Adapter and consumer electronic device functional unit

(54) Title: ADAPTER AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF ELECTRONIC CONSUMER DEVICE (30) Unionist Priority: 04/01/2007 us 11 / 619,731 (73) Holder (s): Whirpool Corporation (72) Inventor (s): Richard A. Mccoy (74) Attorney (s): Dannemann, Siemsen, Bigler & Ipanema Moreira (86) International Request: pct US2008050171 of 01/04/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2008 / 086i36de 17/07/2008 (57) Summary : adapter and functional unit of ELECTRONIC CONSUMER DEVICE. The present invention relates to an adapter for removably coupling a consumer electronic device to a host, an adapter and a consumer electronic device forming a functional unit, and a modular system including the consumer electronic device, the adapter and a host . The adapter has a main body and a first interface capable of coupling with the appliance and a second interface capable of coupling with the consumer electronic device. In one version, the adapter additionally has a cavity in the main body receiving the consumer electronic device and an access panel removably mounted to the main body to selectively close the cavity. In another version, the adapter provides a first service between the host and the consumer electronic device when the adapter is attached to the host and the consumer electronic device is attached to the adapter. The adapter additionally provides a second service to the consumer electronic device and forms a functional unit with it when the adapter and the consumer electronic device are removed from the host.

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Invention Patent Descriptive Report for ADAPTER AND FUNCTIONAL UNIT OF ELECTRONIC CONSUMER DEVICE.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

This application claims priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,731 filed on January 4, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a consumer electronic device and an adapter for removably coupling the consumer electronic device to a host or an appliance.

Traditionally, home appliances, consumer electronic devices, and other useful household machinery are located in a room dedicated to the function supported by the appliance. For example, the kitchen has traditionally been limited to a space for preparing and eating food and has therefore been mainly occupied by cabinets and large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens. The family room was designed as a place for leisure activities, and so most entertainment devices, such as televisions and video games, are commonly found here. The service areas usually house a washer, dryer, and iron. Devices such as personal computers and printers are often located in another room, such as a home office or bedroom.

Consumers increasingly have multiple portable consumer electronic devices, such as laptops, cell phones, PDAs, and digital music devices. These devices are typically used in many different rooms in the home and are often carried from room to room throughout the house. Consumers also tend to perform non-traditional tasks in traditional rooms in the house. For example, consumers tend to eat in the living room or media room as well, instead of the dining room and family room. Consumers tend to eat, meet and be entertained in the kitchen, not just in the dining room and family room. In fact, the kitchen is often the center of most domestic activity. Consumers also tend to work in every room in the house with the adoption of laptop computers and wireless networks.

Therefore, there is a tendency for consumers to perform 5 non-traditional functions in a home room designed for a traditional function. The invention recognizes this trend and tries to sustain the trend.

SUMMARY

The invention supports this trend by providing improvements in systems and components for using portable electronic devices with hosts such as home appliances including adapters to removably connect consumer electronic devices to hosts and modular host systems, adapters and consumer electronic devices. In one embodiment, a modular system comprises a host performing a primary function; a consumer electronic device; and an adapter removably coupling the consumer electronic device to the host. The adapter provides a first service between the host and the consumer electronic device when the adapter is attached to the host and the consumer electronic device is attached to the adapter. The adapter additionally provides a second service to the consumer electronic device and forms a functional unit with it when the adapter and the consumer electronic device are removed from the host.

In another embodiment, an adapter for removably mounting a consumer electronic device performing a first primary function for a host performing a second primary function includes an adapter that main body removably adapted to couple the consumer electronic device to the host. The adapter provides a removable mechanical connection between the host and the consumer electronic device and a first service selected from a power service and a mechanical connection service between the host and the consumer electronic device when the adapter is attached to the host and the consumer electronic device is attached to the adapter. The adapter additionally provides a removable mechanical connection between the consumer electronic device and the main body and a second service selected from a mechanical service, a power service, and a data service to the consumer electronic device when the adapter and the electronic device consumer are removed from the host.

In yet another embodiment, an adapter comprises a main body, a first interface capable of coupling with the appliance, a cavity in the main body receiving the consumer electronic device, a second interface within the cavity coupling with the consumer electronic device; and an access panel removably mounted to the main body to selectively close the cavity opening.

In yet another embodiment, an adapter comprises a main body, a first interface capable of coupling with the appliance, a cavity in the main body receiving the consumer electronic device, a second interface within the cavity coupling with the consumer electronic device; and an access panel removably mounted to the main body to selectively close the cavity opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a modular system comprising a host, an adapter, and a consumer electronic device.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a configuration of the modular system in Figure 1, showing the consumer electronic device coupled with the host via the adapter.

Figure 3 is a schematic side illustration of the modular system in Figure 1, showing the host's exploded consumer adapter and consumer device.

Figure 4 is a frontal perspective view of a modality of the modular system of the

Figure 1, comprising a refrigerator as the host, the adapter, and a digital image screen as the consumer electronic device.

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the modular system in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the adapter and the digital image screen, which form a functional unit, in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view similar to Figure 6 with a rear access panel of the functional unit removed.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the modular system of Figure 1, when the functional unit comprising the adapter and the consumer electronic device is coupled to the host.

Figure 9 is a side view of the adapter and the digital image screen of Figure 4 removed from the host and supported by a platform on a generally horizontal surface.

Figure 10 is a schematic view of the modular system of Figure 1 when the functional unit comprising the adapter and the consumer electronic device is removed from the host.

Figure 11 is a perspective view similar to Figure 6, of another modality of the adapter and digital image screen.

Figure 12 is a front view of another embodiment of the modular system of Figure 1, comprising a refrigerator as the host, the adapter, and a hearing device as the consumer electronic device.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the modular system of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figure 1, a schematic illustration of a modular system 10 according to the invention is shown and comprises at least one host 12, at least one adapter 14, and at least one consumer electronic device 16. Host 12 and the consumer electronic device 16 cannot be directly coupled with each other, and thus are indirectly coupled via adapter 14. The coupled term as used here includes any type of connection that allows a transfer of a service, as defined below, between any combination of host 12, adapter 14, and consumer electronic device 16. The coupled term includes both a fixed and a fixed coupling removable, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Host 12 performs a primary function and can provide or receive at least one service to or from adapter 14, or consumer electronic device 16. Host 12 can be an appliance, and the primary function can be performed by a series of steps to manage a useful operating cycle. Host 12 may also comprise a structural feature of a building, such as a wall. Preferably, the appliance is a conventional appliance, such as a refrigerator running a cooling cycle or an ice making cycle. Other examples of appliances that the host 12 can understand include, but are not limited to, a freezer, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, a stove, a range, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, a water heater water, an oven, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, a clothes cooler, and a non-aqueous cleaning device, or any combination of them.

Consumer electronic device 16 is a device that also performs a primary function. In most cases, the primary function of the consumer electronic device is different from the primary function performed by the host 12. Examples of consumer electronic device 16 include, but are not limited to, a television, a video camera, a video recorder, a personal computer, a notebook computer, a computer monitor, a video screen, a keyboard , a printer, copying equipment, a calculator, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a digital storage device, a wireless transceiver, an internet router, a power supply, a data recorder, an answering machine, a telephone, a wireless telephone, a cell phone, a video game system, a personal digital assistant, a DVD player, a VHS player, a VCR, a cassette unit, a device mm video player, a CD player, a Blackberry, a portable digital video player, an MP3 player, a radio, other music devices, an audio speaker, a digital picture frame, a weather station , and a scale or balance.

Adapter 14 provides at least one service to host 12, or consumer electronic device 16. Service provision can be unidirectional in which adapter 14 provides a service provided by one of host 12 and consumer electronic device 16 to the other host 12 and or consumer electronic device 16. The service supply can also be bidirectional in which the adapter 14 can provide a service from the host 12 to the consumer electronic device 16 and from the consumer electronic device 16 to the host 12. The adapter 14 itself can provide a service that is provided to host 12, consumer electronic device 16, or both, both unidirectionally and multidirectionally. The service provided by the adapter 14 can be of the same or a different type than that provided by both the host 12 and the consumer electronic device 16.

Adapter 14 may comprise one or more adapter members. Exemplary types of adapter members may include, but are not limited to, extenders and device supports. In general, an extender extends the service provided by the host 12, the adapter 14, or the consumer electronic device 16. An extender can be coupled between host 12 and another adapter 14, between host 12 and consumer electronic device 16, between two other adapters 14, or between another adapter 14 and consumer electronic device 16 to extend service. Extenders are useful for allowing adapter 14 to be coupled to a surface of host 12, while consumer electronic device 16 is coupled to a different surface from host 12 or simply to increase the distance between host 12 and consumer electronic device. 16. The device holders physically support the consumer electronic device 16.

Exemplary services that adapter 14 can provide include mechanical communication, power communication, and data communication. Mechanical communication is the physical coupling of two objects, as between any combination of host 12, adapter 14, and consumer electronic device 16. Mechanical communication includes direct and indirect physical assembly, unless expressly stated otherwise. The physical coupling includes a fixed or removable assembly, unless expressly stated otherwise. Power communication is the coupling of two objects to supply power to at least one of the objects. Data communication is the coupling of two objects to transmit data to at least one of the objects or to exchange data between the objects. Mechanical, power, and data communication includes both unidirectional and multidirectional communications, unless otherwise established, between any combination of host 12, adapter 14, and consumer electronic device 16. Communication of power and data includes wired and wireless communication, unless otherwise stated.

Illustrative applications of the services include the physical assembly of the consumer electronic device 16 to host 12, or adapter 14 to place them in mechanical communication with each other. Power communication can include supplying power to the consumer electronic device 16 from both host 12 and adapter 14 during operation as well as charging the consumer electronic device 16 for later use. Wireless power communication can comprise any type of wireless power communication, including, without limitation for purposes of illustration, microwave transmission, laser transmission, acoustic transmission, and magnetic field. Data communication can include exchanging data between host 12 or adapter 14 and consumer electronic device 16. Wireless data communication can comprise any type of wireless data communication, including, without limitation for purposes of illustration, wireless network (a / k / a Wi-Fi), radio transmission, data transmission light, and acoustic transmission.

Each service can comprise multiple categories of the service, where a category of a service is different in some way from another category of the same service. As an example, two possible categories of mechanical communication are to hang the consumer electronic device 16 instead of fitting the consumer electronic device 16. Exemplary categories of power communication include the type of power, for example AC or DC, supplied to the consumer electronic device 16 and variations in power characteristics, such as voltage or current. Exemplary categories of data communication include encrypted and non-encrypted data. Data communication also includes communication for different protocols, including physical layer protocols and software layer protocols. Examples for physical layer protocols are a wired Ethernet and a wireless network (Wi-Fi), both of which support the same data packet structure. Adapter 14 could communicate between these two physical layers. Examples of Zigbee and Bluetooth software layer protocol. Adapter 14 can be used to transform any of the Zigbee and Bluetooth data packets into the other of the Zigbee and Bluetooth data packets to communicate between devices using a different protocol.

Adapter 14 can be configured to transform the service that is provided. For example, adapter 14 could be configured to transform the supplied power by changing the voltage or amount of available power. An early transformation would change the voltage from the power supplied to adapter 14 to another voltage that adapter 14 supplies. Another anticipated transformation is changing the power from AC to DC. The data communication could be transformed in such a way that the adapter 14 changes unencrypted data to encrypted data or a standard communication protocol to a proprietary protocol. Other anticipated transformations include switching from wired power to wireless power, from wired data to wireless data, or from standard power or standard data to power with embedded data.

The service provided by the adapter 14 can be provided at least in part by the host 12. For example, mechanical communication to the consumer electronic device 16, can be provided in part by a horizontal or vertical surface of the host 12, the power supplied by the adapter 14 can be provided through a power connection between the host 12 and a source of external power, as a main electricity supply, and the data transferred by adapter 14 can be provided by host 12, such as the host controller, or through a data connection between host 12 and an external source, such as a computer network, a telecommunication network, or other appliance.

Alternatively, the service provided by adapter 14 may be provided at least in part by the usage environment. The usage environment, as used here, is the area surrounding host 12. For example, in the case where host 12 is an appliance, the usage environment may be a wall near a building or similar structural feature. The usage environment can comprise power and data sources, such as a main electricity supply or a computer network.

The term provide and any variation of it, as used here denotes the source of the service relating to the modular system 10, and is not limited to the provider being the origin of the service. In other words, provisioning is used to denote the service source relative to host 12, adapter 14, and consumer electronic device 16, regardless of whether the service originates with the object providing the service. The object that provides the service may simply be passing through the service. For example, for a host 12 comprising an appliance that provides power communication service, the appliance may simply pass through the electricity it receives from a domestic outlet. However, the same appliance can provide another service that originates with the appliance, such as mechanical communication where the adapter 14 and the consumer electronic device 16 are physically coupled to the appliance. In addition, the object for which the service is provided is not necessarily the final recipient of the service. The service can simply be transmitted through the object that is provided with the service. An object, such as adapter 14, can be provided with the service, such as from host 12, and can transmit or supply the service, such as to the consumer electronic device 16.

Each of host 12 and consumer electronic device 16 comprises at least one service interface, referred to herein respectively as a host service interface and a device service interface. Service interfaces can be formed integrally with host 12 or consumer electronic device 16, or they can be an added device. The service interfaces can be removable or non-removable from host 12 or consumer electronic device 16. At least one service can be provided to adapter 14 via the host service interface, the device service interface, or both, and the adapter 14 can in turn provide that service through the other of the host service interface and the device service interface. As an example, for a unidirectional service where service is provided from host 12 to consumer electronic device 16 via adapter 14, service can be provided to adapter 14 via the host service interface, and to the electronic service device consumer 16 via the device service interface.

Although the device service interface and the host service interface can be the same, it is anticipated here, that in most cases, the device service interface will be different from the host service interface. The term different when used to describe the host and device service interfaces, means that the host service interface and device service interface cannot be directly coupled without one or both interfaces losing some functionality. Different can also mean that the two service interfaces are incompatible. For example, the host service interface and the device service interface may have different physical connectors for one or more of the services, thus requiring adapter 14 to couple the physical connectors to establish appropriate communication for the service.

Adapter 14 may comprise at least one component that enables a service to be supplied between host 12 and consumer electronic device 16. The adapter component may provide, supply, or receive at least one service. A single adapter component can enable the provision of only one service to the consumer electronic device 16 or it can enable the provision of multiple services to the consumer electronic device 16. The adapter 14 can be provided with multiple adapter components so that each enables the provision of a different service to the consumer electronic device 16. One or more adapter components can form an adapter service interface, similar to the host or device service interface, and can couple with the host service interface, the device service interface, or another adapter service interface to provide, transmit, or supply at least one service.

The adapter component can couple with host 12, consumer electronic device 16, or none of them. The adapter component may comprise a connector component, such as a connector component that forms a part of a service interface, that enables service provision through physical coupling with host 12, consumer electronic device 16, or other adapter 14, for example, a plug pin that fits into a socket to enable power distribution, or through a non-physical coupling with host 12, consumer electronic device 16, or other adapter 14, for example a wireless connection to enable data transfer. Adapter 14 may comprise a non-coupling component. The adapter component may comprise a transformative component, such as an electrical transformer, to change the voltage of the power supply or an inverter to change the power from DC to AC. The adapter component can comprise a service interface that couples with a host service interface or a device service interface.

Adapter 14 may additionally comprise functionality unrelated to providing service between host 12 and consumer electronic device 16. Adapter functionality may operate independently of host 12 and consumer electronic device 16, or it may increase a or more of the functions of the host 12 and the consumer electronic device 16. The functionality can be performed by one or more components of the adapter 14. Examples of adapter functionality include, but are not limited to, a consumer electronic device, a speaker, a user interface, a screen projection, a media administrator, a whiteboard, physical storage, software host application, communications routing, power storage, microphone, and data storage. An adapter 14 with consumer electronic device functionality incorporates all the functionality of one or more consumer electronic devices as a function of adapter 14. An adapter 14 with speaker functionality comprises at least one audio speaker that enhances and makes speech or music audible. An adapter 14 with user interface functionality includes a screen and / or input area that allows the user to interface with host 12, adapter 14, consumer electronic device 16, or an external source. An adapter 14 with calendar projection functionality allows a calendar or time to be visually or audibly projected. An adapter 14 with media administrator functionality allows a user to manage all types of media (for example, music, video, images, etc.). An adapter 14 with whiteboard functionality comprises a conventional whiteboard for temporarily writing messages and may be available to the user only when a consumer electronic device 16 is not attached to adapter 14 or may be available to the user at all times. An adapter 14 with physical storage functionality includes a storage compartment for storing items, and can be particularly useful for storing companion items for consumer electronic devices 16, such as a remote control for a consumer electronic device including a television or DVDs for a consumer electronic device including a DVD player. An adapter 14 with power storage functionality includes a stored power source, such as a rechargeable battery. An adapter with data storage functionality includes designates for storing data, such as a hard drive.

Adapter 14 may comprise more than one type of functionality. For example, whiteboard functionality can be combined with physical storage functionality to store items commonly associated with whiteboards, such as dry erase markers and erasers.

Referring now to the schematic illustration of a modular system configuration 10, shown in Figure 2, the consumer electronic device 16 is coupled with the host 12, via the adapter 14. The consumer electronic device 16 is physically coupled with the adapter 14, which is in turn physically coupled with the host 12. In this way, adapter 14 is in mechanical communication with host 12, and consumer electronic device 16 is in mechanical communication with adapter 14, which places consumer electronic device 16 in mechanical communication with host 12. Thus, mechanical communication is direct between adapter 14 and both, host 12 and consumer electronic device 16 and indirect between consumer electronic device 16 and host 12.

Consumer electronic device 16 can be provided with a user interface 17 to enable the user to interact with consumer electronic device 16 or receive a functional output from consumer electronic device 16. User interface 17 can comprise a video screen, a touch screen, control buttons or buttons, a data screen, a keyboard, a printer or facsimile page output, a microphone, a speaker, a video or still camera, and the like.

Referring to Figure 3, a schematic exploded side view of the modular system 10 is shown, where host 12 includes a host service interface 18 that couples with a first component or first adapter service interface 22 of adapter 14, and the consumer electronic device 16 includes a device service interface 20 that couples with a second component or second adapter service interface 24 of adapter 14. At least one service is provided to the adapter 14 via coupling with the host service interface 18 or the device service interface 20. At least one service is provided to the consumer electronic device 16 via the device service interface 20 or to host 12 via the host service interface 18, or, in the case of a multidirectional service, both.

It is anticipated that a common implementation will comprise a single host 12, a single adapter 14, and a single consumer electronic device 16. However, it is within the scope of the invention for one or all hosts 12, adapters 14, and electronic consumer devices. consumer 16 to be in a plural disposition. An illustrative example includes multiple hosts 12, concurrently coupled to a consumer electronic device 16 by one or more adapters 14. Another illustrative example includes multiple consumer electronic devices 16 coupled to a single host 12 by one or more adapters 14.

For a modular system including multiple hosts 12, each of the hosts 12 can be provided with a common standardized host service interface 18. For example, competing appliance manufacturers may have different host service interfaces 18, but each manufacturer can load the same standardized host service interface 18 through its own line of home appliances. For a modular system with multiple adapters 14 and a single host 12, host 12 can couple interchangeably with any of the adapters 14. The multiple adapters 14 preferably have a standardized component that is received by the host service interface 18 so that the host 12 can interchangeably receive adapters 14. Manufacturers of consumer electronic devices 16 can choose to also carry a standardized device service interface 20 through their own line of consumer electronic devices 16. Therefore, different adapters 14 can be provided to couple the standardized interface to an electronic device of consumer electronics. consumer 16 from one manufacturer to the standardized interface of an appliance to another manufacturer and enable the communication of a service between them. This eliminates the need for all manufacturers of consumer electronic devices 16 to use the same standardized interface and increases the utility of hosts 12 and consumer electronic devices 16.

Specific modalities of modular systems containing these features will now be described, as well as some additional features. Other examples of modular systems are described in the following related applications: US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,900 entitled A System for Supplying Service from an Appliance to Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,754 entitled A System for Connecting Dissimilar Consumer Electronic Devices to a Host; US Patent Application Serial No. 111,619,836 entitled An Appliance with an Adapter to Simultaneously Couple Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices, US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,907 entitled Appliance with an Adapter to Alternately Couple Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,922 entitled An Appliance with a Removable Adapter and a Removable Consumer Electronic Device; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,894 entitled A Host with Multiple Adapters for Coupling Consumer Electronic Devices; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,806 entitled An Adapter for Coupling a Host and A Consumer Electronic Device Having Dissimilar Standardized Interfaces; US Patent Application Serial No.

11 / 619,817 entitled A Host with Multiple Adapters for Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,845 entitled Multiple Hosts with Multiple Adapters for Multiple Consumer Electronic Devices; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,850 entitled An Appliance Door with a Service Interface; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,912 entitled A Cabinet Door with a Service Interface; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,873 entitled Refrigerator Dispenser with a Service Interface and Adapter for a Consumer Electronic Device; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,904 entitled A Service Supply Module and Adapter for a Consumer Electronic Device; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,767 entitled Host and Adapter for Docking a Consumer Electronic Device in Discrete Orientation; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,772 entitled Host and Adapter for Selectively Positioning a Consumer Electronic Display in Visible and Concealed Orientations; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,775 entitled Host and Adapter for Selectively Positioning a Consumer Electronic Device in Accessible and Inaccessible Orientations; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 619,718 entitled Functional Adapter for Consumer Electronic Device; US Patent Application Serial No. 117619,731 entitled Adapter and Consumer Electronic Device Functional Unit; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 650,222 entitled Acoustic Chamber as Part of Adapter or Appliance; US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 649,932 entitled Electrical Accessory Charging Compartment for a Cabinet all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the adapter Meo consumer electronic device 16 forms a functional unit when removed from host 12. When removed from host 12, adapter 14 supplies consumer electronic device 16 with at least one service that enables consumer electronic device 16 to function or be used in the same or different way as when coupled to the host 12. The service provided to the consumer electronic device 16 by adapter 14 when removed from host 12 can be provided by adapter 14, an external provider, or a combination of them. In addition, the service provided to the consumer electronic device 16 by the adapter 14, when removed from the host 12 can be the same service or a different service than the service provided between the consumer electronic device 16 and the host 12 when coupled to the host 12. The service provided to the consumer electronic device 16 by the adapter 14 when removed from the host 12 may comprise multiple services, which may comprise at least one of the above mentioned mechanical communication, electrical communication, and data communication.

Referring now to Figure 4, a modality of the modular system 10 having the functional unit comprises the host 12 in the form of an appliance, particularly a refrigerator 30 having a cabinet 32 ​​and a door 34, and the consumer electronic device 16 in the form of a digital image screen 36, also known as a digital image structure, coupled to port 34 by adapter 14. Adapter 14 includes a main body 38 depending on an upper flange 40. The main body 38 includes a structure 42 that circumscribes the digital image screen 36, which sits behind the structure 42. The digital image screen 36, which can display individual photography and / or moving images, and the structure 42 together has • 20 an appearance similar to that of an image structure. The upper flange 40 remains on an upper surface of the door 34, as shown in Figure 5, includes a pair of downwardly extending anchors 44 which are received within corresponding anchor receivers 46 on the upper surface of the door 34. Together, the flange upper 40 and the anchors 44, form a mechanical coupling or hanger to hang the adapter 14 and the digital image screen 36 of the door 34. Each of the anchors 44 includes a receptacle that opens to 48A, 48B configured to receive a corresponding socket pin 50 located at anchor receptors 46. The receptacles 48A, 48B and socket pins 50 match when adapter 14 is mounted to the port 34 to establish power and data communication, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figure 6, a first rear access panel 52 removably mounted to a rear side of main body 38 of adapter 14 enables the user to access digital imaging screen 36. When the first rear access panel 52 is removed, as illustrated in Figure 7, the user can access digital image screen 36, such as for repair or replacement. The first rear access panel 52 may include a platform 53 to facilitate using the functional unit comprising the adapter 14 and the consumer electronic device 16 when removed from the host 12. A finger opening 54 on the rear access panel 52 facilitates handling of the rear access panel 52 by a user. To help position and retain the first rear access panel 52 on adapter 14, adapter 14 comprises a retainer 56 that has an opening configured to receive a lower end of the first rear access panel 52. Between the first rear access panel 52 and the digital imaging screen 36, a clamp 58 having a shape generally corresponding to the perimeter of the digital imaging screen 36 secures the digital imaging screen 36 to the main body 36, whereby the screen digital image 36 is sandwiched between the clamp 58 and the frame 42.

Referring back to Figure 6, adapter 14 additionally comprises a second rear access panel 60, which, when removed from adapter 14, enables the user to access channel 62, as shown in Figure 7. Channel 62 receives a first wire 64A coupling one of the receptacles 48A with the digital image screen 36 and a second wire 64B coupling the other receptacles 48B with the digital image screen 36. The first wire 64A establishes power communication between the receptacle 48A and the digital image screen 36, while the second wire 64B establishes data communication between the receptacle 48B and the digital image screen 36. The first and second wires 64A, 64B can be removably coupled to the digital imaging screen 36 so that the digital imaging screen 36 can be removed from adapter 14, if desired. Channel 62 additionally receives a power actuator 66 having a finger tab 68 extending laterally from channel 62 and in addition to one side of main body 38 for access by a user and an acting projection 70 extending laterally from channel 62 towards the digital image screen 36. The depression of the finger flap 68 by the user moves the projection 70 laterally in contact with a power switch 72 on the digital image screen 36.

The adapter 14 additionally includes means to provide a service when the adapter Meo consumer electronic device 16, which is the digital image screen 36 in this embodiment, is removed from the host 12. In particular, platform 53, which is shown in Figure 6, provides and supplies mechanical communication when adapter 14 and digital image screen 36 are removed from host 12, and a power source 72 and a data communication device 76 , which are shown schematically in Figure 7, supply and provide power communication and data communication, respectively, for digital image screen 36 when the Mea adapter and digital image screen 36 are removed from host 12.

The power source 72 can be any suitable device that supplies power to the digital imaging screen 36. The power source 72 can be coupled to the receptacle 48A associated with the power communication, such as via the first wire 64A through a connection 74 Optionally, power source 72 can be rechargeable and can be recharged via receptacle 48A when adapter 14 is coupled to host 12. For example, power source 72 can be a rechargeable battery, like any well-known type of rechargeable battery, including rechargeable NiMH, Ni-CD, and Li ion batteries. Another example of the rechargeable power source 72 can be a manually powered electric generator, such as a hand crank electric generator. As another option, power source 72 may be a self-maintained power source that does not mate with receptacle 48A associated with power communication. In this case, power source 72 can be removable and recharged externally from adapter 14. For example, power source 72 can be a rechargeable battery that can be removed from adapter 14, recharged, and returned to adapter 14. Alternatively, power source 72 can be a non-rechargeable battery that can be removed and replaced when the power is drained. When the power source 72 is rechargeable, the adapter 14 may comprise an indicator, such as a visual indicator comprising a light, communicating to the user a state of charge, such as fully charged, completely drained, and currently charging, from the power source. power 72. As another option, the power supply 72 can be a receptacle for receiving a plug pin from a cable that couples adapter 14 to an external power source, such as a wall socket. For example, digital imaging screen 36 may comprise a receptacle for receiving a plug pin from an electrical cable coupled to an external power supply, and adapter 14 may comprise a plug pin that mimics the plug pin on the power cable and a receptacle that mimics the receptacle on the digital image screen 36. As a result of this configuration, the receptacle on the digital imaging screen 36 can receive the plug pin on adapter 14 for attaching digital imaging screen 36 to adapter 14, and the receptacle on adapter 14 can be attached to the plug pin on the power cord to supply power to the digital imaging screen 36 from the external power supply. The electrical cable, therefore, can be used both with digital image screen 36 alone and with digital image screen 36 attached to adapter 14. Power source 72 can be attached to digital image screen 36 in some suitable way is shown as being coupled to the digital image screen 36 via connection 74 and the first wire 64A for exemplary purposes only. Data communication device 76 can be any suitable device that provides data communication for digital image screen 36. For example, data communication device 76 can comprise a wireless device, such as a network adapter or wireless modem. that connects wirelessly to a communication network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, the data communication device 76 may comprise a device, such as a network adapter or modem, that includes a port for receiving a wired connection to a communication network, such as the Internet. The data communication device 76 can be employed, for example, to connect the digital image screen 36 to a URL for receiving image to screen files on the digital image screen 36. The data communication device 76 can be coupled to the digital image screen 36 in any suitable manner and is shown to be coupled to the digital image screen 36 via the second wire 64B for exemplary purposes only. In operation, a user assembles the adapter 14 and the digital image screen 36 to the refrigerator 30 by inserting the anchors 44 in the anchor receivers 46, whereby the socket pins 50 are inserted in the receptacles 48A, 48B to establish the communication of power and data. In this configuration, adapter 14 and digital image screen 36 hang from refrigerator door 32, as shown in Figure 1. Mechanical, power, and data communication in the modular system 10 when adapter 14 and digital image screen 36 are coupled to host 12 is illustrated schematically in Figure 8. In particular, anchors 44 provide mechanical communication between host 12 and consumer electronic device 36, as indicated by solid line A; adapter 14 provides power communication from host 12, i.e., refrigerator 30, to consumer electronic device 16, i.e., digital image screen 36, as indicated by dotted line B; and adapter 14 provides data communication from host 12, that is, refrigerator 30, to consumer electronic device 16, i, ie, digital image screen 36, as indicated by the dash-dot-dash line C. Additionally, the power source 72, comprising a rechargeable power source, can be recharged from the power communication of host 12, as indicated by the dotted line D.

To remove the digital image screen 36 from the refrigerator 30, the user removes the anchors 44 from the anchor receivers 46, whereby the socket pins 50 are removed from the receptacles 48A, 48B. This process discontinues the supply of mechanical communication, power, and data between the refrigerator 30 and the digital image screen 36. However, as described above, adapter 14 and digital imaging screen 36 form a functional unit that can function or be used independently of the refrigerator 30. For example, platform 53 on adapter 14 can be used to support the Mea adapter digital image screen 36 on a generally horizontal surface 78, as illustrated in Figure 9, in a manner similar to supporting a conventional image structure on a generally horizontal surface.

Mechanical, power, and data communication in the modular system 10 when adapter 14 and digital image screen 36 are removed from host 12 is illustrated schematically in Figure 10. In particular, platform 53 provides and supplies mechanical communication between the generally horizontal surface 78, which is shown as another host in Figure 10, and the consumer electronic device 16, that is, the digital image screen 36, as indicated by the line solid E; the power source 72 of the adapter 14 provides and supplies power communication to the consumer electronic device 16, i.e., the digital image screen 36, as indicated by the dotted line F; and the data communication device 76 of the adapter 14 provides and supplies data communication to the consumer electronic device 16, i.e., the digital image screen 36, as indicated by the trace-point-trace line G.

Although the functional unit comprising adapter 14 and digital image screen 36 is shown and described as being attached to another host when removed from host 12, it is not required that the functional unit be attached to another host when removed from host 12. The functional unit it can function or be used without another host, such as when held in the hands of a user. In addition, adapter 14 is not required to provide all three communication, mechanical, power, and data services when the functional unit is removed from host 12; adapter 14 only needs to supply only one service to digital image screen 16 when adapter 14 and digital image screen 16 are removed from host 12. In one example, adapter 14 provides only mechanical communication, while digital imaging screen 36 has its own internal power supply, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, and a memory, both integrated and removable, that stores files. image to display, instead of relying on data communication for image files.

In one aspect, the adapter 14 of the functional unit can be thought of as providing and supplying to the consumer electronic device 16, when removed from host 12, one or more services provided by host 12 and supplied by adapter 14 when the consumer electronic device 16 it is coupled to host 12. In other words, adapter 14 replaces one or more services that host 12 provides. However, adapter 14 does not need to provide the service; instead, another host or device can provide service when the Meo adapter and consumer electronic device 16 are removed from host 12, and adapter 14 can provide service from the other host or device to consumer electronic device 16. For example, the adapter 14 may comprise means for coupling the other host or device to the consumer electronic device 16. However, it is not necessary for another host or device to provide the service; the service may be inherent in the functional unit.

Another modality of the functional unit including the adapter 14 'and the consumer electronic device 16' in the form of the digital image screen 36 'is illustrated in Figure 11, where components similar to those of the modality of the functional unit in Figure 4 are identified with the same reference number therefore a first symbol ('). The functional unit of Figure 11 is substantially identical to that of Figure 4, except that the functional unit of Figure 11 includes a USB receptacle 80, which can be used in addition to the power source 72 or in place of it and / or the communication device of data 76. For example, the USB receptacle 80 can receive an external provider in the form of a USB device 82 that provides power and / or data communication, which adapter 14 'supplies to the digital image screen 36'. Alternatively or additionally, the USB device 82 can provide memory that stores the image files, which the adapter 14 'supplies to the digital image screen 36' to display. The USB 82 device can provide any suitable service that the adapter

14 'supplies the digital image screen 36'.

In other ways, the external provider can take any form, and the USB device is just an example of an external provider. Other examples of an external provider are the manually powered electric generator and a battery pack, which can be attached to adapter 14, 14 'when adapter 14, 14' is attached to host 12 or is separated from host 12.

An alternative modality of the modular system 10 having the functional unit including the adapter 14 and the consumer electronic device 16 is illustrated in Figure 12. In this embodiment, the consumer electronic device 16 is in the form of an audio device 90. The adapter 14 is similar to the adapters 14, 14 'of Figs. 4 and 11, except that adapter 14 supports audio device 90 instead of digital image screen 36 and also includes speaker 92 and speaker volume actuator 94. Examples of audio device 90 include, but are not limited to, a radio, a satellite radio, a CD player, and a digital audio device, such as an MP3 player. The audio device 90 of the illustrated embodiment is a satellite radio, and the data communication device 76 of the adapter 14 may be in the form of an antenna for the satellite radio.

In operation, the functional unit comprising the adapter 14 and the audio device 90 in the form of the satellite radio can be mounted to the host 12 in the form of the refrigerator 30, as shown in Figure 12, whereby the adapter 14 supplies mechanical communication, power, and data between host 12 and audio device 90. The functional unit can be removed from host 12 and function or be used independently of host 12. For example, the power supply 72 of the adapter can provide and supply power communication to the audio device 90, and the data communication device 76 can provide and supply data communication to the audio device 90. The functional unit can also be supported on a generally horizontal surface with platform 53 (not shown in Figure 12) or other mechanical support.

Another modality of the modular system 10 'which has a functional unit comprising adapter 14' and consumer electronic device 16 'is illustrated in Figure 13. Figure 13 is a schematic drawing showing generic modalities of host 12', adapter 14 ' , and the consumer electronic device 16 'and the corresponding host, adapter, and device service interfaces 18'-24'. Electrical power and / or data can be provided by the host 12 'to the host service interface 18' through an electrical data connection to the host 12 ', indicated by a wire 100 terminating at the host service interface 18'. In this embodiment, the host service interface 18 'on host 12' and the device service interface 20 'on device 16' are incompatible, such as mechanically incompatible or electrically incompatible. When the service interfaces 18 ', 20' are mechanically incompatible, the host service interface 18 'and the device service interface 20' cannot be physically connected to each other. For example, the host and device service interfaces 18 ', 20' may be of a different size or shape or have a different number, arrangement, or shape of connector pins and pin receptacles. When service interfaces 18 ', 20' are electrically incompatible, host service interface 18 'and device service interface 20' have different electrical configurations. For example, the host service interface 18 'can be configured to supply AC power while the device service interface 20' can be configured to receive DC power.

Adapter 14 'couples consumer electronic device 16' to host 12 'and remedies the incompatibility of the host and device service interfaces 18', 20 '. In particular, the first adapter service interface 22 'is configured, mechanically and / or electrically in such a way as to match the host service interface 18', and the second adapter service interface 24 'is configured, mechanically and / or electrically to match the 20 'device service interface. As a result of the compatibility of the host service interface 187, the first adapter service interface 22 'and the compatibility of the device service interface 207 second adapter service interface 24', the adapter 14 'enables the consumer electronic device 16' to couple with host 12 '.

When consumer electronic device 16 'and adapter 14' are coupled with host 12 ', adapter 14' can provide at least one service between host 12 'and consumer electronic device 16'. Additionally, as in the previous embodiments described above, the consumer electronic device 16 'and the adapter 14', form a functional unit that can function or be of use as a sufficient self-contained unit when not coupled with the host 12 '. The second adapter interface 24 'and the device adapter interface 20' can therefore also serve as a connector for removably coupling the consumer electronic device 16 'to the adapter 14' when the consumer electronic device 16 'and the adapter 14 'are used as a sufficiently separate unit separate from host 12' as well as when consumer electronic device 16 'and adapter 14' are coupled to host 12 '. The first adapter interface 22 'and the host adapter interface 18' serve as a connector for removably coupling adapter 14 'to host 12' when adapter 14 'is coupled to host 12'.

All the described modalities of the adapter and consumer electronic device have the unique ability to function as an autosufficient unit only when decoupled from the host, which is also portable. The combination adapter can provide and service the consumer electronic device when operating as a self-contained unit. The adapter can also provide a function that is different from the service.

Although the invention has been specifically described with respect to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be interpreted as widely as the prior art will permit.