Docking station with integral device support structure
First Claim
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1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
- a housing having a cover disposed above and secured to a base;
a connector plug configured to provide plenary support for the electronic device having a first end secured to the base and a second end extending at an acute angle beyond an exterior surface of the cover;
a brace disposed within the housing and configured to support the connector plug and define the acute angle; and
a flexible structure coupled to the connector plug and to the housing, the flexible structure enabling the connector plug to be forcibly deflected in a direction away from the brace;
wherein the flexible structure comprises a mounting plate disposed in the base and an elastomeric insert disposed in the cover.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An aesthetically pleasing docking station that is able to support electronic devices with only an interface connector. The docking station is further equipped with mechanisms that protect the electronic device from damage if it'"'"'s deflected too far while mated to the docking station.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a housing having a cover disposed above and secured to a base; a connector plug configured to provide plenary support for the electronic device having a first end secured to the base and a second end extending at an acute angle beyond an exterior surface of the cover; a brace disposed within the housing and configured to support the connector plug and define the acute angle; and a flexible structure coupled to the connector plug and to the housing, the flexible structure enabling the connector plug to be forcibly deflected in a direction away from the brace; wherein the flexible structure comprises a mounting plate disposed in the base and an elastomeric insert disposed in the cover. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a housing base having a bottom wall configured to flex; a connector mounted to the bottom wall at an acute angle and configured to mate with the portable electronic device; a housing cover secured to the housing base having an aperture with an elastomeric insert through which the connector protrudes such that both the bottom wall and the elastomeric insert deflect when the connector is moved; and a support brace supporting the connector at the acute angle. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station comprising:
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a housing having a cover disposed above and secured to a base; a connector plug having a first end affixed to a bracket that is secured to the base and a second end extending beyond a top surface of the cover and configured to mate with the electronic device, the bracket configured to support a predetermined maximum amount of force applied to the connector plug and to deflect if the maximum amount of force is exceeded, wherein the bracket has a top portion and a bottom portion that are affixed to the connector plug; and wherein the top portion and bottom portion have mounting flanges disposed on top of one another and are secured to the base. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification