Patent ID: 7759816

Claim:
An accessory device that is attachable to a vehicle adapter device, comprising: an accessory device including a FM transmitter powered by one or more rechargeable batteries, the FM transmitter configured to receive an audio signal and generate a radio frequency signal modulated with the audio signal; an accessory housing that encloses the FM transmitter; a port interface connector in the housing that is attachable to a vehicle adapter device; and charging circuit coupled to the port interface connector for receiving power and to provide charge energy to the one or more rechargeable batteries; and the vehicle adapter including a cigarette lighter type plug for insertion into a cigarette lighter type socket; an inverter circuit electrically coupled to the plug for converting a DC input voltage from the plug into an AC output signal; an adapter housing coupled to the plug and providing a horizontal support surface for the accessory device; and a complementary port interface supported by the adapter housing, where the complementary port interface couples with the port interface of the accessory such that the accessory device extends outward horizontally outward from the complementary port interface and engages with the support surface of the adapter housing.