Patent Publication Number: US-10312700-B2

Title: Storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/076,260, entitled “Improved Storage and Charging Station System for Portable Electronic Devices,” filed on Mar. 21, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,076,050 issued on Sep. 11, 2018, which claims the benefit of the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,549, filed on Mar. 19, 2015, entitled “Improve Storage and Charging Station System for Portable Electronic Devices,” and claims the benefit of the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/185,375, filed on Jun. 26, 2015, entitled “Improved Mobile Storage and Charging Station System for Portable Electronic Devices,” and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/136,644, entitled “Storage and Charging Station System for Portable Electronic Devices,” filed on Dec. 20, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,084,327 issued on Sep. 25, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/745,295, filed on Dec. 21, 2012, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to storage and charging systems for electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for centralized storage, charging, deployment, and inventorying of a plurality of portable electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices are generally known in the art. Portable electronic devices are quickly becoming common place in personal and professional endeavors, including educational and business settings. While use of portable electronic devices initially grew with individual use, organizations, including educational and business organizations, now will purchase a number of portable electronic devices for use by students, employees, or other users. 
     These purchasing organizations may desire a certain amount of control upon the portable electronic devices. The amount of control to assert may be dependent upon a number of factors considered by organizations, including, but not limited to, management of the portable electronic devices, inventory of the portable electronic devices, the type of user of portable electronic devices, the number of users for each portable electronic device, the environment in which the portable electronic device is in use, the relationship between the user and organization, the number of portable electronic devices in use, updating and maintenance of the portable electronic devices, and/or minimizing risk of loss and/or replacement costs of the portable electronic devices. Which factor(s) have the greatest weight dictating the necessary amount of control will be dependent upon the specific purchasing organization. 
     For example, in a school setting, a portable electronic device may be assigned to a specific student. That student may pick up the portable electronic device at a certain time during the school day, such as at the beginning of the school day, use it throughout the school day, and return the portable electronic device at the end of the school day. In another example, in a school setting, a classroom of students may use a number of portable electronic devices for a period of time during the day. As the students turn over in the classroom, such as by changing classes during the day, different students may use the number of portable electronic devices. As such, a plurality of different students may use a single portable electronic device during a day. In both of these examples, while utilizing the portable electronic devices as an educational tool is an outstanding way for students to learn, it can lead to issues in maintaining the portable electronic devices. For example, it may be difficult to inventory the devices during the day, charge or recharge the devices, account for the return of all devices once students complete use of the devices, and/or efficiently deploy new software or associated updates. 
     Similar to a school setting, portable electronic devices may be deployed for public use at libraries or other public access buildings. In this setting, the portable electronic devices may be checked out to users for a period of time. Again, many of the same problems as would arise in an educational setting, such as the ability to inventory or account for the return of all devices, may arise at these public settings. 
     As another example, businesses or hospitals/medical service providers may deploy portable electronic devices in association with business operations or providing medical services, respectively. In order for efficiency or operational gains to be realized by use of the portable electronic devices, the portable electronic devices must be operational and must be used. The inability of the business or medical service provider to control the portable electronic devices can interrupt any efficiency or operational gains. For example, should an employee take a portable electronic device from the premises and forget to return it, that employee will not be able to use the portable electronic device during performance of his or her job. Similarly, if an employee fails to charge or recharge the battery of the portable electronic device, the portable electronic device can run out of power during an employee&#39;s work day, rendering the portable electronic device useless. As another example, should an employee remove the portable electronic device from the premises, the information stored on the electronic device may be misappropriated. This and other situations not referenced can lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary risks of loss. 
     As another example, various service industries may deploy portable electronic devices in association with the performance of services. As an example, certain service providers may employ a plurality of employees whom are deployed off-site to perform their job. These employees may each require a portable electronic device in the performance of their job responsibilities. In addition, these employees may require daily travel in the performance of their job responsibilities. Again, many of the same problems as recited above, such as forgetting, misplacing, losing, or failing to fully recharge portable electronic devices, or the failure of employees to properly maintain the portable electronic devices, may lead to interruption of efficiency, loss of operational gains, and/or unnecessary risk of loss. 
     As another example, sports teams may deploy portable electronic devices in association with preparation of athletes for sporting activities. For example, local, college, and/or professional sports teams may employ portable electronic devices to communicate plays or other game planning materials for athletes. For example, a sports team, such as an American football team, may communicate a playbook on a portable electronic device assigned to each player. While the portable electronic devices provide the ability for the player to easily transport and use game preparation materials outside of athletic facilities, there are some disadvantages. For example, it can be difficult for the sports team to easily and efficiently update game planning materials. Again using the example of an American football team, a professional team typically has 53 active players divided between offense and defense. Game planning materials typically are updated on a weekly basis depending upon the opponent any given week. Accordingly, it can be difficult to quickly and efficiently distribute updated game preparation materials to the portable electronic devices assigned to each of the players. Further, the updating and distribution process becomes more onerous considering the minimum frequency of weekly update distribution. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a system for centrally storing a number of portable electronic devices in a predetermined location. In addition, the system would allow for the batteries of the portable electronic devices to be charged and/or recharged. In addition, the system would provide a system for locking or protecting the portable electronic devices from misuse or theft. In addition, the system would provide a systematic fashion to facilitate storage, security, accountability, and instant inventory verification for the efficient management and use of the portable electronic devices. In addition, the system would provide for convenient and easy movement of the mobile tower assembly between locations for storage, for charging of loaded electronic devices and for self-dispensing and/or return of portable electronic devices by users at convenient user sites. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention provides one or more examples of embodiments of a storage system for portable electronic devices. The system additionally provides for the charging and/or recharging of batteries which operate the portable electronic devices. The system additionally has a vertical profile to allow for the storage and charging of a number of portable electronic devices while minimizing the amount of space consumed by the system. The system additionally is expandable, providing for the easy addition or removal of storage bays. In addition, the system provides for easy verification of inventory and confirmation of device charging, as each of the storage bays has unique spacing and a tapered side arrangement to allow the contents of each storage bay to be easily visible. Further, the system implements a cable management system to provide for centralized charging and/or data distribution to the plurality of devices while reducing the visibility and entanglement of associated cables. In addition, the system distributes power to the plurality of devices to facilitate charging or recharging of the devices. The system further may incorporate a locking assembly to lock the plurality of devices into the assembly and reduce the risk of device theft. The storage and charging system advantageously provides for a central location for the storage, inventory, and identification of portable electronic devices, assisting in the deployment, inventory, management, and theft reduction of large numbers of portable electronic devices. 
     A storage and management assembly for a plurality of portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly includes a tower assembly having a first member coupled to a second member, and the first member coupled to a third member, the second and third members extending away from the first member to define a vertical channel along a first side of the tower assembly. In addition, a plurality of shelves are coupled to a second side of the tower assembly, wherein the second side is opposite the first side, each of the shelves includes a storage bay defined by a bottom portion provided generally perpendicular to the first member, opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion, the plurality of shelves provided in a stacked vertically spaced arrangement along the tower assembly. 
     In addition, a storage and management tower assembly for a plurality of portable electronic devices is provided. The assembly includes a tower support, a cable management system defined by the tower support, the cable management system includes a central channel provided on a first side of the tower support, a plurality of shelves coupled to a second side of the tower support, the second side being opposite the first side, the plurality of shelves are provided in vertical alignment along the tower support, each of the plurality of shelves includes a storage bay defined by a bottom portion provided perpendicular to the tower support, opposing raised edge portions provided about a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion, and back tabs provided about a portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion, a plurality of cable apertures provided through the tower support, wherein at least one cable aperture may be provided for each of the plurality of shelves, and a plurality of shelf apertures, wherein at least one shelf aperture may be provided in each of the plurality of shelves, the at least one shelf aperture is provided in one of the opposing raised edge portions or back tabs, wherein the cable management system facilitates storage and protection of one or more cables by allowing the one or more cables to extend from the central channel, through any such plurality of cable apertures, through the plurality of shelf apertures, to each of the shelves. 
     An expandable storage assembly for storing a plurality of portable electronic devices is also provided. The assembly includes a tower support portion having a first member coupled to a second member, and a third member coupled to the first member, the second and third members being provided at an angle to the first member such that the first, second, and third members define a vertical channel provided on a first side of the tower support portion. A plurality of vertically stacked shelves are coupled to a second side of the tower support portion, the second side being opposite the first side, each of the shelves include a storage bay defined by opposing first and second edge portions which extend away from a bottom portion, the first and second edge portions may have a tapered height as the first and second edge portions extend away from the tower support to provide visibility into each of the stacked shelves. 
     An improved storage management system for electronic devices is provided, having shelves with a cutout allowing the user to easily grab the electronic device off the chosen shelf where the device is stored. 
     An improved storage management system for electronic devices is also provided with a snap-in system adapted to accept multiple shelf sizes. This feature allows for multiple device types to be stored in the same tower with the appropriate shelf size. The snap-in fastening feature allows the easy customization of the tower and shelf sizes. 
     An improved storage management system for electronic devices is also provided with a cable management system that is access paneled and has specialized apertures for safe and neat organization of charging devices. 
     An improved storage management system for electronic devices is also provided having a specialized coupling mechanism between the tower and base. Further, the improved storage management system for electronic devices is specially adapted to sit on the floor and anchor in part into the wall. 
     An improved mobile charging and storage system for portable electronic devices is provided, having substantially all of the structure and advantages of the structure of FIGS. 1-12 of referenced U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/135,549, and additional advantages. The storage system disclosed herein exemplarily includes an improved mobile base which will securely support in a stationary position a tower assembly having a tower support as shown by FIGS. 1-12 referenced above, and other tower supports as disclosed herein, and which also conveniently may combine with a securely engaged support frame or modified tower support to permit convenient and easy dolly-like movement of the assembled and loaded mobile tower assembly between locations for storage, for charging of loaded electronic devices, and for self-dispensing and/or return of portable electronic devices by users at convenient user sites. 
     An improved mobile charging and storage system for electronic devices is provided, having shelf portions for individually and securely receiving portable electronic devices in lockable compact storage arrays which prevent unauthorized withdrawal of electronic devices, but facilitate convenient loading and unloading of the portable devices on and from the shelf portions by authorized users at convenient locations within or externally of multi-function facilities. 
     An improved mobile charging and storage system for electronic devices is provided, having lockable compartment space for securing power distribution strips and connectors, charging and data transfer cables, and other power access and distribution circuit components when the mobile charging and storage system is in transit or otherwise positioned and stored in use or charging or storage locations. 
     Specific details regarding the previously disclosed features and advantages, as well as further features and advantages are disclosed below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices. 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of an example of an embodiment of a shelf portion which may be attached to a tower support of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of the shelf portion of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a first side elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a second side elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top down plan view of one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices illustrating a power supply mounted in the channel of the tower support. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial rear elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices incorporating a locking assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a rear elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a first side elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a second side elevation view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 8 , taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top down view of one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices, wherein the system includes multiple rows of vertically spaced shelves. 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices, wherein the system includes multiple rows of vertically spaced shelves and a semi-static base. 
         FIG. 16  is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices, wherein the system includes multiple rows of vertically spaced shelves and a mobile base. 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a counter top storage and charging system for portable electronic devices, wherein the system includes a plurality of vertically spaced shelves. 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of a plurality of portable carrier storage and charging assemblies, each carrier being adapted to contain a plurality of portable electronic devices, which assemblies are detachably mounted on a tower assembly of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of a portable carrier storage and charging assembly of  FIG. 18  detached from a tower assembly. 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view showing the front, right and top sides of the portable carrier storage and charging assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view showing the rear, right and top sides of the portable carrier storage and charging assembly of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front-side isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a storage and charging station system adapted to sit on a desktop and having an exemplary vertical tower support with projecting shelves with open cutout areas to facilitate hand removal of electronic devices which may be supported by the shelves. 
         FIG. 23  is an isometric side view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is an isometric view of the bottom of the base of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric back side view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 26  is an isometric left rear side view of the storage and charging station system of  FIG. 22 , wherein a rear corner access panel is removed from the vertical tower support to permit visual access to the interior of the tower support. 
         FIG. 27  is an isometric right rear view of another exemplary embodiment of the invention wherein a rear access panel is removed from the vertical tower support to permit visual access to the interior of the tower support. 
         FIG. 28  is an isometric left rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 27  with the rear corner access panel in place on the tower support. 
         FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of an exemplary improved embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 30  is a partial side view of the tower and upper shelves of the assembly of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is another partial side and rear view of the upper shelves of the assembly of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31 a    is another partial side view of an exemplary improved embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 32  is an isometric view of one or more examples of exemplary embodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging station of the present invention for housing, charging, transporting, providing and returning portable electronic devices. 
         FIG. 33  is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIG. 34  is a top plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  is a side plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 39  is a section view of the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38 , taken along Section Line A-A of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 40  is a rear plan view of the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 41  is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 42  is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 30  is a partial side view of the tower and upper shelves of the assembly of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is another partial side and rear view of the upper shelves of the assembly of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31 a    is another partial side view of an exemplary improved embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 32  is an isometric view of one or more examples of exemplary embodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging station of the present invention for housing, charging, transporting, providing and returning portable electronic devices. 
         FIG. 33  is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIG. 34  is a top plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  is a side plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 37  is a rear plan view of the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIG. 38  is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of the improved mobile storage and charging station of the invention for housing, charging transporting, providing and returning portable electronic devices. 
         FIG. 39  is a section view of the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38 , taken along Section Line A-A of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 40  is a rear plan view of the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 41  is an isometric view of the mobile base unit for the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 42  is a front plan view of the mobile base unit of  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 43  is a side view of the improved mobile storage and charging station of  FIG. 38  oriented in an inclined position as for movement like a loaded dolly to transport the station and its contents from one point of storage, charging or user access to another. 
         FIG. 44  is an isometric left rear view of another exemplary embodiment of an improved storage and charging system of the present invention for housing, charging, providing and returning portable electronic devices. 
         FIG. 45  is a front plan view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 45 a    is a top plan view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 46  is an isometric right front side view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 47  is a section view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 , taken along Section Line A-A of  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 48  is a side plan view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 48 a    is a section view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 , taken along Section Line B-B. 
         FIG. 49  is a rear plan view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 49 a    is an enlarged detail drawing of the encircled portion  49   a  of  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 49 b    is an enlarged detail exploded isometric view of the J-hook assembly shown in  FIG. 45 . 
         FIG. 50  is an isometric right front side view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 44  mounted on a rear frame attached to a stationary base stand. 
         FIG. 51  is an isometric left rear view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 50 , showing a rear door pivotably mounted on the rear frame and shown in a partially open position. 
         FIG. 52  is a top plan view of the improved storage and charging system of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is an isometric right front side view of the frame of  FIG. 50  detached from the improved storage and charging system and stationary base stand of  FIG. 50 . 
         FIG. 54  is a front plan view of a length of square metal tubing from which the rear frame of  FIG. 50  is fabricated, showing notches and tapered ends cut from the front, right and rear sides of the tube to prepare the tube for bending of the left side of the tube to close the notches and ends for welding to form the closed rectangular frame of squared tubing, as shown in  FIG. 53 . 
         FIG. 55  is an isometric right front side view of the improved storage and charging system and rear frame of  FIG. 50  attached to a mobile frame with wheels. 
         FIG. 56  is an isometric left rear side view of the improved storage and charging system and rear frame of  FIG. 50  attached to the mobile frame. 
         FIG. 57  is a top section view of the improved storage and charging system taken along Section Line A-A of  FIG. 56 . 
         FIG. 58  is a front view of the rear door of the improved storage and charging system of  FIGS. 50 . and  55 , detached from the frame to show the hang tabs for insertion within the rear frame to pivotally support the door on the frame, and to further show the engagement tabs on the opposite side of the door for engaging the rear side wall of the frame to position the adjacent side of the door within the inner margin of the frame. 
         FIG. 58 a    is a top view of the door of  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 58 b    is an enlarged partial top view of  FIG. 58 a    showing the engagement tabs of  FIG. 58  in more detail. 
     
    
    
     It should be understood that the Figures are not necessarily to scale with each other, but do accurately show the disclosed details of the illustrated embodiments of the drawings. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should also be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention illustrated in the Figures and disclosed herein is generally directed to one or more embodiments of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices. For ease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed description will at times refer to a “portable electronic device”  50 , an “electronic device”  50 , or a “plurality of electronic devices”  50 . While certain Figures illustrate an electronic device  50  as a laptop computer, it should be appreciated that an electronic device may be any suitable portable electronic device requiring storage and/or battery charging or recharging. For example, an electronic device  50  may include, but is not limited to, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a notebook computer, a Google Chromebook™ computer, a tablet device (such as an Apple iPad®, Samsung Galaxy®, or Microsoft Surface®, or any similar known or future developed tablet), a mobile smartphone, or any other known or future developed mobile or portable electronic device. 
     Referring now to the Figures,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate one or more examples of embodiments of a storage and charging station assembly. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a tower assembly  100  is provided. Tower assembly  100  may include a mounting support portion or tower support  110 . A plurality of shelf portions  130  may be coupled to tower support  110 . Each of the plurality of shelf portions  130  defines a storage bay  160  for receiving an electronic device  50  (not shown). The plurality of shelf portions  130  may be provided in a linear, spaced or stacked configuration on tower support  110 . This configuration advantageously conserves space, minimizing the footprint of assembly  100 . While mounting support portion  110  of  FIG. 1  illustrates an array of sixteen shelf portions  130  coupled thereto, it should be appreciated in one or more examples of embodiments that the mounting support portion  110  may be any suitable size or length to support any desired number of shelf portions  130 , which may be more than sixteen or less than sixteen. In addition, in one or more examples of embodiments, any desired or suitable number of shelf portions  130  may be provided on tower assembly  100 . For example, a desk top arrangement of tower assembly  100  having fewer than sixteen shelf portions  130  may be provided, wherein the tower assembly  100  is free standing or includes a support base, for positioning on a desk, table, shelf, or any other desired structure. The tower assembly components may be constructed of powder coated aluminum, injection molded plastic or any other suitable structure. In addition, the tower assembly may be customized with one or more different colors including school colors, identifying business colors, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , support portion  110  may include a first support member or portion  111 , a second support member or portion  112 , and a third support member or portion  113 . More specifically, first member  111  may be coupled to second member  112 , and first member  111  may be coupled to third member  113 . Preferably, second and third members  112 ,  113  are provided at an angle to first member  111  to define a cable management channel  116  and may consist of a single unitary sheet bent or formed into a single channel shape. As such, channel  116  is defined by first, second, and third members  111 ,  112 ,  113 . Channel  116  is provided on the side of first member  111  opposite the plurality of shelf portions  130 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , second and third members  112 ,  113  may be provided parallel to one another, and further provided approximately perpendicular to first member  111 . However, in one or more examples of embodiments, second and third members  112 ,  113  may be provided at any suitable angle to first member  111  to define channel  116 . First, second, and third members  111 ,  112 ,  113  may be formed of a unitary pressed, bent or molded material. However, it should be appreciated that in one or more examples of embodiments, first, second, and third members  111 ,  112 ,  113  may be two or more pieces coupled together, for example by weld. 
     Support portion  110  may also include a first wall engaging tab or fourth support member or portion  114  and a second wall engaging tab or fifth support member or portion  115 . First wall engaging tab  114  may be coupled to second member  112 , while second wall engaging tab  115  may be coupled to third member  113 . Wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may be provided approximately planar to one another to facilitate coupling to a flat surface, such as a wall. In addition, wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may be provided approximately parallel to first member  111 . In addition, wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may be provided at an angle to second and third members  112 ,  113 . For example, as illustrated, wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may be provided approximately perpendicular to second and third members  112 ,  113 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may each include one or more mounting apertures  122  adapted to receive a mounting member (not shown), such as a screw, nail, or any other suitable mounting device. Mounting member may be used to mount assembly  100  to a surface, such as a wall. First, second, and third members  111 ,  112 ,  113  and wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may be formed of a unitary material. However, it should be appreciated that in one or more examples of embodiments, first, second, and third members  111 ,  112 ,  113  and wall engaging tabs  114 ,  115  may be two or more pieces coupled together, for example by weld. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , each of the plurality of shelf portions  130  may include a bottom portion  131 , a first edge portion  132 , and a second edge portion  133 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , each shelf portion  130  may also include a first back tab  134  and a second back tab  135 , which back tabs may each be formed from a portion of the bottom portion  131 , or from a portion of the adjacent first edge portion  132  or second edge portion  133 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, a single back tab could extend across all or a portion of the back margin of the shelf  130 . First edge portion  132 , second edge portion  133 , first back tab  134 , and second back tab  135  generally surround a portion of the perimeter of bottom portion  131  and define a storage bay for an electronic device. In addition, first and second edge portions  132 ,  133 , and first and second back tabs  134 ,  135  may be provided approximately perpendicular to the plane of bottom portion  131 . As such, first and second edge portions  132 ,  133 , and first and second back tabs  134 ,  135  may assist in the retention of a portable electrical device in the storage bay by forming a portion of the perimeter of bottom portion  131 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  may have a tapered height as shown. As first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  extend away from back tabs  134 ,  135 , the height of first and second edge portions  132 ,  133 , as measured by a distance perpendicular to bottom portion  131 , decreases. Stated otherwise, the edge of first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  furthest away from bottom portion  131  has a negative slope from an edge closest to back tabs  134 ,  135  to an edge furthest away from back tabs  134 ,  135 . The decreasing slope or decreasing height creates sufficient open area to allow for a user to quickly and accurately identify, confirm, and/or inventory electronic devices stored in the storage bay of each shelf portion  130 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of the plurality of shelf portions  130  may include one or more retaining tabs  136 . Retaining tabs  136  may project away from bottom portion  131 . In addition, retaining tabs  136  are preferably parallel to bottom portion  131 . Each of the plurality of shelf portions  130  may also include one or more retaining hooks  137 . A retaining hook  137  may be respectively coupled to first and second back tabs  134 ,  135 . Retaining hooks  137  preferably project away from first and second back tabs  134 ,  135 . Further, retaining hooks  137  are preferably parallel to bottom portion  131 . Each retaining hook  137  may include a laterally projecting hook portion  137   a  defining a shallow channel between the hook portion and the rear surface of the back tab  134  or  135  from which the hook projects. Each of the plurality of shelf portions  130  may also include one or more retaining apertures  138 . A retaining aperture  138  may be provided in each of the first and second back tabs  134 ,  135 . Retaining apertures  138  may be aligned with a corresponding shelf attachment member aperture  122  provided in first member  111  of tower support  110 . 
     The plurality of shelf portions  130  may be removably attached or coupled to mounting support portion  110 . The removability and/or additive nature of shelf portions  130  provides expandability for the addition or removal of one or more shelf portions  130 . In addition, the location of shelf portions  130  may be customized based upon the heights of the users. For example, in end uses where users may be shorter, such as a primary school setting, shelf portions  130  may be provided at lower locations of tower support  110  to correspond for the relatively shorter heights of the users. Similarly, in end uses where users may be taller, such as a secondary school setting, shelf portions  130  may be provided at higher locations of tower support  110  to correspond for the relatively taller heights of the users. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the retaining tabs  136  of each shelf portion  130  are removably received by a respective first shelf receiving slot  119   a  provided in mounting support portion  110 . Preferably, first shelf receiving slots  119   a  are provided through first member  111 . In addition, each retaining hook  137  of each shelf portion  130  is removably received by a respective second shelf receiving slot  119   b  provided in mounting support portion  110 . Preferably, second shelf receiving slots  119   b  are also provided through first member  111 . When each shelf portion  130  is engaged with first member  111 , each retaining tab  136  is received by an associated first shelf receiving slot  119   a , while each retaining hook  137  is received by an associated second shelf receiving slot  119   b . In addition, the channel defined by the hook portion  137   a  of each retaining hook  137  receives a portion of first member  111 . More specifically, a portion of the hook  137  is received by second shelf receiving slot  119   b  such that an end edge portion of the slot  119   b  defined by the first member  111  is received within the channel defined by the hook portion  137   a  of each retaining hook  137 . To further facilitate engagement and retention of shelf portions  130  to mounting support portion  110 , the first and second back tabs  134 ,  135  of each shelf portion  130  may have a bias. The bias preferably is in a direction to encourage the first member  111  to be received within the channel defined by the hook portion  137   a  and engage each retaining hook  137  upon receipt of each retaining hook  137  by the associated second shelf receiving slot  119   b.    
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in an exemplary embodiment the first edge portion  132  is integrally formed with and at an approximately right angle to a first side of the bottom portion  131 , while the back tab  134  is integrally formed with and at an approximately right angle to the first edge portion, such that the first edge portion  132  extends upwardly from a side of the bottom portion  131 , and the back tab  134  extends from the back end of the first edge portion  132  generally parallel to the back edge of the bottom portion  131 . The first edge portion  132  thus has a vertical bias which positions the retaining hook a fixed distance from the first side of the bottom portion  131 . The second edge portion  133 , back tab  135  and attached retaining hook  137  are likewise attached to the opposite second side of the bottom portion  131  and each other to likewise position the attached retaining hook a fixed distance from the second side of the bottom portion. The retaining hooks are thus seen to have a structural bias toward fixed spaced positions above the back edge of the bottom portion  131 . To facilitate connection of a shelf portion  130  to the first member  111 , it can be seen that the side edge portions  132  and  133  may be manually flexed toward each other to reduce the distance between the retaining hooks  137  and to permit the retaining hooks to be inserted into the second shelf retaining slots  119   b  in the first member. The outer margins of the retaining slots  119   b  are more closely spaced from each other than the distal margins of the hooks, so that when the manual flexing force on the edge portions  132  and  133  is released, the structural bias of the shelf portions will pull the retaining hooks apart and the end edge portions of the receiving slots  119   b  will be received and engaged in the channels defined by the retaining hook portions  137   a  to retain the shelf portion  130  on the first member  111 . In an exemplary embodiment a support flange  139 , best shown in  FIG. 2B , may be unitarily formed with the shelf portion  130  and extend downwardly from the back edge of the bottom portion  131  a desired distance to provide additional support and resistance to downward bending of the retained shelf portion. In addition, shelf portions  130  may be coupled to mounting support portion  110  with a retaining member (not shown). A suitable retaining member may include, but is not limited to, a screw, bolt, pin, or any other suitable removable engagement member. A retaining member may be received by one or more retaining apertures  138 , and the corresponding shelf attachment member aperture  122  aligned with each retaining aperture  138 . While a particular advantageous engagement structure has been illustrated and described for mounting a shelf portion on the first member  111  such that any single shelf member may be attached to or detached from a mounting support assembly without interference with any other mounted shelf portion, it should be understood that any mechanical connection of shelf portions to support assembly is contemplated within the spirit of the invention. 
     Tower assembly  100  may also include a cable management system. The cable management system may include cable management channel  116 , which may be provided in assembly  100  to assist in the management of any cables, such as cables provided for supplying power to one or more electronic devices, cables provided for the exchange of data with one or more electronic devices, or any other associated cable to be coupled to one or more electronic device while stored in storage bays  160 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , channel  116  may extend vertical along the majority of mounting support portion  110 , up to and including the entirety of the vertical structure of mounting support portion  110 . Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , channel  116  may include a first cable support aperture  120  provided in second member  112  or third member  113 . As illustrated, both second and third members  112 ,  113  each have a first cable aperture or first cable aperture  120  which corresponds to each shelf portion  130 . As such, second and third members  112 ,  113  each have a plurality of cable apertures  120  which extend along second and third members  112 ,  113 , respectively. The plurality of cable apertures  120  may be provided vertically along second and third members  112 ,  113  and may be provided in approximately vertical alignment. Channel  116  may also include a plurality of second cable apertures  121  provided in second member  112  or third member  113 . As illustrated, both second and third members  112 ,  113  each have a pair of appropriately sized second cable apertures  121  which corresponds to each shelf portion  130 . As such, second and third members  112 ,  113  may each have a plurality of second cable aperture  121  pairs which correspond to each shelf portion  130 . The plurality of second cable aperture  121  pairs may be provided vertically along second and third members  112 ,  113  and may be provided in approximately vertical alignment. In addition, channel  116  may include one or more master or third cable apertures  123  provided in second member  112  and/or third member  113 . Third cable apertures  123  may be provided to allow one or more supply cables, for example, but not limited to, a main power cable and/or main communication cable, entry into channel  116 . The second cable apertures  121  may have a diameter which is less than first and third cable support apertures  120 ,  123 . In addition the third cable apertures  123  may have a diameter which is greater than first and second cable apertures  120 ,  121 . In one or more examples of embodiments, channel  116  may have a polygonal, arcuate, tubular, rounded, or any other desired or suitable cross-sectional shape suitable to manage one or more cables. 
     The cable management system may also include one or more shelf apertures  140 ,  141  provided in each shelf portion  130 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , at least one first shelf aperture  140  may be provided in first or second edge portions  132 ,  133 . As illustrated, at least one first shelf aperture  140  may be provided in each of first edge portion  132  and second edge portion  133 , respectively. First shelf apertures  140  provided in first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  may be in lateral or horizontal alignment and separated by bottom portion  131 . However, in one or more examples of embodiments, first shelf apertures  140  provided in first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  may not be in alignment and otherwise may be provided in any desired location along the respective first or second edge portion  132 ,  133 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , at least one second shelf aperture  141  may be provided in first or second back tabs  134 ,  135 . As illustrated, at least one second shelf aperture  141  may be provided in each of first back tab  134  and second back tab  135 , respectively. Second shelf apertures  141  provided in first and second back tabs  134 ,  135  may be in lateral or horizontal alignment. However, in one or more examples of embodiments, second shelf apertures  141  provided in first and second back tabs  134 ,  135  may not be in alignment and otherwise may be provided in any desired location along the respective first or second back tabs  134 ,  135 . Generally, second shelf apertures  141  are provided in a different plane than first shelf apertures  140 . As illustrated, second shelf apertures  141  may be provided in a plane orthogonal to the plane first shelf apertures  140  are provided in. In addition, second shelf apertures  141  are generally provided at a location in each respective first and second back tabs  134 ,  135  which is not in alignment or is not overlapping or otherwise is offset from first member  111  of tower support  110 . This allow one or more cables to extend from channel  116  through one or more of the second shelf apertures  141  of each shelf portion  130 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a plurality of third shelf apertures  142  may be provided in first or second edge portions  132 ,  133 . As illustrated, at least two third shelf apertures  142  may be provided in first edge portion  132  and second edge portion  133 , respectively. Third shelf apertures  142  provided in first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  may be in lateral or horizontal alignment along each edge portion  132 ,  133 . In addition, each pair of third shelf apertures may be in lateral or horizontal alignment and separated by bottom portion  131 . However, in one or more examples of embodiments, third shelf apertures  142  provided in first and second edge portions  132 ,  133  may not be in alignment and otherwise may be provided in any desired location along the respective first or second edge portion  132 ,  133 . Generally, third shelf apertures  142  may have a diameter which is less than first and second shelf apertures  140 ,  141 . 
     In operation and use of the cable management system, one or more cables may enter into channel  116  through third cable aperture(s)  123 . The cables may then extend along channel  116 . One or more cables may exit channel  116  to each respective shelf portion  130  through one or more of first cable support aperture(s)  120 . After exiting channel  116 , one or more cables may extend to each shelf portion  130  through one or more of first and second shelf aperture(s)  140 ,  141 . Whether to use one or more of first and second shelf aperture(s)  140 ,  141  depends upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the number of cables extending outward from channel  116  to each shelf portion  130 , the location of a power adaptor for charging an electronic device within the electronic device, and/or the location of a communication adaptor within the electronic device for communicating with the electronic device. The plurality of first and second shelf aperture(s)  140 ,  141  advantageously provide alternatives for extending one or more cords from channel  116  to electrically connect to the electronic device(s) stored in each shelf portion  130 . This will accommodate different types, configurations, and/or brands of electronic devices which may have different locations for various ports which would receive one or more cables. It should be appreciated in one or more examples of embodiments that more than one device may be stored in each shelf portion. In addition, more than one type or brand of device may be stored in any one shelf portion, including two or more different types or brands of device in a single shelf portion at the same time. In addition, more than one type or brand of device may be stored simultaneously in separate shelf portions of a single assembly. 
     In addition, second cable apertures  121  and third shelf apertures  142  may be provided to assist in coupling or restraining various add on hardware components associated with the electronic devices. For example, chargers for electronic devices typically have a power supply, which may be sizeable. Second cable apertures  121  and/or third shelf apertures  142  provide a location in which these components may be coupled to the respective channel  116 , second member  112 , third member  113 , and/or shelf portion  130 . Second cable apertures  121  and/or third shelf apertures  142  may receive a connecting member, for example, but not limited to, a zip tie, twist tie, or other attachment apparatus. This will allow for one or more hardware components associated with each electronic device to be coupled to assembly  100 . In one or more examples of embodiments, one or more of the disclosed apertures of the cable management system may be used to receive one or more data distribution cables. A data distribution cable may include, but is not limited to, a USB cable, mini-USB cable, Firewire, CAT-5, CAT-6, or any other known or future developed structure or material which communicates or transfers data. A plurality of data distribution cables may be incorporated into the cable management system to create data links with one or more portable device(s) stored in the tower assembly. This advantageously allows for the wired transfer and/or distribution of data to or from one or more data source(s) from or to one or more portable device(s) stored in the tower assembly. In addition, in one or more examples of embodiments, one or more portable device(s) stored in the tower assembly may be in wireless communication with one or more data source(s) to allow for the wireless transfer and/or distribution of data to or from one or more data source(s) from or to one or more portable device(s) stored in the tower assembly. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate one or more examples of embodiments of assembly  100  incorporating a power supply or power strip or power distribution strip  117  into channel  116 . Power strip  117  may be provided in channel  116 . In addition, power strip  117  may be coupled to first member  111 . Power distribution strip  117  may distribute electricity to a plurality of outlets  118  provided within the strip. The number of outlets generally corresponds to at least the number of shelf portions  130  which may be coupled to or available to be coupled to mounting support portion  110 . In addition, the power strip may be provided with one power inlet. This advantageously allows for the power strip to use and/or occupy only a single power receptacle. It should be appreciated that mat type chargers, which may re-charge an electronic device by placement of the electronic device onto the mat, may be utilized by assembly  100 . Specifically, one or more mat type chargers may be provided in each storage bay  160  on each bottom portion  131  within each shelf portion  130 . Examples of commercially available mat type chargers include POWERMAT brand wireless battery chargers sold by Powermat Ltd. of Neve Ilan, Israel. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate one or more locking slots  143  provided in each shelf portion  130 . Locking slots  143  may be provided between first edge portion  132  and bottom portion  131 , and between second edge portion  133  and bottom portion  131 . Slots  143  may be any suitable or desirable length, shape, or size, and may be respectively defined by the removal of a portion of each edge portion  132 ,  133  and/or associated bottom portion  131 . Slots  143  may be adapted to receive a portion of a locking assembly to lock or assist in restricting access to one or more electronic devices stored in each shelf portion  130 . 
       FIGS. 8-12  illustrate tower assembly  100  incorporating one or more examples of embodiments of a locking assembly  150 . Locking assembly  150  may include a first sidewall or top sidewall  151  which is provided over a portion of the top most shelf portion  130 . Preferably, top sidewall  151  preferably is of a size to limit access and/or removal of an electronic device stored in the top most shelf portion  130 . As such, top sidewall  151  may cover or overlap the entire storage bay  160  or may cover or overlap less than the entirety of storage bay  160 . Top sidewall  151  may be coupled or integrally connected to opposing second and third outer sidewalls  152 ,  153 . Sidewalls  152 ,  153  may extend vertically from the top sidewall  151  through locking slots  143  of each shelf portion  130 . Sidewalls  152 ,  153  have a width, as measured along the edge portions  132 ,  133 , sufficient to limit access and/or removal of electronic devices stored in each shelf portion  130  along the edge portions  132 ,  133 . Sidewalls  152 ,  153  extend from the top most shelf portion  130  to the bottom most shelf portion  130 . At the bottom most shelf portion  130 , each sidewall  152 ,  153  may be coupled to the bottom most shelf portion  130 . In addition, each sidewall  152 ,  153  may be coupled to each shelf portion through third shelf apertures  142 . For example, each sidewall  152 ,  153  may be welded, bolted, pinned, or otherwise connected to each shelf portion  130  through third shelf apertures  142 . Door  154  may be pivotably connected to either sidewall  152 ,  153 . As illustrated, door  154  is pivotably connected to sidewall  152  by a plurality of hinge members  155 . Door  154  pivots about hinge members  155  to provide access to the shelf portions  130  and associated electronic devices stored therein. Door  154  is selectively coupled to a locking member  156  by a locking handle  157 . Locking member  156  may be coupled to or otherwise attached to one of the shelf portions  130 . Preferably, locking member  156  is permanently attached, such as by weld, to a bottom portion  131  of at least one shelf portion  130 . The locking member  156  extends from the associated shelf portion  130  towards door  154 . Locking member  156  has locking handle  157  at an end closest to door  154 . Locking handle  157  is adapted to engage door  154  to enable engagement and locking of door  154  to locking member  156 . This facilitates selective opening, closing, and locking of door  154  in order to limit access to one or more electronic devices stored within each associated shelf portion  130 . The locking assembly  150  advantageously provides safeguards limiting the unauthorized removal or taking of one or more electronic devices from assembly  100  while also providing sufficient open space between each of the shelf portions  130  and the locking assembly  150  to allow a user to visually inventory the electronic devices stored in assembly  100  while the locking assembly  150  is in a locked position. In one or more examples of embodiments, a plurality of doors  154  may be pivotably connected to the sidewalls  152 ,  153 . For example, a first door  154  may be pivotably connected to sidewall  152 , while a second door  154  may be pivotably connected to sidewall  153 . 
       FIGS. 13-14  illustrate an alternative example of an embodiment of a tower assembly  100 . More specifically,  FIGS. 13-14  illustrate a double wall unit tower assembly  200 . Particular components described herein are substantially the same and like numbers have been used to illustrate the like components. Referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , double wall unit tower assembly  200  includes a double mount support portion  210 . Double mount support portion  210  includes a dual channel arrangement for supporting a plurality of shelf portions  130  provided in two, side by side, stacked, vertical rows. As illustrated, double mount support portion  210  includes a first channel  216  and a second channel  226 . The first and second channels  216 ,  226  are substantially identical to channel  116 , other than channels  216 ,  226  are connected by member  222 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tower assembly  100 . More specifically,  FIG. 15  illustrates a double unit back to back tower assembly  300  having a semi-static base  360 . Particular components described herein are substantially the same and like numbers have been used to illustrate the like components. Tower assembly  300  is made of two opposing tower supports  110 , wherein the respective channel portions  116  are coupled or combined to form a single central channel. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tower assembly  100 . More specifically,  FIG. 16  illustrates a quad unit tower assembly  400  which is mobile by being provided on a base  470  having wheels or casters  480  attached thereto. Particular components described herein are substantially the same and like numbers have been used to illustrate the like components. Tower assembly  400  is made of four separate tower supports  110  connected together, wherein the respective channel portions  116  are combined to form three separate central channels. 
       FIG. 17  schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of a counter top assembly of a storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices. More specifically,  FIG. 17  illustrates a counter top assembly  500  which may be located on a counter top, desktop, shelf or any other convenient horizontal support surface. A base is provided which includes a vertical channel support member  510  having a horizontal base  560  suitable for sitting or mounting on a support surface, and a plurality of shelf portions  530  attached in spaced vertical relation to the channel support member  510 . Particular components described herein may be substantially the same as similarly functioning components previously described herein and like numbers have been used to illustrate the like components. The channel support member  510  includes a first member  511  which may be fabricated to support the shelf portions  130 ,  530  in the same manner as previously described first member  111 . Likewise, other equivalent attachment means may be provided on the shelf portions  530  and the first member  511  to detachably secure the shelf portions  530  to the channel support member  510  in vertically spaced relation for convenience of use. The channel support member  510  can be provided with a properly sized power distribution strip (not shown) of the same type illustrated and described above, or any other suitable available or future developed multiple outlet power source. Likewise, mat type chargers as previously described may be provided. A rear cover plate (not shown) and/or top cover plate (not shown) of any suitable configuration may be provided for the channel support chamber  510  if desired. 
       FIGS. 18-21  illustrate examples of an alternative embodiment of a storage and charging station system  600 , which includes a plurality of modular portable carrier storage and charging assemblies  630  detachably mounted on a support portion  610 , which may be substantially similar in structure to support portion  110  or other support portions previously described. Each portable carrier assembly  630  is independently attachable to and detachable from support portion  610  in the same general manner as shelf portions  130 . Similar attachment structure and multiples thereof may be provided on each portable carrier assembly  630  as on previously described shelf portions  130 , and such attachment structures can be spaced to fit respectively similarly spaced first shelf retaining slots  619   a  and  619   b . Likewise, support structure  610  may be slotted to receive and support previously illustrated and described shelf portions  130  in vertically spaced array. 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , it is seen that the exemplary portable carrier assembly  630  has first side portions  632  and second side portions  633  which may be unitarily formed with the assembly bottom portion  631  to permit the side portions  632  and  633  to be flexed inwardly in the same manner as the previously described edge portions  132  and  133  of the shelf portions  130 .  FIG. 21  illustrates that the illustrated carrier assembly has a first back panel  634  and a second back panel  635  which may respectively be formed from a portion of the first side portion  632  and second side portion  633 , and supported thereby in the same manner as the previously shown and described back tabs  134  and  135 . In addition, it is seen from  FIG. 21  that the portable carrier assembly bottom portion  631  may have retaining tabs  636  projecting from its back edge in the same manner as retaining tabs  136 , and a support flange  639  extending downwardly a desired distance from its back edge in the same manner as support flange  139 , all as previously illustrated and described herein. Likewise, first back panel  634  and second back panel  635  have retaining hooks  637  with hook portions  637   a  similar to the retaining hooks  137  and  137   a  previously shown and described herein. Thus, it can be readily seen that the portable carriage assembly  630  can be easily attached and detached from the support portion  610  in the same manner as described with respect to the attachment of the shelf portions  130  to the support portion  111 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , it can be seen that the portable carrier assembly  630  has a plurality of partitions  660  extending vertically from the carrier bottom portion  631  to the carrier top portion  651 , and spaced to provide a plurality of vertical compartments  662  between the partitions  651  and adjacent partitions and side portions  632 ,  633  for the segregated containment of a plurality of portable electronic devices. The partitions  660  may be secured to the top portion  651  and the bottom portion  631  by pins  660   a  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) extending into slots or holes  666  in the top portion  651  and bottom portion  631  of the carrier assembly, or by any other equivalent or alternate structure, including adhesive, welding, fasteners or other known sheet metal attachment structure. 
       FIG. 20  further illustrates a locking assembly  650  for securing portable electronic devices within the carrier assembly  630 . A closure member  654  may be hingedly attached to the top portion  651  of the carrier assembly  630 . The closure member  654  may consist of an right angle strip connected by a plurality of hinges  655  to the top portion  651  such that it will pivot to a position with one side of the angled strip lying parallel to the top portion  651  and the other side of the angled strip extending vertically across the front of the carrier assembly  630 . A staple  656  may extend from one or more partitions or other interior structure through a slot in the vertically extending portion of closure member  654  to receive a padlock or other common locking device (not shown) to prevent withdrawal of portable electric devices from the carrier during periods of storage. The vertical side of the closure member may be extended as far as necessary to prevent removal of a smaller portable electronic device. Alternatively, a mesh panel (not shown) may be extended from the vertical side of the closure member to cover the entire front of the carrier assembly without blocking the interior from view to prevent removal of small electronic devices such as smart phones. It will be seen that other equivalent structure may be employed to selectively secure the contents within the compartments of the carrier as may be desired, with or without visual access to the contents of the carrier, and to be pivotally or otherwise opened to permit removal of the electronic devices for use. 
     Finally, a handle  657 , which may be foldable to permit closer vertical spacing of the portable carrier assemblies on the support member  610 , may be provided to facilitate transport of the portable carrier assembly  630  to different locations for use by designated users. The carrier assembly  630  may further be provided with power strips or wireless battery chargers (not shown) so that the portable electronic devices may be charged at user locations remote from the support member  610 . 
     In operation and use of the tower assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  a large number of portable electronic devices  50  may be stored at the respective tower assemblies. The devices  50  can then be distributed as needed, for example to students, employees, or to individuals who check the devices out for a period of time. When returned, the devices  50  can be returned to their corresponding shelf portion  130 . The devices may subsequently be stored in the tower assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 , and the associated batteries may be charged or recharged. 
     The devices  50  may have indicia for identification, such as a number, name, code, and/or identifying color. The indicia may correspond with an associated indicia provided on one or more of the shelf portions  130 . This further assists facilitation of “command and control” of the devices  50 , as a person responsible for the devices  50  can quickly inventory devices  50 , determine if all of the devices are in or out at any given time, or determine which device  50  is not present in the assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 . 
     In addition, devices  50  may each have remote device monitoring hardware and/or software provided thereon. The device monitoring hardware and/or software may monitor the location of each device  50 . In addition, or in the alternative, device monitoring hardware and/or software may monitor whether each device  50  is returned to the correct corresponding shelf portion  130  of assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  after use of the device  50 . 
       FIGS. 22-31   a  illustrate several alternative exemplary embodiments of improved storage management systems for electronic devices. 
       FIGS. 22-27  are photographs of an improved counter top assembly embodiment  501  of the improved storage management system for electronic devices.  FIGS. 22 and 23  show front views of the embodiment having an improved shelf structure. The improved embodiment has a shelf  531  having a first edge portion  532 , second edge portion  533 , first back tab  534 , second back tab  535 , and bottom portion  531 . At the front portion of various embodiments of the improved shelf  531 , the bottom portion  531  has a first length that extends beyond the front end of the respective edge portions  532  and  533  at its angle of intersection with the edge portions. At the mid-portion between the first and second sides of the shelf structure, the bottom portion  531  has a second, shorter length that is approximately two-thirds of the length of the edge portions as measured from the back tabs  534  and  535  of the shelf. This length extends centrally for approximately half of the width of the bottom portion  531 . Between the first length and second length, the shelf bottom portion length tapers rearwardly. The result is that the front margin of the base defines an approximately U-shaped cutout  531   a  or open area from the front of the shelf. This U-shaped cutout is properly sized for a hand to be able to easily and simultaneously grip both the upper and lower surfaces of an electronic device to facilitate its easy insertion in and removal from the shelf  530  or the improved storage management system. 
     It should be understood that exemplary embodiments of the improved storage management system for electronic devices using the improved shelf structure may include shelves  530  of differing sizes but provided in connection with the same tower structure. The differing shelves may be provided to better accommodate varying sizes of devices. For example, a user may want to have a spot for a full-size laptop and for a tablet or other smaller device. In various embodiments, the user may select the sizes of shelves provided in the structure according to the user&#39;s various device-driven needs. As shown in  FIGS. 22, 23 and 27  shelves  530  of any size may snap into the tower assembly channel support  570  through slots and retaining tab and retaining hook systems provided as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-7 , or be connected by other suitable fastener means (not shown). 
       FIGS. 23, 25, 26, 30 and 31  also show accommodating structure for an improved cable management system.  FIG. 25  shows that in various embodiments, the cable management system may include a vertical channel support  570  having a rear corner access panel  571  attached to the vertical tower support in spaced relation behind the front wall of the tower support access panel. The access panel  571  may be comprised of a rounded piece of metal having apertures. The apertures may have several functions including providing air circulation to the charging devices. The cable management access panel  571  may be removably coupled to the tower vertical channel support  570  in various ways, including snap-fit engagement of the respective engaging margins of the coupled panel and tower channel support  570 . For example, the cable management access panel may snap into the tower support over bent tower channel support edge features  572  shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . 
     As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the improved storage management system may have an improved cable management system facilitated by cable apertures provided on the back or side of the tower support, as well as in various shelf aperture locations along the side and back walls of the shelves. In various embodiments, the improved cable management system may include a power distribution strip  519  provided inside the access panel of the tower support, as shown in  FIG. 26 . The power strip  519  may have auxiliary externally facing power distribution sockets  518  accessible to the outside through a rectangular or other shaped opening in the side wall near the top of the tower support  570 , and an on/off and/or indicator switch  519   a  accessible or visible through a switch/indicator aperture near the bottom of the side wall, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 27 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 22-29 , the illustrated and described exemplary embodiment of the improved storage management system is well-adapted to sit independently and securely on any horizontal support surface. Like the embodiments of the storage and management systems variously shown in  FIGS. 1-16 , the improved storage management system tower support may be quite tall, permitting the tower to be secure when set on a floor with mounting apertures  522  as shown in  FIG. 29  for fastening by screws or other fasteners to a permanent structure such as a wall or other vertical support member. If there is a need for a tall storage management system to be located either semi-permanently or movably in a free-standing location, a support stand having a horizontally extending base with a support structure extending vertically from the base may be utilized. For example, a support stand having an optionally split base with plural base segments connected in spaced relation to provide a valley of sufficient width to receive the lower end of a tower support  510  may be utilized. Such plural base segments can be weighted or dimensioned in any suitable manner to provide vertical stability for the vertical support structure and a connected tall storage management system. Alternatively, such a base may have a continuous base segment, with the tower support seated directly thereon. In addition, the base may include appropriately sized support wheels and/or casters, as generally shown  FIG. 16 , to permit the support stand, with or without the attached storage management system, to be moved from place to place for convenient access or storage, as desired. Of course, when the connected storage management system is to be used for storage and charging of electronic devices it must be located with access to at least one suitable power outlet. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 33, 35, and 36 , an exemplary improved storage management system for electronic devices is also provided having a specialized coupling mechanism between the vertical channel support  570  and the base  515  to provide a secure connection and stability for the assembly. In various embodiments, this includes the use of fasteners produced by PEM® including PEM® nuts  512  and concealed head studs  513  for sheet metal as shown in  FIG. 24 . In addition,  FIG. 24  reveals a plurality of resilient foot members  516  attached to the bottom of the base  515  to provide non-skid stability for the base on a support surface. It should be understood, however, that suitable alternative fastener methods and common fastener elements could be used instead and are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 22-28  are shown as a metal assembly, however, it should be understood the assembly and components thereof may be crafted of various differing materials such as rigid extruded and/or vacuum-formed plastic, injection molded plastic, wood, or composites which are still within the scope of this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 29-31   a  illustrate improved features of the storage and charging station system of the invention.  FIG. 47  shows a top wall  551  of the charging system that is connected to the top ends of a pair of sidewalls  552  extending upwardly through locking slots  543  in the bottom portions  531  and adjacent edge portions  532  and  533  of the shelves  530 . The top wall  551  has a downwardly extending rear flange  553  bolted to the front member of the vertical tower support, and a pair of opposed downwardly extending side flanges each bolted to one of the opposed side walls and adjacent edge portions of the top shelf. The top wall  551  structurally secures the assembly of the connected elements, including hinged locking door  554 , and further secures the storage bay provided within the confines of the top shelf  530  by preventing unauthorized removal of an electronic device from the shelf so long as the security door remains closed and locked. Additionally the top wall may have one or more access holes  556 , as shown, to help facilitate connection of the top wall flanges to the supporting structures, and also aid in the dissipation of heat from electronic devices being charged within the shelf storage bays below. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates improved shelves wherein an additional shelf edge cable management aperture  540   c  is shown in the near edge portion of each of the illustrated shelves. The cable management aperture  540   c  is located near the rear end of the edge portion, and is characterized by a cable management tab  541  which can be unitarily formed from the shelf edge portion to extend upwardly within the cable management aperture  540   c  of the shelf edge portion  532 .  FIG. 31 a    illustrates an unnumbered shelf edge cable management aperture in the same near edge portion position as cable management aperture  540   c  of  FIG. 30 , wherein the cable management aperture edges and the cable management tab of the unnumbered cable management aperture terminate at the upper margin of the shelf raised edge portion.  FIG. 48  further shows an electronic cable  542  retained within the cable management shelf aperture  540   c  by the cable management tab  541  to retain the cable adjacent the inside surface of the shelf near edge portion and adjacent side wall before extending outwardly from the storage bay through the shelf aperture  540  near the front end of the shelf edge portion  532  and around the front end of the shelf edge portion  532  to position the coupling end of the electronic cable within the margins of the shelf storage bay for easy electronic connection to an electronic device within the provided storage bay. The cable management tab  541  restricts lineal movement of the cable  542  through the cable management aperture  540   c  sufficiently to linearly retain the cable at that location and accordingly control the length of the cable  542  during plugging and unplugging the cable coupling end to and from the associated electronic device stored in that shelf  530 . It can be seen from that the referenced unnumbered cable management aperture of  FIG. 31 a   , with edges and cable management tab terminating at the upper margin of the shelf raised edge portion, will facilitate providing an electronic cable through the said unnumbered cable management aperture in the same position as cable  542  is shown in cable management aperture  540   c  of  FIGS. 30 and 31 . 
       FIG. 31  shows electronic cables  542  respectively emerging from cable apertures  520  in the side wall of the vertical tower support  110  and extending through back tab apertures  543  in the back tabs  533  of the shelf portions  530 , which tabs are attached to the rear ends of adjacent shelf edge portions. The back tab apertures  543  direct the electronic cables to the shelf edge cable management apertures  540   c  and associated cable management tabs  541 , which in turn further retain the electronic cables in close proximity to the right angle corners of the shelves formed by the adjacent edge portions and back tab portions of the shelves.  FIGS. 30 and 31  also show small cable tie holes  524  in the walls of channel  110  suitable for receiving cable ties to secure electronic cable in the channel  110  as desired. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the assembly,  FIG. 31 a    illustrates a modified sidewall  552   a  having horizontal engagement slots  552   b  in its outer edge  552   c . As shown in  FIG. 31 a   , the modified sidewall  552   a  extends down through locking slots  543  in the edge portions  532  and bottom portions  531  of shelves  530 . The modified sidewall  552   a  has been moved forward to cause the engagement slots  552   b  to engage and provide vertical support for the bottom wall portion  531  of each of the shelves  530  of the array of shelves supported by a tower portion  510 . Typically, but optionally, the top shelf  530  and the bottom shelf (not shown) of the shelf array will be bolted to the side wall  552   a  through available holes in the side wall and shelf edge portions  532 . The intermediate shelves  530  will be adequately supported by the engaged sidewall locking slots  543 . The modified sidewalls with engagement slots  552   b  can be sized to provide vertical support for any of the shelves with locking slots  543  coupled to any of the various tower supports disclosed herein. 
     The invention illustrated in  FIGS. 32-43  and disclosed herein is generally directed to one or more embodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging station system for portable electronic devices. For ease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed description will at times refer to a “portable electronic device,” an “electronic device,” or a “plurality of electronic devices.” While certain Figures in the incorporated referenced provisional and non-provisional references illustrate an electronic device as a laptop computer, it should be appreciated that an electronic device may be any suitable portable electronic device requiring storage and/or battery charging or recharging. For example, an electronic device may include, but is not limited to, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a notebook computer, a Google Chromebook™ computer, a tablet device (such as an Apple iPad®, Samsung Galaxy®, or Microsoft Surface®, or any similar known or future developed tablet), a mobile smartphone, or any other known or future developed mobile or portable electronic device. 
     Referring now to the Figures,  FIGS. 32-37  illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of an improved mobile storage and charging station assembly.  FIG. 32  illustrates an improved mobile tower assembly  700 , comprising a tower support  710  similar to tower support  110  of  FIG. 1 . Tower support  710  is coupled to an improved mobile base  770  in fixed relation to support the tower support  710  in a fixed vertical position when the lower plate  772  of the mobile base  770  is resting flat on a horizontal supporting surface such as a common building floor. A tower support frame  790  is likewise fixedly coupled to the rear sides of spaced tower support portions  714  and  715  and also fixedly coupled to spaced vertical connecting plate portions  776  of mobile base upper plate  774 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 33-36 , the lower and upper plates  772  and  774 , respectively, of the exemplary mobile base  770 , are advantageously formed of steel or other suitable metal, the front portions of which extend forwardly in substantially U-shaped fashion to provide a substantial footprint over a supporting surface, and a stable base and ballast for supporting the tower support and any structure supported by the tower. The U-shaped openings  778  and  779 , respectively of the lower and upper plates of the base can be increased or decreased depending upon the relative weights of the base and tower and supported structure. Thus, increasing the design width and/or length of either or both of the U-shaped openings will increase the weight, ballast and forward balancing effect of the base, while reducing the design width and/or length of either or both of the openings will decrease the weight, ballast and balancing effect of the base, both with respect to stability of the tower assembly while stationary, and the balance and weight distribution of the mobile charging station tower assembly when the unit is pivoted rearwardly onto the rearwardly projecting wheels  780 , as shown in  FIG. 43 , for balanced transport of the assembly in dolly-like fashion between points of storage, charging or use. The two rearward wheels  780  are supported by axle bolts  782  engaged in wheel hangar supports  781  formed by upwardly and rearwardly extending portions of the base lower plate  772 . The wheels extend substantially to the same level as the base lower plate, which may include a pad (not shown) which covers the bottom surface of the lower plate  772  to substantially prevent the lower plate from marring a supporting surface. 
     The exemplary base upper plate  774  has forward portions which define each side of the upper plate U-shaped opening and are inclined downwardly from the level of the rear portion of the upper plate and terminate with short vertical legs  777  which are welded to the lower plate  772 . The upper plate  774  additionally has a central downwardly extending support flange  775  which terminates on and is welded to the lower plate  772 . The lower plate  772  additionally has an central upwardly extending tower support flange  773  which is closely spaced parallel to and rearwardly of the welded support flange  775  whereby the central member  711  of the exemplary aluminum tower support  710  may be secured closely between the steel support flanges  773  and  775  by bolts, machine screws and PEM® nuts, or any other suitable known or future-developed fasteners. Additionally, the base upper plate  774  has opposed cut-out openings  783  rearwardly of the downwardly extending support flange  775  and to either side of the upper plate opening from which the support flange  775  was cut and downwardly bent, which are positioned to closely receive the tower support portions  714  and  715 , and the vertical frame members  792  of the tower support frame  790 . Additionally, vertical connecting plate portions  776  are welded between the lower and upper base plates  772  and  774  immediately forward of the front edges of the cut-out openings  783 . The exemplary vertical steel or aluminum frame members  792  and the tower support portions  714  and  715  are likewise secured to the connecting plate portions by bolts, screws and PEM® nuts, or any other suitable known or future developed fasteners. In addition, the tower support frame  790  includes a top frame portion  794  which extends between and connects the two vertical frame members  792  to provide a handle for supporting, pushing and controlling movement of the improved mobile tower assembly during transport of the tower assembly from venue to connected venue for storage, charging and convenient user access. 
     Accordingly, the tower support  710  is securely coupled to the connected support structure of the mobile base unit  770  and the vertical frame members  792  to provide an improved mobile tower assembly  700 . Such mobile tower assembly  700 , as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , will securely support the plurality of shelf portions  730  and top wall  751  which are attachable to the central member  711  of the tower support  710 , the first side wall  752  and second side wall  753  which are attachable to the plurality of shelf portions  730 , the hinge members  755 , doors  754 , locking members (not shown) and locking handle or keyed lock  757  which are attachable to the side walls, and most importantly, the plurality of portable electronic devices (not shown) which will be individually placed in selected shelf portions  730  for charging, storage, withdrawal for use and return of the portable electronic members, during both stationary and mobile dolly-like use of the improved mobile tower assembly  700 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 32 , it is seen that the tower support  710  includes a first member  711 , and second member  712  and third member  713  which are connected to the first member  711  to define a three-sided cable management channel  116 . In addition, the tower support portions  114  and  115  are outwardly connected to the second member  712  and the third member  713 , respectively. In different exemplary embodiments the various members and support portions may be perpendicularly connected as shown, or may be connected at acute or obtuse angles as the design may allow or require for function, appearance or ease of forming. The various members and portions of tower support may be formed of a unitary pressed, bent or molded material, although it should be appreciated that in one or more exemplary embodiments, the various members may be separately formed and coupled together. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tower support  710  is advantageously and unitarily fabricated from bent aluminum sheet. Cable management channel  716  is utilized for the placement of one or more power strips and cable connectors (not shown) for providing power for charging each of the personal electronic devices individually positioned on each shelf portion as more extensively described in referenced U.S. Provisional Application 62/135,549.  FIG. 37  shows a door  740  attached to a tower support vertical side member  792  by hinges  742  with one or more locks and/or handles  744  for securing and opening the door  740  to secure and access the power strip and cable connectors within the cable management channel  716 .  FIG. 37  also shows fasteners for coupling the vertical frame members  792  to the tower support  710  and the vertical connecting plate portions  776 . 
     Because of the ease of identifying each portable electronic device with each user and each assigned storage shelf, and the speed and ease of user withdrawal for use and replacement for storage and charging of the portable electronic devices at multiple user sites, and the ability of teachers, supervisors, administrative staff and equipment managers to determine at a glance whether all personal electronic devices are out, or returned, the improved mobile storage and charging station of the invention saves enormous amounts of administrative time for the organization providing or managing the portable electronic devices. 
     Referring now more specifically to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention comprising an improved mobile multiple shelf tower assembly  800  for portable electronic devices illustrated in  FIGS. 38-43 , it is seen that the embodiments of  FIGS. 38-43  differ in several respects from the previously described embodiments of  FIGS. 32-37 .  FIGS. 38-43  illustrate an integral aluminum tower support  810  comprising a pair of side channels  814  and  815  extending outwardly, rearwardly and inwardly from the second and third members  812  and  813 . Accordingly, in addition to the central cable management channel  816 , tower support  810  provides two power strip channels  814  and  815 , each of which houses a  12  outlet power strip  820  in the manner shown in  FIG. 39 , which is a section view taken along Section Line A-A on  FIG. 40 . Thus the tower support  810  is capable of providing power to portable electronic devices in 24 shelf portions  830 , with side channel space and cable management channel space to accommodate the additional power strip and cable requirements for powering  24  portable electronic devices (not shown). 
     Additionally, tower support  810  optimally provides for attachment of up to 24 shelf portions  830  without significantly increasing the access height of the top shelf  830 . The typical decrease in size of current personal electronic devices permits the use of shallower shelf portions  830  which may be more closely spaced to provide a single tower support for up to 24 shelves without exceeding a reasonable shelf height for users. However, increasing shelf density and numbers on a single tower support creates significant challenges with respect to power strip and cable connector management. These issues are solved by the improved tower support  810  with its added side channels for power strip placement and deeper central cable management channel  16  area. In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 38 and 39 , at least one and optimally two small cable tie holes  822  are provided in second channel member  812  and third channel member  813  adjacent each side of each vertically spaced shelf location on the tower support  810  to permit the optional use of common plastic cable ties (not shown) extending inside and outside the tower support  810  through selected and conveniently available cable tie holes  822  to retain cables running vertically and otherwise within the cable management channel  816  in close managed proximity to channel members  812  and  813 . This provides for easier cable identification and service access to cables and cable access slots or holes  860  in the channel members  811 ,  812  and  813  and rear and side panels of shelf portions  830 , in the manner shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31  for the purpose of convenient user cable connection to and powering of the portable electronic devices for recharging each time a portable electronic device is reloaded into the shelf portions after every use. Such convenience is essential to minimizing reloading and connecting time when students or employees are required to re-shelve and charge all electronic devices at the end of a class hour or school or work day. Lack of convenience at that hectic time for the user can result in more class or work time loss to increase scheduled time for waiting to access replacement of 16 or 24 electronic devices in a single mobile tower assembly. In addition, if replacement and reconnection of devices at end of class hour or work period is inconvenient or difficult, many devices may be left unconnected and not recharged by frustrated users, requiring more monitoring by teachers or administrative managers. 
     The tower assembly shown in  FIGS. 38-43  includes additional and improved security which is effective for the smallest of portable electronic devices.  FIGS. 38 and 39  illustrate an improved sidewall  852  which extends for the entire length of the array of installed shelves  830  to substantially prevent any effective access to the shelf contents from either side of the array. The sidewalls  852  extend down both sides of the array of shelves  830 , and within the margins of the shelf edge portions  832  through adjacent slots (not shown) in the shelf bottom portions  131 . The exemplary sidewalls  852  are provided with at least one vertical open window  853  (two windows  853  are illustrated in  FIGS. 38 and 39 ), window openings are defined by the surrounding margins of the sidewalls  852 . The side walls  852  can be fastened to selected upper, mid-level and lower shelf edge portions  832  by machine screws and PEM® nut fasteners  858  or any other suitable known or to be discovered fasteners and are additionally retained in close proximity to the shelf edge portions  832  by slots in the shelf bottom portions  131  through which they extend. Effective side access to the interior of the shelves  830  and their contents is effectively prevented by the limited spaces between shelf edge portions  832  not covered by the sidewalls  852 . Nevertheless, important visual access to the content of the shelves is importantly provided by the spaces between shelf edge portions  832  and the windows  853  to allow teachers or administrative personnel to quickly view the interiors of the shelves at any time to determine whether the electronic device assigned to any shelf is either present or absent, depending upon the time of day and the use, charging and storage/inventory requirements of the owner. As further best shown in  FIG. 38 , access to the contents of the upper shelf  830  of the shelf array is prevented by top wall  851  secured to the tower support in the same manner as more fully disclosed and referenced and incorporated above with reference to  FIGS. 29-31 . The top wall  851  is also beneficially attached to the top shelf  830  by suitable fasteners (not shown). 
     Access to the contents of the shelves is exemplarily controlled by door  854  and locking handle  857 . The door is pivotally attached by hinges not shown and fasteners  855 , which may be attached to sidewall  852 , as shown, or other provided structure. 
     Access to the power strips  820  and cable connectors (not shown) is provided by rear door  840 , as shown in  FIG. 40 . Door  840  is pivotally attached by hinges  842  to the back side of power strip channel  814  of the tower support  810 , with one or more locks and/or handles  844  for securing and opening the door to secure and access the power strips  820 , cable connectors (not shown) and cable access slots or holes  860  in the tower support to reach the shelves within which the portable electronic devices must be connected. 
     The tower support  810  has an attached top wall  851  defining ventilation openings  856 , as shown in  FIG. 38 . Likewise, rear door  840  has ventilation openings  844  shown in  FIG. 40 . The ventilation openings  844  and  856  allow cooling air to enter the lower ventilator openings  844  and flow upwardly through the tower support  810  whereby air within the tower support which is heated by the operation and electrical conduction by the power strips  820  and cable connectors (not shown) will pass out of the tower channel through the top wall ventilation openings  856 . 
     The exemplary mobile base  870  which is illustrated is  FIGS. 38-43  for use with the improved mobile storage and charging station assembly  800  is essentially the same as the mobile base  770  illustrated in  FIGS. 32-37 , except for changes made possible by the one-piece design of the improved tower support  810 . The increased stiffness of the tower support  810  provided by side channels  814  and  815  enabled the elimination of both the structure and the weight of the tower support frame  710  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 32-37 . Thus it is not necessary to provide the spaced vertical connecting plate portions  776 , which function to connect the vertical frame members  792  to the base  770 , nor is it desirable to provide the two upper plate cut-out openings  783  in the mobile base  870 . It will be seen from  FIG. 38  that the side channel  814  of the tower support  810  does not extend below the top surface of the upper plate  874  of the mobile base  870 . The tower support middle channel member  811  is connected to the lower plate central support flange  873  and the upper plate central support flange  875  in the same manner as previously described with respect to tower support middle member  711  and support flanges  773  and  775  and as shown in  FIGS. 32-38 . In all other respects, the mobile base  870  is substantially the same as mobile base  770 . 
     The improved mobile storage and charging station assemblies  700  and  800  both include a combination of components which combine to efficiently and securely store, charge and conveniently move to convenient user venues multiple portable electronic devices for classroom and conference room use and user training, and further permit fast and easy user dispensing, and return of charging connection of assigned electronic devices by the users, with little supervision by teachers or administrative personnel. The novel mobile base designs illustrated and described herein have an open design which permits interior access for fabrication and rigid connection of tower supports, but also permits design adjustments to provide more or less weight depending upon the number of shelves attachable to the tower support and the type of portable electronic devices targeted for storage and charging. The base and attached tower support provide stability when the assembly is stationary, and balance and ease of transport of contents in well-balanced dolly-like manner when it is desired to move the mobile storage and charging station assembly between storage, charging and convenient use venues within a facility. While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it should be clear that various design changes, substitution and selection of available and advantageous materials, and aesthetic or use oriented changes can be made to the structure and arrangement or inclusion of features described herein or in U.S. Provisional Application 62/135,549, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference, without departing from the objects of the invention. 
     Assemblies  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  and other improved embodiments shown also include certain advantages that may not be readily ascertainable from the disclosure provided herein. The assembly provides a simple, clean, easy to use space saving design for the effective management of portable electronic devices. The sloped sides of the edge portions of each shelf portion provides an open design which provides easy viewing of electronic devices stored therein. The easy viewing allows for ease of inventory and management of electronic devices. The cable management system provided with the associated channel avoids an undesired mess of inter-tangled cables, while also protecting cables from damage or loss since the cables generally do not need to be removed. The vertical stacking of the plurality of shelf portions provides for a low profile and small footprint, providing space savings. For example, in a school setting, by incorporating the vertical stacking arrangement, the assembly has a footprint similar to a school locker while able to store and manage a full classroom of electronic devices. The locking assembly provides a door having no pinch points, which can avoid damage to cables or users. In addition, by providing a central battery charging and/or recharging location for all portable electronic devices stored in assembly, the risk of loss of battery charging devices is greatly reduced. Since the battery charger, AC adapter(s), or other charging device remains with the assembly when the portable electronic devices are removed, there is a reduced chance of theft or loss of the battery charging device. 
     In addition, updating or performing a central data transfer to portable electronic devices stored in assembly is made easier. For example, a party performing the update may plug in or hook up a data cable, such as a CAT5 or CAT6 cable, to each device in assembly. As an alternative, each device may be connected to a central data hub while being stored in the assembly, allowing for a distribution of updates through the central data hub. Such a connection may be wired or wireless. In either case, the party performing the update may quickly and easily update portable electronic devices stored in the assembly, as portable electronic devices are centrally located and accessible while being stored. The assembly also allows for users to manage pick up and drop off of portable electronic devices. This is especially advantageous for applications in primary schools, where users may be children, and more specifically young children. In this application, portable electronic devices can be easily picked up and dropped off by children without substantial supervision by an adult or teacher. For such classroom use, the assembly illustrated and described herein facilitate complete management of the removal/unplugging and return/plugging in of electronic devices by the student with only the unlocking and locking of the door requiring action by the teacher. In a typical school year cycle, the assembly can save in excess of 60 hours of classroom time for the teacher, which may otherwise be used for classroom instruction, as compared to a classroom where the electronic devices are accessed from and returned for charging to a typical cart by the teacher. 
     The assemblies disclosed in  FIGS. 22-43  also include certain advantages that may not be readily ascertainable from the disclosure provided herein. The improved shelf mechanisms shown therein allow for adult and child users to reach into the assembly, grip both top and bottom surfaces of and retrieve an electronic device easily from any angle. Because a user may be standing, crouching, leaning, or in any other position while removing the device, it is important the user should have a firm grip on the device to prevent damage and injury. Likewise, the user can maintain a firm grip on the device while correctly positioning the device on a shelf for storage and charging. 
     The improved cable management system allows for protection of the power distribution strips. Removable access panels cover the power distribution elements, while the cable management system provides connectability by the user for charging, while limiting possible interaction with electricity by the user and preventing shock or injury. It also limits movement of the power strip and charging components, which can prevent the device charging components from damage caused by repeated removal. 
     The metal structure, specialized fasteners, and floor/supplemental mounting features all provide for a secure storage system. This is especially important as the number of devices grows and the tower is taller. The system may be deployed in classrooms, where users may bump into the tower without likely damage to its components or the stored electronic devices. These improved features allow the system to support a large number of devices without compromising safety and stability. 
     Referring now more specifically to the exemplary embodiments of the improved mobile multiple shelf tower assembly  900  for portable electronic devices illustrated in  FIGS. 44-59   b , it is seen that the embodiments of  FIGS. 44-59   b  differ in several respects from the previously described embodiments of  FIGS. 8-12 and 29-32 . In  FIG. 44  it can be seen that the bottom portions  931  of shelves  930  each have a protruding rear support shelf  936  which extends rearwardly through shelf alignment support slot  919  in tower first support member  911  to provide a support surface for a power “brick”  939  (as shown on the second from the top rear support shelf  936  in  FIG. 44 ) to be provided for powering an electronic device placed upon the shelf bottom portion  931  from which the rear support shelf  936  protrudes. As more fully shown in  FIG. 48 a   , each rear support shelf  936  may advantageously have a plurality of holes  936   a  and/or slots  936   b  to conveniently accommodate strap materials such as cable zip ties (not shown) or other suitable linear tie materials for fixedly retaining the power brick  939  on the shelf during its use. The margins of alignment support slot  919  provide additional vertical support for the shelf  930 , as well as the protruding rear support shelf  936  and a power brick  939 . 
     As shown more particularly in  FIGS. 44-59   b , the improved storage and charging system  900  includes a vertical tower assembly  910  which can advantageously be fabricated from one piece of material to include a vertically extending first support member  911 , which may be attached to opposed second support member  912  and third support member  913  to form a channel  916 , and may have a top wall  951   a  extending rearwardly at a right angle from the first support member and preferably welded at its side edges to the top edges of the second support member  912  and the third support member  913 , respectively, and engagement tabs  914  and  915  respectively extending outwardly from the rear edges of the second support member  912  and second support member  913  to facilitate attachment to a vertical wall (not shown), a vertical frame, such as frame  990  shown in  FIGS. 50-52 and 55-56 , or any other suitable vertical structures. A plurality of shelves  930  may be coupled to the first support member  911 , as previously described, in a stacked vertical array. The shelves  930  may each have a bottom portion  931 , a first edge portion  932 , and a second edge portion  933 . The edge portions may each have a first back tab  914  and a second back tab  915  respectively formed from portions of the first edge portion  932  and second edge portion  933 , and extend therefrom at approximately right angles to abut the first support member  911 . A retaining hook  937  extends rearwardly from the end of each of the backtabs to engage a shelf receiving slot  919   a  of first support member  911  and includes a hook portion  937   a  which engages the outer side margin of the receiving slot  919   a  to retain the shelves on the support member  911 . The exemplary edge portions  932  and  933  each will flex from the vertical to enable the retaining hooks  937  to pass through the receiving slots  919   a , but have a vertical bias with respect to the bottom portion  931  to cause the retaining hooks  937  to move outwardly and the hook portions  937   a  to engage and remain engaged with the outer margins of the first support member  911 . As previously indicated, the protruding rear support shelves  936  of the flow-through shelf bottom portions  931  extend through and are supported by the lower margins of the shelf alignment support slots  919  of first support member  911 . 
       FIGS. 44-48   a  further illustrate a locking assembly  950  of the tower assembly  900 . The locking assembly  950  includes a pair of opposed first and second side walls  952  and  953 , respectively coupled to a top wall  951  which is positioned above the top-most shelf  930  of the tower assembly. At least one and normally both of the sidewalls are coupled to at least one shelf  930  of the array of shelves, and locking assembly side walls  952  and  953  extend downward on opposite sides of and adjacent to each shelf to obstruct user side access to the storage bay defined by the bottom portion  931 , edge portions  932  and  933 , and first and second back tabs  934  and  935  of each shelf  930 . As shown, each shelf  930  advantageously may include a first locking slot  933   a  provided at the intersection of the first edge portion  932  and bottom portion  931  and a second locking slot  933   b  provided at the intersection of the second edge portion  933  and the bottom portion  931 , which locking slots are of greater length than the width of the first and second sidewalls, and of greater width than the thickness of the sidewalls to permit each of the adjacent sidewalls to extend vertically through the aligned slots of the adjacent shelves. The adjacent sidewalls  952  and  953  each advantageously may have a plurality of horizontal engagement slots  952   a  and  953   a , respectively, spaced along a sidewall outer edge at the same intervals as the plurality of shelves  930  are coupled to the tower support  910 , whereby the sidewalls can be shifted horizontally to cause the shelves to each be retained within the horizontal engagement slots to thereby provide vertical support for the shelves in the same manner as the tower assembly of  FIG. 31 a   , more specifically shown and described above. 
     The locking assembly  950  of the tower assembly  900  of  FIGS. 44-59   b  additionally includes a door  954  attached by hinges  955  to sidewall  953 , which door extends partially across the open ends of the array of shelves  930 , as shown in  FIG. 45 , to prevent physical access to electronic devices (not shown) placed on the shelves when the door is closed and locked by lock assembly  957  partially shown on the outer face of the door  954 , and permit access to and removal of the electronic devices from the assembly  900  when the door is unlocked and swung open. The locking mechanism is partially mounted on shelf  930   a  as shown in  FIG. 47 . As previously shown in other tower assemblies described herein, the partial coverage by the door  954  of the interior of the assembly, and the illustrated incline of the shelf edge portions  932  permits the staff of the facility in which the tower assembly  900  is placed to determine by view from a distance which shelves support electronic devices for storage and charging, and which shelves do not, as best illustrated by  FIG. 46 . Thus it can be determined if any electronic devices are missing at any time without requiring opening of the door. 
       FIG. 45  also shows shelf apertures  941  in the back tabs  934  of shelves  930 , which align with tower support cable apertures  120 , best shown in  FIG. 49 a   . As shown in the drawings, both back tabs  934  and  935  may advantageously include shelf apertures  941  to register with provided tower support cable apertures  920  to provide more convenient electronic cable supply options for the electronic devices to be placed on the shelves  930 . 
       FIG. 47  reveals a power distribution strip  917  attached to the second support member  913  of the tower support  910  to provide a plurality of electrical outlets  918 , each of which is located adjacent to the space above a shelf bottom portion rear protrusion  936  to conveniently supply electrical power to a power brick  939  provided on the rear protrusion  936  as shown. The conventional power cord (not shown) can be conveniently bundled and secured on the rear protrusion  936  of the shelf bottom using conventional zip ties secured to a slot  936   b  in the rear protrusion  936  shown in  FIG. 46 a   .  FIG. 47  also clearly shows cable management apertures  940  near the front distal ends of the tapered second edge portions  233  of shelves  230 , as well as double cable management apertures  940   a  near the rear ends of the second edge portions  233  to conveniently provide a controlled length of electronic cable to electronic devices placed on each of the shelf bottom surfaces  931  for charging, as previously described with respect to the countertop assemblies of  FIGS. 30-31   a . The drawings show such cable management apertures  940  and double cable management apertures  940   a  provided in each of the first and second edge portions  232  and  233  for added convenience. 
     The drawings also show main power supply master cable apertures  923  located at the lower ends of the second support member  912  and third support member  913  to conveniently receive the main power supply cord  917   a  of power distribution strip  917 . The abbreviated main power supply cord  917   a , which can be quite long with a conventional grounded electrical plug end (not shown) to engage a common facility electrical outlet (not shown), is shown extending from the lower end of the power distribution strip  917  in  FIG. 47  in close proximity to master cable apertures  923 , which may conveniently be provided on both the second and third support members to accommodate the location of the nearest power outlet to the position of the tower support  910 . As shown in  FIG. 45 , a pair of spaced J-hooks  917   b  may be provided on the middle and lower portions of either support member  913  (as shown) or  912  to provide cord retaining structure about which to wrap such length of the power supply cord as is not entirely extended to a distant electrical outlet. As shown in the exploded isometric drawing of  FIG. 49 b   , showing the “upright” J-hook in position for attachment, the J-hook  917   b  is attached to the third support member  913  by a bolt  917   c  and associated washer  917   d  and cap nut  917   e , or other suitable fastener hardware. It can be seen that the J-hook  917   b  defines a rear cavity between the sidewalls of the shank of the J-hook. A push-out tab  913   a  is shown formed in the third support member  913  to extend between the sidewalls of the fastened J-hook  917   b  to prevent the J-hook from rotating around the bolt  917   c  from its normal upright vertical position on the middle portion of support member  913 . It can be seen from  FIG. 45  that the lower J-hook  917   b  is identical to the previously described middle J-hook  917   b , except that it is fastened to the support member directly below the middle J-hook  917   b  in an inverted position in the same manner with similar fastener hardware as middle J-hook  917   b , and in registry with a similar third support member push-out tab  913   a  (not shown) to prevent its rotation about the fastener bolt  917   c . Thus, between uses the power supply cord  917   a  may be wrapped around the pair of J-hooks  917   b  in a convenient manner for efficient storage. 
     As previously indicated,  FIG. 50  shows the improved storage and charging system tower assembly  900 , mounted on a rectangular steel square tube vertical support rear frame  990 , which in turn is attached to a stationary base stand  970 . The square tube vertical support frame may be fabricated from 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch 16 gauge square steel tube length shown in  FIG. 54 . As illustrated, the front, left and right sides of the tube have been notched in three places for bending, and tapered at the ends, at substantially 45 degree angles to permit the right side of the tube to be bent at the notches into a rectangular frame with three corners formed by the mating notches, and with the tapered ends joined to form a fourth corner. The corners and end mating surfaces of the bent tube are welded to form the closed rectangular frame of  FIG. 53 . The front surfaces of the two vertical sides  992  of rear frame  990  are each machined to receive three hex rivet nuts  992   a , as shown, to respectively receive common fastener bolts  992   b  to attach the first and second channel engagement tabs  914  and  915 . 
     Whether supported on the stationary base  970  of  FIGS. 50-52 , or the mobile base  975  of  FIGS. 55-57 , the rear frame  990  is beneficially provided with a lockable rear door  980 , as shown in  FIGS. 51 and 56 . An exemplary door  980  is formed from 0.060 flat steel material and is planar except for two door stops  981  which extend from the distal side edge  980   a  of the door  980  and are exemplarily bent rearward and then back parallel to the plane of the door, as best illustrated by enlarged detail  FIG. 58 b   , to provide about a one-quarter inch offset between the inside plane of the door  980  and the inside plane of the door stops  981  to allow the outer margins of the closed door to fit within the interior of the rear frame  990 . The door is pivotally hung on the rear frame  990  by two side hangars  982  which extend from the engaged side edge  980   b  of the door  980  in the plane of the door. The side hangars  982  extend outwardly and downward from the side  980   b  of the door  980  to each define a downwardly opening slot  983  between the finger-like lower extension of the side hanger  982  and the opposed connected side edge  980   b  of the steel door. The rear frame  990  on which the door  980  is hung has a pair of door receiving slots  994  of approximately 0.160 inch width and sufficient length to receive the side hangers  982  of the steel door. The upper ends of the slots  994  of the frame  990  and the depth of the mating supporting surfaces of side hanger slots  983  are such that the rear door  980  is supported within the confines of the rear frame  990  in close fitting relation to prevent access to the structure and components within the channel  916  attached to the frame  990  when the rear door  980  is closed. As previously noted, the door stops  981  on the distal edge of the door  980  will be engaged against the rear surface of the adjacent vertical side  992  of the rear frame  990  when the rear door is in its closed position, wherein it can be retained in such closed position by rear door lock  985 , the latch of which is engageable within frame latch receiving slot  995 . The unnumbered apertures shown in the side hangers  982  are non-functional hang holes for transporting the door during fabrication, and are not necessary features of the invention. Four ventilation openings  986  are exemplarily provided in the lower portion of the door  980  which cooperate with openings in the top wall  951   a  of the tower assembly  900  to provide updraft ventilation and cooling for electrical components which may be supported within the channel  916  on the shelf bottom portion rear protrusion  936 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 50 , the stationary base  970  comprises a right support member  971  and a left support member  972 . Base support members  971  and  972  are preferably fabricated of steel for reasons of weight stability and cost, and each are attached by bolts  970   a  to the lower two hex rivet nuts  993   a  positioned and attached to the outside lower surfaces of vertical sides  992  and  993  of the rear frame  990 , as shown in  FIGS. 50-52 . The stationary base support members  971  and  972  may each extend rearwardly and outwardly, and forwardly and outwardly, from their points of attachment to the rear frame  990 , as shown in  FIGS. 50-52 , to provide a stable support for the rear frame  990  and the attached storage and charging system  900  and any supported electronic devices and electrical cable accessories thereon. In addition, the distal ends of the support members  971  and  972  may be equipped with support pads  973  to provide a support structure of ample length and breadth for the stationary base  970  and all supported structure and apparatus. 
     In another exemplary embodiment,  FIGS. 55-57  illustrate a mobile base  975  attached to the rear frame  990 . The steel mobile base is attached by bolts  975   a  to the lowest and highest of the three hex rivet nuts  993   a  attached to the outside lower surfaces of vertical sides  992  and  993  of the frame  990 . The mobile base  975  includes a right support member  976  and a left support member  977  which may each extend rearwardly, forwardly and outwardly from their points of attachment to the frame  990 . The rearward portions of the support members  976  and  977  are equipped with rear wheels  978  rotatably provided on axles extending outwardly from the support members parallel to and at some distance behind the rear frame  990 , as exemplarily shown in the drawings. The outwardly extending forward portions of the support members  976  and  977  are equipped with dolly wheels  979 , which are both pivotable about vertical axes and rotatable about horizontal axes, as shown in  FIGS. 55-57 , to provide stable, steerable mobile support for the supported structure and any apparatus thereon. The dolly wheels  979   b  may each include a conventional lockable foot-operated brake  979   b , which may be a wheel brake or a total wheel and pivot brake, to provide a more stationary support when the brake(s) is locked. A connecting strut  979   a  extends between the right and left support members  976  and  977  to provide lateral stability for the forward portions of the mobile base  975 . It can be seen that the strut  977   a  extends well below the lowermost shelf  930 , which is supported with the other shelves in cantilever manner by the channel  916  and the attached rear frame  990 , which in turn is supported by the mobile base  975  in a mobile manner. 
     Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     Although various representative examples of embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. In some instances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.