Philips patent application details gadget-charging handbag

Bags that charge your gadgets aren't exactly a new concept, but that apparently hasn't stopped Philips from trying to patent the idea, as evidenced by its recently-revealed application for a so-called "Smart Handbag." This bag is somewhat unique, however, in that it has separate compartments for your various gizmos, each of which contain their own electric conductive circuit that's used to top off the devices as needed (the bag itself is apparently charged simply by plugging the strap into a power outlet). As if that wasn't enough, the other end of the strap would apparently be outfitted with a USB connector, which'd let you plug the bag into your computer and instantly have access to all the devices contained within it. Of course, that's assuming computers still have USB ports whenever this thing actually makes it off the drawing board.

[Via Unwired View]

[w00t @ May 16th 2008 3:01PM]

Bah, my backpack has USB & 12v outlets powered by military lithium batteries, with an optional 240v (80w) mains socket if I bring the mini inverter with me :)

One 2 x 15v 7.5Ah radio battery tends to last a damn long time, unless I'm making good use of the mains socket!

I got loads of the batteries for 50p each at an electronics junk store...

[silverblackvoid @ May 16th 2008 4:08PM]

w00t, nobody is interested in your backpack.

[w00t @ May 16th 2008 4:22PM]

I'm just saying, prior art...
I set up something similar over 5 years ago!

[duh @ May 16th 2008 3:08PM]

Technology & fashion don't always mesh well. If a company in one industry wants to go into the other, they need a partner. Phillips should partner with an established apparel brand like LG did with Prada, or Apple with Nike.

Phillips + ?

[matt307 @ May 16th 2008 3:21PM]

Or you can have one iPhone that is all of those crazy gadgets!

[Drew Scott @ May 16th 2008 4:30PM]

yep ... you missed the whole point of this article.

[brando_commando @ May 16th 2008 4:45PM]

"which'd" ... never used that one before

[Brent @ May 16th 2008 5:28PM]

Wow, I had this idea a while back. Sometimes I think large corporations are reading my thoughts...or tapping my phones...or stealing my medicine.

[Ryan @ May 16th 2008 6:32PM]

Ok im not a huge "tech guy" but i have heard of these pads that u place ur phone and ipod and such on and they just charge it... no wires required... why dont they have a backpack that u just throw ur ipod in it and it charages it for you?? or do they??

[Zaidyn @ May 18th 2008 10:37PM]

The backpack would be expensive, weigh more, be a LOT less efficient than batteries, and possibly pose a threat to people around it due to the (relativity) high levels of electromagnetic radiation involved with current technology. In the end, it's just easier, cheaper, and just better to carry one of those small "instant charge" units that dump a few AAs worth charge into your device. Plus, you don't need to be carrying a backpack everywhere (which, if all that's in it is the devices, is mostly dead weight).

The coolest solution is not always the optimal one.

[Alex @ May 17th 2008 7:20AM]

No.

[Bauerknight @ May 18th 2008 1:21PM]

Phillips + Girbaud