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

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/300,064 entitled POWER COMPATIBLE UNIVERSAL POWER TIP filed Dec. 14, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,153,169, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/790,877 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,885 entitled KEYED UNIVERSAL POWER TIP AND POWER SOURCE CONNECTORS filed Mar. 2, 2004, the teaching of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is generally related to docking systems, and more particularly to docking systems for supporting and/or powering portable electronic devices.

With the proliferation of portable electronic devices including PDA's, cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, gaming devices and so forth, certain docking systems have been created to help organize and power these devices. Currently available device docking systems implement a variety of architectures for both powering and coupling to portable electronic devices may include adjustable clamps to hold individual devices, specially sized recess pocket/cavities, and specially sized individual device adaptor sleeves. The adjustable clamps require complicated moving parts and require allocated space/clearance for a sliding mechanism. Recessed pockets need to be sized to accommodate the largest device, therefore, they are too large for smaller devices. Also, recessed pockets require a clearance feature on the bottom side for electrical connections and can be difficult to access. Recessed pockets do not allow for connections on alternate sides of devices, and they also take up a greater amount of space. Individual device adaptor sleeves require unique parts for each device and require a larger standard sized recessed pocket for the sleeve to engage.

The present invention achieves technical advantages as a platform having a raised support member including a plurality of spaced openings configured to securing receive powered device connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the raised member may comprise an upwardly extending barrier shaped as a comb, formed by a plurality of slots adapted to selectively receive the connector. The connector may be coupled to an interchangeable connector/tip having a predetermined power rating, which connector may be 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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the raised connector supporting member according to one preferred embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is generally shown at 10 a platform 12 having an upper major surface 14 , and being configured to extend upwardly due to opposing raised sides 18 . Further provided is an elongated support member 20 extending across one end of the platform, and preferably at a lower portion of the angled platform as shown. The support member 20 is seen to include a plurality of spaced openings 22 configured as upwardly extending slots to create a comb-like securing member. Selectively secured in one or more of the slots 22 is electrical connector 26 having electrical interface 28 ( FIG. 2 ) that is adapted to selectively mechanically and electrically couple to a device connector/tip 30 , as shown. Device connector 30 may comprise of iTips™ manufactured by Mobility Electronics, Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz., the assignee of the present invention, the teaching of which are taught in further detail in the parent application. In particular, each of the device tips 30 has an electrical connector 32 adapted to couple to a mating connector of the portable electronic device 34 such that only those portable electronic devices 34 configured to draw power at or below the power rating of the device tip 30 can be mechanically and electrically coupled thereto.

Referring to FIG. 2 , there is shown a blown-up view of the connector 26 shown to be frictionally secured within the respective slot 22 , the connector 26 having a pair of opposing sidewalls 36 abutting the adjacent sidewalls of the slot 22 to provide a secure setting therewithin, but also allowing the selective removal of the connector 26 from the slot when desired, such as to facilitate the interchanging of tips 30 . The connector 26 is further seen to include a power cable 38 providing power thereto from a power source, such as a power converter (not shown).

As shown, the raised member 20 forms a comb-like structure, which may also resemble a fence, and forms a bumper which is abutted by the flanged surface of the connector 26 when the connector 26 is seated in place, as shown. This raised member 20 acts as a physical stop or barricade to keep the portable electronic devices 34 in place, as shown.

Advantageously, the present invention provides an approach that combines simple geometric elements to hold a wide range of portable electronic devices, and also provide easy access for connection. The present invention achieves technical advantages by providing a convenient way to store and charge several types of portable electronic devices simultaneously in one area. The present invention eliminates the need for adjustable clamping mechanisms or specially sized pockets to hold and secure various sized electronic devices in place. The present invention can be produced simply and inexpensively with reduced part count and without any complex moving parts. Further, the present invention does not rely on the portable electronic devices shape, its size or connector locations to hold and secure them in place. The present invention presents the portable electronic devices to the user in an organized cable management system, which is easy to install and remove. Interchangeable tips can be easily exchanged with connectors secured in the upwardly extending member to customize the power connection to a portable electronic device to be powered.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.