Wall mounted docking station

• US 7,929,961 B2
• Filed: 07/20/2010
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dana Innovations, Inc.
• Inventors: Curtis, Jerry, Berges, Jon, Struthers, Scott, Call, Ray
• Primary Examiner(s): MEHRPOUR, NAGHMEH
• Application Number:
  US12/839,645
• Publication Number:
  US 20100310088A1
• Time in Patent Office: 273 Days
• Field of Search: 455/422.1, 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, 348/734, 340/3.71, 340/825.25, 340/426.34, 984/313, 984/362, 181/199
• 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 system for providing music to a distal speaker, comprising:

a wall-mounted docking station that receives a portable handheld device capable of storing and playing music;

a facility capable of carrying command signals from a distal source to the docking station; and

a circuit capable of sending the music from the portable handheld device to the speaker.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the facility comprises a wireless receiver capable of receiving the command signals.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the facility is adapted to communicate with a commercially available audio system controller.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking station has a video output.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising alternative cradles capable of accommodating different ones of the handheld device.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the docking station includes a connector capable of providing power to the handheld device.