The present invention is generally related to docking systems, and more particularly to docking systems for supporting and/or powering portable electronic devices.
With the proliferation of portable electronic devices including PDA's, cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, gaming devices and so forth, certain docking systems have been created to help organize and power these devices. Currently available device docking systems implement a variety of architectures for both powering and coupling to portable electronic devices may include adjustable clamps to hold individual devices, specially sized recess pocket/cavities, and specially sized individual device adaptor sleeves. The adjustable clamps require complicated moving parts and require allocated space/clearance for a sliding mechanism. Recessed pockets need to be sized to accommodate the largest device, therefore, they are too large for smaller devices. Also, recessed pockets require a clearance feature on the bottom side for electrical connections and can be difficult to access. Recessed pockets do not allow for connections on alternate sides of devices, and they also take up a greater amount of space. Individual device adaptor sleeves require unique parts for each device and require a larger standard sized recessed pocket for the sleeve to engage.
The present invention achieves technical advantages as a platform having a raised support member including a plurality of spaced openings configured to securing receive powered device connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the raised member may comprise an upwardly extending barrier shaped as a comb, formed by a plurality of slots adapted to selectively receive the connector. The connector may be coupled to an interchangeable connector/tip having a predetermined power rating, which connector may be keyed such that portable electronic devices configured to draw power at or below the power rating of the connector can be securingly and electrically coupled thereto. The platform may be angled upwardly to both support and present the portable electronic device to the user.
Referring now to
Referring to
As shown, the raised member 20 forms a comb-like structure, which may also resemble a fence, and forms a bumper which is abutted by the flanged surface of the connector 26 when the connector 26 is seated in place, as shown. This raised member 20 acts as a physical stop or barricade to keep the portable electronic devices 34 in place, as shown.
Advantageously, the present invention provides an approach that combines simple geometric elements to hold a wide range of portable electronic devices, and also provide easy access for connection. The present invention achieves technical advantages by providing a convenient way to store and charge several types of portable electronic devices simultaneously in one area. The present invention eliminates the need for adjustable clamping mechanisms or specially sized pockets to hold and secure various sized electronic devices in place. The present invention can be produced simply and inexpensively with reduced part count and without any complex moving parts. Further, the present invention does not rely on the portable electronic devices shape, its size or connector locations to hold and secure them in place. The present invention presents the portable electronic devices to the user in an organized cable management system, which is easy to install and remove. Interchangeable tips can be easily exchanged with connectors secured in the upwardly extending member to customize the power connection to a portable electronic device to be powered.
Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/300,064 entitled POWER COMPATIBLE UNIVERSAL POWER TIP filed Dec. 14, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,169, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/790,877 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,885 entitled KEYED UNIVERSAL POWER TIP AND POWER SOURCE CONNECTORS filed Mar. 2, 2004, the teaching of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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5030129 | Koch | Jul 1991 | A |
5931683 | Pinel | Aug 1999 | A |
6364697 | Tseng et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6461181 | Goh et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20070015418 A1 | Jan 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10790877 | Mar 2004 | US |
Child | 11300064 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11300064 | Dec 2005 | US |
Child | 11524705 | US |