their batteries with fully charged batteries connected to the charger combination after use. This can be quickly accomplished by interchanging batteries.

[0056] Reference now Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , describes the structure of a magnetically coupled electrical connector 25. As shown, the magnetically coupled electrical connector 25 is secured to an electrically insulating support strap 27 comprised of a flexible material capable of being secured in a support pocket of an article of clothing or in a holster support associated with other articles requiring electrical power or other devices such as sensors, medical monitoring devices, etc. A cable 28 with wires therein is connected to terminals 33 of the connector 25 and connected to an electrical heating circuit secured in a heated wearable device or to a control device not shown. The magnetically coupled electrical connector 25 is formed with an elongated electrically insulating quasi-elliptical ridge forming member 29 secured to the support strap 27 and defining an upwardly and inwardly inclined contoured side wall 30 leading to an elongated narrow flat top surface 31 surrounding a central cavity 32' thereof. An elongated coupling rib 32 of electrically insulating material is shaped to be disposed in the central cavity 32' of the quasi-elliptical ridge forming member 29 and secured to a support plate not shown for connecting wiring in the cable 28, as Fig.11 The electrical terminals 33 are spaced apart in the flat top wall 34 of the elongated coupling rib 32 and are positioned to make electrical contact with associated ones of the connector terminals 19 of the embedded electrical connection port 17 of the rechargeable portable DC battery 10. The tether 27 is formed of a polymer resin material that seals the assembly components to the tether 27 and makes it waterproof.

[0057] Magnetic coupling means in the form of annular magnets 35 are disposed around the coupling ribs 32 and together form a tight fit within the central cavity 32'. The magnets 35 are selected to provide a magnetic adhesion force that, together with the annular magnets 22 of the embedded electrical connection port 22 of the battery 10, produces a coupling magnetic retention force of the order of about 0.8 kg, sufficient to pull the magnetically coupled electrical connector 25 into coupling alignment and engagement in the embedded electrical connection port 17 and to bring the connector 33 into conductive engagement with the connector 19.

[0058] Fig.11 Another embodiment of a magnetically coupled electrical connector is shown, here connector 25', in which the magnetic coupling force is generated by a disc-shaped magnet 36 fixed in a holding cavity 37 formed in a flat top wall 38 of an elongated coupling ridge forming member 39. The elongated coupling ridge forming member 39 is formed of an electrically insulating material. Electrical terminals 40 are spaced apart on the flat top wall 38 of the elongated coupling ridge forming member 39 and are composed of metal pin connectors 41 fixed to a support connection plate 42, and the respective wires of the wires 43 of the cable 28 are connected to the electrical terminals 40. The cable 28 is a braided cable of a flat shape to provide comfort when connected to a wearable device containing a support bag 50. The elongated electrically insulating coupling ridge forming member 39 has a through hole 44 formed in the flat top wall 38 for receiving the respective metal pin connectors of the metal pin connector 41 that fits tightly therein, wherein the flat top surface of the elongated electrically insulating coupling ridge forming member constitutes the terminal 40. As shown herein, there are five metal pin connectors 41, two of which are used to transmit power from the positive and negative terminal connections of the battery, and three of which are used to transmit communication data from the circuit mounted on the pcb (printed circuit board), such as Fig.14 shown.

[0059] Reference now Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.11 , the electrically insulating support strap 27 is shaped to define an elongated open top cavity 45 for receiving therein the electrically insulating ridge forming member 39, the annular magnet 35 and the ribs 32. The cavity 45 is sized to form a housing 45' protruding behind the support strap 27 for receiving the cable 28 and its connections and a circuit board 71 containing the electronic components and wiring associated with the push button switch 23, the LED light 24 and other related electrical features (see Fig.14 ). For example, a haptic component may be mounted on a PCB to provide a pulsating signal to the wearer's body, thereby transmitting a signal representing the battery "on" or "off" state, sensor information, temperature settings, etc. The communication of tactile or vibration signals for each of these types of information / feedback is intuitive to the user or can be easily learned.

[0060] The pull tab 46 is formed integrally with the electrically insulating support strap 27 by an extension 47 of the polymer resin strap and is disposed in the top portion of the support strap. The support strap 27 may also be formed to define stitch distribution seams 48 spaced outwardly around the elongated cavity 45 for receiving suture stitches 49 therein to connect it to a support bag, holster, etc. Figure 8 A pull tab extending the full width of the support strap 27 is shown, while Figure 2 and Figure 3 Pull tab 46' is shown as a narrow centrally extending strip of support strap.

[0061] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the electrically insulating support strap 27 is fixed to the rear fabric wall 51 of the battery receiving bag 50 of the heated wearable device, which is not shown but is obvious to those skilled in the art. The electrically insulating support strap 27 is fixed in the top 52 of the battery receiving bag 50, and the pull tab 46 protrudes above the top of the bag, wherein when the battery 10 is set in the bag with the connector magnetically coupled thereto, the pull tab protrudes behind and above the top edge wall 14 of the battery (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 ) for accessing the battery. It is noted that when the DC battery 10 is positioned in the bag 50 with the protruding connector 25 and the embedded connector 17 in close proximity to each other, the protruding magnetic connector 25 with its strong magnet 35 and the strong magnet 22 of the battery connector with opposite polarity will be magnetically attracted to each other by the combined magnetic field strength generated between the magnetic protruding connector and the magnetic coupling embedded connector to pull each other in a coupled relationship and automatically establish an electrical connection between them. The battery holding bag 50 can have many functions to support batteries associated with other heating products, such as blankets, sleeping bags, etc. and other electrical devices that require a DC power supply from a rechargeable DC battery. The battery holding bag can quickly connect and disconnect the batteries in the bag to interchange the batteries. This is particularly useful for people engaged in busy activities, such as police officers directing traffic or military personnel performing difficult tasks. The magnetic connection generates a holding force to keep the battery securely in its holding bag, eliminating the risk of the battery falling out due to the wearer's movement (such as bending forward, falling, etc.).

[0062] like Figure 8 and Fig.10As shown, to ensure proper alignment of the connector when the battery is set in the bag 50, the magnetic electrical connector 17 can be formed with an alignment formation 60 in its downwardly and inwardly inclined surrounding side wall 18, which is shaped to receive the guide rib 61 of the external magnetic coupling electrical connector 25, thereby providing a foolproof coupling. As shown herein, the coupling connector alignment formation 60 is composed of a straight recess forming a rectangular cavity 62 at a predetermined position in the downwardly and inwardly inclined surrounding side wall 18. The recess forms an open end in the outer surface of the downwardly and inwardly inclined surrounding side wall to loosely receive therein the guide rib 61 formed in the inclined guide wall of the external magnetic coupling electrical connector, which is sized to be tightly slidably fitted in the rectangular cavity.

[0063] Due to the strong magnetic coupling of the connector, the pull tab 46 provides separation of the magnetic coupling force. Figure 7 As shown, to separate the connector, the user grasps the tab 46 between fingers 55 while holding the battery between the fingers of the other hand and applying a separation force, as mentioned above in this document, in the direction of arrows 56 and 57 to overcome the magnetic coupling force to disconnect the protruding magnetic connector 25 from the female connector 17 of the DC battery 10 and overcome the strong magnetic field strength on the order of about 0.8 kg.

[0064] Reference now Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the figure shows the preferred structure of the embedded magnetic connector 17' of the DC battery 10. Fig.12 As shown, the inwardly inclined surrounding side wall 18 of the embedded magnetic connection port 17' is slightly recessed from the surface 12' of the battery rear wall 12 and leads to a connector, shown here as a pin connector 65 protruding from the top surface 66 of an elongated support base 67 mounted on a printed circuit board 71. The pin connector 65 is recessed from the top surface 22' of the surrounding annular magnet 22. The pin connector 65 is shaped to Fig.11 The pin connectors shown are similar and connect to the wires 43 as previously described.

[0065] like Fig.14 As shown, the circuit board 71 is mounted in the pcb mounting space 69 defined in the top end portion of the battery housing 11, behind the top edge wall 14 and above the battery cell 68. The base portions of the connector pins 65 are connected to the terminals of the printed circuit board (not shown) to establish connections to the associated wiring connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery and other connections to the switch 23 and LED light 24 mounted on the top edge wall 14. The circuit board 71 may also contain electronic components 70 associated with the functions provided to the battery.

[0066] Fig.13 The coupling alignment of the embedded magnetic connector of the battery and the external magnetic connector 25 is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, once the battery is inserted into the receiving pocket 50 or holster pocket, either by the shape and size of the pocket or by manipulation and alignment by the wearer, the connectors are brought into close proximity with each other and the strong magnetic field created between the magnets takes over and pulls the connectors into aligned coupled engagement.

[0067] The coupling of connectors 65 and 33 is achieved by the inwardly angled surrounding side wall 18 of the embedded connector slidingly contacting the angled contoured side wall 30 of the connector 25 to guide the sliding engagement with each other. In addition, the rib 61 of the connector 25 entering the guide recess 62 of the embedded connector of the battery ensures that proper alignment is achieved when the strong magnetic attraction of the magnet draws the connectors together in the proper position. To ensure that the connectors have been engaged, the user presses the push button switch 23 on the top edge wall of the battery to see if the LED light 24 illuminates. If it does not illuminate, then due to misalignment, the user simply grasps the battery with one hand and moves it slightly over the connector 25 until it clicks into engagement and the light illuminates to indicate charging. Pressing the switch again turns the LED "off". As shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, to further prevent connector misalignment when the battery is placed in the battery receiving pocket 50, the pocket is sized to fit the battery tightly therein so that the connectors 17 and 25 are substantially in a facing relationship.

[0068] Reference now Fig.15 and Fig.16 , wherein a battery support bag is shown, which is formed as a leather case battery support bag 80, which is sized to accommodate a rechargeable battery 10 in a close fit therein to achieve automatic coupling of the connector by magnetic attraction, as described above in this document. The magnetically coupled electrical connector 25 is fixed to the rear wall 81 of the leather case battery support 80 by sewing or other suitable attachment means. Fig.16 As shown, the output power cable 82 is provided with USBC connectors 83 and 83' at the respective ends of the opposite ends thereof to connect with the output USBC port 84 provided on the top edge wall 14 of the battery 10, and to connect with an external device (herein, a sensor device 85), which is fixed on a strap 86 connected to the wearer's body 87 to monitor heartbeat and body temperature.

[0069] When worn by service personnel (e.g., police and military personnel), the output power cable 82 can be connected to various other types of equipment. Fig.15 The attachment means shown in the form of a body strap 88 is intended to be supported by the wearer's body or as Fig.16The belt clip 89 shown supports connection to the waistband 90 of the pants. As mentioned above, the DC battery can also be provided with a Bluetooth protocol to transmit information received by the cable 82 to a portable smart phone, which has the function of easily storing and displaying signal information received through the cable and its connector, which is provided with terminals and wiring to conduct power and data.

[0070] It should be noted that, benefiting from the teachings and drawings described herein, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will think of any modification and other embodiments of the present invention as described above. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific examples thereof described herein, and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims. Although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain examples of elements and components and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements or substitutes and / or functions may be provided by different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In addition, although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and other equivalent terms regarding the items to which they are related are considered herein. Therefore, all obvious modifications of the examples of the preferred embodiments described herein are within the scope of the present invention, as long as these modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rechargeable portable DC battery, comprising a battery housing defining flat parallel front and rear walls and a surrounding edge wall, the housing containing a substance capable of generating an electric current and being charged, an embedded magnetic electric connection port disposed at a predetermined position in a top region of one of the front and rear walls adjacently spaced apart from a top edge wall of the surrounding edge wall, the embedded magnetic electric connection port having an inwardly inclined guiding surrounding side wall leading to a connector terminal in a bottom wall thereof, and one or more magnets disposed in the embedded magnetic electric connection port and electrically insulated from the connector terminal, the one or more magnets generating a magnetic coupling force for magnetically coupling with an external magnetic coupling electrical connector.

2. The rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 1, wherein the embedded magnetic electric connection port is an output power port, and the surrounding side wall is a guide surrounding side wall having a circumferential surface inclined downward and inward.

3. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 1, wherein the external magnetic coupling electrical connector is immovably fixed at a predetermined position in a battery support bag associated with an item requiring a DC power source, and the DC battery is arranged in the battery support bag, wherein the embedded magnetic electrical connection port is in a face-to-face relationship with the protruding electrical connector of the external magnetic coupling electrical connector, and wherein the connectors are automatically electrically coupled and locked together by magnetic attraction to prevent the DC battery from accidentally falling off from the battery support bag.

4. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 1, wherein the embedded magnetic electrical connection port is an elongated rectangular shape and defines opposite outwardly curved end walls, and the bottom wall is a flat bottom wall formed by the top wall of the elongated supporting base member that fixes the connector terminal.

5. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 4, wherein the one or more magnets of the embedded magnetic electrical connection port are composed of a single peripheral magnet retained around the elongated support base and electrically insulated from the connector terminals by the elongated support base.

6. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 4, wherein the connector terminals have flat top surfaces and are arranged equidistantly from each other in the flat top wall of the bottom elongated support base.

7. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 5, wherein the surrounding magnet generates a magnetic adhesion force of about 0.8 kg when magnetically coupled with a magnet of opposite polarity of the external magnetic coupling electrical connector.

8. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 1, wherein the battery comprises a waterproof flat housing, wherein the surrounding edge walls are opposing parallel edge walls defining a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposing parallel side walls.

9. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 8, wherein the top edge wall of the surrounding edge wall has a push button switch and a visual charge indicator light mounted therein to indicate the charge present in the DC battery.

10. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 9, wherein a USB charging port is further disposed in the top edge wall of the surrounding edge wall.

11. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic coupling electrical connector is fixed at a predetermined position in a battery support bag of a heated wearable device to receive the rechargeable DC battery therein, and the embedded magnetic electrical connection port faces the magnetic coupling electrical connector for magnetic coupling by magnetic attraction.

12. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 11, wherein the magnetically coupled electrical connector is secured to an electrically insulating support strap, the support strap being secured to the battery support pouch and connected to wires contained in a cable, the cable being led to an electrical heating circuit secured in the heated wearable device.

13. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 12, wherein an elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member is fixed to the support strap and has upwardly and inwardly inclined contoured side walls leading to its elongated flat top surface, an elongated coupling rib of electrically insulating material is on the flat top surface and is concentrically positioned thereon, electrical terminals are spaced apart on the flat top walls of the elongated coupling ribs and are configured for electrical contact with associated ones of the connector terminals of the embedded magnetic electrical connection port of the rechargeable portable DC battery, and one or more magnets of opposite polarity are fixed in the elongated flat top surface of the elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member, the magnets being used to magnetically couple with the one or more magnets of the embedded electrical connection port of the rechargeable portable DC battery when the magnetically coupled electrical connector is received in the embedded electrical connection port and electrically coupled by magnetic attraction.

14. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 13, wherein the surrounding magnet is an elliptical shape arranged around the coupling rib and provides a magnetic attraction sufficient to generate a coupling magnetic field to pull the embedded magnetic electric connection port to be electrically coupled thereto by magnetic attraction, and the magnetic attraction prevents the battery from accidentally falling off from the support bag due to the movement of the wearer.

15. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 14, wherein the elliptical magnet is fixed at its opposite ends in the flat top wall of the bottom elongated support base and is electrically insulated from the connector terminal by the support base.

16. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 14, wherein the electrically insulating support strap is formed of a polymer resin material and is shaped to define an elongated open top cavity, the cavity being used to receive the electrically insulating ridge forming member and the elliptical magnet therein, and the pull tab is integrally formed with the electrically insulating support strap through an extended section of the polymer resin material, and the pull tab is disposed in the top of the support strap.

17. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 13, wherein a coupling connector alignment formation is disposed in the surrounding side wall of the embedded magnetic electrical connection port and is shaped to receive a guide rib formed in the contoured side wall of the magnetic coupling electrical connector to provide a foolproof coupling by magnetic attraction.

18. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 17, wherein the coupling connector alignment formation is composed of a recess formed at a predetermined position in the downwardly and inwardly inclined surrounding side wall, the recess having an open end in the outer surface of the downwardly and inwardly inclined surrounding side wall.

19. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 17, wherein the guide rib is formed in the inclined guide wall of the external magnetic coupling electrical connector, and the guide rib is sized for a close sliding fit in the surrounding side wall of the embedded magnetic electrical connection port.

20. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 16, wherein the electrical terminals spaced apart on the flat top wall of the elongated coupling rib are composed of metal pin connectors fixed to a support base and a single one of the wires is connected to the metal pin connector, the wires are held in a flat cable fixed in the cavity, and the elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member has a through hole formed in the flat top surface for receiving a corresponding metal pin connector of the metal pin connector therein in a close fit.

21. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 20, wherein there are five of said metal pin connectors, wherein two of said pin connectors are used to transmit power, and wherein three of said pin connectors are used to transmit communication data.

22. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 16, wherein the support strap defines stitch distribution seam areas spaced around the elongated cavity, the stitch distribution seam areas being used to receive stitches therein to secure the magnetically coupled electrical connector to the rear wall of the battery receiving pocket, wherein the pull tab is accessible from the top end of the battery receiving pocket.

23. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 2, wherein the output power port is also a charging port for connecting to a charger having a magnetically coupled electrical connection.

24. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 23 wherein said top edge wall of said surrounding edge wall has a push button switch and a visual charge indicator light mounted therein to indicate the charge present in said DC battery.

25. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 3, wherein the battery support pouch is a leather case type battery support pouch, the support pouch is shaped to receive the DC battery therein in close contact, an external magnetic connection port is irremovably fixed to the rear wall of the leather case type battery support pouch, and an output power cable is connected to the external magnetic connection port to provide power to one or more devices associated with the leather case.

26. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 25, wherein the holster-style battery support pouch is provided with attachment means to attach the holster-style battery support pouch to the body of a wearer.

27. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 26, wherein the attachment means is one of a body strap and a belt clip for supporting the holster-style battery support pouch by the wearer's body.

28. A magnetic electrical connector for securing in a DC battery support bag, the magnetic connector having a support strap formed of a flexible non-conductive material, the support strap having a pull tab extending therefrom, the support strap being secured to a rear wall of the support bag closely spaced from an accessible top end of the bag, the bag being sized to receive a portable DC battery therein, the DC battery having an embedded electrical connection port magnetically coupled to a connector terminal and disposed at a predetermined position in a top end portion thereof, wherein when the DC battery is positioned in the bag, the protruding connector and the embedded magnetic connection port are in close proximity to each other to automatically couple together via the strength of a magnetic field generated between the magnetic protruding connector and the embedded magnetic connection port.

29. The magneto-electric connector of claim 28, wherein the pocket is formed in a heated wearable device, the heated wearable device being one of a jacket, a vest, pants, gloves, and socks.

30. A magnetic electric connector as claimed in claim 28, wherein the pocket is formed by a holster having attachment means for holding by a wearer, or an item requiring electrical power or a support associated with an item requiring electrical power.

31. A magnetic electric connector according to claim 28, wherein the pull tab defines a finger grip area to allow a user to grasp the pull tab between their fingers to apply a separation force to the battery to disconnect the protruding magnetic connector from the embedded connector of the DC battery, and the magnetic field strength produces a coupling magnetic force on the order of about 0.8 kg.

32. A magnetic electrical connector according to claim 28, wherein the support strap defines a stitch seam outer area spaced around the elongated cavity for receiving suture stitches therein to secure the magnetically coupled electrical connector to the rear wall of the battery support bag, and the pull tab is accessible from the top end of the battery support bag.

33. A magnetic-electric connector according to claim 25, wherein the magnetic-electric connector is formed by an elongated electrically insulating ridge-forming member, the elongated electrically insulating ridge-forming member being fixed to and protruding from the support strap and defining upwardly and inwardly inclined contoured side walls leading to its elongated flat top surface, an elongated coupling rib of electrically insulating material extending and concentrically positioned on the flat top surface, and electrical terminals being spaced apart on the flat top walls of the elongated coupling ribs and arranged for connection to the connector ends of the embedded magnetic-electric connection port of the rechargeable portable DC battery. The one or more magnets are fixed in the elongated flat top surface of the elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member for magnetically coupling with the magnet of the embedded magnetic electrical connection port of the rechargeable portable DC battery when the magnetic coupling electrical connector is received therein and self-aligned and electrically coupled by magnetic field strength, the magnetic field strength attracting the electrical terminal to contact the connector terminal of the magnetic coupling embedded electrical connection port, the one or more magnets and the magnet of the embedded magnetic electrical connection port being arranged to face each other with magnetic poles of opposite polarity.

34. A magnetic electric connector according to claim 33, wherein the one or more magnets are composed of peripheral magnets arranged around the coupling ribs and provide magnetic adhesion sufficient to pull the magnetically coupled electrical connector into the embedded magnetically coupled electrical connection port for coupling alignment and engagement.

35. A magneto-electric connector according to claim 33, wherein the magnetic coupling means is constituted by magnets fixed at their opposite ends in the flat top wall of the bottom elongated support base and electrically insulated from the connector terminals by the support base.

36. A magnetic electrical connector according to claim 33, wherein the electrical terminals spaced apart on the flat top wall of the elongated coupling rib are composed of metal pin connectors fixed to a supporting base and a single wire among the electrical wires is connected to the metal pin, the electrical wires are held in a flat cable fixed in a cavity, the cavity is waterproof due to the polymer resin material of the supporting strap, the elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member has a through hole formed in the flat top surface for receiving a corresponding metal pin connector therein in a tight fit.

37. A magnetic electric connector according to claim 33, wherein the support strap is formed to define an elongated open top cavity for receiving the electrically insulating ridge forming member and surrounding magnets therein, and the pull tab is integrally formed with the electrically insulating support platform by an extended section of polymer resin material and is arranged in the top of the support platform.

38. A magnetically coupled electrical connector for coupling to an embedded magnetic electrical connection port of a rechargeable portable DC battery, comprising an electrically insulating support strap, a cable fixed to the strap and having wires electrically insulated from each other in the cable to provide power to an electric heating circuit fixed in a heated wearable device, an elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member fixed to the support strap and having upwardly and inwardly inclined contoured side walls leading to its elongated flat top surface, an elongated coupling rib of electrically insulating material on and concentrically positioned thereon on the flat top surface, electrical terminals spaced apart on the flat top wall of the elongated coupling rib, and a magnet fixed in the elongated flat top surface of the elongated electrically insulating ridge forming member.

39. A magnetically coupled electrical connector according to claim 38, wherein the magnet is composed of an elliptical magnet arranged around the coupling rib, and is used for magnetic coupling with the magnet of the embedded magnetic electric connection port of the rechargeable portable DC battery when the magnetically coupled electrical connector is magnetically and automatically attracted into the embedded magnetic electric connection port of the rechargeable portable DC battery, and electrically coupled by magnetic attraction.

40. The magnetically coupled electrical connector of claim 39, wherein the electrically insulating support strap is formed of a polymer resin material, the pull tab is integrally formed with the electrically insulating support strap through an extended section of the polymer resin material, and is disposed in the top of the support strap.

41. A magnetically coupled electrical connector according to claim 40, wherein the support strap is formed to define an elongated open top cavity for receiving the electrically insulating ridge forming member and the elliptical magnet therein, and outer stitch distribution seam areas spaced around the elongated cavity are used to receive suture stitches therein to secure the magnetically coupled electrical connector to the rear wall of the battery receiving bag, and wherein the pull tab is accessible from the top end of the battery receiving bag above the top wall of the DC battery supported therein.

42. A rechargeable portable DC battery for heating a wearable device, comprising a flat waterproof battery housing defining opposing parallel front and rear walls and surrounding parallel edge walls; The housing includes a substance capable of generating an electric current and being recharged, and an embedded magnetic electrical connection port in a top end region of the rear wall of the opposed parallel front and rear walls for automatic coupling with an external magnetic coupling electrical connector immovably secured at a predetermined position in a top end region of a battery support pocket of the heated wearable device when the battery is positioned in the battery support pocket, wherein the embedded magnetic electrical connection port is in a substantially facing relationship with the magnetic coupling electrical connector; and a charging port mounted in the top edge wall of the surrounding parallel edge walls.

43. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 42, wherein a push button switch and a visual actual battery level indicator light are mounted on said top edge wall of said surrounding parallel edge walls.

44. The rechargeable portable DC battery of claim 42, wherein the charging port is a USB Type-C charging port.

45. A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 42, wherein the embedded magnetic connection port has downwardly and inwardly inclined surrounding side walls leading to connector terminals in its flat bottom wall, and a magnet configured to be electrically insulated from the connector terminals to magnetically retain an external magnetically coupled electrical connector configured to fit tightly in the embedded magnetic connection port, the external magnetically coupled electrical connector being secured in a battery holding pocket of a heated wearable device and connected via a concealed cable having wires that transmit current to one or more conductive heating circuits secured in the heated wearable device.

46. ​​A rechargeable portable DC battery according to claim 42, wherein the external magnetic coupling electrical connector is integrally formed with a support strap, the support strap defining a stitch distribution seam area for securing the external magnetic coupling electrical connector to the rear wall of the battery receiving bag, the strap also defining a pull tab, the pull tab protruding above the battery when the battery is placed in the battery receiving bag and the external magnetic coupling electrical connector is retained in the embedded magnetic electrical connection port by a magnetic field generated between the magnetic coupling connectors.

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