Desktop charger with adjustable connector module

• US 6,994,575 B1
• Filed: 12/22/2004
• Issued: 02/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Amperex Technology Limited (TDK Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Motorola, Inc. (Motorola Solutions, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wu, Xu-Gang "Joly", Sampath, Venkateshwaran V., Clark, Aaron P.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TRUC T
• Application Number:
  US11/020,401
• Time in Patent Office: 412 Days
• Field of Search: 439/529, 439/929, 439/246, 439/171, 439173-174
• US Class Current: 439/173
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/502 composed of different pieces H01R13/514 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5213 Covers
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/16 for telephony
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 35/00 Flexible or turnable line connectors , i.e. the rotation angle being limited rotary current collectors, distributors H01R39/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 41/00 Non-rotary current collectors for maintaining contact between moving and stationary parts of an electric circuit end pieces terminating in a hook or the like H01R11/12; current collectors for power supply lines of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L5/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/929 Connecting base plate or shelf type holder

Abstract

A charger having an adjustable connector accommodates a plurality of electronic devices having different form factors. In one embodiment, the charger includes at least one pocket for receiving an electronic device, like a cellular telephone. Within the pocket, an electronic connector capable of supplying power to the electronic device is mounted atop an optionally detachable adjustable connector support member. The adjustable connector support module has cantilever arms that have protrusions disposed thereon. The cantilever arms are preloaded against adjustment tracks that include a series of ratchet grooves. By applying a lateral force against the adjustable connector support module, the connector may be moved laterally from a first position to a second position. Where the adjustable connector support module is detachable from the charger, the adjustable connector support module may be coupled to a connector base member by way of snap features that engage travel rails on the connector support member. A pivoting support lid provides a mechanical support for the electronic device when inserted into the pocket.

Claims

1. A desktop charger, comprising:

a. at least one pocket for receiving an electronic device;

b. an adjustable connector support member having a connector disposed thereon, the adjustable connector support member comprising at least one cantilever arm having a protrusion disposed thereon; and

c. a plurality of ratchet grooves disposed within the charger for engaging the protrusion;

wherein the adjustable connector support member is moveable from at least a first position to a second position.

2. The charger of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is selected from the group consisting of cellular phones, radios, personal data assistants, MP3 players, portable computers and pagers.

3. The charger of claim 1, wherein the adjustable connector support member comprises at least two cantilever arms having protrusions disposed thereon.

4. The charger of claim 1, further comprising a pivoting support lid.

5. The charger of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ratchet grooves is disposed upon a connector module base member that is detachable from the charger.

6. The charger of claim 5, wherein the adjustable connector support member is detachable from the connector module base member.

7. The charger of claim 6, wherein the adjustable connector support member comprises at least two snap arms for coupling the adjustable connector support member to the connector module base member.

8. The charger of claim 7, wherein the connector module base member comprises at least two travel rails for coupling to the at least two snap arms.

9. The charger of claim 8, wherein the connector module base member comprises mechanical stops about the at least two travel rails.

10. The charger of claim 9, further comprising a flexible circuit substrate that couples the connector with the connector module base member.

11. The charger of claim 3, wherein the connector extends from the adjustable connector support at an angle of between 0 and 90 degrees.

12. The charger of claim 11, further comprising a planar support extending from the pocket for supporting the electronic device.

13. A desktop charger, comprising:

a. at least one pocket for receiving an electronic device;

b. an adjustable connector support member having a connector disposed thereon, the adjustable connector support member comprising at least one cantilever arm having a protrusion disposed thereon; and

c. an adjustment track comprising a plurality of ratchet grooves for engaging the protrusion;

wherein the adjustable connector support member is laterally moveable from at least a first position to a second position.

14. The charger of claim 13, wherein the adjustable connector support member is detachable from the charger.

15. The charger of claim 13, wherein the adjustable connector support member comprises at least one snap feature for coupling the adjustable connector support member to the charger.

16. The charger of claim 15, wherein the connector is electrically coupled to the charger by a flexible circuit substrate.

17. The charger of claim 13, wherein the connector extends distally from the adjustable connector support member at an angle of between 0 and 90 degrees.

18. The charger of claim 17, wherein the connector comprises a 17-pin, male connector.

19. The charger of claim 17, wherein the connector is capable of supplying power to an electronic device.

20. The charger of claim 13, further comprising a pivoting support lid.