This invention relates to a holding mechanism and/or a docking station for a media player.
Media player devices such as those commonly referred to as “MP3” or “MP4” players are becoming increasingly popular. Users tend to store personalized selections of their favorite media entertainment, for example music playlists, on such media players. Users now expect to be able to use their players in environments such as aircraft, and there is a demand for appropriate connections in these environments to at least power or recharge media players, and to allow media players to communicate with other systems such as In Flight Entertainment (IFE) systems.
Existing docking stations are typically configured for a single media player product and are therefore not suited to accommodating the many different player designs presently on the market.
It is an object of the invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more disadvantages of known systems. Another object is to provide a holding mechanism or docking station that will receive media players of different types or dimensions.
Accordingly one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter provides a docking station for a media player, comprising a body having adjustable securing apparatus to allow a plurality of individual media players of different dimensions to be selectively secured to the body.
In one embodiment the body or the securing apparatus allow a media player to be electrically coupled to the docking station.
In one embodiment the securing apparatus comprises a clamp.
In one embodiment the securing apparatus is rotatable relative to the body to allow a media player to be disposed at a desired angular orientation relative to the body.
In one embodiment the docking station includes a controller.
In one embodiment the docking station includes a display screen. In another embodiment the docking station communicates with a remote display.
In one embodiment the docking station includes shock absorption apparatus to facilitate operation in a transport environment such as an aircraft.
In one embodiment the disclosed subject matter includes a passenger seat having a recess in which the docking station is provided.
In one embodiment the docking station comprises a universal docking station.
One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to
In one embodiment shock absorption apparatus, such as a layer or bed of vibration damping material, is provided between the body 2 and the passenger seat. Alternatively the shock absorption apparatus may be provided between the body and a base plate 20, or between clamping members 24 and base plate 20. In other embodiments shock absorption apparatus may be provided on parts of the docking station (for example surfaces of clamping members 24) that contact or support the media player.
The body 2 supports media player securing apparatus which is generally referenced 10 in
Referring now to
As can be seen from arrows 16, the securing apparatus 10 is rotatably mounted relative to the body 2. In use this allows a media player secured by apparatus 10 to be oriented in a desired manner for ease of use or viewing by a user.
Referring now to
Turning now to
Moveable clamping members 24 are also provided in recess 26. These contact side surfaces of the media player in use to allow the media player to be securely engaged with the base plate 20 by a clamping action. In one embodiment the clamping members 24 are interconnected by a centralisation mechanism such as a rack and pinion arrangement such that they remain equidistant from the connector 22. In use a user squeezes members 24 toward each other about the outer surface of a media player to engage the media player between members 24. The media player is removed by forcing members 24 apart and/or by sliding the media player out from between members 24. In one embodiment the clamping members make a frictional contact with the base plate 20 or the body 2, so that they retain the position into which they are manipulated by a user. In another embodiment the clamping members are biased toward each other, for example by use of a spring, to remain in contact with the media player. In this embodiment the clamping members are forced apart by a user to remove and/or insert a media player.
The clamping arrangement provided by members 24 and rotatable base plate 20 allows a wide variety of different types and sizes of medial player to be accommodated by the docking station 1, as shown in
Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.
Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the present invention.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/175,230, filed May 4, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61175230 | May 2009 | US |