Portable electronic device docking station

• US 9,450,632 B1
• Filed: 08/04/2015
• Issued: 09/20/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lori M. Mcelroy
• Original Assignee: Lori M. Mcelroy
• Inventors: McElroy, Lori M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Miller, Brandon
• Application Number:
  US14/817,841
• Time in Patent Office: 413 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3877 Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters

Abstract

A portable electronic device docking station adapted for use in a vehicle provides a securement mechanism, electrical power connection, and communication synchronization system to enable hands-free use of the portable electronic device while attached thereto. The docking station also enables communication with other electronic devices GPS function. The station enables a user to exercise command and control of any synchronized device.

Claims

1. A docking station, comprising:

a base comprising;

a camera mounted within a front face thereof;

a memory card slot located on a periphery thereof, wherein said memory card slot is capable of electrically connecting a memory card thereto; and

an interface cable located on said periphery thereof,

wherein said camera, said memory card slot, and said interface cable are configured to be in electrical communication with an external power source;

a flexible and adjustable stem having a first end attached to a top portion of said base and a second end;

a tray attached to said second end of said stem, wherein said tray comprises;

a top;

a bottom opposite said bottom;

a first side;

a second side opposite said first side; and

a sill extending outwardly from said bottom of said tray and forming a trough capable of supporting a portable electronic device in either a generally vertical or generally horizontal orientation;

a first side stabilizer adjustably connected to said first side of said tray;

a second side stabilizer adjustably connected to said second side of said tray; and

a top stabilizer adjustably connected to said top of said tray,

wherein each of said first side stabilizer, said second side stabilizer and said top stabilizer comprises;

at least one support rod capable of extending outwardly from and retracting into said tray;

a stabilizer plate connected to an end of said support rod, and

wherein a position of said stabilizer plate of each of said first side stabilizer, said second side stabilizer and said top stabilizer relative to said tray is adjustable to make selective contact with said portable electronic device supported by said sill.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein said base further comprises a truncated, conical shape capable of accommodating said portable electronic device.

3. The docking station of claim 2, wherein said base comprises at least one mounting aperture, each for receiving a fastening means for fastening said docking station to a support structure.

4. The docking station of claim 1, wherein said tray further comprises a reveal extending generally upward and outward at an obtuse angle from said sill, said reveal configured to retain a portion of a lower end of said portable electronic device on said sill.

5. The docking station of claim 1, wherein said tray further comprises a tray aperture configured to permit routing of said interface cable therethrough.

6. The docking station of claim 5, wherein said aperture is further a slot configured to have a width generally coextensive with a width of said portable electronic device.

7. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a knuckle connecting said second end of said stem to said tray.

8. The docking station of claim 1, wherein each stabilizer plate further comprises a pad located on a surface facing said tray.

9. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a microphone configured to be in electrical communication with said external power source.

10. A docking station, comprising:

a base comprising;

a camera mounted within a front face thereof;

a memory card slot located on a periphery thereof, wherein said memory card slot is capable of electrically connecting a memory card thereto;

a microphone located on said periphery thereof;

an interface cable located on said periphery thereof; and

electronic circuitry located within said base,

wherein said camera, said memory card slot, said microphone, and said interface cable are configured to be in electrical communication with said electronic circuitry, and

wherein said electronic circuitry comprises voice recognition circuitry to receive a voice command and selectively control said camera, said memory card slot; and

said portable electronic device;

a power cord configured to be in electrical communication with an external power source;

a power switch in electrical communication between said power cord and said electronic circuitry;

a mounting bracket retained within a cavity of said base;

a flexible and adjustable stem having a first end attached to a top portion of said base and a second end;

a tray attached to said second end of said stem, wherein said tray comprises;

a top;

a bottom opposite said bottom;

a first side;

a second side opposite said first side; and

a sill extending outwardly from said bottom of said tray and forming a trough capable of supporting a portable electronic device in either a generally vertical or generally horizontal orientation;

a first side stabilizer adjustably connected to said first side of said tray;

a second side stabilizer adjustably connected to said second side of said tray; and

a top stabilizer adjustably connected to said top of said tray,

wherein each of said first side stabilizer, said second side stabilizer and said top stabilizer comprises;

at least one support rod capable of extending outwardly from and retracting into said tray;

a stabilizer plate connected to an end of said support rod, and

wherein a position of said stabilizer plate of each of said first side stabilizer, said second side stabilizer and said top stabilizer relative to said tray is adjustable to make selective contact with said portable electronic device supported by said sill.

11. The docking station of claim 10, wherein said base further comprises a truncated, conical shape capable of accommodating said portable electronic device.

12. The docking station of claim 11, wherein said base comprises at least one mounting aperture, each for receiving a fastening means for fastening said docking station to a support structure.

13. The docking station of claim 10, wherein said tray further comprises a reveal extending generally upward and outward at an obtuse angle from said sill, said reveal configured to retain a portion of a lower end of said portable electronic device on said sill.

14. The docking station of claim 10, wherein said tray further comprises a tray aperture configured to permit routing of said interface cable therethrough.

15. The docking station of claim 14, wherein said aperture is further a slot configured to have a width generally coextensive with a width of said portable electronic device.

16. The docking station of claim 10, further comprising a knuckle connecting said second end of said stem to said tray.

17. The docking station of claim 10, wherein each stabilizer plate further comprises a pad located on a surface facing said tray.

18. The docking station of claim 10, wherein:

said electronic circuitry commands said camera to record an image, convert it to data, and transfer said data to said memory card; and

,

wherein said electrical circuitry commands said memory card to delete sufficient oldest data if said memory card is full in order to transfer said image thereto.