CA2411431A1 - Electrical component, such as a radio, audio component, battery charger or radio/charger - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical component, such as, for example, a radio, an audio component, a battery charger or a radio/charger. The electrical component includes a housing and an electrical circuit supported by the housing. In some aspects, the electrical component is an audio component and the electrical circuit is an audio circuit. In other aspects, the electrical component is a battery charger and the electrical circuit is a charging circuit. In further aspects, the electrical component is an audio and battery charger combined and the electrical circuit is an audio and charging circuit. A battery may be connectable to the housing and electrically connectable the electrical circuit. The electrical component may include a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing. A biasing member may be positioned within a receptacle defined by the housing and operable to bias the battery out of the receptacle.

Description

ELECTRICAL COMPONENT, SU'C~ AS .A RADIO, AUDIO COMPONENT, B~rTTERY CIIARGER OR RADIOICHARGER
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The presEnt application claims the benefit .of ca-pending Provisional Application Serial No. 601379,068, filed May 9, 2002, and cc aaending provisional patent application Serial No. 60/344,431, filed on November 9, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical components and, more particularly, to, for example, a radio, an audio component, a battery charger ar a radiolcharger.
BACKGROUND OF TIIE I"NVENTIpN
An electrical component, such as, for example, a radio, an audio component, a battery charger or a radio/charger, includes a eonriponent housing supporting an electrical circuit, such as an audio circuit, a charging circuit, or both, respectively.
In some electrical components, such as the radio, a battery is electrically connectable to the audio circuit to operate t'he audio circuit to produce audio~signals. In, some electrical components, such as the battery charger, a battery is electrically connectable to the ehatgntg circuit tv be charged by the charging circuit.
SUMI1ZARY OF T>FIE I:~YEN'T10N
One independent problem with the above-described electrical components is that the electrical component can only accommodate one type or size of battery in the electrical Z5 component's battery receptacle. For example, the construction of the receptacle may limit the battery size. .~l.lso, the position and stiuctt~re of ~-he assembly to connect the battery to the electrical component may limit the battery size. .' Another independent problem with the above-described electrical corttponents'is that the battery is difficult~to remove frorn.the battery receptacle. ' ~ .
30' A further independent problem with the above-described electrical components is that the battery is free to-move within the battery receptacle and, therefore, may bectime disconnected during work.site operations.
~~, .,.~.......~___~

-z-Yet another independent problem rwith the above-described electrical components is that existing radios and audio components are not useable with a slide-on power tool battery.
.Another independent problem with the above-described eleefirical components is the lack of storage for accessories useable with the electrical component, such as, for example, a cell phone and an auxiliary audio eomportent_ A further independent problem with the above-described electrical components is that the electrical components are not rugged and rn ay be damaged at a work site during normal and/or adverse Working conditions.
1 U The present invention ,pxovides an electrical component, such as, far example, a radio, an audio component, a battery charger or a radio/charger that substantially alleviates one or more of the above-described and other problEms with existing electrical components. More particularly, in some constructions and in some aspects of the invention, the invenlzan provides an. electrical component, which accommodates batteries 1 S of different sizes. Also, in some constructions and in soKne aspects of the invention, the invention provides an electrical carnlionent in which the battery is biased aui of the battery receptaele~to move the battery to a more accessible position for removal. In addition, in some constructions and in some aspects of the invention, the invention provides an electrical component in which the battery is locked in a position relative to the clectnical 20 component housing. J;irrther, in some constructions and in some aspects of the invention, the invention provides an electrical corrabination including, an audio component and a slide-on power tool battery connectable to the audio component. Also,. in somE
constructions and in some aspects of the invention, the invention provides a combination including an electrical component and an accessory bag connectable to the electrical 25 component to store accessories useable with the electrical component, rn.
addii~ion, in some constructions and in some aspects of the invention, the invention provides an electrical componerit having a rugged, durable construction and/or structure..
More particularly, the invention provides an electrical component, such as au audio ' component, ineludir~g ani audio component housing, a circuit supported bythe l3ou~ir~g and .~
. . 3t) operable to produce an audio signal, a battery being comiectable to the Housing arid . , ' _~ electrically cdanectable to ,the circuit; and a locking assembly operable to lock the battery' in a position relative to the housing. The housing may define a receptacle, and the battery - ' ,1 1 may be supportable in the receptacle: The audio cbmpvnent may, f~, include g biasing member positioned in the~receptacla, and the biasing nnernber preferably biases the battery out of fihe receptacle. Preferably, the battery is a power-tool battery operable to power a power tool.
The Locking assembly may include a locking projection on one of the battery and the housing and a recess defined by the other of tt~s battery and the housing.
Preferably, the looking projection is movable between a loeke~d position, in which the projection engages the recess to loalt the battery in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the battery is movable xelative to the housing: The locking assembly rnay inolude an actuator operable to move ii~e locking projection between the locked position to khe unlocked posizian and/or between the locked position and the unlocked . . 10 . position. The locking assembly may also include a biasing member biasing the locking .
projection toward the locked position. ~ ' Also, the invention provides an electrical component, such as a battery charger, including a charger housing, a charging circuit supported by the housing and selectively connectable with a power source, a battery being connectable to the housing and IS electrically connectable with the charging circuit such that the charging circuit is , . selectively operable to charge the battery, and a locking~assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing. ~ ~ ' ' >:n ~addiiioz~, the invention provides an electrical eoinponent inclining a housing ' defining a receptacle, an electrical circuit supported by the housing, a battery being 20 supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the; electrical circuit, and a biasing . memt~er operable to bias the battery out of~ihe receptacle to an ejected position. The biasing member may be supported within the receptacle. The housing rnay also include a cover selectively closing a~,z open end of the receptacle. The cover may include a second biasing member selectively biasing the battery info the receptacle.
. , 25 1n some constructions, the electrical co~anponent may be an audio component, and the electrical circuit may be ~ audio circuit for producing an audio signal.
In some . . ' constructions, the electrical ~camponent may be a battery charger, and the electrical circuit ~ .
may be a, charging circuit connectable ~to the.battery axtd operable to charge' a battery. The - .
' ' . ~ ' battery nlay'be a power foal battery; suab as, a slide-on power tool.battery or'a tower' .
. 30 ~ power~tool battery. . . . ~ , . . , . . . . . . , ' , ' ~ - ' ~ The-electxical~omponent may also inelude~ari.elec'brical conneotor~asseznbly for.' ' . .
. . ~ . . ; . . . .
. connecting the battery to the electrical circuit. The electrical connector assembly may be . .' : . . - . ' ~°~. ~ ~e receptacle. The.electrical can;rector assembly may include a support . . . .
. . portion supporting the battery. The support portion may be movable relative to the .

housing, and a biasing member may bias the support portion toward an open end of the receptacle to bias the battery to the ejected position.
The electrical component may also include a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing. In some constructions, the locking assembly may be a cover supported by the housing and selectively closing the open end of the receptacle to lock the battery in the receptacle.
In some constructions, the locking assembly may include a Iocking projection on one of the battery and the electrical connector assembly and a recess defined by the other of the battery and the electrical connector assembly. The loc'i~in.g proj eccion may be 10. movable.betvreen a locked position, in,whxclt tlae.pmjection.engages the recess to lock the battery in a position relative to the electrical coitnector assembly, and a unlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to the electrical connector assembly.
.Cn some constructions, the locking assembly may include a locking projection on one of the electrical connector assembly and the housing and a recess defined by the other , of the electrical connector assembly and the housutg. The locking projection may be movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the electrical connector assembly iz~ a, position'relative to the housing, ancC an unlocked ~ ' position, in which the electrical conztector assembly is rnovxble relative to the~housing. In these constructions, the locking assembly may also include an actuator movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The loclcing projection is in the lacked position thereof when the actuator is in the locked position thereof, and.the locking projection is in the unlocked pasiti'on thereofwhen the actuator is in the unlocked position t>yereof. ' Further, the invention provides an electrical combination including an electrical component, such as an audio component, including an audio component housing having a 25, . support portion, attd a circuit supported by the hou,~xng and operable to produce an audio signal, and a slide-on. power tool battery supportable by the support portion of the housing ' , and operable to power. a power tool. . ~ . . . .
Also, the invention provides an electrical component including a housing defusing a receptacle, an electrical circtut'sugported by the housing, and ac connector assembly movably supported~by the housing and connecting a~ battery to the electrical component.
' ' . . , y - The battery may lie ono of a filst battery haWix~g a fzu'st~di~mez~siori and a second battery having second dimension. The .first dimension is different than the second diraeusion. r . . . ~ : The receptacle may seXectively receive one of the fnst battery arid the second batterjr.. .The . . ~ . ~ ~ receptacle may accoimunodate.o~nty one of the first~batte~y arid the second. battery at a time.
~ . . . . . . . v v . ~ . . n s..., _...., .,...a. ~pp~'~."~;~m2x° .d;..:a._FS5c~X3~..:--t.,rRa..p....&.w~~aab1!,R»y"4~~.ayqF:,.;.::..~~...~aa2i.~.xw,....-.aw~m~.,--.,..,...-.am. ..'FS~,~.:,.:JY'.

The connector assembly is preferably movable relative to the housing to selectively accommodate the first battery and the second battery.
The connector assembly rr~ay include a support portion movable relative to the housing, and the; battery is preferably supportable on the support portion.
One of the S battery and the support portion may include a projection and the other of the battery and the support portion may define a recess. The projection is preferably engageable in the recess to connect the battexy to the connector asseunbly.
The connector assembly may also include .a connector tezminal assembly connected to the electrical circuit and movable relative to the housing. The battexy may include a battery terrr~inaZ assembly, and the battery terminal assem'61y is preferably , connectable to the connector terminal assemblf to corm.ect the battery to the electrical circuit. The support portion and the connector terminal assembly may be preferably movable relative to the housing.
In addition, the invention provides an electrical component including a housing defining a receptacle having as open end, the housing includes a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle, and an electrical circuit supported by the housing, a first battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit, the first battery having a first dimer~siori; a second battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to tile electrica) circuit, the szcond. battzry having a second dimension, the first dimension being different than the second dimension, the receptacle selectively receiving one of the fist battery and the second batterg.
' The electrical component may further include a movable support portion ' , .
' positioned in Lhe receptacle for selectively supporting one of the First battery cad the second battery_ One of the support portion and the one of the first battery and the second battery may iz~elude a proj ection cad the other of the support portion, and the one of the ,' first battery and the second battery may define a recess, the projection may be eagagesble ' ~ ~ , ~ in the recess to support the one of the first battery and the second battery on the support 1 ~. .
y ' ' portion" The~raovable support portioh may include a track v~i~th a protnrsion and ~a. recess '' and ~at least one eiectcical. connector thereon. ~ The traclc and electrical connector may be movable in relation to the housilzg. The electrical component may ~urther include a ' ' , . ' ~ , locking assembly supported by~ the housing and operable to lock one of the first battery .
_. . and the second battery to the housing. _ . . , , ' , ' . . ~ . ~ . .. , buzzer, tlae ~aav~ntion provides a combination including an electrical component , . _ .
I having a laousing.defn_ yng a well~pbrtlori in a rear of the housing, and an eleoirical circuit ' ' , .

supported. by the housing, and an accessory bag selectively connectable to the housing at least partially withxrt the wreIl portion.
The accessory bag may include a handle. The accessory bag may define an opening to facilitate passing of electrical cords from inside the accessory bag to outside the accessory bag. The accessory bag may further include at feast one flap for selectively cowering the opening_ The accessory bag may alternatively include at least ore zipper for selectively closing the opelting.
Tlie combination may further include at least one housing connector supported on the housing and at least one bag connector supported on the accessory bag. The housing connector and thebag connector may be operable to selectively connect to one another to .
seleci3.vely suppoit the accessory bag on the housing. The combina~on inay fiarlher ' include an electrical plug supported on the housing and electrically connected to the elECtrical circuit.
Independent features and indepex~dertt advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art'upon reviev~i of the detailed desc~iption,'claims and drawings: . ~ . . ' . ' ' . ..
' ' ~ BRTEF DESCRIPTIUN'OF THE DRAWINGS ~ . . . .
1~'ig, 1 is a front perspective view of an electrical component crr~bodyit~g the 2Q invention.
. . Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit for the electrical component., _ , Fig. 3 is an, exploded rear perspective view i~f a portion of the electrical component ' shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of a portion of fibs electrical component shown in .25 Fig. 1.
' . : Fig. 5 is a, perspective viev~r of a battery' aad a porGio~n. ~of a power tool. ~ ~ - _ ' . ~ Fig. ~ is a top perspective view of an electrical connector assem'61y shown in Fig.
3. . - ' . ~ ~ ~ . . ~ ' ' ~ .
' ~ ,~, Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view o~the ele~otrical connector assembly shown in 30 Fig.6. ' ~ ' ' ~ ~ . . .
' .~ , ~ ~ ~ Fig.;8 is an exploded top perspective view of the electrical connector assembly ~ ' shown in Fig. 6. ~. . ~ .
Fig. 9 is a 'bottom perspective view of an alternate construction of an eieetrical ' , .
. ~ ' ~~ connector assenrtbly for the eTeetiical component. . ~ . - . ~ ' . ' Fig. 10 is an exploded top perspective view of the electrical connector asseatbly shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate consLroction of a biasing assembly for the electrical component.
Fig, 12 is a side elevation view of a battery and an alternate construction of a support portion for the electrical component.
Fig. 13 is a rear perspective view of an alternative construction of an electrical component embodying the invention.
. . _ Fig. 14 are views of an accessory bag for use with the elechical component.
I O Fig. X 5 is a front view of a display for the. electrical component. . ' , Fig. lti is a front perspective view of the electrical component sho~irn in Fig. 13. .
Fig. 17 is a side viovv another alfiernate construction of electrical component and a separate battery charger.
Fig. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of a p~ortioxl of the electrical component ' 15 . shown'in Fig. 1 illustrating the coitacetion of the handle and the housing.
~. Fig. l9. is an exploded perspective view of a lower portion of the connection shown' .
in Fig: 18: ' ' ~ ' . . " ' ' ' ' ' Fig.' 20 is an exploded perspective view of art upper portion of the' connection shown in Fig. 18_ 20 Before one embodiment of the invention is ~expllin.ed in detail, it is to be understood that the invent'iori is not limited in its application to the details of the constiuction and arrangements ofthe components~set forth ixt the following descrilition or ~'' illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. .Also, iL is understood that the phraseology and . , _ 25 . terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. ' ' ' ' ~ , '.
D~A»~l? DESC~TPTTON OF S'H'E >PREFERRED ~MBODfLVTENT
Fig. 1 illustrates ~n electrical component 20, such as a combination radio and 30 ' power tool battery charger, embodying the present invention. It should fie undea'stood that,. .
' , ' . ' ' in other construction's, the electrical component 20. naay'include ~anothes audio corraponent, ' ~ .
. . , . such as, for exariapie, a tape player, a CD player, a 1VLP3 player, a jukebox, etc. It should . . , also lie understood that, in some constructions and for some aspects of the invention, the ' . . .. : ,~~~cal component 20 gay be another'e~ectrioaJ.-componentz such as, for example, an ~ , ' , ... , arow..v.nw...~..,...,..,.. ", ... - . ~ , -T-r -g-audio component, a battery charger, a power tool, a cell phone charger, a power supply for other electrical eduipment, etc_ The electrical component 20 includes an electrical component housing 24 and an elccCrical circuit 28 (schematically illustrated in Fig. 2) supported by tk~e housing 24. In the illustrated construction, the electrical circuit 28 is a combination radio and battery charging circuit having an audio circuit portion 29, operable to produce an audio signal, and a charging circuit portion 30, operable to charge ~ battery. It should be understood that, in ether constructions and for some aspects ofthe invention, the electrical circuit 28 rnay be any type of electrical circuit, such as, for e~xaanple, an audio circuit for producing . . . 14 an audio signal or,a charging circuit for charging a battery. , The electrical circuit 28 is eonaectable to a. power source, which supplies power to the electrical circuit 28. The power source may include an AC power source, such as line power (through a power cord (not shown)), or a DC power source, such as a battery. In the illustrated construction, the audio circuit gordon 29 is selectively powered by an AC
l5 . power source or by a DC power source. The AC power source can bE the p~im;ary power source for the electrical circuit 28, and the DC power source can, be a secondary vr~ack-~up power source, Also, in the illustrated cvnstru.ctiivn, the charging circuit portion 30 is ' ' ' ' ~ connectable to a power source to charge the iiattery: ~ ' ' ' ' . As explained below m more detail, the electrical circuit 28 includes a power 20 amplifier circuit portion for amplifying an input, such as a signal from an auxiliary component, to th:e audio circuit portion 29. The ek;ctrical circuit ZS also includes a power supply pbrtion which may be connected through a ~ovtrer outlet on the electrical component 20 to power other electrical.devices (including the auxiliary component).
As shown in Fig. l, the housing Z4 includes a base portion 32, a nnain portion 3C, 25 and a handle portion 40. The base portion 3 ,2, the main pori;ion 36, and the handle portion . . _ . . 40 are designed to have impact absorbing characteristics Which~proteet fine electrical . . . . aompo~aent 20 frarn impacts at a jobsite, such as from falling from a height~or having .
' . .. another ob,~ect impact the electrical component 20, 'which might normally damage~the 1 elements ofthe electrical component 20, 'such as, for example, the ele~euts'ofthe 30 ~ electrical circuit 28, and/or create an electrical hazard in the electrical cornpanent 20, >~or ' ~ , eXample, the Housing 24 may be formed of enezgy/impact absorbing materials, suet? as, for example, high-density polyethylene (~bpp,), and/or formed with energy/impact absorbiing struettues, such as, for example, bars, base edges, bumpers, bushings, ribs,, honeycombs, , . , ., . . energy absorbing shapes, etc. In the illustrated consfintctioxt, at.least the base portion 32 is blow-molded ,Crow an energy/impact absorbing material, such as, for example, high-density polyethylene (1-TDPB).
As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 24 debnes a receptacle 44 having a closed wnd 48, definad by a bumper 52 (discussed below), an open end 56, and side walls 60 extending From the closed end 48 to the open end SG. A battery 64 is inset~tzd into the receptacle 44 along an insertion axis 68. The battery 64 is electrically connected to the electrical circuit 28 to, in the illustrated construction, selectively provide power to the electrical circuit 28 or be charged by the charging circuit portion 30 of the electrical circuit 28.
However, the . battery 64 is monitored by apd disconnected from the electnicat circuit 28, a5 necessary, to prevent deep discharge of the battery 64. Such deep discharge prevention is described in . . , . U.S. Pafetit No. .6,211,652, issued on April 3, 2001.,which is hereby incorporated by ' inference.
For purposes of de5crigtion, "forward" is defined as being in the direction of the open ezrd 56 along the insertion axis 68. Similarly;, 'rearward" is defined relative to ' ~ ~ ' 1$' ~ "forward" as being is the direction ofthe closed end 48 aiid away from the open end 56 along the insertion axis 68. '. . , As shown in I~ig. 4, the housitig 24 includes.a cover 66 pivotally connected to the ' ' ' ' ' ' ~ base~portion f2 for selectively closing the open end 56 of the receptacle 44. A Iatching~ ~ . .
member 67 is sc;leetively lockable to the maul portion 3G (see Fig. 1) to lock.the cover G6 in a ciosed. position (shown in Fig. 1). A cover biasing membex 69 is mounted on the . ' interior surface df the cover 66. When the cover 66 is closed, the biasing member 69 engages and biases the battery 64 {see Fig. 3) into tllc receptacle 44 to maintain proper electticai connection, as described below in more detail, duf.~ing normal operations or during an'rl after an impact condition.
As shown in Fig. 5 and in the illustrated canstntction, the battery 64 is a slide-on . ~ ' .power tool battery 70 Qperable to:pawer a power tool 7l,.such as, for example, a drill, a .', circulaz saw, a reciprocating saw, etc. The slide-on battery 70 is slidably mountable on the ' .
.. power tool. 71. in the illustrated construction, the sliide-on battery 70 includes a battery . .
. - ' . . housing 80'suppotting a nrtnrber ofbattery cells(not~shown), a batteiyterminal assembly ~ . ' ~84, a battery support portion $$, and locking members or locking tabs 92 (one shown).
- ~ The terminal' assembly 84 facilitates electrical connection between tha battery ceps and~a ' motor (not showta) ofthe.porner tool 71 and/or the circuit 28 of the electrical component ' . ' 2Q. ' ~ ' ' ~ . ' ~ . . ~ -.. ..... . , . . . , . , . . . ,. .. ., . . .. _ . . . . . . ,.

Ire the illustrated construction, the support portion 88 of the slide-on battery 70 has a generally C-shaped crass-section provided by grooves 104 and rails 108 which extend parallel to the insertion axis 68 (see Fig. 3). The locking tabs 92 are supported in the C-shaped support portion 88 and are movable perpendicular to the insertion axis d8 by depressing locking tab actuators or buttons 112 (one shown).
In the illustrated construction, the power tool 71 includes a generally T-shaped power took support portion 116 and a power tool terminal assembly 100. The support portion 88 of the battery 70 is complementary to the support portion 12 6 of the power tool 71, and, therefore, the complementary components physically and electrically connect the 14 .' battery' 70 to the power tool 71. The locking tabs 92 engage in recesses (not shown) an the power tool'support portion 116 to provide a battery locking assembly between the battery 70 and the power tool 71.
rt should'be understood that, in other constructions (not shown), the battery 70 may be a different type of slide-on power tool battery, such as, for example, a battery having a , . _ 15 , T-shaped cro9s-section. 1'n such coTtstraotions, the.power tool and 'the electxacal ' _ ' . , component would awe a complementary C-shaped cross-section suppaat porkion.
tt should also be ~cmderstood that slide-on batteries have a variety of sizes ' ' ' ~ ~ ' depending on the number arid orientation of the cells in the battery housing. In the iltustrated construction, the slide-an battery 70 has a first dimension; such as azz axial 20 length, and another slide-on battery ('shown in phantom in Fig. 5) has a second dimension, such as a s~cond,axial length, which is different than t>xat of the first slide-on battery 70.
' . ' In addition, it should be uxtderstood that'the electrical component 20 is' usable v~titli batteries having different battery claeixxistrics (i.e., Lithium-based chemistries (Li, Li-ion, etc.), Nickel l,Irletal Hydride (lvIiNlI~, Niclcel Cadmium (NiCd), etc.). The electrical circuit .2~ 28 and the charging circuit portion 30 include identiF~cation circuitry and structure , ' : . ~ necessa.'ry to identify the chemistry o#'the battery"70 to:ensure pz~oper chargiztg and ~ ' ' operation of the battery 70_ . : , ' , . . . ~ _ , . ' . ' In an alteiwate construction and. in'some aspects of the'invention, the elecirlcal' . , , ~ camponent~ 20 is usable with a tower power tool battery 72 (gee Fig.
11), discussed below' : , . , . ~ 30 .in more.detaiL, "Also, in other consttuctions~(not sho~nn) and~i'n some~aspects of the ' ~ ~ inverition,.the electrical component 20 may be used with other type8 aad sizes ~af batteries. ~ , .
. ~ As shown in Eigs_ 6 and 7, the housing 2~ s~ppozts: an electricaL~connector .assembly 144 pasitioiled in the receptacle 44. T&e connector assembly 144 includes a ' ' , support portion 148, a body portion 152, a texrninai assembly 156, biasing members 160, . . . , , . . .. . . , . .... . , , ' .., , ~ '. . . . , . .

the bumper 52, and a locking assembly 168. In the illustrated construction, the support portion 148 and the terminal assembly I56 move within the receptacle 44 relative Lo the housing 24, in a direction parallel to the insertion axis 68 (see Fig. 3), upon the insertion and the ejection of the battery 70 into and out of the receptacle 44, respectively. In part, this movement aeconunodates batteries of dyf,Ferernt sizes.
As shown in hig. 7, the support portion 148 of the connector assembly 144 is substantially similar to the support portion 116 of 'the power tool 71 (see Fig. 5) Vvith which the battery 70 is normally used. The support portion 148 includes grooves 172 and protnisions 176 which extend parallel to the insertion axis 6S (see rig. 3).
The grooves I72 and protrusions 176 of the connector assembly 144 are complementary to the groovEs 104 and~rails 108 of the battery 70 and, therefore, Esupport the battery 70 on the support portion 148.
The terminal assembly 156 is momzted on the support portion 148 and is electrically connectable to the battery terminal assembly 84 to connect the battery cells to the electrical circuit 28. In the illustrated eonstrucl~ion, the terminal assembly 156'is movable with the support portion 148 relative to tfa.e housing 24.
As shown in Figs: 7 and 8, the support portio~i i48 is znou~ted on the underside of fihe body portion 152 and guide channels 184 are provided on the body portion 152. The biasing members 160 are positioned in the chancels 184. The channels 184 maintain the alignment of the biasiizg members 160 doting compression and expansion of the biasing members 160. The biasing members lb0 bias the support portion 148 and the body . _ , .
portion 152 (arid the battery 70, when supported on. the support portion 14S) towatd,the open end 56 of the receptacle 44. T~~ the illustrated construction, the bring mc~zbers 160 are compression springs. Ira otf~er constructions (not shown), the biasing members 1 GO
may be other types of springs or other structure, such as, for example, elastomerie material. ~ . ' . . . . . . . , _ ,, In the construchan shown in Fig. 8, the locking assembly 168 locks the support ,. . . portion 148, the bodypoition I32; arid the attached battery 70 in an axial position relative . .
.. . , . ., . . . ' . ~ ~ to the housing 24. The locking assembly 168 includes a housing 228, a biasing assembly .
230, an actuator 236, and locking protrusions 240 (one shovvn). .The locking assembly 168 has at~least one locked condition (shown. in Fig. 6),::in twhich the support portion f4S and.
attached battery 70. are locked in an axial position relative to the housing 24, and an . . , , . . ~ . . ,.. ., .unlocked, condition, in which the support portion 148 and attached battery 70 are.axia'~.y movable relative to the housing 24. , . , , ~ ' ' , The housing 228 de~ztes (see Fig. 8) a FZrst path 256, parallel to the insertion axis 68 and along which the actrxatox 236 travels, arid a second path 260, generally perpendicular to the insertion axis 68 and along which the locking protrusions 240 travel.
The housing Z28 defines openings 264 (one showoff) in both sides through which the locking protrusions 240 selectively protrude.
The biasing assembly 230 includes an actuator biasing member 265 and a locking protrusion biasing merrxbe~' 266. The actuator biasing member 265 lies in the first path 256 and biases the actuator 236 toward the open end 56 of the receptacle 44 and toward a position corresponding to a locked condition of the locking assembly 168. The locking pmtrusion biasing member 266 lies in the second path 260 and, in the illustrated . , .
construction, biases the locking pmtrusions 240 toward. the retracted, unlocked position.
The actuator 236 controls movement of the locking protrusions 240. Tn the illustrated construction, the actuator 236 biases the locking protrusions 240 toward the locked position and allows the locking ,protrusions 240 to move to the unlocked posatioz~. , The actuator 236 is positioned between the locking protrusions 240 and has a wide portion ' _ ' 268 and a narrow portion 272. The locking pro'I~nisian biasing member 266 biases the locking protrusion 240'invvard towaid the actuator 236. The locking protrusions 240 lie.in t>ae second~path 260 and are operable to selectively extend out of the openings 264'(a . ' locked position) and retract into the openings 264 (the uztlocke;d position).
.
In the locked position, the wide portion 268 oFthe actuator 236 contacts the . , locking protrusions 240 and moves the locking pro~lrusiorl~ 240 out of the openings 264' ~.gainst the~biasing force dfthe locking protrusion biasing members 266. In the locked position, the locking protrusions 240 prevent the end walls 188 ~of the guide channels 184 tiom moving forward of tine locking praW tsions 240, and, therefore, limit the movement of . 25 , the support portion 148 and,body portion 152 (and 'the battery 70, when supported ort the -- ' support portion 148) toward the 'open end 56 of the receptacle 44: Thus, the support ' . ' . , . ~, portion 148, the body portion 152, and~the~ba#erjr i'0 are locked-in an, axial position . .', - . ' relative to the electrical component housing 24. Zn the locked condition o~tfie os~xmector assembly 144, the support portion 148:is capable of moving in the space between the ' .
. 30 bumper 52 and the locking protrusions 240. This movement enables. the electrical y ' ' . ~ ' ~, ~ . ~cornpbnent 20 to receive different, sized batteries 70 vt~ithitt the receptacle 44.
. As the battery 70 is inserted, the support.portion 148 is moved i~earwardly uratii the " .
. , ' . . ,~ , ~ openings 264.are uncovered. When, this occuirs, the.actuator 236 moves forwardly and ' . ' ~ . , , moves the ~lockixtg protsvsions. 240 to extend:out of the openings 264. The locking ..

-13- .
protrusions 240 extend into tl~e axial path of the guide chatuaels 184 and prevent the support portion 148 and the body portion 152 (and the battery 70, when supported on the suppot°t portion 148) from moving forwardly beyond the position of the ioekit~g protrusions 240.
To unock the locking assesnbly l 68, the actuator 236 is pressed inwardly. As the actuator 236 is depressed against the actuator biasing member 265, the wide portion 268 of the actuator 236 slides out of contact with the locking protrusions 240. The locking protrusion biasing members 266 move th.e locking protrusions 240 inwardly as the narrow portion 272 slides between the locking protrusions 240, and the locking protrusions 240 . . . I O . retract into tb,e openings 264, eventually terminating contact with the, et~ci walls ~188~ (the . . ~ ~ unlocked position). This allows the support portion x48 to'move towards the open end 56 .
of the receptacle 44 to place the battery 70 in a more readily accessible position for removal from the receptacle 44 (the ej coed posi:tion). rn the illustrated constmction, the biasing members 160 move the support portion 148 at~d the battery 70 forwardly to the ' 15 _ more accessible pasition.~ ~ ~ ~ .
. . - ~ In other constructions (not sb;owrt); the locking assembly 168 may be a ratchet-type loclting assembly having~more than one axially-spaced locked position of the support ' ' ' ' ~por'Eion 148 relative to the housing 24. As the battery is inserted, the support portion 148 may be; moved through the locked positions to the :most appropriate locked position based 20 on, far example, the length of the battery 70. .
In other constnietions (~aot shown), the actuatorand the locking protrusion may . .
. . . - ' cooperate in another manner such as through cooperating structure, such'as, for example, a pin and a groove.
' In other canstnictions, for exarnple,'the actuiator and the locking prohusion may . , 25 operate in a different manner, such as, the aetuatar :may move the locking protrusioxt to the unlocked position and the actuator may allow the locking pratrusian to move.
to.the looked ' position. . ~ _ . . ' . ' . In, other constructions (not shown, the actuator 236 mad! move in a different '.. , ' : ' . : manner, such, as, fort example, vertically, .laterally, oar pivGtally,,to allow movement of 30~ and/or to mtove the locking protrusions 240 between the Iocked'positi.on and the unlocked~~
' , ' : position. - . . ~ . . . , , . , . , . . In .other constructions (not shov~'n), the locking protn~sions.24Q may move in a different ~a.Rner, such as, for example, .vertically, axially, or pivotally, between the,locked position and the unlocised position.. . _ ~.' ' An alternate construction of axe electrical connector assembly 144A is illustrated in Figs. 9 and I0. Common elements are identified b~y tfe same reference numbers "A"_ Zn the previously described construction (Figs. 6-8), the electrical connector assembly 144 is locked to the housing 24 and the t~attery 70 is supported on the connector assembly 144. In this alternate constru.ctiort, the battery 70 is locked to the electrical connector assembly 144A. As shown in Fig. 9, the electrical connector assembly 144A is supported by the housing 24A and is positYOned in the receptacle 44A. The electrical colulector assembly 144A is operable to support the battery 70 in the receptacle 44A, lock the batlery 70 relative to tIze mousing 24A, and elec;tricaIly connect the battary 70 to the . ,10 electrical circuit 28. , ~ ' In the illustrated construction, the cbnnector assembl3~ I44A includes a mounting plate 2$0, latching members or locking members 284, a locking member biasing member or spring 288 (see Fig. 10), an actuator 292, an actuator biasing member or spring 296 (see Fig. 10), a support portion 300, and a terminal assembly 304. The locking members 284, . 15 . actuator 292; arid support portion 300.are mounted to the rnounting_plate 280, and the ' terminal assembly 304 is mounted to the'support paziion 3'00. The raouriting plate 280 is mounted to~the housing 24A. .The connector assembly I44A has a locked contlitibn, in ' ' ' . ' ~ ~ which the battery 70 is locked to the cleofirical connector assembly 144A to lock the ' battery 70 in a position relative to Clle housilzg 24A, and m unlocked condition, in which 20 ' the battery 70 is mov~tUle relative to the electiicat connector asseta~bly 144A.
. ~ The~support portion 300.of the connector assembly 144A is complementary to the, ' .. . . , . _ . . . .. . . . .
battery support portion 88 so that the battery 70 is supportable an the support portion 300.
.The support portion 300 includes grooves 308 and protiztsions 312 which exiend parallel to the insertion axis 68A. 'Tlie grooves 308' and protrusions 312 of the support portion 300 25 _ are.complementary to the grooves 1,04 and rails 108 of the battery 70, and, therefore, the battery 70~is supported Qn the connector assembly 144.A and electrically connected (by the~.~ ' '. . - terminal assembly 304) to the electrical circuit 28A when the battery 70 is inserted into the . ' ~ ' ~ receptacle'44A. ~ . y . . ', ' , ' , ' ' . . , ' ' . . . As~ shown in Fig. 10, the spring 288 biases .the, lockin,~
rnex~abers 284 inwardly 30 toward each other. Each locking zn,exiaber 284 includes a recess 320, which receives one of ~ .
' .~ . , the locking tabs,92 (see ~xg, 5) of the batxery 70 as the battery'74 is inserted into the .
- . . . . receptac1e.44A and onto the.suppart portion 300. The battery 70~locks to tine electrical . . . . ~ . , connectar.~assembly 144A' when the loc~,g tabs 92 eng~.ge the recesses 320. , ~ ' ~ , The actuator 292 of the electrical coimecto:r assembly 144A is positioned between the locking members 2$4 and travels along a path 324 parallel to the insertion axis 68.
The actuator 292 has a wide portion 332 and a nan~ow portion 336 positionable between the locking members 284. 1'he actuator 292 is biased to a position corresponding to a locked condition of the connector assembly 144A (and to the locked position ofthe locking members 284) by the actuator spring 296. Wizen the actuator is in the position corresponding to the locked condition, the wide portion 332 of the actuator 292 is between the locking members 284, and the locking members 284 are biased laterally outwardly to engage the locking tabs 92 of the battery 70.
_ When the actuator 292 is depressed, the narrow portion 336 is positioned between the locking members 284. The locking members 284 move inwardly under the biasing force of the spring 2S8 to disengage from the locking tabs 92 of the battery 70 (the ~mlocked position of the locking members 284 and the unlocked condition of the connector assembly 144A).
'15 ' ' The tetininal assembly 304 of the connector assembly 144A is,~riounted to the support portion 300 and is electrically conn,~ted to the electrical circuit 28A. TJae terminal assembly 304 is coi~xtectable to the battery terminal assembly 84 to coimect the battery 70 to the eireuit~28A.
As shown in 1~"ig. 9, a biasing member or ejector 344 is suppouted on Lhe closed end .48A of the receptacle 44A. The ejector 344~is oriented generally parallel to the insertion ' axis 68 and is preferably a spring loaded cylinder. 'floe ejector 344 contacts the near of the . ' , ,battery 70 as the battery 70 is insert~d~ into the receptacle 441 and exerts a biasing force on the rear of the battery 70 toward the open end 56 of the receptacle 44A. As the battery 70 is inserted into the receptacle 44A, the ejector 344 is compressed until the'battery 70 is . 25 locked to the cota.nector assembly 144A. Whc;n the battery 70 is unlocked from the , connector assembly 144:4, the biasing force ofthe elector 344~moves the battery 70 toward . _ ~ the open, end 56A to a fore accessible position.(the ej ected position).
~ . '.
din al#emate construction. of a portion of arl e;leetrical'comportent 20B is illustrated in Fig,, l 1. Common elements are identired by the same reference nuznbeirs 'B".
~~ ~ . As shown in Fig. .11, a separate locking asse~~,bly, suela.a's tl~e lacking assembly 168 or 168A, described above, is not provided: In this construction, the cover 66B is used to lock the battery ~70 to ,the electrical component 20:B.
. , In this .construction, the cover 66B includes the cover hiasixtg member 69B, which .
engages the battery 70 and.biases~the battery 70 rearo~ardly into the receptacle 44B as the " , cover 66B is closed. The ejector 344B contacts a~zd exerts a forward biasing force on the rear of the battery 70. When the latch 6773 is engaged, the battery 70 is locked in a position relative to the housing 24B.
In Figs. 1-11 and as described above, aspects ofthe invention arc illustrated as S these asspecrs apply to a slide-on type power tool battery 70. It should be understood that aspects of the invention are applicable to other battery types, such as, for example, a tower type power tool battery72 (shown in Fig. 12) or a battery for another piece of electrical equipment (not shown).
A.r~ aliernai:e construction ol'aporl~ion of an electrical component 20C is illusirattxl 10. , in Fig.12. Common elements are identified by the same ce~erence numbers "C".
As shown in Fig. 12, the electrical component 20C includes a tawer'support portion 348, replacing the slido-on power tool support portion 148 and 300 in the above-described constructions, to receive the tower power tool battery 72_ The battery 72 includes a base portion 352 a tower portion 35G, and a battery terminal assembly 360 and . ' . 15 is usable with a tower power tool (not shown), The support portion 348 is mounted in the receptacle 44C atad includes a housing 3.64 defining a cavity 368 and a support portion ' terminal assembly 372. The cavity 368 has side Walls 376, sri open arid 380, and a closed .
end 384: The cavity 368 accommodates the tower ;portion 356 of the battery 72 t~ allow the tower portion 356 to ii~seu into the opr,'~ end 38U of the cavity 36$, The support . 20 porCion tazninal 372 is mounted in the cavity~368 and is electrically connected to the electrical circuit 28C. ' ' The tower power tool battery 72 is inserted into the cavity 368 and is supported by the tower power tool support portion 348.. When the battery 72 is fully inserted into the ' cavity 36$, the battery terminal assembly 36p contacts the support portion tenninat 372, 25 electrically connecting the battery 72 to the electrical circuit 28C. . .
The support portion 348 may be supported im the receptacle 44 in.
manners.sixn~alar ' to the above-described constructions foz~ the 'slide-on hatter~r 70. :Ln some conshvctious . . , . . , ~ (similar to that,sh~own. in Figs. 6-S), the support. portipn:
348 3nay be rr~ovable in the . . . , , Mousing ~24C'to accommodate different types and sixes of tower batteries, and the~support 30 - portion 348 may be locked.in an axial position relative to the housing 24C. Iri suich ' ~ , , eonsiructions, the support portion 348~niay be biased forwardly to, in~the unlocked ~ ' . . ~. condition, move the batte~ry.72 to a mote aece.~sible position (the ejected position), In . ' . ' , ~ _ some other constrnctiuns (similar to, that shown in Figs. 9-10 for tie slide-on batteay ~0) .. ~ ~ ~ . ~' ' . .the t'Zattery 72'may be_locked to the support poison 348, atid'an ejector (not shovrin) may , be provided to bias the battery 72 out of the receptacle 44C to a more accessible position (the ejected position).
As shor~m in Fig. 13, the electrical component 20 also includes a DC outlet 390 for supplying power to DC electrical equipment, such as, for exat~tple, a cell phone, a cell phone charger, an auxiliary audio component, an automotive power accessory, etc. The power supply portion of the electrical circuit 28 supplies power to the DC
outlet 390. The DC outlet 390 is electrically connected to the battery 70 and, therefore, is operable to electrically com~ect and supply power from the battery 70 to tlae electrical equipment. The DC outlet 390 is also connectable to the AC power source through the electrical circuit 28 ~ to corrneet the electrical eqtzipxnent to the AC power source. The electrical circuit 2S is protected by a double fuse design~having a.resettable thernxal fuse and'a replaeeahle.fuse.
The electrical component 20 also includes atr auxiliary plug 392 for connecting an auxiliary component (not shown), such as, i"oc example, a tape player, a CD
player or MP3 player, to the audio circuit portion 29. The power ,amplifier portion of the electrical circuit 28 amplifies the input Qf the auxiliary component. The electrical circuit 28 thus provides a loop for an auxiliary conipone>zt in which the power supply portion powers the auxiliary component and the power aniplifier'portion receives and amplifies the input from the ' ~ auxiliary component. ~ ~ ~ ' As shown in lib. lA~, the electrical cozt~poncnt ZU also includes an accessory bag 393 selecti.'vcly motmtable in a rear wcll'portion 39~ (see Fig. 13) of the housing 24. 'fhe - , . . , _ accessory bag 393,is~seIeetively detachable and att~~cbable to the.electrical component 20, and items, such as, the DC electrical equipnteiit and supplies; can be stored in the aceessr~ry bag 393. The acec:ssory bob 393 includes openings 396 thmugh which cords pass to connect auxiliary components in the accessory bag 393 to the DC outlet 390 and/or

2~ . to the auxiliary plug 392. The opetW g 396 may be subszant~ally closed {for example, by . . _ ~ zippers or VE~CRO~ strips) ~dt~ing operation to substantially enclose the contents of the . . ~ . ' accessory bag 393. ~ ~ ~ ~ . . ~ .
' . _ - _ ~ .. 'The electrical circuit 28 also ineltides (see Fiig. l5j~a displayporaon 398~positioned .
on the. front of the electrical component 20_ Tlae display portion 398 is preferably a'backIit , 30 LCD display capable of displaying the status acrd operating condition of the electrical ,. ~ . ~ . component 20, and of the el~trieal'eireuit 28. For example, the display portion 398 displays the operating made of.the audio cilrcult portion 29 (l.c.,, AlVI, pM,,AUX, etc.)- Z;f . ' the audio circuit portion, is operating in a radio mode;, the display Portion 398.displays the ' current station. The display portion 398 may also ix~eltxde a clock or other informational displays.
The electrical companent 20 also includes (see Figs. 1 and 15) a control portion 400 for controlling the operation and operating mode of the electrical oomportent 20 and of the electrical circuit 28. The control portion 400 includes {see Fig. 1) adjustment knobs 402 for adjusting the volume and ,for tuning the radio. The control portion 400 also includes (see Fig. 15) control buttons 404 for controlling other operations, such as pre-set radio station selection, equalization setting, etc. Preferably, the electrical component 20 includes a "PCJNCII EQ" feature having several pre-set equalization settings.
The . . - 10 . "PU1VC~T EQ" button 404 is a color lit button using different colors (red, yellow, green) representing the different equalization setting and 1;o indicate the current equalization setti ng.
Tn an alternative construction (shown in Fig. 17), the electrical component 20 may not include a cha,rglng circuit portion to charge a battery 64. A separate battery charger ~l S . 410 inay be used with.tlle electrical component ~2Q. TIie charger 410 may be supported in .
the accessory bag 393 or~may be independently mountable in the rear.well portion 394 of tl~e dousing 24 in 'a manner sitriilar to the support o:f the accessory bag 393. Such a battery ' charger 410 includes~a charger housing~414 providing a battery support portion 416 on which a battery 64 is supportable. A charging circuit (not shown) is supported by the 20 charger housing 4I4 and is connectable to the bxtte:~y 64 and to a power sauree (not '. . . , shown). The charging, circuit may be connected to vthe power source through an outlet on ' . the elECtrical component 20 (i.e., the bC outlet 390 or ate AC outlet (not. shown) on.the ~' electrical component 20) or an the power cord for tt~e electrical component 20 or through a power source outlet (i.e., a wall plug). In other constnictions (not shown), the battery ' 25 charger 410 may be connectable to the power source through cooperating terminal assemblies (not shown) on the~batteTy charger 410 snd bn the electrical component 20.~ ' In the illustrated cvztstruction; the .electrical component 20 includes headed fasteners 418 which are received in openings (riot sl~~own),defined in.the housing 414 of ~. the baxtery charger 410 to connect the battery.eharge:r 410 to. . fihe electrical component 20.' 30 . The openings may include a wide portion for receiving the head. of a fastener 418.and a ' narrow slot portion into v~hich the fastener 418 'slides t~ prevent the fastener 418.from beiztg removed from the opening to thereby prevent the battery changer 410 from being ' .. ~ . ~ ~ disconnected, from the electrical component 2U. The eleefiri,cal component 20 and separate' , .
- . , - . battery charger 4.1, 0 provide a connectable housing assembly. The electrical companent 20. . , .

may accommodate different types of battery chargers and, therefore, be capable of charging different types and sites of batteries, including slide-on power tool batteries 64 (with the battery charger 410 and supported on the battery support portioxt 416), other types of slide-on power tool batteries (not shown, with another type of slide-on battery charger (not shown)) and tower power tool batteries (with a tower battery char per (not shown)) and batteries for other eleeirical components and/or other electrical equxpixtent (with respective compatible battery chargers (not shown)).
Figs. 18-20 illustrate the connection of the handle portion 4p to the base portion 32 and to the main portion 36 of the housing 24. liz tl:~e illustrated construction, the handle . . , 1.0 portion 40 is conn.~ected to boththe base portion 32 and the main portion 36 at two _ , .
locations by base connecting assemblies 422 and rosin connecting assemblies 426, , respectively. The base~connecting assemblies 422 are similar to one another, and the maim connecting assemblies 426 ace similar to each other. Therefore, only one base connecting assembly 422 and, one main connecting assembly 426 will be described in detail.
' ~ . . 15 As shown in )~igs. 18-,19, the base portion 32 defines a base aperture 430, and the base connecting assembly 422 includes an upper insert 434 and a lower insert 438 received ' in the base aperture 430. A thxeaded rneaiaber d42 c;onnccts the lower insert 438 to one end ' ~ ' ' of the handle portion 40 and to the upper insert 434 so that the handle portion 40 is flexibly mounted to the base portion 32.
20 . As shown in 1a'igs. 18 and 20, tlae main connecting asserrxbly 426 includes a flexible . ~ . member 446 surrQUttding a tube 450. Fastcn.ers 454~and 458 connect the handle portion 40 . ' . ~ ' and the main portion 36, respectively, to the flexible member 446 and the tube~450 so that the handle portion 40 is flexibly mounted. to the maar~ portion 36. The main connecting assembly 426 absorbs shocks to the upper portion of the handle portion 40.
25 . . ~ . Although particular constructions of the present invention have been shown and .~ . ~ , described; other alternative constructions will be ~appare~nt to tliosa slalled in the art and are _ ' ~ . within the intended scope of the'present~ irwentiozt_ 'Thus, the.
present'invention is to be ' ' . ' . ~ lin~aited only by the claims. ~ . . . ' ~ ~ . ' , , ' , .

Claims (84)

We claim:

1. An audio component comprising:
a housing;
a circuit for producing an audio signal, the circuit being supported by the housing, a battery being supportable by the housing and electrically connectable to the circuit; and a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing.

2. An audio component according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines a receptacle having an open end, the battery being supportable in the receptacle, the housing including a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle.

3. An audio component according to claim 2, further comprising a biasing member supported in the receptacle and operable to bias the battery out of the receptacle.

4. An audio component according to claim 1, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the battery and the housing and a recess defined by the other of the battery and the housing, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to the housing.

5. An audio component according to claim 4, wherein the locking assembly includes a biasing member biasing the locking projection toward the locked position.

6. An audio component according to claim 5, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to move the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the biasing member biases the actuator to a position corresponding to the locked position of the locking projection to bias the locking projection to the locked position.

7. An audio component according to claim 4, wherein the locking assembly includes as actuator operable to move the locking projection from the locked position to the unlocked position.

8. An audio component according to claim 7, wherein the actuator is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking projection being in the locked position thereof when the actuator is in the locked position thereof, and the locking projection being in the unlocked position thereof when the actuator is in the unlocked position thereof,

9. An audio component according to claim 8, wherein the actuator allows the locking projection to move from the locked position of the locking projection to the unlocked position of the locking projection.

10. An audio component according to claim 8, wherein the actuator moves the locking projection from the locked position to the unlocked position of the locking projection.

11. An audio component according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a power tool battery operable to power a power tool, the circuit being electrically connectable to the power tool battery.

12. An audio component according to claim 11, wherein the battery is a slide-on power tool battery, the housing including a support portion, the support portion selectively supporting the slide-on power tool battery.

13. An audio component according to claim 12, wherein one of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion include a projection, the other of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion defining a recess, the projection being engageable in the recess to support the slide-on power tool battery on the support portion.

14. An audio component according to claim 11, wherein the power tool battery includes a battery locking assembly to lock the power tool battery to a power tool, the locking assembly cooperating with the battery locking assembly to lock the power tool battery in d position relative to the housing.

15. An audio component according to claim 14, wherein the battery looking assembly includes a battery locking projection on the power tool battery, the battery locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages a recess on the power tool to lock the power tool battery to the power tool, and an unlocked positions in which the power tool battery is movable relative to the power tool, wherein the locking assembly includes, a locking projection on the housing and the battery locking projection provides a recess, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the locking projection engages the recess to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to the housing.

16. An audio component according to claim 1.5, wherein the housing defines a receptacle having an open end and a closed end, the battery being supportable in the receptacle, the receptacle defining an axis of insertion extending from the open end of the receptacle to the closed end of the receptacle, and wherein the battery locking projection of the battery locking assembly is movable perpendicularly to the axis of insertion between the locked position and the unlocked position.

17. A battery charger comprising:
a housing;
a charging circuit supported by the housing, the charging circuit being selectively connectable to a power source, a battery being connectable is the housing and electrically eonnectabie to the charging circuit, then charging circuit being operable to charge the battery; and a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing.

18. A battery charger according to claim 17, wherein. the housing defines. a receptacle having an open end, the battery being supportable in the receptacle, the housing including a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle.

19. A battery charger according to claim 18, further comprising a biasing member supported in the receptacle and operable to bias the battery out of the receptacle.

20. A battery charger according to claim 17, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the battery and the housing and a recess defined by the other of the battery arid the housing, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the battery in a, position relative to the housing, aid an unlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to the housing.

21. A battery charger according to clean 20, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to move the locking projection from the locked position to the unlocked position.

22. A battery charger according to claim 21, wherein the actuator is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking projection being in the locked position thereof when the actuator is in the locked position thereof, and the locking projection being in the unlocked position thereof when the actuator is in the unlocked position thereof.

23. A battery charger according to claim 22, wherein the actuator allows the locking projection to move from the locked position of the locking projection to the unlocked position of the locking projection.

24. A battery charger according to claim 22, wherein the actuator moves the locking projection from the locked position to the unlocked position of the locking projection.

25. A battery charger according to claim 20, wherein the locking assembly includes a biasing member biasing the locking projection toward a locked position.

26. A battery charger according to claim 25, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to move the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the biases member biasing the actuator to a position corresponding to the locked position of the locking projection to bias the locking projection to the locked position.

27. A battery charger according to claim 17, wherein the battery is a power tool battery operable to power a power tool, the charging circuit being electrically connectable to the power tool battery.

28. A battery charger according to claim 27, wherein the battery is a slide-on power tool battery, the housing including a support portion, the support portion selectively supporting the slide-on power tool battery.

29. A battery charger according to claim 28, wherein one of the slide-on power tool battery end the support portion include a projection, the other of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion defining a recess, the projection being engageable in the recess to support the slide-on power tool battery on the support portion.

30. A battery charger according to claim 27, wherein the battery is a tower power tool battery, the housing defining an opening, the opening selectively supporting the tower power tool battery.

31. A battery charger according to claim 30, wherein the tower power tool battery includes a battery insertion portion, the battery insertion portion being engageable in the opening of the housing to support the tower power tool battery on the housing.

32. A battery charger according to claim 27, wherein the power tool battery includes a battery locking assembly to lock the power tool battery to a power tool, the locking assembly cooperating with the battery locking assembly to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing.

33. A battery charger according to claim 32, wherein the battery locking assembly includes a battery locking projection on the power tool battery, the battery locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the battery locking projection engages a recess on the power tool to lock the power tool battery to the power tool, and an unlocked position, in which the power tool battery is movable relative to the power tool, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on the housing and the battery locking projection provides a recess, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the locking projection engages the recess to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which tho battery is movable relative to the housing.

34. A battery charger according to china 33, wherein the housing defines a receptacle having an open end, the battery being supportable in the receptacle, the receptacle defining an axis of insertion extending from the open end of the receptacle to the closed end of the receptacle, and wherein the locking projection of the battery locking assembly is movable perpendicularly to the axis of insertion between the locked position and the unlocked position.

35. An electrical component comprising:
a housing defining a receptacle;
an electrical circuit supported by the housing, a battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit; and a biasing member operable to bias the battery out of the receptacle.

36. An electrical component according to claim 35, wherein the electrical component is an audio component, and wherein the electrical circuit is an audio circuit for producing an audio signal.

37. An electrical, component according to claim 35, wherein the electrical component is a battery charger, and wherein the electrical circuit as a charging circuit electrically connectable to the battery and to a power source, and operable to charge the battery.

38. An electrical component according to claim 35, wherein the receptacle has an open end.

39. An electrical component according to claim 38, wherein the housing includes a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle.

40. An electrical component according to claim 39, wherein the cover includes a second biasing member the second biasing member biasing the battery into the receptacle.

41. An electrical component according to clam 35, wherein the battery is a power tool battery operable to power a power tool, the electrical circuit being electrically connectable to the power tool battery.

42. An electrical component according to claim 41, wherein the battery is a slide-on pager tool battery, and wherein the housing includes a support portion, the support portion selectively supporting the slide-on power tool battery.

43. An electrical component according to claim 42, wherein one of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion include a projection, the other of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion defining a recess, the projection being engageable in the recess to support the slide-on power tool battery on the support portion.

44. An electrical component according to claim 41, wherein the battery is a tower power tool battery, and wherein the housing defines an opening, the opening selectively supporting the tower power tool battery.

45. An electrical component according to claim 44, wherein the tower power tool battery includes a battery insertion portion, the battery insertion portion being engageable in the opening of the housing to support the tower power tool battery on the housing.

46. An electrical component according to claim 35, wherein the receptacle has an open end and a closed end, the biasing member being supportable on the closed end of the receptacle.

47. An electrical component according to claim 46, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

48. An electrical component according to claim 35, further comprising an electrical connector assembly for connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, the electrical connector assembly being supported in the receptacle.

49. An electrical component according to claim 48, wherein the receptacle has an open end, wherein the electrical connector assembly includes a support portion for supporting the battery, the support portion being movable relative to the housing, and wherein the biasing member biases the support portion toward the open end of the receptacle to bias the battery toward the open end of the receptacle.

50. An electrical component according to claim 35, further comprising a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing.

51. An electrical component according to claim 50, wherein the receptacle has an open end, and wherein the locking assembly includes a cover supported by the housing, the cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle to lock the battery in the receptacle.

52. An electrical component according to claim 50, further comprising an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, wherein the locking assembly locks the battery to the electrical connector assembly.

53. An electrical component according to claim 52, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the battery and the electrical connector assembly and a recess defined by the other of the battery and the electrical connector assembly, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the battery in a position relative to the electrical connector assembly, and an unlocked position, in which the battery is movable relative to the electrical connector assembly.

54. An electrical component according to claim 35, further comprising:
an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, and a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing, the locking assembly locking the electrical connector to the housing.

55. An electrical component according to claim 54, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the electrical connector assembly and the housing and a recess defined by the other of the electrical connector assembly and the housing, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the electrical connector assembly in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the electrical connector assembly is movable relative to the housing.

56. An electrical component according to claim 55, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to control movement of the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position.

57. An electrical component comprising:
a housing;
an electrical circuit supported by the housing; and a connector assembly for supporting a battery and for connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, the connector assembly being movably supported by the housing.

58. An electrical component according to claim 57, wherein the electrical component is an audio component, and wherein the electrical circuit is an audio circuit for producing an audio signal.

59. An electrical component according to claim 57, wherein the electrical component is a battery charger, and wherein the electrical circuit is a charging circuit electrically connectable to the battery and to a power source and operable to charge the battery.

60. An electrical component according to claim 57, wherein the housing defines a receptacle, and wherein the battery is supportable in the receptacle.

61. An electrical component according to claim 60, further comprising a biasing member to bias the battery toward the open end of the receptacle.

62. An electrical component according to claim 61, wherein the biasing member is supported between the housing and the connector assembly to bias the connector assembly toward the open end of the receptacle.

63. An electrical component according to claim 61, wherein the receptacle has an open end and a closed end, the biasing member being supportable on the closed end of the receptacle.

64. An electrical component according to claim 63, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

65. An electrical component according to claim 60, wherein the battery is one of a first battery having a first dimension and a second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension being different than the second dimension, and wherein the receptacle selectively receives one of the first battery and the second battery.

66. An electrical component according to claim 65, wherein the receptacle accommodates only one of the first battery and second battery at a time.

67. An electrical component according to claim 66, wherein the receptacle has an open end and a closed end, the receptacle defines an axis of insertion extending from the open end of the receptacle to the closed end of the receptacle, wherein the battery is one of a first battery having a first dimension and a second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension and the second dimension being measured generally along the axis of insertion.

68. An electrical component according to claim 67, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal, and wherein the connector assembly includes a connector terminal connected to the electrical circuit, the battery terminal being connectable to the connector terminal, the battery terminal and the connector terminal being supportable in the receptacle.

69. An electrical component according to claim 60, wherein the receptacle has an open end, and wherein the housing includes a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle.

70. An electrical component according, to claim 57, wherein the connector assembly includes a support portion, the battery being supportable on the support portion, the support portion being movable relative to the housing.

71. An electrical component according to claim 70, wherein one of the battery and the support portion includes a projection and the other of the battery and the support portion defines a recess, the projection being engageable in the recess to support the battery on the connector assembly.

72. An electrical component according to claim 57, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal, and wherein the connector assembly includes a connector terminal connected to the electrical circuit, the connector terminal being movable relative to the housing, the battery terminal being movable to the connector terminal to connect the battery to the electrical circuit.

73. An electrical component according to claim 57, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal, and wherein the connector assembly includes a support portion for supporting the battery and a connector terminal connected to the electrical circuit, the support member and the connector terminal being movable relative to the housing, the battery terminal being connected to the terminal to connect the battery to the, electrical circuit.

74. An electrical component according to claim 57, further comprising a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing.

75. An electrical component according to claim 74, wherein the housing defines a receptacle having an open end, the battery being supportable in the receptacle, and wherein the locking assembly includes a cover supported by the housing, the cover closing the open end of the receptacle to lock the battery to the housing.

76. An electrical component according to claim 74, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the connector assembly and the housing and a recess defined by the other of the connector assembly and the housing, the locking projection being movable between, a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the connector assembly in a position relative to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the connector assembly is movable relative to the housing.

77. An electrical component according to claim 76, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to control movement of the locking projection between, the locked position and the unlocked position.

78. An electrical component according to claim 76, wherein the locking assembly includes a biasing member bi asing the locking projection toward the locked position.

79. An electrical component according to claim 78, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to control movement of the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the biasing member biases the actuator to a position corresponding to the looked position of the locking projection to bias the locking projection to the locked position.

80. A combination comprising:
an electrical component including a housing defining a well portion in a rear of the housing, the housing including a housing connector, and an electrical circuit supported by the housing; and an accessory bag selectively supportable by the housing at least partially within the well portion, the bag including a bag connector connectable to the housing connector to support the accessory bag on the housing.

81. An electrical component comprising:
a housing;
a blow-molded base connected to the housing;
a handle connected to the housing and to base, the handle having an upper portion positioned above the housing and a side portion positioned to one side of the housing, the handle being configured to absorb impacts to the housing; and an electrical circuit supported by the housing.

82. An electrical combination comprising:
an audio component including a housing having a support portion and a circuit for producing an audio signal, the circuit being supported by the housing; and a slide-on power tool battery supportable by the support portion of the housing, the slide-on power tool battery being operable to power a power tool.

83. An electrical component comprising:
a housing defining a receptacle having an open end, the housing including a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle; and an electrical circuit supported by the housing, a first battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit, the first battery having a first dimension, a second, battery being supportable is the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit, the second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension being different than the second dimension, the receptacle selectively receiving one of the first battery and the second battery.

84. An electrical combination comprising:
an audio component including a component housing including a component connector, and an audio circuit supported by the component housing and operable to produce an audio signal, the audio circuit being electrically connectable to a power source; and a battery charger including a charger housing including a charger connector, the charger connector being connectable with the component connector to removably connect the charger housing to the component housing, and a changing circuit connectable to a battery and to a power source and operable to charge the battery.