Apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices

A stackable, durable, portable apparatus for simultaneously charging multiple mobile electronic devices (including phones, tablets, game consoles, music players, flashlights, BLUETOOTH headsets and cameras) is disclosed herein. The apparatus is suitable for use in public social settings, easily removed or replaced for restoring the internal charge without requiring cable attachment, expertise or training.

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for charging multiple mobile devices. The present invention specifically relates to an apparatus and method for charging multiple mobile devices in a public restaurant or bar.

2. Description of the Related Art

Mobile electrical devices, such as mobile phones, have become a necessary component of most people's life. Most people constantly carry have a mobile electrical device. However, these devices require charging. In public venues, such as restaurants and bars, charging a mobile electrical device is difficult. Unless the patron is carrying a mobile charger for the mobile electrical device, and the patron is seated near a power outlet, charging a mobile electrical device is impossible. Further, leaving a mobile electrical device on a table of a restaurant or bar opens the possibility of water damage to the device due to the presence of food and drink. Thus, restaurants and bars are hazardous environments for mobile electrical devices.

The prior art discusses various methods for charging mobile communication devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers.

Corbins, U.S. Patent Publication Number 20070205744 for a Portable Mobile Phone Charger, discloses a mobile phone charger that includes a housing with a receptacle mounted therein for receiving a power cord adapter, and a power source housed therein and electrically connected to the receptacle for electrically charging a mobile phone.

Rodarte et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 20060261778, for a Method And Apparatus For Charging A Portable Electrical Device, discloses a charger-to-device interface that self aligns the portable electrical device in the charger for charging.

Purdy et al., U.S. Patent Publication Number 20120119693, for a Battery Charger For Portable Devices And Related Methods, discloses a battery charger that may be used with numerous types of portable devices and associated batteries, and yet which may account for differences between the charging parameters thereof.

The prior art fails to disclose a portable device charger that can charge multiple mobile devices in a hazardous environment such as a restaurant or bar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of present invention is a stackable, durable, portable system for charging of 1 to 3 (or more) mobile electronic devices, including phones, tablets, game consoles, music players, flashlights, BLUETOOTH headsets and cameras. The invention is suitable for use in public social settings, easily removed or replaced for restoring the internal charge without requiring cable attachment, expertise or training.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices is preferably capable of charging PDs at differing rates based on PO demand, the number of PDs attached, and the internal charge state of the device.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices is preferably capable of supporting one or multiple PDs in a convenient and usable position during charging, enabling the use of PDs for social interaction while charging.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices is preferably is capable of controlling its own re-charging rate while ‘stacked’ based on available power to the stack and each device in the stack, the internal charge of the device's own battery, and the position of the device in a stack of recharging devices.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices is preferably capable of supporting a wide array of PDs in a lightly monitored environment (no easily damaged or removable parts—simple replacement of consumable elements of the device.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices is preferably capable of being secured by a cable-lock to prevent theft of the device.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices preferably has an innovative three pin stacking communication which safely allows exposure of the charging pins to end users while facilitating stacking and rapid programming, as well as variable charging rates based on position within the stack, own charge status and available power.

The apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices alternatively includes both NFC (Near Field Communications), Bluetooth and BlueTooth Smart personal area network (PAN) devices allowing communication with modern Smart Phones for the purposes of: determining/enablingphysical proximity for social grouping for Smartphone applications such as Truth or Dare or for exchange of information, photos, videos or other media. (The short range of the NFC and Bluetooth Smart PANs establishes presence and proximity to a highly personal level.); determining/enabling physical proximity for reviews, coupons or discounts. For example, reviews of a restaurant which are written while the user is at the restaurant may entitle the user to a discount on this or the next visit, or a discount for a nearby alternative entertainment (movies after dinner, for example); determining/enabling physical proximity for menus, specials of the day, waitress alerts, food status or seating status. (The ubiquitous stackable pagers may ironically be replaced by a single device placed near the check-in for a restaurant, enabling the user's SmartPhone to be the notification element. The PAN communication from the device to the phone can establish the identification and queue position so that a broadband message (SMS or data in an application) can notify the user that seating is available.

One aspect of the present invention is apparatus that is capable of charging more than one mobile device in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices. The apparatus includes a housing, a support mechanism, slots wherein to place the devices, a processor, and connectors that correspond to a device slot. The apparatus is set up to provide power to more than one mobile device, placed in the slots.

Another aspect of the present invention is a stable, durable, and portable system that is capable of charging more than one portable electronic device. The system includes an apparatus that has a housing, slots wherein to place the devices, a battery, a processor, and connectors with which to attach a portable device.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus that is capable of charging more than one mobile device in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices. The apparatus comprises a housing, which includes an area to hold a changeable label for the purpose of advertising, a support mechanism, slots wherein to place the devices, a processor, and connectors that correspond to a device slot. The apparatus is set up to provide power to more than one mobile device, placed in the slots.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus that is capable of charging more than one mobile device in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices. The apparatus comprises a housing, a support mechanism, slots wherein to place the devices, a processor, connectors that correspond to a device slot, and a video display that displays advertisements while a mobile device is being charged. The apparatus is set up to provide power to more than one mobile device, placed in the slots.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for charging more than one mobile device in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices. The method includes charging a battery of an apparatus that is capable of charging more than one mobile device, placing one or more mobile devices in a slot of the apparatus housing, which is elevated above a surface of a venue, attaching to a mobile device a connector unit, which is connected to a cable that is connected to the apparatus, and charging the mobile device with power from the apparatus' battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown inFIGS. 1-7, an apparatus for charging multiple mobile devices is generally designated20. The apparatus20preferably comprises a housing22having a top section24, a bottom section26and a side section28. The housing22also preferably has multiple slots30aand30bfor placement of a mobile device therein for charging and prevention of damage to the mobile device if the charging occurs in a hazardous (for mobile devices) environment such as a restaurant, bar or similar venue. The housing22interior is shown inFIGS. 10-16.

Cables32extend from the apparatus20, each cable having a connection assembly34for connecting to a mobile device for charging thereof.

The apparatus20also preferably has bottom rails36for maintaining the housing22above a surface of a venue, as shown inFIG. 2.

The apparatus also has a power cord38for connection to an outlet to charge a battery42of the apparatus20.

Electrical attributes of the apparatus20include pogo pins40(power40a, ground40b, digital control signal40c) on the bottom section26for receiving 15 volts direct current (“DC”) up to 10 amps, as shown inFIG. 2. A DC jack44for receiving 15 VDC up to 9 amps, as shown inFIG. 5. Pads50on the top section24(power50a, ground50b, digital control signal50c) for delivering 15 VDC up to 9 A, as shown inFIG. 9. Multiple USB cables32for delivering 5V power up to 2.5 A per output. In a preferred embodiment, there are no alternating current (“AC”) voltage connections. A preferred DC power source is a UL and CE approved AC/DC power adapter60, as shown inFIG. 7.

The apparatus20preferably has three modes: standalone charging; stacked charging and dissipation.

During the standalone charging mode, the apparatus20receives DC power from the DC jack44. This power is delivered across a resettable fuse to a battery charging integrated circuit (IC)62for charging of the internal lithium ion battery. The battery charges according to the battery-manufacturer recommended currents as set by resistors connected to the battery charging IC62.

The LEDs46display a pattern that indicates usage information, followed by a repeating pattern unique to stacked charging for indication of the current mode of operation.

During stacked charging, one apparatus20bis placed on top of another apparatus20aas shown inFIGS. 17-18. The apparatus20is designed such that the pads50on top of the apparatus20acan connect to the pogo pins40on the bottom of a “stacked” apparatus20b. If multiple apparatuses20are stacked together, the multiple apparatuses20will simultaneously charge their respective Li-ion batteries42.

Each apparatus20has an always-on path from the bottom pogo pins40to the top pads50through a resistor that limits the current in addition to a normally-off FET. This minimal current is received by an apparatus20stacked above to provide just enough power to initiate an authentication sequence. If the above apparatus20is authenticated, the FET is enabled and the above apparatus20is allowed to charge its battery42.

The LEDs46display a pattern that indicates usage information, followed by a repeating pattern unique to stacked charging for indication of the current mode of operation and battery level.

When disconnected from an external DC source, without a mobile device connected, the apparatus20is in an idle mode. The buck regulator64is disabled. Each of the USB charger circuits is in a low-power state. The apparatus20periodically wakes up to indicate the current battery level on the LEDs46.

During the dissipation mode, the apparatus20is disconnected from an external DC source and a mobile device100is connected to the apparatus20through a connection assembly34. The apparatus20delivers power from its internal battery42through a buck (step-down) regulator64to multiple USB charger IC circuits66.FIGS. 19,19A and19B illustrate the various circuitry and components of the apparatus20. Each USB charger circuit66drives a USB output for connection to mobile devices100. The signal levels on the USB data pins are optimized to the device type and manufacturer (APPLE/ANDROID/WINDOWS/SAMSUNG) to ensure charging beyond the USB 500 mA standard up to 2.5 A per mobile device100. The USB outputs are current limited and short circuit protected. Power to each USB output may be current limited to restricted battery current to rated limits. Power to each USB output may also be limited to prioritize power delivery to the first USB device connected. The LEDs46display a repeating pattern unique to dissipation for indication of the current mode of operation and battery level.

As shown inFIG. 8, multiple mobile devices100are simultaneously charged by the apparatus20. Specifically, two mobile phones100aand100band a table computer100care charged by the apparatus20. The connection assembly34has multiple connectors for connecting to different devices such as iPHONE mobile phones or DROID mobile phones.

One aspect of the present invention is apparatus20that is capable of charging more than one mobile device in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices. The apparatus20includes a housing22, a support mechanism, slots30wherein to place the devices100, a processor, and connectors that correspond to a device slot30. The apparatus20is set up to provide power to more than one mobile device100, placed in the slots30.

The mobile devices100are preferably selected from a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a MP3 player, a camera, a flashlight, a game console, and a BLUETOOTH headset. The apparatus20is preferably configured to charge mobile devices100at differing rates based on power output demand, the number of mobile devices100attached to the apparatus20, and the internal charge state of the apparatus20. The apparatus20is preferably configured to have three modes, the three modes comprising a standalone charging mode, a stacked charging mode and a dissipation mode. The apparatus20is preferably configured for stacking with a second apparatus20b. Each of the plurality of device placement slots30is preferably an opening in a top section24of the housing22having a width ranging from 1 cm to 4 cm. The housing22preferably has a diameter ranging from 10 cm to 25 cm. The housing22preferably has a height ranging from 1 cm 7 cm. The apparatus20preferably further comprises a LED display46on the housing22. The apparatus20preferably further comprises a buck regulator for delivering power to a plurality of USB IC charger circuits for delivering power to an attached mobile device100. The apparatus20preferably further comprises a plurality of pogo pins40on a bottom section26of the housing22and a plurality of pads50on a top section24of the housing22, the plurality of pogo pins40and the plurality of pads50for stacking multiple apparatuses20. The apparatus20preferably further comprises a lithium-ion battery. The plurality of pads50preferably comprises a power pad50a, a ground pad50band a digital signal control pad50c. The plurality of pogo pins40preferably comprises a power pin40a, a ground pin40band a digital signal control pin40c. The apparatus20preferably further comprises at least one secondary connection not associated with a placement slot30. The housing22is preferably composed of a durable plastic material. The apparatus20preferably allows for a mobile device100to charge above a wet surface. The apparatus20preferably further comprising a power cord38for connection to a power source for powering the apparatus20. The plurality of device placement slots30preferably comprises two device placement slots30substantially parallel to each other.

Another aspect of the present invention is a stable, durable, and portable system that is capable of charging more than one portable electronic device100. The system includes an apparatus20that has a housing22, slots30wherein to place the devices100, a battery, a processor, and connectors with which to attach a portable device100.

The portable devices100of the system are preferably selected from the group including phones, tablets, game consoles, music players, flashlights, BLUETOOTH headsets and cameras. The system is preferably suitable for use in public social settings, easily removed or replaced for restoring the internal charge without requiring cable attachment, expertise or training. The system is preferably capable of charging portable devices100at differing rates based on a power output demand, the number of portable devices attached, and the internal charge state of the system. The system is preferably capable of supporting one or multiple portable devices100in a convenient and usable position during charging, enabling the use of portable devices for social interaction while charging. The system is preferably capable of controlling its own re-charging rate while ‘stacked’ based on available power to the stack and each apparatus in the stack, the internal charge of the battery, and the position of the apparatus in a stack of recharging apparatuses20. The system is preferably capable of supporting a wide array of portable devices100in a lightly monitored environment. The system is preferably capable of being secured by a cable-lock to prevent theft of the apparatus. The system preferably has an innovative 3 pin stacking communication which safely allows exposure of the charging pins to end users while facilitating stacking and rapid programming, as well as variable charging rates based on position within the stack, own charge status and available power. The system preferably includes both NFC (Near Field Communications), BLUETOOTH and BLUETOOTH Smart personal area network (PAN) devices. The NFC (Near Field Communications), BLUETOOTH and BLUETOOTH Smart personal area network (PAN) devices allows communication with modern Smart Phones for the purposes of determining/enabling physical proximity for social grouping for Smartphone applications such as Truth or Dare or for exchange of information, photos, videos or other media. The NFC (Near Field Communications), BLUETOOTH and BLUETOOTH Smart personal area network (PAN) devices allows communication with modern Smart Phones for the purposes of determining/enabling physical proximity for reviews, coupons or discounts. The NFC (Near Field Communications), BLUETOOTH and BLUETOOTH Smart personal area network (PAN) devices allows communication with modern Smart Phones for the purposes of determining/enabling physical proximity for menus, specials of the day, waitress alerts, food status or seating status. The PAN communication from the apparatus20to the phone100can establish the identification and queue position so that a broadband message (SMS or data in an application) can notify the user that seating is available.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus20that is capable of charging more than one mobile device in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices100. The apparatus20comprises a housing22, which includes an area to hold a changeable label for the purpose of advertising, a support mechanism, slots30wherein to place the devices100, a processor, and connectors that correspond to a device slot30. The apparatus20is set up to provide power to more than one mobile device100, placed in the slots30.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus20that is capable of charging more than one mobile device100in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices100. The apparatus20comprises a housing22, a support mechanism, slots30wherein to place the devices100, a processor, connectors that correspond to a device slot30, and a video display that displays advertisements while a mobile device100is being charged. The apparatus20is set up to provide power to more than one mobile device100placed in the slots30.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for charging more than one mobile device100in environments that can cause damage to mobile devices100. The method includes charging a battery of an apparatus20that is capable of charging more than one mobile device100, placing one or more mobile devices100in a slot30of the apparatus housing22, which is elevated above a surface of a venue, attaching to a mobile device100a connector unit, which is connected to a cable that is connected to the apparatus20, and charging the mobile device100with power from the apparatus' battery.

The apparatus20is easily hand carried. The apparatus20is easily cleaned and suitable for use on a bar or table in a restaurant. The charging cables are captive and not easily misplaced or stolen, yet are simple to maintain. The BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY “(BTLE”), NFC and/or BLUETOOTH is preferably used as a security system to prevent theft of the apparatus20. The apparatus (with BTLE, NFC and/or Bluetooth) can be used to monitor customer presence, arrival, departure and dwell time. The apparatus' monitored data can be easily retrieved by either a utility application on a smart phone carried near he apparatus during use. The apparatus' monitored data can be easily retrieved by a utility application while the apparatus' are stacked during charging.