Fold-flat car charger interface
A car charger interface, adapted for connection with a car charger socket, is connected to an electronic device or portable charger unit and movable between an extended condition for use and a retracted condition for storage. The interface has a generally flat shape when not in use and can be unfolded to a shape adapted for complementary connection with the car charger socket for use. The interface comprises a first portion and a second portion movable relative to one another between folded and unfolded conditions. The second portion may comprise wings pivotally connected along the first portion for pivoting to an unfolded position projecting from the first portion to form a generally X-shaped adapter body. Alternately, the second portion may be positioned at the longitudinal end of the first portion and connected thereto via a pivot point at the central longitudinal axis thereof for pivotal movement.
1. A car charger interface adapted to be inserted within a car charger socket for electrical connection therewith, said car charger interface comprising:
a first portion; and
a second portion;
wherein the second portion is movable relative to the first portion between a folded condition and an unfolded condition and defines at least one wing pivotally connected to the first portion along a central longitudinal axis of the first portion, said at least one wing being pivotable between the folded condition where said at least one wing is disposed adjacent to the first portion and the unfolded condition where said at least one wing projects away from the first portion;
wherein the car charger interface assumes a shape adapted for complementary connection with the car charger socket when the second portion is in the unfolded condition.
2. The car charger interface according to claim 1 , wherein the car charger interface is flat when the second portion is in the folded condition.
3. The car charger interface according to claim 1 , wherein the car charger interface defines an X-shaped body when the second portion is in the unfolded condition.
4. The car charger interface according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion is mounted at the longitudinal end of the first portion and connected thereto via a pivot point aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the first portion for movement between the folded and unfolded conditions.
5. The car charger interface according to claim 1 , further comprising a positive electrical contact and a negative electrical contact.
6. The car charger interface according to claim 5 , wherein the positive electrical contact and the negative electrical contact are both disposed on the first portion of the car charger interface.
7. The car charger interface according to claim 5 , wherein the positive electrical contact is disposed on the first portion and the negative electrical contact is disposed on the second portion.
8. The car charger interface according to claim 1 , wherein the car charger interface is physically and electrically connected to an electronic device.
9. The car charger interface according to claim 8 , wherein the electronic device comprises a device housing defining a cavity for storage of the car charger interface therein, wherein when the car charger interface is disposed within the three-dimensional footprint of the device housing when the car charger interface is stored within the cavity.
10. The car charger interface according to claim 9 , wherein the car charger interface is movable between an extended condition where the interface extends away from the device housing, and a retracted condition where the interface is storable within the storage cavity formed in the device housing.
11. The car charger interface according to claim 10 , wherein the car charger interface is movable relative to the device for motion about at least one of a pitch axis, a yaw axis and a roll axis.
12. The car charger interface according to claim 9 , wherein the car charger interface is slidable between the retracted condition and the extended condition.
13. The car charger interface according to claim 12 , wherein the car charger interface is movable relative to the device for motion about at least one of a pitch axis, a yaw axis and a roll axis.