PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9225112-B2
Application Number: US-98703211-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Portable user device with a clip having electrical terminals

Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for docking a portable user device to a docking device or adapter via a clip mechanism. A portable user device may include two clip members which rotate relative to one another about an axis. A coupling pivot may be coupled to both clip members to facilitate relative rotation, and may provide a clamping force between the clip members. One or more terminals may be located on at least one of the clip members, allowing data transfer, charging, or other functions when the portable user device is docked using the clip mechanism.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable user device, comprising:
 a first clip member including a protrusion extending from a surface of the first clip member; 
 a second clip member positioned opposite the first clip member; 
 a rechargeable battery incorporated in one of the first clip member and the second clip member; and 
 at least one electrical terminal positioned on a surface of the protrusion and electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery, 
 wherein when the rechargeable battery is charged by electrically coupling the at least one electrical terminal to a receiving receptacle the first clip member provides a clamping force in cooperation with the second clip member that helps to maintain contact between the receiving receptacle and the at least one electrical terminal. 
 
     
     
       2. The portable user device of  claim 1 , further comprising processing equipment electrically coupled to at least one of the electrical terminals. 
     
     
       3. The portable user device of  claim 2 , wherein the processing equipment is configured to determine whether the at least one electrical terminal is electrically coupled to the receiving receptacle. 
     
     
       4. The portable user device of  claim 1 , wherein the portable user device is configured to synchronize data with an external device using the at least one electrical terminal. 
     
     
       5. The portable user device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first port that comprises the at least one electrical terminal; and 
 a second port that comprises at least one other electrical terminal. 
 
     
     
       6. The portable user device of  claim 5 , wherein the second port is configured to communicate with a component selected from the list consisting of an audio device, a memory device, a power supply, a portable user device, a computer, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
       7. A portable user device comprising:
 a first clip member comprising an energy storage device incorporated within the first clip member; 
 a second clip member comprising a member protruding from a surface of the second clip member and at least one electrical terminal disposed along a surface of the member, wherein the at least one electrical terminal is electrically coupled to the energy storage device; and 
 a coupling pivot coupled to both the first and second clip members, wherein the first and second clip members provide a clamping force in part through the at least one electrical terminal. 
 
     
     
       8. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling pivot allows the first and second clip members to rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis, and wherein a clamping force is generated by the coupling pivot between the first and second clip members. 
     
     
       9. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the first clip member further comprises processing equipment. 
     
     
       10. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the second clip member comprises:
 solid state memory circuitry; and 
 at least one auxiliary electrical terminal on the second clip member, wherein the at least one auxiliary electrical terminal is electrically coupled to the solid state memory circuitry. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling pivot comprises a spring. 
     
     
       12. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling pivot comprises a flexural pivot. 
     
     
       13. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling pivot comprises a hinge. 
     
     
       14. The portable user device of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling pivot comprises at least one rotating contact electrically coupled to the at least one electrical terminal. 
     
     
       15. The portable user device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrical terminal comprises a pin. 
     
     
       16. A portable user device, comprising:
 a first clip member; 
 a second clip member positioned opposite the first clip member;
 a rechargeable battery incorporated in at least one of the first clip member and the second clip member; and 
 an electrical terminal positioned along a surface of the first clip member that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery, 
 wherein when the electrical terminal is directly electrically coupled to a receiving receptacle, the first and second clip members provide a clamping force that compresses a portion of the first clip member that at least partially surrounds the electrical terminal against a portion of the receiving receptacle. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The portable user device as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the electrical terminal is positioned at a distal end of the first clip member. 
     
     
       18. The portable user device as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the electrical terminal is recessed with respect to an exterior surface of the first clip member. 
     
     
       19. The portable user device as recited in  claim 16 , when the electrical terminal is electrically coupled to the receiving receptacle, a surface of the electrical terminal contacts and is electrically coupled with an electrical terminal of the receiving receptacle, the surface of the electrical terminal being substantially parallel with the surface of the first clip member along which the electrical terminal is positioned.

Description:
The present disclosure is directed towards portable user device docking. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed, in some embodiments, towards a portable user device with a clip member having electrical terminals. 
     BACKGROUND 
     User devices such as mobile phones and portable media players are typically coupled to docking devices to transfer data or provide charging. This coupling is typically a plug and socket type connection. For example, a media player containing a battery may be plugged into a docking device to allow for recharging of the battery. 
     User devices may be portable, capable of being carried or transported by a user. Such devices may include a clip mechanism, used to affix the device to, for example, an article of clothing or exercise accessory of a user. Other than mechanical clamping, the clip typically provides no other function. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates to systems and methods for using a clip member of a portable user device to provide electrical coupling to a receiving receptacle. In some embodiments, a portable user device may include a rechargeable battery, and a clip member that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may be charged by electrically coupling the clip member to a receiving receptacle. In some embodiments, the clip member may provide a clamping force which aids in maintaining contact between the receiving receptacle and the clip member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side elevation view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a side elevation view of the illustrative portable user device of  FIG. 1  and a user in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of an illustrative docking arrangement in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side elevation view of an illustrative portable user device, docking device, and adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an illustrative docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an illustrative docking arrangement in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an illustrative docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a side elevation view of some elements of  FIGS. 8 and 9  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of an illustrative docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of some elements of  FIGS. 11 and 12  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of an illustrative docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of some elements of  FIGS. 14 and 15  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  shows a cross-sectional view of some elements of  FIG. 16 , taken from line XVII-XVII, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device, adapter, and docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of one illustrative clip member of  FIG. 20  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the illustrative adapter of  FIG. 20  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of an illustrative portable user device, adapter, and docking device in a docking arrangement in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of an illustrative docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of an enlargement of a region of the illustrative docking device of  FIG. 24  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  shows a front elevation view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  shows a back elevation view of the illustrative portable user device of  FIG. 26  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 28  shows a top plan view of the illustrative portable user device of  FIG. 26  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of the illustrative docking device of  FIG. 24  and the portable user device of  FIGS. 26-28  in an illustrative docking arrangement in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30  is a diagram of an illustrative arrangement of a portable user device and a receiving receptacle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 31  is a diagram of an illustrative arrangement of a portable user device and receiving receptacles in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  is a diagram of an illustrative arrangement of a portable user device and a receiving receptacle in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  is a diagram of an illustrative arrangement of a portable user device, receiving receptacle and an adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 34  is a diagram of an illustrative arrangement of two portable user devices in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  shows a top perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  shows a bottom perspective view of the portable user device of  FIG. 35  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 37  shows a front perspective view of an illustrative portable user device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 38  shows a rear perspective view of the portable user device of  FIG. 37  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  is a diagram of an illustrative portable user device and an illustrative plug connector in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 40  is a diagram of an illustrative portable user device and an illustrative docking device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 41  is a table of illustrative terminal assignments in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 42  is a table of illustrative terminal groupings in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram of an illustrative portable user device arrangement in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 44  is a diagram of an illustrative portable user device, docking device and couplings in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed towards arrangements providing electrical coupling between a portable user device and a docking device via a clip member of the portable user device. Portable user devices such as mobile phones, media players, personal digital assistants, and other devices may transfer (e.g., upload, download, stream, synchronize) data with a docking device. Portable user devices may include one or more energy storage devices (e.g., batteries) which may receive charge (e.g., electrical energy transfer) from a docking device. 
     The term “docking device” as used herein refers to a device which may include a receiving receptacle which may itself include one or more terminals for communicating with a particular portable user device. The term “receiving receptacle” as used herein refers to interface hardware (e.g., one or more terminals, one or more arrays of terminals, a signal source, a receiver, a plug, a socket) of a docking device which may be suitably arranged to communicate with a portable user device. A docking device may include one or more receiving receptacles. For example, a docking device may be a computer which includes suitable terminals (e.g., included as part of one or more receiving receptacles) which may be coupled to corresponding terminals of a portable user device. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, portable user devices may include a clip member which may electrically couple to a docking device. A clip member may include one or more electrical terminals that may engage with a receiving receptacle of the docking device which may include electrical terminals which correspond to (e.g., mate with) those of the portable user device. In some embodiments, a portable user device with a clip member may be clamped onto or otherwise engaged with an adapter device, which may, in turn, be electrically coupled to a docking device. 
     In some embodiments, the clamping force provided by clip members may maintain contact between electrical terminals of the portable user device and corresponding electrical terminals of a receiving receptacle of a docking device. 
     The present disclosure is described more fully in the context of  FIGS. 1-44  below. 
     Shown in  FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of illustrative portable user device  100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  100  may include first clip member  102 , second clip member  104  and coupling pivot  106 . Coupling pivot  106  may be coupled to both first and second clip members  102  and  104 , and may allow the clip members to rotate relative to one another about the coupling pivot. 
     In some embodiments, a clip member (e.g., clip member  102  or  104 ) may include one or more electrical terminals which may be exposed, recessed, raised, overlaid, or otherwise integrated into the clip member. Electrical terminals may include pins, blades, spade terminals, ring terminals, tabs, corresponding sockets, any other suitable feature, or any combination thereof created from any suitable material (e.g., metal). The electrical terminals may be electrically coupled to any suitable components included in any of the one or more clip members. 
     Electrical terminals may be configured to accommodate direct current (DC) signals, alternating current (AC) signals, or any combinations thereof, operating at any suitable voltage. For example, electrical terminals may accommodate signals of 5 volt DC (VDC), 120 volts AC (VAC), or any other suitable voltages. In some embodiments, electrical terminals of a device may be configured to each accommodate particular signal types, voltages, currents, electrical waveforms, communication protocols, or other communication designations which may be used to transfer electrical signals between a portable user device and a docking device. For example, a single portable user device may include multiple electrical terminals, subsets of which each may be configured for universal serial bus (USB) communication, Firewire® communication, charging, and communication with accessories such as earphones. 
     In some embodiments, a clip member may include solid state memory hardware, a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, a display, any other component or any combination thereof which may be electrically coupled to one or more electrical terminals. 
     Coupling pivot  106  of portable user device  100  may include a hinge, flex pivot, or other type of mechanical coupling which may allow relative rotation of the clip members about a suitable axis. In some embodiments, a deformable spring element may provide a clamping force between the two clip members. 
     Shown in  FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of portable user device  100  and user  200  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, user  200  may manipulate first and second clip members  102  and  104  (e.g., cause the clip members to rotate relative to one another) by applying suitable opening force F O  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, suitable application of opening force F O  may cause relative rotation (as shown by motion arrow  202 ) between first clip member  102  and second clip member  104 . For example, user  200  may apply opening force F O  to increase the distance between the ends of first clip member  102  and second clip member  104  away from coupling pivot  106 . In some embodiments, an application of opening force F O  may aid in docking portable user device  100  to a suitable docking device. 
     In some embodiments, a receiving receptacle of a docking device may be configured to interface with a portable user device. A docking device may be standalone, coupled to an external device (e.g., a computer, a power supply), integrated as a component of a device (e.g., a computer, a power supply), or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, a docking device may include one or more receiving receptacles which may be configured to electrically couple to a portable user device via a plug and socket connector, clip interface, any other suitable hardware interface, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, a receiving receptacle of a docking device may be electrically coupled to a wall power outlet (e.g., a residential 120 VAC outlet). In a further example, a portable user device may be affixed to a receiving receptacle of a docking device by a clamping force provided by clip members of the portable user device. 
     Shown in  FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of portable user device  100  and docking device  310  in illustrative docking arrangement  300  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, docking may include “clipping” portable user device  100  onto docking device  310  to create contact between corresponding electrical terminals of portable user device  100  and electrical terminals of a receiving receptacle (not shown) of docking device  310 . Docking device  310  may include a receiving receptacle which itself may include electrical terminals in an arrangement substantially corresponding to one or more electrical terminals of one or more clip members. The electrical terminals of docking device  310  may be electrically coupled to memory hardware, a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, a display, any other component or any combinations thereof, not included in portable user device  100  (e.g., components of a computer). Upon docking portable user device  100  to docking device  310 , electrical contiguity may exist between corresponding electrical terminals of portable user device  100  and docking device  310 . Electrical contiguity may allow for transfer of data, power, or both, between suitable components of portable user device  100  and docking device  310 . In some embodiments, electrical contiguity may allow for transfer of data, power, or both, between suitable components of the portable user device and processing equipment (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) electrically coupled to docking device  310 . For example, electrical contiguity between electrical terminals of portable user device  100  and corresponding electrical terminals of docking device  310  may allow for data synchronization or “synching”. While portable user device  100  is docked to docking device  310 , synching may occur between portable user device  100  and docking device  310  or an external device (not shown) communicatively coupled to docking device  310 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of portable user device  100 , docking device  420 , and adapter  410  in illustrative docking arrangement  400  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  100  may be docked to a receiving receptacle of adapter  410 . In some embodiments, adapter  410  may be further communicatively coupled to docking device  420 . For example, adapter  410  may include a receiving receptacle which may itself include electrical terminals which correspond to electrical terminals of portable user device  100 . The receiving receptacle of adapter  410  may include any suitable interfaces, terminal configurations, any other suitable features which may be used to couple portable user device  100  to docking device  420 , or any combination of features thereof. 
     In some embodiments, an adapter may be used to couple a portable user device to a docking device which need not be configured to couple directly to the portable user device. For example, an adapter may be used to couple a portable user device with a clip interface to a plug in type 30-pin docking device. An adapter may include two or more interfaces for coupling to one or more portable user devices and one or more docking devices. Any suitable type of interface hardware, software, or both, may be included in an adapter for coupling to a docking device, including, for example, wired plugs and sockets, wireless interfaces (e.g., WiFi, BLUETOOTH), optical interfaces (e.g., IR, fiber optic), any other suitable interfaces, ports, or connections, or any suitable combinations thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  500  may include first clip member  502 , second clip member  504  and coupling pivot  506 . Coupling pivot  506  may be coupled to both first and second clip members  502  and  504 , and may allow the clip members to rotate relative to one another about axis  510 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  500  may include one or more terminals such as, for example, electrical terminals  520  and  530  arranged on first clip member  502 . Although two illustrative linearly-arranged terminals of portable user device  500  are shown in  FIG. 5  (e.g., electrical terminals  520  and  530 ), portable user device  500  may include any suitable number of terminals in any suitable arrangement (e.g., a linear thirty-terminal arrangement). Electrical terminals  520  and  530  may be coupled to processing equipment, memory, an energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery), any other suitable components which may be included in portable user device  500 , or any combinations thereof. Electrical terminals  520  and  530  may be, for example, recessed relative to surface  508 , raised relative to surface  508 , exposed, covered by a movable cover, any other suitable arrangement, or any combination thereof. Terminals may be located on any suitable clip member, or combination of members, and arranged in any suitable arrangement. 
     In an illustrative example, electrical terminals  520  and  530  may be spring loaded and raised relative to surface  508 . When portable user device  500  is docked to the a suitable docking device, electrical terminals  520  and  530  may be depressed so that they are substantially coincident with surface  508  and in contact with corresponding electrical terminals of the docking device. 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals included in the first or second clip members, or both, may be electrically coupled to components, terminals or both, of the other clip member via individual wires (not shown), a suitable ribbon cable (not shown), rotating contacts included in coupling pivot  506  (not shown), any other suitable components for electrically coupling components or terminals of two clip members, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, first clip member  502  may include a rechargeable battery with two charging terminals. Two wires may be coupled to the two charging terminals of the rechargeable battery. The two wires may also extend through coupling pivot  506  to second clip member  504 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of illustrative docking device  600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a receiving receptacle of docking device  600  may include electrical terminals  620  and  630  which may correspond to electrical terminals  520  and  530  of portable user device  500 . In some embodiments docking device  600  may include any other suitable receiving receptacles (not shown). In some embodiments, docking device  600  may be coupled to any suitable external device (not shown) via any suitable coupling. For example, in some embodiments, docking device  600  may be a computer. In a further example, in some embodiments, docking device  600  may be a standalone device coupled (e.g., by USB cable) to a computer. 
     Shown in  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of portable user device  500  and docking device  600  in illustrative docking arrangement  700  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  500  may be docked to docking device  600  by, for example, arranging electrical terminals  520  and  530  in contact with electrical terminals  620  and  630 , respectively. In some embodiments, first and second clip members  502  and  504  may apply clamping force F C  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) against docking device  600 , which may aid in securing portable user device  500  to docking device  600 . In  FIG. 7 , surface  708  of docking device  600  may be opposite to surface  608  of docking device  600 . 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals  520  and  530 , electrical terminals  620  and  630 , or any suitable combinations thereof, may be raised, spring loaded, or otherwise arranged to provide suitable contact. For example, in some embodiments, electrical terminals  520  and  630  may be raised, and electrical terminals  530  and  620  may be recessed. When portable user device  500  is docked to docking device  600 , surface  508  may lie coincident with surface  608 , raised electrical terminal  520  may contact recessed electrical terminal  620 , and raised electrical terminal  630  may contact recessed electrical terminal  530 . 
     In some embodiments, surface  508  need not contact surface  608  when portable user device  500  is docked to docking device  600 . For example, electrical terminals  520  and  530  may be raised relative to surface  508 , and electrical terminals  620  and  630  may be raised relative to surface  608 . When portable user device  500  is docked to docking device  600 , the corresponding raised terminals may cause a space between surfaces  508  and  608 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  800  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  800  may include first clip member  802 , second clip member  804  and coupling pivot  806 . Coupling pivot  806  may be coupled to both first and second clip members  802  and  804 , and may allow the clip members to rotate relative to one another about axis  810 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  800  may include one or more terminals such as, for example, electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , and  850  arranged on second clip member  804 . Although four illustrative linearly-arranged terminals of portable user device  800  are shown in  FIG. 8  (e.g., electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , and  850 ), portable user device  800  may include any suitable number of terminals in any suitable arrangement (e.g., a linear thirty-terminal arrangement). Electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850 , any other suitable electrical terminals, or combinations thereof, may be electrically coupled to any suitable processing equipment, memory, energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery), any other suitable components which may be included in portable user device  800 , or any combinations thereof. Electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850 , or combinations thereof may be, for example, recessed, raised, exposed, covered by a movable cover, any other suitable arrangement, or any combination thereof. 
     In an illustrative example, electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850 , or combinations thereof may be spring loaded and raised relative to surface  808 . When portable user device  800  is docked to the a suitable docking device, electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 ,  850 , or combinations thereof may be depressed so that they are flush with the surface of second clip member  804  and in contact with corresponding electrical terminals of the docking device. 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals included in the first or second clip members, or both, may be electrically coupled to components, terminals or both, of the other clip member via individual wires (not shown), a suitable ribbon cable (not shown), rotating contacts included in coupling pivot  806  (not shown), any other suitable components for electrically coupling components or terminals of two clip members, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, first clip member  802  may include a rechargeable battery with two charging terminals. Electrical terminals  820  and  830  of second clip member  804  may, for example, each be coupled to one of the two charging terminals of the rechargeable battery. 
     In some embodiments, for example, a clip member (e.g., clip member  802  or  804 ) may include solid state memory hardware such as a flash memory card. The clip member may include flash memory card terminals (e.g., flat, exposed metal tabs), coupled to the memory hardware. A docking device may include, for example, electrical terminals corresponding to the flash memory card terminals of the clip member. In some embodiments, the clip member may be configured to insert into or otherwise engage a docking device allowing the flash memory card terminals of the first clip member to contact the corresponding terminals of the docking device. In some embodiments, the contact between terminals and corresponding terminals may be maintained by a clamping force between the first clip member and a second clip member. 
     Shown in  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of illustrative docking device  900  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, docking device  900  may include receiving receptacle  902  which may include electrical terminals  920 ,  930 ,  940 , and  950  which may correspond to electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , and  850  of portable user device  800 . In some embodiments, docking device  900  may include any other suitable receiving receptacles (not shown). In some embodiments, docking device  900  may be coupled to any suitable external device (not shown) via any suitable coupling. For example, in some embodiments, docking device  900  may be a computer. In a further example, docking device  900  may be a standalone device coupled (e.g., by USB cable) to a computer. 
     Shown in  FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of portable user device  800  and docking device  900  in illustrative docking arrangement  1000  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  800  may be docked to docking device  900  by, for example, arranging electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , and  850  in contact with electrical terminals  920 ,  930 ,  940 , and  950 , respectively. In some embodiments, second clip member  804  may be inserted into receiving receptacle  902  to create contact between electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , and  850  of portable user device  800  and electrical terminals  920 ,  930 ,  940 , and  950  of receiving receptacle  902  of docking device  900 . In some embodiments, first and second clip members  802  and  804  may apply clamping force F CC  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ) against docking device  900 , which may aid in securing portable user device  800  to docking device  900 . In  FIG. 10 , surface  1008  of docking device  900  may be opposite to surface  908  of docking device  900 . 
     In some embodiments, no clamping force may be applied by first clip member  802 , second clip member  804 , or both, while portable user device  800  is docked to docking device  900 . For example, in some embodiments, receiving receptacle  902  may have dimensions just larger than the corresponding dimensions of second clip member  804 . When second clip member  804  is inserted into receiving receptacle  902  (e.g., docked), friction forces may secure second clip member  804  to receiving receptacle  902 , without application of clamping force F CC . Any suitable technique, arrangement, or both, may be used to aid in docking portable user device  800  to docking device  900 . 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , and  850 , electrical terminals  920 ,  930 ,  940 , and  950 , or any suitable combinations thereof, may be raised, recessed, spring loaded, or otherwise arranged to provide suitable contact. 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals (e.g., electrical terminals  820 ,  830 ,  840 , or  850 ) may be included on any suitable surface, edge, or both of second clip member  804 . For example, in some embodiments, electrical terminals may be arranged on surface  808 , the surface of second clip member  804  opposite to surface  808 , or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  1100  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  1100  may include first clip member  1102  and second clip member  1104 , which may include coupling pivot  1106 . Coupling pivot  1106  may be coupled to first clip member  1102  by fixed coupling  1112 , and may allow suitable portions of the clip members to rotate relative to one another about axis  1110 . 
     In some embodiments, coupling pivot  1106  may be a flexural pivot. For example, application of a moment about axis  1110  may cause a corresponding deflection of coupling pivot  1106 . The deflection of coupling pivot  1106  may cause suitable portions of clip members  1102  and  1104  to rotate relative to one another about axis  1110 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  1100  may include one or more terminals such as, for example, electrical terminals  1120  and  1130  arranged on first clip member  1102 . Although two illustrative linearly-arranged terminals of portable user device  1100  are shown in  FIG. 11  (e.g., electrical terminals  1120  and  1130 ), portable user device  1100  may include any suitable number of terminals in any suitable arrangement (e.g., a linear thirty-terminal arrangement). Electrical terminals  1120 ,  1130 , any other suitable electrical terminals, or combinations thereof, may be electrically coupled to any suitable processing equipment, memory, energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery), any other suitable components which may be included in portable user device  1100 , or any combinations thereof. Electrical terminals  1120 ,  1130 , or combinations thereof may be, for example, recessed relative to surface  1108 , raised relative to surface  1108 , exposed, covered by a movable cover, any other suitable arrangement, or any combination thereof. 
     In an illustrative example, electrical terminals  1120 ,  1130 , or combinations thereof may be spring loaded and raised relative to surface  1108 . When portable user device  1100  is docked to the a suitable docking device, electrical terminals  1120 ,  1130 , or combinations thereof may be depressed so that they are coincident with surface  1108  and in contact with corresponding electrical terminals of the docking device. 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals included in the first or second clip members, or both, may be electrically coupled to components, terminals or both, of the other clip member via individual wires (not shown), a suitable ribbon cable (not shown), rotating contacts included in coupling pivot  1106  (not shown), any other suitable components for electrically coupling components or terminals of two clip members, or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of illustrative docking device  1200  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, docking device  1200  may include a receiving receptacle which may itself include electrical terminals  1220  and  1230  which may correspond to electrical terminals  1120  and  1130  of portable user device  1100 . In some embodiments, docking device  1200  may be coupled to any suitable external device (not shown) via any suitable coupling. In some embodiments, docking device  1200  may include any other suitable receiving receptacles (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, docking device  1200  may be a computer. In a further example, in some embodiments, docking device  1200  may be a standalone device coupled (e.g., by USB cable) to a computer. 
     Shown in  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of portable user device  1100  and docking device  1200  in illustrative docking arrangement  1300  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  1100  may be docked to docking device  1200  by, for example, arranging electrical terminals  1120  and  1130  in contact with electrical terminals  1220  and  1230 , respectively. In some embodiments, first and second clip members  1102  and  1104  may apply clamping force F CCC  (as shown in  FIG. 13 ) against docking device  1200 , which may aid in securing portable user device  1100  to docking device  1200 . In  FIG. 13 , surface  1308  of docking device  1200  may be opposite to surface  1208  of docking device  1200 . 
     In some embodiments, no clamping force may be applied by first clip member  1102 , second clip member  1104 , or both, while portable user device  1100  is docked to docking device  1200 . 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals  1120  and  1130 , electrical terminals  1220  and  1230 , or any suitable combinations thereof, may be raised, recessed, spring loaded, or otherwise arranged to provide suitable contact. 
     Shown in  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  1400  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  1400  may include first clip member  1402  and second clip member  1404 , which may include coupling pivot  1406 . Coupling pivot  1406  may be coupled to both first clip member  1402  and clip member  1404 , and may allow suitable portions of the clip members to rotate relative to one another about axis  1410 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  1400  may include one or more terminals such as, for example, electrical terminals  1420  and  1430  arranged on first clip member  1402 . Although two illustrative linearly-arranged terminals of portable user device  1400  are shown in  FIG. 14  (e.g., electrical terminals  1420  and  1430 ), portable user device  1400  may include any suitable number of terminals in any suitable arrangement (e.g., a linear thirty-terminal arrangement). Electrical terminals  1420 ,  1430 , any other suitable electrical terminals, or combinations thereof, may be electrically coupled to any suitable processing equipment, memory, energy storage device (e.g., a rechargeable battery), any other suitable components which may be included in portable user device  1400 , or any combinations thereof. Electrical terminals  1420 ,  1430 , or combinations thereof may be, for example, recessed relative to surface  1408 , raised relative to surface  1408 , exposed, covered by a movable cover, any other suitable arrangement, or any combination thereof. 
     In an illustrative example, electrical terminals  1420 ,  1430 , or combinations thereof may be pins which are raised relative to surface  1408 . 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals included in the first or second clip members, or both, may be electrically coupled to components, terminals or both, of the other clip member via a suitable ribbon cable (not shown), rotating contacts included in coupling pivot  1406 , any other suitable components for electrically coupling components or terminals of two clip members, or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of illustrative docking device  1500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, docking device  1500  may include a receiving receptacle which may itself include electrical terminals  1520  and  1530  recessed from surface  1508  which may correspond to electrical terminals  1420  and  1430  of portable user device  1400 . For example, electrical terminals  1520  and  1530  may be holes corresponding to pins (e.g., electrical terminals  1420  and  1430  of  FIG. 14 ). In some embodiments, holes (e.g., electrical terminals  1520  and  1530 ) may be lined with metal, include metal inserts, or otherwise provide electrically conductive contact with corresponding pins (e.g., electrical terminals  1420  and  1430 ). 
     In some embodiments, docking device  1500  may be coupled to any suitable external device (not shown) via any suitable coupling. In some embodiments, docking device  1500  may included any other suitable receiving receptacles (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, docking device  1500  may be a computer. In a further example, in some embodiments, docking device  1500  may be a standalone device coupled (e.g., by USB cable) to a computer. 
     Shown in  FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of portable user device  1400  and docking device  1500  in illustrative docking arrangement  1600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  1400  may be docked to docking device  1500  by, for example, arranging electrical terminals  1420  and  1430  in contact with electrical terminals  1520  and  1530 , respectively. In some embodiments, first and second clip members  1402  and  1404  may apply clamping force F Cc  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) against docking device  1500 , which may aid in securing portable user device  1400  to docking device  1500 . In  FIG. 16 , surface  1608  of docking device  1500  may be opposite to surface  1508  of docking device  1500 . 
     In some embodiments, no clamping force may be applied by first clip member  1402 , second clip member  1404 , or both, while portable user device  1400  is docked to docking device  1500 . 
     In some embodiments, a receiving receptacle may include one or more electrical terminals which may be pins, and a portable user device may include one or more corresponding electrical terminals which may be holes. 
     Shown in  FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of portable user device  1400  and docking device  1500 , taken from line XVII-XVII of  FIG. 16 , in illustrative docking arrangement  1600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference line XVII-XVII of  FIG. 16  is coincident with the centerline of illustrative electrical terminal  1420  of portable user device  1400 . In some embodiments, docking may include “clipping” portable user device  1400  onto docking device  1500  to create contact between corresponding terminals of portable user device  1400  and docking device  1500 . For example, in some embodiments, docking portable user device  1400  to docking device  1500  may include inserting one or more pins (e.g., electrical terminals  1420  and  1430  of portable user device  1400 ) into one or more holes (e.g., electrical terminals  1520  and  1530  of docking device  1500 ) or other suitable electrical terminals. 
     Electrical terminals are discussed in the context of  FIGS. 1-17  for purposes of illustration rather than limitation. In some embodiments, a portable user device without one or more electrical terminals arranged on a clip member may be clipped (e.g., docked) to a receiving receptacle of a docking device. For example, a docking device may be configured to inductively charge the battery of a portable user device, and need not require contact of corresponding electrical terminals for docking. In a further example, one or more optical terminals (e.g., fiber optic connectors) may be included on one or more clip members of a portable user device. A docking device may include a receiving receptacle which may include corresponding optical terminals which may engage the first optical terminals of the clip member, allowing optical signals to be transferred between the receiving receptacle of the docking device and the portable user device. Any suitable type of coupling (e.g., electrical, optical, inductive) between a docking device and a portable user device with a clip may be achieved using the clip mechanism of the portable user device. 
     Shown in  FIG. 18  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  1800  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  1800  may include first clip member  1802 , second clip member  1804 , coupling pivot  1806 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Coupling pivot  1806  may be coupled to both first clip member  1802  and second clip member  1804 , and may allow the clip members to rotate relative to one another. In some embodiments, portable user device  1800  may include port  1840 , separate from the clip mechanism, configured to electrically couple to one or more devices, connectors, or accessories (e.g., earphones). 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  1800  may include one or more terminals  1810  arranged on at least one of first clip member  1802  and second clip member  1804  (e.g., electric terminals  1810  arranged on second clip member  1804 ). In some embodiments, electrical terminals  1810  may be coupled to first clip member  1802  via ribbon cable  1808 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Although illustrative ribbon cable  1808  is shown in  FIG. 18 , any suitable components may be included in portable user device  1800 . For example, individual wires, printed circuits, layered circuits, any suitable electrically insulating components, any other electrically conductive path, or any combination thereof may be used to create electrical contiguity between first and second clip members  1802  and  1804 . For example, one or more insulated wires may be used to electrically couple electrical terminals of first clip member  1802  and second clip member  1804 . 
     In some embodiments, ribbon cable  1808  or portions thereof may be arranged internal to first clip member  1802 , second clip member  1804 , coupling pivot  1806 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, ribbon cable  1808 , or any other suitable electrical coupling between first and second clip members  1802  and  1804 , may be arranged in the clip interior, represented by region  1860  within the acute angle between the clip members. Any suitable arrangement, components, or both, may be used to electrically couple first clip member  1802  and second clip member  1804 . 
     In some embodiments, ribbon cable  1808  may be electrically coupled to any suitable components included in first clip member  1802 , second clip member  1804 , coupling pivot  1806 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. One or more wires of ribbon cable  1808  may be, for example, electrically coupled to one or more of electrical terminals  1810 . For example, one or more wires of ribbon cable  1808  may couple one or more of electrical terminals  1810  to one or more components (e.g., a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, memory) included in first clip member  1802 . 
     In some embodiments, second clip member  1804  may include solid state memory hardware, a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, a display, any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiment, second clip member  1804  may include one or more electric terminals  1810 , but need not include solid state memory hardware, a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, or other components. 
     Shown in  FIG. 19  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  1900  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  1900  may include first clip member  1902 , second clip member  1904 , coupling pivot  1906 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Coupling pivot  1906  may be coupled to both first clip member  1902  and second clip member  1904 , and may allow the clip members to rotate relative to one another. In some embodiments, portable user device  1900  may include port  1940 , separate from the clip mechanism, configured to electrically couple to one or more devices, connectors, or accessories (e.g., earphones). 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  1900  may include one or more terminals  1910  arranged on at least one of first clip member  1902  and second clip member  1904  (e.g., electric terminals  1910  arranged on second clip member  1904 ). In some embodiments, electrical terminals  1910  may be coupled to first clip member  1902  via rotating contacts  1952  and  1954 , insulating element  1956 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, rotating contact  1952  may be in electrical contact with rotating contact  1954 , which may allow electrical contiguity between first and second clip members  1902  and  1904 . Insulating elements  1956  may electrically separate the circuit which includes rotating contacts  1952  and  1954  and one or more other circuits (e.g., other rotating contacts). Although illustrative coupling  1906  is shown in  FIG. 19  as including rotating contacts  1952  and  1954 , any suitable components may be included in portable user device  1900 . For example, individual wires, printed circuits, layered circuits, any suitable electrically insulating components, any other electrically conductive path, or any combination thereof may be used to create electrical contiguity between first and second clip members  1902  and  1904 . 
     In some embodiments, rotating contacts  1952  and  1954 , insulating element  1956  or portions thereof may be arranged internal to first clip member  1902 , second clip member  1904 , coupling pivot  1906 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Any suitable arrangement, components, or both, may be used to electrically couple first clip member  1902  and second clip member  1904 . 
     In some embodiments, rotating contacts  1952  and  1954  may be electrically coupled to any suitable components included in first clip member  1902 , second clip member  1904 , coupling pivot  1906 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Rotating contacts  1952  and  1954  may be, for example, electrically coupled to one or more of electrical terminals  1910 . For example, rotating contacts  1952  and  1954  may electrically couple one or more of electrical terminals  1910  to one or more components (e.g., a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, memory) which may be included in first clip member  1902 . 
     In some embodiments, second clip member  1904  may include solid state memory hardware, a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiment, second clip member  1904  may include one or more electric terminals  1910 , but need not include solid state memory hardware, a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, or other components. 
     Shown in  FIG. 20  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  2000 , adapter  2040 , and docking device  2070  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  2000  may include first clip member  2002 , second clip member  2004 , coupling pivot  2006 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Coupling pivot  2006  may be coupled to both first clip member  2002  and second clip member  2004 , and may allow the clip members to rotate relative to one another about axis  2012 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of illustrative second clip member  2004  of  FIG. 20  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Orientation arrow  2080  of  FIGS. 20 and 21  shows the relative view of second clip member  2004 . In some embodiments, second clip member  2004  may include electrical terminals  2052 ,  2062 , any other suitable terminals, or any combination thereof. Although not shown, electrical terminals  2052  and  2062  may be electrically coupled to one or more suitable wires, printed circuits, layered circuits, any suitable electrically insulating components, any other electrically conductive path, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, electrical terminals  2052  and  2062  may be electrically coupled to components included in first clip member  2002  via, a ribbon cable, rotatable contacts, any other suitable electrical components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, electrical terminals  2052  and  2062  need not be electrically coupled to first clip member  2002 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of illustrative adapter  2040  of  FIG. 20  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, adapter  2040  may include a receiving receptacle which may include electrical terminals  2050  and  2060  which may correspond to electrical terminals  2052  and  2062  of portable user device  2000 . In some embodiments, adapter  2040  may include a receiving receptacle which may include electrical terminals  2022  and  2032 , which may correspond to electrical terminals  2020  and  2030  of portable user device  2000 . A docking device may include any suitable number of terminals, arranged in any suitable receiving receptacles. 
     In some embodiments, adapter  2040  may include port  2010 . In some embodiments, docking device  2070  may include, for example, receiving receptacle  2072 . Port  2010  of adapter  2040  may include one or more terminals which may engage corresponding terminals of receiving receptacle  2072  when adapter  2040  is docked to docking device  2070 . Any suitable interface or combination of interfaces may be used to communicatively couple adapter  2040  to docking device  2070 . 
     In some embodiments, docking device  2070  may be coupled to, or included as a component of, any suitable external device (not shown) via any suitable coupling. In some embodiments, for example, docking device  2070  may be included in a computer. In a further example, in some embodiments, docking device  2070  may be a standalone device coupled (e.g., by USB cable) to a computer. 
     In some embodiments, second clip member  2004  may include electrical terminals  2024  and  2034  as shown in  FIG. 21 . When portable user device  2000  is not clipped onto another device or object, electrical terminals  2024  and  2034  may contact (e.g., electrically couple) corresponding electrical terminals  2020  and  2030 , respectively, of first clip member  2002 . In some embodiments, portable user device  2000  may include a diagnostic sensor or circuit which may detect the contact between electrical terminals  2024  and  2034  of second clip member  2004  and electrical terminals  2020  and  2030  of first clip member  2002 , respectively. Portable user device  2000  may use the diagnostic sensor or circuit to perform a systems check. For example, if the diagnostic sensor or circuit detects that there is no contact between electrical terminals  2020  and  2030  and electrical terminals  2024  and  2034 , portable user device  2000  may determine whether it has been docked to a suitable docking device. 
     Shown in  FIG. 23  is a perspective view of illustrative portable user device  2000 , adapter  2040 , and docking device  2070  in docking arrangement  2300  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  2000  may be clipped onto adapter  2040 , creating electrical contiguity between electrical terminals  2020 ,  2030 ,  2052 , and  2062  of portable user device  2000  and corresponding electrical terminals  2022 ,  2032 ,  2050 , and  2060  of adapter  2040 , respectively. In some embodiments, adapter  2040  may be docked to docking device  2070  by suitably engaging port  2010  to receiving receptacle  2072  to create electrical contiguity between corresponding terminals. In some embodiments, docking portable user device  2000  may include both electrically coupling portable user device  2000  to adapter  2040  (e.g., as shown by arrow  2014  of  FIG. 20 ), and electrically coupling adapter  2040  to docking device  2070  (e.g., as shown by arrow  2016  of  FIG. 20 ). In some embodiments, docking portable user device  2000  may require rotating second clip members  2004  (e.g., as shown by arrow  2018  of  FIG. 20 ) relative to first clip member  2002  to “open” the clip and then “close” the clip onto a suitable receiving receptacle (e.g., a suitable portion of adapter  2040  including one or more electrical terminals as shown in  FIG. 23 ). 
     Shown in  FIG. 24  is a perspective view of illustrative docking device  2400  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, docking device  2400  may be a laptop computer, any other suitable docking device, or any combination thereof. Docking device  2400  may include one or more receiving receptacles (e.g., receiving receptacle  2410 ) which each include one or more terminals for coupling docking device  2400  to portable user devices, other docking devices, any other suitable devices, or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an enlargement of a region of illustrative docking device  2400  of  FIG. 24  taken from line  2420  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Receiving receptacle  2410 , shown in the region bounded by line  2420 , may include one or more terminals such as, for example, electrical terminals  2502 ,  2504 ,  2506 ,  2508 , any other suitable terminals, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, electrical terminals  2502 ,  2504 ,  2506 , and  2508  of receiving receptacle  2410  may be electrically coupled to any suitable components of docking device  2400  such as, for example, processing equipment, memory, a rechargeable battery, a power supply, a user interface, any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 26  is a front elevation view of illustrative portable user device  2600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 27  is a back elevation view of portable user device  2600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 28  is a top plan view of portable user device  2600  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  2600  may include first clip member  2602 , second clip member  2604 , coupling pivot  2606 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. Orientation arrow  2610  may be referred to for clarifying relative orientations of portable user device  2600  among  FIGS. 26-28 . For example, in some embodiments, portable user device  2600  may include display  2608 , accessory (e.g., earphones) port  2620 , electrical terminals  2702 ,  2704 ,  2706 , and  2708 , any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, docking portable user device  2600  may require rotating second clip members  2604  (e.g., as shown by arrow  2802  of  FIG. 28 ) relative to first clip member  2602  to “open” the clip and then “close” the clip onto a suitable receiving receptacle (e.g., receiving receptacle  2410  of  FIG. 24 ). 
     In some embodiments, electrical terminals  2702 ,  2704 ,  2706 , and  2708  of portable user device  2600  may correspond to electrical terminals  2502 ,  2504 ,  2506 , and  2508  of docking device  2400 , respectively. In some embodiments, docking portable user device  2600  to docking device  2400  may create electrical contiguity between electrical terminals  2702 ,  2704 ,  2706 , and  2708  of portable user device  2600  and electrical terminals  2502 ,  2504 ,  2506 , and  2508  of docking device  2400 , respectively. 
       FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of illustrative docking device  2400  and portable user device  2600  in illustrative docking arrangement  2900  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Docking arrangement  2900  may allow data transfer, charging, or any other suitable function between portable user device  2600  and docking device  2400 , or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIGS. 30-34  are diagrams of illustrative arrangements  3000 ,  3100 ,  3200 ,  3300 , and  3400 , respectively, of portable user devices, receiving receptacles, and adapters in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3002 , which may include clip member  3004 , may be coupled to receiving receptacle  3006  via coupling  3008 , as shown in  FIG. 30 . Portable user device  3002  may be any suitable device which may include a clip member (e.g., clip member  3004 ). In some embodiments, clip member  3004  need not be used to couple portable user device  3002  to receiving receptacle  3006 . In some embodiments, coupling  3008  may include any suitable type of wired connection such as, for example, a 30-pin cable with suitable connectors (e.g., plugs and sockets), a USB cable with suitable connectors, a wire cable with 3.5 mm TRS type connectors, any other suitable wired connection, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, coupling  3008  may include any suitable type of wireless coupling which may include any suitable hardware, software, or both. In some embodiments, coupling  3008  may be used to transfer data between portable user device  3002  and receiving receptacle  3006 , recharge portable user device  3002  from a suitable power supply coupled to receiving receptacle  3006 , perform any other suitable docking function, or any combination thereof. Receiving receptacle  3006  may be included in, or otherwise coupled to, any suitable docking device. The docking device may send or receive data, charge, or both, via receiving receptacle  3006 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3102 , which includes clip member  3104 , may be coupled to receiving receptacle  3106  via coupling  3108 , and to receiving receptacle  3110  via coupling  3112 , as shown in  FIG. 31 . Portable user device  3102  may be any suitable device which may include a clip member (e.g., clip member  3104 ). In some embodiments, receiving receptacle  3106  and receiving receptacle  3110  may be included in a single docking device. In some embodiments, receiving receptacle  3106  and receiving receptacle  3110  may be separate devices (e.g., external to each other) or may be included in separate devices. In some embodiments, receiving receptacle  3106  and receiving receptacle  3110  may be separate receptacles (e.g., external to each other), but may be included in a single docking device. For example, a single docking device may include two separate receiving receptacles which need not have similar configurations. 
     In some embodiments, clip member  3104  may be used to couple portable user device  3102  to receiving receptacle  3110 , but need not be used to couple portable user device  3102  to receiving receptacle  3106 . In some embodiments, coupling  3108  may include any suitable type of wired connection such as, for example, a 30-pin cable with suitable connectors (e.g., plugs and sockets), a USB cable with suitable connectors, any other suitable wired connection, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, coupling  3108  may include any suitable type of wireless coupling which may include any suitable hardware, software, or both. In some embodiments, coupling  3108  may be used to transfer data between portable user device  3102  and receiving receptacle  3106 , recharge portable user device  3102  from a suitable power supply coupled to receiving receptacle  3106 , any other suitable docking function, or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, clip member  3104  may be used to couple portable user device  3102  to receiving receptacle  3110 . Clip member  3104  may include any suitable type of terminals (e.g., pins, tabs, blades, connectors, sockets) which may engage corresponding terminals on receiving receptacle  3110 . In some embodiments, coupling  3112  may be used to transfer data between portable user device  3102  and receiving receptacle  3110 , recharge portable user device  3102  from a suitable power supply coupled to receiving receptacle  3110 , any other suitable docking function, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, clip member  3104  may provide a clamping force which may aid in docking portable user device  3102  to receiving receptacle  3110 . In some embodiments, coupling  3112  may represent contact between corresponding terminals of portable user device  3102  and receiving receptacle  3110 . 
     In some embodiments, couplings  3108  and  3112  may provide different docking functionalities. For example, in some embodiments, coupling  3112  may allow charging of portable user device  3102  while coupling  3108  may allow data transfer. In some embodiments, both coupling  3108  and coupling  3112  may allow charging and data transfer. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3202 , which includes clip member  3204 , may be coupled to receiving receptacle  3210  via coupling  3212 , as shown by arrangement  3200  of  FIG. 32 . 
     In some embodiments, clip member  3204  may be used to couple portable user device  3202  to receiving receptacle  3210 . Clip member  3204  may include any suitable type of terminals (e.g., pins, tabs, blades, connectors, sockets) which may engage corresponding terminals on receiving receptacle  3210 . In some embodiments, coupling  3212  may be used to transfer data between portable user device  3202  and receiving receptacle  3210 , recharge portable user device  3202  from a suitable power supply coupled to receiving receptacle  3210 , any other suitable docking function, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, clip member  3204  may provide a clamping force which may aid in docking portable user device  3202  to receiving receptacle  3210 . In some embodiments, coupling  3212  may represent contact between corresponding terminals of portable user device  3202  and receiving receptacle  3210 . Receiving receptacle  3210  may be included in, or otherwise coupled to, any suitable docking device. The docking device may send or receive data, charge, or both, via receiving receptacle  3210 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3302  may be coupled to adapter  3314  via coupling  3312 , as shown by arrangement  3300  of  FIG. 33 . Adapter  3314  may be further coupled to receiving receptacle  3310  via coupling  3316 . Portable user device  3302  may be substantially the same as portable user device  3202  of  FIG. 32 , in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, clip member  3304  may be used to couple portable user device  3302  to adapter  3314 . Clip member  3304  may include any suitable type of terminals (e.g., pins, tabs, blades, connectors, sockets) which may engage corresponding terminals on adapter  3314 . In some embodiments, clip member  3304  may provide a clamping force which may aid in docking portable user device  3302  to adapter  3314 . In some embodiments, coupling  3312  may represent contact between corresponding terminals of portable user device  3302  and adapter  3314 . 
     In some embodiments, adapter  3314  may be coupled to receiving receptacle  3310  via coupling  3316 . In some embodiments, coupling  3312 , adapter  3314 , coupling  3316  and receiving receptacle  3310  may form a series coupling. The series coupling may be used to transfer data between portable user device  3302  and receiving receptacle  3310 , recharge portable user device  3302  from a suitable power supply coupled to receiving receptacle  3310 , any other suitable docking function, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, adapter  3314  may include one or more arrays, each including one or more terminals. At least one of the arrays may interface to corresponding terminals of clip member  3304 , while at least one other array may interface to corresponding terminals of receiving receptacle  3310 . 
     In an illustrative example, receiving receptacle  3310  may include a 30-pin plug arrangement. Portable user device  3302  may include an array of one or more terminals on clip member  3304  which are not capable of interfacing directly to a 30-pin plug. Adapter  3314  may include both a 30-pin socket arrangement which interfaces to receiving receptacle  3310 , and an array of terminals corresponding to the terminals of clip member  3304 . Coupling clip member  3304  to adapter  3314 , and adapter  3314  to receiving receptacle  3310  may allow data transfer, charging, or both, between portable user device  3302  and receiving receptacle  3310 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3402 , which includes clip member  3404 , may be coupled to portable user device  3452 , which includes clip member  3454 , via coupling  3450  as shown by arrangement  3400  of  FIG. 34 . 
     In some embodiments, clip members  3404  and  3454  may be used to couple portable user device  3402  to portable user device  3402  via coupling  3450 . In some embodiments, coupling  3450  may be used to transfer data between portable user device  3402  and portable user device  3452 , recharge portable user device  3402  or portable user device  3452  from each other, any other suitable docking function, or any combination thereof. Clip member  3404  may include any suitable type of terminals (e.g., pins, tabs, blades, connectors, sockets) which may engage corresponding terminals on clip member  3454 . In some embodiments, clip member  3404 , clip member  3454 , or both, may provide a clamping force which may aid in docking portable user device  3402  to portable user device  3452 . Coupling  3450  may represent contact between corresponding terminals of portable user device  3402  and portable user device  3452 . 
     It will be understood that any of the elements and arrangements of  FIGS. 30-34  may be rearranged, omitted, appended, combined, or otherwise altered in accordance with the present disclosure. Any of receiving receptacles  3006 ,  3106 ,  3110 ,  3210 , and  3310  may be included in any suitable docking device, coupled to any suitable docking device, or both. 
     Shown in  FIG. 35  is a top perspective view of illustrative portable user device  3500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 36  is a bottom perspective view of illustrative portable user device  3500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  3500  may be any suitable portable user device which includes a clip member. For example, portable user device  3500  may be a personal media player. In some embodiments, portable user device  3500  may include power switch  3550 , accessory port  3540 , a display, a touchpad, one or more hard commands (e.g., push buttons, dials, sliding buttons), a rechargeable battery, processing equipment, memory, a user interface, any other feature or component, or any combination thereof. 
     Portable user device  3500  may include, for example, first clip member  3502 , second clip member  3504 , and pivot coupling  3506 . Coupling pivot  3506  may allow first and second clip members  3502  and  3504  to rotate relative to one another about axis  3510 , as shown by motion arrows  3512 . In some embodiments, coupling pivot  3506  may include any type of pivot joint such as, for example, a spring-loaded hinge. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3500  may include port  3560 , not located on the clip member. In some embodiments, port  3560  of portable user device  3500  may interface to a corresponding receiving receptacle (e.g., plug and socket connector). Port  3560  may allow data transfer, charging, or both, between portable user device  3500  and one or more suitable docking devices. 
     Shown in  FIG. 37  is a front perspective view of illustrative portable user device  3700  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 38  is a back perspective view of illustrative portable user device  3700  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  3700  may be any suitable portable user device which includes a clip mechanism (e.g., clip members and a coupling pivot). For example, portable user device  3700  may be a personal communications device. In some embodiments, portable user device  3700  may include display  3740 , keypad  3750 , rechargeable battery  3730 , any other feature or component, or any combination thereof. Portable user device  3700  may include, for example, first clip member  3702 , second clip member  3704 , and pivot coupling  3706 . Coupling pivot  3706  may allow first and second clip members  3702  and  3704  to rotate relative to one another about axis  3710 , as shown by motion arrows  3712 . In some embodiments, coupling pivot  3706  may include any type of pivot joint such as, for example, a flexural pivot. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  3700  may include port  3760 , not located on the clip mechanism. In some embodiments, port  3760  of portable user device  3700  may interface to a corresponding receiving receptacle (e.g., plug and socket connector). Port  3760  may allow data transfer, charging, or both, between portable user device  3700  and one or more suitable docking devices. In some embodiments, port  3760  may couple accessories such as, for example, earphones to portable user device  3700 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 39  is a diagram of illustrative portable user device  3900  and plug  3950  in connector in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  3900  may include, for example, pin sockets  3902  which collectively may be referred to as a socket, display  3910 , buttons  3912 , any other suitable components, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, plug  3950  may include a nominally 30-pin configuration in which pins  3952  are mounted in plug  3950 . Coupling  3960  may, for example, include one or more insulated wires (e.g., a bundled cable) which may electrically couple pins  3952  to any suitable external device (not shown). In some embodiments, pins  3952  may be made of a suitable metal, and electrically coupled to coupling  3960  by suitable soldering, crimping, clamping (e.g., screw down terminal), any other method of affixing electrically conductive components, or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, pins  3952  may be inserted or “plugged” (e.g., docked as shown by motion arrows  3970 ) into pin sockets  3902  to create electrical contiguity between one or more components of portable user device  3900  and one or more external devices (not shown) via coupling  3960 . In some embodiments, plug  3950 , portable user device  3900 , or both, may include a latching mechanism which may aid in maintaining contact while docked. In some embodiments, plug  3950 , portable user device  3900 , or both, may include a sensor to indicate a plugged condition. For example, in some embodiments, if plug  3950  is not inserted properly into portable user device  3900 , the sensor may trigger an alert to a user (e.g., audible, display text, tactile rumble) regarding the improper plugging. 
     In some embodiments, pins  3952  and pin sockets  3902  need not be metallic or electrically conductive. For example, in some embodiments, pins  3952  and pin sockets  3902  may include a fiber optic coupling such as a TOSLINK® (Toshiba Link), SC connector, straight tip (ST) connector, any other suitable fiber optic coupling, or any combinations thereof. Any suitable technique, connector (e.g., plug and socket), arrangement, or interface may be used to couple plug  3950  to portable user device  3900 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 40  is a diagram of illustrative portable user device  4000  and illustrative docking device  4050  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portable user device  4000  may include display  4002 , clip member  4020 , accessory port  4004 , any other suitable features or components, or any combination thereof. Portable user device  4000  may include, for example, port  4010  which may include one or more arrays of one or more terminals. Socket  4010  may engage receiving receptacle  4052  of docking device  4050  which may include one or more arrays of corresponding terminals to the terminals of port  4010 . In some embodiments, portable user device  4000  may be docked to docking device  4050  by coupling port  4010  to receiving receptacle  4052  (e.g., by pressing via motion arrows  4070 ). Docking portable user device  4000  to docking device  4050  may allow data transfer, charging, or both. Docking device  4050  may communicate with other devices (not shown) via coupling  4060  which may include a wire, bundled wire, fiber optic cable, wireless network connection, any other suitable coupling, or any combination thereof. 
     Shown in  FIG. 41  is table  4100  of illustrative terminal assignments in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an array of terminals (e.g., metal pins) may have any or all of the functionalities included in table  4100 . For example, particular subsets of terminals may be used for USB data transfer, USD charging, Firewire (e.g., IEEE 1394 interface) data transfer, serial protocol data transfer, accessory inputs and outputs (e.g., audio in and out), ground, any other suitable function, or any combination thereof. It will be understood that table  4100  shows illustrative terminal assignments, and that some embodiments may use different terminal assignments. Any suitable number of terminals and arrangement of terminals may be used in accordance with the present disclosure. In an illustrative example, the terminal assignments of table  4100  may be used to designate electrical terminals of a plug such as plug  3950  of  FIG. 39 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 42  is table  4200  of illustrative terminal groupings in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the terminals included in table  4100  may be grouped according to function, as shown by table  4200 . Terminals  3 ,  5 ,  7 , and  9  may be used for Firewire data transmittal, and terminals  4 ,  6  and  8  may be used for USB data transmittal. Collectively, these terminals may be termed “data” terminals. Similarly, terminals may be collectively referred to as, for example, grounding terminals (e.g., terminals  1 ,  2 ,  15 ,  16 ,  30 - 32 ), digital data terminals (e.g., terminals  3 - 8 ), detect terminals (e.g., terminal  24 ), accessory terminals (e.g., terminals  13 ,  20 ), charging terminals (e.g., terminals  11 ,  12 ), audio/video terminals (e.g., terminals  21 - 23 ,  25 - 29 ), any other terminal designation, or any combination thereof. Table  4200  of  FIG. 42  shows several illustrative terminal designations, which may be used to refer to terminals collectively by function. 
     Shown in  FIG. 43  is a diagram of illustrative portable user device arrangement  4300  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  4302  may include processing equipment (e.g., a processor, parallel processors, a local processor, remote processor, multiple processors), cache, memory (e.g., ROM, RAM), communications interfaces, a rechargeable battery, clip member  4304 , any other hardware components, or suitable combinations thereof. Portable user device  4302  may be a portable computer, personal communications device (e.g., mobile phone, smart phone), personal media device (e.g., MP3 player), personal digital assistant (PDA), any other suitable portable user device, or any combination of portable user devices thereof. 
     Power supply  4306  may provide charging, discharging, recharging, or any other suitable electrical energy transfer with portable user device  4302  via power path  4352 . Power supply may include any suitable power sources such as, for example, a solar cell, a battery, a super-capacitor, a wall socket (e.g., coupled to a suitable power transmission network), any other suitable power source, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, in an illustrative example, power supply  4306  may include both a photovoltaic cell array (e.g., with suitable power conditioning circuitry) and 120 VAC provided from a power transmission network to provide electrical energy to portable user device  4302 . In some embodiments power supply  4306  may operate at 120 VAC, any suitable DC voltage, or any suitable combination thereof. Power coupling  4352  may include one or more transformers (e.g., AC-DC transformer, DC-DC transformer), inverters, plugs and socket connections (e.g., 120 VAC 2 or 3 prong plugs and sockets, USB type connectors), power cords, any other suitable components, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one or more components of power supply  4306  may reside integral to portable user device  4302 . For example, portable user device  4302  may include a built-in photovoltaic cell which may provide charging to a rechargeable battery also included in portable user device  4302 . 
     Audio device  4308  provides audio output to a user, receives audio input from a user, or both, and may be coupled to portable user device  4302  by communications path  4354 . In some embodiments, audio device  108  may be a part of (e.g., integrated into) portable user device  4302 . Audio device  4308  may be headphones, a headset, earphones, or any other suitable audio device or any combination thereof. Audio device  4308  may also include controls and an interface for adjusting volume, such as, for example, a volume-adjust knob or mute button. In some embodiments, communications path  4354  may include, for example, a tip/ring/sleeve (TRS) plug of any suitable size (e.g., a 3.5 mm earphone “jack”), RCA-type plug, corresponding sockets, insulated wires, any other suitable components, or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, communications path  4354  may be a wireless communication path. For example, in some embodiments, audio device  4308  may include a BLUETOOTH® headset, and communications path  4354  may include a BLUETOOTH® protocol. 
     Portable memory device  4310  may be used for storing or recalling data, applications, or both, and may be coupled to portable user device  4302 , via communications path  4356 . Portable memory device  4310  may be a portable hard drive, flash memory drive, MultiMediaCard (MMC), SecureDigital (SD) card, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, compact disk, compact disk reading and/or writing device, zip drive, disk drive, any other suitable memory device, or combination thereof. Communications path  4356  may be a universal serial bus (USB) coupling, MMC coupling, SD coupling, any other suitable communications path or any combination thereof. 
     Auxiliary device  4312  may be coupled to portable user device  4302  via communications path  4358 . Auxiliary device  4312  may be a mobile phone, smart phone (e.g., iPhone®), personal digital assistant (PDA), personal media player (e.g., iPod®), accessory, a gaming console, any other suitable device, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, for example, auxiliary device  4312  may be second portable user device which may be clipped (i.e., docked) to portable user device  4302 . 
     Computer  4314  may be coupled to portable user device  4302  via communications path  4360 . Computer  4314  may be a general computer, specific computer, personal computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, remote computing facility, any other suitable type of computing device, or any combination thereof. Communications path  4360  may include any type of suitable wired or wireless path such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), WiFi network, BLUETOOTH network, USB wire connection, fiber optic cable network, IR wireless optical path, or any combinations thereof which may allow communication between portable device  4302  and computer  4314 . 
     Network  4316  may be coupled to portable user device  4302  via communications path  4362 . Communications path  4362  may be an optical network, wired network, wireless network, internet, ethernet, any other suitable network or combinations thereof. Wired networks may include wide area networks (WANs), LANs, any other suitable wired network or any combination thereof. Wireless networks may include wireless LANs (WLANs), wireless WANs (WWANs), WiFi networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11 standard), communications networks, or other suitable network or any combination thereof. 
     Wireless network  4324  may be coupled to portable user device  4302  via communications path  4366 . Communications path  4366  may include WiFi, wireless area networks of any scale, or cellular telephone networks such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS), or Mobile Web, or any other wireless communication network. Communications path  4366  may include any suitable hardware, software, or both such as, for example, antennas, routers, wireless access points, network bridges, wireless adapters, modems, any other suitable hardware or software, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     Illustrative arrangement  4300  shown in  FIG. 43  represents some embodiments of hardware systems and networks which may be used to distribute and consume media, transfer data, provide charging, and other suitable functions. In some embodiments, portable user device  4302  may include, but is not limited to, any combination of hardware and communications paths shown in  FIG. 43  or discussed in the context of  FIG. 43 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4302  may be capable of being docked via clip member  4304  to power supply  4306 , audio device  4308 , memory device  4310 , auxiliary device  4312 , computer  4314 , any other suitable device, or any combinations thereof, for data transferring, charging, any other suitable function, or any combination thereof. For example, portable user device  4302  may be clipped (i.e., docked) onto a suitable receiving receptacle of computer  4314 , and data (e.g., contact list, media content files, e-mail messages) may be synchronized between portable user device  4302  and computer  4314 . In some embodiments, communications path  4354 ,  4356 ,  4358 ,  4360 ,  4362 , power path  4352 , any other suitable path, or any combination thereof may include coupling portable user device  4302  via clip member  4304 . For example, in some embodiments, portable user device  4302  may be docked to a docking device which includes both power supply  4306  and computer  4314 . Portable user device may be coupled to the docking device by clip member  4304  which may include one or more electrical terminals which may correspond to one or more electrical terminals on the docking device. Any suitable docking arrangement may be used to charge, transfer data to or from, or both, portable user device  4302 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 44  is a diagram of illustrative portable user device  4400 , one or more docking devices  4450 , and various couplings in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Portable user device  4400  may include processing equipment  4402 , memory  4404 , input/output (I/O) interface  4406 , energy storage device  4408 , sensor  4410 , user interface  4412 , any other suitable components, subsystems or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include port  4420  which may include any suitable type of couplings, or combination of couplings, which may interface (e.g., dock) with other devices, systems or components. For example, in some embodiments, port  4420  may be configured to engage receiving receptacle  4460 . Port  4420  may be coupled to receiving receptacle  4460  via coupling  4440  which may include electrical couplings, mechanical couplings, optical couplings, wireless couplings, any other suitable coupling, or any combination thereof. For example, coupling  4440  may represent contact between corresponding electrical terminals of port  4420  and receiving receptacle  4460 . In some embodiments, coupling  4440  may include hardware components such as, for example, clip members, wires, bundled wires, electrical terminals, arrays of electrical terminals, suitable connectors (e.g., plugs, sockets), fiber optic cables, any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, port  4420  may include one or more groupings of electrical terminals. For example, port  4420  may include a first group of terminals for data transfer, and a second group of terminals for charging. 
     In some embodiments, port  4420  may include one or more mechanisms such as, for example, clip mechanisms (e.g., clip members and coupling pivot) including communication terminals, latches, springs, guides (e.g., to maintain alignment during docking), movable terminal covers (e.g., to protect terminals when not docked), any other suitable component which may provide a suitable mechanical function, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, port  4420  may include one or more electrical terminals arranged on one or more clip members which may correspond to one or more electrical terminals included in a suitable docking device. Docking may include clipping port  4420  of portable user device  4400  onto receiving receptacle  4460  of docking device  4450 . 
     In some embodiments, port  4420  may include terminal covers which may protect and cover terminals when portable user device  4400  is not docked. For example, the act of docking portable user device  4400  to a suitable docking device may move or otherwise adjust the cover to expose the terminals and allow contact of the terminals with corresponding terminals on the docking device. In a further example, port  4420  may include spring loaded features such as pins or tabs. Spring loaded features may aid in providing contact force during docking. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may be coupled to power supply  4452 , processing equipment  4454 , memory  4456 , user interface  4458 , any other suitable component, or any combination thereof via coupling  4440 . Coupling  4440  may include, for example, data coupling  4442 , power coupling  4444 , diagnostic coupling  4446 , accessory couplings  4448 , any other suitable coupling types, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a docking device may be coupled to, but not include, power supply  4452 , processing equipment  4454 , memory  4456 , or user interface  4458 . For example, a docking device may include a suitable collection of electrical terminals which may interface with electrical terminals of a portable user device, and the docking device may be coupled via USB cable to an external device such as a computer. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include processing equipment  4402  which may include a central processing unit (CPU) (e.g., microprocessor), collection of processors (e.g., parallel processors), CPU cache, random access memory (RAM), I/O communications interfaces, suitable circuitry, any other suitable processing elements or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include memory  4404  which may be a hard drive, flash memory drive, MMC, SD card, SIM card, any other suitable memory device, or combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include I/O interface  4406 . For example, I/O interface  4406  may allow portable user device  4400  to communicate with any type of device or network including an audio device, memory device, personal communication device, computer, wired network, wireless network, any other suitable device or network, or any combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include energy storage device  4408 . Energy storage device  4408  may include, for example, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a super capacitor, any other suitable component which may store energy, or any combination thereof. For example, energy storage device  4408  may be a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery, alkaline battery, any other suitable type of battery, or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, energy storage device  4408  may include a power source such as, for example, a photovoltaic cell and suitable accompanying power conditioning circuitry. 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include sensor  4410 . Sensor  4410  may include any suitable type of sensor, circuit, device, component, or combinations thereof which may be used to indicate a state of portable user device  4400 . For example, sensor  4410  may sense whether portable user device  4400  is docked to a suitable docking device. Sensor  4410  may be coupled to one or more terminals of port  4420 , which when docked are coupled via diagnostic coupling  4446  to corresponding terminals of receiving receptacle  4460  of one or more docking devices  4450 . In a further example, sensor  4410  may trigger an alarm or other indicator if portable user device is not completely docked to a docking device (e.g., incomplete coupling of port  4420  to receiving receptacle  4460 ). The phrase “complete docking” may refer to docking in which all corresponding terminals of a portable user device and a receiving receptacle are coupled and any suitable functions are allowed. For example, incomplete docking may include not achieving electrical contiguity between corresponding electrical terminals of port  4420  and receiving receptacle  4460 , which may prevent charging of energy storage device  4408 . 
     In some embodiments, portable user device  4400  may include user interface  4412 . User interface  4412  may include any suitable combination of user input interface, user input device, or both, which may allow portable user device  4400  to receive user input or provide output to a user. For example, user interface  4412  may include a button, a keypad (e.g., an array of hard button commands), a mouse, a touchpad, a touchscreen (e.g., one or more soft button commands), a rotary selector (e.g., a dial), a headset, earphones, headphones, a microphone, a camera, any other suitable component, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, power supply  4452  may include any suitable type of power source used to supply power to portable user device  4400  via power coupling  4444 . In some embodiments, processing circuitry  4454  may include any suitable CPU, collection of processors, CPU cache, RAM, I/O communications interfaces, suitable circuitry, any other suitable processing elements or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, memory  4456  may include any suitable memory hardware, software or both. In some embodiments, user interface  4458  may include a button, a keypad, a mouse, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a rotary selector, a headset, earphones, headphones, a microphone, a camera, any other suitable component, or any suitable combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, any components of portable user device  4400  may be suitably coupled to port  4420 , which may interface to any suitable docking device. For example, in some embodiments, port  4420  may interface to receiving receptacle  4460  by contact (e.g., mating of suitable corresponding terminals) which may be included in a computer. The computer may include power supply  4452  (e.g., a DC power supply), processing equipment  4454  (e.g., a CPU and accompanying hardware), memory  4456  (e.g., RAM, ROM, removable memory), user interface  4458  (e.g., keyboard, mouse, speaker), any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, coupling  4440  may represent the contact between suitable terminals included in port  4420  of portable user device  4400  and suitable terminals of receiving receptacle  4460  of the computer. 
     In an illustrative example, a set of earphones (e.g., of user interface  4458 ) may include a male 3.5 mm TRS plug (e.g., receiving receptacle  4460 ). Port  4420  of portable user device  4400  may include a female 3.5 mm TRS socket. The male plug may be coupled to the female socket via accessory coupling  4448 , which may represent direct contact of the corresponding parts of the TRS plug and socket. 
     In a further illustrative example, power supply  4452  may include a DC power supply. Receiving receptacle  4460  may include two electrical terminals (e.g., a positive terminal and a negative terminal) electrically coupled to the DC power supply. Port  4420  of portable user device  4400  may include two corresponding electrical terminals electrically coupled to energy storage device  4408 . The corresponding electrical terminals of port  4420  and receiving receptacle  4460  may be coupled via power coupling  4444 , which may represent direct contact of the corresponding electrical terminals. The direct contact between corresponding electrical terminals of port  4420  and receiving receptacle  4460  may be maintained by clipping portable user device  4400  to receiving receptacle  4460 . 
     In a further illustrative example, processing equipment  4454  may be coupled to memory  4456  which may store media such as a particular music file. Receiving receptacle  4460  may include an array of electrical terminals electrically coupled to processing equipment  4454 . Port  4420  of portable user device  4400  may include corresponding electrical terminals electrically (e.g., on at least one clip member) coupled to processing equipment  4402 , which may be further coupled to memory  4404 . The corresponding electrical terminals of port  4420  and receiving receptacle  4460  may be coupled via data coupling  4442 , which may represent direct contact of the corresponding electrical terminals. While docked (e.g., clipped onto receiving receptacle  4460 ), portable user device  4400  may download the particular music file to memory  4404  from memory  4456 . Note that any suitable data may be uploaded, downloaded, or both, via data coupling  4442 . 
     In some embodiments, coupling  4440  may include more than one array of terminals. For example, port  4420  may include two arrays of electrical terminals, arranged in two different locations on portable user device  4400 . Each array may dock separately to corresponding arrays of electrical terminals of receiving receptacle  4460  included in one or more docking devices  4450 . In some embodiments, different arrays of terminals may be used to dock a portable user device for different functionalities. For example, port  4420  may include two arrays of electrical terminals, arranged in two different locations on portable user device  4400 . One array may allow charging when docked to a suitable docking device via power coupling  4444 , while the other may allow data transferring when docked to a suitable docking device via data coupling  4442 . In some embodiments, receiving receptacles allowing different functionalities may be included in the same docking device, separate docking devices, any other suitable device, or any combination thereof. 
     It will be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “horizontal” and “vertical,” “top” and “bottom” and “side,” “length” and “width” and “height” and “thickness,” “inner” and “outer,” “internal” and “external,” and the like are used herein only for convenience, and that no fixed or absolute directional or orientational limitations are intended by the use of these words. For example, the components and elements of this disclosure may have any desired orientation. If reoriented, different directional or orientational terms may need to be used in their description, but that will not alter their fundamental nature as within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. 
     It will also be understood that the previously discussed embodiments and examples are only illustrative of aspects of the disclosed portable user devices, and are not presented for purposes of limitation. It will be understood that various clip member coupling techniques may be made available to the user and examples included herein are solely for convenience. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed portable user devices may be practiced by other than the described embodiments, and the disclosure is limited only by the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110107
Publication Date: 20151229
Grant Date: 20151229
Priority Date: 20110107
Inventors: LEE JEFFERY T.
KRUEGER SCOTT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6275", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1635", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6275", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6275", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/62", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/73", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46454763