Battery charger with collapsible battery positioning and support apparatus

摘要

A collapsible battery charger having a casing with one or more folding supports that generally conform to the casing when closed and that provide receptacles when opened that position rechargeable batteries so as to form an electrical connection between the batteries and the charger. Preferably, an electronic circuit for converting supplied ac or dc current to dc current suitable for recharging batteries is housed in the casing. Interchangeable cords with a variety of plug conformations adapt the charger to standard electrical outlets. The folding supports can accommodate batteries of varying size and capacity and preferably are configured to mate with structural features on the intended batteries in order to securely support and accurately position the batteries on the charger. In a preferred form of the invention, the casing comprises a first support that pivots open to an obtuse angle and a second support that pivots open to an acute angle. In an alternative embodiment, the first support slides laterally in conjunction with pivoting open. The first support is configured to receive a battery that is attached to an electronic device and to allow operation of the electronic device while the battery is in connection with the charger.