Energy pack and individual battery cell cartridge

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a cartridge comprising a rectangular base and four side walls which form a cavity into which an energy pack or a plurality of individual battery cells, either primary or secondary, are locatable. The cartridge is securable to an electrical apparatus by a latching mechanism. Alternatively, the cartridge can be integral therewith. In a first embodiment, a plurality of cells are locatable such that their positive and negative contacts are positioned against a set of positive and negative contact areas located along the first and second side walls. The first embodiment optionally comprises a contact arm, locatable substantially parallel to the second side wall, which includes a plurality of positive contact areas corresponding to and across from the negative contact areas located on the second side wall. A plurality of cells, having a shorter length than the battery cells locatable between the first and second side walls, are locatable between the contact arm and the second side wall. In a second embodiment, the cartridge includes first and second contact arms positionable substantially parallel to the third and fourth side walls, between the first and the second side walls. The plurality of battery cells are locatable between the third side wall and the first contact arm, between the first and the second contact arm, and between the second contact arm and the fourth side wall. The cartridge also provides circuitry to recharge the energy pack and/or secondary cells located therein.