Abstract:
A multi-device charger with an integrated privacy station. The mobile device charger contains a plurality of power options for charging a mobile device. The privacy station of the mobile device charger provides a privacy cover, or shield for concealing a screen of the mobile device from view while the mobile device is charging in the apparatus.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/243,905, filed on Oct. 20, 2015, entitled “MULTI-DEVICE CHARGING AND DOCKING STATION”, and currently co-pending. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to cell phone chargers, and more particularly to cell phone chargers providing a plurality of charging options. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    With the proliferation of mobile devices, the need for charging capabilities for the devices has also increased. Because most devices come out of the box with a wired charger, docking cable, and other accessories, the end user is presented with an unsightly tangled mess of wires to accommodate a wide variety of devices, particularly in a family environment, where a number and types of devices may be present within the household. 
         [0004]    Similarly, with the proliferation devices, there has been a proliferation of the variety of applications that users consume throughout the day. Messages, such as texts and emails, social network feeds, and the like can present a constant distraction, particularly during meals and other close family gathering or quiet times, such as studying for school and the like. A device carried in a typical charging station continues to present an unobstructed view of the display, which can cause continued distraction or disruption, even when not in use. Similarly, the user is not provided privacy for incoming messages when the device is left to charge. 
         [0005]    As can be seen, there is a need for a multi-device charging and privacy station that reduces the clutter associated with these devices and can reduce the distraction presented by the device during quiet times. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
         [0007]    Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile device charger with an integrated privacy station. The mobile device charger contains a plurality of power options for charging a mobile device. The privacy station of the mobile device charger provides a privacy cover, or shield for concealing a screen of the mobile device from view while the mobile device is charging in the apparatus. 
         [0008]    The mobile device charger comprises a base that extends substantially horizontal so that in some embodiments the base may be amenable to being placed on a counter top while charging a mobile device. The base may also include a power outlet prong that is located at aft end of the base. The power outlet prong is selectively positioned between an extended position, so that that the multi-device power station may alternatively be plugged into and retained in a wall outlet, such that the base is held in a substantially horizontal position. The power outlet prong may also be positioned in a closed position where it may be concealed at the aft end of the base, such as when the station is placed on a surface, such counter top, desk, table, and the like. Alternatively, the prongs may be removably attached to the aft portion of the base. In these embodiments, the base will house an AC/DC power conversion circuit to change the alternating current to a direct current voltage output appropriate for the mobile device. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the base may be provided with a docking connector, such as a mini, micro-USB port, 30-pin, or lightning connector which may be connected to a computing device, such as a laptop or desktop computer, to permit a docking or tethered data connection with the computing device. Alternatively, the base may be provided with a retractable cord for docking or connection to a remote charging outlet. 
         [0010]    A charging connector and cradle assembly are provided on a top surface of the base, at a forward portion thereof, and are adapted to receive a charging end of a mobile device therein. As will be appreciated, the charging connector and cradle assembly should be adapted to engage with and charge a particular device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the multi-device charger may be produced according to a particular primary device for compatibility of the charging connector and cradle assembly with the primary device. Alternatively, the charging connector alone or with the cradle assembly may be a replaceable module to accommodate a variety of primary devices. 
         [0011]    The most common charging connectors currently in use for mobile devices are the micro USB connector, based on standards promulgated by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), and the Lightning connector, which uses a proprietary standard developed by Apple, Inc. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide support for charging mobile devices with ports for either a micro USB connector or a Lightning connector. In one preferred embodiment, a connector is removably placed into the base, allowing the user to switch between a micro USB connector and a Lightning connector by removing the one from the base and replacing it with the other, 
         [0012]    In certain other embodiments, the base may also be provisioned with one or more speakers, and the circuitry in the base may further comprise an audio amplifier. The charging port of the cradle may be further provisioned to receive an audio signal for playback from the device to the integrated speaker. A microphone is also integrated into the base in some embodiments, allowing an audio signal from the microphone to be sent to the device for recording, phone calls, playing games, or other purposes. 
         [0013]    A privacy screen is provided at a forward end of the base and extends substantially vertically from the base. A lower portion of the privacy screen may be adapted to form part of the cradle. The privacy screen comprises a substantially flat plate that is aligned substantially parallel with a transverse dimension of the base. The base may preferably have a substantially planar surface that is dimensioned so as to substantially obscure a display of the mobile device while it is retained in the cradle. In preferred embodiments, the privacy screen may be dimensioned so as to completely conceal the mobile device while it is carried in the multi-device charging device. 
         [0014]    As seen in reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some embodiments the privacy screen mays a substantially fiat front surface, which may be adapted to display a logo, or picture selected by the primary user of the charging station. The privacy screen may also be provided with a light so as to provide a back light for the logo or may have a diffuser so as illuminate when a device is carried in the multi-device charger to provide a convenient reference to indicate, such as to a parent, that the user&#39;s device has been placed in the charger at an appropriate or designated time. The base may also be provided with a user selectable switch, or a settable timer that blocks the audio output from the device during a designated time period so as to limit audio distractions that may be presented by the device at inappropriate or designated times. 
         [0015]    As seen in reference to  FIG. 5  the privacy screen may also include a removable/replaceable insert that may be attached to the front end of the base. In other embodiments of the invention, the privacy screen may also be provisioned with a wireless charging device, such as an inductive charger, that may recharge an equipped device when it is carried in the cradle behind the privacy screen. 
         [0016]    At an aft portion of the base, the multi-device charging station may also include a pedestal for holding and storing a wearable mobile technology device, such as a watch, or fitness band. The pedestal comprises a vertical post or plate portion attached to the base at a bottom end of the post. At the top end of the post, a wearable device rest portion extends forwardly over an intermediate portion of the base. The rest portion may include a cylindrical or partially-cylindrical surface portion to support the wearable device thereon. Preferably, the rest portion has an integrated charger adapted to charge the particular wearable device. In preferred embodiments of the invention the rest portion may comprise a plurality of user selectable module, wherein each module is adapted with to receive a selected wearable device and has a charging system integrally contained therein that is adapted to charge the particular wearable device. Conductors for powering the charging system may be integrated with, or routed through the pedestal and connect to a power source in the base. The rest module and pedestal top end may be provided with electrical connectors at a connecting interface. 
         [0017]    The multi-device charger may further comprise a spare battery charging port and a spare battery. The spare battery charging port may be located on an upper surface of the base at a point that is intermediate between the cradle and the pedestal. The spare battery charging port comprises a connector that is adapted to interconnect with a charging receptacle of a spare battery pack. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile device charging and docking station with a privacy screen; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a left-rear perspective view of a mobile device charging and docking station showing an attached mobile device, rotating and folding power prongs, and a nightlight switch; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a is a right side view of a mobile device charging and docking station showing an interchangeable connector and a USB output port for charging additional devices; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a mobile device charging and docking station with a privacy screen; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a left side view of a mobile device charging and docking station showing a watch station, an interchangeable connector, and a nightlight switch; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a right-rear perspective view of a mobile device charging and docking station showing a USB output port and an input port; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary charging circuit used in an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing the structure of an inductive charging circuit and its interaction with a mobile device for wireless charging. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a mobile device charging and docking station is shown and generally designated  100 . The charging and docking station  100  has a base  102  upon which a privacy screen  104  projects upward from the base  102 . In a preferred embodiment, the privacy screen  104  is removable from the base  102 , and may be replaced with privacy screens of different designs. In preferred embodiments, the base  102  includes light-emitting diodes (LEDs, not shown) positioned to emit light upward, illuminating the outside of the privacy screen and creating a nightlight effect. 
         [0028]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , when a mobile device  106  is placed on the base  102 , the privacy screen  104  obstructs the view of the mobile device  106  from the front, in turn preventing onlookers from viewing the mobile device  106  or its screen. The LEDs may be turned on or off via a switch  108 , allowing the user to activate or deactivate the nightlight. An input port  110  is present on the rear of the base  102 . In a preferred embodiment the input port  110  is a micro USB port, but in alternative embodiments may be a Lightning port. The input port  110  allows the station  100  to be powered via another device charger. Additionally, rotating and folding power prongs  112  provide an alternative power source for the station  100 . 
         [0029]    Shown in  FIG. 3  is the charging connector  114  through which the user&#39;s mobile device  106  is charged. The charging connector  114  may be a micro USB connector or, alternatively, a Lightning connector. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is interchangeable, and the user can replace a lightning connector with a micro USB connector or vice-versa, depending on the type of device to be charged. The privacy screen  104  may also include a wireless inductive charging circuit for use with devices that support wireless charging. A USB output  116  is present on a &amp;de of the base  102 , allowing for the charging of additional devices. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a mobile device charging and docking station is depicted and generally referred to as  200 . The station  200  has a base  202  and a privacy screen  204  extending upwards from one end of the base. In a preferred embodiment, the privacy screen  204  is removable from the base  202 , and may be replaced with privacy screens of different designs. LEDs (not shown) are also present in a preferred embodiment. The LEDs are placed so that emitted light shines upward against the privacy screen  204 , and the privacy screen  204  is thereby illuminated. 
         [0031]    In  FIG. 5 , the station  200  is depicted as having a charging connector  206 , a nightlight switch  208 , and a watch station  210 . In a preferred embodiment, the charging connector  206  is an interchangeable connector allowing for the use of a micro USB connector and a Lightning connector, depending on the type of device to be charged. The privacy screen  204  may also include a wireless inductive charging circuit for use with devices that support wireless charging. 
         [0032]    The nightlight switch  208  allows the user to turn the nightlight, which is made up of LEDs shining upward against the privacy screen  204 , on and off. The watch station  210  allows for the placement or storage of a wearable device such as a smartwatch. Integrated into the watch station  210  are charging terminals, a charging port, a wireless inductive charging circuit, or a combination thereof, allowing the user to charge the wearable device placed on the watch station. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  shows a rear view of mobile device charging and docking station  200 , depicting an input port  212  on the base  202  through which the station  200  may be powered. In a preferred embodiment the input port  212  is a micro USB port, but in alternative embodiments may be a Lightning port. If a lightning port is used, it may be configured to work with a 2.4 amp lightning tip or a 4.8 amp lightning tip. The mobile device charging and docking station  200  may also include folding power prongs (not shown) in order to provide power to the station  200  through a standard household power outlet. Also present on one side of the base  202  is a USB output port  214  for charging additional devices. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a schematic of an AC/DC converter circuit  300  as used in charging the internal battery in a preferred embodiment of the invention. The AC input is passed through initial rectifier  302  to a primary side flyback controller  304 . Initial rectifier  302  is not present in charging circuits using DC input, and other components of the circuit would be altered or removed as necessary to the specific circumstances. A low-profile transformer  306  then steps down the voltage. A wake-up monitor and synchronous rectifier  308  on the secondary side of the transformer detects the presence or absence of a load, and signals the flyback controller  304  accordingly. The wake-up monitor and synchronous rectifier also acts as a near-ideal diode to rectify the current. An active charge indicator  310  detects when a personal electronic device is being charged and turns on light-emitting diode  332 . 
         [0035]    In the initial rectifier  302 , a neutral AC line feeds one side of a diode bridge  312 , while a hot AC line feeds the other side through a protective fuse  314 . The rectified current is provided to the flyback controller  304 , which is based on a UCC28730 integrated circuit  316 . The flyback controller switches the current through primary winding  318  of transformer  306 , and monitors the current through auxiliary winding  320  of the transformer. The winding ratios of transformer  306  may differ in different embodiments of the invention intended for sale in different regions of the world, as appropriate to the standard household outlet voltage of the region. 
         [0036]    When there is no load, wake-up monitor and synchronous rectifier  308 , based on a UCC24650 integrated circuit  322 , sends a series of pulses through the transformer signaling the flyback controller  304  to shut down, saving power when there is no device connected to the charger. A UCC24610 integrated circuit  324  provides the synchronous rectifier function, acting as a near-ideal diode providing high efficiency and low voltage or power loss. 
         [0037]    Finally, active charge indicator  310  uses a comparator  326  provide a voltage difference across light-emitting diode  332  when a voltage drop across filter inductor  328  indicates an active device is connected. Light-emitting diode  332  thus indicates when a connected personal electronic device is being charged. 
         [0038]    After the AC input is transformed and rectified, the internal battery is charged with current provided through  5 -volt output  330 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  illustrates the primary components and functionality of an inductive charging system  400  used in some embodiments of the present invention for charging a mobile device or a wearable mobile device. The system comprises an inductive mobile device charger  402 , which may be present in the privacy screen and/or the watch stand in order to charge the appropriate device, and a mobile device  404 . A power source  406 , such as an internal battery or rectified current from a power outlet, provides power to an inverter  408 . The inverter  40 $ provides an AC waveform to a primary coil  410 . In a preferred embodiment, the frequency of the waveform is between 100 and 200 kHz. In a preferred embodiment, the inverter  408  transfers power to the primary coil  410  by a full-bridge switching arrangement at a 50% duty cycle and a 130 kHz switching frequency. It is to be understood, however, that different frequencies may be used according to the needs of any individual project. A voltage sensor  412  monitors the primary coil  410  and provides data to a controller circuit  414 . The controller circuit  414  in turn adjusts the output of the inverter  408  in order to provide an amount of power appropriate to the load provided by the mobile device  404 . The voltage sensor  412  and the controller circuit  414  may also detect communications from the mobile device  404  and respond by increasing, decreasing, or shutting off the provided power. 
         [0040]    The alternating current through the primary coil  410  creates a magnetic flux, which in turn creates an alternating current in a secondary coil  416  inside the mobile device. The current is rectified by a rectifying circuit  418  and passed on to the load  420 . A controller circuit  422  in communication with both the rectifying circuit  418  and the load  420  causes signals to be sent to the inductive mobile device charger  402  requesting the amount of power needed by the load  420 . In most instances, the load  420  will comprise a battery, and the power necessary will vary depending on the amount of charge already present in the battery. The controller circuit  422  of the mobile device  404  may communicate with the controller circuit  414  of the inductive mobile device charger  402  through backscatter modulation by brief alterations of the load placed on the secondary coil  416 , which in turn are detected by the voltage sensor  412  in the inductive mobile device charger  402 . Additionally, in some embodiments, communication across the primary coil  410  and secondary coil  416  may be accomplished through frequency-shift keying. 
         [0041]    While the above is a description of various embodiments of the present invention, further modifications may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus the scope of the invention should not be limited according to these factors, but according to the following claims.