Abstract:
An electronic device support having a surface upon which electronic devices rest, such as a shelf, and one or more power sockets into which the power cord for the device is plugged. A first embodiment has a shelf, a rear panel and a moveable façade covering over a power strip. A second embodiment has a shelf, a body with a pair of power sockets and a pair of ears on opposite ends that cords can be wrapped around. The ears are removable and have a female, non-powered socket therein. A third embodiment has a deck shelf and a base with a power strip mounted therebetween. Apertures in the deck permit cords and other items to be inserted therethrough, and a groove on the deck prevents rolling of items. A fourth embodiment has a tower body with a plurality of moveable shelves, a plurality of electrical sockets and channels for hiding cords.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/834,706 filed Aug. 1, 2006. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not Applicable) 
     REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX 
     (Not Applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to devices into which electronic devices and their charging cords can be plugged, and more particularly relates to a power supply and cord management device which support the electronic devices during charging. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is very common for people to carry or use a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal listening device (e.g., the iPod brand MP3 player) and other electronic devices. Such devices have batteries that, after a certain period of use, need to be connected to electrical power for charging. Typically, a person with such devices plugs them in at a central location, such as a bedside or kitchen countertop, for charging in the evening when he or she returns home for the day. The devices are then fully charged when they are needed. 
     Because people carry so many such devices, it is common for the cords used to charge the devices to become entangled in the central location, or at least to become an unorganized and unsightly collection of wires and connected transformers. For an organized person, such a situation is unacceptable. However, the common alternative of repeatedly organizing the cords after use is a time-consuming task. 
     Therefore, the need exists for a device upon which one or more electronic devices can rest while charging, and with which a person can gain some organization over the collection of cords. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore the purpose of this invention to provide an apparatus for supporting a variety of electronic devices during charging, as well as for organizing and managing the power cords of those devices. 
     In accordance with the purposes of this invention, there is provided in one embodiment a shelf and a rear panel that are joined along an edge to form a frame that is preferably L-shaped. A façade is pivotably attached to the frame to form a housing having an accessible interior chamber. A power outlet is mounted to the rear panel within the interior chamber. There are preferably a plurality of fingers, formed from portions of the rear panel that are cut and bent, extending into the interior chamber for holding the power cord of the power outlet. The power cords of electronic devices sitting on the shelf extend to the power outlet through a plurality of apertures formed in the shelf. The rear panel has several apertures formed in it for mounting the apparatus to a structure, such as a wall or a cabinet. The power cord of the power outlet preferably extends to a conventional wall outlet. 
     In a second embodiment of the invention, a main body has at least one electrical socket formed in its front surface. The socket is electrically connected to a power source, preferably through a cord that extends from the main body to a power source. A small shelf is rigidly mounted to the main body, preferably by an upright that extends from the top of the main body. A rear lip preferably extends upwardly from the surface of the shelf to prevent items from falling off the back of the shelf. A concave front lip that is shorter than the rear lip also preferably extends outwardly and upwardly from the periphery of the shelf to prevent items from falling off the front of the shelf. Preferably, the front lip has several slits formed in it for retaining and separating the power cords of devices seated on the shelf. 
     Preferably, elongated ears extend outwardly from either side of the main body. Each ear has a base, a shaft, and a skirt. The base is removably mounted to the main body and the shaft extends from the base to the skirt. The base and the skirt extend radially outwardly farther than the shaft, thereby creating a groove between the base and the skirt for wrapping the excess length of an electronic device&#39;s power cord around. Each ear preferably has an internal socket formed in it that is substantially the same size and shape as the sockets formed on the front of the main body, but that is not electrically connected. This internal socket accommodates the plug of an electronic device when the ear is removed from the main body so that the device can be moved about without the power cord dangling or unraveling from the shaft. 
     In a third embodiment of the invention, a shelf and a base are connected along a curved spine to define an inner chamber. There is preferably a finger, formed from a portion of the base that is cut and bent, extending into the inner chamber. A power outlet mounts in the chamber, and preferably to the finger. The power cords of electronic devices sitting on the shelf extend to the power outlet through a plurality of apertures formed in the shelf. There is preferably a concave groove formed in the top surface of the shelf for retaining items that are prone to roll or slide. Additionally, there is preferably a layer of high friction, shock absorbent material mounted to the top surface of the shelf. 
     In a forth embodiment of the invention, an elongated tower has at least one, and preferably a plurality of, electrical sockets formed in its lower end. Each socket is electrically connected in a conventional manner to a main power source that is preferably a power cord that extends from the rear of the tower to a conventional wall outlet. 
     A plurality of shelves are removably mounted to a vertical slot in the front of the tower, each shelf preferably capable of being adjusted to any position along the slot. Each shelf has a concave front lip that extends outwardly and upwardly from its periphery for preventing items from falling off the front of the shelf. Preferably, the lip has several slits formed in it for retaining and separating the power cords of devices seated on the shelf. 
     It is preferred to have a plurality of vertical grooves formed in the front of the tower, each groove having a movable cover, for accepting and retaining the power cords of devices seated on the shelves and routing them down to the electrical sockets. 
     Several apertures are preferably formed in the rear of tower for mounting the apparatus to a structure, such as a wall or a cabinet. Intersecting, perpendicular grooves are preferably formed in the rear of the tower for accepting the main power cord and plug so that the tower can sit flush against the structure to which it is mounted without interference from the cord or the plug. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view in perspective illustrating a first embodiment of the invention in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a view in perspective illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a view in perspective illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  is a view in perspective illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a view in perspective illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 4  with one ear removed. 
         FIG. 7  is a view in perspective illustrating the ear of the  FIG. 4  embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a view in perspective illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged side perspective view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged rear perspective view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged front perspective view illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged rear schematic view of the shelf of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or term similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . The support  8  has a frame  10  that is L-shaped and made up of a shelf  12  and a rear panel  14  joined along an intersection. The frame  10  is preferably a sheet steel plate that is bent along the intersection into the shape shown. Of course, other materials and manufacturing methods can be used to form the frame  10 . 
     The shelf  12  preferably has a plurality of apertures formed through it. The apertures can be used for extending narrow structures, such as wires, through the shelf  12 , for ventilation, to reduce the weight of the frame  10  or for other reasons that will become apparent to the person having ordinary skill. Likewise, the rear panel  14  has apertures and slots for the same purposes, and also to enable insertion of fasteners, such as screws, hooks and nails, for attachment of the frame  10  to a wall, cabinet or other structure. When the support  8  is so attached, the shelf  12  is preferably horizontally oriented so that items can be placed on the shelf  12  without rolling off under the influence of gravity. 
     A conventional power strip  20  is mounted to the rear panel  14 , and a plurality of bent fingers  22  are formed in the rear panel  14  to hold the power cord  24  in place (see  FIG. 3 ). The fingers  22  are formed from portions of the rear panel  14  that have been cut and bent outwardly, but other methods of forming the fingers  22  are contemplated. The power cord  24  extends to a conventional wall outlet or other source of power from electrical connection to the power strip  20 . It is contemplated that the cord  24  can alternatively be wired directly into a conventional electrical system. Thus, any device plugged into one of the outlets of the power strip  20  will be connected in a conventional manner to the source of electrical power to which the cord  24  is connected. 
     A façade member  30  is pivotably mounted to the rear panel  14  at the tabs  32  and  34  that extend outwardly from the rear panel  14 . A magnetic latch, hook, clasp or other conventional latching means keeps the façade member  30  closed (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) when desired. 
     The façade member  30  forms a hollow chamber  31  defined by the endwalls  33  and  35  and the sidewall  36  and the frame  10 . The shelf  12  has slots  16  and  18  (see  FIG. 2 ) through which cords from electrical devices can extend to reach the power source when the façade member  30  is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 1 . The chamber  31  provides space for the cords that extend from the shelf  12  through the slots  16  and  18 , and the façade member  30  covers the cords and the power strip  20  when the façade member  30  is in the closed position. 
     The façade member  30  has a particular exterior contour that is not critical for the operation of the invention but preferably has a decorative exterior. This contour can be altered, for example, so that the exterior surface is flat, rounded, or has one of various other shapes that will be apparent from the description herein. 
     In use, the support  8  is mounted to a wall or other vertical structure, and electronic devices such as a mobile telephone and a PDA are placed upon the upwardly facing surface of the shelf  12 . Preferably a pliable, high friction material such as urethane or rubber is mounted on the shelf  12  to reduce the shock to devices placed thereon and to prevent slippage off the shelf  12 . The façade member  30  is opened to plug the cord for the devices into a socket on the power strip  20 , and the cord is woven through one of the slots  16  or  18 . It is contemplated that any extra cord length can be wound around fingers, such as the fingers  22 , or other structures extending from the rear panel  14  in order to organize the cord. The façade member  30  can be closed and the device plugged into its power cord for charging while resting on the shelf  12 . After charging, the device can be unplugged and the power cord will simply stay on the top surface of the shelf  12 . When it is desired to recharge the device, the façade member  30  need not be opened again, because the cord is already resting upon the shelf  12 . The remainder of the cord is hidden behind the façade member  30  so that the overall support  8  and the device with the cord have a very organized, neat appearance. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 4-8 . The support  108  has a main body  120  in which are formed two conventional household current sockets  121  and  122  (see  FIG. 8 ). The sockets connect electrically in a conventional manner to the cord  124  extending out of the lower end of the body  120 . The cord  124  extends to a conventional wall outlet or other source of power. It is contemplated that the cord  124  can alternatively be wired directly into a building&#39;s conventional electrical system. Thus, any device plugged into one of the sockets  121  and  122  will be connected in a conventional manner to the source of electrical power to which the cord  124  is connected. 
     The main body  120  also has a rear panel  130  (see  FIG. 5 ) with means for mounting the body  120  to a wall, cabinet, desk or any other supportive vertical surface. Preferably the mounting means are keyhole apertures  132  and  134  (see  FIG. 5 ) for mounting over nails or screws mounted into the wall. Of course, any alternative mounting means that strongly attaches the body  120  would suffice. 
     A shelf  112  is rigidly mounted to the top of the main body  120  by an upright  116  that extends from the main body  120  to the underside of the shelf  112 . The rear lip  114  extends upwardly from the shelf  112  to provide back support for items placed on the shelf  112 . A flexible lip  118  is formed on the periphery of the shelf  112 , preferably from rubber, urethane or other high friction, flexible material. The lip  118  forms a concavity on the shelf  112  to prevent small items from rolling off the shelf  112 . The shelf  112 , upright  116  and rear lip  114  are preferably integral with one another, preferably formed as a single unit, such as by injection molding, and are fastened to the body  120 . It will be apparent that these structures can be made in another manner while still accomplishing the purpose described below. 
     Two ears  140  and  142  are removably mounted on opposing ends of the main body  120 . The ears  140  and  142 , which are identical, have a base (the base  143  is shown only on the ear  140  in  FIG. 7 , but an identical base is formed on the ear  142 ). The base  143  is mounted to the main body  120  when the ear is in an operable position (see  FIG. 5 ). The ears  140  and  142  also have skirts (the skirt  145  is shown on the ear  140  in  FIG. 7 , and an identical skirt is formed on the ear  142 ) with a circumferential groove  147  formed between the base and the skirt of each ear (the groove  147  on the ear  140  is identical to the groove of the ear  142 ) around a shaft that extends between the base and the skirt. The base and skirt extend radially outwardly farther than the shaft, thereby forming the groove between the base and the skirt. Cords can be wound around the ears  140  and  142  at the grooves, as illustrated on the ear  142 , in order to take up extra cord length between the electronic device on the shelf  112  and the outlets  121  and  122 . 
     The ears  140  and  142  are removably mounted to the main body  120 , such as by frictional engagement with the end  148  of the main body  120  (see  FIG. 6 ). Alternatively, the ears  140  and  142  can be mounted by other means, including fasteners, such as snaps, clasps and magnets. 
     The ear  140  has an internal socket  146  (see  FIG. 7 ) that is substantially identical to the shape and size of at least a portion of the sockets  121  and  122 . An identical socket is formed in the ear  142 . The socket  146  is not connected to a source of electrical power, and the plug or transformer of a cord for an electronic device can be plugged into the socket  146  when the ears  140  and  142  are removed from the main body  120 . Such a configuration is very convenient for the traveler who wishes to remove the cord from the support  108  without unwinding it from the ear  140  or  142 . This thereby helps the cord in a compact configuration and protects the plug and the surrounding objects from harm caused by the plug prongs. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . The support  208  is made of a shelf deck  212  and a base  214  connected along a curved spine  213 . The deck  212 , base  214  and spine  213  can be made of spring steel, polycarbonate, fiberglass composite or any suitable material. The deck  212  and base  214  define an inner chamber  240  (see FIG.  10 ) in which a conventional power strip  220  is mounted to at least one finger  242  extending from the base  214 . The sockets of the power strip  220  electrically connect in a conventional manner to the cord  224  extending out of the power strip to a conventional wall outlet or other source of power. It is contemplated that the cord  224  can alternatively be wired directly into a building&#39;s conventional electrical system. Thus, any device plugged into one of the sockets will be connected in a conventional manner to the source of electrical power to which the cord  224  is connected. 
     The deck  212  has a plurality of apertures  250  and a slot  260  formed in it to provide openings through which cords, pens, keys and other objects can extend for holding the objects in place on the preferably tilted deck  212 . The apertures permit cords and other objects to extend below the deck  212  in an organized manner and be plugged into the power strip  224 . The apertures are preferably circular and the slot is an oval, but the apertures and slot can be any shape, such as triangular, rectangular, or in the shape of a “plus sign”, or having a wedge-shape to permit wedging cords in place. Any number of apertures and slots can be used, in any pattern and in any location on the deck  212 , as will become apparent from the description herein. A groove  260  is formed near the upper end of the deck  212  (see  FIG. 10 ), and provides a concave surface in which items can rest that might otherwise roll down the inclined surface of the deck  212 . For example, pens can be placed in the groove  260 . 
     The support  208  preferably rests upon a horizontal surface, such as a desk, table, countertop or any other surface, and provides a space for electronic devices and other items to be stored in a neat arrangement. The deck  212  or the spine  213  can bend relative to the base  214  when heavy items are placed on the deck  212 , thereby softening the impact of placing the item on the deck  212 . Additionally, a high-friction, compressible mat  270 , such as rubber or urethane, is attached to the upper surface of the deck  212  to reduce rolling of objects and to soften the impact of placing them on the deck  212 . 
     A fourth embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 12-17 . The support  308  includes an elongated tower body  320  to which a plurality of shelves  312  are removably mounted. The body  320  has a plurality of power sockets  322  at its lower end (see  FIG. 14 ) and a power cord  324  extending from its rear panel (see  FIGS. 13 and 15 ). The sockets  322  electrically connect in a conventional manner to the cord  324 , which extends to a conventional wall outlet or other source of power. It is contemplated that the cord  324  can alternatively be wired directly into a building&#39;s conventional electrical system. Thus, any device plugged into one of the sockets  322  will be connected in a conventional manner to the source of electrical power to which the cord  324  is connected. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the cord  324  and its plug are mounted in a longitudinal groove  330  in the rear of the body  320  so that the cord and plug lie below the rear surface of the body  320  so as not to create instability when mounting on a wall. The cord&#39;s prongs extend out beyond the rear of the body  320 , perpendicular to the plane of the body  320  as shown in  FIG. 15 , so that the entire support  308  can be mounted to a wall and the prongs plugged into a conventional wall socket. Alternatively, the cord  324  can be extended to a socket that is spaced from the body  320 , through any of the side grooves  331  or  332 , or the bottom groove  333 , while the body  320  rests against the wall with stability. 
     The body  320  is preferably mounted to a wall or other surface by conventional fastening means, such as keyhole slots  340 , into which the heads of screws or nails mounted to the surface extend. Of course, the body  320  could be mounted in other ways to a wall or other surface, as will become apparent from this description. 
     The shelves  312  have an overall structure similar to the shelf  112  shown in  FIG. 4 , including a concave upper surface, a flexible peripheral lip and one or more slits formed in the lateral edges of the lip to hold cords. The shelves  312  mount to the body  320  using cooperating structures that permit rapid movement and secure re-attachment of the shelves  312 . The structures shown and described below are an example of means for removably mounting the shelves  312  to the body  320 , but are not the only means. Other cooperating structures will become apparent from the description herein to the person having ordinary skill. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the body  320  has a longitudinal slot  350  extending along its front surface into which shelves  312  are inserted. The grooves  352  and  354  (the slot  354  is not visible, but is substantially identical to the slot  352  and on an opposite side of the slot  350 ) extend laterally from the sidewalls of the slot  350  to form a T-shaped opening (when viewed in cross section) to accept the tail  360  of the shelf  312  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     The T-shaped tail  360  on the shelf  312  has two fingers  361  and  362  that extend in opposite directions from the tail  360 , and have angled sidewalls. The height of the tail  360  is less than or equal to the width of the slot  350 , so that the tail  360  can be placed in the slot  350  with fingers  361  and  362  parallel to the slot  350  (with the shelf oriented vertically) and inserted until the fingers  361  and  362  seat against the back of the slot  350 . The shelf  312  is then rotated to insert the fingers  361  and  362  into the grooves  352  and  354 . The sidewalls of the grooves  352  and  354  hold the tail  360  and fingers in place by a frictional engagement. Of course, there are many alternative structures that can accomplish the attachment of the shelves  312  to the tower body  320 . 
     The lip  364  is substantially the same width as the slot  350  so that when the shelf  312  is rotated to its operable position shown in  FIG. 16 , the lip  364  extends into the slot  350  and inhibits rotation of the shelf  312 . However, upon the application of sufficient torque to the shelf  312 , the lip  364  is removed from the slot  350  and the shelf  312  can be re-positioned wherever desired. The lip  364  further reduces the probability that the shelves will unintentionally rotate and fall from the body  320 . 
     The longitudinal channels  370  are formed on the lateral edges of the body  320  to accept cords extending from the shelves  312  to the sockets  322 . The channels  370  prevent entanglement of the cords, and provide a pleasing appearance to the apparatus, because each channel  370  has a flexible wiper that covers the channel. Each wiper is either pivotably mounted to one edge of each channel, or, more preferably, a flexible material, such as rubber or urethane, and is mounted at one edge to the edge of a corresponding channel. The wiper bends out of the way to accept a cord pushed into the channel, and then bends back due to the material&#39;s memory to close the channel once the cord is completely inserted. This is illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
     In use, the support  308  is mounted to a wall or other vertical structure and then plugged in. The shelves  312  are positioned to the desired height, and electronic devices are placed on the shelves. The cords for the devices are then extended from the shelves to the sockets  322  and plugged in. The cords are inserted into the channels  370  to hide them from view and prevent entanglement. The shelves  312  can be adjusted for the most pleasing appearance or based upon cord lengths. Any number of shelves can be used, but between three and five is contemplated. 
     It should be noted that there are many alternative structures to those described above, as will become apparent from the description. For example, any cord that is illustrated as straight could be coiled. Additionally, the groove shown in the  FIG. 10  embodiment can be moved to the lower portion of the deck, or anywhere else on the deck. 
     This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intended principally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention or scope of the following claims.