IP Verse

Portable Vehicle Battery Jump Starter With Air Pump

Patent No. US11611222 (titled "Portable Vehicle Battery Jump Starter With Air Pump") was filed by The Noco Co on Dec 14, 2018.

What is this patent about?

’222 is related to the field of portable vehicle jump starters, specifically addressing the need for a compact device that can both jump-start a vehicle and inflate tires. Traditional solutions often involve separate devices, long power cords, and safety concerns related to improper cable connections. The invention aims to consolidate these functions into a single, user-friendly apparatus.

The underlying idea behind ’222 is to integrate a rechargeable lithium-ion battery , a jump-starting circuit, and an air compressor into a single portable unit. This is achieved by using a microcontroller to manage power distribution, monitor battery status, and ensure safe operation by preventing reverse polarity connections and isolating the battery when no vehicle battery is detected.

The claims of ’222 focus on a vehicle battery jump starter with an air pump, comprising a cover, a rechargeable battery as an internal power supply, a vehicle jump starter powered by the battery, an air pump powered by the battery, and a USB input port for charging the rechargeable battery. This combination provides a self-contained solution for both jump-starting and tire inflation.

In practice, the device uses sensors to detect the presence and polarity of a connected vehicle battery. A FET smart switch , controlled by the microcontroller, connects the internal lithium-ion battery to the output port only when a valid battery connection is detected. The air pump is also powered by the same battery, allowing for tire inflation without external power.

This design differentiates itself from prior art by integrating multiple functions into a single portable unit, enhancing user convenience and safety. The use of a microcontroller enables features like reverse polarity protection and automatic shut-off, addressing common safety concerns associated with traditional jump-starting methods. The highly conductive frame ensures efficient power transfer during jump starts, while the Li-ion battery provides a lightweight and powerful energy source.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the late 2010s when ’222 was filed, jump starting a car typically required jumper cables and another vehicle, while portable air pumps often used loud, vibrating compressors powered by a DC cord plugged into the vehicle's accessory port. At a time when lithium battery technology was advancing, combining jump starting and air compression into a single portable device presented engineering challenges related to power management, safety, and component miniaturization.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner approved the application because an updated search of prior art did not reveal any reference that anticipated or made obvious the independent claim. The allowed claim includes a vehicle battery jump starter with an air pump, where the internal power supply is a rechargeable battery. The vehicle battery jump starter is connected to and powered by the rechargeable battery, and the air pump is disposed within the cover and powered by the same rechargeable battery. The device also includes a USB input port for charging the rechargeable battery. The examiner stated that the combination of a USB input port for charging a rechargeable battery, a battery jump starter, and an air pump, all within a single enclosure, was not disclosed or obvious in the prior art.

Claims

This patent includes 23 claims, with claim 1 being the sole independent claim. Independent claim 1 is directed to a vehicle battery jump starter with an air pump, incorporating a cover, internal power supply (rechargeable battery), jump starter, air pump, and USB input port. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific features, components, or configurations of the device described in the independent claim, such as the type of rechargeable battery, details of the USB input port, inclusion of an air hose, and additional safety or functionality features.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Air pump
(Claim 1)		“The present invention relates to a vehicle battery jump starter with a battery powered air pump (e.g. air compressor) for providing jump starting of vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, van, motorcycles, boat, aircraft, and other vehicles or equipment having a starting battery) and for providing a supply of pressurized air, for example, for inflating vehicle tires. Vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, and buses require an air pump for providing pressured air, for example, for inflating the vehicle tires.”A device for providing a supply of pressurized air.
Rechargeable battery
(Claim 1)		“A hand-held, portable device powered by its internal battery source for inflating air into tires, as well as, jump starting a vehicles engine, can comprise a rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery pack, a DC motor, and a micro controller. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the internal power supply is a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack.”A battery that can be recharged and reused as a power source for the jump starter and air pump.
Usb input port
(Claim 1)		“Power Pass Through technology is included to allow for charging the lithium battery while pumping tires simultaneously.”A port that allows the rechargeable battery to be charged via a USB connection.
Vehicle battery jump starter
(Claim 1)		“The present invention relates to a vehicle battery jump starter with a battery powered air pump (e.g. air compressor) for providing jump starting of vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, van, motorcycles, boat, aircraft, and other vehicles or equipment having a starting battery) and for providing a supply of pressurized air, for example, for inflating vehicle tires. The vehicle battery jump starter relates generally to a device or apparatus for jump-starting a vehicle having a depleted or discharged vehicle battery.”A device that provides sufficient power to start a vehicle with a depleted battery.

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US11611222

THE NOCO CO
Application Number
US16772344
Filing Date
Dec 14, 2018
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Dec 14, 2038
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents