Docking station for hand held electronic devices

[0001] The present invention generally relates to docking stations for handheld electronic devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a docking station that is adapted for handy electronic slingshots of various sizes and shapes.

Description of the Related Art [0002] Today, there are many types of handheld electronic devices, such as, for example, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), multimedia players (e.g., music player or video player), cameras, game player and the like. As is well known, these devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes (e.g., thickness, width and height). The size and shape are usually dependent on various form factors, including ease of use, ergonomics, aesthetics and the size of the elements inside or outside the device, but without being limited thereto. While it is likely that different manufacturers can produce the same type of handheld electronic device with different shapes and sizes, it is also likely

[0003] For example, the product line of the iPod model, which is manufactured by Apple Computer of Cupertino, California, comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. In particular, the Mini iPod model has a pill-shaped cross-section and has dimensions of 2.0 x 3.6 x 0.5 inches for the version

4 GB, while the Standard iPod model has a substantially rectangular cross-section and measures 2.4 x

4.1 x 0.57 inches for the 20 GB version and 2.4 x dimensions

4.1 x 0.69 inches for the 40 GB version. In addition, the iPhoto model of the iPod has a substantially rectangular cross section similar to the standard version, but 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.75 for both the 40 GB version and the 60 GB version.

[0004] Docking stations provide a convenient interface for transferring data between the device and computing devices, such as personal computers or external devices such as loudspeakers, monitors and printers, without having to reconnect and disconnect the cables. The docking station may also provide an interface for connection to a power source such that the handheld electronic device may be powered or recharged (e.g., batteries). In most cases, the docking stations include a socket in which a handheld electronic device is placed. The socket is configured so that its size and shape coincides with the size and shape of the handheld device so that the handheld device conveniently rests in the socket. Also, the socket includes a connector inside for operatively connecting to the port of the handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device is placed in the socket. The connector is connected to external systems via a cable so that communication between the handheld electronic device and external systems can occur.

[0005] As the socket has a size and shape that coincides with the size and shape of a particular handheld device, the docking station is typically dedicated to a given handheld device. Other devices usually can not be used with the docking station. The sockets are simply not able to handle more than one device. As a result, users with an arsenal of devices must have

Various docking stations, one for each device in their arsenal. This situation causes confusion and can confuse the user. This situation is also a problem for the manufacturer of many devices, due to the fact that he must produce various docking stations (one for each unique device), which increases the costs and complexity of the design, production, assembly and packaging of equipment. This is especially true for devices on the same production line as the iPod described above.

[0006] Some docking stations are packaged with removable struts that can vary the size and shape of the seat, and are thus adapted for more than one device. Such a system is for example shown in a US document^2003/0148740 Al, Yau e^t. al., in ^whor^sm ^pabout^kazan^s thi^t grips^ytan electronic device having a base comprising an insert opening, an insert positioned in the insert opening, and a one-piece flexible element connected to the base for operating an electronic device placed in the insert. [0007] Figure 1 shows an exemplary side view of the docking station 10 that uses a removable spacer 12. The removable spacer 12 is placed in the opening 14 in the housing 16 of the docking station 10 and includes an edge 18 and a stop 18 of edge 18. Edge 18 and bumper 20, outside, completely positioned below that will extend onto the struts 12. The bumper 20 is made to surround the rim of a deformable material, such as rubber, that can deform inwardly during insertion and removal, allowing the bumper 20 to be pushed against the edge 22 of the opening 14.

[0008] Although this type of uplift operates according to its purpose, it still has several disadvantages. First of all, it is difficult to insert and remove the spacer and it is rough to the touch, which leaves a negative impression on the user. This is partly due to the vertical placement of the strut in the docking station and the large force that is required to overcome the rubber bumper, because it is somewhat stiff and runs completely around the strut. In addition, in cases where the cartridge includes an angled recess, the hole in the bottom of the recess must be large to provide enough space for the connector (e.g., play). This, however, leaves gaps that are aesthetically unpleasant, and which provide possible paths for settling dust and other foreign objects in the docking system.

[0009] Therefore, an improved docking station that uses struts is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The invention relates, in one aspect, to a docking station for handheld devices of various shapes and sizes in accordance with claim 1.

[0011] The invention relates, in another aspect, to a removable cartridge for handheld devices of various shapes and sizes in accordance with claim 8.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may best be understood by referring to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 shows an exemplary side view of a docking station that uses a removable spacer.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic of the docking system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3A is a front perspective view of the docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3B is a rear perspective view of the docking system depicted in Figure 3A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4A and 4B are side elevational views of the docking system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5A and 5B are side elevational views of the docking system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a docking system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a docking system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sound system with an integrated docking station in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] The present invention relates generally to a docking station for handheld electronic devices. The docking station provides plaffrrma for quick and easy connection of a handheld electronic device to another system or device, such as a computer, power source or external devices such as a monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc. The main advantage of using the station

In other words, the user is not required to separately connect one device at a time.

[0023] The docking station may be a stand-alone unit,] ^ - t (5: ^ a communicates with other devices or systems via wired (e.g., cables) or wireless (eg Bluetooth) connections, or alternatively, the docking station may In any case, the docking station includes an opening or socket that receives a handheld electronic device. The opening is usually configured for electronic handheld support in a standing (e.g. vertical) position lying (e.g., horizontal) while at the same time maintaining access to the UI part of the handheld electronic device.

[0024] The docking station also has the ability to connect the device or the hand position of the electronic device with other devices or systems. For example, the opening may include one or more connectors that engage one or more ports on a handheld electronic device when the handheld electronic device is placed in the opening. In the case of an independent unit, the connector can be connected to connectors, ports or transceivers that provide external connections to other devices or systems. In the case of an integrated docking station, the connector can be connected directly to the components of the main unit.

[0025] In more detail, the present invention relates to docking stations that use removable cartridges that are adapted for handheld devices of various sizes and shapes. The docking station includes an opening that receives all the various inserts, and each of the cartridges has a slot or aperture that is adapted to a particular handheld device. The number of contributions generally depends on the number of devices that are supported by the docking station. One aspect of the invention relates to cartridges that are

Turned in and out of the docking station. Another aspect of the invention relates to a quick release latch mechanism that allows temporary insertion of the cartridge into the docking station. Both features allow you to place and remove cartridges from the docking station simply, easily and with minimal effort (thus leaving a positive impression on the user).

[0026] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to figures 2 to 8. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with reference to these figures has been presented for explanatory purposes, because the invention goes beyond these limits. examples of implementation.

[0027] Figure 2 is a simplified schematic of the docking system 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The docking system 100 includes a single docking station 102 and a plurality of inserts 104. Each of the pads 104 is received by the docking station 102 and is configured to accommodate hand held devices 106 of varying sizes and shapes. In fact, cartridges allow devices of different sizes to be placed in the same docking station. As shown, there is a 104A-C cartridge for each differently configured handheld device 106A-C. Handheld devices 106A-C may, for example, be compatible with multimedia players such as the iPod media players manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. from Cupertino CA.

[0028] In most cases, the docking station 102 includes an opening 108 for receiving each of the inserts 104, and the inserts 104 include an aperture 110 for receiving a handheld device 106 of a specific size and shape. This means that the opening 108 in the docking station 102 is sized and dimensioned so that each of the inserts 104 can be placed therein, and the holes 110 in the cartridges 104 are sized and dimensioned to be defined

The device could be placed in them. Furthermore, the holes 108 and 110 may be configured to operate the handheld device 106 in a standing (e.g. vertical or oblique) or a horizontal (e.g. horizontal) position. In the upright position, the openings 108 and 110 are typically configured to surround the front, back and left and right sides of the handheld devices 106, while in the lying position, the openings 108 and 110 are typically configured to surround upper and lower sides and left and right side of the handheld device 106. In any case, access to the portion of UI 112 of the handheld device 106 is preferably maintained.

[0029] In connection with the cartridge 104, the handheld device 106 is configured to properly connect to the docking station 102 to allow communication between the handheld device 106 and other devices or systems connected to the docking station 102. The docking station 102 may include For example, the connector 114 inside the opening 108 that connects to the port 116 on the handheld device 106 through the opening 118 in the cartridge 104. The aperture 110 in the cartridge 104 is configured to feed the port 116 of the handheld snap-fit ​​device 106 relative to the connector 114 that is disposed in the opening 118.

The docking station 102 may be a stand-alone unit that communicates with other devices or systems via wired (e.g., cables) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connections, or alternatively, the docking station 102 may be integrated directly into other devices or systems. . An example of a docking station that can be used can be found^Æ in ^pat^blikACJ^ipand^ten^tof that ^{US 2004/0224638}.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, one embodiment of the docking system 100 will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the docking station 102 is a standalone unit. It should be noted, however, that the functions

An independent docking station can also be used in integrated docking stations.

[0032] As shown, the docking station 102 has a cavity 150 located in the upper element 152. The cavity 150 is a recess or pocket with the possibility of accommodating each of the various inserts 104 (and possibly the largest handheld device). The cavity comprises a hole 156 and a closed region having side walls 160 and a bottom wall 162. The insert 104 is positioned inside the opening 156 and rests within the cavity 150, where it is surrounded by different walls 160 and 162. The size and shape of the cavity 150 are substantially configured to accommodate the largest cartridge 104. The upper element 152, on the other hand, is part of the housing 154 of the docking station 102.

[0033] The connector 114 is in the cavity 150, and typically protrudes from the bottom wall 162 of the cavity 150. The connector 114 may be, for example, attached to the PCB and extend through the opening 164 in the bottom wall 162. In integrated systems, the connector 114 is generally on fixed connected to the main system components (eg boom box type). In stand-alone systems, the connector 114 can be electrically connected to the various I / O interfaces 166 located on a given page, particularly at the back of the docking station 102, so that the docking station 102 can communicate with other devices and systems. For example, the interfaces 110 may include audio and video jacks, data ports, electrical outlets, and / or the like. [0034] Referring to the inserts 104, the cartridges 104 include a recess 170 for receiving the lower end of the handheld device. Similarly to recess 150, the recess 170 includes a hole 172 and a closed region formed by the side walls 174 and the bottom wall 176. However, unlike the cavity 150, the opening 172 and the walls 174 and 176 are sized and dimensioned to correspond to a specific handheld device. This means that the inner rim of the recess 170 corresponds

The outer periphery of a particular handheld device. In addition, the recess 170 has a depth that supports the handheld device in a standing position while still providing access to the user interface of the handheld device when the handheld device is placed inside the cartridge 104 and the docking station 102. Furthermore, the depth and outer rim of the basin 170 is smaller than the depth and inner periphery of the cavity 150 so that the recess 170 can be properly seated in the recess 150.

[0035] The recess 170 may be vertical or oblique. In the embodiment shown, the recess 170 is angled such that the handheld device is placed in an inclined position when in the docking station 102. For example, the angle may be about 15 degrees from the vertical.

[0036] A hole 118 for receiving the joint 114 is disposed in the bottom wall 176 of the recess 170. The connector 114 extends through the aperture 118 to the recess 170, where it finally connects to the port at the lower end of the handheld device. In most cases, the joint 114 is arranged parallel to the side walls 174. Thus, the joint 114 has the same angle as the recess 170. In fact, the side walls 174 of the recess 170 are used to guide the handheld device and to engage the joint 114.

The insert 104 may be supported by the walls of the cavity 150 and / or the upper element 152 of the docking station 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 104 includes an edge 178 that surrounds the opening 172 in the recess 170 and which abuts the upper docker station 152 102. In particular, the upper element 152 comprises a portion 180 constituting a recess surrounding the opening 156 of the cavity 150, and which receives an edge 178 within itself. The edge 178 typically has an outer profile that corresponds to the inner profile of the recess portion 180. This is to reduce the gaps between the cartridge 104 and the docking station 102

And providing a surface fit for positioning and supporting the insert 104 relative to the docking station 102, i.e.

helps align the hole 118 with respect to the connector 114.

which is the depth of the part

180 well

In addition, it usually corresponds to the edge thickness 178 so that the top surface of the insert 104 lies flush with the upper surface of the upper element 152 when the insert 104 is embedded in the docking station 102. This particular arrangement provides a clean and continuous appearance that is aesthetically pleasing to the user . It can also help to hide the fact that the cartridge is being used.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge 104 is placed in the docking station 102 by means of a turning operation. That is, the cartridge 104 is configured to rotate relative to the docking station 102 between the release position and the seating position. The turning operation provides a more elegant solution for inserting and removing the cartridge 104 into and out of the docking station 102.

[0039] During insertion, the user places the front edge 178a of the cartridge 104 in the front recess 180A of the docking station 102 and rotates the cartridge 104 around the interface. The recess 180A grasps the front edge 178A and provides a reference surface around which the cartridge 104 can be rotated. At the end of the turning operation, the entire edge 178 is placed in the recess 180, thereby inserting the insert 104 into the desired relationship with the docking station 102. This means that the recess 170 is located in the cavity 150 and the connector 114 extends through the hole 118 at the bottom of the recess 170 .

[0040] During removal or removal, the user lifts the rear end of the cartridge 104 out of the docking station 102 and rotates the cartridge 104 around the edge / interface of the well. When the cartridge 104 is rotated, the recess 170 is withdrawn from the cavity 150, and the connector 114 is removed from the opening 118. At the end of rotation, the cartridge

53 / 59P28998PL00

104 is released from the docking station 104 and can thus be removed from the docking station 102. In some cases, the rear end of the cartridge 104 may include a gap 182 that forms an edge that can be used as a handle to lift the cartridge 104 out of the docking station 102.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the docking system 100 includes a retention mechanism for attaching the cartridge 104 to the docking station 102. The retention mechanism comprises at least two features, a cartridge element 192 and a docking station element 194. These elements are mutually positioned so that when the insert 104 is placed in the docking station 102 (e.g., by rotating), the elements 192 and 194 engage each other, thereby fixing the cartridge 104 in the docking station. In most cases, the elements

102

192

194 are strategically located on the periphery of the recess 170

192 and 194 may be included with the walls. In addition, the cooperating recesses 150. For example, elements placed on the side walls, front, rear, right and left.

elements 192 and 194 are usually placed opposite. For example, if there are cooperating elements 192 and 194 on the front wall, there is a tendency for the mating elements 192 and 194 to be present on the back wall. Elements can be highly varied. For example, the elements may include protuberances, grooves, channels, hooks, hooks, slots, guides, protrusions and / or the like that cooperate to keep the insert 104 in place. The elements 192 and 194 may also include more complex mechanisms, such as pawls, locks, snaps and / or friction couplings.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the insert 104 includes one or more tabs or hooks 192A that mate with one or more sockets 194A provided on the front side of the cavity 150 (or vice versa). In addition, the back side of the insert 104 includes

The latch 192B, which cooperates with the latch 194B at the rear of the cavity 150. The latch 194B is configured to move between <a href="http://megaslownik.pl/slownik/polsko_angielski/,po%C5%82o%C5%BCenie+zamkni%C4%99cia+ca%C5%82kowitego">the position of the closure </a>and the opening position. In the closed position, the latch 194B grips the latch 192B thereby securing the insert 104 in the docking station 102. In the open position, the latch 192B is released from the latch 194 thus allowing the pad 104 to be removed from the docking station 102. The latch can be largely differential. For example, the catch can be selected from gaps, ribs, pockets, openings, etc.

[0043] During insertion, for example, when the insert 104 is rotated inward, the seats 194A are configured to capture the protrusions 192A, and the latch 194B is configured to capture catches 192B thereby providing attachment to the cartridge 104 in the docking station 102. The detent 192B can be, for example, gripped by the latch 194B, by moving the latch 194B from the open position to the closed position during or after the rotation operation. [0044] During removal, for example when insert 104 is rotated outward, latch 192B is configured to disengage from latch 194B and protrusions 192A are configured to disengage from slots 194A, thereby releasing pad 104 from the docking station. 102. The detent 192B may be, for example, detached from the latch 194B,

[0045] In some cases, the pad 104 may further include a pull tab or handle 182 to assist in detaching the latch from the latch and / or to assist in removing the cartridge from the cavity. The extraction grip 182 provides a surface that the user can grip to lift the cartridge out of the recess. For example, the extraction grip 182 may be a depression or a protrusion, both of which may be gripped by a user's finger.

[0046] With reference to Figures 4A and 4B, one embodiment of the docking system 100 will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the pad 104 is configured to rotate inwardly and out of the docking station 102. For example, a pad 104 it can be rotated between the release position (figure 4A) and the position of the closure (figure 4B). In the release position, the pad 104 can be removed from the docking station 102. In the closed position, the pad 104 is attached to the docking station 102. As mentioned above, during rotation, the pad 104 rotates about an axis formed on the interface between the front edge 178A and the front cavity 180A. This means that the edge of the edge 178A adjoins the edge of the cavity 180A, thereby forcing the pad 104 to rotate around this point. When the cartridge 104 is rotated, the recess 170 is inserted into the recess 150, and the remaining portions of the edge 178 contact the rest of the recess 180 until the rear edge 178B and the rear recess 180B are fully engaged. The rear recess 180B serves as a stop to support the rotatable cartridge 104. In its final position, the edge 178 and thereby the insert 104 are supported by the recessed portion 180 of the docking station 102.

Since the insert 104 is rotated, the grain 118 at the bottom of the recess 170 is made larger than the connector 114 so that there is sufficient space there when the cartridge 104 is rotated to a position in the docking station 102. The larger opening 118 provides sufficient space for the opening 118 to rotate around the joint 114, i.e. the connector does not impede movement of the cartridge. Unfortunately, however, this leaves unsightly gaps between the edges of the opening 118 and the connector 114 when the cartridge 104 is finally inserted into the docking station. To solve this problem, the connector 114 is configured with a flange or sleeve 200 that has an outer rim that corresponds to the inner rim of the opening 118. Flange 200

It fills any gaps that normally occur between the edge of the opening 118 and the connector 114, thereby causing the docking station 102 to be more aesthetic and at the same time to prevent the accumulation of dust particles.

[0048] As shown, the collar 200 is positioned at the base of the joint 114 and has a height that keeps it away from colliding with the rotatable cartridge 104. The collar 200 is configured to surround the connector 114, and in most cases, the inner flange rim. 200 corresponds to the outer periphery of joint 114. Flange 200 may include an oblique bevel 202 that adapts to engage the corresponding slant 204 at the edges of opening 118. Oblique sheaves 202 and 204 assist in properly seating cartridge 104 relative to connector 114. Skew shear 204 also provides the greater distance between the rotating insert 104 and the connector 114 (without the slant 204 insert 104 may not be able to pivot past the connector 114, significantly obstructing removal or insertion).The joint 114 itself may further include a tapered lip 206 to provide an increased gap between it and the edge of the hole 118 when the cartridge 104 is rotated into place in the docking station 102.

[0049] Once mounted, the connector 114 is placed on the printed circuit board PCB 208, and the collar 200 is placed around the connector 114. Next, the upper element 152 is positioned over the connector 114, thus stopping the collar 200 between the connector 114 and the bottom the wall of the cavity 150. The connector 114 and the collar 200 are inserted through an opening in the bottom wall of the cavity 150. The outer periphery of the collar essentially corresponds to the inner rim of the opening in the bottom wall (e.g., tight fit). In order to keep the collar 200 in a stop state, the collar 200 may include an edge 209 that protrudes outwardly and that contacts the back surface of the bottom wall.

[0050] In order to secure the cartridge 104 in the cavity 150, the docking system 100 also includes a ratchet / stop mechanism. In one embodiment, the insert 104 includes one or more projections 210 along the front surface under the edge 178a. The protrusions 210 are configured to engage with respective seats 212 occurring along the front wall of the cavity 150 below the recessed portion 180A. The insert 104 also includes a rib 214 that protrudes along and beyond the rear surface of the insert 104 under the edge 178B. The rib 214 is configured to receive a latch 216 located on the back surface of the cavity 150 under the recessed portion 180B. When placed in cooperating engagement, protrusions 210 and pawl 216 fix the cartridge 104 in the docking station 102.

[0051] As shown, the pawl 216 includes a catch 218 that resilients above the rib 214 when the pad 104 is rotated to a position in the docking station 102. The hook 218 is removed through the aperture 220 at the rear portion of the cavity 150 and is biased towards the center of the cavity 150 by spring action. The catch 218 can, for example, be attached to a bend 222 that presses the catch 218 to the front position. When the cartridge 104 is rotated to the docking station 102, the rib 214 engages the hook 218 of the docking station 102 and forces the hook 218 to engage the rear position beyond the center of the cavity 150 (by the action of the cam). When the latch 218 slides over the rib, the latch 218 returns to the front position, thereby stopping the rib 214 under the hook 218. To remove the cartridge 104, the user simply raises the cartridge 100 up. PP during lifting,

It moves to the rear position thereby releasing the rib 214 from the hook 218. After releasing, the cartridge 104 is free to rotate beyond the cavity 150 of the docking station 102.

[0052] In more detail, the catch 218 is attached or integrally connected by a bend 222.

The bend 222 is positioned inside the opening 220 at the rear of the cavity 150 and is attached to the structural member 224 of the docking station 102, the weaving jkk housing component, or the frame component. The bend 222 is spring biased to the front position so that the forward bending face 226 22 is placed passing through the opening 220 and is substantially flush with the surface of the rear wall of the cavity 150. The hook 218 is located on the front face 226 and protrudes significantly outside the front face 226. The hook 218 may be rounded to ensure a smooth cam with the bottom of the recess 170 and finally the rib 214. The rib 214 may also be rounded for at least the same reasons.

When the cartridge 104 is rotated to the docking station 102, the outer surface of the recess 170 engages the detent 218 and forces the pawl 218 to pass into the rear position beyond the center of the cavity 150 against the action of the spring bend 222. This means that the bend 222 bends backward under the force of the cam, allowing the hook 218 to exit from the cavity 150 and pass to the docking station 102. When the rib 214 is under the pawl 218, the bend 222 returns to the natural forward position thereby stopping the rib 214 below the pawl 218. As a result the insert 104 is secured against self-moving beyond the docking station 102.

[0054] In order to remove the cartridge 104, the user simply extracts the cartridge 104, and when a substantial pull force is provided, the bend 222 bends to release thereby

The cartridge 104 is free to rotate beyond the docking station 102. By using this solution, the user simply has to overcome the spring tension at the engagement of the hook / rib when rotating the cartridge 104 in and out of the docking station. . When the device is properly designed, the cartridge can be inserted and removed in a very simple, easy and with minimal effort.

[0055]

It is generally believed that the greater the spring force, the greater the holding force between the cartridge 104 and the docking station 102. However, if the force is too large, the cartridge 104 can be difficult to remove. The spring force is thus designed to provide limited holding force. For example, a sufficient holding force to secure the cartridge 104 in the docking station 102, while allowing the user to pull and push the cartridge 104 into and out of the docking station 102. One advantage of this configuration is that the cartridge 104 is not blocked or latched, and therefore can be easily pulled and pressed into the docking station 102 during rotation, i.e. the cartridge 104 simply rotates in and out.

[0056] In one embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a pair of protrusions 210 and a pair of respective sockets 212 on the front interface, and a single rib 214 and corresponding latch 216 on the rear interface. The pair of tongue / seat couplings is typically spaced apart by an equal distance from the center of the docking station 102, and the rib / paw engagement is usually placed in the middle of the docking station 102. It should be noted that this triangulation provides three-point stability between the cartridge 104 and the docking station 102.

[0057] It should be noted that the rib for coupling with is not a limitation. Alternatively, the cartridge may include a recess, slot or gap for a matched reception

53 / 59P28998PL00. In each of these cases, the catch is trapped in the space provided by the recess, seat or gap by the bending force, thereby fixing the cartridge inside the opening. In one embodiment, the rib is a bottom wall of the pocket that further comprises a top wall and side walls, thereby forming a gap that extends from the back surface of the cartridge. This particular embodiment provides greater rib stability when using large lengths, e.g. when the depth of the recess is small.

[0058] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, another embodiment of the docking system 100 will be described in more detail. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown and described in Figures 4A and 4B, however, unlike the embodiment, only the catch 218 it is removed through the opening 220 on the back side of the cavity 150 (rather than bending 222). The opening 220 has such a size and dimensions to only receive a catch 218. In addition, the catch 218 is integrated with an elongated bend 232 (or spring arm) that extends along the inside of the rear wall of the cavity 150, where it attaches to the structural member 234, such as a housing component or a border element. The structural element 234 may be, for example, the bottom element of the docking station 102.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a perspective assembly view of a docking system that is capable of integrating with another device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The docking system may, for example, correspond to the docking system described in Figures 4A and 4B.

53 / 59P28998PL00

As mentioned before, integrated docking stations are integrated or embedded in other devices, such as personal computers, public address systems, video systems, recording equipment, communication equipment, peripherals such as printers, keyboards and the like. In an integrated docking station, the base is usually provided by the housing of the device with which it is integrated, i.e. the docking station uses the housing of the device instead of having its own housing.

In this embodiment, the docking station 102 includes a top member 152 and a frame 252. The top member 152 is typically located on the outer surface of the main unit housing and the frame 252 is most commonly located inside the main unit housing. The top member 152 may be an integral part of the housing of the main unit or it may be a separate component that is disposed in the outer surface of the main apparatus. In any case, the upper element forms a part of the housing of the main device and is essentially part of the upper surface of the main device. The frame 252 can also be an integral part of the device casing to be a separate component that is attached to the housing of the master main device.

created, devices or it can be inside and

For example, if the frame is not integrally attached thereto to the adhesive housing, connectors, welds, the frame 252 may be the main by means of snaps and / or the like.

[0060] The top member 152 is positioned above and attached to the frame 252. The manner in which the top member 152 is attached to the frame 252 can be largely varied. For example, the top member 152 can be attached to the frame 252 (or vice versa) by means of adhesives, joints, welds, snaps, and / or the like. In one embodiment, the top member 152 is attached to the frame 252 by a snapping mechanism. Upper element 152 can

Thus, it should be attached to the frame 252 by snapping action, i.e. snap into place. The latch mechanism typically includes a latch member 253A on the upper element 152 that engages a corresponding latch member 253B on the frame 252. In some cases, the latch members 253 may also serve as stiffeners for both the top member 152 and the frame 252.

[0061]

Frame

252 is configured to support the bend 222 which is located in the opening 220 of the upper element 152. For example, the bend 222 may be fastened

252. The reference platform for the top correct member 152. used for the support platform 258 of the support frame 258 to provide a bending surface 222

Any suitable fastening technique may be, for example, joints, adhesives, joints, snaps and / or the like. The frame 252 is also configured to support the printed circuit board (^pCB) ²⁵4. ^{extractable board}and ^pCB ²⁵⁴ contains from^laJune ^{114 and} various electronic components for the operation of the docking system and for providing signals between the docking system and the main unit. Any suitable fastening technique may be used, including, for example, joints, adhesives, joints, snaps and / or the like.

[0062] It is to be understood that the embodiment made as shown in figure 6 is not a limitation and that the configuration of the integrated docking system can be largely differentiated. For example , in some cases the frame may not be used. In cases like this, the PCB and bend can be attached to the top element.

[0063] Figure 7 is a perspective assembly view of an independent docking system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. For example, the docking system may generally correspond to the docking system described in Figures 5A and 5B. Standalone docking system basically

It includes a docking station that is separated from the main device. The docking station usually communicates with the host device via wireless. For example, the wired connection of the docking station can or be connected to the main device via a cable.

In this embodiment, the docking station 102 includes a top member 152 and a bottom member 276 that form the docking station housing 102. The top member 152 and the bottom member 276, when folded, are configured to contain different electrical and structural components. The upper element 152 and the lower element 276, after folding, are also configured to determine the shape or form of the docking station 102. The shape may be, for example, substantially rectangular (as shown) or alternatively the shape may be round, cubic and the like. For example, the top member 152 and the bottom member 270 may be attached using any suitable technique, including, for example, using screws, screws, adhesives, welds, latches, snaps, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom elements are attached by a snap mechanism to preserve the external surfaces of the docking station. In this embodiment, the sides of the upper element are moved on the sides of the lower element in such a way that the latch elements can engage with each other.

[0065] The docking station also includes various components that are inside the combined upper and lower elements. The docking station may include, for example, a steel weight 272 to help stabilize the docking station, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 274 to support the electronic dock circuit including, for example, a connector 114 as well as various ports and ports 166 of the station dock. The docking station also includes a bending 232. However, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B, bending 232 is

53 attached to the top member 152 and positioned such that the catch 218 extends into the cavity 150 of the insert 104. Any suitable fastening technique may be used, including, for example, joints, adhesives, welds, snaps and / or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, screws are used. Alternatively, the bend can be integrally formed with the upper element.

[0066] It should be noted that the embodiment shown in figure 7 is not a limitation and that the configuration of the docking system itself can be varied to a great extent. For example, in some cases the bend may be attached directly or indirectly to the bottom member 276 instead of the top member. In addition, the docking system may include additional components, such as a rubber foot 270, which is attached to the bottom surface of the bottom element (e.g., with glue).

[0067] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a public address system 300 with an embedded docking station 302 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The integrated docking station 302 may, for example, correspond to the station described in figure 6. The sound system 300, on the other hand, is a boom box system or a portable music system that includes a base 304 and

306. Docking station 302 is integrated allowing various handheld devices, in particular a music player, to communicate with the internal base circuit 304 in a way that the music stored in the music player can be broadcast in a boom box system through 306 speakers. Dock 302 can be placed in any location based on 304. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the docking station 302 is located on the top surface of the base 304.

a pair of speakers from ^buntil^{ą 304 and}electronic, like an iPod, for one

[0068] In each of the various embodiments described above, the components of the docking station can be made of different materials. For example, plastics, such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS or PC-ABS can be used to make the housing, cartridge and latching mechanism such as bending and hook. Alternatively, the bend can be made of a metal material such as spring steel. [0069] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several preferred embodiments, there are changes, permutations and equivalents that are within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways to implement methods and devices in accordance with the present invention. Therefore, the intention is that