PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8792233-B2
Application Number: US-15682108-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Aesthetically pleasing universal dock

Abstract:
An aesthetically pleasing universal dock may support a variety of electronic devices of different shapes and designs while appearing to be customized to individually support each electronic device. The universal dock may support an electronic device using a support layer that may include any suitable material, including, for example, an array of vertical members, an elastic sponge-like substance, or any other suitable material. The compression of the support layer may be retained for future use with the electronic device, or the compression may be relieved, once the electronic device is removed from the universal dock.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A dock for supporting a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices, the dock comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector coupled to a top face of the housing; 
 a compressible support layer positioned on the top face of the housing and at least partially about the connector, wherein at least a portion of the compressible support layer compresses to the shape of at least a portion of an electronic device that is attached to the connector; and 
 circuitry coupled to the connector to detect the electronic device attached to the connector and to operate the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The dock of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor coupled to the circuitry. 
     
     
       3. The dock of  claim 2 , wherein the sensor receives from an external device an instruction to control the electronic device, and wherein the circuitry operates the electronic device in response to the sensor receiving the instruction. 
     
     
       4. The dock of  claim 1 , further comprising a button coupled to the housing, wherein depression of the button ends the attachment between the connector and the electronic device. 
     
     
       5. The dock of  claim 4 , wherein the depression of the button ejects the electronic device from the dock. 
     
     
       6. The dock of  claim 4 , wherein the depression of the button relieves the compression of the compressible support layer. 
     
     
       7. The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible support layer comprises at least one of an elastic material and an array of vertical members. 
     
     
       8. The dock of  claim 1 , further comprising a base coupled between the housing and the connector. 
     
     
       9. The dock of  claim 1 , wherein at least a non-compressed portion of the compressible support layer provides lateral support to the electronic device that is attached to the connector. 
     
     
       10. The dock of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible support layer comprises an array of compressible vertical members. 
     
     
       11. The dock of  claim 10 , wherein each of the vertical members includes a top portion, and wherein at least some of the top portions are interconnected using at least one of a webbing and a Teflon sheet. 
     
     
       12. The dock of  claim 1 , wherein at least a first portion of the compressible support layer compresses more than at least a second portion of the compressible support layer, and wherein at least the first portion of the compressible support layer compresses less than at least a third portion of the compressible support layer. 
     
     
       13. The dock of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the connector is coupled to a first portion of the top face of the housing; 
 the compressible support layer is coupled to a second portion of the top face of the housing; and 
 the first and second portions are co-planar. 
 
     
     
       14. A dock for supporting a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices, the dock comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector coupled to the housing; and 
 a compressible support layer positioned at least partially about the connector and having an independently compressible sub-portion, wherein: 
 the connector passes through the compressible support layer to allow the connector to emerge on a top face of the dock; 
 the compressible support layer is configured to appear customized to the shape of any electronic device of the differently-shaped electronic devices attached to the connector; 
 the compressible support layer supports the electronic device; and 
 the compressible support layer comprises at least one of an elastic material and an array of vertical members. 
 
     
     
       15. The dock of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the compressible support layer provides lateral support to the electronic device that is attached to the connector. 
     
     
       16. The dock of  claim 14 , wherein the electronic device compresses at least a portion of the compressible support layer between the electronic device and the top face of the dock. 
     
     
       17. A dock comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector coupled to the housing; and 
 a compressible support layer coupled to the housing, wherein: 
 the compressible support layer deforms in a same direction as a force exerted by an electronic device when the electronic device is being connected to the connector; 
 the compressible support layer deforms to at least one dimension of the electronic device when the electronic device is being connected to the connecter; and 
 wherein the compressible support layer comprises an array of compressible vertical members. 
 
     
     
       18. The dock of  claim 17 , wherein each of the vertical members comprises a top portion,
 and wherein at least some of the top portions are interconnected using at least one of a webbing and a Teflon sheet. 
 
     
     
       19. The dock of  claim 17 , wherein each of the vertical members comprises a top portion, and wherein the top portions of the vertical members are interconnected to form a seamless web. 
     
     
       20. The dock of  claim 17 , wherein the connector is coupled to a top face of the housing, and wherein the electronic device compresses at least a portion of the compressible support layer between the electronic device and the top face of the housing. 
     
     
       21. The dock of  claim 17 , wherein a first portion of the compressible support layer compresses more than a second portion of the compressible support layer when the electronic device is attached to the connector, and wherein the first portion of the compressible support layer compresses less than a third portion of the compressible support layer when the electronic device is attached to the connector. 
     
     
       22. The dock of  claim 21 , wherein the second portion of the compressible support layer experiences no compression when the electronic device is attached to the connector. 
     
     
       23. The dock of  claim 22 , wherein the first portion of the compressible support layer comprises a first group of the vertical members, wherein the second portion of the compressible support layer comprises a second group of the vertical members, and wherein the third portion of the compressible support layer comprises a third group of the vertical members. 
     
     
       24. The dock of  claim 23 , wherein the connector is coupled to a top face of the housing, and wherein the array of vertical members is coupled to the top face. 
     
     
       25. A dock for supporting a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices, the dock comprising:
 a housing; 
 a connector coupled to a top face of the housing; and 
 a compressible support layer including at least one of an elastic material and an array of vertical members, and positioned on the top face of the housing and at least partially about the connector, wherein at least a portion of the compressible support layer compresses to the shape of at least a portion of an electronic device that is attached to the connector.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention can relate to apparatus and methods with improved aesthetics for supporting electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Currently, there are a wide variety of known electronic device docks that include a connection component (e.g., a 30-pin connector) for electrically connecting to an electronic device. The connection between the dock and the electronic device may be established to provide power, to transfer data or other information, or for any other suitable reason. The shape of many of these docks is customized by using a collection of removable inserts that are inserted individually into the dock to give the appearance that the dock was designed to support an electronic device of a particular shape. If one insert is removed, another insert may be placed into the dock to alter the customized appearance of the dock and to support an electronic device of a different shape. However, these inserts may complicate the use of the dock, for example, if an insert that may be necessary to support a particular electronic device in the dock is unavailable to a user of the electronic device (e.g., if the user loses a particular insert). An insert may also complicate the use of the dock because, without the insert, the dock may not appear to be customized to support the electronic device properly or may not support the device at all. 
     Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a universal dock capable of properly supporting numerous types of electronic devices while eliminating the need for manual user intervention to customize the dock. In addition, a universal dock capable of properly supporting a variety of electronic devices while appearing aesthetically to a user to be custom designed to support each connected electronic device would also be beneficial. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Improved aesthetics for a universal dock to support a wide variety of electronic devices are provided. In one embodiment, a dock that supports a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices includes a housing, a connector coupled to the housing, and a compressible support layer positioned at least partially about the connector. At least a portion of the compressible support layer compresses to the shape of at least a portion of an electronic device that is attached to the connector. 
     In one embodiment, a method for supporting a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices in a dock includes positioning a compressible support layer at least partially about a connector, attaching the electronic device to the connector of the dock, compressing at least a first portion of the compressible support layer with at least a portion of the bottom of the electronic device when the electronic device is attached to the connector, and supporting at least a portion of a side of the electronic device with at least a second portion of the compressible support layer when the electronic device is attached to the connector. 
     In one embodiment, a method for supporting a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices in a dock includes positioning a support layer at least partially about a connector, detecting an electronic device; determining the make of the electronic device in response to detecting the electronic device, adjusting at least a first portion of the support layer to support at least a portion of the bottom of the electronic device in response to determining the make of the electronic device, attaching the electronic device to the connector, and adjusting at least a second portion of the support layer to support at least a portion of a side of the electronic device when the electronic device is attached to the connector. 
     In one embodiment, a dock that supports a plurality of differently-shaped electronic devices includes a housing, a connector coupled to the housing, and a compressible support layer positioned at least partially about the connector. The compressible support layer is configured to appear customized to the shape of any electronic device of the differently-shaped electronic devices attached to the connector, and wherein the compressible support layer supports the electronic device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a universal dock in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a front view and a bottom view of a first electronic device capable of being supported by the universal dock of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the universal dock of  FIG. 1  connected to the first electronic device of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the universal dock and first electronic device of  FIG. 3 , taken from line IVA-IVA of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the universal dock and first electronic device of  FIG. 3 , taken from line IVB-IVB of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the cross-sectional views of the portion of the universal dock of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively, but without the first electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a front view and a bottom view of a second electronic device capable of being supported by the universal dock of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the universal dock of  FIG. 1  connected to the second electronic device of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the universal dock and second electronic device of  FIG. 7 , taken from line VIIIA-VIIIA of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the universal dock and second electronic device of  FIG. 7 , taken from line VIIIB-VIIIB of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show cross-sectional views of the portion of the universal dock of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , respectively, but without the second electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a universal dock in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the universal dock of  FIG. 10 , but connected to the first electronic device of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the universal dock of  FIG. 11 , but without the first electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the universal dock of  FIG. 10 , but connected to the second electronic device of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the universal dock of  FIG. 13 , but without the second electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for supporting an electronic device that may be attached to a universal dock, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for detecting an electronic device being attached to a universal dock and customizing the shape of a support layer within the universal dock to support the detected electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In some embodiments of the invention, an electronic device may be supported when connected to a universal dock. The support may be provided using a support layer. The support layer may be made of any suitable material or configuration of elements, such as a fabric with elasticity (e.g., nylon), an elastic sponge-like material that may retain its shape when a force is applied thereto, an array of spring-loaded vertical members that may compress in response to a downward force (e.g., weight created by an electronic device being connected to the universal dock), or any combinations thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the support layer may be comprised of an array of compressible vertical members that may not require manipulation by a user of the universal dock in order to support a device of a particular shape. The top portion of each vertical member may touch at least one other top portion of one other vertical member, or the top portions of all of the vertical members may be interconnected with a webbing, such that the top portions of the vertical members form a substantially seamless web. The vertical members may be spring-loaded or flexure loaded to provide an upward bias to counteract a downward force (e.g., the weight of an electronic device) and to support the electronic device. If an electronic device is connected to a universal dock, the vertical members that contact the underside of the electronic device may be at least partially compressed by the downward force exerted thereon by the electronic device (e.g., by the weight of the electronic device). The shape of the electronic device being connected to the universal dock may result in some vertical members experiencing maximum compression, while other vertical members may be partially compressed or not compressed at all while the electronic device is connected. The vertical members that may not be in contact with the electronic device may not be compressed and may appear to align or seamlessly mesh with the sides of the electronic device. The non-compressed vertical members contacting the sides of the electronic device may provide lateral support to the electronic device to prevent the electronic device from tilting or shifting while connected to the universal dock. In addition, these non-compressed vertical members may provide lateral support to the sides of the device to lessen any strain that may be applied to the connector of the universal dock by the electronic device when connected to the connector. 
     If the electronic device is disconnected from the universal dock, the vertical members that may have been compressed may remain compressed despite the removal of the downward force on the vertical members. This lasting compression may aid a user in using the universal dock again with the same electronic device by eliminating the need to compress the support layer to conform to the shape of the electronic device while connecting the electronic device to the dock. In addition, this lasting compression may provide an aesthetic benefit because the universal dock may appear to the user to be customized to support the user&#39;s electronic device. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, a “RESET” button may exist on any suitable portion of the universal dock. The “RESET” button may return the support layer to its original, uncompressed state (e.g., the shape it may have occupied prior to the initial connection of an electronic device to the universal dock). To return any compressed vertical members to their original, uncompressed state, the “RESET” button may be depressed on the universal dock, and the vertical members may extend upwards due to an upward force that may be applied to the bottoms thereof. For example, the upward force may be applied by one or more springs that may be loaded at the base of each vertical member or one spring that may be loaded at the base of the support layer as a whole. Alternatively, the support layer may reform naturally to its original, uncompressed state when the weight is removed. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the support layer may be comprised of an elastic, sponge-like material. If an electronic device is connected to a universal dock, the sponge-like material may be compressed by the downward force (e.g., the weight of the electronic device). That portion of the support layer that may not be compressed under the weight of the electronic device may align with the sides of the electronic device and may provide lateral support to the electronic device while it is connected to the universal dock. If the electronic device is disconnected from the universal dock, the portion of the sponge-like material that may have been compressed may remain compressed despite the removal of the downward force. This lasting compression may aid a user in using the universal dock again with the same electronic device by eliminating the need to compress again that same portion of the support layer to conform to the shape of the electronic device. In addition, the lasting compression may provide an aesthetic benefit because the universal dock may appear to the user to be customized to support the user&#39;s electronic device. To return the sponge-like material to its original, uncompressed state, a “RESET” button located on the universal dock may be depressed, and the sponge-like material may be reformed by the application of any suitable upward force from the universal dock. Alternatively, the support layer may reform naturally to its original, uncompressed state when the weight is removed. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the support layer may be comprised of any suitable material, but instead of possessing a maximum thickness when no electronic device is connected to a universal dock, the support layer may possess a minimum thickness in its original state (e.g., when no electronic device is connected to a universal dock). If an electronic device is connected to the universal dock, then the support layer may rise and expand around a portion of the bottom of the electronic device to provide support as the electronic device is being connected. The support layer also may expand around a portion of the sides of the electronic device to provide lateral support while the electronic device is connected to the universal dock. 
     If the electronic device is disconnected from the universal dock, the portion of the support layer that may have risen and expanded to support the electronic device may remain in that state despite the removal of the electronic device. This retained position of the support layer may aid a user in using the universal dock again with the same electronic device by eliminating the need to adjust again that same portion of the support layer to conform to the shape of the electronic device. In addition, the retained position may provide an aesthetic benefit because the universal dock may appear to the user to be customized to support the user&#39;s electronic device. To return the support layer to its original, minimal thickness, a “RESET” button located on the universal dock may be depressed, and the support layer may be reduced by the application of any suitable force or signal from the universal dock. Alternatively, the support layer may lower naturally to its original state when the electronic device is removed. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the universal dock may contain additional circuitry to operate an electronic device while it is connected to the universal dock. For example, the universal dock may include an infrared sensor that may detect commands from a remote control. The universal dock may also include logic circuitry that may process commands received from the remote control via the infrared sensor and that may operate the electronic device connected to the universal dock in response to the received commands. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the universal dock may contain additional circuitry capable of adjusting the support layer to support a particular electronic device. For example, a face of the universal dock may include one or more buttons, each of which may be associated with a particular electronic device type. If the circuitry detects that one of the buttons is depressed, then the circuitry may signal the support layer to conform to the shape of the electronic device associated with the depressed button. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the universal dock may contain additional circuitry (e.g., logic circuitry) capable of detecting the type of electronic device that is connected to the universal dock. If the circuitry has detected and determined the particular type of electronic device that is connected to the universal dock, then the circuitry may control the support layer and may signal the support layer to conform to the shape of the electronic device to provide maximum support as it is being connected to the universal dock. For example, the circuitry may signal the support layer to rise and expand around a portion of the bottom and the sides of the electronic device to provide support as the electronic device is being connected to the universal dock. As another example, the circuitry may signal the support layer to compress beneath a portion of the bottom and the sides of the electronic device. 
     Improved aesthetics for a universal dock to support a wide variety of electronic devices are provided and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-16 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a universal dock in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Universal dock  100  may include housing  110 , support layer  120 , connector  130 , “RESET” button  140 , sensor  150 , and any other suitable feature. 
     Housing  110  may at least partially be made of any suitable material for providing structural support to universal dock  100 . For example, housing  110  may be made of plastic, metal, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. Housing  110  may also include any suitable openings for connecting cables, power sources, or other devices to universal dock  100 , such as openings for connector  130 , cable  160 , or any other suitable opening. Housing  110  may also include any suitable circuitry  170  to process input signals received from an electronic device connected to universal dock  100 , to process commands directed at the electronic device, to operate the electronic device, and/or to provide power to the electronic device. Housing  110  may include dimensions of any suitable depth, width, and height to support a range of electronic devices of various sizes. 
     Support layer  120  may at least partially be made of any suitable material operative to provide support for, while also providing the aesthetic benefit of appearing to be customized to the shape of, an electronic device that may be connected to universal dock  100 . For example, support layer  120  may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to a fabric with elasticity (e.g., nylon), an elastic sponge-like material that may retain its shape when a force is applied thereto, an array of spring-loaded vertical members whose top portions may be interconnected (e.g., by means of a Teflon sheet or by means of a webbing), or any other suitable material that may be compressed in response to a force applied thereto (e.g., the weight of an electronic device resting on support layer  120  while the electronic device may be connected to connector  130  of universal dock  100 ). Support layer  120  may be of any suitable thickness and of any suitable flexibility. Support layer  120  may also occupy any suitable amount of surface area on the top face of universal dock  100  to provide support for a range of electronic devices of various dimensions. 
     Connector  130  may include any suitable means for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between universal dock  100  and an electronic device. For example, connector  130  may include a male 30-pin connector element that may be visible from the top face of universal dock  100 . Connector  130  also may at least partially be positioned upon any suitable material for guiding an electronic device to make a connection with universal dock  100  and for supporting connector  130 . For example, connector  130  may be positioned upon a base of plastic or metal (not shown). The base of connector  130  may be mounted to housing  110  and may pass through support layer  120  to permit connector  130  to emerge on the top face of universal dock  100 . The base of connector  130  may also protect connector  130  from compression or damage if support layer  120  is compressed around connector  130 . In some embodiments, an electronic device with a female 30-pin connector positioned on its bottom face may be connected to universal dock  100  when connector  130  contacts the female 30-pin connector of the electronic device. 
     “RESET” button  140  may include any suitable elements for returning support layer  120  to its original, uncompressed state after support layer  120  has been compressed by an electronic device. For example, “RESET” button  140  may include a plastic button positioned on any face of universal dock  100  (e.g., the front face, as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and may include any suitable legend to indicate its purpose (e.g., a “RESET” legend or an “EJECT” legend). “RESET” button  140  may operate with any suitable mechanism to return support layer  120  to its original, uncompressed state. For example, “RESET” button  140  may operate to generate an upward force (e.g., a mechanical spring force or an electrical signal) to move upwards that portion of support layer  120  that may have been compressed by an electronic device. 
     Sensor  150  may include any suitable elements for detecting an electrical signal from an external source and for transmitting the electrical signal to universal dock  100 . In one embodiment, sensor  150  may be an infrared sensor capable of detecting an electrical signal from an external remote control. For example, a remote control may generate a command to control an electronic device and may transmit that command in the form of an electrical signal to sensor  150  in order to operate an electronic device that may be connected to universal dock  100 . If sensor  150  detects an electrical signal generated by a remote control, sensor  150  may transmit that signal to universal dock  100 . Universal dock  100  may include any suitable circuitry (e.g., circuitry  170 ) for processing the electrical signal from the remote control. Universal dock  100  may also include any suitable circuitry (e.g., circuitry  170 ) for operating the electronic device connected to universal dock  100  in response to the electrical signal transmitted by the remote control. Universal dock  100  may process the electrical signal detected by sensor  150  and may generate a second electrical signal to operate the electronic device in response to the first signal from the remote control. 
     Cable  160  may include any suitable elements for transmitting power or data to universal dock  100  and/or transmitting data from universal dock  100 . For example, cable  160  may include an Ethernet cable, a power cable, a USB cable, a FireWire cable, or any other suitable elements. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show a front view and a bottom view of a first electronic device  275  capable of being supported by universal dock  100  ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  275  may include any suitable device capable of connecting to universal dock  100 . For example, electronic device  275  may include a media player, such as an iPod™ classic or an iPod™ touch available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., a cellular telephone, such as an iPhone™ available by Apple Inc., a device capable of communicating wirelessly (with or without the aid of a wireless enabling accessory system) or via wired pathways (e.g., using traditional electrical wires), a pocket-sized personal computer such as an iPAQ Pocket PC available by Hewlett Packard Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), or a personal e-mail or messaging device with audio and/or video capabilities (e.g., a Blackberry® or a Sidekick®). 
       FIG. 2A  shows a front view of electronic device  275 . Electronic device  275  may be of any suitable width  2   w  and any suitable height  2   h , may possess edges of any suitable shape, and may be of any suitable weight, all capable of being supported by universal dock  100 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows a bottom view of electronic device  275 . Electronic device  275  may also be of any suitable depth  2   d  capable of being supported by universal dock  100 . Electronic device  275  may be connected to universal dock  100  using a connector  250 . Connector  250  may include any suitable means for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between universal dock  100  and electronic device  275 . For example, connector  250  may include a female 30-pin connector element that may be visible from the bottom face of electronic device  250 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of universal dock  100  ( FIG. 1 ) connected to first electronic device  275  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Universal dock  100  may include housing  110 , support layer  120  capable of supporting electronic device  275  with dimensions  2   h ,  2   d , and  2   w  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ), “RESET” button  140 , sensor  150 , cable  160 , and circuitry  170  as described in  FIG. 1 . Universal dock  100  may also include any other suitable feature, such as connector  130  (not shown) to permit connection between electronic device  275  and universal dock  100 . 
     Electronic device  275  may be connected to universal dock  100  using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device  275  may be connected when connector  250  ( FIG. 2B ) is coupled to connector  130  ( FIG. 1 ). If electronic device  275  is connected to universal dock  100 , electronic device  275  may contact support layer  120 . In some embodiments of the invention, support layer  120  may be at least partially made of an elastic, sponge-like material. In establishing an electrical connection between connector  250  and connector  130 , the weight of electronic device  275  may compress a portion of support layer  120  located underneath electronic device  275 . The compression of support layer  120  to mimic the dimensions  2   w  and  2   d  of electronic device  275  as it may be connected to universal dock  100  may provide customized support to electronic device  275  based upon the unique shape of electronic device  275 . The compression of support layer  120  may also give a user the aesthetic impression that universal dock  100  has been custom designed to support the shape of electronic device  275 . 
     In some embodiments, a remote control may be employed to operate electronic device  275  while electronic device  275  is connected to universal dock  100 . Sensor  150  may detect electrical signals generated by a remote control and may transmit those signals to universal dock  100 . Universal dock  100  may include logic circuitry (e.g., circuitry  170 ) that may process the electrical signals received from sensor  150  and may operate electronic device  275  in response to the electrical signals generated by the remote control. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  275  may be ejected from universal dock  100 . A user of electronic device  275  may pull upward on electronic device  275  to end the connection between connector  250  and connector  130 , or the “RESET” button  140  on the front face of universal dock  100  may be depressed to end the connection and effectively eject electronic device  275  from universal dock  100 . “RESET” button  140  may include any suitable mechanism for ending the connection between connector  130  and connector  250 . For example, “RESET” button  140  may be joined with a mechanical mechanism within universal dock  100  that may provide an upward force to eject electronic device  275  from universal dock  100  if “RESET” button  340  is depressed. In some embodiments, electronic device  275  may be ejected from universal dock  100  while support layer  120  may remain compressed in a shape resembling dimensions  2   w  and  2   d  of electronic device  275 , as described in more detail with respect to  FIG. 5  below. This lasting compression may be desirable if a user connects electronic device  275  to universal dock  100  repeatedly, or if electronic device  275  is the only electronic device that a user may connect to universal dock  100 . In other embodiments, if “RESET” button  140  is depressed, electronic device  275  may be ejected from universal dock  100  and support layer  120  may return to its original, uncompressed state in which it may have existed before electronic device  275  compressed it. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show cross-sectional views of a portion of universal dock  100  and first electronic device  275  of  FIG. 3 , taken from lines IVA-IVA and IVB-IVB, respectively, of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  275  may be connected to universal dock  100  by means of connector  130  and connector  250  (not shown). Connector  130  may be attached to a base  131  that may be positioned on housing  110  and may pass through support layer  120 . Base  131  may include any suitable material, such as a plastic or metal shaft, below connector  130  to provide support for connector  130  as it may be exposed on the top face of universal dock  100 . If a user attempts to connect electronic device  275  to universal dock  100 , electronic device  275  may contact both connector  130  and support layer  120 . Base  131  and housing  110  may not compress under the weight of electronic device  275  so that connector  130  may form an electrical connection and a physical connection with connector  250  without moving further downwards due to the weight of electronic device  275 . Support layer  120  may absorb the downward force (e.g., the weight) present because of the connection between connector  250  and connector  130  within universal dock  100 . Support layer  120  may compress and support layer surface  120   a  may deform in response to the downward force. Support layer surface  120   a  may be of any suitable thickness (e.g., the outermost layer of molecules of an elastic, sponge-like support layer, or the webbing that may join together vertical members within a support layer comprised of an array of vertical members) to experience the maximum deformation in response to a downward force (e.g., weight) being exerted on support layer surface  120   a . The deformation of support layer surface  120   a  may correspond to dimensions  2   d  and  2   w  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) of electronic device  275  to maximize the support of electronic device  275 . The corresponding deformation of support layer surface  120   a  also may give a user of universal dock  100  an aesthetic impression that universal dock  100  was custom designed to support the shape of electronic device  275 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show cross-sectional views of the portion of the universal dock of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , respectively, but without first electronic device  275 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  275  may have been separated from connector  130  using any suitable method (e.g., a user may have pulled upwards on electronic device  275  to physically disconnect connector  250  ( FIG. 2 ) from connector  130 , or “RESET” button  140  (not shown) may have been depressed to eject electronic device  275  from universal dock  100 ). In some embodiments, support layer  120  may remain compressed although electronic device  275  may have been removed from universal dock  100 . Support layer surface  120   a  may remain deformed in a shape that may correspond with the dimensions  2   w  and  2   d  of electronic device  275  that had previously been supported by universal dock  100 . This lasting compression may be desirable because a user may use universal dock  100  again with electronic device  275  while eliminating the need to compress support layer  120  to conform to the shape of electronic device  275 . Despite the compression of support layer  120  and the deformation of support layer surface  120   a , base  131  and housing  110  may not compress so as to allow electronic device  275  to connect with connector  130  at a fixed point. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a front view and a bottom view of a second electronic device  675  capable of being supported by universal dock  100  ( FIG. 1 ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  675  may include any suitable device capable of connecting to universal dock  100 . For example, electronic device  675  may include an iPod Nano™ available by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a front view of electronic device  675 . Electronic device  675  may be of any suitable width  6   w  and any suitable height  6   h , may possess edges of any suitable shape, and may be of any suitable weight, all capable of being supported by universal dock  100 . Each dimension  6   w  and  6   h  may be different from width  2   w  and height  2   h , respectively, of electronic device  275  ( FIG. 2 ). The weight of electronic device  675  may also be different from the weight of electronic device  275 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows a bottom view of electronic device  675 . Electronic device  675  may also be of any suitable depth  6   d  capable of being supported by universal dock  100 . Depth  6   d  may be different from depth  2 D of electronic device  275  ( FIG. 2A ). Electronic device  275  may be connected to universal dock  100  using connector  650  which may be visible from the bottom face of electronic device  650 . Connector  650  may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, connector  250  ( FIG. 2B ). For example, connector  650  may include a female 30-pin connector element. 
     First electronic device  275  and second electronic device  675  are illustrative examples of two different electronic devices with markedly different dimensions that may each connect to universal dock  100 . Any suitable electronic device having dimensions that may be compatible with support layer  120  and connector  130  may connect thereto, regardless of whether the dimensions of the electronic device are similar to the dimensions of electronic device  275  or electronic device  675 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of universal dock  100  connected to second electronic device  675  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Universal dock  100  may include housing  110 , support layer  120  capable of supporting electronic device  675  with dimensions  6   h ,  6   d , and  6   w  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ), “RESET” button  140 , sensor  150 , cable  160 , and circuitry  170  all as described in  FIG. 1 . Universal dock  100  may also include any other suitable feature, such as connector  130  (not shown) to permit connection between connector  650  ( FIG. 6B ) and universal dock  100 . Electronic device  675  may include any suitable device capable of connecting to universal dock  100  and capable of transmitting and receiving inputs, such as an iPod Nano™ available by Apple Inc. 
     Electronic device  675  may be connected to universal dock  100  using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device  675  may be connected when connector  650  ( FIG. 6B ) is coupled to connector  130 . If electronic device  675  is connected to universal dock  100 , electronic device  675  may contact support layer surface  120   a  and may compress support layer  120 . In establishing an electrical connection between connector  650  and connector  130 , the weight of electronic device  675  may compress a portion of support layer  120  located underneath electronic device  675 . The compression of support layer  120  may support electronic device  675  by conforming to dimensions  6   w  and  6   d  of electronic device  675 . The compression of support layer  120  may also give a user the aesthetic impression that universal dock  100  may have been designed to provide customized support to the shape of electronic device  675 . 
     In some embodiments, the compression of support layer  120  and the deformation of support layer surface  120   a  when supporting second electronic device  675  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) may not be contoured in the same manner as the compression of support layer  120  and the deformation of support layer surface  120   a  when supporting first electronic device  275  ( FIGS. 2A-4B ) because electronic device  675  may possess different physical dimensions than electronic device  275 . Universal dock  100  may, however, support first electronic device  275  and second electronic device  675  using the same support layer  120 . In each instance, support layer  120  may deform around the unique dimensions of the connected electronic device to maximize support for that electronic device and support layer  120  may appear to a user to be customized to support the shape of that electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  675  may end its connection with universal dock  100 . A user of electronic device  675  may pull upward on electronic device  675  to terminate the connection between connector  650  and connector  130  in universal dock  100 . Alternatively, the “RESET” button  140  on the front face of universal dock  100  may be depressed to separate electronic device  675  from connector  130  and effectively eject electronic device  675  from universal dock  100 . In some embodiments, electronic device  675  may be ejected from universal dock  100  while support layer  120  may remain compressed in a shape resembling dimensions  6   w  and  6   d  of electronic device  675 . This lasting compression may be desirable if a user connects electronic device  675  to universal dock  100  again because it may make a future connection of electronic device  675  more efficient by eliminating the need to compress support layer  120  again. It also may give a user an aesthetic impression that universal dock  100  may be customized to support the shape of electronic device  675 . In other embodiments, if “RESET” button  140  is depressed, electronic device  675  may be ejected from universal dock  100  and support layer  120  may return to its original, uncompressed state in which it may have existed before electronic device  675  compressed it. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show cross-sectional views of a portion of universal dock  100  and second electronic device  675  of  FIG. 7 , taken from lines VIIIA-VIIIA and VIIIB-VIIIB, respectively, of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  675  may be connected to universal dock  100  by means of connector  130  and connector  650  (not shown). If a user attempts to connect electronic device  675  to universal dock  100 , electronic device  675  may contact both connector  130  and support layer  120 . Base  131  and housing  110  may not compress under the weight of electronic device  675  so that connector  130  may form an electrical connection and a physical connection with connector  650  without moving further downwards due to the weight of electronic device  675 . Support layer  120  may absorb the downward force (e.g., the weight) present because of the connection between connector  650  and connector  130  within universal dock  100 . Support layer  120  may compress and support layer surface  120   a  may deform in response to the downward force. The deformation of support layer surface  120   a  may correspond to dimensions  6   w  and  6   d  of electronic device  675  to maximize the support of electronic device  675 . The corresponding deformation of support layer surface  120   a  also may give a user of universal dock  100  an aesthetic impression that universal dock  100  was custom designed to support the shape of electronic device  675 . Further, the deformation of support layer surface  120   a  by electronic device  675  may not appear to a user to be the same deformation that may be caused by electronic device  275  making contact with support layer surface  120   a  ( FIG. 4 ). 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show the cross-sectional views of the portion of universal dock  100  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , respectively, but without second electronic device  675 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  675  may have been separated from connector  130  using any suitable method (e.g., a user may have pulled upwards on electronic device  675  to physically disconnect connector  650  ( FIG. 2 ) from connector  130 , or “RESET” button  140  (not shown) may have been depressed to eject electronic device  675  from universal dock  100 ). 
     In some embodiments, support layer  120  may remain compressed although electronic device  675  may have been removed from universal dock  100 . Support layer surface  120   a  may remain deformed in a shape that may correspond with the dimensions  6   w  and  6   d  of electronic device  675  that had previously been supported by universal dock  100 . The deformation of support layer surface  120   a  following removal of electronic device  675  from universal dock  100  may not correspond to the deformation retained by support layer surface  120   a  following removal of electronic device  275  from universal dock  100  because of the different physical dimensions of the two electronic devices. The lasting compression of support layer surface  120   a  may be desirable because a user may use universal dock  100  again with electronic device  675  while eliminating the need to compress support layer  120  to conform to the shape of electronic device  675 . Despite the compression of support layer  120  and the deformation of support layer surface  120   a , base  131  and housing  110  may not compress so as to allow electronic device  675  to connect with connector  130  at a fixed point. 
       FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a universal dock in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Universal dock  900  may include housing  910 , connector  930 , and base  931 , each of which may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, housing  110 , connector  130 , and base  131 , respectively. Universal dock  900  may also include a cable (not shown) to allow universal dock  900  to receive power or information from or to transmit information to any suitable source, or any other suitable features. 
     Universal dock  900  also may include support layer  920  which may at least partially be made of any suitable material operative to provide support for an electronic device that may be connected to universal dock  900 . For example, support layer  920  may include an array of vertical members  925 . Each vertical member  925  may at least partially be made of any suitable material operative to compress in response to the application of a downward force. For example, each vertical member  925  may be made of an elastic material. Alternatively, each vertical member  925  may be spring loaded to create an upward bias that may provide support in response to a downward force (e.g., the weight of an electronic device). The movement of each vertical member  925  may be independent from the movement of each other vertical member  925 . Each vertical member  925  may be of the same height, although each vertical member  925  may have a different width, shape, or diameter. 
     Each vertical member  925  may include a top portion of any suitable shape, such as a flat, circular, or hexagonal top portion. In some embodiments, the top face of each vertical member  925  may form a portion of support layer surface  920   a . Support layer surface  920   a  may be of any suitable thickness to experience the maximum deformation in response to the application of a downward force resulting from an electronic device being connected to universal dock  900 . In some embodiments, each vertical member  925  may be evenly spaced with respect to each other vertical member  925 , and the top portion of each vertical member  925  may touch the top portion of at least one other vertical member  925  to form a seamless support layer surface  920   a . In some embodiments, each vertical member  925  may include a hexagonal top portion that may contact six other vertical members  925  in a pattern that may resemble a honeycomb to form a seamless support layer surface  920   a . In some embodiments, a seamless support layer surface  920   a  may be formed by interconnecting the top portion of each vertical member  925 , including, for example, by means of a Teflon sheet or a webbing that may unite the top portions of each vertical member  925 , or any other suitable material. 
       FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of universal dock  900  ( FIG. 10 ), but connected to first electronic device  275  ( FIGS. 2A and 2B ) in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  275  may be connected to universal dock  900  using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device  275  may be connected when connector  250  ( FIG. 2B ) is coupled to connector  930  ( FIG. 10 ). If electronic device  275  is connected to universal dock  900 , electronic device  275  may contact support layer surface  920   a  and may compress support layer  920 . 
     In establishing an electrical connection between connector  250  and connector  930 , the weight of electronic device  275  may compress those vertical members  925  located underneath electronic device  275 . For example, individual vertical members  925   f ,  925   k ,  925   m , and  925   o  may be compressed in response to a downward force (e.g., the weight of electronic device  275 ) as electronic device  275  is connected to connector  930 . Vertical members  925   a ,  925   d ,  925   r , and  925   x  may not compress because the weight of electronic device  275  may not exert a downward force on that portion of support layer  920  that includes vertical members  925   a ,  925   d ,  925   r , or  925   x . Vertical members  925   d  and  925   r  may contact the sides of electronic device  275  and may provide lateral support to electronic device  275  to prevent electronic device  275  from tilting or shifting while connected to universal dock  900 . 
     Other vertical members  925  may be at least partially compressed by the weight of electronic device  275  (i.e., more than vertical members  925   d  and  925   r ), but may be compressed less than vertical members  924   f ,  925   k ,  925   m , and  925   o  because of the shape of the edges of electronic device  275 . For example, as shown, electronic device  275  may include rounded edges that may contact only a part of a top portion of a vertical member  925  (see, e.g., vertical members  925   e  and  925   p ), and that vertical member  925  may be compressed in response to the contact, but may not be compressed as much as if electronic device  275  contacted all of the top portion of that vertical member  925 , or if more of the weight of device  275  was displaced on that member. 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  275  may include different dimensions (e.g., electronic device  275  may be wider than what is shown in  FIG. 11 ) and vertical members  925   a ,  925   d ,  925   f ,  925   k ,  925   m ,  925   o ,  925   r , and  925   x  all may be at least partially compressed if a downward force is exerted on them. The compression of support layer  920  may support electronic device  275  by conforming to the unique dimensions of electronic device  275 . The compression of support layer  920  and the deformation of support layer surface  920   a  may also give a user an aesthetic impression that universal dock  900  has been custom designed to support the shape of electronic device  275 . 
       FIG. 12  shows the cross-sectional view of the portion of universal dock  900  of  FIG. 11 , but without first electronic device  275 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  275  may have once been connected to connector  930  and thereafter removed from universal dock  900  using any suitable method. For example, a user may have pulled upwards on electronic device  275  to physically disconnect connector  250  from connector  930 . Alternatively, a “RESET” button (not shown), which may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, “RESET” button  140  ( FIG. 1 ), may have been depressed to eject electronic device  275  from universal dock  900 . In some embodiments, if electronic device  275  is removed from universal dock  900 , then those vertical members  925  that may have been at least partially compressed, including, for example, vertical members  925   e ,  925   f ,  925   k ,  925   m ,  925   o , and  925   p , may return naturally to their original, uncompressed state (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, if electronic device  275  is removed, support layer  920  may retain its compressed profile and support layer  920   a  may retain its deformation in a shape that may correspond with the dimensions of electronic device  275 . This lasting compression may be desirable because a user may connect electronic device  275  to universal dock  900  again without having to compress support layer  920  to conform to the dimensions of electronic device  275 . Despite the compression of support layer  920  and the deformation of support layer surface  920   a , base  931  and housing  910  may not compress so as to allow electronic device  275  to connect with connector  930  at a fixed point. The compression of support layer  920  and the deformation of support layer surface  920   a  may be relieved in some embodiments by depressing a “RESET” button. 
       FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of universal dock  900  of  FIG. 10 , but connect to second electronic device  675  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ), in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  675  may be connected to universal dock  900  using any suitable approach. For example, electronic device  675  may be connected when connector  650  ( FIG. 6B ) is coupled to connector  930  ( FIG. 10 ). If electronic device  675  is connected to universal dock  900 , electronic device  675  may contact support layer surface  920   a  and may compress support layer  920 . 
     In establishing an electrical connection between connector  650  and connector  930 , the weight of electronic device  675  may compress those vertical members  925  located underneath electronic device  675 . For example, individual vertical members  925   j  and  925   n  may be compressed in response to a downward force (e.g., the weight of electronic device  675 ) as electronic device  675  is connected to connector  930 . Vertical members  925   c ,  925   g ,  925   t , and  925   z  may not compress because the weight of electronic device  675  may not exert a downward force on that portion of support layer  920  that includes vertical members  925   c ,  925   g ,  925   t , or  925   z . Vertical members  925   g  and  925   t  may contact the sides of electronic device  675  and may provide lateral support to electronic device  675  to prevent electronic device  675  from tilting or shifting while connected to universal dock  900 . 
     Vertical members  925  may be compressed by the weight of electronic device  675  in a different pattern than the compression of vertical members  925  by electronic device  275  because of the different shape of the edges of electronic device  675  and electronic device  275 . While electronic device  275  may include rounded edges, electronic device  675  may include straight edges that may contact the top portions of certain vertical members  925  (e.g., vertical members  925   j  and  925   n ), which may be compressed in response to the contact. Other vertical members may not be partially compressed because the straight edges of electronic device  675  may prevent electronic device  675  from contacting only a part of the top portion of certain other vertical members  925  or from displacing a different amount of weight or downward force on certain vertical members  925  as compared to other vertical members  925 . 
     In some embodiments, electronic device  675  may include different dimensions (e.g., electronic device  675  may be wider than what is shown in  FIG. 13 ) and vertical members  925   c ,  925   e ,  925   j ,  925   n ,  925   t , and  925   z  all may be compressed if a downward force is exerted on them. The compression of support layer  920  may support electronic device  675  by conforming to the unique dimensions of electronic device  675 . The compression of support layer  920  and the deformation of support layer surface  920   a  may also give a user an aesthetic impression that universal dock  900  has been custom designed to support the shape of electronic device  675 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the cross-sectional view of the portion of universal dock  900  of  FIG. 13 , but without second electronic device  675 , in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Electronic device  675  may have once been connected to connector  930  and thereafter removed from universal dock  900  using any suitable method. For example, a user may have pulled upwards on electronic device  675  to physically disconnect connector  650  from connector  930 . Alternatively, a “RESET” button (not shown), which may be the same as, and may include some or all of the features of, “RESET” button  140  ( FIG. 1 ), may have been depressed to eject electronic device  675  from universal dock  900 . In some embodiments, if electronic device  675  is removed from universal dock  900 , then those vertical members  925  that may have been compressed, including, for example, vertical members  925   j  and  925   n , may return naturally to their original, uncompressed state (see, e.g.,  FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, if electronic device  675  is removed, support layer  920  may retain its compressed profile and support layer  920   a  may retain its deformation in a shape that may correspond with the dimensions of electronic device  675 . Because of the differences in their dimensions, the compressed profile of support layer  920  following the removal of second electronic device  675  may appear different to a user of universal dock  900  than the compressed profile of support layer  920  following the removal of first electronic device  275 . This lasting compression may be desirable because a user may connect electronic device  675  to universal dock  900  again without having to compress support layer  920  to conform to the dimensions of electronic device  675 . Despite the compression of support layer  920  and the deformation of support layer surface  920   a , base  931  and housing  910  may not compress so as to allow electronic device  675  to connect with connector  930  at a fixed point. The compression of support layer  920  and the deformation of support layer surface  920   a  may be relieved in some embodiments by depressing a “RESET” button. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for supporting an electronic device that may be attached to a universal dock in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  1500  may begin at step  1502 . At step  1506 , an electronic device may be attached to a connector within a universal dock. For example, first electronic device  275  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , or second electronic device  675  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , may be attached to connector  130  of universal dock  100  ( FIG. 1 ) or connector  930  of universal dock  900  ( FIG. 10 ). At step  1510 , a first portion of the support layer within the universal dock, such as support layer  120  or support layer  920 , may compress in response to the downward force (e.g., the weight) being applied to the support layer when the electronic device is attached to the connector. At step  1514 , a portion of the sides of the electronic device also may be laterally supported by a second portion of the support layer when the electronic device is attached to the connector. Process  1500  may then advance to step  1518  and end. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for detecting an electronic device being attached to a universal dock and customizing the shape of a support layer within the universal dock to support the detected electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Process  1600  may begin at step  1602 . At step  1605 , a universal dock may detect that an electronic device is being attached or is about to be attached to a connector within the universal dock. 
     For example, universal dock  100  ( FIG. 1 ) or universal dock  900  ( FIG. 10 ) may detect (e.g., using logic circuitry within the universal dock) that an electronic device, such as electronic device  275  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  or electronic device  675  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , may be initiating contact or is about to initiate contact with the connector (e.g., connector  130  of  FIG. 1  or connector  930  of  FIG. 10 ) of the universal dock. In some embodiments of the invention, the universal dock may contain circuitry capable of alerting the universal dock that a particular electronic device is about to be connected. For example, a face of the universal dock may include one or more buttons, each of which may be associated with a particular electronic device type. If the circuitry detects that one of the buttons is depressed, then the circuitry may signal the support layer to conform to the shape of the electronic device associated with the depressed button. As another example, the circuitry may include a sensor (e.g., sensor  150  of  FIG. 1 ) that may communicate wirelessly with an electronic device. The electronic device may signal its presence to the sensor, or the sensor may detect the proximity of the electronic device. Upon receiving a signal from the electronic device or detecting the proximity of the electronic device, the sensor may signal the circuitry within the universal dock that the particular electronic device is about to be connected. 
     At step  1609 , the universal dock may determine the make of the detected electronic device. For example, the universal dock may include a memory that may be able to detect any suitable number of electronic devices that may be compatible with the universal dock and its connector. 
     At step  1613 , a first portion of the support layer within the universal dock, such as support layer  120 , support layer  920  or any other suitable support layer, may adjust its shape in response to the universal dock determining that a particular electronic device is being attached to the connector. For example, the support layer may compress downwards to support the dimensions of electronic device  275 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A-5B , in anticipation of electronic device  275  attaching to the connector. Alternatively, the support layer may swell upwards from the base of the universal dock to surround and support the dimensions of electronic device  675  in anticipation of electronic device  675  attaching to the connector. At step  1617 , the electronic device may be attached to the connector within the universal dock. At step  1622 , a portion of the sides of the electronic device also may be laterally supported by a second portion of the support layer when the electronic device is attached to the connector. Process  1600  may then advance to step  1625  and end. 
     While there have been described apparatus and methods with improved aesthetics for supporting a variety of electronic devices, it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will also be understood that various directional and orientational terms such as “up” and “down,” “left” and “right,” “top” and “bottom,” “side” and “edge” and “corner,” “height” and “width” and “depth,” “horizontal” and “vertical,” 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 positioning of electronic devices on support layers and universal docks of this invention can 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 of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20080604
Publication Date: 20140729
Grant Date: 20140729
Priority Date: 20080604
Inventors: TERLIZZI JEFFREY J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/49117", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K7/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 41400118