PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9787129-B2
Application Number: US-201514837603-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: System for displaying products

Abstract:
A display system for displaying an electronic device is disclosed. The display system includes a cup disposed in an aperture of a tray with a charging fixture disposed therein. The charging fixture includes a charging element for magnetically attaching to an electronic device and providing power to the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A display system for displaying an electronic device, the display system comprising:
 a cup comprising a bottom surface and a perimeter surface extending from the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface and the perimeter surface define an inner cavity; and 
 a charging fixture at least partially disposed within the inner cavity of the cup and configured to provide power to an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the charging fixture comprises a magnet for coupling the charging fixture to an electronic device by magnetic force. 
     
     
       3. The display system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of the cups; and 
 a plurality of the charging fixtures, 
 wherein each cup of the plurality of cups contains one charging fixture of the plurality of charging fixtures. 
 
     
     
       4. The display system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tray defining an aperture therethrough,
 wherein the cup is disposed in the aperture, and 
 wherein an upper edge of the perimeter surface of the cup is flush with an upper surface of the tray. 
 
     
     
       5. The display system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tray having a flat upper surface defining an aperture therethrough,
 wherein the cup is disposed in the aperture, 
 wherein an upper portion of the perimeter surface of the cup is curved to an upper edge thereof, and 
 wherein a tangent to a curve of the upper portion of the perimeter surface aligns with the flat upper surface of the tray at the upper edge of the upper portion of the perimeter surface of the cup. 
 
     
     
       6. The display system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tray defining an aperture therethrough,
 wherein the cup is disposed in the aperture, and 
 wherein the tray, the cup, and a charging element of the charging fixture are disposed within a housing. 
 
     
     
       7. The display system of  claim 6 , wherein the housing is a drawer. 
     
     
       8. The display system of  claim 6 , wherein the housing is a portable display case comprising a base and a lid. 
     
     
       9. The display system of  claim 6 , further comprising a gasket disposed between the housing and a sidewall of the tray, thereby forming a seal between the tray and the housing. 
     
     
       10. The display system of  claim 6 , further comprising a power supply disposed in the housing configured to supply power to the charging element. 
     
     
       11. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface defines an aperture therethrough, and
 wherein the charging fixture extends through the aperture. 
 
     
     
       12. The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the charging fixture comprises an induction coil for inductively charging an electronic device. 
     
     
       13. A charging system for providing power to an electronic device, the charging system comprising:
 a display surface defining an aperture therethrough; 
 a mounting surface disposed below the display surface and spaced apart therefrom; 
 a bearing disposed on the mounting surface; 
 a post extending from the bearing through the aperture of the display surface; and 
 a charging element coupled to the post and disposed above the display surface, the charging element configured to provide power to an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       14. The charging system of  claim 13 , wherein the charging element is movable between a neutral position and a charging position by pivoting of the bearing with respect to the mounting surface such that the charging element tilts toward or away from a center of the display surface. 
     
     
       15. The charging system of  claim 14 , wherein the bearing is biased in the neutral position by a spring force. 
     
     
       16. The charging system of  claim 14 , wherein the bearing is biased in the neutral position by a spring force, and
 wherein the charging element comprises a magnet configured to overcome the spring force by magnetic attraction to an electronic device when the electronic device is placed on the display surface. 
 
     
     
       17. The charging system of  claim 13 , further comprising a support bracket disposed below the display surface and fixed to the mounting surface,
 wherein the support bracket is disposed over the bearing, and 
 wherein the post extends through an aperture of the support bracket. 
 
     
     
       18. The charging system of  claim 14 , wherein the bearing is a rocker bearing having a first flat surface on a bottom thereof, and a second flat surface on the bottom thereof,
 wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface form an obtuse angle, 
 wherein the first flat surface is in contact with the mounting surface in the neutral position, and 
 wherein the second flat surface is in contact with the mounting surface in the charging position. 
 
     
     
       19. A display system for displaying electronic devices, the display system comprising:
 a cup defining a cavity and an outer surface; 
 a tray defining at least one aperture, wherein the cup is disposed within the at least one aperture; 
 a housing defining a cavity, wherein the tray and the cup are disposed within the cavity of the housing; and 
 a charging fixture mounted to the housing and at least partially disposed within the cup, the charging fixture configured to provide power to an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       20. The display system of  claim 19 , wherein the cup further defines at least one aperture therethrough, and wherein at least a portion of the charging fixture extends through the at least one aperture. 
     
     
       21. The display system of  claim 19 , wherein the cup further defines at least one aperture therethrough, and wherein a charging element of the charging fixture is disposed within the cavity of the cup above the at least one aperture. 
     
     
       22. The display system of  claim 21 , further comprising a post, wherein the post extends from a bearing and is coupled to the charging element, and wherein at least a portion of the post traverses through the at least one aperture of the cup. 
     
     
       23. A display system for displaying an electronic device; the display system comprising:
 cups, wherein each of the cups defines an inner cavity; 
 charging fixtures, wherein each of the inner cavities contains one of the charging fixtures; and 
 a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in a housing wherein the PCB comprises a power outputs, and wherein each of the charging fixtures is connected to one of the power outputs, each charging fixture configured to provide power to an electronic device. 
 
     
     
       24. The display system of  claim 23 , wherein the PCB comprises a single power input. 
     
     
       25. The display system of  claim 23 , wherein the power outputs are Universal Serial Bus ports. 
     
     
       26. The display system of  claim 23 , further comprising a tray spaced above at least a portion of the housing,
 wherein the charging fixtures are connected to the power outputs by wires disposed between the tray and the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/045,474, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to a system for displaying an electronic device. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a system having a charging fixture for providing power to an electronic device while the electronic device is displayed in the system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A retailer or other person may desire to provide a system for displaying an electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     A retailer or other user may have various locations within a store or other location for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance for electronic devices. The retailer may wish to have a display system at these locations, or a mobile display system, to provide a convenient way for the electronic devices to be displayed. The retailer may wish to have power available to the devices for powering the electronic devices while they are displayed or stored. In some cases, the retailer may wish to have a display system to provide a convenient place for the electronic devices to be stored when they are not displayed. In some cases, a retailer may wish to supply power to electronic devices while in storage. To accomplish these and other objectives, the retailer may use systems mechanisms, and methods according to embodiments described herein. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a tray is provided with mechanisms for transferring power conveniently located within cups disposed within the tray. In some embodiments, only a charging element of the mechanism may be visible within the cup. Wires and ports (e.g., for power and other electrical equipment) may be hidden from view. Power is thereby readily accessible to an electronic device within the tray. 
     In some embodiments, a display system may include at least one cup with a bottom surface and a perimeter surface, the perimeter surface extending from the bottom surface. The bottom surface and perimeter surface of the cup define an inner cavity. A powered charging fixture including a charging element may be disposed within the cup cavity and may be used to provide power to an electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, a charging system for providing power to an electronic device may include a display surface with an aperture therethrough. The charging system may also include a mounting surface below the display surface and spaced apart from the display surface. The charging system may also include a charging fixture. The charging fixture may include a bearing on the mounting surface, a support bracket including an aperture positioned over the bearing, a post extending from the bearing through the aperture of the support bracket and through the aperture of the display surface, and a charging element coupled to the post and positioned above the display surface. 
     In some embodiments, a display system includes a cup defining a cavity and an outer surface, and a tray with at least one aperture, where the cup is disposed within the aperture of the tray. The display system may include an outer housing defining a cavity, where the tray and the cup are disposed within the cavity of the housing. The display system may also include a charging fixture mounted to the housing and at least partially disposed within the cup. 
     In some embodiments a display system includes a plurality of cups, each cup including an inner cavity. The display system may include a plurality of charging fixtures, where each of the charging fixtures is disposed in one of the inner cavities of the cups. The display system may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the housing and a power supply coupled to the PCB. The PCB may include a plurality of outputs that are connected to a plurality of charging fixtures, supplying power to the electronic devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a display system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a display system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a display system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a display system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of a charging fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a charging fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a charging fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a charging fixture according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view of a display system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows a top schematic view of a display system according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, they are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     A retailer or other user may have various locations within a store or other location for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance for electronic devices. The retailer may wish to have a display system at these locations, or a mobile display system, to provide a convenient way for the electronic devices to be displayed. In some cases, the retailer may wish to have power available to the devices for powering the electronic devices while they are displayed or stored. In some cases, the retailer may wish to have a display system to provide a convenient place for the electronic devices to be stored when they are not displayed. The retailer may wish to supply power to electronic devices while in storage. 
     Power is typically provided to an electronic device through a power wire, which is typically physically connected by a wire between a power supply port and a power port of the electronic device for providing power to that electronic device. These ports and wires are typically visible and may interrupt use of the electronic device (e.g., by tethering it to a supply port). In some cases, power wires may be disconnected from device and/or supply ports, and must be located and plugged in to the device to supply power. This means that unused cords are often kept nearby in order to be on hand when needed, but are also often misplaced or repurposed, and so may be unavailable to a user when needed. Thus, stray cords, which may be disconnected or tangled, may reduce charging efficiency. Further, an electronic device on display connected to a visible power wire, and visible ports and wires to which a device is not connected, may interrupt the aesthetic appearance of the electronic device or the display area, and complicate its use for providing power to the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, a display system may provide power access within a display area for maintaining power levels of displayed devices in the display area. In some embodiments described herein, a display area of a described display system may also be a storage area for devices disposed therein. Thus, when discussing a display area or display device, it should be understood that the principles discussed also apply to a storage area or storage device, and to areas and devices that double as both storage and display areas or storage and display devices. 
     To transfer power to an electronic device without direct connection to a power wire, display systems of the present invention may include an inductive charging fixture in a display area thereof. In this way, when an electronic device is placed in the display area, it can automatically receive power wirelessly from an inductive charging element of the charging fixture, without connection via wires. Any wires or ports used to transfer power from a power source to the inductive charging elements may not be visible in the display area, but instead may be hidden from view by, in some embodiments, being concealed under or within a tray that may be disposed in a housing for display or storage. For example, power ports or wires may be concealed under or within a tray. In this way, power wires and ports, and other electronic elements, may be concealed in an inconspicuous manner that does not interfere with the display area, which may be above the tray. 
     To accomplish these and other objectives, a retailer may use a display system as described herein, where power wires and ports are incorporated into a tray that conceals them from view, and provides power to electronic devices without the need for physical connection to the devices. 
     In some embodiments, power is available to electronic devices through a charging fixture that may be provided in the display system. The charging fixture may include a charging element, a magnet disposed within the charging element for connecting to the electronic device, and an induction coil for providing power. When a magnetic attraction is made between the electronic device and the charging element, the charging element may magnetically couple to the electronic device and the electronic device will be provided with power through inductive charging. In this way the electronic device can be powered without connecting wires to it, and can be provided with power by the simple act of placing it near the charging element. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed in more detail below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention may include a display system  100  for displaying (or storing) and powering electronic devices  400 . In some embodiments, display system  100 , may include a tray  102  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-3 ). Tray  102  may include a display surface  208  with at least one aperture  230  therethrough. In some embodiments, display system  100  may include a cup  200 , where cup  200  is disposed within an aperture  120  of tray  102 . In such embodiments, display surface  208  may be a surface of cup  200  (e.g., a bottom surface  202  of cup  200 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 6 ). In some embodiments, display system  100  may include a powered charging fixture  300 , which may include a charging element  310  (e.g., charging puck  310  disposed above display surface  208  of tray  102 ). In some embodiments, charging fixture  300  may be at least partially disposed within cup  200  (e.g., disposed above display surface  208  of cup  200 ) and may provide power to an electronic device  400  through charging element  310 . 
     Display system  100  according to some embodiments is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show tray  102  without cups  200  and  FIG. 3  shows tray  102  with cups  200  and with charging elements  310 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , tray  102  may be disposed within a housing  104 . Housing  104  may include a housing cavity  130 . A mounting surface  138  may be disposed below display surface  208  of tray  102  and spaced apart therefrom, forming a portion of the bottom of cavity  130  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ). 
     As used herein, “housing” encompasses any receptacle that may hold a tray  102 . In some embodiments, housing  104  may be a drawer  132  (see  FIG. 2 ). Drawer  132  may be disposed within a table for conveniently displaying electronic devices  400 . In some embodiments, housing  104  may be a portable display case  133 , which may include a base  134  and a lid  136 , or just a base  134  (see  FIG. 9 ). In some cases, retailers may store electronic devices  400  in a closed portable display case  133  or a closed drawer  132  when electronic devices  400  are not in use (e.g., when a retail location is closed, when extra electronic devices  400  are available, when electronic devices  400  are not being displayed for a customer, etc.), and may display electronic devices  400  in an open display case  133  or an open drawer  132  as desired, (e.g., for a customer to view). In some embodiments, housings according to embodiments of the present invention may be or may be formed as part of a table, such as a drawer or display cavity as described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/045,470, 62/045,455, and/or 62/045,457, all filed on Sep. 3, 2014. Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     As used herein, “lid” encompasses any top to a base. For example, lid  136  may be a panel connected to the base, a panel configured to snap onto the base, a panel configured to latch onto the base, or a panel that sits on top of the base. In some embodiments, lid  136  may be removed from the top of base  134  while the housing is being accessed (e.g., by a retailer or customer) for using, displaying, testing, and/or providing technical assistance related to electronic devices  400  therein. In some embodiments, lid  136  may remain on base  134  while displaying electronic devices  400  (e.g., lid  136  may be transparent). 
     In some embodiments, lid  136  may protect electronic devices  400  within portable display case  133  from outside dust or debris. Lid  136  may conceal the contents stored within portable display case  133  (e.g., lid  136  may be opaque). In some embodiments, lid  136  may be used as a display surface. For example, electronic devices  400  may be removed from housing  104  and displayed on lid  136 . In some embodiments, lid  136  may be used as a display surface (e.g., when placed adjacent to base  134  or when on top of base  134  in the closed configuration). Hardware or accessories may be placed onto lid  136  (e.g., for display). 
     In some embodiments, display system  100  may include a cup  200  with a bottom surface  202  and a perimeter surface  204  extending from bottom surface  202  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3 and 6 ). Bottom surface  202  and perimeter surface  204  may define an inner cavity  206 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  202  may be a completely flat surface. In some embodiments, bottom surface  202  may be a rounded surface (e.g., concave or convex). Cup  200  may include a display surface  208  disposed on bottom surface  202 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  202  may include display surface  208  (e.g., display surface  208  may be bottom surface  208  or a portion thereof). In some embodiments, display surface  208  may be a completely flat surface. In some embodiments, display surface  208  may be a rounded surface (e.g., concave or convex). 
     In some embodiments, display surface  208  may have a display surface aperture  230  extending therethrough (and thus display surface  208  may include an area surrounding display surface aperture  230 ). In some embodiments, display surface aperture  230  may be located in the middle of bottom surface  202  of cup  200 . In some embodiments display surface aperture  230  may be located offset from the middle of bottom surface  202  of cup  200 . In some embodiments, display surface aperture  230  may be within housing cavity  130  (e.g., along with cup  200 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , tray  102  may include a sidewall  122  extending from an upper surface  126  of tray  102  to define aperture  120 . Tray  102  may include a plurality of apertures  120 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , cup  200  may be disposed within aperture  120  of tray  102 . In some embodiments, perimeter surface  204  is an interior surface of a sidewall  210  of cup  200 , and an exterior surface of sidewall  210  may be disposed on a shelf  124  of sidewall  122  of tray  102 , to support cup  200  in aperture  120 . 
     In some embodiments, aperture  120  may have a shape corresponding to an exterior shape of cup  200  (e.g., circular) to accommodate cup  200 . Upper portion  222  of perimeter surface  204  of cup  200  may be curved to an edge of upper surface  126  of tray  102 . The tangent to curved upper portion  222  of perimeter surface  204  may align with flat upper surface  126  of tray  102  at the edge of upper portion  222  of perimeter surface  204  of cup  200 . In some embodiments, an upper edge of upper portion  222  of perimeter surface  204  may be flush with upper surface  126  of tray  102  (i.e., the upper edge of upper portion  222  may be aligned with upper surface  126  such it is not positioned above or below upper surface  126  by more than ⅛ of an inch. As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , tray  102  may have a completely flat profile along its upper surface  126  when perimeter surface  204  of cup  200  is flush with upper surface  126  of tray  102 . In some embodiments, the elements and systems described herein (e.g., charging fixture  300  and charging element  310 ) may be used in conjunction with one or more of the elements and systems described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/045,476, filed on Sep. 3, 2014; 62/129,608, filed on Mar. 6, 2015; and Ser. No. 14/835,396, filed on Aug. 25, 2015 (e.g., the mounting arrangement of the charging fixture or the charging element thereof disclosed in these applications). These applications are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto. 
     In some embodiments display system  100  may include a charging fixture  300  that may provide power to at least one electronic device  400 . In some embodiments, charging fixture  300  may provide power to a plurality of electronic devices  400 . Charging fixture  300  may include a charging element  310 , where charging element  310  provides power to at least one electronic device  400  when charging element  310  is in within a charging range of electronic device  400  (e.g., in contact with or in proximity to electronic device  400 ). Charging element  310  may include a magnet  350  disposed within charging element  310 , where magnet  350  attracts electronic device  400  and charging element  310  toward each other. In some embodiments, charging element  310  may include an induction coil  352 , where induction coil  352  inductively charges electronic device  400  when charging element  310  is within the charging range of an electronic device  400 . 
     In some embodiments, display system  100  may include a plurality of cups  200  and a plurality of charging fixtures  300 . Each charging fixture  300  may be disposed in one of the plurality of cups  200 . Each charging fixture  300  may provide power to an electronic device  400 . In some embodiments, each charging fixture  300  may provide power to a plurality of electronic devices  400 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of charging fixture  300  according to some embodiments. Charging fixture  300  may include charging element  310 , a post  308 , a support bracket  314 , and a bearing  306 . Bearing  306  may include an aperture  346  (which may be a recess or a through-hole) and support bracket  314  may include an aperture  360  (which may be a through-hole). Post  308  may extend from bearing aperture  246 , through support bracket aperture  360 , and be fixed to charging element  310 . Post  308  may be rigid and hold charging element  310  in an upright position relative to display surface  208  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). In some embodiments, post  308  may be flexible, allowing post  308  and charging element  310  to tilt, bend, or stretch, for example. 
     In some embodiments, support bracket  314  may be fixed to mounting surface  138 . In some embodiments, support bracket  314  may be fixed to one or both of mounting surface  138  and cup  200 . Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. Support bracket  314  and post  308  may include any type of fastening mechanism to effect this attachment, including, for example, clamps, screws, adhesive, and welding. In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5 and 7-9 , support bracket  314  may be disposed below display surface  208  and over bearing  306 . 
     In some embodiments, portions of charging fixture  300  may be visible and accessible within display system  100 . For example, charging fixture  300  may be at least partially disposed within cup cavity  206  (e.g.,  FIG. 6  shows charging element  310  of charging fixture  300  disposed within cup  200 ) and thereby visible and accessible when cup  200  is visible and accessible (e.g., when drawer  132  or portable display case  133  are open). In some embodiments, as shown, charging element  310  may be disposed above display surface  208 . In some embodiments, post  308  may be at least partially disposed within cavity  206  of cup  200  and above display surface  208  (see  FIG. 9 ). In some embodiments, charging element  310  and post  308  and at least a portion of support bracket  314  may extend through aperture  230  of cup  200  and be at least partially disposed within cavity  206  of cup  200  and above display surface  208 . 
     Charging element  310  may be movable between a neutral position and a charging position. To accomplish this, a magnet  350  may be disposed within charging element  310 . Charging element  310  may be configured to overcome a spring force from, for example, spring  312  connected to bearing  306 , by magnetic attraction to electronic device  400  when electronic device  400  is within range of magnet  350 , to thereby move between from the neutral position to the charging position. For example, in  FIG. 9 , the left display surface  208  has no electronic device  400 , so its charging element  310  is in the neutral position, while the right display surface  208  has an electronic device  400  thereon, so its charging element has tilted and is in the charging position. 
     When electronic device  400  is positioned within magnetic range of charging element  310 , charging element  310  may tilt toward electronic device  400  and may magnetically couple with electronic device  400 . As used herein, “magnetic range” refers to the distance between electronic device  400  and charging element  310  within which electronic device  400  and charging element  310  may couple under power of magnetic attraction. In some embodiments, electronic device  400  may be within magnetic range of charging element  310  if electronic device  400  is close enough to charging element  310  to cause charging element to tilt toward electronic device  400 . For example, electronic device  400  may be within magnetic range if it is within 5 millimeters of charging element  310  (e.g., within 3 millimeters of charging element  310 ). In some embodiments, the magnetic range may depend on the size of magnet  350  or a magnet of electronic device  400 . For example, an increase in either magnet size may increase the magnetic range. In some embodiments, electronic device  400  may effect a magnetic attraction with charging element  310  when electronic device  400  is placed on display surface  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the neutral, or default, position of charging element  310  is tilted toward a center of display surface  208 , away from an intended location of electronic device  400  (or at least of the portion of electronic device  400  configured to receive power inductively from charging element  310 ). When a user places electronic device  400  in proximity to charging element  310 , charging element  310  tilts toward electronic device  400  to position itself in an optimum (or at least better) position to transfer power to electronic device  400  inductively. For example, charging element  310  may tilt about an axis of bearing  306 , to which charging element  310  may be coupled via post  308 . 
     The neutral position of charging element  310  may be maintained in the absence of electronic device  400  (or any other item that may apply an outside force on charging element  310 ) through its support structure, which includes post mount bearing  306 . Bearing  306  may receive post  308  in aperture  346  of bearing  306 . Bearing  306  may be disposed on a mounting surface  138  of display system housing  104 , and may be disposed below support bracket  314 . Support bracket  314  may be fixedly coupled to mounting surface  138 . Bearing  306 &#39;s position on mounting surface  138  may be constrained by support bracket  314  (e.g., via post  308 &#39;s extension through aperture  360  of support bracket), though in some embodiments bearing is not directly fastened to mounting surface  138 . 
     Since in some embodiments bearing  306  is not directly fastened to mounting surface  138 , bearing  306  may be free to pivot relative to mounting surface  138 . As noted above, aperture  360  of support bracket  314  may help constrain motion of bearing  306 , but aperture  360  may be larger than an outer diameter of post  308  extending therethrough (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). Thus, bearing  306  may be free to pivot to the extent permitted by motion of post  308  within aperture  360 . 
     Bearing  306  may be a rocker bearing having a bottom surface  340 . Bearing  306  may have a first flat surface  342  on bottom surface  340  and a second flat surface  344  on bottom surface  340 . First flat surface  342  and second flat surface  344  may form an obtuse angle. First flat surface  342  may be in contact with mounting surface  138  in the neutral position and second flat surface  344  may be in contact with mounting surface  138  in the charging position. Rocker bearing may pivot between first and second flat surfaces  342  and  344  depending on whether charging element  310  is magnetically attracted into the charging position or not. 
     In some embodiments, bearing  306  may move vertically relative to mounting surface  138 , towards display surface  208 . Bottom surface  340  may be in contact with mounting surface  138  in the neutral position and first flat surface  342  or second flat surface  344  may be at least partially in contact with mounting surface  138  in the charging position. In some embodiments, bottom surface  340  may be in contact with mounting surface  138  in the neutral position and bearing  306  may not be in contact with mounting surface  138  in the charging position. For example, bearing  306  may be raised off of mounting surface  138  by magnetic force between magnet  350  of charging element  310  and a magnet (or magnetic material) of a device  400  on display surface  208 , where the magnet of device  400  is disposed a greater distance from display surface  208  than is magnet  350  when charging element  310  is in the neutral position. A benefit of vertical movement of bearing  306  is that it allows charging fixture  300  to accommodate various sizes of electronic devices  400 . Charging fixture  300  may secure alignment with electronic device  400  upon magnetic attraction in the charging position, thereby positioning charging element  310  in an optimal position to inductively provide power to electronic device  400 . Optimal positioning can help increase charging efficiency, which increases as charging element  310  and a receiver coil of an electronic device become better aligned. 
     Spring  312  may bias rocker bearing in the neutral position, and so magnetic attraction between charging element  310  and electronic device  400  may drive movement of rocker bearing  306  (and thus charging element  310 ) into the charging position if the magnetic force is sufficient to overcome the spring force applied by spring  312 . This may occur, for example, when charging element  310  is in proximity to electronic device  400  (e.g., within magnetic range thereof), thereby causing charging element  310  to rotate (about an axis of rocker bearing  306 ) and tilt toward electronic device  400  into an optimal position to inductively provide power to electronic device  400  (while causing attendant rotation of rocker bearing  306  and post  308 ). 
     For example, in some embodiments, spring  312  may be disposed between rocker bearing  306  and support bracket  314  as shown in  FIG. 9 , above first flat surface  342  of rocker bearing  306 . The force applied to rocker bearing  306  by spring  312  will thus push first flat surface  342  toward mounting surface  138 , corresponding to the neutral position. Spring  312  may be positioned between rocker bearing  306  and any element of display system  100  that rocker bearing  306  pivots relative to. For example, it may be positioned between rocker bearing  306  and mounting surface  138 . 
     The magnetic force of magnet  350  overcomes the biasing force of spring  312  when charging element  410  is in proximity to electronic device  400 , thereby causing charging element  410  to rotate (about an axis of rocker bearing  306 ) and tilt toward electronic device  400  into an optimal position to inductively provide power to electronic device  400  (while causing attendant rotation of rocker bearing  306  and post  308 ). 
     In some embodiments, charging element  310  may include an induction coil  352 . When charging element  310  is magnetically coupled to electronic device  400  or otherwise within an inductive charging range of electronic device  400 , electronic device  400  may be inductively charged through induction coil  352 . In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction between electronic device  400  and charging element  310  may be relatively higher where the level of inductive charge received by electronic device  400  from induction coil  352  is relatively higher, and the magnetic attraction between electronic device  400  and charging element  310  may be relatively lower where the level of inductive charge received by electronic device  400  from induction coil  352  is relatively lower. Tray  102 , cup  200 , and charging element  310  may be disposed within cavity  130  of housing  104 , and a power input port  108  may be disposed in housing  104  and may be configured to receive power from an outside power source and to supply power to charging element  310 . In some embodiments, power input port  108  may be disposed beneath tray  102 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in, for example,  FIG. 10 , a printed circuit board (PCB)  500  may be disposed in housing  104  and may comprise a single power input  502  corresponding to power input port  108 . In some embodiments, for example, power input  502  may receive power from a power distributor  506 , which may be or have the characteristics of power distributors such as the power converters (including DC-to-DC power converters  1200  and  1300 ) disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/045,455 and 62/045,457, filed on Sep. 3, 2014. Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
     In some embodiments, PCB  500  may regulate voltage received by power distributor  506 . In some embodiments, PCB  500  may increase the voltage received by power distributor  506  to accommodate or otherwise account for voltage lost when power distributor  506  provides power through power cords  508  that connect to power outputs  504 . In some embodiments, PCB  500  may decrease the voltage received by power distributor  506  if more power is provided by the power distributor than is needed by power outputs  504  to supply to charging fixtures  300 . 
     PCB  500  may include a plurality of power outputs  504 , where each of the charging fixtures  300  is connected to one of the plurality of power outputs  504  (e.g., via wires  510 ). As shown, for example, in  FIG. 4 &#39;s bottom perspective view of a drawer  132  of display system  100 , in some embodiments, power input port  108  may be connected to a plurality of power outputs  504  on PCB  500  and may be disposed below tray  102 . Power outputs  504  may include any suitable power or data outlet such as, for example, A/C or D/C power, Universal Serial Bus (USB), micro-USB, mini-USB, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) (e.g. Parallel ATA, Serial ATA), Ethernet (e.g., Cat 5), or any other standard or proprietary connection format. 
     In some embodiments, PCB  500  may terminate positive and negative data signals (e.g., USB D+ and D−) from charging elements  310  so as to control the maximum amount of current a charging element  310  can draw. In other words, charging fixture  300  may use a data connection between charging element  310  and PCB  500  to determine an optimum amount of current for charging element  310  to draw (e.g., a maximum amount, a most efficient amount), thereby controlling the amount of current a charging element  310  draws from PCB  500 . 
     In some embodiments, power outputs  504  may be single stacked. In some embodiments, power outputs  504  may be double stacked. Power outputs  504  that are double stacked may efficiently store power outputs  504  vertically and may allow a compact storage of power outputs  504  and accessories relating to providing power. Power outputs  504  may be connected to and provide power to charging fixtures  300 . Charging fixtures  300  may be connected to power outputs  504  by wires. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments display system  100  may include a gasket  106  that is disposed between housing  104  and tray  102 . Gasket  106  may be immediately adjacent to tray  102  and housing  104  and form a seal between housing  104  and tray  102 . In some embodiments, gasket  106  may help prevent tray  102  from sliding within housing  104  and may maintain tray  102  in a neutral position. Gasket  106  may help prevent noise between tray  102  and housing  104  when housing  104  is moved (e.g., by preventing tray  102  from rattling within housing  104 ). 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The Detailed Description section is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150827
Publication Date: 20171010
Grant Date: 20171010
Priority Date: 20140903
Inventors: GREEN CHRISTOPHER M.
KOSECOFF DAVID BENJAMIN
KUMKA DAVID SAMUEL
MANDON KULLY KRAIG
MCBROOM DANIEL
MCBROOM MICHAEL D.
SIEGEL JONATHAN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A47B2088/976", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2088/976", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/022", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/994", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/022", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B13/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B2088/976", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47F7/022", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0052", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2007/0062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B13/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B13/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/402", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/988", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A47B88/994", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 55403656