Docking system to attach and retain multiple electronic devices simultaneously on a surface

• US 7,201,611 B2
• Filed: 09/21/2006
• Issued: 04/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: iGo, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Mobility Electronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Faranda, Robert T.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KHIEM M
• Application Number:
  US11/524,705
• Publication Number:
  US 20070015418A1
• Time in Patent Office: 201 Days
• Field of Search: 320/114, 320/115, 439/527, 439/540.1, 439/638, 439/677, 439/678, 439/679, 439/680, 439/929
• US Class Current: 439/638
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/64 Means for preventing incorrect coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/66 Structural association with built-in electrical component coupling devices having concentrically or coaxially-arranged contacts H01R24/38
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6616 with resistor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2107/00 Four or more poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/00 Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/88
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/00 Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for dissimilar contact members H01R13/35; supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/90
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 27/02 for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/929 Connecting base plate or shelf type holder

Abstract

A platform having a raised support member including a plurality of spaced openings configured to securing receive device connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the raised member comprises an upwardly extending barrier shaped as a comb, formed by a plurality of slots adapted to selectively receive the connector. The connector has a predetermined power rating, and is keyed such that portable electronic devices configured to draw power at or below the power rating of the connector can be securingly and electrically coupled thereto. The platform may be angled upwardly to both support and present the portable electronic device to the user.

Claims

1. A device for powering/charging portable electronic devices, comprising:

a platform having an upper major surface;

an elongated support member extending upwardly from the platform and having a plurality of spaced openings; and

a plurality of electrical interface connectors, one said interface connector disposed in each of the openings, the interface connectors adapted to provide power to a plurality of portable electronic devices when positioned over the platform.

2. The device as specified in claim 1 wherein the openings are configured as a plurality of slots.

3. The device as specified in claim 2 wherein the support member is configured as a comb.

4. The device as specified in claim 3 wherein the slots open upwardly from the platform.

5. The device as specified in claim 1 further comprising a device connector selectively coupled to one of the interface connectors, wherein the device connector is keyed and configured to couple to at least one predetermined portable electronic device.

6. The device as specified in claim 5 wherein the device connector has a power rating and is configured such that only those portable electronic devices adapted to draw power at a level at or below the device connector power rating can be coupled thereto.

7. The device as specified in claim 1 wherein the platform is angled upwardly from horizontal.

8. The device as specified in claim 1 wherein the interface connectors are configured to be selectively coupled to the support member.

9. The device as specified in claim 6 wherein the at least 2 of the device connectors are configured to provide different maximum power levels.

10. The device as specified in claim 9 wherein the device connectors are configured to provide power to portable electronic devices only if the portable electronic devices are configured to draw power at or below than the connector power rating.