ELECTRONIC DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This Application claims priority to and benefit under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/156,084, filed May 1, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to chargers for electronic devices such as watches, phones and for other wearable consumer electronics devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] With increasing regula rity, people are using and relying upon their watches and mobile devices. This is particularly the case as "smart watches" which are understood as those watches with certain computerized functionality similar to other mobile devices such as smart phones. One clear advantage of the smart watch is that it is generally smaller in form than its counterpart mobile device. For purposes of this disclosure, mobile devices can include tablets, smart phones, and the like that are used for many daily important tasks. Unfortunately, similar to mobile devices, smart watches can consume a significant amount of energy and thus drain their batteries at alarming rates. In this respect, a common complaint amongst consumers who have used smart watches is the relatively short battery life. Whereas conventional watches can include batteries that last many years between maintenance or replacement, most smart watches require daily or periodic charging (and often periodic charges throughout the day).

[0004] To resolve this problem, some charging devices have been devised similar to those known to be in use with mobile devices. For instance, charging devices can include standard plug-in wall cords or power adapters that plug directly into USB ports on other computing devices. However, it is generally inconvenient to have to physically remove your watch regularly in order to maintain a functioning watch. These cords/adaptors are generally expensive and specifically adapted to fit a single type or version of a device.

Further, relying on charging cables directly requires the user to carry these specialized cords/adaptors around with them at all times in case the battery requires a charge. If the user does not wish to carry cables with them, they are forced to return to the same charging location each time a charge is required. Further, cables have been known to tangle easily and/or wear down from being continually tangling or bending which both wastes the user's time in terms of untangling cables prior to use, waste resources in construction of the cables, as well as generally frustrating the user.

[0005] Other solutions on the market have been known to resolve some of these problems but important problems with these solutions remain including added bulk, weight, cable, and limited functionality. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a charging device for watches as well as to other wearable devices to resolve these and other problems plagued by the art.

SUMMARY

[0006] The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] A charging device for an add-on electrical device such as a watch can include a member and a battery. The member may have a plura lity of electrical contacts, the member being operable to mechanically connect with a band operatively connected to the watch. The battery may be electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the member such that the electrical contacts of the member are capable of transmitting an electrical charge to the watch.

[0008] The member may be a band that partia lly or substantia lly corresponds to a circumference of a band of the watch or wrist of an end-user. The electrical contacts of the member may be formed in at least one charging module. I n this respect, one or more additional batteries may be positioned on, upon or within the band, the cha rging module and the batteries of the device being in electrical communication through the band. The ba nd in turn may be constructed from a plurality of pliable sections positioned between or in electrical communication with the charging module and the batteries of the band. [0009] The batteries of the charging device may be substantially spherical or rectangular though any shape or design may be used according to need or preference. The batteries may also be detachable or integrally formed with the band and/or the charging module. The electrical contacts of the member may also be electrically connected with the battery of the watch through inductive charging.

[0010] In other embodiments, a charging system for an add-on electrical device such as a watch is disclosed. The system can include one or more electrical devices (e.g. the watch in this instance) including a watch battery and a watch band. The watch may have a plurality of electrical contacts in electrical communication with the watch battery. The system can also include a charging device having a member with a plurality of electrical contacts and being operable to mechanically connect with the watch band or the watch. The charging device may also have a battery electrically connected to the electrical contacts of the member. The electrical contacts of the member may be capable of transmitting an electrical charge to the watch when the charging device and watch are operatively connected.

[0011] The charging device may be any previously described device. In this respect, the electrical contacts of the watch may be disposed on a clip connected to the watch band. Preferably, the electrical contacts of the clip can be formed in a recess corresponding to the charging module of the charging device. However, the design is not so limited and instead there could be a recess and corresponding protrusion. The clip and the charging module in this embodiment may be securely engaged to each other by one or more magnetic fasteners, snap or click fit connectors, bolts, clamps, and/or latches. The clip may also be operable to adjust a diameter of the watch band. The batteries of the charging device may optionally be detachable and any of the batteries and/or pliable sections of the charging device can be formed from a plurality of distinct colors or motifs.

[0012] In other embodiments, the electrical contacts of the watch being disposed on a different clip connected to the watch band. The electrical contacts of the charging device in this embodiment may be detachably connected to the electrical contacts of the clip through one or more corresponding fasteners. The one or more corresponding fasteners can include magnetic fasteners, snap or click fit connectors, bolts, clamps, and/or latches. Preferably, the clip can include an attachment recess operable to securely engage with a corresponding connector of the charging device. The charging device in turn may have one or more release latches operable to be actuated and release the charging device from being securely engaged with the clip. Note that the relief latch could optionally be positioned on the watch band as well. Actuating in this manner may also cause an electrical charge to flow between the charging device and the watch. The charging device in this embodiment may be generally planar, rectangular, and/or shaped to correspond to the clip.

[0013] In other embodiments, the electrical contacts of the watch may be disposed on the watch band itself or a corresponding pad. The electrical contacts of the charging device are therefore operable to be detachably connected to the electrical contacts of the watch band. In this particular embodiment, the member may be designed to slidably encircle and/or correspond with one or more portions of the watch band. Preferably, the charging device can be slidably engaged under a connector plate or pad adjacent to a watch case of the watch thereby electrically connecting the charging device with the watch. In this respect, the member of the charging device may partially or substantially encircle the watch band. The member may be formed from one or more pliable sections and/or less pliable or rigid sections as needed or required. Similarly, the member may be formed from one or more colors or motifs.

[0014] Preferably, the member can further include an inwardly extending portion in communication with a planar section corresponding to watch case and/or a pad in communication with the watch case. The electrical contacts of the charging device may in turn be disposed on the inwardly extending portion and/or the planar section. The watch band can include one or more recessed portions operable to slidably engage with the member of the charging device.

[0015] The member and the watch band may be detachably connected to each other by one or more corresponding fasteners such as magnetic fasteners, snap fit or click fit connectors, bolts, clamps, latches, and/or hook and loop fasteners.

[0016] A modular powered wrist assembly is also provided having a first and second bracelet. The first bracelet may be releasably attachable with the second bracelet, wherein the first or second bracelet comprises a battery. The first or second bracelet may include an electrical contact in electrical communication with the battery and operably situated for communication with an add-on electrical device. The add-on electrical device may be a watch or any other wearable computing device. In this respect, a single contiguous bracelet may be formed when the first bracelet is attached with the second bracelet. The battery and/or electrical contact may be comprised in the second bracelet and/or the first bracelet.

[0017] In other embodiments, a charging device for a wearable electronic apparatus is disclosed including a member and a battery. The member may have a plurality of electrical contacts and be operable to mechanically and electrically connect with the apparatus. The battery may electrically connect to the electrical contacts of the member such that the electrical contacts of the member being capable of transmitting an electrical charge to the apparatus. The member may include a band that partially or substantially corresponds to a circumference of a limb of an end-user.

[0018] The member may further comprise a pliable band. The electrical contacts of the member may be formed in at least one charging module in communication with the band.

[0019] The band in turn may be in electrical communication with electrical contacts of the apparatus. The electrical contacts of the member may be disposed on a clip detachably connected to the band. Electrical contacts of the battery of the charging device may be detachably connected to the electrical contacts of the clip. The clip and the charging device may also be detachably connected to each other by one or more corresponding fasteners.

[0020] The clip may further comprise an attachment recess or protrusion operable to securely engage with a corresponding connector of the charging device. The charging device in turn may have one or more release latches positioned on the clip or on the band, wherein actuating the one or more release latches releases the charging device from being securely engaged with the clip.

[0021] In other embodiments, wherein the band is formed from first and second circumferential portions, the second portion being operable to slidably encircle or otherwise correspond substantially or partially with the first portion. The second portion may be slidably engaged with the first portion under a connector plate adjacent to the apparatus thereby electrically connecting the battery of the charging device to the apparatus. The second portion may partially or substantially encircle the first portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second portion may further comprise an inwardly extending section and planar section corresponding to the connector plate, the electrical contacts of the charging device being disposed on the inwardly extending section. The first portion may also include one or more recessed portions operable to slidably engage with the second portion. The first and second portions may be detachably connected to each other by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners can include magnetic fasteners, snap fit connectors, bolts, clamps, latches, and/or hook and loop fasteners.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the charging device and the watch are capable of including an inductive or capacitive charging coil within the charging device or the watch itself. In such embodiments, a watch capable of inductive charging may be charged or be provided for access to additional power using inductive charging without requiring access to, and occupation of, electrical contacts operable to physically connecting via an existing power and/or data port of the watch.

[0024] An external battery monitor may also be provided, the monitor being operable to indicate power remaining in the battery of the charging device and/or battery of the watch. The external battery monitor may be provided with functionality to control the flow of electrical charge between the charging device and the add-on electrical device (e.g. a watch). Often in certain embodiments, when the level of charge remaining in the watch reaches a pre-determined level (e.g., about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30% or any other desired level) a circuit is actuated to permit the flow of electrical charge between a battery of the charging device (or from an external power supply) and the battery or power system of the watch. This gated charge flow functionality may be optionally customizable or controllable, frequently in real-time, using an external computing device. In certain related embodiments, the external battery monitor is operably connected with an alarm or notification provided to the user via the external computing device when a certain time or charge level of has been achieved.

[0025] The battery monitor can be externally visible including through one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In certain embodiments, these LEDs are visible from either or both of the front and back of the charging device. The one or more LEDs may be disposed internal to a member of the charging device or the watch, wherein the LEDs may emit light through a gap between portions of the charging device or also through a partially or substantially transparent portion of the charging device. The gap may be formed from at least one void, hole, aperture, bore, cavity, chamber or orifice.

[0026] The battery monitor may also be wirelessly connected to an external computing device. In this respect, the battery monitor and the external computing device are wirelessly connected through radio waves such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, WiMAX, WiMAX2, LTE, and/or HSDPA. The external computing device may optionally communicate with the battery monitor through an application resident on the external computing device to remotely monitor the battery of the housing and/or the mobile device. The external computing device can be another watch or could also be a phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop computer. In this respect, the external computing device can be the watch in the system itself or can be another device independent of the watch and charging device.

[0027] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary charging system in an exploded state.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a charging module with exemplary batteries of the charging device depicted in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary watch depicted in the system of

FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 but in a connected state.

[0032] FIG. 5a is a rear perspective view of another exemplary charging system, wherein the aft portion of the charging device is depicted connected to an exemplary watch.

[0033] FIG. 5b is a forward perspective view of the system of FIG. 5a, wherein the forward portion of the watch is visible and shown connected to the charging device of FIG. 5a.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5a and 5b in an exploded state showing the electrical contacts of the band in communication with the watch and the charging device prior to being engaged. [0035] FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, wherein the system has been oriented so that the watch is facing forward.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a system similar to FIGS. 6-7, wherein the charging device has an externally visible battery monitor.

[0037] FIG. 9a is a forward perspective view of another exemplary charging system, wherein the forward portion of an exemplary watch is depicted in an exploded stated prior to being connected with an exemplary charging device.

[0038] FIG. 9b is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 9a, wherein the rear portion of the watch and charging device are visible and shown prior to being connected.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the systems of FIGS. 9a and 9b, wherein the system is now shown in a connected state.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a close up of the system of FIGS. 9-10 prior to being assembled showing how the exemplary watch and exemplary charging device operatively connecting with each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The features of the presently disclosed solution may be economically molded or assembled by using one or more distinct parts and associated components which, may be assembled together for removable or integral application. Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0042] In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, application, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference. [0043] As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more." As used herein, the term "user", "subject", "end-user" or the like is not limited to a specific entity or person. For example, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses the systems and methods described herein, and frequently may be a technician or person donning and/or using any of the herein disclosed devices. However, this term is not limited to end users or technicians and thus encompasses a variety of persons or entities who can use the disclosed systems and methods.

[0044] As used herein, the term "watch" is used herein with reference to any type of watch including a conventional watch with an integrally formed watch band or a watch with a removable and/or adjustable band. It is also understood to include "smartwatch" which are known to be watches with computer and/or mobile device functionality including:

computing tasks, cameras or accelerometers, ability to send and receive messages or telephone calls, as well as include any number of sensors to receive, store, and transmit information wirelessly or through physical data links. Watch can also include any to-be- designed computing device that is wearable. Any watch described herein is not intended to impart any specific directionality unless specifically noted, but rather is merely for purposes of particularity and ease of reference.

[0045] The disclosed solution can now be better understood turning to the following detailed description. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the embodiments as ultimately defined in the claims. Specifically, FIGS. 1-11 show various exemplary embodiments of the herein described improved charging devices for use with a watch.

[0046] Specifically, FIGS. 1-4 describe a charging system 10. System 10 in FIG. 1 can be seen in an exploded state prior to charging device 30 being connected or in electrical communication with exemplary watch 50. It can be seen that charging device 30 may be donned by a user similar to a bracelet and thus may be a pliable or flexible band. In this respect, device 30 may be a modular charging device that is releasably attachable with watch 50. In one embodiment, device 30 may be a bracelet and watch 50 may be an add-on electrical device operable to receive device 30 (e.g. modular charging device) to form a single contiguous bracelet. However, the design is not so limited and device 30 may be substantially rigid or relatively inflexible and thus resist the urge to flex or bend. [0047] Exemplary watch 50 may include band 52 in communication with watch case 57 with an internally positioned watch battery. Watch case 57 may record and display time in the manner similar to conventional watches. Watch case 57 may also include a graphical user interface operative to receive and process input from a user through one or more sensors of watch 50 (or any sensors, devices, networks, or servers wirelessly connected thereto). As watch 50 undertakes more tasks either as a conventional watch or as a "smart watch", the battery of watch 50 has been known to drain at a rate faster than expected or desired by the end user. To resolve these and other problems, charging device 30 provides the ability to charge watch 50 (or replace or service the battery of watch 50).

[0048] Device 30 may be constructed into a band with one or more batteries 37 and corresponding portions 32. Portions 32 may be relatively pliable (e.g. constructed from leather, rubber, polymers, fabrics or other flexible and/or elastic materials) or may be relatively inflexible (e.g. metal, rigid plastics, or the like). Any number of material combinations is possible according to need or preference. Batteries 37 and portions 32 may be integrally formed with each other or may be detachable with each other as needed or required. Turning to FIG. 2 is a close-up view of one section of device 30, wherein module 34 is seen positioned between a plurality of batteries 37 and corresponding portions 32. In one exemplary embodiment, portions 32 are pliable and batteries 37 are bead-like, each of portions 32 and batteries 37 being constructed from any number of colors and/or motifs for added customization. For example, portions 32 may be coated with leather or any other desirous pliable material and each of batteries 37 may be formed from some metallic bead.

[0049] However, any number of shapes, sizes, material constructions, and/or coatings for each of batteries 37 and portions 32 is possible including being substantially cylindrical, spherical, rectangular, triangular or any other shape, size and batteries 37 specifically may be of any storage capacity.

[0050] Preferably, batteries 37 together or individually may be capable of operating at a voltage range of up to 5 volts though the design is not so limited and the batteries 37, storage capacity, and current draw may be modified as needed or required. One or more charging modules 34 may also be provided in device 30 having electrical contacts 35a and 35b operable to be electrically connected with electrical contacts 55a and 55b of watch 50. As can be seen in both FIGS. 1 and 2, module 34 may be spherical or bead-like and operable to be securely engaged with clip 56 of watch 50. Clip 56 in turn may be a conventional clip for watches in that it can adjust the diameter of the watch band 52 to snugly conform and be donned by the end-user. However, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-2, clip 56 may also be electrically connected to watch case 57 through band 52. Watch 50 may further include pad 58 to facilitate mechanical and electrical connection of band 52 and watch case 57. Clip 56 may further include an attachment mechanism 54 to securely engage and electrically connect device 30 by receiving charging module 34.

[0051] Preferably, as seen in FIG. 3 which shows a forward perspective view of watch 50, mechanism 54 may be constructed from a recess portion on the perimeter, edge, or other surface of clip 56 designed to snugly receive charging module 34. This engagement between mechanism 54 and module 34 is best seen in FIG. 4 where device 30 and watch 50 are depicted being electrically and securely connected to each other. Preferably, mechanism 54 may securely engage with charging module 34 through one or more magnetic fasteners and corresponding receivers. Module 34 can be easily positioned and received by mechanism 54 by being magnetically drawn until contacts 55a, 55b, 35a, and 35b are securely engaged and electrically connected to each other. Once securely engaged, an electrical charge can flow between charging device 30 and watch 50. However, any number of fastening mechanisms can be used, including snap fit connectors, bolts, clamps, magnets, and/or latches. Similarly, the recess of mechanism 54 may be positioned anywhere desired on clip 56 or similar device or portion of watch 50 according to need or preference in a manner where module 34 can be securely engaged therewith.

[0052] FIGS. 5 through 8 depict various embodiments of another exemplary system 110, wherein it should be noted that features with similar numeric designations (e.g. device 30 and 130) correspond to modified versions of previously described features in FIGS. 1 through 4. Accordingly, FIG. 5a depicts watch 150 mechanically and electrically connected with charging device 130. FIG. 5b depicts the same embodiment of FIG. 5a but with the forward face of case 157 oriented forwards. Similar to previous embodiments, watch 150 may include watch case 157 in communication with pad 158 and band 152. In the connected state, it can be seen that device 130 may be securely engaged with clip 156 of watch 150 or with a corresponding clasp 148 that is externally positioned on band 152.

[0053] Device 130 may include one or more batteries 137 that are integrally formed with or between portions 132 of the device 130 itself or batteries 137 may be detachably connected thereto. For example, portions 132 may form a housing capable of housing one or more batteries 137. Device 130 may also include one or more actuators 139 as explained more particularly below.

[0054] Turning to FIG. 6, system 110 is depicted in an exploded state prior to devices 130 and 150 being mechanically and electrically connected to each other. Electrical contacts 135a and 135b of device 130 may be disposed on an inner surface of device 130 operable to correspond to the external portion of clasp 148. Adjacent to and in

communication with contacts 135a and 135b may be attachment mechanism 134.

Mechanism 134 may be disposed in a recess of the inner surface of device 130 wherein one or more fasteners, snap fit connectors, bolts, clamps, magnets, and/or latches is capable of mechanically connecting with corresponding fastening mechanism 154 of watch 150. In a preferred embodiment, mechanism 134 is in mechanical communication with actuator 139 of device 130. Actuator 139 may be externally accessible and capable of receiving input from a user by being depressed, translated, or otherwise moved. Actuating actuator 139 in turn can cause mechanism 134 to mechanically and electrically connect with corresponding mechanism 154 of watch 150 or it can also release mechanisms 134 and 154 from each other.

[0055] Clasp mechanism 154 can include a recess corresponding to mechanism 134 along with one or more corresponding fasteners such as one or more snap fit receivers, alignment apertures, bolts, pins, clamps, latches, or even hook and loop fasteners.

Mechanisms 154 and 134 may also fasten through a series of guide rails to facilitate slidable engagement. Once mechanisms 131 and 154 are securely engaged, an electrical charge can flow between charging device 130 and watch 150. Similarly, recesses of mechanisms 154 and/or 134 may be positioned anywhere desired or not included at all according to according to need or preference.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a similar perspective view of the embodiments of FIG. 6 with devices 130 and 150 in an exploded stated prior to being connected, wherein the face of watch case 157 is oriented facing forward. FIG. 8 similarly depicts system 110 in an exploded state, wherein device 130 now includes a battery monitor. In this embodiment, the battery monitor may be one or more externally positioned and/or visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) 120, or provide another visual indication to a user of the power remaining in the battery. Preferably, the LEDs 120 may be externally positioned on device 130 between portions 132. [0057] In certain related embodiments, actuator 139 or other actuators (e.g. other buttons not depicted) provides actuation and/or can provide an indication of the power level in watch 150 or charging device 130. Often, different actions (e.g., applying a predetermined force versus pressing and holding for a predetermined period of time) are taken to actuate the LEDs. Actuators 139 may also be used to control the flow of charge between batteries of either or both of devices 130 and 150 by closing or opening a circuit formed therebetween.

[0058] FIGS. 9 through 11 depict similar solutions of the previously described systems 10 and 110, wherein it should again be noted that features with similar numeric designations (e.g. device 30, 130, and 230) correspond to modified versions of previously described features in FIGS. 1 through 8. Turning to the figures themselves, FIG. 9a depicts another charging system 210 with watch 250 and charging device 230 in an exploded state prior to being electrically and mechanically connected to each other. For purposes of clarity, watch 250 and corresponding device 230 are oriented facing forwards. FIG. 9b simply depicts the same embodiment of FIG. 9a but with device 230 and watch 250 oriented facing backwards.

[0059] Watch 250 can be seen including watch case 257 in communication with pad 258 and band 252. In FIG. 9b, it can be seen that pad 258 which is positioned aft of case 257 is slightly modified from previously described pads 58/158. More specifically, contacts 255a and 255b of watch 250 are seen positioned on an internally facing surface of pad 258 (i.e. the surface that would contact a user's wrist during use). Comparing FIGS. 9a and 9b with FIG. 10 when system 210 is now depicted in a connected state, it can be seen that device 230 is operable to be slidably positioned and engaged with watch 250.

[0060] Turning back to FIG. 9a, device 230 may be formed from in a shape and manner that substantially corresponds to band 252 of watch 250. More specifically, device 230 may be formed or molded from one or more pliable sections and/or stiffer, rigid sections. Preferably, as seen in FIG. 9a, device 230 may be formed from an upper curved section 221 corresponding to the upper curved section of band 252 extending upward away from pad 258 and case 257. Section 221 may include one or more portions of battery 237 or may include one or more batteries 237 altogether. Upper portion of band 252 may be designed to have a recessed portion with a support flange to slidably and securely receive device 230 via portion 221. Extending downward from portion 221 may be attachment mechanism 234 with contacts 233a and 233b. Mechanism 234 may be less than, or equally flexible, as portion 221. In this respect, mechanism 234 may have one or more inwardly extending surfaces with an interior section planar or parallel with pad 258 in the connected state. Contacts 233a and 233b may be positioned on the inner, planar surface of mechanism 234 in a manner corresponding with contacts 255a and 255b of pad 258. Lower portion 222, of similar design and construction as portion 221, extends away from mechanism 234 in a manner corresponding to the lower portion of band 252.

[0061] Preferably, portions 221 and 222 device 230 are therefore slid over and around band 252 and mechanism234 is slid between pad 258 and case 257. Once securely engaged, contacts 233a, 233b, 255a, and 255b may be in electrical communication in a manner that closes a circuit defined therebetween so that an electrical charge may flow between device 230 and watch 250. This is more clearly seen in FIG. 11 which shows a close-up of system 210 just prior to being in the connected state. More specifically, portion 221 may be operable to substantially correspond with recessed portion 251 of device 250. Device 230 can be slid over portion 251 until contacting edge 249. Edge 249 may optionally include a groove or fastening feature so that sliding device 230 into position by contacting edge 249 can cause a secure, yet releasable engagement. In positioning 221 during this translation, mechanism 234 may be caused to similarly contact mechanism 254 now positioned on the inner surface of pad 258. The upper and lower inwardly extending curved portions or elbows of mechanism 234 when being slid between case 257 and pad 258 can ensure that device 230 is securely engaged to watch 250 in the connected state.

[0062] Optionally, device 230 may comprise forward facing 229 or perimetral 231 flange surfaces on, adjacent to, or otherwise in communication with the one or more batteries 237 of device 230. It should be noted that pad 258 may be operable to modulate heat transfer between and from case 257 during use. Pad 258 may also be constructed from relatively pliable or contrastingly inflexible, rigid materials, or any combination thereof, depending on need or preference.

[0063] As described and depicted in FIGS. 9-11, device 230 may be operable to slidably engage with watch 250, since device 230 can substantially or partially surround band 252 depending on need or preference. However, device 230 is not so limited and any number of pliable portions, planar surfaces, electrical contacts, inwardly extending elbows or curved sections, or fastening mechanisms can be used to create system 210 in any manner and shape. For example, fastening mechanisms in system 210 could optionally include use of one or more corresponding flange and recess portions as well as bolts, cables, clamps, dowels, hooks, keys, latches, locks, snap fit connectors, hook and loop fasteners or the like. Moreover, device 230 and its constituent features can be formed by being permanently welded or integrally formed together (e.g. through molding).

[0064] Systems 10, 110, 210 can include an accessible cable port positioned on, partially within, or otherwise in communication with devices 30, 130, 230. In turn, devices 30, 130, and 230 can be charged and there to operate with any known external power supply including outlets that impart between 110V and 220V. However, systems 10, 110, 210 are not so limited and can be modified to any power supply environment without exceeding the scope of the herein described solution.

[0065] At any given time in most embodiments, devices 30, 130, 230 may be (1) powering, or available to power, a mobile device when operatively connected to the mobile device; or (2) connected with an external power supply such as a wall outlet, a computer, or another mobile power supply. Though a power cord may be used in certain embodiments that utilize the above-referenced cable port, it is not needed. The power level status of the battery or power source of devices 30, 130, 230 can be easily monitored through an externally observable battery monitor. For example, the power level status can be observed via LED indicators, or monitored and/or controlled using an external computing device such as watch 50, 150, 250 itself or another external computing device.

[0066] Optionally, the battery monitor may be externally visible since the one or more LED lights can be seen through a gap, void, hole, aperture, bore, cavity, orifice, or the like in devices 30, 130, 230. Further, a plurality of LED lights or plurality of different colors may be included, wherein the number or color being emitted may indicate the amount of charge remaining in either or both of respective batteries 37, 137, 237 and the battery of respective watch 50, 150, 250. The one or more LED lights may also be visible through a partially or substantially transparent portion of device 30, 130, 230. Optionally, the battery monitor may include a digital display externally visible by a user. The LED lights may be visible from either the front and/or back of device 30, 130, 230.

[0067] Optionally, the battery monitor may also be wirelessly connected to watch 50, 150, 250 itself and/or an external computing device when system 10, 110, 210 is electrically coupled to external power supply. It is understood that the external computing device may be another watch, phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or the like. In this respect, the battery monitor may be wirelessly connected through radio waves such as through wireless LAN, Bluetooth, interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.16 family of wireless-networks standards ratified by the WiMAX Forum (WiMAX), Long-term Evolution (LTE), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA). Watch 50, 150, 250 and/or any external computing device may operatively communicate with the battery monitor of system 10, 110, 210 preferably through an application resident in either or both devices.

[0068] FIGS. 1-11 depict specific implementations of the herein disclosed solution. However, systems 10, 110, and 210 are not so limited and many alterations and

modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments disclosed and described herein. Similarly, the herein disclosed charging systems 10, 110, and 210 are not limited to charging watches but could also charge mobile devices and other electronic devices including consumer goods with rechargeable batteries such as cameras, video recorders, battery chargers,

toothbrushes, or electric shavers. Therefore, it is understood that the illustrated and described embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they are not to be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments include other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

[0069] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. It is also contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination(s).

[0070] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.

[0071] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned

embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as

"comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.