U.S. patent application number 12/391714 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for inductively coupled consoles.
This patent application is currently assigned to L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY. Invention is credited to LeRoy Johnson.
Application Number | 20090212639 12/391714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40997598 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090212639 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; LeRoy |
August 27, 2009 |
INDUCTIVELY COUPLED CONSOLES
Abstract
Inductively coupled consoles and vehicle consoles with
integrated primary coils, and apparatuses for charging, supporting,
and securing portable computers with integrated primary coils are
provided. Power is inductively coupled from a primary coil to a
device containing a secondary coil, such as a PDA, cellular phone,
rechargeable flashlight, remote control, power tool, or laptop
computer. Primary coils may be integrated into consoles to charge
devices containing secondary coils placed in the consoles. Primary
coils may similarly be integrated into vehicle consoles.
Inductively coupled consoles may be configured to receive and hold
devices containing secondary coils. Primary coils may also be
integrated into an apparatus for charging, supporting, and securing
a portable computer. Integrated primary coils may provide varying
amounts of power.
Inventors: |
Johnson; LeRoy; (Lowell,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
2555 GRAND BLVD
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108-2613
US
|
Assignee: |
L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
COMPANY
South Gate
CA
|
Family ID: |
40997598 |
Appl. No.: |
12/391714 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61031132 |
Feb 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
61142557 |
Jan 5, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
307/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0044 20130101;
H01F 38/14 20130101; B25H 1/02 20130101; H02J 7/025 20130101; H02J
50/40 20160201; H02J 50/10 20160201; A47B 96/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
307/104 |
International
Class: |
H01F 38/00 20060101
H01F038/00 |
Claims
1. An inductively coupled console, comprising: a console; and one
or more primary coils integrated into the console, wherein each
primary coil is connected to a power source, and wherein each
primary coil is capable of inductively coupling power to a device
containing a secondary coil.
2. The inductively coupled console of claim 1, further comprising
indicators that show the charging area for each primary coil.
3. The inductively coupled console of claim 1, wherein the one or
more primary coils is a combination of primary coils selected from
the group consisting of low power primary coil, medium power
primary coil, and high power primary coil.
4. The inductively coupled console of claim 1, wherein the console
is installed in seating furniture.
5. The inductively coupled console of claim 4, wherein the console
is configured to charge one or more remote controls.
6. The inductively coupled console of claim 1, wherein the console
is configured to receive and hold one or more devices containing
secondary coils.
7. The inductively coupled console of claim 1, wherein a plurality
of primary coils are integrated into the console, and wherein the
plurality of primary coils are controlled by a single circuit.
8. An inductively coupled vehicle console, comprising: a vehicle
console capable of storing one or more devices containing one or
more secondary coils; and one or more primary coils integrated into
the vehicle console, wherein each primary coil is connected to a
power source, and wherein each primary coil is capable of
inductively powering a device containing a secondary coil.
9. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, further
comprising indicators that show the charging area for each primary
coil.
10. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, wherein the
one or more primary coils is a combination of primary coils
selected from the group consisting of low power primary coil,
medium power primary coil, and high power primary coil.
11. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, wherein the
console is installed between seats in a vehicle.
12. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, wherein the
console is installed in the front control unit of a vehicle.
13. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, wherein the
console is configured to receive and hold one or more devices
containing secondary coils.
14. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, further
comprising means for securing devices containing secondary coils in
the console.
15. The inductively coupled vehicle console of claim 8, wherein a
plurality of primary coils are integrated into the vehicle console,
and wherein the plurality of primary coils are controlled by a
single circuit.
16. An apparatus for charging, securing, and supporting a portable
computer, comprising: one or more surfaces capable of supporting a
portable computer; one or more primary coils integrated into the
surfaces, wherein each primary coil is connected to a power source,
and wherein each primary coil is capable of inductively coupling
power to a portable computer containing a secondary coil; means for
securing the portable computer to the one or more surfaces; and
means for attaching the one or more surfaces to a structure.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure is a
vehicle.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is configured
such that the computer may be used by a person seated in the
driver's seat of the vehicle.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising one or more
additional primary coils integrated into the surfaces, wherein the
additional primary coils are configured to charge
secondary-coil-containing devices other than portable
computers.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a plurality of primary coils
are integrated into the one or more surfaces, and wherein the
plurality of primary coils are controlled by a single circuit.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
applications 61/031,132, filed Feb. 25, 2008, and 61/142,557, filed
Jan. 5, 2009, both of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] One of the problems associated with many of the electronic
devices so common in today's world is the necessity for the cords
and cables associated with the various electronic devices.
Rechargeable cordless devices are a common alternative. These
devices still require charging and the associated cords and cables
to accommodate this charging.
[0003] Technology has been developed to address these limitations
by providing an inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit
dynamically seeks resonance and optimizes power transfer from a
primary coil to a secondary device with a secondary coil. This
power transfer can occur under multiple, varying load conditions.
By using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its
operation to match the needs of the secondary devices being
supplied with power. The circuit also allows the primary supply
circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices
simultaneously.
SUMMARY
[0004] Intelligent, inductively coupled power circuits have been
developed to transfer power from a source to a device without the
need for a wired connection. Primary coils inductively couple power
to secondary coils integrated into devices such as laptop
computers, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools. Embodiments of the
present invention incorporate this inductive coupling technology
into consoles and apparatuses for charging, supporting, and
securing portable computers.
[0005] In one embodiment, primary coils are integrated into a
console. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be
integrated into the console in any position, number, and
combination. The inductively coupled console may be installed in
furniture seating.
[0006] In another embodiment, primary coils are integrated into a
vehicle console. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can
be integrated into the vehicle console in any position, number, and
combination. The vehicle console may be configured to receive and
hold devices containing secondary coils, such as a PDA, cell phone,
and rechargeable flashlight. The vehicle console could be installed
between seats, in the front dashboard control unit, or elsewhere in
a vehicle.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for charging,
supporting, and securing a portable computer is provided. One or
more primary coils are integrated into one or more surfaces.
Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into
the surface in any position, number, and combination. The apparatus
includes means of securing the portable computer to the surface and
means of attaching the surface to the interior of a vehicle.
[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention is described in detail below with
reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled
vehicle console;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled
console installed in seating furniture;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a laptop computer and an
apparatus for securing and inductively charging the laptop
computer;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus for securing
and inductively charging a laptop computer shown in FIG. 3; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the laptop
computer and apparatus for securing and inductively charging the
laptop computer of FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are described with
specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the
description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this
patent. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed
subject matter might also be embodied in other ways.
[0016] As noted in the background section, technology has been
developed that provides an intelligent, inductively coupled power
circuit. This circuit dynamically seeks resonance and optimizes
power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary coil in a
secondary device. The circuit allows the primary coil to determine
and provide the power needs of the secondary device. By using this
circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to match
the needs of the secondary devices being supplied with power. The
circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to
multiple secondary devices simultaneously. Examples of the circuit
and the operation of the circuit are contained in the following
U.S. patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference:
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,436,299; 6,673,250; 6,731,071; 6,806,649;
6,812,645; 6,831,417; 6,917,163; 6,975,198; 7,116,200; 7,118,240;
7,126,450; and 7,132,918.
[0017] Inductively coupled power circuits may be used to power and
recharge cordless devices, including cell phones, PDAs,
flashlights, laptop computers, and power tools. Each cordless
device could have a secondary coil. The primary coil required to
create the inductively coupled power circuit could be integrated
into a console, vehicle console, or apparatus for securing,
supporting, and charging a portable computer. An inductively
coupled console could be configured to receive and hold devices
containing secondary coils. Alternatively, embodiments of an
inductively coupled console may include a substantially flat
surface with integrated primary coils that is integrated into
furniture seating. Consoles may generally be installed near any
type of seating or in an office or room environment. In a vehicle,
an inductively coupled console may be installed between seats, as a
center console in the front dashboard control unit, or anywhere
else in the vehicle.
[0018] Primary coils may be low, medium, or high power. Low power
primary coils provide up to about approximately 20 watts of power.
Medium power primary coils provide between about approximately 20
and 100 watts of power. High power primary coils provide greater
than about approximately 100 watts of power. Any number and
combination of primary coils may be integrated into an inductively
coupled console or surface of an apparatus for charging, securing,
and supporting a portable computer.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a center console 10 for a vehicle and is
preferably located in the front seat between the driver's side and
the passenger's side of the vehicle. Console 10 is typically
provided with dedicated communications device 12, which could be a
radio, CB, navigation device, cassette player, or compact disc
player. Below communications device 12 is holding area 14 for
devices containing secondary coils, such as a cell phone or PDA 16
and flashlight 18. Other devices could of course be housed within
holding area 14, limited only by the physical dimensions of holding
area 14 and the devices housed.
[0020] With continued reference to FIG. 1, holding area 14 has one
or more primary coils installed behind, beneath, above, or below
that inductively couple power to secondary coils contained in
devices. Console 10 is provided with small indicator lights 19 that
illuminate when a device is receiving power inductively coupled
from a primary coil. In embodiments with multiple primary coils
installed, all of the multiple primary coils may be controlled by a
single control circuit. Holding area 14 can be completely sealed
due to the inductive nature of the power circuit, and so can
alternatively be used as a general purpose holding area or cup
holder when not in use as a charging area.
[0021] With continued reference to FIG. 1, console 10 is configured
to receive and hold PDA 16 and flashlight 18. This could be
accomplished by a friction fit, strap restraints, buckles,
compartments, clips, or other means of securing devices in holding
area 14. For embodiments installed in a vehicle, this will ensure
devices remain in place during transit. Additionally, in
embodiments of a vehicle console, the primary coils may draw power
from the battery of the vehicle.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates theater-style seating 20 with a primary
coil installed in center console 22. The individual seats in
theater-style seating 20 tilt slightly toward center console 22. A
person seated in theater-style seating 20 can charge a cell phone,
PDA, or other handheld electronic device by placing the device on
the top surface of center console 22. Additionally, remote control
24 can be charged through the primary coil such that an individual
seated and using the remote control will not be inconvenienced by
remote control batteries running out of power. Although FIG. 2
provides an embodiment in which an inductively coupled console is
installed in theater seating, an inductively coupled console could
also be installed in other seating furniture, including, but not
limited to, recliner chairs, couches, sofas, loveseats, and office
chairs. In embodiments with multiple primary coils installed, all
of the multiple primary coils may be controlled by a single control
circuit.
[0023] To facilitate proper placement, an outline of each charging
area, along with logos, pictures, or other indicia, is preferably
provided on the console surface. The outline may be illuminated,
for example with LEDs. An indicator light may be located in the
console surface for each primary coil location. More specifically,
an indicator light may be embedded below the console surface and
covered with a material that allows the light to pass through, such
as Plexiglas. The indicator light may turn on when a device
containing a secondary coil is placed over a respective primary
coil and is charging.
[0024] An inductively coupled console installed in seating
furniture could contain one or more depressions or compartments in
which devices containing secondary coils rest or are secured,
rather than a substantially flat surface on which devices rest.
Such depressions or compartments could be concealed by an armrest
or center armrest. For example, an armrest of a chair could open
via a hinge or other mechanism to reveal an inductively coupled
console that may have compartments for devices containing secondary
coils.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 2, power may be provided to console
22 through a battery or a power cord plugged into an electrical
outlet. Console 22 provides the user the capability to power or
recharge any number of devices equipped with the proper secondary
coils. Power is provided by the primary coil or coils under the
console surface in an unobtrusive fashion. Also, it should be
understood that any number of recharging zones could be provided,
with corresponding primaries coils located beneath them. It should
be also be understood that the rechargeable devices shown are
merely exemplary, and that a virtually unlimited number and variety
of devices equipped with a proper secondary coil could be charged
by the primary coils located in console 22.
[0026] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a portable computer mount 32. Computer
mount 22 may be attached to any structure, including, but not
limited to, a vehicle, interior or exterior building wall, desk,
podium, or table. Preferably, the computer mount is attached to the
interior of a vehicle. FIG. 3 illustrates laptop computer 30 being
held within computer mount 32. For simplicity, computer mount 32 is
not shown attached to a structure. It should be understood that
mount 32 is normally found within the interior of a vehicle, such
as in a police car, to provide the driver access to laptop 30.
Mount 32 may be positioned such that the driver is able to see and
use laptop 30 while seated in the driver's seat. Mount 32 is a
universal mount that allows for different sizes and shapes of
laptops.
[0027] FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of the base 34 of mount
32, and is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,872, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Base 34
provides a reliable computer mount which can secure a laptop
computer in place within a vehicle. Base 34 also provides a number
of different adjustment features to accommodate a variety of
laptops. Base 34 also has locking and releasing features that allow
the laptop to be easily removed. As best seen in FIG. 5, primary
coil charging surface 36 is coupled to base 34. The primary coil is
located to correspond to the battery location of the laptop, and
provides power to the secondary coil in the laptop. The mount base
34 and surface 36 provide a charging station and universal mount
for laptop 30. The primary coil could also be embedded in base 34
rather than integrated into charging surface 36. Additional primary
coils could also be integrated into surface 36 or base 34. These
additional primary coils could be configured to charge PDAs, cell
phones, or other electronic devices that could also be secured to
mount 32 along with laptop 30. In embodiments with multiple primary
coils installed, all of the multiple primary coils may be
controlled by a single control circuit.
[0028] It should be appreciated that other means for securing and
supporting a portable computer, such as different mounts or a
friction fit are contemplated. Means for attaching a laptop and
mount to a vehicle or other structure are also contemplated. Such
means include mounting brackets and support arms, which could be
bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to the vehicle or
structure.
[0029] Referring again to FIG. 5, preferably the charging area for
the primary coil intended to charge laptop 30 would be outlined,
along with logos, pictures or other indicia, on surface 36. The
outline may be illuminated, for example with LEDs. An indicator
light may be located in the console surface for each primary coil
location. More specifically, an indicator light may be embedded
below the console surface and covered with a material that allows
the light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. The indicator light
may turn on when a computer containing a secondary coil is placed
over a respective primary coil and is charging. Similar indicators
could be present for other devices containing secondary coils, such
as PDAs or cell phones, that receive power inductively coupled from
additional primary coils integrated into surface 36.
[0030] If an apparatus for charging, securing, and supporting a
portable computer is installed in a vehicle, the primary coils may
be powered through the vehicle's battery or engine. If an apparatus
is installed on or in a structure with access to an electrical
outlet, for example an office building lobby wall or podium, the
apparatus may be powered through a battery or a power cord plugged
into an electrical outlet.
[0031] The present invention has been described in relation to
particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be
illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the
present invention pertains without departing from its scope.
[0032] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth
above, together with other advantages which are obvious and
inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that
certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be
employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations.
This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *