Patent Application
20090161903
The present invention relates in general to a docking station, and more particularly, to a docking station which is capable of being mounted to a sports support pole.
During a sporting activity, such as a basketball game, players may desire to listen to audio content while engaging in the sporting activity. In the past, this audio content has been provided by conventional radio, tape players, compact disc (“CD”) players, or portable media players (“PMPs”) capable of playing stored audio content. PMPs are quickly becoming the preferred audio reproduction means due to their advantages over other more conventional devices. For example, PMPs allow users to maintain a vast amount of music maintained in audio libraries on the device itself.
Typically, PMPs are provided with a headphone jack which allows an individual to attach the PMP to their body and listen to audio content through headphones. However, it is also common for PMPs to be configured with an audio output port which allows the PMP to be connected to a docking station such that multiple users can listen to the same audio content. Furthermore, some docking stations connect directly to the headphone jack for receiving audio output. These docking stations often must be connected to an outside power source to conserve the power of the PMP and extend playing time.
For individuals who are engaging in a sporting activity and desire to simultaneously utilize a docking station for listening to audio content, prior docking stations present many disadvantages. For example, a power outlet may not be in close proximity to the location of the sporting activity and, as such, it may be necessary to string wires from a distant location to the docking station in order to provide power. These wires may create a hazardous tripping risk for players or observers who may have to step over or near the placement of the wires.
Additionally, prior PMP docking stations may not be built ruggedly enough to handle collisions with a player or ball. As such, the risk of damage to the docking station or the PMP is increased when they are used near the location of a sporting activity.
Another drawback of existing docking stations is that they may be difficult to position for optimum audio coverage of the playing area. It may be time-consuming and cumbersome for the user to set up the speaker system and additionally, set up and connect the PMP or other audio device and docking station such that risk of damage to the apparatus and/or player is minimized and that the players can still sufficiently hear the content from the PMP or other audio device. Likewise, it may be just as time-consuming and cumbersome for the user to take down the speaker system, PMP or other audio device, and docking station upon the conclusion of the sporting activity.
Thus, there is a need for a simple docking station for accepting a PMP or other audio device and playing its audio content near a sporting activity, such as a basketball court, with minimal risk of damage to the docking station, PMP or other audio device while still maintaining maximum coverage of the audio content and allowing for easy removal and storage of the unit.
The present invention relates in general to a docking station, and more particularly, to a docking station which is capable of being mounted to a sports support pole.
One embodiment of the present invention may include a pole mountable docking station for an audio device. The pole mountable docking station may include a bracket mountable to a sports support pole and a housing configured to detachably attach to the bracket and support the audio device. The housing may include at least one speaker connectable to the audio device. The connection between the audio device and the at least one speaker may allow the audio device to provide audio output to each speaker during a sporting event.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, in a non-limiting fashion, the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention, and in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the Figures, wherein:
The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the Figures in which various embodiments of the present invention are shown. The subject matter of this disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
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A guide slot 13 and bracket guides 15 are positioned between the speakers 22 to allow the housing 10 to slidably engage with the pole bracket 16, thus allowing the pole bracket 16 to be mounted to the pole while the housing 10 may be removed for storage (as discussed in detail below). One skilled in the art would understand that the housing 10 may be removably connectable to the pole bracket 16 by other means known in the art including, but not limited to, suction cups, cup and ball attachments or any other conventional means of removably attaching two devices.
In
A recess door (not shown) may be provided to cover and protect a PMP when it is placed within the housing 10. In one embodiment, the recess door may pivot about a hinge 35 (as shown in
As illustrated in
As mentioned above, the pole bracket 16 may be configured with a curved side 12 to fit onto the pole 40, as shown in
When the PMP is placed within the recess 36, the PMP may be connected to the docking station using an audio input jack or port (not shown). This may include, but is not limited to, a jack or port for connecting to the headphone jack or other audio output port on the PMP. Furthermore, as discussed above, the PMP may be connected to the docking station such that power from the docking station is used to power the PMP. Alternatively, the power from the PMP may be used to power the speakers 22 in the event that the batteries are incapable of providing power or in the event that no batteries are provided in the docking station.
In one embodiment, the connection of the PMP to the docking station may be accomplished using a cord or cable which protrudes from the docking station. In other embodiments, the connection to the docking station may be accomplished using a protruding connection which is configured to fit into a port located on the PMP. Further, multiple connections may be provided to transfer different types of signals between the PMP and the docking station including, but not limited to, data signals, audio signals and power. In short, it is contemplated that any known means of connecting a PMP to a docking station may be utilized according to the present invention to transfer audio, data or power between the PMP and the docking station without deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
A power switch or button (not shown) may also be provided on the housing 10 to activate the docking station. The power switch or button could be located in the recess 36 or elsewhere on the housing 10. The power switch or button could be a conventional push button or toggle switch or other on/off means known in the art. Moreover, it is contemplated that the present invention could include, but is not limited to, a remote control unit known in the art to activate the docking station.
The present invention may also be configured with a volume control (not shown) to control the volume of the docking station. It is contemplated that the present invention may be configured with a volume control mechanism known in the art, or configured such that the volume could be solely controlled by the PMP when the PMP is connected to the docking station.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. While the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention, various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use are also possible. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
