Apparatus, system, and method for positioning and powering devices

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has an adjustable attachment assembly including at least one movable member, a body assembly that is movably attached to the adjustable attachment assembly, a movable assembly that is movably attached to the body assembly, a power storage disposed in at least one of the movable assembly and the body assembly, and a device stand assembly movably attached to the movable assembly. The adjustable attachment assembly is movable in a first direction relative to the body assembly. The movable assembly is movable in a second direction relative to the body assembly that is different from the first direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a positioning and powering apparatus, system, and method, and more particularly to an apparatus, system, and method for positioning and powering devices.

BACKGROUND

Consumers typically carry multiple electronic devices when travelling and moving between locations and often are unable to efficiently charge these devices using conventional portable battery systems. It is also difficult for users to position and view devices in a hands-free manner. Conventional systems also typically involve cumbersome chargers such as awkward and non-ergonomic battery device chargers.

Conventional systems also lack the ability to keep user devices charged for relatively long periods of time. Such systems also typically take up significant space on flat surfaces such as tables or are difficult to use when there are no flat surfaces adjacent to a user.

The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method of the present disclosure are directed to overcoming one or more of the shortcomings set forth above and/or other deficiencies in existing technology.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus includes an adjustable attachment assembly including at least one movable member, a body assembly that is movably attached to the adjustable attachment assembly, a movable assembly that is movably attached to the body assembly, a power storage disposed in at least one of the movable assembly and the body assembly, and a device stand assembly movably attached to the movable assembly. The adjustable attachment assembly is movable in a first direction relative to the body assembly. The movable assembly is movable in a second direction relative to the body assembly that is different from the first direction.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method includes rotatably attaching a body assembly to an adjustable attachment assembly, rotatably attaching a movable assembly to the body assembly, removably attaching the adjustable attachment assembly to an object, movably attaching a device stand assembly to the movable assembly, rotating the body assembly, the movable assembly, and the device stand assembly about a first axis relative to the attachment assembly, rotating the movable assembly and the device stand assembly about a second axis relative to the body assembly, the second axis being unparallel to the first axis, and moving the device stand assembly relative to the movable assembly and the body assembly. The method also includes disposing a user device on the device stand assembly, and charging the user device using a power storage disposed in at least one of the movable assembly and the body assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

FIGS. 1-8illustrate an exemplary disclosed apparatus and system. System100may be a system for charging and/or positioning any suitable devices (e.g., user devices) such as electronic devices. In at least some exemplary embodiments, system100may charge and/or maintain a desired position of any suitable devices. System100may include an assembly105that may be attached (e.g., anchored) to any suitable object for example as described herein and may charge and/or position any desired device. For example as described herein, assembly105may provide for hands-free use of positioned devices as the devices are charged and may provide for additional desired features such as providing placement and/or attachment of accessories (e.g., cups, electrical components, mechanical and/or electromechanical components, and/or any other desired accessories).

Assembly105may include a body assembly110, a movable assembly115, and an attachment assembly120. Movable assembly115may be movably attached to body assembly110. Attachment assembly120may be attached to body assembly110and may removably attach assembly105to desired objects and/or at desired locations.

Assembly105as well as other exemplary disclosed components of system100may be constructed from any suitable variety of durable materials. For example, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed from plastic or a plastic composite material. Also for example, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed from metal or metal alloy. For example, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed from plastic, plastic composite, metal, and/or metal alloy. For example, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed from a variety of materials disclosed herein. For example, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed partially or substantially entirely from plastic, plastic composite, metal, and/or metal alloy materials. For example, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed from plastic or metal structural members.

Some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be fabricated using any suitable technique such as any suitable technique for assembly (e.g., molding, fastening, and/or any other suitable assembly techniques), three-dimensional printing, and/or any other desired fabrication techniques. Any suitable methods and corresponding materials to form components may be used. According to at least some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, some or most of the components of assembly105and/or other components of system100may be formed by 3D printing (also known as “additive” manufacturing), CNC machined parts (also known as “subtractive” manufacturing), and injection molding. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, resins and elastomers, and any other suitable materials may be used. Many plastics, polymers and resins are known and available and can be selected and mixed depending on desired strength and flexibility.

Components of assembly105(e.g., body assembly110and/or movable assembly115) and/or other components of system100may have any desired polygonal shape such as a cylindrical or elliptical shape. For example, components of assembly105(e.g., body assembly110and/or movable assembly115) may include portions having any desired shape such as, for example, a tube shape, a square prism, triangular prism, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal prism, a polygonal prism, a flared shape and/or any other desired shape.

Body assembly110may be any suitable housing that allows for attachment to attachment assembly120and movement of movable assembly115. For example, body assembly110may be a housing including a cavity configured to receive movable assembly115. In at least some exemplary embodiments, body assembly110may be a hollow cylindrically-shaped (e.g., or elliptical or any other desired shape) that receives a portion of movable assembly115. Movable assembly115may be movably (e.g., rotatably) attached to body assembly110. For example, a portion of an exterior surface of movable assembly115may be configured to be received within a portion of an interior surface of body assembly110so that movable assembly115may rotate freely relative to body assembly110. For example, corresponding protrusions, recesses, slots, and/or grooves may be disposed on corresponding surfaces of body assembly110and movable assembly115so that movable assembly115may be movably attached to body assembly110. Movable assembly115may thereby move (e.g., rotate) relative to body assembly110while remaining attached to body assembly110. For example, movable assembly115may freely rotate about an axis Z. In at least some exemplary embodiments, movable assembly115may freely rotate between 0 and 360 degrees relative to body assembly110about axis Z (e.g., or any other suitable range or rotation for example between about 0 degrees and about 270 degrees).

In at least some exemplary embodiments, body assembly110may include a member125(e.g., a hollow cylinder) that may have a closed upper portion130and an open lower portion135configured to receive a portion of movable assembly115as described herein. Closed upper portion130may include a recess140. For example, closed upper portion130may be a structural member including recess140that may be configured to removably receive a container as described below. In at least some exemplary embodiments, closed upper portion130may remain stationary relative to body assembly110so that closed upper portion130and a container disposed in recess140of closed upper portion130do not move when movable assembly115moves. Closed upper portion130(e.g., a cup holder portion) may thereby support a container in a stationary manner during a movement of movable assembly115. Body assembly110may thereby serve as a cup holder that supports containers in a stationary position relative to fastened body assembly110and attachment assembly120, while allowing a free rotation of movable assembly115as described herein.

Attachment assembly120may be an anchoring mechanism (e.g., anchor) that attaches assembly105to a desired object or surface as described for example herein. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, attachment assembly120may include a base assembly145and an anchor assembly150. Also for example, base assembly145may be a portion of body assembly110. Anchor assembly150may be movably (e.g., rotatably) attached to base assembly145as described for example herein. In at least some exemplary embodiments, base assembly145may be fixedly attached to body assembly110. In other exemplary embodiments, base assembly145may be movably attached to body assembly110. Anchor assembly150may also be removably attachable to base assembly145(e.g., via a release actuator similar to the exemplary disclosed release actuators as described for example herein) to allow for alternate anchor assemblies to be attached to assembly105as described for example herein.

Anchor assembly150may include a member155, a member160, and a member165. Members155,160, and/or165may be selectively extendable and retractable structural members. For example as illustrated inFIG. 2, members155and160may be extension members that are attached to member165. Member155may include an extension member170that is movably attached to a base member175. For example, extension member170may be supported by base member175and movably adjusted along a length of base member175to a desired length. Extension member170may be locked at desired extension lengths along base member175as desired (e.g., by a retractable locking protrusion, friction-fit locking, compressible locking mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism for selectively locking extension member170at a desired length or position relative to base member175). Member160may include an extension member180and a base member185that may be similar to extension member170and base member175. Member165may include an extension member190and a base member195that may be similar to extension member170and base member175. Anchor assembly150may thereby be selectively adjustable to fit onto a desired object or surface based on selective extension and/or retraction of each of members155,160, and165. For example, extension members170,180, and190may be telescopic members that selectively telescopically extend and retract from respective base members175,185, and195to provide a desired grip to a desired object or surface.

Members155and160may also be selectively folded inward to be parallel to member165(e.g., folded inward) to provide a compact structure for travel. For example, members155and160may be unlocked and folded inward based on rotatable members (e.g., pins or other structural devices) disposed at respective attachments to member165.

Anchor assembly150may also be movably attachable to base member145. For example, anchor assembly150may be rotatably attached to base member145and may be rotated relative to base member145(e.g., based on any suitable connection such as a rotatable pin, rotatable bearing, or any other suitable connection including components such as bearings, grooves, protrusions, elongated slots, or any other suitable component). For example as illustrated inFIG. 1(e.g., side view such as a left view) andFIG. 2(e.g., top view), anchor assembly150may be rotated relative to base assembly145and body assembly110about an axis X that may be different from or unparallel to axis Z about which movable assembly115may be rotated relative to body assembly110. For example, anchor assembly150may be rotated relative to base assembly145and body assembly110(e.g., or base assembly145and body assembly110may be rotated relative to anchor assembly150) about axis X that may be perpendicular to axis Z about which movable assembly115may be rotated relative to body assembly110.

Base assembly145may also include a release actuator200(e.g., a first release actuator such as an anchor release button) that may control members155,160, and165to be selectively attached to a desired object or surface. For example when release actuator200is depressed (e.g., by a user), members155,160, and165may be adjustable by a user (e.g., extended and retracted). Also for example, when release actuator200is released when members155,160, and165are arranged in a desired anchoring position, members155,160, and165may ratchet shut (e.g., with pressure) to press against surfaces of an object. For example, release actuator200may selectively control actuation of internal members disposed within members155,160, and165(e.g., compression members such as springs, elastomer components, fasteners, and other suitable actuating components) to allow members155,160, and165to be selectively adjusted and tightened into a desired anchor position. Release actuator200may also selectively allow members155and165to be folded inward as described above (e.g., to make assembly105more compact) for example when release actuator200is pressed inward as described above.

Base assembly145may also include an aperture205(e.g., an attachment slot) to which an assembly (e.g., an accessory) may be removably attached as described for example below. Base assembly145may also include an aperture210(e.g., an attachment slot) to which an assembly (e.g., an accessory) may be removably attached as described for example below.

Base assembly145may also include a release actuator215(e.g., a second release actuator) that may be generally similar to release actuator200. Release actuator215may be actuated to selectively control (e.g., to lock and unlock) a rotation of anchor assembly150relative to base assembly145about axis X.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, movable assembly115(e.g., or other suitable components of system100such as body assembly110) may include a movable member218. Movable member218may be any suitable member for storing a power cord such as a “pop-out” cord holder that may allow users to wrap a cord of the device that he or she is powering using system100to assembly105(e.g., to have less free cordage while the device being charged is disposed on the exemplary disclosed device stand described below). Movable assembly115(e.g., or other suitable components of system100such as body assembly110) may also include a power outlet222that may be used to charge the device that may be disposed (e.g., mounted) on the exemplary disclosed device stand described below.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, movable assembly115may also include a device stand assembly220. Device stand assembly220may include a base member225that may be attached to movable assembly115. For example, base member225may attach device stand assembly220to movable assembly115so that device stand assembly220may rotate with movable assembly115as movable assembly115rotates relative to body assembly110about axis Z.

Base member225may be movably attached to movable assembly115in a direction parallel to axis Z. For example, base member225may move up and down relative to movable assembly115as illustrated inFIG. 3(e.g., via corresponding protrusions, apertures, slots, and/or any other suitable portions). For example, base member225may include a release actuator235(e.g., a vertical movement release actuator) that may selectively allow a movement of device stand assembly220up and down relative to movable assembly115. Release actuator235may include components and operate generally similarly to release actuators200and215to selectively lock device stand assembly220at a desired vertical position (e.g., at a desired height) relative to movable assembly115.

Device stand assembly220may also include a foldable assembly230that may be movably attached to movable assembly115. Foldable assembly230may include collapsible members240,245,250, and255that may be selectively extended to the position shown inFIG. 3and collapsed to a stowed position against movable assembly115(e.g., compact for storage or transport of assembly105) based on selective operation of a release actuator260(e.g., that may include similar components and operate similarly to release actuators200,215, and235). Foldable assembly230may thereby be selectively expanded and collapsed based on a user operation of release actuator260.

Members250and255may form a device stand265for holding a user device for example as described herein. Member250may include a protrusion270(e.g., a lip) that may help secure a user device on device stand265. Members250and255may also include fasteners (e.g., clips, magnets, adhesive strips, hook and loop fasteners, and/or any other suitable fastener) for attaching a user device to device stand265. Device stand265may also include a release actuator275(e.g., a tilt release actuator) that may selectively control a rotation of device stand265. Release actuator275may include similar components and operate similarly to release actuators200,215,235, and260, and may selectively lock device stand265at a desired angle relative to movable assembly115as illustrated inFIG. 3(e.g., tilt upward and downward). For example, device stand265may be rotated (e.g., tilted) toward and away from body assembly110and movable assembly115so that a user device positioned on device stand265is positioned as desired. Device stand assembly220may thereby be adjusted by a user based on an operation of release actuators260and275to position a user device in a desired position (e.g., a position that may be used comfortably, hands-free, by a user).

As illustrated inFIG. 4A(e.g., a side view such as a center view), movable assembly115may include a power storage280. Power storage280may be disposed within (e.g., substantially completely within), partially within, or attached to movable assembly115(e.g., and/or body assembly110or any other suitable component of system100). Power storage280may be any suitable battery such as a rechargeable battery. For example, power storage280may be a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a lead acid-based battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, and/or any other suitable power storage that may be recharged and that may be used to provide charge to electronic devices. Also for example, some or all components of power storage280may be disposed in body assembly110and/or any other suitable component of system100(e.g., in addition to movable assembly115). Power storage280may be an internal power source that may power user devices and other components of system100(e.g., internal speakers and other electrical components) as described for example herein.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, movable assembly115may include an audio device285. Audio device285may be built into movable assembly115and/or any other desired component of system100(e.g., body assembly110). Audio device285may for example include a speakerphone (e.g., a speaker built into movable assembly115). Audio device285may include an actuator290that may be a volume-level control for the speaker. Audio device285may include speakers295and300(e.g., right and left speakers). An actuator305may indicate and/or control a battery power level of audio device285. An actuator310may be a battery on/off switch of audio device285and/or power storage280. Actuator315may be an on/off switch of speakers of audio device285and/or a Bluetooth pairing button.

In at least some exemplary embodiments and as illustrated inFIG. 4B, movable assembly115may include a solar power assembly320. Solar power assembly320may allow for power storage280to be recharged without connecting assembly105to a power grid component such as a wall socket. For example, body assembly110(e.g., and/or movable assembly115and/or any other suitable component of system100) may include a plurality of solar panels325that may collect solar energy, which solar power assembly320may transfer to power storage280for charging power storage280.

In at least some exemplary embodiments and as illustrated inFIG. 5that illustrates a bottom view of movable assembly115, movable assembly115may include an external charging device330. External charging device330may include a port335(e.g., a micro-port) that may have an electrical volt capacity range of 110 to 220. External charging device330may also include a power connector340(e.g., a charging cable) and a power adapter345(e.g., an electrical power adapter) that may plug into a power source such as a wall socket to charge the power storage280and/or power components of system100.

In at least some exemplary embodiments and as illustrated inFIG. 6(e.g., a side view such as a right view), movable assembly115(e.g., or any other suitable component of system100such as body assembly110) may include a plurality (e.g., two, three, or more) of power outlets350that may be any suitable power outlets for charging user devices (e.g., USB outlets). Any suitable type of power outlet may be provided such as, for example, power outlet355(e.g., an AC electrical outlet such as a two-pronged or three-pronged AC power socket).

FIG. 7illustrates an exemplary arrangement of system100during use. For example, assembly105may be attached to any suitable surface or object such as furniture (e.g., a table, chair, desk, lamp, or other furniture), a portion of a vehicle such as a car or airplane (e.g., a tray table), a structural member (e.g., a portion of a building), or any other suitable location. For example as illustrated inFIG. 7, assembly105may be attached to a table360(e.g., with attachment assembly120rotated to be oriented in a suitable position to be attached to the table).

As illustrated inFIG. 7, any suitable object365may be disposed in recess140and supported by upper portion130of body assembly110. Object365may be any suitable object to be supported such as, for example, a beverage container (e.g., coffee cup), office supply object, food, and/or any other desired objects. Assembly105may similarly include pen holders, clips for holding objects and devices, and/or any other desired attachment devices.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, any suitable device370may be supported by device stand assembly220. Device370may be a cellular phone (e.g., smartphone), tablet, any desired smart device, any electronic user device (e.g., health or exercise monitoring device), health device (e.g., hearing aid or blood sugar monitor), electronic toy, computing device, or any desired user device. As described for example above, a power cable375may be partially wrapped around movable member218and plugged into power outlet222(e.g., or any other power outlet of assembly105such as power outlet350or355).

Also as illustrated inFIG. 7, assembly105may be connected to a power source via power connector340and power adapter345to charge power storage280(which may provide power to the exemplary disclosed user devices as described for example herein). Also for example, any desired device such as a device380that may be similar to device370may be connected to any desired power outlet (e.g., power outlet222,350, or355) of assembly105. For example, device380may be a computing device (e.g., laptop computer or tablet) that may be disposed on a flat surface (e.g., on a surface of table360) nearby the user based on assembly105being attachable to table360to open up more work area on a surface of table360. Any desired number of electronic devices may be simultaneously charged via an operation of system100based on the plurality of exemplary disclosed power outlets disposed on assembly105.

FIG. 8illustrates an additional exemplary arrangement of system100during use. For example, assembly105may be attached to an object385such as a chair. For example as illustrated inFIG. 7, assembly105may be attached to object385(e.g., with attachment assembly120rotated to be oriented in a suitable position to be attached to object385that may be a chair). For example, assembly105may be mounted on an elbow of object385that may be a chair. Device370may be supported by device stand assembly220and object365may be supported by upper portion130. System100may operate to charge power storage280and to charge exemplary disclosed devices similarly to as described above regardingFIG. 7.

FIGS. 9 and 10illustrate exemplary components (e.g., accessories) of system100that may be removably attached to assembly105. For example, a support assembly390and an accessory395may be removably attached to assembly105.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, support assembly390may be a support for supporting an object400. Object400may be any desired object such as a book, binder, tablet, display device, paper, a notebook, or any other desired object. For example, support assembly390may be a book holder that may support object400that may be a book. Support assembly390may include a protruding assembly405that may include a base member410and a strut415. Base member410may be removably received in aperture205of assembly105, thereby supporting support assembly390on assembly105. Strut415may be rotatably attached to base member410(e.g., or base member410may rotate within aperture205), allowing support assembly390to be rotated relative to attachment assembly120(e.g., to base assembly145that may be attached to anchor assembly150and to body assembly110). Support assembly390may include a superstructure420that may be rotated about an axis parallel to axis Z based on protruding assembly405being rotatably connected at aperture205of attachment assembly120. For example, support assembly390may be a rotatable holder attachment such as a book holder attachment.

Superstructure420may include a base member425for supporting a bottom of object400and a back member430for supporting a back of object400. A back end member435may be rotatably attached to back member430and may have an adjustable length that may telescope similarly to members155,160, and165(e.g., back member430may also be similarly telescopically adjusted). A back end member435may be adjusted (e.g., rotated and/or telescoped) as it is supported by a flat surface (e.g., table360), which may adjust an angle of back member430that may be supported by back end member435. An angle at which back member430is disposed may be thereby adjusted by a user as desired. Members425,430, and435may also be folded together based on rotatable attachments to collapse superstructure420(e.g., for stowing or transport) similarly to device stand assembly220. Base member425(e.g., and back member430) may include telescopic lateral members that may selectively increase and decrease a width of superstructure420as desired. For example, left and right ends of superstructure420may be selectively expanded and decreased in size to support objects400of varying sizes. Strut415and/or base member425may be selectively expanded or decreased in vertical length to position superstructure420at a desired height for use by a user.

Accessory395may include a base member440that may be removably attached to aperture210of assembly105. In at least some exemplary embodiment, accessory395may be a lighting component such as a flex-light lighting device (e.g., having a flexible body442that may be adjusted to a desired position by a user). Base member440may include electrical components that may be electrically connected to electrical components disposed at aperture210(e.g., a USB or other electrically connector) so that accessory395may be powered by power storage280. Accessory395may also be electrically attached to any other suitable outlet of assembly105such as power outlet222,350, or355.

FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate an exemplary attachment that may be attached to assembly105. An attachment device445may be a solar attachment device that may be removably attached to assembly105. Attachment device445may be electrically connected to assembly105and may charge power storage280. Attachment device445may include an adapter assembly450(e.g., an adapter piece assembly) that may fold inward for storage or transport and outward for attachment to assembly105and use. Attachment device445may include an electrical connector455that electrically connects attachment device445to assembly105for powering power storage280.

FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate another exemplary attachment that may be attached to assembly105. An attachment device460may be a fan and/or umbrella attachment device that may include a fan472and/or umbrella474that may be removably attached to assembly105. Fan472may be disposed partially or completely within umbrella474. Attachment device460may include a release actuator465that may release expandable and collapsible umbrella474and/or fan472as illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13when actuated. Attachment device460may also include a structural member470(e.g., a flexi-neck support) and an actuator475that may turn fan472disposed within umbrella474on and off.

As illustrated inFIGS. 14-18, system100may include various alternate attachment assemblies that may removably replace attachment assembly120as desired. For example, a user may selectively detach removably attachable attachment assembly120from assembly105and replace it with the exemplary disclosed removably attachable attachment assemblies illustrated inFIGS. 14-18.

FIGS. 14 and 15illustrate an attachment assembly120A that may be removably attached to assembly105similarly to attachment assembly120. Attachment assembly120A may include a fastener485(e.g., pointed anchor) that may be selectively ejected from a cavity of attachment assembly120A to be driven into a substrate such as the ground (e.g., grass, beach sand, or another suitable surface). Attachment assembly120A may be further supported via a plurality of members480. Members480may also include fasteners (e.g., pointed members) that may provide further fastening of attachment assembly120A to a surface substrate.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate an attachment assembly120B that may be removably attached to assembly105similarly to attachment assembly120. Attachment assembly120B may be an adapter for use in residences (e.g., a home/patio adapter that may be a foldable stand). Attachment assembly120B may include a release actuator490that may be a button that releases the adapter's members495(e.g., three or four legs) that slide up and down and lock for easy placement on a desired surface. Attachment assembly120B may include an anchor assembly500to which assembly105may be removably attached.

FIG. 18illustrates an attachment assembly120C that may be removably attached to assembly105similarly to attachment assembly120. Attachment assembly120C may be an automobile adapter that may mount to any suitable vehicle cup holder508and may include flexible joints. Attachment assembly120C may include an initial mounting mechanism505that may be removably received in vehicle cup holder508and an adjustable assembly510including a plurality of adjustable joints and/or extendable members. Adjustable assembly510may include a first adjustable joint515. Adjustable assembly510may also include an extendable member520(e.g., an initial adapter pole). Adjustable assembly510may also include a rotatable joint525that may rotate attachment assembly120C from between 0 to 180 degrees. Adjustable assembly510may also include an adjustable strut530(e.g., pole) that may mount assembly105to a surface of a vehicle component535(e.g., to a surface of a center automobile console) via an adjustable bottom portion540of strut530(e.g., which may adjust to any suitable surface to which attachment assembly120C is mounted).

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19Cillustrate an adapter assembly600(e.g., travel adapter assembly) that may be used with system100. Adapter assembly600may include a latch assembly605that may open and close via a lever switch and may fold (e.g., be collapsible) for storage. Adapter assembly600may also include a plurality of compartments610,615,620, and625that may be configured to receive and store (e.g., during travel) assembly105and associated accessories (e.g., charger and charging cable, foreign travel adapters, and any other desired accessories).FIG. 19Aillustrates adapter assembly600in a closed state,FIG. 19Billustrates assembly600in an open state, andFIG. 19Cillustrates adapter assembly600attached to luggage630.

FIGS. 20A and 20Billustrates an adapter assembly700(e.g., sling or carry adapter assembly) that may be used with system100. Adapter assembly700may include an attachment member705to which assembly105may be removably attachable. Adapter assembly700may also include an attachment member710to which device370(e.g., a smart phone) may be removably attachable. Adapter assembly700may further include a locking and expanding mechanism715that may adjust tension and slack of adapter assembly700on a user's body. Adapter assembly700may also include an attachment assembly720to which attachment device445(e.g., including solar panels) may be attached and from which power may be supplied from attachment device445to power storage280. Assembly105may be electrically connected to some or all of a user's devices attached to adapter assembly700and/or located near a user wearing adapter assembly700.

The exemplary disclosed device and method may be used in any suitable application involving electrically charging electronic devices. Also, the exemplary disclosed device and method may be used in any suitable application for positioning user devices during use. For example, the exemplary disclosed device and method may be used in any application for attaching electronic devices to objects during charging and/or use of the electronic devices. The exemplary disclosed device and method may also be used in any suitable application for maintaining a desired position of a user device (e.g., a hands-free position) during use.

An exemplary operation of system100will now be described. A user may turn on integrated systems (e.g., exemplary disclosed speakers) of system100as described for example above. The user may also attach any desired accessories to assembly105as described for example above.

The user may attach assembly105to a desired object (e.g., object360or object385) via attachment assembly120as described for example above. The user may attach an exemplary disclosed user device (e.g., device370) to device stand assembly220and/or electrically attach the user device to a power outlet (e.g., power outlet222,350, or355) of assembly105at any desired time during use of system100.

Anchor assembly150of attachment assembly120may be rotated relative to base assembly145(e.g., or base assembly145may be rotated relative to anchor assembly150) about axis X so that assembly105is positioned as desired. Movable assembly115may also be rotated relative to body assembly110(e.g., and attachment assembly120) about axis Z so that assembly105is positioned as desired. Device stand assembly220may also be moved (e.g., moved up and down) in a direction parallel to axis Z so that assembly105is positioned as desired. Device stand265may be rotated (e.g., tilted) toward and away from body assembly110so that assembly105is positioned as desired. The exemplary disclosed user device (e.g., device370) attached to device stand assembly220may be thereby positioned in any desired position for use by the user. The user may also attach and/or adjust the exemplary disclosed accessories to assembly105as described above.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed apparatus may include an adjustable attachment assembly (e.g., attachment assembly120) including at least one movable member, a body assembly (e.g., body assembly110) that is movably attached to the adjustable attachment assembly, a movable assembly (e.g., movable assembly115) that is movably attached to the body assembly, a power storage (e.g., power storage280) disposed in at least one of the movable assembly and the body assembly, and a device stand assembly (e.g., device stand assembly220) movably attached to the movable assembly. The adjustable attachment assembly may be movable in a first direction relative to the body assembly. The movable assembly may be movable in a second direction relative to the body assembly that is different from the first direction. The body assembly may be rotatably attached to the adjustable attachment assembly about a first axis, and the movable assembly may be rotatably attached to the body assembly about a second axis. The first axis may be perpendicular to the second axis. The device stand assembly may be movable vertically relative to the movable assembly in a third direction that is parallel to the second direction. The device stand assembly may be locked and unlocked for movement in the third direction based on a vertical movement release actuator disposed on the device stand assembly being actuated. The device stand assembly may be rotatable toward and away from the movable assembly and the body assembly. The device stand assembly may be locked and unlocked for rotation toward and away from the body assembly based on a tilt release actuator disposed on the device stand assembly being actuated. Both the adjustable attachment assembly and the device stand assembly may be collapsible between an extended position and a collapsed position. The at least one movable member may be movable based on an actuation of a first release actuator disposed on the adjustable attachment assembly, and the adjustable attachment assembly may be locked and unlocked for movement based on an actuation of a second release actuator disposed on the adjustable attachment assembly. The body assembly may be a cup holder. The apparatus may further include a book holder assembly having a protruding member that is rotatably received in an aperture of the adjustable attachment assembly or the body assembly, the book holder assembly rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the second direction.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed method may include rotatably attaching a body assembly (e.g., body assembly110) to an adjustable attachment assembly (e.g., attachment assembly120), rotatably attaching a movable assembly (e.g., movable assembly115) to the body assembly, removably attaching the adjustable attachment assembly to an object, movably attaching a device stand assembly (e.g., device stand assembly220) to the movable assembly, rotating the body assembly, the movable assembly, and the device stand assembly about a first axis relative to the attachment assembly, rotating the movable assembly and the device stand assembly about a second axis relative to the body assembly, the second axis being unparallel to the first axis, moving the device stand assembly relative to the movable assembly and the body assembly, disposing a user device on the device stand assembly, and charging the user device using a power storage (e.g., power storage280) disposed in at least one of the movable assembly and the body assembly. The method may also include moving the device stand assembly relative to the movable assembly along an axis that is parallel to the second axis, and rotating the device stand assembly toward and away from the movable assembly and the body assembly. The second axis may be perpendicular to the first axis. The method may also include removably attaching a book holder to the adjustable attachment assembly or the body assembly, and rotating the book holder assembly about an axis that is parallel to the second axis.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed apparatus may include an adjustable attachment assembly (e.g., attachment assembly120) including at least one movable member, a body assembly (e.g., body assembly110) that is rotatably attached to the adjustable attachment assembly, a movable assembly (e.g., movable assembly115) that is rotatably attached to the body assembly, a power storage (e.g., power storage280) disposed in at least one of the movable assembly and the body assembly, and a device stand assembly (e.g., device stand assembly220) movably attached to the movable assembly. The adjustable attachment assembly may be rotatable about a first axis relative to the body assembly. The movable assembly and the device stand assembly may be rotatable about a second axis relative to the body assembly. The first axis may be perpendicular to the second axis. The device stand assembly may be movable vertically relative to the movable assembly along an axis that is parallel to the second axis, and the device stand assembly may be rotatable toward and away from the movable assembly and the body assembly. The adjustable attachment assembly may be a removably attachable adjustable attachment assembly that is selected from the group consisting of an assembly having a pointed anchor that may be extended, a foldable stand, and a vehicle assembly including a plurality of adjustable joints. The movable assembly may include a speakerphone powered by the power storage. The exemplary disclosed apparatus may further include a removably attachable device selected from the group consisting of a solar panel that charges the power storage and a lighting component that has a flexible body and is powered by the power storage.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may charge a device while mounted to any surface and also house a user device on a stand that may be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may be formed in any desired shape and may power electronic devices that may be attached to a surface via the exemplary disclosed anchoring mechanism. The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may include an integrated beverage holder.

The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may provide an intuitively simple device and technique for charging multiple user devices. The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may also provide for hands-free use of the devices while they are being charged. The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may also provide a technique for maintaining user devices in a desired position during use without involving a flat surface or without taking up space on a flat surface located nearby the user, which may leave increased desk or table space available for use by the user and allow the user to comfortably position devices in the absence of flat surfaces. The exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method may also provide for a relatively wide variety of accessories to be used in conjunction with a device-charging arrangement.

It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not obscure the embodiments.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the exemplary disclosed apparatus, system, and method. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims.