Holder for mobile device

• US 10,377,319 B2
• Filed: 10/04/2017
• Issued: 08/13/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Muiter, James Hadley, Jammoul, Daniel A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Diao, M Baye
• Application Number:
  US15/724,300
• Publication Number:
  US 20190100155A1
• Time in Patent Office: 678 Days
• Field of Search: 320114
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0047 using hidden fastening means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0071 using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers

Abstract

A charging assembly for a mobile device in a vehicle includes a slot positioned in a vehicle console wherein the slot comprises a floating floor having at least one connector. The charging assembly further includes a spring positioned between the floating floor and a bottom surface of the charging assembly. The floating floor retracts into the vehicle console to both support and charge the mobile device.

Claims

1. A charging assembly for a mobile device in a vehicle comprising:

a slot positioned in a console wherein the slot comprises a floating floor having at least one connector;

a spring positioned between the floating floor and a bottom surface of the charging assembly;

a first lock for preventing downward movement of the floating floor for maintaining the floating floor at a top position; and

a second lock for maintaining the floating floor at a lowered position;

wherein the floating floor can be positioned into the slot to support and charge the mobile device.

2. The charging assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a release latch coupled to the floating floor to control positioning of the floating floor.

3. The charging assembly of claim 2, wherein the release latch is a push-pull release latch.

4. The charging assembly of claim 2, wherein the release latch is selected from the group consisting of a lever, a switch, a pull tab, a button, a handle, a cable, and an activator.

5. The charging assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector comprises a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector.

6. The charging assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector is coupled to a daisy wheel.

7. The charging assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one connector is coupled to a selector barrel.

8. The charging assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one sidewall finger to accommodate mobile devices having a plurality of different sizes.

9. The charging assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a 3-headed cable wherein a first head is coupled to a Micro-USB connector, a second head is coupled to a USB-C connector, and a third head is coupled to a Lightning connector.

10. The charging assembly of claim 1, wherein the slot is oriented in a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation, or an angled orientation.

11. A method for charging a mobile device in a vehicle, the method comprising:

selecting a connector that matches a charging port on the mobile device using an adjustable charging plug wherein the adjustable charging plug comprises a daisy wheel or a selector barrel;

positioning the mobile device in a slot comprising a floating floor wherein the mobile device is coupled to a connector;

pushing the mobile device into the slot so the floating floor is in a retracted position; and

charging the mobile device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the adjustable charging plug comprises a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

locking the floating floor at a top position using a release latch to position the mobile device; and

locking the floating floor at a lowered position using the release latch to hold and charge the mobile device.

14. The method of claim 11 further comprising:

positioning the mobile device in the slot using at least one sidewall finger to accommodate mobile devices having a plurality of different sizes.

15. A vehicle charging assembly comprising:

a slot positioned in a vehicle surface wherein the slot comprises a floating floor;

a recoil system positioned between the floating floor and a bottom surface of the charging assembly; and

at least one lock configured to selectively maintain the floating floor at a top position, a lowered position, and at least one intermediate position;

wherein the floating floor can be positioned into the slot to form a charging cavity to support and charge a mobile device.

16. The vehicle mobile device charging assembly of claim 15 further comprising:

a release latch coupled to the floating floor to control positioning of the floating floor.

17. The vehicle mobile device charging assembly of claim 15, wherein the floating floor comprises at least one connector or wherein the charging cavity comprises an assembly for wireless charging.