Device charging system

Abstract

A portable device charging unit includes a battery, a base supporting the battery and including an inductive charging surface, and at least one retainer for selectively securing an electronic device in engagement against the inductive charging surface. In addition, a system may be provided for storing and dispensing one or more device charging units.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable device charging unit comprising:
 a battery;   a base supporting the battery and including an inductive charging surface; and   at least one retainer for selectively securing an electronic device in engagement against the inductive charging surface.   
     
     
         2 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes an arm that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the arm being configured to retain the electronic device while in the extended position. 
     
     
         3 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 2 , wherein the arm includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being extendable and retractable relative to the base, the second portion being extendable and retractable relative to the first portion. 
     
     
         4 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 2 , wherein the arm is slidable relative to the base. 
     
     
         5 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes an arm positioned adjacent an edge of the base portion, the arm biased to engage the electronic device and retain the electronic device relative to the inductive charging surface. 
     
     
         6 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a resilient member that is capable of accommodating electronic devices of various sizes and shapes. 
     
     
         7 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a receptacle formed from a resilient material, the receptacle configured to receive a portion of the electronic device. 
     
     
         8 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a band formed from a resilient material, the band extending across a corner of the charging surface. 
     
     
         9 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes an arm positioned adjacent an edge of the base portion and configured to engage an edge of the electronic device, the arm biased toward a retracted position. 
     
     
         10 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a clamp arm. 
     
     
         11 . The portable device charging unit of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a reusable adhesive surface positioned adjacent the inductive charging surface. 
     
     
         12 . A system for storing and dispensing charging units for portable electronic devices, the system comprising:
 at least one portable charging unit, the charging unit including a body and a battery supported on the body, the charging unit configured to engage an electronic device and provide electrical current to the electronic device; and   a terminal including a receptacle for storing the at least one portable charging unit, the terminal configured to provide electrical current to the battery.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the terminal is configured to inhibit removal of the charging unit until a predetermined condition has been satisfied. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the predetermined condition includes completion of a financial transaction. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the receptacle includes multiple slots, each slot configured to receive one of the charging units. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the charging unit body includes an inductive charging surface, and at least one retainer for selectively securing the electronic device in engagement against the inductive charging surface. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the retainer includes an arm that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the arm configured to engage and retain the electronic device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the retainer includes a receptacle formed from a resilient material, the receptacle configured to receive a portion of the electronic device. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the retainer includes a band formed from a resilient material, the band extending across a corner of the charging surface. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the retainer includes a reusable adhesive surface positioned adjacent the inductive charging surface.