WO2014135874A1

WO2014135874A1 - Portable battery pack for a rechargeable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2014135874A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/050652
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hugh Brogan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2014-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2015-09-05
Also published as: GB201303857D0; GB201315095D0; GB201308266D0

Abstract

A portable battery pack for recharging an electronic device, in which the battery pack includes a body and a plug concealed within the body of the battery pack; and in which the plug can be re-positioned to extend from the body, so that the plug can be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged.

Description

PORTABLE BATTERY PACK FOR A RECHARGEABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to a portable battery pack for a rechargeable, portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet or MP3 player. A portable battery pack is a device that the user charges (typically from mains power or via a USB plug inserted into a computer) and that can be used to power an electronic device when the battery of that electronic device has discharged or is close to discharging. Battery packs typically either re-charge (in whole or part) the battery of the electronic device. They are also called battery boosters and portable chargers.

2. Technical Background

As users spend ever more time checking email, surfing the web, playing games etc. on their smartphones, and other smart devices, the battery life of a typical smartphone can provide less than a day of intense use. This is clearly very inconvenient since it means that charging (e.g. from a mains socket or perhaps laptop or PC) will be required sometime during the day. Portable battery packs can also be used to charge a smartphone and other portable devices, to overcome the battery life limitations of those devices. Most portable battery packs designed to re-charge a smartphone or tablet have a maximum capacity of typically 4,000mAh to 15,000mAh and can charge a smartphone fully between 2 and 5 times. They typically weigh 250gm— 500gm (approx. lOOz to 20 Oz) and are hence heavier than most smartphones. They include a Li-Ion cell. They typically also require a mains adaptor and power cable for charging up the Li-ion cell and a separate cable to connect to the smartphone etc to charge that smartphone; typically, the battery pack will have a USB port into which a USB plug can be inserted; the other end of the cable that is attached to the USB plug will terminate in a plug suitable for the power input to the smartphone etc. (e.g. Apple iPhone 4 30 pin dock connector).

For multi-day travel way from mains power, conventional portable battery packs can be quite useful.

There are also significantly smaller and lighter devices, such as the Jackery Mini (length 3.7 inches; weight 2.7 ounces; capacity 2600mAh— sufficient to charge a smartphone up twice). This device also include a USB port into which a USB plug can be inserted; the other end of the cable that is attached to the USB plug will terminate in a plug suitable for the power input to the smartphone etc.

Most battery packs have a physical switch to turn them on and off; when turned 'on' they can be draining their Li-ion cell even if not connected to a smartphone etc.

3. Discussion of Related Art

In US2013002049 (Al) there is described a battery booster for smartphones, tablets and other portable electronic devices. The battery booster includes a battery pack and a retractable cable. A connector for the battery charging interface of a smartphone, is provided at one end of the cable. A securing mechanism is provided to removably secure a rear surface of the battery housing to the smartphone.

In WO 2001082446 A3 a portable, rechargeable device for boost-charging a discharged target battery is provided, equipped with current sensing and regulation circuitry. The device may be used, for example, for boost-charging through a cigarette lighter socket or directly. Such circuitry permits very rapid charging using voltages greater than the nominal voltage of the target battery without blowing a fuse of the cigarette lighter socket or damaging sensitive onboard electronics. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a portable battery pack for recharging an electronic device, in which the battery pack includes a body and a plug concealed within the body of the battery pack; and in which the plug can be re -positioned to extend from the body, so that the plug can be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged.

Optional implementation features include one or more of the following:

• the battery pack includes a connector that is retained, when not in use, in the body of the battery pack, and the connector includes an integral plug, and in which the connector can be entirely removed from the body and then repositioned back into the body but with the plug extending from the body, so that the plug can be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged.

• the body includes a set of contacts in a socket on one side of the body that are normally covered by one of the connectors and when this connector is removed one of a number of different connectors can then be attached into the socket vacated by the connecter that has been removed, and then the connector that is inserted into the socket can be attached to the electronic device and supply it with power from the battery pack.

• the battery pack is automatically powered up only when a plug or connector is repositioned into a use' position, with the plug extending from the body.

• the plug is one of the following: mini-B USB, micro-B USB, Apple iPhone 4 30 pin dock connector, Apple Lightning connector, USB standard A.

• the battery pack includes two such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

• the battery pack includes three such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

• the battery pack includes four such connectors, each with a different type of plug. · the battery pack includes five or more such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

• the battery pack includes a plug which can be slid out from the body of the battery pack from a storage position in which it is retained within the body of the battery pack, to an in-use position in which it extends from the body and can then (a) be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged and/or (b) inserted directly into a port to enable the battery pack to be re-charged and/or (c) inserted into a port to send/receive data. The plug may be USB standard A plug.

• the battery pack which is charged by inserting one of the plugs into a power source.

• the battery pack also includes a female connector into which a standard charging plug, such as micro USB, can be inserted.

• the battery pack has a small form factor enabling it to be connected directly to the electronic device to be charged without any intervening cable, without compromising the portability of the electronic device.

• the battery pack has a small form factor with longest dimension not substantially greater than the width of a smartphone, such as approximately 6cm.

• the battery pack has a small form factor with longest dimension not substantially greater than the width of a smartphone, such as approximately 7cm.

• the battery pack has a small form factor with longest dimension not substantially greater than the width of a smartphone, such as approximately 8cm.

• the battery pack has a weight less than 40 g.

• the battery pack has a weight less than 50 g.

• the battery pack includes a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 50% of full charge.

• the battery pack includes a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 60% of full charge.

• the battery pack includes a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 70% of full charge.

• the battery pack includes a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 100% of full charge.

• the battery pack includes a Li-ion battery of capacity of no more than 850 mAh.

• the battery pack includes a Li-ion battery of capacity of no more than 950 mAh.

• the battery pack includes a Li-ion battery of capacity of no more than 2500 mAh. • the battery pack includes a fuel cell of capacity of no more than 12000 mW.

• the battery pack includes a cover inserted into an end of the body of the battery pack and this cover can be removed from the body for any one or more of the following purposes: (a) to enable the battery pack to be freed from any item, such as a key fob, to which the cover is attached; (b) to enable an accessory to replace the cover.

• the cover is mechanically or magnetically engaged with the body of the battery pack and an accessory unit uses the same mechanical or magnetic engagement.

• the cover or a further accessory can be attached to the accessory.

· an accessory includes a plug or port, such as a charging port for an e-cigarette.

• an accessory includes a data communication module, such as wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB serial.

• the accessory operates as a wireless hotspot.

• an accessory includes a data memory.

· an accessory includes a further battery.

• the battery pack includes a hoop to allow the battery pack to be threaded onto a key ring, the hoop being on the sliding plate.

• the battery pack includes a solar cell that trickle charges the battery in the battery pack.

· The battery pack includes at least one surface that can be customized using specific design, material, colour and/ or texture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example(s), with reference to the following Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a back perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable battery pack with mini USB connector, iPhone connector, and Lightning connector, each inserted into the body of the battery pack so as to conceal their respective male plugs;

Figure 2 shows base of the battery pack, including an array of 3 LEDs that show charge status;

Figure 3 is a top view of the battery pack, showing three removable connectors; the arrows on each connector indicate that they can each be pulled out of the body of the battery pack;

Figure 4 is an end view of the battery pack, showing the ridged sliding top panel with a hoop (see Figure 9 for a perspective view);

Figure 5 is an end view of the battery pack, showing a slider that can be moved across to push out a standard A USB plug, used for charging the battery pack;

Figure 6 shows a left view of the battery pack;

Figure 7 shows a right view of the battery pack, including the Standard A USB plug (retracted position) and the micro USB female port;

Figure 8 shows a view of the battery pack attached to a key ring;

Figure 9 shows a front and top perspective view of an embodiment of the battery pack;

Figure 10 shows a front and top perspective view of the battery pack with USB Standard A plug extended to enable charging of the battery pack; Figure 11 shows a front and top perspective view of the battery pack with slider panel removed from the battery housing;

Figure 12 shows a right perspective view with mini USB connector installed and ready to charge a device;

Figure 13 shows a right perspective view with mini USB connector removed from the housing;

Figure 14 shows a front and bottom perspective view of the battery pack with Lightning and micro USB connectors stored away;

Figure 15 shows a bottom and right perspective view of the battery pack with iPhone connector, micro USB connector or Lightning connector removed from the housing;

Figure 16 shows a top and right perspective view with iPhone connector installed and ready to charge a device;

Figure 17 shows a top and right perspective view with iPhone connector removed from the housing;

Figure 18 shows a right perspective view with micro USB connector installed and ready to charge a device;

Figure 19 shows a right perspective view with micro USB connector removed from the housing;

Figure 20 shows a right perspective view with Lightning connector installed and ready to charge a device;

Figure 21 shows a right perspective view with Lightning connector removed from the housing; Figure 22 shows a right transparent perspective view with iPhone connector installed and iPhone connected to the battery pack to give sense of relative size and show how the battery pack does not compromise the portability and useability of the smartphone. Figure 23 shows a right perspective view with iPhone connector installed and iPhone connected to the battery pack.

Figure 24 shows a right and a left perspective view of the battery pack attached to a key fob; the battery pack includes solar cells on the main top surface;

Figure 25 shows a right perspective exploded view of the battery pack, with solar cell, attached to a key fob.

Figure 26 shows a schematic print of the Main Printed Circuit Board (PCB).

Figure 27 shows a circuit diagram for charge and flash, included in Part A of Figure 26.

Figure 28 shows a circuit diagram connecting to the battery cell solder terminal, included in Part B of Figure 26.

Figure 29 shows a circuit diagram for boost, included in Part C of Figure 26.

Figure 30 shows a circuit diagram for different connectors, included in Part D and E of Figure 26.

Figure 31 shows a front and top perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack; Figure 32 shows a back and top perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack; Figure 33 shows a bottom and front perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack; Figure 34 shows different perspective views of the Maxi boost battery pack; Figure 34A shows a front perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack; Figure 34B shows a top perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack;

Figure 34C shows a back perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack;

Figure 34D shows a left side perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack;

Figvire 34E shows a right side perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack;

Figure 35 shows a right perspective exploded view of the Maxi boost battery pack, attached to a key fob.

Figure 36 shows front and top perspective view of the Maxi boost battery pack with USB Standard. A plug extended to enable charging of the Maxi boost battery pack;

Figure 37 shows a top and right perspective view with connector removed from the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Market / Product Overview The market for smart mobile device continues to grow; consumers are becoming increasingly dependent on Smart devices for business and personal communication. Battery life has become the number one consumer issue: dramatic increases in device functionality have not been offset by dramatic increases in battery life, with many devices now not able to provide a user with a full day of continuous use without at some point being charged. This results in consumers and business users often being "caught out" and their device not being available when they need to make an important call or other type of communication.

The battery booster concept described in this specification has been created to address this need by providing an emergency power source that can be attached to many (>90%) of todays Smart mobile devices. The battery booster differs from many other type of portable power solutions in that it can be attached to the mobile device and the device is still able to be used / carried around in the normal way— this is achieved by keeping the battery booster very compact and light, and removing the need for separate connecting cables. This is in contrast to other portable power solutions or mobile devices which are attached with cords or are bulky and so do not allow the user to maintain the usage and portability of the device when they are connected.

The battery booster has been designed to integrate into the daily objects that a consumer normally carries with them on a day to day basis so that when the battery booster is needed it is always available. The initial versions of the battery booster are designed to fit on key ring fobs and as handbag jewelry, allowing them to be attached to keys or to be attached to a handbag as a decorative item meaning they are on hand whenever required.

The battery booster has been designed as an emergency solution to a mobile device's battery going low and not as a portable charger to fully charge a depleted device battery. As such it will provide approximately 50 % of the capacity of a typical smartphone battery such as an iPhone thereby allowing approximately a day of moderate use. It will provide approximately 50% of the capacity of a fully charged E-Ink reader such as a Kindle and around 10-15% of the capacity of a tablet device. The booster is there for when you need to make an important call or send an important mail, or read or download something important: it provides enough power to get you to the point where you can recharge your device.

Basic Description

One variant of the battery booster is a 920 mAh (nominal) Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack with boost electronics to enable a 5 V output, all enclosed in a plastic housing (other variants may have different outputs). The booster has been designed to operate with most smart devices available on the market and as such supports peak current outputs of up to 1.2 Amps @5V. The housing incorporates storage for 3 different types of over molded male plug mobile device connectors; further connectors will be developed and offered as accessories, or for different configurations, such as for charging electronic cigarettes or for charging personal game playing devices.

The plugs are:

Apple iPhone 4 / I-Pad connector / I-Pod connector— Male Apple iPhone 5— "Lightning" Connector - Male Micro USB (Type B) Connector - Male

Other plugs and connectors are also possible (e.g. Mini USB).

The connectors are clipped in to the housing and when needed they are removed by the user by simply pushing them out of the housing. The housing or body contains a set of contacts in a socket on one side of the booster housing that are normally covered by one of the connectors. When this connector is removed any of the connectors can then be attached into the "Boost" socket and then that connector can then be attached to the mobile device and supply it with power from the booster's battery.

Charging / Charge State

The booster contains a "sliding" full size male "Type A" USB connector and also a micro USB (type b) female connector. These are the most popular types of connectors used on mobile device chargers and therefore the booster can be recharged from many different types of charger. Charge time for the booster is maximum 90 mins. The Booster contains 3 Blue LEDs. When the booster is being charged the LEDs flash, with 1.5-2Hz frequency in the following fashion— 1 LED flashes when the booster = 15 - 30% charge or below, 2 LED's flash when the booster is between 35 -70% charge, 3 LED's flash when the booster is between 75 -100% charge. When charging is complete, all 3 LEDs are continuously illuminated ON until the charging source is disconnected.

The booster also has a push button switch on the surface of housing, when the button is pressed this constantly illuminates the LED's to show the current state of the booster's battery charge the charge is represented as follows.

1 LED = 15 -30% charge or below

2 LED's = 35 -70% charge

3 LED's = 75 -100% charge. Safety Circuit

The booster includes Over charge / Over discharge / Overcurrent and short circuit protection.

Customisation

The battery booster has been designed to allow factory and configuration level customization of the top surface. This customization can be in design, material, colour and or texture. This has been done as the device is going to be carried by consumers and as such it will be a personal item, for example a young girl may want a pink and studded faux diamond booster that she attaches to her handbag, whereas a 45 year old business man may want a more conservative design and colour scheme— the ability to customize on this one panel will keep the design and chassis generic and allow for later stage customization.

Quick Release Mechanism

The Booster has a sliding plate inserted into the upper end of the main housing. This plate has a mounting hole in it for attaching a key ring or other attachment device. The sliding plate is removed from the booster by lifting one end of the plate and sliding it off the main housing. This is a key feature of the design meaning that consumers can quickly remove the booster from the key ring and attach it to their mobile device. The quick release socket in the booster can also be used to mount and store other types of connectors or accessories for the boosters and in future versions will include power and data contacts to allow boosters to either receive power and/or data from and/or to provide data and/ or power to other devices.

Approvals

The Booster has the following approvals: UL, CE, UN-DOT, MFI, FCC.

The approvals markings are molded into the product housings.

7.0 Technical Specifications

Battery 2* HYB ICP471946P

Rated Capacity Typical 920mAh Charge profile Standard charge

Min 900mAh Discharge Standard discharge

Output Voltage 5.0V +/- 0.1V

Charge Limited Voltage 4.200 V +0.03V / -0.02V

Discharge Cut-off Voltage 3.0V +0 /- 0.2V

Standard Charge Constant Current: 0.75 C (600mA) Quick charge 1.0C C5A

Constant Voltage: 4.2V (800mA)

End-of-charge Current: 20mA

Standard Discharge Using 1.2 C(1.1A) constant Same as Std charge 1C2A current discharge to the Discharge (1140mA)

Cut-off Voltage.

Maximum Continuous 600mA + /- 0.02 A

Charge Current

Maximum Peak 1.2A +/- 0.1 A 1.2A @ 5.0V for 5 trims Discharge Current Maximum Continuous 1000mA +/- 0.02 A @ 5.0V

Discharge Current

Operating Temperature and Charge: 0 ~ 45° C Charge current < 0.1C

Humidity Range Humidity Less than 90%RH when the temperature is below 10°C

Discharge: - 20 ~ 45 °C

Humidity: Less than 90%RH

Cycle Life Booster must have greater than 80% of initial capacity

(>730 mA Norn) after 500 Cycles.

Leakage Booster must maintain 70% of fully charged capacity after

180 days from charge with no usage.

Storage Temperature and 1 month: -20 ~ 60 °C The booster should be Humidity Rang 3 month: -20 ~ 45°C cycled once every three

1 year: -20 ~ 25 °C months.

Humidity: 45%~85%RH

Weight 39.0 grams

Device Connectors Overmolded Apple Lightning Connector Male Overmolded Apple 1 -Phone 4 Connector Male

Overmolded Micro USB connector Male

Connector Insertion Force (Storage) 5.0 nm

Connector Removal Force (Storage) 5.0 nm

Connector Insertion Force (Useage) 3.0 nm Connector Removal Force (Useage) 3.0 nm

Charge time - 90 mins Max Charge Connectors Micro USB Type B - Female Sliding Full Size USB - Male

Main Housing PC-ABS Textured Finish

Top Housing / Bottom End Plate PC / PBT - Lexan - IML, Solid Colour, Dye

Sublimation

Quick Release Slider PC ABS - Textured Key Ring 28 MM OD Chromium Finish Steel Key Ring Caribiner + Chain Spring Loaded 22mm OD Nickel Plated 8mm elliptical links

Charge State LED's 3 Off blue LED's Charging Circuit Switching Charger Regulator Safety Circuit Over charge / Overdischarge / Overcurrent protection. Seiko S8261

Packaging Plastic Bag - Cardboard Matrix and Cardboard

Overpack

Retail Blister Packaging, Web Blister Packaging.

A walk-through referring to the Figures

The battery booster is small and light so that it can be attached to Key Fob or attached to a handbag and become part of the everyday objects a person carries around with them on a day-to-day basis thereby ensuring ready availability whenever an electronic device is running out of charge and needs to be boosted. Examples are shown in Figures 8, 24 and 25. The battery booster is easily removed by a quick release slider connector from the key fob or other article so that it can be attached to the device and the device can continue to be used as normal. Figure 10 shows the slide connector in normal position and Figure 11 shows how it can readily slide out of the housing, enabling the battery booster to be fixed to the base of a smartphone etc. without significantly increasing the overall width of the combined two devices.

The quick release slider design is especially useful as it gives the ability to expand the product later on: for example, there could be accessories like connectors for different devices, like e-cigarettes and game playing consoles, that would not fit into the above described housing. The accessories are designed to slide along the same grooves as the quick release slider and can hence be readily slid into position on the body of the booster; many different types of accessory are possible and hence provide a way to extend the functionality of the battery pack: for example, one accessory could have the large (typically 6mm diameter) power socket needed to re-charge an e-cigarette; another accessory could include a data communications module; another accessory could provide a wireless hotspot; another accessory (or any of the previously described accessories) could include an additional battery cell, or data storage Each accessory includes on its top surface the same grooves as the body of the battery pack, so that the quick release slider (or an additional accessory) can be slid into the top of the accessory. The quick release slider could also be replaced with a cover that is magnetically attached to the body of the battery pack: accessories would then magnetically attach to the body..

The booster has space for "3" different types of removable connectors in the examples shown in Figures 9, 10, and 15, but this could be extended - these connectors allow the booster to be connected to a range of popular electronic device interfaces— for example, each connector typically has a male plug conforming to a standard such as mini-B USB, micro-B USB, Apple iPhone 4 30 pin dock connector, Apple Lightning connector, USB standard A. The figures show the following: iPhone connector (Figures 16, 17, 22 and 23); Lightning connector (Figures 20 and 21; Micro USB connector (Figures 18 and 19); mini USB (Figures 12 and 13) . The battery booster has the ability to be recharged from 2 different types of integrated connector/ port; a full size USB Standard A connector can be slid out from one end. A mini USB female port is also included (Figures 10 and 11). These connectors can be used also (or alternatively) to charge a smartphone or other device, and/ or send/ receive data.

In one embodiment (Figure 24 and 25) the booster has an integrated solar cell panel that allows (either in isolation of in combination with the USB charging methods) recharging the battery in the booster.

With reference to Figure 8, 24 and 25 by way of example, the booster may have a housing which can be customised to a specific customer requirement and incorporate subject matter of interest to the user e.g. a football club logo, thus enabling the device to appear as an ordinary key ring accessory and therefore integrate into the everyday objects that the user carries around.

With reference to Figures 26 and 29 by way of example, in order to avoid unintentional discharge, the battery system is designed so that the booster electronics are not turned on until the device connector is placed into the use position-see Figure 22 for example. When this happens the center pin on the connector "boost enable" is shorted to ground this bias's a PNP transistor (Q4, Figures 26 and 29) which then supplies current to booster IC (U4, Figures 26 and 29) "enable pin" which then activates the booster converting the battery voltage to 5 V. When the device connector is removed this removes the bias from the transistor (Q4, Figures 26 and 29) and the booster IC (U4, Figures 26 and 29) is disabled.

Most boosters have a switch to turn them on and off; this battery booster does not have that; instead when moving the boost connector into the use position it automatically turns the booster on, meaning that the booster cannot be left switched on by accident and drain the booster battery unintentionally. This feature is named as "Auto Boost" Or "Auto On".

Maxi Boost

One variant of the invention is a larger battery booster called 'Maxi Boost'. Examples are shown in Figures 31 to 37.

Key Maxi Boost differences over the battery booster described above (we can call this the 'Mini') are:

2,400 mAmp lithium Polymer Battery

2.6 Amp Peak Current for 5 mins

2.4 Amp max continuous current

Charge rate 1.5 Amp

Type A and Micro USB Charging connectors turned 90 degrees

Enhancements The battery booster could include wireless communications capability (e.g. Bluetooth) to both Mini and Maxi variants. We can also include data storage - so we can send data back and forth between the booster and the phone when connected e.g. play music or a game stored in the booster and then played on the phone. Also, the battery booster could act as a wireless hotspot, and could also act as a USB / memory stick using any of the connectors - the charging connectors (i.e. the Type A USB and the Type B micro USB female port), and also through the device connectors.

Note

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

1. A portable battery pack for recharging an electronic device, in which the battery pack includes a body and a plug concealed within the body of the battery pack; and in which the plug can be re-positioned to extend from the body, so that the plug can be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged.

2. The battery pack of Claim 1 in which the battery pack includes a connector that is retained, when not in use, in the body of the battery pack, and the connector includes an integral plug, and in which the connector can be entirely removed from the body and then re-positioned back into the body but with the plug extending from the body, so that the plug can be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged.

3. The battery pack of Claim 2 in which the body includes a set of contacts in a socket on one side of the body that are normally covered by one of the connectors and when this connector is removed one of a number of different connectors can then be attached into the socket vacated by the connecter that has been removed, and then the connector that is inserted into the socket can be attached to the electronic device and supply it with power from the battery pack.

4. The battery pack of Claim 1 or 2 which is automatically powered up only when a plug or connector is re-positioned into a use' position, with the plug extending from the body.

5. The battery pack of Claim 1 or 2 in which the plug is one of the following: mini-B USB, micro-B USB, Apple iPhone 4 30 pin dock connector, Apple Lightning connector, USB standard A.

6. The battery pack of Claim 5 in which the battery pack includes two such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

7. The battery pack of Claim 5 in which the battery pack includes three such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

The battery pack of Claim 5 in which the battery pack includes four such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

The battery pack of Claim 5 in which the battery pack includes five or more such connectors, each with a different type of plug.

The battery pack of any preceding Claim including a plug which can be slid out from the body of the battery pack from a storage position in which it is retained within the body of the battery pack, to an in-use position in which it extends from the body and can then (a) be inserted directly into a matching socket in the electronic device that is to be recharged and/or (b) inserted directly into a port to enable the battery pack to be re-charged and/or (c) inserted into a port to send/receive data.

11. The battery pack of Claim 10 in which the plug is a USB standard A plug.

12. The battery pack of any preceding Claim which is charged by inserting one of the plugs into a power source.

13. The battery pack of any preceding Claim which also includes a female connector into which a standard charging plug, such as micro USB, can be inserted.

14. The battery pack of any preceding Claim with a small form factor enabling it to be connected directly to the electronic device to be charged without any intervening cable, without compromising the portability of the electronic device.

15. The battery pack of any preceding Claim with a small form factor with longest dimension not substantially greater than the width of a smartphone, such as approximately 7cm.

16. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1 — 14 with a small form factor with longest dimension not substantially greater than the width of a smartphone, such as approximately 8cm.

17. The battery pack of any preceding Claim with a weight less than 40 g.

18. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1- 16 with a weight less than 50 g.

19. The battery pack of any preceding Claim including a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 50% of full charge.

20. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1— 18 including a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 60% of full charge.

21. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1— 18 including a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 70% of full charge.

22. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1— 18 including a battery with sufficient capacity to charge a smartphone to no more than 100% of full charge.

23. The battery pack of any preceding Claim including a Li-ion battery of capacity of no more than 850 mAh.

24. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1 — 22 including a Li-ion battery of capacity of no more than 950 mAh.

25. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1 — 22 including a Li-ion battery of capacity of no more than 2500 mAh.

26. The battery pack of any preceding Claim 1—22 including a fuel cell of capacity of no more than 12000 mW.

27. The battery pack of any preceding Claim in which there is a cover inserted into an end of the body of the battery pack and this cover can be removed from the body for any one or more of the following purposes: (a) to enable the battery pack to be freed from any item, such as a key fob, to which the cover is attached; (b) to enable an accessory to replace the cover.

28. The battery pack of Claim 27 in which the cover is mechanically or magnetically engaged with the body of the battery pack and an accessory unit uses the same mechanical or magnetic engagement.

29. The battery pack of Claim 28 in which the cover or a further accessory can be attached to the accessory.

30. The battery pack of Claim 27— 29 in which an accessory includes a plug or port, such as a charging port for an e-cigarette.

31. The battery pack of Claim 27 — 29 in which an accessory includes a data communication module, such as wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB serial.

32. The battery pack of Claim 31 in which the accessory operates as a wireless hotspot.

33. The battery pack of Claim 27— 32 in which an accessory includes a data memory.

34. The battery pack of Claim 27— 32 in which an accessory includes a further battery.

35. The battery pack of Claim 27 -34 including a hoop to allow the battery pack to be threaded onto a key ring, the hoop being on the sliding plate.

36. The battery pack of any preceding Claim including a solar cell that trickle charges the battery in the battery pack.

37. The battery pack of any preceding Claim including at least one surface that

customized using specific design, material, colour and/ or texture.