PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-7933117-B2
Application Number: US-75306010-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Universal docking station for hand-held electronic devices

Abstract:
A docking station is disclosed. The docking station has an adjustable opening that accommodates portable electronic devices with differing sizes and shapes. The opening is capable of expanding to accommodate larger devices and retracting to accommodate smaller devices while still supporting the portable electronic device in its proper position within the docking station.

Claims:
1. A universal docking station, comprising:
 a base including a recess that forms an opening for receiving a handheld electronic device having sides, the recess having sides that surround the sides of the handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device is received by the opening; and 
 a plurality of adjustable members disposed at least partially within the recess, and having the ability to change a size and shape of the opening for handheld electronic devices of various sizes and shapes, 
 wherein a first of the plurality of adjustable members expands or retracts within the recess along a first axis to change the size of the opening in a first direction thereby accommodating a first dimension of the handheld electronic devices, and wherein a second of the plurality of adjustable members expands or retracts within the recess along a second axis to change the size of the opening in a second direction thereby accommodating a second dimension of the handheld electronic devices, the first axis being orthogonal to the second axis. 
 
     
     
       2. The universal docking station of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of adjustable members are flexure members that bend in order to accommodate handheld electronic devices with varying sizes and shapes. 
     
     
       3. The universal docking station of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of adjustable members are conforming members that deform in order to accommodate handheld electronic devices with varying sizes and shapes. 
     
     
       4. The universal docking station of  claim 1 , wherein a width of the second adjustable member along the first direction is smaller than the minimum size of the opening obtainable along the first direction. 
     
     
       5. The universal docking station of  claim 4 , wherein the recess has a first portion having a same width as the first adjustable member and has a second portion having a same width as the second adjustable member. 
     
     
       6. The universal docking station of  claim 5 , wherein when the size of the opening along the first direction is largest, the first adjustable member is adjacent to a back of the first portion, and wherein when the size of the opening along the second direction is largest, the second adjustable member is adjacent to a back of the second portion. 
     
     
       7. A universal docking station, comprising:
 a base including a recess in a top surface of the base, wherein the base that forms an opening for receiving a bottom of a handheld electronic device such that the handheld electronic device is in a substantially vertical position, the handheld electronic device having sides, and the recess having sides that surround the sides of the handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device is received by the opening; and 
 one or more adjustable members disposed at least partially within the recess, and having the ability to change a size and shape of the opening for handheld electronic devices of various sizes and shapes, wherein a first of the one or more adjustable members includes a substantially vertical section, wherein the substantially vertical section of the first adjustable member is movable to have a plurality of positions along a horizontal direction, and wherein the substantially vertical section is configured to support the handheld device in the substantially vertical orientation. 
 
     
     
       8. The universal docking station of  claim 7 , wherein the first adjustable member further includes a substantially horizontal section. 
     
     
       9. The universal docking station of  claim 8 , wherein the substantially horizontal section of the first adjustable member includes a tab that moves within a channel formed by an upper surface and a lower surface of the base at a side of the recess. 
     
     
       10. The universal docking station of  claim 8 , wherein the substantially horizontal section of the first adjustable member includes a channel that receives a tab extending out of the base at a side of the recess. 
     
     
       11. The universal docking station of  claim 8 , wherein the substantially horizontal section of the first adjustable member includes a flange on a bottom surface of the substantially horizontal section, wherein the flange is configured to slide in a channel located in a top surface of the recess. 
     
     
       12. The universal docking station of  claim 8 , wherein the base has a spring located on a bottom surface of the recess, and wherein the spring pushes a bottom surface of the substantially horizontal section such that a top surface of the substantially horizontal section is secured against the base. 
     
     
       13. The universal docking station of  claim 8 , wherein the substantially horizontal section of the first adjustable member includes threads that engage threads of a drive mechanism that is configured to move the first adjustable member. 
     
     
       14. The universal docking station of  claim 8 , further comprising a spring element that is disposed between the first adjustable member and a first wall of the recess, wherein the first adjustable member has a chamfer at a joint between the substantially vertical section and the substantially horizontal section, the chamfer guiding the handheld electronic device between the first adjustable member and a second wall of the recess, the first wall opposite the second wall. 
     
     
       15. The universal docking station of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a moveable door pivotably coupled to the first adjustable member and spring biased in a closed position that covers the opening. 
 
     
     
       16. A universal docking station, comprising:
 a base including a recess that forms an opening for receiving a handheld electronic device having sides, the recess having sides that surround the sides of the handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device is received by the opening; and 
 a pair of opposed flexures that are capable of bending downward into the opening when the handheld electronic device is pushed against the flexures, wherein the pair of opposed flexures have the ability to change a size and shape of the opening for handheld electronic devices of various sizes and shapes by bending downward toward a bottom surface of the recess. 
 
     
     
       17. The universal docking station of  claim 16 , wherein the pair of opposed flexures are part of a top cover of the universal docking station. 
     
     
       18. The universal docking station of  claim 17 , wherein the pair of opposed flexures cover the opening when the handheld electronic device is not received. 
     
     
       19. The universal docking station of  claim 16 , further comprising another pair of opposed flexures that are oriented along a different direction than the pair of opposed flexures. 
     
     
       20. The universal docking station of  claim 19 , wherein the another pair of opposed flexures are orthogonal to the pair of opposed flexures.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority from and is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/125,883, filed May 9, 2005, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/423,490, filed Apr. 25, 2003, and entitled “MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM” which is hereby incorporated herein 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 with an opening 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. 
     Many hand held electronic devices include a docking station for providing 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 include 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 typically 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 typically coupled to the external systems (e.g., computer, power source) 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. 
     Furthermore, in recent years, skins have been created in order to produce more attractive and personalized hand held electronic devices. The skins, which include patterns and various colors, are placed over and in some cases adhered to the outside surfaces of the hand held electronic device. While skins do enhance the look of the hand held devices, they also tend to increase the size of the handheld electronic (and in some cases the shape), and as a result the hand held electronic device no longer fits into the slot of the docking station even when removable spacers are used. 
     Even if the skin is very thin, the hand held electronic device may have to be forced into and out of the slot due to tolerances between the hand held electronic device and the slot. Again, the slot of the docking station is typically designed for one particular shape and size. If the skin is permanently attached, the docking station can no longer be used. If the skin is removable, then the user must remove the skin in order to use the docking station. Both of these situations typically leave a negative impression on the user. The same problem arises when using protective covers and cases. 
     An improved docking station that can overcome the above stated problems is therefore desired. In particular, a docking station that can universally accept and support multiple handheld device of various shapes and sizes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a universal docking station. The universal docking station includes a base having an opening that is partially recessed in the base. The opening is configured to receive a hand held electronic device. The opening includes an interface that operatively couples the hand held electronic devices to the docking station when the hand held electronic device are inserted into the opening. The universal docking station also includes one or more adjustable members that have the ability to change the dimensions of the opening. The adjustable members expand the opening outwardly to accommodate larger hand held devices and retract the opening inwardly to accommodate smaller devices. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a universal docking station. The docking station includes a base including a recess that forms an opening for receiving a handheld device. The recess has sides that surround the sides of the handheld device when the handheld device is received by the opening. The docking station also includes one or more adjustable members disposed at least partially within the recess. The adjustable members have the ability to change the size and shape of the opening for handheld devices of various sizes and shapes. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a universal docking station for a handheld device. The universal docking station includes a base with a recess. The universal docking station also includes at least one sliding member at least partially located within the recess. The sliding member is configured to slide relative to the base along a first axis. The sliding member slides between a retracted position that forms a large opening in the recess for receiving larger handheld devices, and an expanded position that forms a small opening in the recess for receiving smaller handheld devices. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a universal docking station. The universal docking station includes a first adjustable member located on a first side of an opening and a second adjustable member located on a second side of the opening. The second side is opposite the first side. The first and second adjustable members cooperate to adjust the size of the opening in order to accommodate handheld electronic devices of various sizes. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a sound system. The sound system includes a base with an integrated universal docking station. The docking station is configured to receive handheld music players. The universal docking station includes an adjustable opening for accommodating handheld music players of various sizes and shapes. The sound system also includes one or more speakers connected to the base. 
    
    
     
       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 a perspective diagram of a universal docking station, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram of a universal docking station, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are side elevation views, in cross section, of the universal docking station shown in  FIG. 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  are various front views, in cross section, of the universal docking station shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are side elevation views, in cross section, of a universal docking station including a locking mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5C  is a broken away perspective diagram of the universal docking station shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a universal docking station including a positioning mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a universal docking station including a biasing mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  are various side views, in cross section, of a universal docking station including a cover, in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side elevation views, in cross section, of a universal docking station including a door, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective diagram of a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the universal docking station shown in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of the universal docking station shown in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of the universal docking station shown in  FIG. 10 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are front elevation views, in cross section, of a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective diagram of a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of the universal docking station shown in  FIG. 15 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  are side elevation views of a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 18A-18C  are side elevation views of a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a simplified diagram of a system utilizing a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective diagram of a universal docking station, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective diagram of a sound system utilizing a universal 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 portable electronic device such as 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. 
     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., generally vertical) or generally 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 having an adjustable opening that accommodates portable electronic devices with differing sizes and shapes. The opening is capable of expanding to accommodate larger devices and retracting to accommodate smaller devices while still supporting the portable electronic device in its proper position. This feature can be accomplished with a variety of mechanisms including but not limited to sliding members, bending members, conforming members, rotating or pivoting members, and the like. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 . 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. 1  is a perspective diagram of a universal docking station  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By universal, it is generally meant that the docking station  10  can accommodate hand held electronic devices  12  of various sizes and shapes. For example, the universal docking station  10  may be configured to accept each of the iPods mentioned above. Although this particular embodiment is directed at stand-alone units, it should be appreciated that this is not a limitation and that the invention can be applied to integrated units as well as for example on top of a computer or speaker unit. 
     As shown, in the illustrated example, the universal docking station  10  includes a base  14  and an opening or slot  16  that is partially recessed in the top surface of the base  14 . The base  14  is configured to enclose internally various electrical and structural components. The base  14  is also configured to define the shape or form of the docking station  10 . The shape may for example be substantially rectangular (as shown) or alternatively the shape may be circular, cubical and the like. Furthermore, the base  14  may be formed by one or more housing components. For example, the base  14  may include an upper housing and a lower housing that are attached using any suitable technique including for example screws, bolts, snaps, adhesives, latches, etc. 
     Although the opening  16  can be configured to receive any side of the hand held electronic device  12 , in this particular embodiment the opening  16  is configured to receive a bottom end of the hand held electronic device  12  so as to support the hand held electronic device  12  in an upright position when the hand held electronic device  12  is inserted in the recessed opening  16 . The shape and size of the opening  16  is generally configured to coincide with the shape and size of the bottom end of the hand held electronic device  12 . That is, the inner peripheral surfaces of the openings  16  are sized and dimensioned to receive the outer peripheral surface of the hand held electronic device  12 . In some cases, the forward and rearward walls  18  and  20  of the opening  16  are angled so as to place the hand held electronic device  12  in an inclined position when the hand held electronic device  12  is disposed inside the opening  16  in the base  14 . By way of example, the walls  18  and  20  may be sloped in a manner that tilts the hand held electronic device. For example, the device may be tilted between about 5 to about 25 degrees and more particularly about 15 degrees. 
     Located within the opening  16  is an interface  22  that operatively couples the hand held electronic devices  12  to the docking station  10 . The interface may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface  22  includes one or more electrical connectors  24  that engage one or more electrical ports  26  on the bottom side of the hand held electronic devices  12 . For example, the hand held electronic device  12  may include a female port and the docking station  10  may include a male plug that is inserted into the female port. The male plug is generally dimensioned for a tight fit within the port so as to secure the connection between the hand held electronic device  12  and the docking station  10  (e.g., friction coupling). Furthermore, the plugs and ports typically include pins or contacts that come together to allow electrical transmissions therebetween. The electrical connection may be configured to transfer data and/or power between the hand held electronic devices  12  and the docking station  10 . In one implementation, a single connector capable of transferring both data and power is used. 
     The connector  24  is typically parallel to the walls  18  and  20  so that proper engagement can occur when the hand held electronic device  12  is inserted into the opening  16  (e.g., upright or tilted depending on slope of opening). As should be appreciated, the walls  18  and  20  serve as guides for placing the port and connector in the correct engagement position. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the base  14  includes one or more adjustable members  28  that have the ability to change the size and/or shape of the opening  16  for any number of hand held electronic devices  12  of various shapes and sizes (e.g., width and thickness). For example, the adjustable members  28  may expand outwardly to create an opening  16  that accommodates larger hand held devices  12  and they may retract inwardly to create an opening  16  that accommodates smaller hand held devices  12 . This good fit may exist along any one axis of the device or along both the width and length of the base of the device, or along any other axes that are intended to be seated in the base. By accommodating, it is generally meant that the size and/or shape of the opening  16  substantially conforms to the size and/or shape of the hand held electronic device  12  being placed in the opening  16  so as to produce a good fit therebetween. 
     The adjustable member(s)  28  may be one continuous piece or they may be segmented into multiple pieces. Furthermore, the adjustable member(s)  28  may be located on only one side of the opening  16  or they may be located on multiple sides of the opening  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the docking station  10  includes adjustable members  28 A-D that are segmented and located at each side of the opening  16 . In so doing, each of the adjustable members form at least a portion of the walls that surround the opening (e.g.,  18  and  20 ). The adjustable members  28 A and  28 B, which are in an opposed relationship, move inwardly and outwardly in the x direction while the adjustable members  28 C and  28 D, which are also in an opposed relationship, move inwardly and outwardly in the y direction so as to open and close the opening  16  for the various sizes and shapes of the hand held electronic devices  12 . 
     The manner in which the adjustable members  28  retract and expand may be widely varied. The adjustable members  28  may for example correspond to sliding members that slide outwardly in order to expand the opening  16  and that slide inwardly in order to retract the opening  16 . Alternatively or additionally, the docking station  28  may include rotating members, pivoting members, flexing members, conforming members, and/or the like in order to expand and retract the opening  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one embodiment of the universal docking station  10  will be described in greater detail. In this particular embodiment, the universal docking station  10  includes a single moving member  52  that moves relative to the base  14 . The movable member  52  is typically movably retained to the base  14  although in some cases it may float thereon. The moving member  52  may for example be slidably attached to the base  14 . As shown, the single moving member  52  is positioned on one side of the opening  16 , and is configured to move linearly in a direction towards the opposing side  54  in order to adjust the distance of the opening  16  between the moving member  52  and the opposing side  54  that is fixed. Once the distance is set, the moving member  52  along with the opposing side  54  provide reference surfaces  56  and  58  for the front and back of the hand held electronic device  12  when the hand held electronic device  12  is inserted into the opening  16 . In some cases, the position of the reference surfaces  56  and  58  even help align the port  26  of the hand held electronic device  12  with the connector  24  of the docking station  10 . Although the moving member  52  is shown spanning the entire side, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the moving member  52  may only span a portion of the side. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the moving member  52 , spans the width of the opening  16 , and is configured to move forwards and backwards in order to accommodate hand held electronic devices  12  with varying thicknesses. As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the moving member  52  is capable of translating between a most rearward position ( FIG. 3A ), which sets the maximum distance for the opening  16 , and a most forward position ( FIG. 3B ), which sets the minimum distance for the opening  16 . The maximum distance may correspond to the thickness of the largest hand held electronic device  12  including those devices with skins. The minimum distance may correspond to the thickness of the smallest hand held electronic device  12 . Alternatively, the moving member  52  may move completely to the opposite side  54  in order to accommodate the thinnest of hand held electronic devices. 
     The moving member  52  may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, the moving member  52  takes the form of a flange having a substantially horizontal upper section  60  and a substantially vertical lower section  62 . The upper section  60  is seated within a recessed portion  64  in the top surface of the base  14  next to the opening  16  and the lower section  62  extends into the opening  16 . The lower section  62  typically drapes around the back wall of the opening  16  and in so doing forms a new back wall of the opening  16 . The recess  64  is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the upper section  60  of the flange, and the opening  16  is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the lower section  62  of the flange and the various hand held electronic devices  12 , i.e., the distance between the front and back of the opening is oversized so that there is room for the lower section and the various devices. 
     For aesthetic reasons, the top surface of the moving member  52  is substantially flush with the top surface of the base  14 . Alternatively, the top surface of the moving member  52  may be recessed below or protrude above the top surface of the base  14 . Furthermore, the lower section  62  may have various lengths although longer lengths are preferred so as to provide greater support and a larger reference surface  56  for receiving the back surface of the hand held electronic devices  12  when the hand held electronic devices  12  are inserted into the opening  16 . In addition, the reference surface  56  of the lower section  62  may be upright or it may be angled (as shown). Angled is typically preferred so as to position the hand held electronic devices  12  in a better position for use (e.g., tilted). The angle is similar to the angle of the front reference surface  58  so that the opening  16  provides a uniform distance therebetween from the top to the bottom of the opening  16 . 
     In one embodiment, the moving member  52  is slidably retained within the recess  64  on the top surface of the base  14 . This may be accomplished in a variety of ways.  FIGS. 4A-4C  show several examples of sliding interfaces that can be used. In all of these embodiments, the interface helps keep the moving member  52  retained to the base  14 . 
     In  FIG. 4A , the moving member  52  includes tabs  70  on each side of the upper section  60 . The tabs  70  are trapped between a channel  72  formed by an upper and lower surface of the base  14  at the sides of the recess  64 . The tabs  70  may span the entire upper section  60  or it may only span a portion of the upper section  60 . In one implementation, the tabs  70  may be individual pins that glide through the channels  72 . This type of arrangement gives the moving member the ability to pivot about the pins thus enhancing engagement with the back surface of the hand electronic devices  12 . For example, the moving member can pivot about the y axis in order to place the reference surface flush with the back surface of the hand held electronic device  12 . 
     In  FIG. 4B , the moving member  52  includes a channel  74  that receives tabs  72  extending out of the base  14 . This embodiment is opposite the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     In  FIG. 4C , the moving member  52  includes a flange  78  on its bottom surface. The flange  78  is configured to slide in a channel  80  located in the top surface of the recess  64 . Depending on the shape of the lower flange portion, the moving member  52  may be configured to rotate about the z axis thus enhancing engagement with the back surface of the hand electronic devices  12  (e.g., it can adjust). In some cases, the lower flange portion of the flange  78  is a pin so that moving member  52  also provides the pivoting action described above. 
     In another embodiment, the docking station  10  includes a locking device for holding the position of the moving member  52  once the desired position is found. That is, the locking device helps secure the moving member  52  between the maximum and minimum distances so that the opening  16  is set for a particular hand held electronic device  12 . The locking device may correspond to rudimentary devices such as bolts and screws that are connected to both the moving member  52  and the base  14  or to pins that are inserted into holes in both the moving member  52  and the base  14  thereby preventing the moving member  52  from moving relative to the base  14 . The locking device may also include snaps, detents, flexures or magnets in order to hold the moving member  52  in a fixed location. The locking device may also correspond to more complex mechanisms such as quick release locking mechanisms that enable a user to easily and quickly secure and release the moving member  52  to and from the base  14 . That is, the moving member  52  may be locked in position by pushing or pulling a button or knob, or by a simple flick of a latch or handle. 
       FIG. 5A-5C  show one example of a quick release locking device  90 . In this particular embodiment, the locking device  90  includes one or more leaf springs  92  that are located within the recess  64  of the base  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device  90  includes a pair of leaf springs  92  that placed on opposed sides relative to the center of the moving member  52 . Furthermore, the moving member  52  is slidably retained in the recess  64  as for example in a manner similar to  FIG. 4A . The moving member  52  is therefore capable of sliding back and forth within the recess  64 . The leaf springs  92  provide a force that pushes the moving member  52  against the top wall  94  of the base  14  thus securing it in place. In order to slide the moving member  52 , a force F 1  is applied on the top of the moving member  52  against the force exerted by the leaf springs  92 . This releases the moving member  52  from the top wall  94  of the base  14 . The moving member  52  can therefore be slid freely to its desired position by applying a translating force F 2 . Once the forces are removed, the force provided by the leaf springs  92  push the moving member  52  against the top wall  94  of the base  14  thereby securing the moving member  52  in place (e.g., via a friction force). 
     In some cases, the top wall  94  and tabs  70  include detents that engage one another to help hold the moving member in place once the tabs  70  are forced against the top wall  94 . The position of the detents may be set at random increments or the position may corresponding to positions that create openings that fit the various hand held electronic devices to be used in the docking station. 
     It should be noted that the quick release locking device shown in  FIG. 5  is not a limitation and that other mechanisms may be used. For example, the docking station may include a quick release latch mechanism for lockably engaging the moving member to the base. By locking the moving member relative to the base, the moving member is held substantially in place. The quick release latching mechanism generally includes a base side feature and moving member side feature that engage one another to hold the moving member in place. The mating features may for example include nubs, grooves, channels, catches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and friction couplings. The quick release latching mechanism also includes a latch, knob or button for urging the mating features into engagement and disengagement. For example, a latch located on the base may be configured to trap or capture a mating feature located on the moving member in order to hold the moving member in place. 
     In another embodiment, the docking station  10  includes a positioning mechanism for driving the moving member  52  back and forth between the forward and back positions rather than relying on the force from a finger as in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The driving mechanism can be implemented through mechanical means such as gears, belts and threads and/or electrical means such as linear actuators or motors. 
       FIG. 6  shows one example of a driving mechanism  100  that can be used with the docking station  10  to drive the moving member  52  to its various positions. In this particular embodiment, the drive mechanism  100  consists of a bolt or screw  102  that is rotationally coupled to a portion of the base  14 . The bolt  102  includes threads  104  that engage threads  106  located on the moving member  52 . When the bolt  102  is rotated, the threads  104  on the bolt  102  move against the threads  106  on the moving member  52 . Because the bolt  102  is attached to the base  14 , and because the moving member  52  moves relative to the base  14 , the moving member  52  is caused to move in the linear direction when the bolt  102  is rotated (e.g., the threads of the moving member are forced to move backwards and forwards along the bolt). By way of example, the moving member  52  may move in the forward direction when the bolt  102  is rotated clockwise and the moving member  52  may move in the reverse direction when the bolt  102  is rotated counterclockwise (or vice versa). In most cases, the bolt  102  is rotated via a knob or a tool such as a screwdriver. For example, the head of the bolt may include a groove for receiving the end of the screw driver. In either case, the actuator (e.g., knob or head) is typically placed at the surface of the base  14  (as shown). 
     In another embodiment, the docking station  10  includes one or more spring elements for biasing the moving member  52 . The spring element may for example exert a force on the moving member  52  in the forward direction. The spring element may be widely varied. For example, the spring element may correspond to springs such as tension, compression, and leaf springs, flexures, or deforming springs such as a rubber post. 
       FIG. 7  shows one example of a spring element  110  that is disposed between the moving member  52  and the back wall of opening  16 . The spring element  110  in the form of a compression spring generally provides enough force to position the moving member  52  in the forward direction to or past the minimum space requirement. When a hand held electronic device  12  is inserted into the opening  16  between the front wall  54  and the moving member  52 , the moving member  52  is driven backwards against the spring force. In some cases, the moving member  52  and front wall  54  may include chamfers  112  for helping guide the end of the hand held electronic device  12  between the moving member  52  and the front wall  54 . Once the hand held electronic device  12  is set in place, the spring action helps hold the device  12  in the opening  16 , i.e., the spring provides a force that pushes the device against the opposing side of the opening thereby holding the electronic device in the opening. In a manner of speaking, the opening  16  is therefore self-adjusting, i.e., the moving member automatically adjusts to the size of the device when the device is placed in the opening. 
     In another embodiment, the docking station  10  includes a cover for the gap created between the end of the moving member  52  and the back of the recess  64  when the moving member  52  is in a forward position. The gap is aesthetically unpleasing and it can be a location for gathering dust, which can impede the sliding action.  FIGS. 8A-8C  show several examples of mechanisms that can be used. 
     In  FIG. 8A , a conforming member  120  is be placed inside the gap  118 . When the moving member  52  moves forward, the conforming member  120  stretches or expands, and when the moving member  52  moves backwards, the conforming member  52  gets squished or retracted. The conforming member can be formed from a rubber or foam like material. In  FIG. 8B , a shutter  122  is placed within the gap  118 . When the moving member  52  moves forward, the shutter  122  unfolds, and when the moving member  52  moves backwards, the shutter  122  folds. In  FIG. 8C , the top of the recess  64  may be enclosed by a top portion  124  of the base  14  thereby forming a void rather than a recess. When the moving member  52  moves forwards or backwards within the void, the top portion  124  of the base  14  covers the gap  118 . 
     In another embodiment, the docking station  10  may include a door to cover the opening  16  when a device  12  is not inserted therein. The door may pivot about the moving member  52  and/or the front side  54  between a closed position and an open position. During insertion, the end of the hand held electronic device  12  presses against the door thereby causing the door to swing into the opening  16 . In some cases the door may be spring biased in the closed position. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show one example of a docking station  10  with a door  130 . In this particular embodiment, the door  130  is pivotably coupled to the moving member  52 , and spring biased in the closed position ( FIG. 9A ). For example, a pivot pin may be used to couple the door to the moving member, and a torsion spring may provide the spring bias. As the hand held electronic device  12  is inserted into the opening  16 , the door  130  swings inwardly towards the reference surface  56  of the moving member  52 . Once set in place ( FIG. 9B ), the spring action may help hold the hand held electronic device  12  in the opening  16  (e.g., provides a force that pushes the hand held electronic device against the front surface). 
     Although each of the embodiments described above has been described separately, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and the each of the embodiments may be combined to further improve the docking station. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-13 , another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In this particular embodiment, the docking station  10  includes at least two moving members  150 A and  150 B that move relative to the base  14  and that are positioned in an opposed relationship with one another. A first moving member  150  A is configured to set the back position of the opening  16  and a second moving member  150 B is configured to set the front position of the opening  16 . Each of the moving members  150 A and  150 B may be configured and work like the single moving member described above including the various embodiments whether separately or combined. For example, moving member  150 A may be slidably retained in a first recessed portion  152 A, and moving member  150 B may be slidably retained in a second recessed portion  152 B. 
     The docking station  10  may further include wings or flaps  160 A and  160 B at the side surfaces of the opening  16 . Like the moving members  150 , the wings  160  are capable of moving into the opening  16 . However, unlike the moving members  150 , the wings  160  are configured to set the side positions of the opening  16  (e.g., width) rather than the front and back positions (e.g., thickness). The wings  160  may be configured to move above the moving members  150  or they may be configured to move between the moving members  150 . If the later, the thickness of the wings  160  are typically slightly smaller than the minimum obtainable distance between the moving members  150 A and  150 B so that the motion of the wings  160  are not impeded by the moving members  150 . 
     As should be appreciated, the wings  160  may be configured similarly to the moving members  150 . For example, they may be formed as flanges and slide relative to the base  14 . Alternatively, the wings  160  may be planar slats, and/or the wings  160  may rotate, pivot, or the like relative to the base  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the wings  160 A and  160 B embodied as planar slats are slidably retained in a recessed portion  162  on the top surface of the base  14  next to the opening  16 . Furthermore, the thickness of the wings  160  are typically slightly smaller than the minimum obtainable distance between the moving members  150 A and  150 B so that the motion of the wings  160 A and  160 B are not impeded by the moving members  150  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     In one embodiment, the wings  160  are replaced by conforming members that are positioned within the opening  16 , located at the sides of the opening  16 , and between the two moving members  150 A and  150 B. The conforming members are formed from a material that has the ability to change its shape when forces are applied thereto. By way of example, the conforming members may be formed from foam like or rubber like materials. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B , show one example of a docking station  10  that includes conforming members  170 . As shown, the conforming members  170  are positioned between the moving members  150 A and  150 B inside the opening  16 . In most cases, the width of the conforming members  170  is configured to set the minimum desired width of the hand electronic devices  12  to be used with the docking station  10 . When a device  12  is inserted into the opening  16  ( FIG. 14B ), the moving members  150  slide backwards and forwards to accommodate the thickness of the hand held electronic device  12 , and the conforming members  170  compress to accommodate the width of the hand held electronic device  12 . Because the moving members  150  move outwardly, the compressed conforming member  170  can shift its volume to fill this enlarged space thus relieving some of the pressure and creating a continuous surface at the top of the base  14  around the opening  16 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , but with additional features. In this embodiment, the docking station  10  includes a top cover  180  that is positioned over the top surface of the base  14 . The cover  180  essentially covers all the gaps  118  created at the interface between the moving members  150 , wings  160  and base  14  thereby providing a more aesthetic appearance. The cover  180  includes an opening  182  that is sized and dimensioned for the largest space required by the hand held electronic devices  12  to be used in the docking station  10 . 
     The docking station  10  also includes a pair of spring elements  190 A and  190 B, one for each moving member  150 A and  150 B. A first spring element  190 A is configured to bias the back moving member  150 A in a forward position, and a second spring element  190 B is configured bias the front moving member  150 B in a rearward position. The reference surfaces  56  and  58  of the moving members  150 A and  150 B are typically biased at a location that creates an opening  16  that is slightly smaller than the smallest hand held electronic device to be used in the docking station  10 . In some cases, the moving members  150  each include a chamfer  200  for helping guide the end of the hand held electronic devices  12  into the opening  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spring elements  190 A and  190 B are embodied as a compressive springs that are located between the moving members  150  and the walls of the opening  16 . Although compressive springs are used, it should be noted that other spring elements can be used including leaf springs, tension springs, flexures, and deformable members. Although not shown, it should be noted that in some cases the wings too may be spring biased by spring elements. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17A-17C , another embodiment of the present invention will be described in greater detail. In this particular arrangement, the docking station  10  includes a top cover  210  consisting of a pair of opposed flexures  212 A and  212 B that are capable of bending into the opening  16 . The top cover  210  is positioned over the top surface of the base  14 , and the flexures  212  are aligned over the opening  16 . When a hand held electronic device  12  is pushed against the flexures  212  ( FIGS. 17B and 17C ), the flexures  212  bend into the opening  16 . When enough force is applied, the flexures  212  bend over the sides of the device  12  thereby forming an opening  16  for the electronic device  12  to be inserted through. Once the device  12  is inserted, the flexures  212  may hold the device  12  in place via a pinching action. As shown in  FIG. 17B , a thicker device  12 A pushes the flexures  212  against the sides of the opening  16 . As shown in  FIG. 17C , a thinner device  12 B does not push the flexures  212  all the way against the sides. By way of example, the top cover  210  may be formed from a thin plastic material, and the flexures  212  can be created by making incisions in the top cover  210 . A similar arrangement can be used for the wings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18A-18C , another embodiment of the present invention will be described in greater detail. In this particular arrangement, the docking station  10  includes one or more conforming members  220  placed on the inside surfaces of the opening  16 . The conforming members  220  can be placed on one side or multiple sides. In the illustrated embodiment, the conforming member  220  is a placed on all sides of the opening such that it completely surrounds the opening (e.g., forms a ring). The conforming member  220  is formed from a compliant material that is capable of expanding and compressing to accommodate hand held electronic devices  12  with different sizes and shapes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18B , the thinner device  12 B only slightly compresses the conforming member  220  to accommodate the thickness of the hand held electronic device  12 B. As shown in  FIG. 18C , the thicker device  12 A heavily compresses the conforming member  220  to accommodate the thickness of the hand held electronic device  12 A. As should be appreciated, the conforming member  220  provides a biasing force that helps hold the device in the opening  16 . The conforming member  220  essentially squeezes the hand held electronic device  12  thereby holding it in place. By way of example, the conforming member may be formed from a foam or rubber like material. 
       FIG. 19  is a simplified diagram of a system  250  utilizing a universal docking station  252 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The universal docking station  252  may correspond to any of those previously described. The universal docking station  252  allows a user to easily connect portable electronic devices of various sizes and shapes  254  to other devices or systems  256  that are not usually a part of the portable electronic devices  254 . The user simply plugs the portable electronic device  254  into the docking station  252  so that the portable electronic device  254  can communicate with all the devices or systems  256  coupled to the docking station  252 . The docking station frees the user from having to separately plug and unplug their portable electronic devices  254  into other devices and systems  256  each time they want to use the portable electronic device  254  at a fixed location such as home, office or in the car. 
     By way of example, the portable electronic devices  254  may correspond to cellular phones, cameras, media players, game players and/or the like. Furthermore, the other devices and systems  256  may include personal computers such as desktops or laptops, audio systems including such components as tuners and amplifiers, video systems including such components as televisions, power sources such as a conventional AC outlet or a car DC outlet, I/O devices such as monitors, printers, speakers, keyboards, and/or the like. The other devices and systems  256  may also include other portable electronic devices or other docking stations. 
     In order to connect to the devices and systems  256 , the docking station  252  typically includes various I/O ports and/or cables located within or emanating from the peripheral surface of the base of the docking station  252 . These components are operatively coupled to the connector located within the opening of the base of the docking station  252 . This may for example be accomplished through flex cables and a printed circuit board. The ports and cables may be associated with data, power and the like. In some cases, the connector is coupled to a single port or cable and in other cases, the information being passed through the connector is split into multiple ports or cables. In one embodiment, the docking station  252  includes a video port such as an S-Video port, an audio out plug, and a data port that includes power, USB and/or Firewire, and audio functionality among others. 
     When using ports and plugs, the docking station is typically coupled to the other devices and systems through a cable. The first end of the cable is engaged with the ports on the surface of the base of the docking station  252  and the second end of the cable is connected to a port associated with the other devices and systems  256 . Through these various connections, the portable electronic device  254  can communicate with the other devices and systems  256 , i.e., power and data may be passed therebetween. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic devices  254  with varying sizes and shapes correspond to a set of music players such as the iPod manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, Calif. The user can use the music player  254  when on the move and when at home, work or in the car use the docking station  252  to easily couple the music player  254  to devices such as a personal computer  256 A in order to upload or download music, an audio system or speaker set  256 B to listen to the music and in some cases a power source  256 C so that the music player  254  can be charged. Each of these devices  256  can be connected separately or together to the universal docking station  252 . 
     Although the invention has been primarily directed at docking stations that receive the bottom end of the hand held electronic devices, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the invention may be directed at other configurations. For example, the docking station may be configured to receive the back end of the hand held electronic device rather than the bottom end. 
       FIG. 20  shows one example of a docking station  300  that is capable of receiving the back end of the hand held electronic device  12 . Like the docking stations described previously, the docking station  300  includes a base  302  having one or more adjustable members  304  that have the ability to change the size and/or shape of an opening  306  for any number of hand held electronic devices  12  of various shapes and sizes. For example, the adjustable members  304  may expand outwardly to create an opening  306  that accommodates larger hand held devices  12  and they may retract inwardly to create an opening that accommodates smaller hand held devices  12 . While the adjustable members  304  work similarly to the embodiments described above, in this particular arrangement, the adjustable members adjust for different widths and/or heights rather than different thicknesses and widths. 
     Furthermore, although the invention has been primarily directed at stand alone docking stations, it should be noted that this is not a limitation and that the invention may be directed at integrated docking stations. 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. The openings of the integrated docking stations, whether configured for receiving the bottom or back ends or other ends, are typically externally accessible to the hand held electronic device so that the hand held electronic device can be easily inserted or removed from the opening. Any of the previously described adjustable members capable of accommodating hand held electronic device of various sizes and shapes may be used. 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a sound system  320  with an integrated universal docking station  322 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The sound system  320  may be widely varied. For example, it may be a substantially fixed or portable unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the sound system is a boom box that includes a base  324  and a pair of speakers  326 . The universal docking station  322  is integrated within the base  324  and allows various hand held electronic devices  12  especially a music player such as the iPod to communicate with the internal circuitry of the base  324  so that music stored on the music player can be broadcast on the boom box via the speakers  326 . The universal docking station  322  can be any of those previously described. As such, the universal docking station  322  includes an adjustable opening  328  that may be placed anywhere on the base  324 . In the illustrated embodiment, the universal docking station  322  is placed on the top surface of the base  324 . 
     As mentioned, handheld devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be positioned in the docking station in a variety of orientations including for example substantially vertical (or tilted) or substantially horizontal. Although not a limitation of the present invention, in one embodiment, the adjustable members of the substantially vertically oriented docking stations are configured to accommodate handheld devices having a width of between for example about 2.0 to about 2.4 inches, and/or a depth of between for example about 0.5 to about 0.75 inches. By way of example, these ranges allow the docking station to accept handheld devices that are 2.0 inches×0.5 inches, 2.4 inches×0.57 inches, 2.4×0.63 inches, 2.4 inches×0.69 inches and/or 2.4 inches×0.75 inches. Again, although not a limitation of the present invention, in another embodiment, the adjustable members of the substantially horizontally oriented docking stations are configured to accommodate handheld devices having a width of between for example about 2.0 to about 2.4 inches, and/or a height of between for example about 3.6 inches to about 4.1 inches. By way of example, these ranges allow the docking station to accept handheld devices that are 2.0 inches×3.6 inches, and/or 2.4 inches×4.1 inches. 
     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. 
     For example, although the adjustable members of the present invention can be used to retain the hand held electronic device in the opening, this is not a limitation and other components may be used alternatively or in addition to the adjustable member. By way of example, snaps, latches, clamps, magnets may be used to hold the hand held electronic device within the opening as well as the friction coupling found between the connector and ports. An ejection mechanism may additionally be used to release the hand held electronic device from the opening, i.e., to overcome any holding forces as for example holding forces created by the friction coupling between the connector and port. 
     It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. 
     For example, the moving members may include nested components capable of telescoping in a particular direction. Further, the moving members may have a leading edge that is shaped like the surface of a device or leading edge that include a seal that adapts to the shape of the device. Further still, the moving members may be operatively coupled to one another through gears so that they move simultaneously. The gears may be driven by a motor, and the docking station may include sensors for detecting the location of the device so that the moving members can be moved into engagement with the device In addition, the sliding members may be clicked and secured to set positions that correspond to particular dimensions of a group of handheld electronic devices such as the iPod manufactured by Apple Computer. Moreover, for each device the adjustable members may be adjusted to different distances from the sides of the recess so that the port on the device is centered on the connector of the docking station. Alternatively, the handheld devices may include a port that is offset relative to other handheld devices so that the port on the device is centered on the connector of the docking station. 
     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: 20100401
Publication Date: 20110426
Grant Date: 20110426
Priority Date: 20050509
Inventors: HOWARTH RICHARD P.
HOBSON PHILLIP M.
CROOIJMANS WIM
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10S248/917", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 36756704