A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided.
The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and
sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends
outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the
sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded
electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery
pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to
the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the
battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of
the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the
pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.