Wall mounted docking station

• US 7,805,135 B2
• Filed: 10/02/2009
• Issued: 09/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Inventors: Struthers, Scott, Call, Ray, Curtis, Jerry, Berges, Jon
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehrpour; Melody
• Application Number:
  US12/572,756
• Publication Number:
  US 20100087089A1
• Time in Patent Office: 361 Days
• Field of Search: 455/422.1, 455/2.01, 455/3.01, 455/420, 455/517, 455/186.1, 455/352, 455/3.03, 455/556.1, 455/444, 455/426.2, 709/208, 709/251, 709/201, 709/94, 709/231, 709/246, 381/81, 381/85, 381/80, 381/77, 381/386, 381/30, 381/59, 381/89, 381/332, 381/96, 381/24, 381/111, 381116-117, 340/3.71, 340/825.25, 340/426.34, 348/734, 984/313, 984/362, 181/199, 439/533
• US Class Current: 455/422.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/63 to plural spots in a confined site, e.g. MATV [Master Antenna Television]
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2205/021 Aspects relating to docking-station type assemblies to obtain an acoustical effect, e.g. the type of connection to external loudspeakers or housings, frequency improvement
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2227/005 Audio distribution systems for home, i.e. multi-room use
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F

Abstract

A multi-zone audio system is provided that is portable to a handheld audio device at a plurality of locations. The system includes a multi-zone audio system controller having an audio input/output selection circuit for selectively regulating the source and distribution of audio signals. A plurality of handheld connector docks are distributed about the multi-zone system. Each connector dock is in communication with the audio system controller. The connector docks include a connector port, engagable to the handheld device, for communicating music/data/commands between the handheld device and the system controller. A plurality in-wall audio controllers are also distributed about the multi-zone system. Each in-wall controller is in communication with the audio system controller, and includes an input circuit for selective input of commands to regulate operation of the system controller and/or the handheld device. The handheld connector docks are operative to transfer music/data/commands between the audio system controller and a handheld device disposed within the connector dock.

Claims

1. A docking station for docking a handheld audio device at a wall, comprising:

a wall-mountable body portion;

a connector that can electrically couple the docking station and the handheld device; and

an adaptor that allows the handheld device to be electrically coupled to the docking station through the connector at a plurality of different angles with respect to a portion of the body.

2. The docking station of claim 1 wherein the body is sized and dimensioned to extend within the wall.

3. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the body is sized and dimensioned to be flush mounted to the wall.

4. The docking station of claim 2 wherein the connector is configured to carry data, music and commands.

5. The docking station of claim 2, further comprising a window that allows a user to access to a touch screen portion of the handheld audio device.

6. The docking station of claim 2, further comprising a controller apart from the connector that allows a user to provide a command to the audio device.

7. The docking station of claim 6 wherein the controller comprises a wireless receiver.

8. The docking station of claim 7 wherein the controller comprises an infra-red receiver.

9. The docking station of claim 7 wherein the controller comprises a radio frequency receiver.

10. The docking station of claim 2, further comprising a wireless transmitter.

11. The docking station of claim 10, wherein the wireless transmitter is an infrared transmitter.

12. The docking station of claim 2, further comprising a personal computer connection circuit different from the connector.

13. The docking station of claim 2, further comprising a mounting frame that defines a well into which the audio device can be positioned.

14. The docking station of claim 2, further comprising a cradle that accommodates different models of the handheld audio device.

15. The docking station of claim 2, wherein the adaptor is configured to allow disengagement of the handheld device from the docking station without stressing the connector.