PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7580255-B2
Application Number: US-21230205-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Docking station for hand held electronic devices

Abstract:
A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

Claims:
1. A plurality of removable inserts to adapt a plurality of types of portable media players to a docking station, each of the plurality of types of portable media players having a varying size, each of the plurality of removable inserts comprising:
 a basin having an inside surface to receive a bottom end of one of the plurality of types of portable media players, the basin further having an outside surface, the basin configured for insertion and extraction with the docking station, the basin further including:
 one or more tabs located on a first side of the outside surface; 
 a catch located on a second side of the outside surface, the first side opposite the second side; 
 a lip extending from the inside surface of the basin, the lip configured to support and position the removable insert relative to the docking station when the removable insert is in a mounted position, wherein the lip is planar and is profiled to match a cavity in the docking station; 
 an opening for a recess, the opening for the recess located in the second side; and 
 an opening in a bottom for a connector of the docking station, 
 
 wherein the opening for the recess is located such that the opening for the recess is located in the center of the catch, wherein the recess comprises a pull for applying force about the one or more tabs on a first side of the basin, wherein the pull can be grasped by a finger. 
 
     
     
       2. The plurality of removable inserts of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more tabs are configured for capture by corresponding slots in the docking station, and the catch is configured for capture by a latch in the docking station. 
     
     
       3. The plurality of removable inserts of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more tabs includes a pair of tabs, the tabs spaced apart and located on opposite sides of a center of the removable insert, and wherein the catch is a rib that mates with a detent of the latch, the rib being located proximate the center of the removable insert, the tabs and rib working together to provide three point stability between the removable insert and the docking station. 
     
     
       4. A removable insert for coupling a portable media player to a docking station, the removable insert comprising:
 a basin having an inside surface to receive a bottom end of the portable media player, the basin further having an outside surface, the basin configured for insertion and extraction with the docking station, the basin further including:
 two tabs spaced apart and located on a first side of the outside surface and on opposite sides of a center of the removable insert; 
 a catch located on a second side of the outside surface, the first side opposite the second side; 
 a lip extending from the inside surface of the basin, the lip configured to support and position the removable insert relative to the docking station when the removable insert is in a mounted position, wherein the lip is planar; 
 an opening for a recess, the opening for the recess located in the second side such that the opening for the recess is located in the center of the catch; and 
 an opening in a bottom for a connector of the docking station, 
 
 wherein the recess comprises a pull for applying force about the one or more tabs on a first side of the basin, wherein the pull can be grasped by a finger. 
 
     
     
       5. The removable insert of  claim 4 , wherein the one or more tabs are configured for capture by corresponding slots in the docking station, and the catch is configured for capture by a latch in the docking station. 
     
     
       6. The removable insert of  claim 4 , wherein the catch is a rib that mates with a detent of the latch, the rib being located proximate the center of the removable insert, the tabs and rib working together to provide three point stability between the removable insert and the docking station.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/423,490, titled, “MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM,” filed on Apr. 25, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to docking stations for hand held electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a docking station that accommodates hand held electronic devices with different sizes and shapes. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There exist today many styles of handheld electronic devices as for example cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), media players (e.g., music player or video player), cameras, game player and the like. As is generally well known, these devices come in various shapes and sizes (e.g., thickness, width and height). The size and shape is typically dependent on various form factors including but not limited to ease of use, ergonomics, aesthetics, and the size of the components inside or outside the device. While it is likely that different manufacturers may produce the same type of hand held electronic device with differing shapes and sizes, it is also likely that one particular manufacturer may produce different models of the same type of hand held electronic device with different shapes and sizes. 
     By way of example, the iPod product line, which is manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif. comes in various sizes and shapes. Particularly, the iPod Mini has a pill shaped cross section and dimensions of 2.0×3.6×0.5 inches for 4 GB versions, while the standard iPod has a substantially rectangular cross and dimensions of 2.4×4.1×0.57 inches for a 20 GB version and 2.4×4.1×0.69 inches for a 40 GB version. Furthermore, the iPhoto model of the iPod has a substantially rectangular cross section similar to the standard version, but with dimensions of 2.4×4.1×0.75 for both 40 GB and 60 GB versions. 
     Docking stations provide a convenient interface for transferring data between the device and computing devices such as a personal computers or peripheral devices such as speakers, monitors and printers without having to reconnect and disconnect cables. The docking station may also provide an interface for connecting to a power source so that the hand held electronic device can be powered or charged (e.g., battery). In most cases, the docking stations include a slot within which the hand electronic device is received. The slot is configured to have a size and shape that coincides with the size and shape of the hand held device so that the hand held device rests snuggly within the slot. Furthermore, the slot includes a connector therein for operatively engaging a port of the hand held electronic device when the hand held electronic device is positioned within the slot. The connector is coupled to the external systems through a cable so that communications between the hand held electronic device and the external systems can take place. 
     Because the slot has a size and shape that coincides with the size and shape of a particular hand held device, the docking station is typically dedicated to the particular handheld device. Other devices typically cannot be used with the docking station. The slots themselves are simply incapable of supporting more than one device. As a result, users with an arsenal of devices have to wield a variety of docking stations, one for each device in their arsenal. This produces clutter and can be confusing to the user. This also presents problems to the manufacturer of multiple devices in that they need to produce a variety of docking stations (one for each unique device), which adds costs and complexity in the design, manufacture, assembly, and packaging of the devices. This is especially true with devices in the same product line as for example the iPod described above. 
     Some docking stations come packaged with removable spacers that can change the size and shape of the slot thereby accommodating more than one device. 
       FIG. 1  is an exemplary side elevation view of a docking station  10  that utilizes a removal spacer  12 . The removable spacer  12  is positioned in an opening  14  in the housing  16  of the docking station  10 , and includes a lip  18  and a bumper  20  disposed below the lip  18 . The lip  18  and bumper  20 , which protrude outwardly, completely surround the periphery of the spacer  12 . The bumper  20  is formed from a deformable material such as rubber that can deform inwardly during insertion and extraction thereby allowing the bumper  20  to be pressed over an edge  22  of the opening  14 . The peripheral lip  18  and the bumper  20  cooperate to form a channel that captures the edge  22  in order to secure the spacer  12  to the housing  16  of the docking station  10 . Furthermore, the spacer  12  includes an opening  26  for receiving a connector  28  positioned in the opening  14  of the docking station  10 . 
     Although spacers such as these work for their intended purpose, they still suffer from several drawbacks. For one, the spacer is difficult to insert and remove and has a rough feel, which leaves a negative impression on the user. This is due in part to the vertical positioning of the spacer within the docking station and the large force that is required to overcome the rubber bumper since it is somewhat rigid and extends completely around the spacer. Furthermore, in cases where the insert includes an angled basin, the hole in the bottom of the basin must be made large to allow enough space for the connector (e.g., clearance). This however, leaves gaps, which are aesthetically unpleasing and which provide paths for dust and other foreign matter into the docking system. 
     An improved docking station that utilizes spacers is therefore desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a docking station for handheld devices with varying shapes and sizes. The docking station includes a top member with a cavity formed therein. The cavity is configured to rotatably receive a removable insert that accommodates the bottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a removable insert for hand held devices with varying shapes and sizes. The removable insert includes a basin having an opening and an enclosed region that receives the bottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape. The basin is configured for rotatable insertion and extraction to and from a docking station. The removable insert rotates between an initial position, where the removable insert is capable of being inserted or extracted, and a mounted position, where the removable insert is secured in the docking station. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking system for a handheld device. The docking system includes a docking station. The docking system also includes a removable insert. The removable insert is configured to rotate relative to the docking station during insertion and extraction from the docking station. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking station. The docking station includes a top member with a cavity formed therein. The cavity is configured to rotatably receive a removable insert that accommodates the bottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape. The docking station also includes a connector disposed in the cavity. The connector protrudes through a bottom wall of the cavity. The docking station further includes a collar surrounding and positioned at the base of the connector. The collar protrudes through the bottom wall of the cavity with the connector. The collar is configured to produce a snug fit with an opening in the removable insert when the removable insert is positioned within the cavity of the top member. The opening in the removable insert is configured to allow rotation of the removable insert into the cavity without hitting the connector. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a removable insert for hand held devices with varying shapes and sizes. The removable insert includes a basin having an opening and an enclosed region that receives the bottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape. The basin is configured for insertion and extraction within a cavity of a docking station. The removable insert also includes a lip that surrounds and extends away from the opening in the basin. The lip is configured for placement in a recess in the docking station. The recess catches the lip and provides a reference point for the insert during insertion and extraction from the cavity of the docking station. The removable insert further includes one or more tabs extending from the front wall of the basin, and configured to mate with corresponding slots located inside the cavity of the docking station. The removable insert additionally includes a catch formed on the back wall of the basin, and configured to mate with a latch located within the cavity of the docking station. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking system. The docking system includes a docking station. The docking station includes a top member. The docking station also includes a pocket formed in the top member and configured to receive a plurality of inserts therein. The cavity includes an opening and an enclosed region that are sized to accommodate the largest insert. The enclosed region has sidewalls and a bottom wall that surround the inserts when they are placed in the cavity. The docking station further includes a recess formed in the top member and surrounding the opening in the pocket. The docking station additionally includes a connector located within the pocket and protruding through the bottom wall of the pocket. The docking station also includes a collar surrounding and positioned at the base of the connector. The collar protrudes through the bottom wall of the pocket with the connector. 
     The docking system also includes a plurality of removable inserts. Each of the removable inserts includes a basin configured for rotatable insertion into the pocket of the docking station. The basin includes an opening and an enclosed region that are sized to accommodate a particular hand held device. The enclosed region has sidewalls and a bottom wall that surround the bottom end of the particular hand held device. The bottom wall includes a hole for receiving the connector and collar when the basin is rotated within the pocket of the docking station. The edge of the hole includes a chamfer so that the basin clears the connector when the basin is rotated within the pocket of the docking station. Each of the removable inserts also includes a lip that surrounds and extends away from the opening in the basin. The lip is configured for placement in the recess in the top member. The recess catches the lip and provides a reference point about which the insert is rotated when inserted and extracted from the pocket of the docking station. 
     The docking system further includes a retention mechanism configured to secure the inserts within the docking station. The retention mechanism includes one or more slots formed in a front wall of the pocket. The retention mechanism also includes one or more tabs extending from the front wall of the basin, and configured to mate with the slots. The retention mechanism further includes a catch formed on the back wall of the basin. The retention mechanism additionally includes a latch located on the back wall of the pocket and configured to move between a latched position, where the catch is captured by the latch, and an unlatched position, where the catch is released from the latch. The latch includes a detent that springs into engagement with the catch when the insert is rotated into its final position within the pocket of the docking station. The latch also includes a flexure that biases the detent towards the center of the pocket. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exemplary side elevation view of a docking station that utilizes a removal spacer. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram of a docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a front perspective view of a docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a rear perspective view of the docking system shown in  FIG. 3A , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are side elevation views of a docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side elevation views of a docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a sound system with an integrated docking station, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a docking station for portable electronic devices. The docking station provides a platform for quickly and easily coupling a hand held electronic device to another system or device as for example a computer, a power source, or peripheral devices such as a monitor, a keyboard, speakers, etc. A primary advantage of using a docking station is that the user does not have to separately connect one device at a time. 
     The docking station may be a stand alone unit that communicates with other devices or systems through wired (e.g., cables) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connections, or alternatively, the docking station may be integrated directly into the other devices or systems. In either case, the docking station includes an opening or slot that receives the portable electronic device. The opening is typically configured to support the portable electronic device in an upright (e.g., vertical) or laid down (e.g., horizontal) position while maintaining access to the U.I. portion of the portable electronic device. 
     The dock also includes a way of interfacing the portable electronic device with the other devices or systems. By way of example, the opening may include one or more connectors that engage one or more ports on the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is placed in the opening. In the case of a stand alone unit, the connector may be coupled to other connectors, ports or transceivers that provide external connections to the other devices or systems. In the case of an integrated docking station, the connector may be wired directly to the components of the host device. 
     More particularly, the present invention relates to docking stations that utilize removable inserts that accommodate portable hand held devices with different sizes and shapes. The docking station includes an opening that receives all the various inserts, and each of the inserts has a slot or opening that accommodates a particular hand held device. The number of inserts generally depends on the number of devices that are served by the docking station. One aspect of the invention relates to inserts that are rotated in and out of the docking station. Another aspect of the invention relates to a quick release latching mechanism that allows the insert to be temporarily secured to the docking station. Both features allow the inserts to be inserted and extracted into the docking station with simplicity, ease and minimal effort (thereby leaving a positive impression on the user). 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 2-8 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram of a docking system  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The docking system  100  includes a single docking station  102  and a plurality of inserts  104 . Each of the inserts  104  are received by the docking station  102  and are configured to accommodate hand held devices  106  with different sizes and shapes. In essence, the inserts allow different dimensioned devices to be placed in the same docking station. As shown, there is an insert  104 A-C for each differently configured hand held device  106 A-C. The hand held devices  106 A-C may for example correspond to media players such as the iPod class of media players manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino Calif. 
     In most cases, the docking station  102  includes an opening  108  for receiving each of the inserts  104  and the inserts  104  include an opening  110  for receiving a hand held device  106  with a particular size and shape. That is, the opening  108  in the docking station  102  is sized and dimensioned to allow each of the inserts  104  to be positioned therein, and the openings  110  in the inserts  104  are sized and dimensioned to allow a particular device to be positioned therein. Furthermore, the openings  108  and  110  may be configured to support the hand held device  106  in an upright (e.g., vertical or angled), or laid down (e.g., horizontal) position. When upright, the openings  108  and  110  are typically configured to surround the front, back and left and right sides of the hand held device  106  and when laid down, the openings  108  and  110  are typically configured to surround the top and bottom sides and the left and right sides of the hand held device  106 . In either case, access to the U.I. portion  112  of the hand held device  106  is preferably maintained. 
     When coupled with an insert  104 , the hand held device  106  is configured to correctly interface with the docking station  102  in order to allow communications between the hand held device  106  and other devices or systems connected to the docking station  102 . The docking station  102  may for example include a connector  114  inside the opening  108  that couples to a port  116  on the hand held device  106  through a hole  118  in the insert  104 . The opening  110  in the insert  104  is configured to guide the port  116  of handheld device  106  into alignment with the connector  114  that is disposed within the hole  118 . 
     The docking station  102  may be a stand alone unit that communicates with other devices or systems through wired (e.g., cables) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connections, or alternatively, the docking station  102  may be integrated directly into the other devices or systems. An example of a docking station that can be used may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/423,490, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , one embodiment of the docking system  100  will be described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the docking station  102  is a stand alone unit. It should be appreciated, however, that the features of the stand alone docking station may be equally applied to integrated docking stations. 
     As shown, the docking station  102  includes a cavity  150  disposed in a top member  152 . The cavity  150  is a depression or pocket capable of receiving each of the various inserts  104  therein (and possibly the largest hand held device). The cavity includes an opening  156  and an enclosed region having sidewalls  160  and a bottom wall  162 . The insert  104  is placed within the opening  156  and rests inside the cavity  150  where it is surrounded by the various walls  160  and  162 . The size and shape of the cavity  150  is generally configured to accommodate the largest insert  104 . The top member  152 , on the other hand, is a portion of a housing  154  of the docking station  102 . 
     The connector  114  is located within the cavity  150 , and typically protrudes from the bottom wall  162  of the cavity  150 . The connector  114  may for example be attached to a PCB and extend through a hole  164  in the bottom wall  162 . In integrated systems, the connector  114  is typically hard wired to the components of the host system (e.g., boom box). In stand alone systems, the connector  114  may electrically connect to various I/O interfaces  166  located on the side, and more particularly the backside of the docking station  102  so that the docking station  102  can communicate with other devices and systems. By way of example, the I/O interfaces may include audio and video jacks, data ports, electrical outlets, and/or the like. 
     Referring to the inserts  104 , the inserts  104  include a basin  170  for receiving the bottom end of the hand held device. Similar to the cavity  150 , the basin  170  includes an opening  172  and an enclosed region formed by side walls  174  and a bottom wall  176 . However, unlike the cavity  150 , the opening  172  and walls  174  and  176  are sized and dimensioned to correspond to a particular hand held device. That is, the inner periphery of the basin  170  coincides with the outer periphery of a particular hand held device. Furthermore, the basin  170  has a depth that supports the handheld device in an upright position while still providing access to the user interface of the hand held device when the hand held device is disposed within the insert  104  and docking station  102 . Moreover, the depth and outer periphery of the basin  170  is smaller than the depth and inner periphery of the cavity  150  so that the basin  170  can be seated properly within the cavity  150 . 
     The basin  170  may be vertical or angled. In the illustrated embodiment, the basin  170  is angled so that the hand held device is placed in a tilted orientation when situated in the docking station  102 . By way of example, the angle may be about 15 degrees from vertical. 
     The hole  118  for receiving the connector  114  is disposed within the bottom wall  176  of the basin  170 . The connector  114  extends through the hole  118  and into the basin  170  where it eventually plugs into a port on the bottom end of the hand held device. In most cases, the connector  114  is positioned parallel to the side walls  174 . Thus, the connector  114  has the same angle as the basin  170 . In fact, the side walls  174  of the basin  170  are used to guide the hand held device over and into engagement with the connector  114 . 
     The insert  104  may be supported by the walls of the cavity  150  and/or the top member  152  of the docking station  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the insert  104  includes a lip  178  which surrounds the opening  172  in the basin  170  and which rests on the top member  152  of the docking station  102 . More particularly, the top member  152  includes a recess portion  180  that surrounds the opening  156  of the cavity  150 , and that receives the lip  178  therein. The lip  178  typically has an outer profile that coincides with the inner profile of the recess portion  180 . This is done to reduce gaps between the insert  104  and the docking station  102  and provide mating surfaces for positioning and supporting the insert  104  relative to the docking station  102 , i.e., helps align the hole  118  with the connector  114 . Furthermore, the depth of the recess portion  180  typically coincides with the thickness of the lip  178  so that the top surface of the insert  104  lies flush with the top surface of the top member  152  when the insert  104  is seated within the docking station  102 . This particular arrangement provides a clean and continuous appearance that is aesthetically pleasing to the user. This may also help hide the fact that an insert is being used. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the insert  104  is positioned within the docking station  102  via rotating action. That is, the insert  104  is configured to rotate relative the docking station  102  between a released position and a mounted position. The rotating action provides a more elegant solution for inserting and removing the insert  104  to and from the docking station  102 . 
     During insertion, a user places the front lip  178 A of the insert  104  within the front recess  180 A of the docking station  102  and rotates the insert  104  about this interface. The recess  180 A catches the front lip  178 A and provides a reference surface about which the insert  104  can be rotated. At the end of the rotating action, the entire lip  178  is positioned within the recess  180  thereby placing the insert  104  in the desired relationship with the docking station  102 . That is, the basin  170  is placed within the cavity  150 , and the connector  114  extends through the hole  118  in the bottom of the basin  170 . 
     During extraction or removal, a user lifts the back end of the insert  104  away from the docking station  102  and rotates the insert  104  about the lip/recess interface. As the insert  104  is rotated, the basin  170  is pulled out of the cavity  150  and the connector  114  is removed from the hole  118 . At the end of rotation, the insert  104  is freed from the docking station  104  and thus it can be removed from the docking station  102 . In some cases, the back end of the insert  104  may include a void  182  that forms a lip that can be used as a handle to lift the insert  104  away from the docking station  102 . 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the docking system  100  includes a retention mechanism for securing the insert  104  to the docking station  102 . The retention mechanism consists of at least two features, an insert feature  192  and a docking station feature  194 . These features are cooperatively positioned so that when the insert  104  is inserted into the docking station  102  (e.g., via the rotating action), the features  192  and  194  engage with one another thus securing the insert  104  to the docking station  102 . In most cases, the features  192  and  194  are strategically positioned about the periphery of the basin  170  and the cavity  150 . For example, the features  192  and  194  may be located on the side walls including the front, back, right and left walls. Furthermore, the mating features  192  and  194  are typically positioned in an opposed relationship. For example, if there are mating features  192  and  194  on the front wall then there tend to be mating features  192  and  194  on the back wall. The features may be widely varied. By way of example, the features may include nubs, grooves, channels, catches, hooks, slots, guides, tabs and/or the like that mate with one another in order to hold the insert  104  in place. The features  192  and  194  may also include more complex mechanisms such as latches, locks, snaps and/or friction couplings. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the insert  104  includes one or more tabs or hooks  192 A that mate with one or more slots  194 A located in the front side of the cavity  150  (or vice versa). Further, the backside of the insert  104  includes a catch  192 B that mates with a latch  194 B located in the backside of the cavity  150 . The latch  194 B is configured to move between a latched and unlatched position. In the latched position, the latch  194 B captures the catch  192 B thereby securing the insert  104  to the docking station  102 . In the unlatched position, the catch  192 B is released from the latch  194 B thereby allowing the insert  104  to be removed from the docking station  102 . The catch may be widely varied. For example, the catch may be selected from voids, ribs, pockets, openings, etc. 
     During insertion, as for example when the insert  104  is rotated inwards, the slots  194 A are configured to capture the tabs  192 A and the latch  194 B is configured to capture the catch  192 B thereby securing the insert  104  to the docking station  102 . The catch  192 B may for example be captured by the latch  194 B by moving the latch  194 B from the unlatched to the latched position during or after the rotating action. 
     During extraction, as for example when the insert  104  is rotated outwards, the catch  192 B is configured to disengaged from the latch  194 B, and the tabs  192 A are configured to disengage from the slots  194 A thereby releasing the insert  104  from the docking station  102 . The catch  192 B may for example be disengaged from the latch  194 B by moving the latch  194 B from the latched to the unlatched position before or during the rotating action. 
     In some cases, the insert  104  may additionally include a pull or handle  182  for helping disengage the catch from the latch and/or to help remove the insert from the cavity. The pull  182  provides a surface that a user can grab in order to lift the insert away from the cavity. By way of example, the pull  182  may be a recess or a ridge, both of which can be grasped by a finger of the user. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , one embodiment of the docking system  100  will be described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the insert  104  is configured to rotate into and out of the docking station  102 . For example, the insert  104  may be rotated between a released position ( FIG. 4A ) and a latched position ( FIG. 4B ). In the released position, the insert  104  may be removed from the docking station  102 . In the latched position, the insert  104  is secured to the docking station  102 . As mentioned above, during rotation, the insert  104  pivots about an axis created at the interface between the front lip  178 A and the front recess  180 A. That is, the edge of the lip  178 A abuts the edge of the recess  180 A thereby forcing the insert  104  to rotate about this point. As the insert  104  is rotated, the basin  170  is inserted into the cavity  150  and the remaining portions of the lip  178  come into contact with the remaining portions of the recess  180  until the back lip  178 B and back recess  180 B are fully engaged. The back recess  180 B serves as an abutment stop to the rotating insert  104 . In its final position, the lip  178  and thus the insert  104  is supported by the recessed portion  180  of the docking station  102 . 
     Because the insert  104  is rotated, the hole  118  in the bottom of the basin  170  is made larger than the connector  114  so that there is enough clearance when the insert  104  is rotated into position within the docking station  102 . The larger hole  118  provides sufficient space for the hole  118  to rotate around the connector  114 , i.e., the connector does not impede the motion of the insert. Unfortunately, however, this leaves unsightly gaps between the edges of the hole  118  and the connector  114  when the insert  104  is finally positioned in the docking station. In order to correct this problem, the connector  114  is configured with a collar or sleeve  200  that has an outer periphery that coincides with the inner periphery of the hole  118 . The collar  200  fills any gaps that would normally occur between the edge of the hole  118  and the connector  114  thereby making the docking station  102  more aesthetically pleasing while preventing particle accumulation. 
     As shown, the collar  200  is positioned at the base of the connector  114  and has a height that keeps it from interfering with the rotating insert  104 . The collar  200  is configured to surround the connector  114 , and in most cases, the inner periphery of the collar  200  coincides with the outer periphery of the connector  114 . The collar  200  may include a chamfer  202  that matingly engages a corresponding chamfer  204  on the edges of the hole  118 . The chamfers  202  and  204  help seat the insert  104  properly with respect to the connector  114 . The chamfer  204  also provides more clearance between the rotating insert  104  and the connector  114  (without the chamfer  204  the insert  104  may not be able rotate past the connector  114  making removal or insertion more difficult). The connector  114  itself may further include a tapered edge  206  to provide extended clearance between it and the edge of the hole  118  when the insert  104  is rotated into place within the docking station  102 . 
     When assembled, the connector  114  is positioned on a PCB  208 , and the collar  200  is placed over the connector  114 . Thereafter, the top member  152  is set in place over the connector  114  thereby trapping the collar  200  between the connector  114  and the bottom wall of the cavity  150 . The connector  114  and collar  200  are inserted through an opening in the bottom wall of the cavity  150 . The outer periphery of the collar generally coincides with the inner periphery of the opening in the bottom wall (e.g., tight fit). In order to keep the collar  200  trapped, the collar  200  may include a lip  209  that protrudes outwardly and that engages the back surface of the bottom wall. 
     In order to secure the insert  104  in the cavity  150 , the docking system  100  also includes a latching/retention mechanism. In one embodiment, the insert  104  includes one or more tabs  210  along the front surface underneath the lip  178 A. The tabs  210  are configured to matingly engage corresponding slots  212  located along the front wall of the cavity  150  underneath the recessed portion  180 A. The insert  104  also includes a rib  214  that protrudes along and away from the back surface of the insert  104  underneath the lip  178 B. The rib  214  is configured to receive a latch  216  located on the back surface of the cavity  150  underneath the recessed portion  180 B. When placed in mating engagement, the tabs  210  and latch  216  cause the insert  104  to be secured to the docking station  102 . The depth of the tab/slot interface and rib/latch interface is generally placed so that the lip  178  is placed within the recess  180  when the insert  104  is fully inserted in the docking station  102 . 
     As shown, the latch  216  includes a detent  218  that springs above the rib  214  when the insert  104  is rotated into position within the docking station  102 . The detent  218  is disposed through an opening  220  in the backside of the cavity  150  and is biased towards the center of the cavity  150  by a spring action. The detent  218  may for example be attached to a flexure  222  that biases the detent  218  to a forward position. When the insert  104  is rotated into the docking station  102 , the rib  214  engages the detent  218  of the docking station  102  and forces the detent  218  to a rearward position away from the center of the cavity  150  (via a cam action). When the detent  218  moves past the rib, the detent  218  resumes its forward position thereby trapping the rib  214  underneath the detent  218 . In order to remove the insert  104 , a user simply pulls up on the insert  104 . During the pulling action, the detent  218  slides against the edges of the rib  214 . When a significant pulling force has been provided, the detent  218  moves to the rearward position thereby releasing the rib  214  from the detent  218 . Once released, the insert  104  is free to rotate out of the cavity  150  of the docking station  102 . 
     To elaborate, the detent  218  is attached or integrally connected with the flexure  222 . The flexure  222  is disposed within the opening  220  in the backside of the cavity  150  and is attached to a structural element  224  of the docking station  102  such as a housing component or a framing component. The flexure  222  is spring biased in a forward position so that the front face  226  of the flexure  222  is positioned through the opening  220  and lies substantially flush with the surface of the back wall of the cavity  150 . The detent  218  is located on the front face  226  and protrudes substantially outward from the front face  226 . The detent  218  may be rounded to provide a smooth cam action with the bottom of the basin  170  and eventually with the rib  214 . The rib  214  may also be rounded for at least the same reasons. 
     When the insert  104  is rotated into the docking station  102 , the outer surface of the basin  170  engages the detent  218  and forces the detent  218  to a rearward position away from the center of the cavity  150  against the spring action of the flexure  222 . That is, the flexure  222  bends backwards under the cam force thereby allowing the detent  218  to move out of the cavity  150  and into the interior of the docking station  102 . When the rib  214  is positioned underneath the detent  218 , the flexure  222  resumes its natural forward position thereby trapping the rib  214  below the detent  218 . As a result, the insert  104  is prevented from moving out of the docking station  102  on its own. 
     In order to remove the insert  104 , a user simply pulls up on the insert  104 , and when a significant pulling force has been provided, the flexure  222  flexes thereby releasing the rib  214  from the detent  218 . Once released, the insert  104  is free to rotate out of the docking station  102 . Using this arrangement, the user simply has to overcome the spring bias at the detent/rib interface when rotating the insert  104  in and out of the docking station. When designed appropriately, the insert can be inserted and extracted with simplicity, ease and minimal effort. 
     It is generally believed that the greater the spring force, the greater the holding force between the insert  104  and the docking station  102 . If the force is too great, however, the insert  104  may be difficult to remove. The spring force is therefore designed to provide limited holding power. For example, enough holding power to secure the insert  104  to the docking station  102  while still allowing a user to pull and push the insert  104  into and out of the docking station  102 . One advantage of this configuration is that the insert  104  is not locked or snapped in and therefore it may be easily pulled out and pushed into the docking station  102  during the rotating action, i.e., the insert  104  simply rotates in and out. 
     In one embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a pair of tabs  210  and a pair of corresponding slots  212  at the front interface, and a single rib  214  and a corresponding latch  216  at the back interface. The pair of tab/slot interfaces are typically spatially separated an equal distance from the center of the docking station  102 , and the rib/latch interface is typically placed in the center of the docking station  102 . As should be appreciated, this triangulation provides three point stability between the insert  104  and the docking station  102 . 
     It should be noted that the rib for interfacing with the detent is not a limitation. Alternatively, the insert may include a recess, slot or void for matingly receiving the detent. In each of these cases, the detent becomes trapped within the space provided by the recess, slot or void via the force of the flexure thereby securing the insert inside the opening. In one implementation, the rib is a bottom wall of a pocket that further includes a top wall and side walls thereby forming a void that extends away from the back surface of the insert. This particular implementation provides greater stability to the rib when long lengths are used as for example when the depth of the basin is small. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , another embodiment of the docking system  100  will be described in greater detail. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown and described in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , however, unlike that embodiment, only the detent  218  is disposed through the opening  220  in the backside of the cavity  150  (not the flexure  222 ). The opening  220  is sized and dimensioned to only receive the detent  218  therethrough. Furthermore, the detent  218  is integrated with an elongated flexure  232  (or spring arm) that extends along the interior of the back wall of the cavity  150  where it attaches to a structural component  234  such as a housing member or framing member. The structural element  234  may for example be a bottom member of the docking station  102 . Similar to the embodiment described in  FIG. 4 , the flexure  232  is capable of bending so as to allow the detent  218  to move inward and outward through the opening  220  when the insert  104  is rotated in and out of the docking station  102 . Alternatively, the flexure  232  may be attached to the top housing  152 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a docking system that is capable of being integrated into another device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The docking system may for example correspond to the docking system described in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . As mentioned previously, integrated docking stations are integrated or built into other devices such as personal computers, sound systems, video systems, recording equipment, communication equipment and peripheral devices such as printers, keyboards and the like. In the integrated docking station, the base is typically provided by the housing of the device that it is integrated with, i.e., the docking station utilizes the housing of the device rather than having its own housing. 
     In this embodiment, the docking station  102  includes a top member  152  and a frame  252 . The top member  152  is typically located at an outer surface of the housing of the host device, and the frame  252  is typically located inside the housing of the host device. The top member  152  may be an integral portion of the housing of the host device or it may be a separate component that is positioned within the outer surface of the host device. In either case, the top member forms a portion of the housing of the host device, and is generally a portion of the top surface of the host device. The frame  252  may also be an integral portion of the housing of the host device or it may be a separate component that is seated inside and fixed to the housing of the host device. For example, if not integrally formed therewith, the frame  252  may be attached to the housing of the host device via glues, fasteners, welds, snaps, and/or the like. 
     The top member  152  is positioned above and attached to the frame  252 . The manner in which the top member  152  is attached to the frame  252  may be widely varied. For example, the top member  152  may be attached to the frame  252  (or vice versa) via glues, fasteners, welds, snaps, and/or the like. In one implementation, the top member  152  is attached to the frame  252  via a snapping mechanism. The top member  152  may therefore be attached to the frame  252  via a snap action, i.e., snaps into place. The snapping mechanism typically includes a snap feature  253 A on the top member  152  that engages a corresponding snap feature  253 B on the frame  252 . In some cases, the snap features  253  may also serve as stiffening elements for both the top member  152  and the frame  252 . 
     The frame  252  is configured to support the flexure  222  that is disposed in the opening  220  of the top member  152 . By way of example, the flexure  222  may be attached to a support platform  258  of the frame  252 . The support platform  258  provides a reference surface for correctly placing the flexure  222  relative to the top member  152 . Any suitable attachment technique may be used, including for example, fasteners, glues, welds, snaps and/or the like. The frame  252  is also configured to support a printed circuit board (PCB)  254 . The PCB  254  includes the connector  114  and various electronic components for operating the docking system and delivering signals between the docking system and the host device. Any suitable attachment technique may be used, including for example, fasteners, glues, welds, snaps and/or the like. 
     It should be noted that the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is not a limitation and that the configuration of the integrated docking system may be widely varied. By way of example, in some cases, a frame may not be used. In cases such as this, the PCB and flexure may be attached to the top member. 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a stand alone docking system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, the docking system may generally correspond to the docking system described in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The stand alone docking system generally includes a docking station that is separate from the host device. The docking station generally communicates with the host device via wired or wireless connections. For example, the docking station may be connected to the host device via a cable. 
     In this embodiment, the docking station  102  includes a top member  152  and a bottom member  276  that form the housing of the docking station  102 . The top member  152  and bottom member  276  when assembled are configured to enclose internally various electrical and structural components. The top member  152  and bottom member  276  when assembled are also configured to define the shape or form of the docking station  102 . The shape may for example be substantially rectangular (as shown) or alternatively the shape may be circular, cubical and the like. By way of example, the top and bottom members  152  and  270  may be attached using any suitable technique including for example screws, bolts, adhesives, welds, latches, snaps, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom members are attached via a snap mechanism so as to preserve the outer surfaces of the docking station. In this embodiment, the sides of the top member are slide over the sides of the bottom member so that the snap features can engage one another. 
     The docking station also includes various components that are located inside the assembled top and bottom members. The docking station may for example include a steel weight  272  for helping stabilize the docking station, and a printed circuit board (PCB)  274  for supporting the electronic circuitry of the docking station including for example the connector  114  as well as the various jacks and ports  166  of the docking station. The docking station also encloses the flexure  232 . Unlike the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , however, the flexure  232  is attached to the top member  152  and positioned so that the detent  218  extends into the cavity  150  of the insert  104 . Any suitable attachment technique may be used, including for example, fasteners, glues, welds, snaps and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, screws are used. Alternatively, the flexure may be integrally formed with the top member. 
     It should be noted that the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7  is not a limitation and that the configuration of the stand alone docking system may be widely varied. By way of example, in some cases the flexure may be attached directly or indirectly to the bottom member  276  rather than to the top member. In addition, the docking system may include additional components such as rubber foot  270  that is attached to the bottom surface of the bottom member (e.g., via glue). 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a sound system  300  with an integrated docking station  302 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The integrated docking station  302  may for example correspond to the one described in  FIG. 6 . The sound system  300 , on the other hand, is a boom box or portable music system that includes a base  304  and a pair of speakers  306 . The docking station  302  is integrated within the base  304  and allows various hand held electronic devices especially a music player such as the iPod to communicate with the internal circuitry of the base  304  so that music stored on the music player can be broadcast on the boom box via the speakers  306 . The docking station  302  can be placed anywhere on the base  304 . In the illustrated embodiment, however, the docking station  302  is placed on the top surface of the base  304 . 
     In each of the various embodiments described above, the components of the docking station may be formed from a variety of materials. By way of example, plastic materials such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS, or PC-ABS may be used for the housing, the insert and the latching mechanism such as the flexure and detent. Alternatively, the flexure may be formed from a metal material such as spring steel. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20050824
Publication Date: 20090825
Grant Date: 20090825
Priority Date: 20050824
Inventors: CROOIJMANS WIM
HOWARTH RICHARD P.
HOBSON PHILLIP M.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 37682628