Patent Description:
The invention described herein solves this problem by integrating a mobile desk, workstation or other detachable mobile devices into a static structure within a store or facility. The mobile components can then be individually deployed and configured to complete tasks and then docked back to the first static structure for storage, battery, capacitor and/or energy storage device (Battery) recharging, etc., once the tasks are complete. Thus, static structures having a single or plurality of detachable battery powered mobile components would be well received in the marketplace.

<CIT> discloses a system and method which establishes physically fixed charger stations that work in conjunction with a medical cart, such as an ultrasound cart. The medial cart contains a power supply, such as a large battery, with the capacity to keep the system going for a full day's use. Each docking station provides a fixed location for one or more carts and allows each cart to plug directly into a source of premises power. The docking stations allow the plugged-in cart to recharge while the cart is not in use.

<CIT> discloses a self-contained electrical charging station including a housing configured for coupling to a furniture article. The charging station includes an electrical output connector that is accessible from outside the housing, an electrical input connector supported at the housing and also accessible from outside the housing, and a self-contained electrical power source such as a rechargeable battery. The self-contained electrical power source is configured to be simultaneously electrically engaged with the electrical input connector and mechanically supported by at least one of the electrical input connector, the housing, or associated structure.

The invention is defined by a base station for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of mobile detachable components with the technical features of independent claim <NUM>, and by a corresponding method with the method steps of independent claim <NUM>.

In a first embodiment, a base station for receiving, storing and charging a plurality of mobile detachable components comprises: a desk-like structure; an electronic device having a processor and configured for electrically coupling to a power source for charging; and a plurality of docking stations disposed within the desk-like structure of the base station and sized to receive a plurality of detachable mobile components therein, wherein the detachable mobile components are wheeled desk-like structures, each having their own electronic device and each being independently operable from one another and from the base station; wherein the plurality of docking stations within the base station are configured to receive, store, and charge the plurality of wheeled mobile detachable components.

In another embodiment, a system for receiving, storing, and charging, a plurality of detachable components, comprises: a base station having a desk-like structure, comprising: an electronic device having a processor and a mechanical coupling configured for electrically coupling to a power source for charging; and a plurality of docking stations disposed within the desk-like structure of the base station and sized to receive and charge a plurality of mobile detachable mobile components therein; and a plurality of mobile detachable components, each mobile detachable component comprising: a wheeled housing having a desk-like structure; a rechargeable battery; a docking port sized for coupling to one of the plurality of docking stations, wherein the rechargeable battery is charged when coupled to one of the plurality of docking stations in the base station; and an electronic device having a processor, wherein the electronic device is independently operable from the electronic device of the base station.

In yet another embodiment, a method for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of mobile detachable components within a base station, comprises: receiving a mobile detachable component within a docking station of the base station, wherein the mobile detachable component is a wheeled desk-like structure, and wherein the base station is a desk-like structure; storing the mobile detachable component within the docking station of the base station until needed; and charging a rechargeable battery of an electronic device of the mobile detachable component when docked within the docking station of the base station, via a docking port on the mobile detachable component.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of mobile detachable components, the base station comprising a desk-like structure, an electronic device having a processor and configured for electrically coupling to a power source for charging, and a plurality of docking stations disposed within the desk-like structure of the base station and sized to receive a plurality of detachable mobile components therein, wherein the detachable mobile components are wheeled desk-like structures, each having their own electronic device and each being independently operable from one another and from the base station, and wherein the plurality of docking stations within the base station are configured to receive, store, and charge the plurality of wheeled mobile detachable components.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, wherein the electronic device of the base station comprises a laptop, tablet, computer, or phone.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station,, wherein the electronic device of the base station is configured to be internet or network capable via a direct wired connection or via a wireless connection.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, wherein the electronic devices of the plurality of detachable components are configured to maintain wireless communications with the electronic device of the base station even when the plurality of detachable components are deployed away from the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, wherein the electronic devices of the plurality of detachable components are configured to receive electrical charge when disposed within the plurality of docking stations.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, further configured to deploy one, two, or several of the plurality of detachable components for independent operation away from the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, wherein the plurality of detachable components are configured for point of sale operations, inventory management, product demonstration, order fulfillment, or medical treatment operations.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, further comprising a remote database in wireless communication with the electronic device of the base station and in wireless communication with the electronic devices of the plurality of detachable components, wherein information can be continuously exchanged between the remote database, the base station, and the plurality of detachable components, even when the plurality of detachable components are deployed away from the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a base station, wherein the desk-like structure of the base station comprises a mobile desk, cash wrap, end cap, cart, rack, kiosk, docking station, shelving, or other piece of furniture.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of detachable components, comprising a base station having a desk-like structure, comprising an electronic device having a processor and a mechanical coupling configured for electrically coupling to a power source for charging, and a plurality of docking stations disposed within the desk-like structure of the base station and sized to receive and charge a plurality of mobile detachable mobile components therein, and a plurality of mobile detachable components, each mobile detachable component comprising a plurality of mobile detachable components, each mobile detachable component comprising, a wheeled housing having a desk-like structure, a rechargeable battery, a docking port sized for coupling to one of the plurality of docking stations, wherein the rechargeable battery is charged when coupled to one of the plurality of docking stations in the base station, and an electronic device having a processor, wherein the electronic device is independently operable from the electronic device of the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein each of the electronic devices of the plurality of mobile detachable components are configured to maintain wireless communications with the electronic device of the base station, even when the plurality of mobile detachable components are deployed away from the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein each electronic device of each mobile detachable component is independently operable.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein each of the electronic devices of each mobile detachable component comprises a laptop, tablet, computer, or phone.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, further configured to deploy one, two, or several of the plurality of mobile detachable components for independent operation away from the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the plurality of mobile detachable components are configured for point of sale operations, inventory management, product demonstration, order fulfillment, or medical treatment operations.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, further comprising a remote database in wireless communication with the electronic device of the base station and in wireless communication with the electronic devices of the plurality of mobile detachable components, wherein information can be continuously exchanged between the remote database, the base station, and the plurality of mobile detachable components, even when the plurality of mobile detachable components are deployed away from the base station.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a system, wherein the desk-like structure of the base station comprises a mobile desk, cash wrap, end cap, cart, rack, kiosk, docking station, shelving, or other piece of furniture.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a method for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of mobile detachable components within a base station, the method comprising receiving a mobile detachable component within a docking station of the base station, wherein the mobile detachable component is a wheeled desk-like structure, and wherein the base station is a desk-like structure, storing the mobile detachable component within the docking station of the base station until needed, and charging a rechargeable battery of an electronic device of the mobile detachable component when docked within the docking station of the base station, via a docking port on the mobile detachable component.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a method, further comprising deploying the mobile detachable component away from the base station, while maintaining wireless communications between the electronic device of the base station and the electronic device of the mobile detachable component.

The present disclosure includes disclosure of a method, further comprising returning the mobile detachable component back to a docking station within the base station, for charging and storing until needed again.

The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages, and disclosures contained herein, and the matter of attaining them, will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

As such, an overview of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described and some of these non-discussed features (as well as discussed features) are inherent from the figures themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. Furthermore, wherever feasible and convenient, like reference numerals are used in the figures and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The figures are in a simplified form and not to precise scale.

It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended.

The present disclosure includes various devices, systems, and methods for operating a static structure having a single or plurality of detachable battery powered mobile components. The detachable mobile components can be removed from the first static structure and mobilized individually to perform the same function or operation, or temporarily reconfigured to perform a different function or operation, in a separate location. These detachable, battery powered, mobile components can be utilized to improve point-of-sale efficiency in retail operations, food operations, hospital and/or medical settings, as well as various other operations and industries.

The first static base station structure <NUM> is shown and described in the block component diagram shown in <FIG>. The plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> are shown and described in the block component diagram shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a block component diagram showing a system <NUM> comprising the first static base station structure <NUM> and a plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> docked therein.

As shown in <FIG>, the first static base station structure <NUM> may comprise a structure such as a desk, cash-wrap, kiosk, docking station, endcap, rack, shelving or other static piece of furniture. This first static base station structure <NUM> may operate the same as <NUM> and/or as a base station, for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> (described below with regard to <FIG>) therein or thereon.

The first static base station structure <NUM> may also include an electronic device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The electronic device <NUM> may be a computer or other digital device having a processor, such as a laptop, tablet, phone etc. and may also comprise a monitor or display, printer, keyboard, scanner, mouse, etc. for operation within the workflow process. The electronic device <NUM> may further be internet or network capable, such as via a direct wired connection or via a wireless connection. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> of the first static base station structure <NUM> may also be coupled to a power source <NUM> such as, for example, using a mechanical connector in at least one embodiment. Additionally, the first static base station structure <NUM> includes a plurality of docking stations <NUM> sized to receive the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> (described below with regard to <FIG>) therein. The plurality of docking stations <NUM> are in communication with the electronic device <NUM> and the power source <NUM>, such that the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> may be charged when placed within docking stations <NUM>.

The present disclosure further includes a plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Each of the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> is removable from and independently operable of the first static base station structure <NUM>. A user may deploy only one, or a plurality of, the detachable mobile components <NUM> to complete a task such as, but not limited to, point of sale, inventory management, product demonstration and/or order fulfillment within a retail environment. Other tasks may include, but are not limited to, patient triage or scaling operations within a hospital. The plurality of the detachable mobile components <NUM> may be used in different physical locations than that of the first static base station structure <NUM>. When the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> are deployed in different physical locations, they may maintain wired or wireless communications with each other and/or with the first static structure base station <NUM> and/or a remote database, ERP or business operations software. Wireless communications may be maintained via WiFi and/or Bluetooth.

As shown in <FIG>, there may be three detachable mobile components <NUM> sized for docking within docking stations <NUM> of static base station structure <NUM>. However, in alternative embodiments, there may be fewer than three, or more than three, detachable mobile components <NUM> utilized therein or thereon. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates a single detachable component <NUM>, however it should be understood that multiple detachable components <NUM> could each comprise the same components as those illustrated in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> is constructed of a housing or portable structure <NUM>, such as a mobile workstation or desk or a portable laptop, for example. Each of the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> may also comprise wheels or casters <NUM> (hidden or apparent) so that they may easily be mobilized or removed from first static structure <NUM> to a separate location.

Each of the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> may also comprise an electronic device <NUM> and an optional rechargeable battery <NUM> that can be connected mechanically or wirelessly to the first static structure <NUM>. The rechargeable battery <NUM> may be in communication with a port on the detachable mobile component <NUM>, such that the rechargeable battery <NUM> can be charged each time the detachable mobile component <NUM> is docked at one of the docking stations <NUM> on first static structure <NUM>. The rechargeable battery <NUM> can be utilized to power the electronic device <NUM> of the detachable mobile component <NUM> when removed from the static base station structure <NUM>, and then returned to the first static structure <NUM> for rechargeable battery <NUM> recharge and storage. When the detachable mobile component <NUM> is docked at docking station <NUM> on first static structure <NUM>, it is being recharged so that is it can be used remotely at a later time. Rechargeable battery <NUM> can be permanent or removable, and if removable, it could be replaced (such as being hot-swapped) with another rechargeable battery <NUM>, to maintain power of said detachable mobile component.

As shown in <FIG>, each of the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> may also comprise an electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the electronic device <NUM> of the first static base station structure <NUM> and may comprise a computer, laptop, tablet, or other device used to perform a task remotely. The electronic device <NUM> may be a computer or other digital device having a processor, such as a laptop, tablet, phone etc. and may also comprise a monitor or display, printer, keyboard, scanner, mouse, etc. for operation within the workflow process. The electronic device <NUM> may further be internet capable, such as via a direct wired connection or via a wireless connection.

With reference now to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> of each of the detachable mobile components <NUM> may be in wired or wireless communication (as indicated by the dashed lines) with the electronic device <NUM> of the first static base station structure <NUM>, and/or may be in wired or wireless communication (as indicated by the dashed lines) with another electronic device, such as a remote database or other electronic device (referred to herein as remote device <NUM>). In this way, , such that information can be continuously exchanged with the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> even when they are deployed away from the first static base station structure <NUM> or remote device <NUM>. This information/data exchange/communication is depicted in <FIG>, whereby electronic device <NUM> can communicate (as indicated by the dashed lines), in at least one embodiment, with electronic device <NUM> and/or remote device <NUM>, forming at least part of an exemplary system <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> of the plurality of detachable components <NUM> may exchange information with the electronic device <NUM> of first static base station structure <NUM> when docked at docking stations <NUM>. When the plurality of detachable components <NUM> are docked at docking stations <NUM> (i.e., combined with first static structure <NUM>) at first static structure <NUM>, wired or wireless communication may then be combined or continue to operate exclusively of one another.

<FIG> illustrates a system <NUM> including a first static base station structure <NUM> having a plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> docked thereon at docking stations <NUM>. First static structure <NUM> is coupled to power source <NUM>, which powers the first static structure <NUM> and charges the rechargeable batteries <NUM> of the detachable mobile components <NUM>. In operation, a user may remove one, or a plurality of, the detachable mobile components <NUM>, such as to place said detachable mobile components <NUM> at different locations. The user, or multiple users, may operate each of the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> independently from each other and/or from the static structure <NUM>. When the user has completed his/her tasks, he/she may return the plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> to the docking stations <NUM> on the first static structure <NUM> for charging and storage. Alternatively, a user may choose to deploy only the detachable mobile components <NUM> and keep the first static structure <NUM> at a base or storage location separate from valuable retail floor space.

Some exemplary retail operations for a static base station structure <NUM> having a plurality of detachable mobile components <NUM> will now be described herein. In one example, a retailer may utilize systems of the present disclosure with one static structure <NUM> and three detachable mobile components <NUM>, for a total of <NUM> separate individual computerized components that can operate together or separately. When the three detachable mobile components <NUM> are combined or docked on the static structure <NUM>, the amount of retail floor space required would be minimized. Throughout the day, the processes and tasks required by a retailer may change. In another example, a retail sales associate may receive many e-commerce orders that need to be fulfilled. With systems of the present disclosure, the retail sales associate can disconnect and remove one of the detachable mobile component <NUM> desks and, if required, configure it with the electronic devices, boxes, labels, and other material required to fulfill an online order. In this case, the detachable mobile component <NUM> desk operates on rechargeable battery <NUM> power so that the retail sales associate can work autonomously of the static structure <NUM> , resulting in improved efficiency (i.e., less congestion at the point-of-sale).

In another exemplary retail operation, a retail sales associate may remove the detachable mobile component <NUM> to operate point-of-sale at a special sales event or remote location, such as at sidewalk or parking lot sales or to perform inventory management or mark-downs. In another example, a food concession operator may deploy the detachable mobile component <NUM> to a remote location (such as via a food truck) for point-of-sale. In yet another example, a hospital emergency room may experience a sudden increase in patient volume. To support triage, additional medical staff may remove one or more of the detachable mobile components <NUM> so that more patients can be treated quickly. Once the increased demand has been addressed, the detachable mobile components <NUM> can be returned to, and reconnected with, the first static structure <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, some facilities may choose to utilize more than one static structure <NUM>, such that there are many detachable mobile components <NUM> available, to treat a huge volume of customers or patients when needed.

Furthermore, the present disclosure includes disclosure of retrofitting existing static structures <NUM>, such as within a store, hospital, or other environment, to accommodate a detachable mobile component <NUM> of the present disclosure. In such embodiments, for example, static structures <NUM> would be configured, such as to receive one or more of an electronic device <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, and one or more docking stations <NUM>, such as a plurality of docking stations <NUM>, whereby each docking station <NUM> is configured to receive at least one detachable mobile component <NUM> so that the at least one detachable mobile component <NUM> can be operated while docked to static structure <NUM>, as referenced herein.

Claim 1:
A base station : (<NUM>) for receiving, storing, and charging a plurality of mobile detachable components (<NUM>), the base station comprising:
a furniture structure;
an electronic device (<NUM>) having a processor and configured for electrically coupling to a power source (<NUM>) for charging;
a plurality of docking stations (<NUM>) disposed within the furniture structure of the base station and sized to receive a plurality of mobile detachable (<NUM>) components therein, wherein the mobile detachable components are wheeled furniture structures, each having their own electronic device (<NUM>) and each being independently operable from one another and from the base station; and
wherein the plurality of docking stations (<NUM>) within the base station (<NUM>) are configured to receive, store, and charge the plurality of wheeled mobile detachable components;
a remote database in wireless communication with the electronic device (<NUM>) of the base station and in wireless communication with the electronic devices of the plurality of mobile detachable components (<NUM>), wherein information can be continuously exchanged between the remote database, the base station, and the plurality of mobile detachable components, even when the plurality of mobile detachable components are deployed away from the base station.