Battery pack retention system

Abstract

A battery pack retention system useful for releasably securing an external battery pack to a user includes a battery pack having a first surface feature that secured, but releasably, connects to a second surface feature on a securing device. The securing device has gripping means to secure the battery pack assembly to a ski boot or elsewhere on the user. The releasable connection between the battery pack and the securing device provides the system with flexibility to provide different types of securing devices for enhanced user comfort and convenience.

1 . An external battery pack securing system that comprises, in combination: 
 (a) a battery pack within a rigid shell having front, back, top, bottom, and lateral surfaces, wherein a first surface feature is formed into at least one of said surfaces; and    (b) a securing device exhibiting (i) a second surface feature that can be secured to said first surface feature in a releasable connection and (ii) a gripping means that allows the securing device to be grip or be secured about the user's person or gear.    
     
     
         2 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said first surface feature is a dovetailed slot and said second surface feature is a dovetailed ridge shaped to engage said dovetailed slot.  
     
     
         3 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said first surface feature is a dovetailed ridge and said second surface feature is a dovetailed slot shaped to engage said dovetailed ridge.  
     
     
         4 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said gripping means is a spring-loaded clip or strap bracket.  
     
     
         5 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein said securing device further comprises a deflectable arm and said battery pack further exhibits an opening into which said deflectable arm can move when said battery pack and said securing device are fully engaged to form thereby a secure, releasable connection.