Abstract:
A holding device provides, in combination, a device for lighting a desired area, and recharging the battery of or playing a portable receiving device adapted to play music or material as stored therein or received thereby from television or radio sources.

Description:
[0001]     This invention relates to a device for charging or playing a portable sound device, and more particularly to a combination device, which provides a separate lighting source, a member for storing and charging the portable sound device, speakers for playing sound or music from the portable sound device, and a charger.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     In recent years, new devices for playing stored musical information have become available to the public. These are generically known as digital media players or MP3 players. A digital media player includes but is not limited to audio players, video players, or other similar devices. One example of such a device is available from Apple Computers, Inc. under the Trademark ipod. Other similar devices are also available.  
         [0003]     Music listeners can now, among other things, play music stored in computerized format from a portable hard drive device, like this digital media player. Normally these devices consist of a hard drive connected to a graphical user interface, means for selecting a particular file, and a means for converting the information stored from computer format into electrical signals for a speaker. These devices can store an enormous amount of information when compared to previous storage devices such as a compact disc, or a cassette tape.  
         [0004]     Typical of these devices is the iPod manufactured by Apple Computers, Inc. There are also other devices capable of downloading from a computer. These devices are easily portable and permit a person to make music selections to suit a particular taste in music. They also have durable, rechargeable batteries. It very desirable to simplify the recharging of those batteries, and permit the continued playing of the device powered by the batteries.  
         [0005]     In addition to music which can be played on the portable sound device, other radio or video information may be displayed or heard as a result of the portable sound device. While these devices normally come equipped with attendant headphones for listening to the music, music equipment manufacturers are now adapting their products to take advantage of this new music storage medium. For example, vehicle manufacturers include the option of plugging portable music devices into some car stereos.  
         [0006]     In addition, prior art devices permit a user to plug the device into a set of speakers. Consequently, music lovers are increasingly capable of enjoying a great portion or even their entire music collection regardless of location. This is especially desirable when a traveler is in a hotel or motel.  
         [0007]     However, the portability of the devices necessarily implies certain drawbacks. More particularly, the devices require separate headphones or speakers for listening to the music, a power supply for charging the unit, and lighting for ease of use. All of these necessities are spatially inefficient and can cause disorganization. Normally, the user must purchase and keep track of all of these devices separately.  
         [0008]     While prior art exists which combines the charger, and either the lighting unit or the speakers; no prior art exists, which shows the capability of combining all of the features. More importantly, no prior art arrangement organizes the above-mentioned features in a manner which maximizes the utilities gained through their combination. Great efficiencies can be gained if the equipment is combined in a calculated manner. Unfortunately, no device capable of combining all of the features exists.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a portable sound device for playing music from a portable music device.  
         [0010]     A further objective of this invention is the provision of a device which provides speakers for a portable sound device.  
         [0011]     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a device for charging a portable music or sound device.  
         [0012]     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a device, which provides lighting as a part of operating a portable music or sound device.  
         [0013]     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a portable music or sound device, which provides lighting for a room.  
         [0014]     Also an objective of this invention is the provision of a holding device, which provides speakers, a charger, and lighting for a portable music device.  
         [0015]     Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a holding device, which combines the speakers, the charger, and the lighting in an area capable of fitting on a small table.  
         [0016]     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a holding device, which combines the speakers, the charger, and the lighting in an area capable of being mounted on a wall.  
         [0017]     Another objective of this invention is the provision of a holding device, which maximizes the utility gained by combining speakers, a charger, and lighting for a portable music device.  
         [0018]     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a portable sound device capable of use with a holding device, which is in turn capable of providing a lighting, charging, and playing function in combination with a portable, rechargeable, musical or radio receiver device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of a holding device  100  of this invention capable of supporting an audio player  150 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  depicts a system block diagram of holding device  100  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a detailed block diagram of the main components of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  depicts an top plan view of circular lamp base  302  of circular model holding device  306  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  depicts an exploded, perspective view of circular lamp base  302  of circular model holding device  306  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  depicts a front plan view of circular lamp base  302  of circular model holding device  306  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  depicts a rear, plan view of circular lamp base  302  of circular model holding device  306  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of circular model holding device  306  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  depicts an top plan view of square lamp base  322  of square model holding device  326  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  depicts an exploded, perspective view of square lamp base  322  of square model holding device  326  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  depicts a front plan view of square lamp base  322  of square model holding device  326  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  depicts a rear plan view of square lamp base  322  of square model holding device  326  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of square lamp model device  326  of this invention capable of supporting audio player  150 . 
     
    
       [0032]     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]     In accordance with the present invention, a holding device which includes a lamp with a charger and speakers for a digital media player is shown. In this embodiment, the digital media player is the equivalent of a portable music player or sound device or audio player. Furthermore, the charger is the equivalent of or may also be used as a docking station. The holding device supports a number of elements and provides both power and operating support thereto. This arrangement takes advantage of the structure of the lamp in order to provide the elements, including but not limited to; lighting, charging, and speakers for the portable music device in the most efficient manner possible.  
         [0034]     Consequently, the details of the arrangement will be governed by the particular lamp style employed. However, each lamp permits the user to play music through the provided speakers while the portable music player or audio player is plugged into the charger provided on the holding device. This structure of the holding device provides for more efficient use of confined quarters.  
         [0035]     Typical of the places this devices may be used is a motel or a hotel. This structure provides a simplified method for the traveler to maintain access to desired music or news sources, or similar material, when in a room thereof. Further, the sound from the personal device is greatly improved.  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , holding device  100  includes a housing  120 . Housing  120  has a power receiver  122 , which is attachable to a power source  124  through power cord  142 . Power receiver  122  is connected to an illumination source  126 , audio speaker system  212 , and docking station  130 . The docking station  130  receives audio player  150 . While audio player  150  is in docking station  130 , the rechargeable battery  152  for audio player  150  receives a charge, and a connection between audio player  150  and audio speaker system  212  is achieved. In this fashion, audio player  150  can have sound distributed from audio speaker system  212 .  
         [0037]     Docking station  130  can receive any audio player  150  or appropriately configured rechargeable device. Also, intermediate adapter  154  may be inserted into docking station  130 . The intermediate adapter  154  permits other devices to be charged by the same housing  120 . Audio speaker system  212  permits the audio player  150  to have better sound quality.  
         [0038]     Power source  124  can be direct (DC) or alternating current (AC) from any suitable source. Standard house current may be used, as well as an appropriate battery pack. The power receiver  122 , when activated by power source  124 , distributes power to illumination source  126 , audio speaker system  212 , docking station  130 , and any other suitable element  136 . For example, suitable element  136  may be a power outlet for receiving a standard electrical cord.  
         [0039]     Adding  FIG. 2  to consideration, this system consists of two major components, the lamp base assembly  138 , and illumination source  126 . The lamp base assembly  138  receives input AC voltage  166  from the power cord  142  which is attached to power source  124 . Input AC voltage  166  is sent to lamp light  146  through a lamp switch  144 . This switch  144  may be located within the lamp base assembly  138  or within illumination source  126 . Lamp base assembly  138  is designed so that a variety of different styled lamp lights  146  can easily be mechanically and electrically coupled to the lamp base assembly  138 . Input AC voltage  166  is also sent to a convenience alternating current (AC) outlet  216  to provide a power source for other audio players or miscellaneous devices.  
         [0040]     Furthermore, AC to direct current (DC) voltage converter  201  converts the input AC voltage level  166  into levels that are compatible with these and other electrical, electrical mechanical, and electronic components that reside with the lamp base assembly  138 . AC to DC voltage converter  201  provides power to the audio power amplifier and audio controller  213  that drives audio speaker system  212 . Additionally, AC to DC voltage converter  201  provides power to audio player  150  that is attached in docking station  130 . This powers and recharges audio player batteries  152  in audio player  150 .  
         [0041]     The audio power amplifier and audio controller  213  receives audio inputs from audio player  150  inserted in docking station  130 , or from audio jack plug or audio phono plug  206 . Audio jack plug or audio phono plug  206  allows other audio players, which are not physically compatible with docking station  130 , to be used with audio speaker system  212 . Audio player user interface  210  controls the audio system output power and loudness level.  
         [0042]     When  FIG. 3  is added to consideration, the inner workings of lamp base assembly  138  become clear. AC to DC voltage converter  201  receives input AC voltage  166  and converts input AC voltage  166  into DC voltage  174  for audio speaker system  212 , audio player  150  and docking station  130 . Input line protection and filter  203  protects against surges in electricity. Linear or switch mode AC to DC step-down voltage converter  204  conditions and steps down input AC voltage  166  to electrically isolated DC voltage levels  174 . Audio and battery charger voltage regulators  202  then regulates DC voltage  174  to the systems required voltage levels.  
         [0043]     The DC voltage  174  is routed in two directions. First, audio player docking station connector  205  receives DC voltage  174 . Audio player docking station connector  205  provides electrical connections to audio player  150  for powering and charging rechargeable battery  152 . Second, DC power  174  supplies power to audio power amplifier and audio controller  213  which provides the necessary power level to drive audio speaker system  212 .  
         [0044]     Audio player user interface switches  116  provide a user with a means to adjust and set the desired audio listening level, allow audio player  150  to be shut down, and show when audio player  150  is active. Then, this information is sent to audio controller  208 . Other forms of the audio player user interface  210  and audio player user interface switches  116  may be implemented.  
         [0045]     Audio controller  208  determines the active audio source and sends this information to input source selector  207 . Furthermore, audio controller  208  uses the signals received from audio player user interface  116  to control the output audio volume control amplifier  209 . Volume control amplifier  209  additionally equalizes the frequency characteristics of the audio system.  
         [0046]     Audio player docking station connector  205  receives stereo line level audio output signals and sends them to input source selector  207 . Input source selector  207  also receives outputs from audio jack plug or audio phono plug  206 . Input source selector  207  selects either outputs from audio player docking station  130  or the outputs from the audio jack plug or audio phono plug  206  to drive the audio system.  
         [0047]     One implementation of the audio speaker system  212  is illustrated herein. However other implementations of the audio speaker system  212 , audio power amplifier  211  and audio controller  208  may be selected to enhance the audio fidelity.  
         [0048]     Adding  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8  to the consideration, circular model holding device  306  provides a preferred embodiment of this invention. Circular model holding device  306  includes a circular lamp base  302  connected to circular lamp stem  304 . Circular lamp stem  304  has a light fixture  310  oppositely disposed from circular lamp base  302 . Within circular lamp base  302  is docking station  130 . Docking station  130  may be used to recharge audio player  150 .  
         [0049]     Circular lamp base  302  includes a circular weighted base  312  with circular support plates  314  mounted therein to support circuitry and other items therein in a standard fashion. Circular weighted base  312  is closed by circular cap  316 , secured thereto in a standard fashion. Circular arced cover  318  can decorate and protect a front portion of circular weighted base  312 .  
         [0050]     Docking station  130  is also connected to an audio speaker system  212  which can transmit information from audio player  150 , while it is placed in docking station  130 . Thus, whatever information is stored on audio player  150  can be heard through audio speaker system  212 . Furthermore, within circular lamp base  302  is audio jack plug or audio phono plug  206  which allows other portable sound devices to be used on circular model holding device  306 . In this fashion, greater use can be made of audio player  150 .  
         [0051]     Audio player  150  can have many different functions. There are also many different types thereof. Whenever type is used, it can usually play music or unrecorded items. More advanced models have additional functions. With docking station  130 , it becomes easier to keep the battery thereof appropriately charged. Audio speaker system  212 , being connected to docking station  130 , permits use thereof while charging takes place.  
         [0052]     Adding  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 12 , and  FIG. 13  to consideration, the dimensions of square model holding device  326  become apparent. The function of square model holding device  326  is identical to those of circular model holding device  306 .  
         [0053]     Square lamp base  322  includes a square weighted base  330  with square support plates  332  mounted therein to support circuitry and other items therein in a standard fashion. Square weighted base  330  is closed by square cap  334 , secured thereto in a standard fashion. Square cover  336  can decorate and protect a front portion of square weighted base  330 .  
         [0054]     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.  
         [0055]     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.  
         [0056]     What is claimed and sought to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is: