Adapter for a consumer electronic device with an information function

• US 7,740,505 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2008
• Issued: 06/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: McCoy, Richard A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Duverne; Jean F
• Application Number:
  US12/235,631
• Publication Number:
  US 20090017661A1
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 439/676, 439/660, 361685-686, 361/683, 710/303
• US Class Current: 439/660
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1601 Constructional details related to the housing of computer displays, e.g. of CRT monitors, of flat displays constructional details related to flat displays integrated in a portable computer, e.g. laptop, handheld computer G06F1/1637; constructional details related to television receivers H04N5/64
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

An adapter for removably mounting an electronic image device performing a first informational function to an appliance performing a cycle of operation on a consumer article. The adapter has a main body adapted to removably couple the electronic device to the appliance. The adapter provides a first mechanical support service between the appliance and the electronic device when the adapter is coupled to the appliance and the electronic device is coupled to the adapter and a second mechanical support service to the electronic device when the adapter and the electronic device are removed from the appliance as well as providing a second informational function.

Claims

1. An adapter for removably mounting an electronic device performing a first information function to an appliance performing a cycle of operation on a consumer article, the adapter comprising:

an adapter main body adapted to removably couple the electronic device to the appliance,

a first component on the adapter main body and providing a first mechanical support service between the appliance and the electronic device when the adapter is coupled to the appliance and the electronic device is coupled to the adapter,

a second component on the adapter main body and providing a second mechanical support service to the electronic device when the adapter and the electronic device are removed from the appliance, and

a third component on the adapter main body and providing a second information function independent of the electronic device.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an image display.

3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an audio device.

4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a radio.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the third component comprises a writing surface.

6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter main body further comprises a physical storage compartment.

7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the physical storage compartment provides storage for items used in connection with the use of the electronic device.

8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the second component comprises a stand that supports the adapter on a generally horizontal surface.

9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the stand is retractable.

10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is coupled to the adapter by a fixed coupling.

11. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is coupled to the adapter by a removable coupling.

12. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the further comprising a power source to provide power communication as the second service to the consumer electronic device.

13. The adapter of claim 12 wherein the power source is recharged when the adapter is coupled to the host.

14. The adapter of claim 13 wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery.

15. The adapter of claim 1 adapter further comprising a data communication device to provide data communication as the second service to the consumer electronic device.

16. The adapter of claim 15 wherein the data communication device comprises a wireless data communication device.

17. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the first component comprises a hanger.

18. The adapter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second information functions provides scheduling information.

19. The adapter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second information functions provides messages.

20. An adapter for removably mounting an electronic device performing a first information function to an appliance performing a cycle of operation on a consumer article, the adapter comprising:

an adapter main body adapted to removably couple the electronic device to the appliance, the adapter main body providing;

a first mechanical support service between the appliance and the electronic device when the adapter is coupled to the appliance and the electronic device is coupled to the adapter,

a second mechanical support service to the electronic device when the adapter and the electronic device are removed from the appliance;

a second information function independent of the electronic device; and

an additional function in addition to the mechanical support and information functions.

21. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the electronic device is coupled to the adapter by a fixed coupling.

22. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the additional function comprises power storage.

23. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the additional function comprises a microphone.

24. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the additional function comprises a power source.

25. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the additional function comprises data storage.

26. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the second information function can operate independently of the appliance.

27. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the electronic device is coupled to the adapter by a removable coupling.