Docking connector platform for mobile electronic devices

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10571964-B2
Application number	US-201715723506-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 3, 2017
Priority date	Mar 14, 2012
Publication date	Feb 25, 2020
Grant date	Feb 25, 2020

Abstract

Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A detachable docking accessory system for a mobile electronic device, the system comprising:
a platform adapted to couple to a mobile electronic device, the platform including a first docking connector portion and a back portion opposite the first docking connector portion, the back portion configured to attach to a back surface of the mobile electronic device
a power docking accessory comprising an accessory body;
a second docking connector portion of the accessory body, the first and second docking connector portions configured to form a detachable attachment to secure the accessory body to the platform; and
an electronic assembly within the accessory body, the electronic assembly comprising a battery and electronics operable to inductively transfer power between the battery and the mobile electronic device.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detachable attachment comprises a magnetic attachment.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the accessory body comprises a circular accessory body; and the first and second docking connector portions are operable to form the detachable attachment radially inward from outer edges of the circular accessory body.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second docking connector portions comprise index keys.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second docking connector portions comprise generally circular docking connector portions.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second docking connector portions are configured for the docking accessory body to flushly mount to a surface of the platform.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the platform further comprises a side portion configured to connect to a side of the mobile electronic device.

8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a holding docking accessory comprising an accordion wall, an end cap, and a third docking connector portion, the first and third docking connector portions configured to form a detachable attachment to secure the holding docking accessory to the platform such that the accordion wall is configured to selectively extend outwardly from and retract back toward the platform.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detachable attachment comprises a detachable mechanical attachment.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the first and second docking connector portions comprise snap-fit connector portions.

11. A detachable docking power accessory for a mobile electronic device, the power accessory comprising:
an accessory body having a circular accessory body;
a docking connector portion of the accessory body, the docking connector portion configured to form a detachable attachment to a platform coupled to a mobile electronic device to secure the accessory body to the platform; and
an electronic assembly within the accessory body, the electronic assembly comprising a battery and electronics operable to inductively transfer power between the battery and the mobile electronic device;
wherein the docking connector portion is operable to form the detachable attachment to the platform radially inward from outer edges of the circular accessory body.

12. The power accessory of claim 11 , wherein the docking connector portion comprises a snap-fit connector portion such that the docking connector portion is configured to form a detachable mechanical attachment to the platform.

13. The power accessory of claim 11 , wherein the docking connector portion comprises a magnet such that the docking connector portion is configured to a magnetic attachment.

14. The power accessory of claim 11 , wherein the docking connector portion comprises an index key.

15. The power accessory of claim 11 , wherein the docking connector portion comprises a generally circular docking connector portion.

16. The power accessory of claim 11 , wherein the docking connector portion is configured such that with the docking connector portion attached to the platform, the docking accessory body is flushly mounted to a surface of the platform.

Assignees

• Popsockets Llc

Inventors

• Barnett David B
• Nahum Altan

Classifications

• A63F13/23

  for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console · CPC title

• A63F13/92

  Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing · CPC title

• G06F1/1632 Primary

  External expansion units, e.g. docking stations · CPC title

• A63F13/98

  Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers · CPC title

• G06F1/1626

  with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs] · CPC title