ARTICLES WITH ELECTRICAL CHARGING SURFACES

• US 20160372962A1
• Filed: 09/02/2016
• Published: 12/22/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Norman R. Byrne, Robert L. Knapp, Roger D. Burdi, Timothy J. Warwick
• Original Assignee: Norman R. Byrne, Robert L. Knapp, Roger D. Burdi, Timothy J. Warwick
• Inventors: Byrne, Norman R., Knapp, Robert L., Warwick, Timothy J., Burdi, Roger D.
• Granted Patent: US 10,050,473 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction

Abstract

An electrical article with cord-free charging zone provides users in a work area with access to low-voltage charging for portable electronic devices, in which electrical current is conveyed upon placement of an electronic device within the charging zone. The electrical article is configured for use in a work area, and includes a housing, a low voltage charging zone with power unit, and an electrical power input. The charging zone is defined along at least a portion of an upper surface of the housing. The low voltage power unit is operable to cordlessly convey electrical power to a portable electrical or electronic device that is positioned at the low voltage charging zone.

Claims

1. An electrical article for use in a work area, said electrical article comprising:

a support housing including an upper surface, said support housing configured to support a video display device on said upper surface;

a cordless charging zone defined along a first portion of said upper surface;

an electrical power transmission unit disposed in said support housing and having a cordless power output at said cordless charging zone;

an electrical power input configured to direct electrical power from a power source to said electrical power transmission unit; and

wherein said electrical power transmission unit is operable to cordlessly convey electrical power to a portable electronic device positioned at said charging zone.

2. The electrical article of claim 1, further comprising an electrical outlet disposed along said support housing, wherein said electrical outlet is configured to establish a direct electrical connection upon engagement with a corresponding electrical contact with an electrical consumer, and wherein said electrical power input is further configured to direct electrical power from said power source to said electrical outlet.

3. The electrical article of claim 2, wherein said electrical outlet comprises a high voltage AC outlet, and wherein said high voltage AC outlet comprises one chosen from (i) a 110-volt outlet, (ii) a 220-volt outlet, and (iii) a light socket.

4. The electrical article of claim 2, further comprising a low voltage DC outlet in electrical communication with said electrical power input.

5. The electrical article of claim 4, wherein said electrical power transmission unit comprises an electrical power converter configured to convert incoming high voltage AC power received from said electrical power input to low voltage DC power output directed to said cordless power output and to said low voltage DC outlet, and wherein said electrical power input comprises an electrical cord configured to carry high voltage AC current.

6. The electrical article of claim 2, wherein said electrical outlet comprises a low voltage DC outlet.

7. The electrical article of claim 1, wherein said cordless power output comprises a wireless inductive electrical power output at said charging zone of said support housing.

8. The electrical article of claim 1, wherein said support housing further comprises a retaining fixture configured to retain and support said video display device, and wherein said retaining fixture is formed on a second portion of said upper surface.

9. The electrical article of claim 1, wherein said support housing is configured for coupling to a wall surface and further comprises an articulating arm and mounting bracket.

10. The electrical article of claim 1, wherein said support housing is configured for mounting at a desk or other work surface.

11. An electrical article for use in a work area, said electrical article comprising:

a support housing configured to support a portable electronic device in an upright orientation, wherein said support housing comprises a lower cradle portion configured to retain said portable electronic device and to define a cordless charging zone;

an electrical power transmission unit disposed in said support housing and having a cordless power output at said cordless charging zone;

an electrical power input configured to direct electrical power from a power source to said electrical power transmission unit; and

wherein said electrical power transmission unit is operable to cordlessly convey electrical power to said portable electronic device positioned at said charging zone when retained by said lower cradle portion in an upright orientation.

12. The electrical article of claim 11, further comprising an electrical output module disposed below said lower cradle portion, wherein said electrical output module comprises an electrical outlet configured to establish a direct electrical connection upon engagement with a corresponding electrical contact with an electrical consumer, and wherein said electrical power input is further configured to direct electrical power from said power source to said electrical outlet.

13. The electrical article of claim 12, wherein said electrical outlet comprises a high voltage AC outlet, and wherein said high voltage AC outlet comprises one chosen from (i) a 110-volt outlet, (ii) a 220-volt outlet, and (iii) a light socket.

14. The electrical article of claim 12, wherein said electrical outlet further comprises a low voltage DC outlet in electrical communication with said electrical power input.

15. The electrical article of claim 14, wherein said electrical power transmission unit comprises an electrical power converter configured to convert incoming high voltage AC power received from said electrical power input to low voltage DC power output directed to said cordless power output and to said low voltage DC outlet.

16. The electrical article of claim 15, wherein said electrical power input comprises an electrical cord configured to carry high voltage AC current.

17. The electrical article of claim 12, wherein said electrical output module comprises a low voltage DC outlet in electrical communication with said electrical power input.

18. The electrical article of claim 11, wherein said cordless power output comprises a wireless inductive electrical power output at said charging zone of said support housing.

19. The electrical article of claim 11, wherein said support housing is configured for coupling to a wall surface.

20. The electrical article of claim 11, wherein said support housing is configured for mounting at a desk or other work surface.