US20060289444A1 - In-case computer charging system - Google Patents
In-case computer charging system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060289444A1 US20060289444A1 US11/441,586 US44158606A US2006289444A1 US 20060289444 A1 US20060289444 A1 US 20060289444A1 US 44158606 A US44158606 A US 44158606A US 2006289444 A1 US2006289444 A1 US 2006289444A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D15/00—De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft
- B64D15/12—De-icing or preventing icing on exterior surfaces of aircraft by electric heating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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- B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B5/024—Woven fabric
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B5/12—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer characterised by the relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers, e.g. the fibres or filaments being parallel or perpendicular to each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
- B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B5/26—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1628—Carrying enclosures containing additional elements, e.g. case for a laptop and a printer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1632—External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
- H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
- H05B3/342—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heaters used in textiles
- H05B3/347—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heaters used in textiles woven fabrics
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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- B32B2250/03—3 layers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
- B32B2250/20—All layers being fibrous or filamentary
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
- B32B2250/40—Symmetrical or sandwich layers, e.g. ABA, ABCBA, ABCCBA
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
- B32B2255/02—Coating on the layer surface on fibrous or filamentary layer
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
- B32B2255/20—Inorganic coating
- B32B2255/205—Metallic coating
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2260/00—Layered product comprising an impregnated, embedded, or bonded layer wherein the layer comprises an impregnation, embedding, or binder material
- B32B2260/02—Composition of the impregnated, bonded or embedded layer
- B32B2260/021—Fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B2260/023—Two or more layers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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- B32B2260/00—Layered product comprising an impregnated, embedded, or bonded layer wherein the layer comprises an impregnation, embedding, or binder material
- B32B2260/04—Impregnation, embedding, or binder material
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- B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
- B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
- B32B2262/101—Glass fibres
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
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- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
- B32B2307/54—Yield strength; Tensile strength
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- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
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- B32B2603/00—Vanes, blades, propellers, rotors with blades
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/002—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements
- H05B2203/007—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements using multiple electrically connected resistive elements or resistive zones
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/014—Heaters using resistive wires or cables not provided for in H05B3/54
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
- H05B2203/017—Manufacturing methods or apparatus for heaters
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to the recharging of portable electronic devices and, in particular to systems and methods for recharging such devices while enclosed in cases according to the invention.
- This invention improves upon existing systems by providing a case configured to enclose a portable electronic device, the case including a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current or data to flow to or from the device while enclosed in the case.
- the invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players.
- the electrical contacts allow a battery in the case or in the device to be recharged while device is enclosed.
- one or more of the electrical contacts may protrude from the case, or one or more of the electrical contacts may be recessed.
- One or more of the electrical contacts may be adapted to magnetically engage with a corresponding set of electrical contacts, and a light may be provided on the case or the docking station to indicating that electrical current is flowing to the device through the case.
- An adaptor cable may be provided between the device and the electrical contacts so that the same or similar case may be used with different model devices from different manufacturers.
- a voltage-changing adaptor cable may be provided within the case between the device and the electrical contacts or at the base itself.
- the system may further include a docking bay to receive the case, the docking bay having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case.
- a docking bay may take the form of a charging stand, a cart with one or more slots or compartments, or a locker with a door and a storage compartment.
- the system may further include an externally accessible compartment having an opening within the case to the device, and a power adapter having a plug-in cord within the compartment, enabling the cord to be connected to a source of power with the device enclosed within the case.
- FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a computer case having a set of externally accessible electrical contacts;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a computer case having a set of externally accessible electrical contacts being placed into a mobile cart;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a computer case having a set of externally accessible electrical contacts being placed into stationary stand;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of an alternative embodiment of the invention including a computer case with a set of externally accessible electrical contacts being placed into a slot in a locker;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a further alternative embodiment of the invention including a computer case having a cord in a pouch configured to plug into a locker receptacle.
- this invention resides in cases and corresponding storage facilities that enable a portable electronic device to be recharged while enclosed in that case, thereby protecting the device during periods when it is not in use.
- the invention is applicable to all types of portable electronic devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players.
- the case, 102 which may be of any soft or hard design, includes contacts 108 , 110 , preferably on one of the side edges of the case.
- the contacts 108 , 110 interconnect to the device shown in broken-line form at 104 , through appropriate electrical interconnects 112 .
- two or more such contacts are provided, depending upon the make/model of the enclosed device, though an embodiment with a single contact is possible if at least a portion of the outside surface of the case is sufficiently electrically conductive to act as ground or a positive/negative electrode.
- the case typically includes some sort of closure such as zipper 105 , and an optional handle 106 , preferably located on an edge opposite to the contacts 108 , 110 .
- the contacts 108 , 110 are in electrical communication with interconnects 112 suited to a particular type of portable electronic device. This allows the same case to be manufactured with interchangeable panels and “pigtails” including appropriate connectors and number of contacts for a particular make and model. For example, a Dell notebook computer may have two contacts with wiring going to a concentric plug suited for that manufacturer, whereas an Apple computer may use three contacts with an interconnect going to a square-type connector on the computer. The invention is not limited in this regard.
- the case may be used in conjunction with various docking stations, including the cart shown in FIG. 2 .
- the case 102 may be lowered into compartments of the cart 202 , with contacts 210 at the bottom of each receptacle being configured for corresponding contact with the contacts on the case.
- an optional indicator light 220 ′ on the case itself, or indicator lights 220 ′ on the storage cart may illuminate to show that proper contact has been made.
- the compartments in FIG. 2 are shown as being vertical, they may be angled or even horizontal, depending upon whether gravity alone or other mechanisms described herein are used to ensure reliable contact.
- a stationary docking station 302 may be used, as shown in FIG. 3 .
- This docking station would be coupled to a cord 320 receiving electrical power or connected to the device's supplied power adapter, allowing somebody to simply place their computer, while in the case, into the station, enabling the device to be recharged without having to remove it from the case.
- an indicator light may be provided on the case or the docking station, as an option.
- the contacts on the case, or the contacts on the cart or docking station may be recessed or projecting. That is, some or all of the contacts on the case may protrude and make contact with recessed contacts on the cart or docking station. Alternatively, some or all of the contacts on the cart or docking station may protrude, to be received by recessed contacts on the case. Alternatively, a mixture of recessed and protruding contacts may be used, to help avoid metal objects from shorting out the contacts on the cart/docking station or inventive case.
- the contacts on the cart/docking station and/or case may be spring-loaded or magnetic.
- the magnets may also be disposed on springs, allowing the cart/docking station or computer case contacts to “find one another” when the case is received in the article for recharging.
- the use of magnetic contacts would also facilitate somewhat of a “tactile” sound or feel, providing a user with a more positive indication that recharging was in progress.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of an alternative embodiment of the invention including a case 402 with a set of externally accessible electrical contacts 408 being placed into a slot 404 in a locker.
- the contacts make electrical connection to corresponding contacts 406 using any of the mechanisms described herein.
- an indicator light may be provided on the case or a portion of the locker, or both, to indicate charging of the enclosed electronic device (not shown).
- An electrical cable 410 is used to make contact to the contacts 406 .
- Such cabling may be common to a group of lockers or routed to individual lockers, in which case current may be monitored to determine if a computer has, in fact, been placed in a particular locker, by a certain time, for example.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a further alternative embodiment of the invention including a case 502 having a cord 514 in a pouch 512 configured to plug into a locker receptacle 516 while contained in slot 504 .
- the interconnect system may use any voltage or current. For example, if a school or other institution standardizes on a voltage such as 12 volts, connector 514 may go directly to the computer or other device (not shown) without the need for a power adapter or converter. Alternatively, for greater flexibility, line 510 may carry 110 volts, in which case pouch 512 may hold an appropriate power converter for the enclosed computer.
- power may be supplied to the outlet 516 only after the door to the locker is closed and/or outside building hours, in which case an indicator may be provided outside the locker, either on the door or in a centralized location to show the existence of a computer or other device being properly charged.
Abstract
A case configured to enclose a portable electronic device includes a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current to flow to or from the device while enclosed in the case. The invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players. Typically the electrical contacts allow a battery in the case or in the device to be recharged while device is enclosed. An adaptor cable may be provided between the device and the electrical contacts so that the same or similar case may be used with different model devices from different manufacturers. For greater ‘universality,’ a voltage-changing adaptor cable may be provided within the case between the device and the electrical contacts. The system may further include a docking bay to receive the case, the docking bay having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case. Such a docking bay may take the form of a charging stand, a cart with one or more slots or compartments, or a locker with a door and a storage compartment.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/684,894, filed May 26, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates generally to the recharging of portable electronic devices and, in particular to systems and methods for recharging such devices while enclosed in cases according to the invention.
- It is becoming increasingly popular to provide schoolchildren with laptop computers which they obtain from a cart or locker in the classroom. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,008,621 and 6,218,796 show such storage carts. Some of these notebook computer carts are are also commercially available from various sources.
- One of the problems with these arrangements is that students, particularly younger children, can drop the computer while removing or returning the device from and to its storage compartment, thereby costing the school considerable funds. Problems may also arise in the wiring associated with plugging and unplugging the recharger, resulting in dead batteries or poor contacts. The need remains, therefore, for a system which is relatively fool-proof in terms of charging, while, at the same time, protecting expensive devices such as laptop computers.
- This invention improves upon existing systems by providing a case configured to enclose a portable electronic device, the case including a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current or data to flow to or from the device while enclosed in the case. The invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players.
- Typically the electrical contacts allow a battery in the case or in the device to be recharged while device is enclosed. To reduce shorting, one or more of the electrical contacts may protrude from the case, or one or more of the electrical contacts may be recessed. One or more of the electrical contacts may be adapted to magnetically engage with a corresponding set of electrical contacts, and a light may be provided on the case or the docking station to indicating that electrical current is flowing to the device through the case.
- An adaptor cable may be provided between the device and the electrical contacts so that the same or similar case may be used with different model devices from different manufacturers. For greater ‘universality,’ a voltage-changing adaptor cable may be provided within the case between the device and the electrical contacts or at the base itself.
- The system may further include a docking bay to receive the case, the docking bay having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case. Such a docking bay may take the form of a charging stand, a cart with one or more slots or compartments, or a locker with a door and a storage compartment. The system may further include an externally accessible compartment having an opening within the case to the device, and a power adapter having a plug-in cord within the compartment, enabling the cord to be connected to a source of power with the device enclosed within the case.
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FIG. 1 is a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a computer case having a set of externally accessible electrical contacts; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a computer case having a set of externally accessible electrical contacts being placed into a mobile cart; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of a computer case having a set of externally accessible electrical contacts being placed into stationary stand; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of an alternative embodiment of the invention including a computer case with a set of externally accessible electrical contacts being placed into a slot in a locker; and -
FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a further alternative embodiment of the invention including a computer case having a cord in a pouch configured to plug into a locker receptacle. - Broadly, this invention resides in cases and corresponding storage facilities that enable a portable electronic device to be recharged while enclosed in that case, thereby protecting the device during periods when it is not in use. The invention is applicable to all types of portable electronic devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players.
- A preferred embodiment is shown in
FIG. 1 . The case, 102, which may be of any soft or hard design, includescontacts contacts electrical interconnects 112. In the preferred embodiment two or more such contacts are provided, depending upon the make/model of the enclosed device, though an embodiment with a single contact is possible if at least a portion of the outside surface of the case is sufficiently electrically conductive to act as ground or a positive/negative electrode. The case typically includes some sort of closure such aszipper 105, and anoptional handle 106, preferably located on an edge opposite to thecontacts - The
contacts interconnects 112 suited to a particular type of portable electronic device. This allows the same case to be manufactured with interchangeable panels and “pigtails” including appropriate connectors and number of contacts for a particular make and model. For example, a Dell notebook computer may have two contacts with wiring going to a concentric plug suited for that manufacturer, whereas an Apple computer may use three contacts with an interconnect going to a square-type connector on the computer. The invention is not limited in this regard. - Given the in-case recharging capability just described, the case may be used in conjunction with various docking stations, including the cart shown in
FIG. 2 . In such a configuration, thecase 102 may be lowered into compartments of thecart 202, withcontacts 210 at the bottom of each receptacle being configured for corresponding contact with the contacts on the case. Once contact is made, anoptional indicator light 220′ on the case itself, orindicator lights 220′ on the storage cart, may illuminate to show that proper contact has been made. Although the compartments inFIG. 2 are shown as being vertical, they may be angled or even horizontal, depending upon whether gravity alone or other mechanisms described herein are used to ensure reliable contact. - As an alternative to a cart or rack receiving multiple in-case computers according to the invention, a
stationary docking station 302 may be used, as shown inFIG. 3 . This docking station would be coupled to acord 320 receiving electrical power or connected to the device's supplied power adapter, allowing somebody to simply place their computer, while in the case, into the station, enabling the device to be recharged without having to remove it from the case. Again, an indicator light may be provided on the case or the docking station, as an option. - For reasons of safety, and/or to ensure reliable contact, the contacts on the case, or the contacts on the cart or docking station may be recessed or projecting. That is, some or all of the contacts on the case may protrude and make contact with recessed contacts on the cart or docking station. Alternatively, some or all of the contacts on the cart or docking station may protrude, to be received by recessed contacts on the case. Alternatively, a mixture of recessed and protruding contacts may be used, to help avoid metal objects from shorting out the contacts on the cart/docking station or inventive case.
- In the event that gravity alone is not relied upon to ensure reliable contact, the contacts on the cart/docking station and/or case may be spring-loaded or magnetic. In the case of magnetic contacts, the magnets may also be disposed on springs, allowing the cart/docking station or computer case contacts to “find one another” when the case is received in the article for recharging. The use of magnetic contacts would also facilitate somewhat of a “tactile” sound or feel, providing a user with a more positive indication that recharging was in progress.
-
FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of an alternative embodiment of the invention including acase 402 with a set of externally accessibleelectrical contacts 408 being placed into aslot 404 in a locker. The contacts make electrical connection tocorresponding contacts 406 using any of the mechanisms described herein. Although not shown, an indicator light may be provided on the case or a portion of the locker, or both, to indicate charging of the enclosed electronic device (not shown). Although a horizontal configuration is depicted, slanted or vertical configurations may alternatively be used. Anelectrical cable 410 is used to make contact to thecontacts 406. Such cabling may be common to a group of lockers or routed to individual lockers, in which case current may be monitored to determine if a computer has, in fact, been placed in a particular locker, by a certain time, for example. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a further alternative embodiment of the invention including acase 502 having acord 514 in apouch 512 configured to plug into alocker receptacle 516 while contained inslot 504. The interconnect system may use any voltage or current. For example, if a school or other institution standardizes on a voltage such as 12 volts,connector 514 may go directly to the computer or other device (not shown) without the need for a power adapter or converter. Alternatively, for greater flexibility,line 510 may carry 110 volts, in whichcase pouch 512 may hold an appropriate power converter for the enclosed computer. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, power may be supplied to theoutlet 516 only after the door to the locker is closed and/or outside building hours, in which case an indicator may be provided outside the locker, either on the door or in a centralized location to show the existence of a computer or other device being properly charged.
Claims (16)
1. A recharging system for a portable electronic device, comprising:
a case configured to enclose the device; and
a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts on the case enabling electrical current to flow to or from the device while enclosed in the case.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the device is a computer.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical contacts allow a battery in the device to be recharged while in the case.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the electrical contacts protrude from the case.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the electrical contacts are recessed.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the electrical contacts are adapted to magnetically engage with a corresponding set of electrical contacts.
7. The system of claim 1 , further including light indicating that the electrical current is flowing to the device.
8. The system of claim 1 , further including an adaptor cable between the device and the electrical contacts.
9. The system of claim 1 , further including a voltage-changing adaptor cable between the device and the electrical contacts.
10. The system of claim 1 , further including a docking bay to receive the case, the docking bay having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case.
11. The system of claim 1 , further including a charging stand with a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case.
12. The system of claim 1 , further including a cart with a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case.
13. The system of claim 1 , further including a cart with a plurality of storage compartments, each compartment having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on one of the cases.
14. The system of claim 1 , further including a locker with a storage compartment having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on one of the cases.
15. The system of claim 1 , further including an indicator light showing that electrical contact has been made between the case and a charging station.
16. The system of claim 1 , further including:
an externally accessible compartment having an opening within the case to the device; and
a power adapter having a plug-in cord within the compartment, enabling the cord to be connected to a source of power with the device enclosed within the case.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/441,586 US20060289444A1 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-05-26 | In-case computer charging system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68498405P | 2005-05-27 | 2005-05-27 | |
US11/441,586 US20060289444A1 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-05-26 | In-case computer charging system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060289444A1 true US20060289444A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
Family
ID=37482171
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/441,586 Abandoned US20060289444A1 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-05-26 | In-case computer charging system |
US11/441,269 Active 2027-09-18 US7585156B2 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-05-26 | Strained capable conductive/resistive composite hybrid heater for thermal anti-ice device |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/441,269 Active 2027-09-18 US7585156B2 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2006-05-26 | Strained capable conductive/resistive composite hybrid heater for thermal anti-ice device |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20060289444A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1885600B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008545575A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080033155A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101203423A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006252729A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0610650A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2609119C (en) |
MX (1) | MX2007014660A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2007149271A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006130454A2 (en) |
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US20110272901A1 (en) * | 2010-05-07 | 2011-11-10 | Decide Life International Sa | Medical care trolley |
US20130182874A1 (en) * | 2010-08-03 | 2013-07-18 | Advanced Bionics Ag | Rechargeable partially implantable hearing instrument |
US20150188343A1 (en) * | 2010-02-11 | 2015-07-02 | Ergotron, Inc. | Mobile computing device charging and networking system and method |
US10044205B1 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2018-08-07 | Borroughs Corporation | Wireless charging cart and charging rack |
US20180262030A1 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2018-09-13 | Mark Zadvinskis | Recharging system for portable electronic devices |
US10103475B1 (en) * | 2013-12-09 | 2018-10-16 | VCE IP Holding Company LLC | Optimized shipping of IP telephony devices |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1885600B1 (en) | 2014-07-09 |
JP2008545575A (en) | 2008-12-18 |
WO2006130454A3 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
CN101203423A (en) | 2008-06-18 |
CA2609119A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
AU2006252729A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
CA2609119C (en) | 2014-02-11 |
WO2006130454A2 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
EP1885600A2 (en) | 2008-02-13 |
US20070092371A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 |
MX2007014660A (en) | 2008-03-07 |
BRPI0610650A2 (en) | 2010-07-13 |
KR20080033155A (en) | 2008-04-16 |
US7585156B2 (en) | 2009-09-08 |
RU2007149271A (en) | 2009-07-10 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |