DOCK WITH MOVEABLE CONNECTOR FOR DISPLAY DEVICE
First Claim
1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
- a base;
a rotatable connector coupled to the base and biased toward an upright position, the rotatable connector configured to receive and electrically couple to a receptacle connector of the portable electronic device; and
a rear reference surface mechanically coupled to the base and adapted to support the portable electronic device when the electronic device is coupled to the rotatable connector in its upright position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Docking stations with a moveable connector that is more durable are provided. For example, when a portable electronic device, coupled with the connector, is pushed forward, the connector is designed to move (e.g. rotate), thereby reducing an impact of strain resulting from such a push. The rotatable connector may be biased to keep the portable electronic device in an upright position such that the electronic device is supported by a rear reference surface of the docking station, thereby preventing undue strain on the rotatable connector in the upright position and inhibiting movement forward. The rotatable connector may be partly below an outer shell of the docking station, and pivot at the outer shell, thereby reducing possible damage to parts below the outer shell. The rotatable connector may also retract when rotated, thereby removing a force that can break the connector at a position of full rotation forward.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base; a rotatable connector coupled to the base and biased toward an upright position, the rotatable connector configured to receive and electrically couple to a receptacle connector of the portable electronic device; and a rear reference surface mechanically coupled to the base and adapted to support the portable electronic device when the electronic device is coupled to the rotatable connector in its upright position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base including an outer shell having an opening; and a rotatable connector coupled to the base and protruding through the opening in the outer shell of the base, the rotatable connector having a first section below the outer shell and a second section above the outer shell, wherein the rotatable connector is configured to receive and electrically couple to a receptacle connector of the portable electronic device, wherein during at least a portion of a rotation, the rotatable connector pivots about a point of contact between a surface of the rotatable connector and the outer shell. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base having an outer shell, the outer shell having an opening; a rotatable connector that protrudes through the opening in the outer shell, the rotatable connector having a first section below the outer shell and a second section above the outer shell, wherein the rotatable connector is configured to receive and electrically couple to a receptacle connector of the portable electronic device; at least one guide post coupled with the rotatable connector; and at least one guiding surface that is in contact with the at least one guide post and that guides a position of the rotatable connector during rotation. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a base having a bottom surface and a top outer shell, the top outer shell having an opening; a rotatable connector that protrudes through an opening in the top outer shell, the rotatable connector having a first section below the top outer shell and a second section above the top outer shell, wherein the rotatable connector is configured to receive and electrically couple to a receptacle connector of the portable electronic device; and a retraction mechanism that causes the second section of the rotatable connector that is above the outer shell to decrease as the rotatable connector rotates from a position perpendicular to the bottom surface towards a front of the docking station. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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Specification