U.S. patent application number 12/658392 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for portable docking station for powering multiple ac-powered battery chargers and multiple dc-powered battery chargers simultaneously.
Invention is credited to Jeanne DeSanctis.
Application Number | 20100213892 12/658392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42630379 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100213892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeSanctis; Jeanne |
August 26, 2010 |
Portable docking station for powering multiple AC-powered battery
chargers and multiple DC-powered battery chargers
simultaneously
Abstract
A portable docking station for powering multiple AC-powered
battery chargers and multiple DC-powered battery chargers
simultaneously. The portable docking station includes an enclosure,
a plurality of female AC receptacles, an AC power circuit, a
plurality of female DC receptacles, and a DC power circuit. The
plurality of female AC receptacles and the plurality of female DC
receptacles are accessible from the enclosure. The AC power circuit
is contained within the enclosure and powers the plurality of
female AC receptacles for powering the multiple AC-powered battery
chargers. The DC power circuit is contained within the enclosure
and powers the plurality of female DC receptacles for powering the
multiple DC-powered battery chargers. The AC power circuit and the
DC power circuit operate simultaneously for powering the multiple
AC-powered battery chargers and the multiple DC-powered battery
chargers, respectively, simultaneously.
Inventors: |
DeSanctis; Jeanne; (Jensen
Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES E. BAXLEY, ESQUIRE
90 JOHN STREET, SUITE 309
NEW YORK
NY
10038
US
|
Family ID: |
42630379 |
Appl. No.: |
12/658392 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61208387 |
Feb 23, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 4/00 20130101; H05K
5/0047 20130101; H01R 27/02 20130101; A45C 13/001 20130101; H02J
7/0027 20130101; H05K 5/0243 20130101; H01R 25/006 20130101; H05K
5/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/107 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. A portable docking station for powering multiple AC-powered
battery chargers and multiple DC-powered battery chargers
simultaneously, comprising: a) an enclosure; b) a plurality of
female AC receptacles; c) an AC power circuit; d) a plurality of
female DC receptacles; and e) a DC power circuit; wherein said
plurality of female AC receptacles are accessible from said
enclosure; wherein said plurality of female DC receptacles are
accessible from said enclosure; wherein said AC power circuit is
contained within said enclosure; wherein said AC power circuit
powers said plurality of female AC receptacles for powering the
multiple AC-powered battery chargers; wherein said DC power circuit
is contained within said enclosure; wherein said DC power circuit
powers said plurality of female DC receptacles for powering the
multiple DC-powered battery chargers; and wherein said AC power
circuit and said DC power circuit operate simultaneously for
powering the multiple AC-powered battery chargers and the multiple
DC-powered battery chargers, respectively, simultaneously.
2. The station of claim 1, wherein said AC power circuit comprises
an AC power jack; wherein said AC power jack of said AC power
circuit is accessible from said enclosure; and wherein said AC
power jack of said AC power circuit interfaces with a detachable AC
power cord for interfacing with a female AC power source.
3. The station of claim 2, wherein said AC power circuit comprises
a surge protector; wherein said surge protector of said AC power
circuit is contained within said enclosure; and wherein said surge
protector of said AC power circuit electrically communicates with
both said AC power jack of said AC power circuit and said plurality
of female AC receptacles.
4. The station of claim 3, wherein said DC power circuit comprises
a step-down transformer; wherein said step-down transformer of said
DC power circuit is contained within said enclosure; and wherein
said step-down transformer of said DC power circuit electrically
communicates with said plurality of female AC receptacles for
reducing voltage outputted therefrom.
5. The station of claim 4, wherein said DC power circuit comprises
an AC/DC convertor; wherein said AC/DC convertor of said DC power
circuit is contained within said enclosure; and wherein said AC/DC
convertor of said DC power circuit electrically communicates with
said step-down transformer of said DC power circuit and said
plurality of female DC receptacles for converting AC voltage
inputted therein to DC voltage outputted therefrom.
6. The station of claim 1, wherein said plurality of female DC
receptacles are USB ports.
7. The station of claim 5, wherein said enclosure comprises a bag;
wherein said bag of said enclosure has a base; wherein said bag of
said enclosure has a top; and wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure extends upwardly from said base of said bag of said
enclosure.
8. The station of claim 7, wherein said base of said bag of said
enclosure is rigid; and wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure is flexible.
9. The station of claim 7, wherein said base of said bag of said
enclosure has a pair of side walls; wherein said pair of side walls
of said base of said bag of said enclosure have side wall
apertures; and wherein said side wall apertures in said pair of
side walls of said base of said bag of said enclosure snapingly
accept said plurality of female AC receptacles, respectively, that
are accessible therefrom.
10. The station of claim 7, wherein said surge protector of said AC
power circuit is contained within said base of said bag of said
enclosure; wherein said step-down transformer of said DC power
circuit is contained within said base of said bag of said
enclosure; and wherein said AC/DC convertor of said DC power
circuit is contained within said base of said bag of said
enclosure.
11. The station of claim 7, wherein said base of said bag of said
enclosure has a rear wall; wherein said rear wall of said base of
said bag of said enclosure has a rear wall aperture; and wherein
said rear wall aperture in said rear wall of said base of said bag
of said enclosure snapingly accepts said AC power jack of said AC
power circuit that is accessible therefrom.
12. The station of claim 7, wherein said base of said bag of said
enclosure has a front wall; wherein said front wall of said base of
said bag of said enclosure has front wall apertures; and wherein
said front wall apertures in said front wall of said base of said
bag of said enclosure snapingly accept said plurality of female DC
receptacles, respectively, that are accessible therefrom.
13. The station of claim 7, wherein said bag of said enclosure has
a partition; wherein said partition of said bag of said enclosure
is contained within said bag of said enclosure; and wherein said
partition of said bag of said enclosure separates said base of said
bag of said enclosure from said top of said bag of said enclosure,
to thereby form a floor of said top of said bag of said
enclosure.
14. The station of claim 7, wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure has a top wall; wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure defines a chamber; wherein said chamber in said top of
said bag of said enclosure is accessible from an opening in said
top wall of said top of said bag of said enclosure that can be
selectively opened and closed by a zipper; and wherein said chamber
in said top of said bag of said enclosure is for carrying various
items.
15. The station of claim 12, wherein said bag of said enclosure has
a front flap; and wherein said front flap of said bag of said
enclosure depends from said front wall of said top of said bag of
said enclosure to selectively cover said front wall of said base of
said bag of said enclosure and protect said plurality of female DC
receptacles when not in use.
16. The station of claim 9, wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure has a pair of side walls; wherein said bag of said
enclosure has a pair of side flaps; and wherein said pair of side
flaps of said bag of said enclosure depend from said pair of side
walls of said top of said bag of said enclosure, respectively, to
selectively cover said pair of side walls of said base of said bag
of said enclosure and protect said plurality of female AC
receptacles when not in use.
17. The station of claim 11, wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure has a rear wall; wherein said bag of said enclosure has a
rear flap; and wherein said rear flap of said bag of said enclosure
depends from said rear wall of said top of said bag of said
enclosure to selectively cover said rear wall of said base of said
bag of said enclosure and protect said AC power jack of said AC
power circuit when not in use.
18. The station of claim 7, wherein said top of said bag of said
enclosure has a front wall; wherein said bag of said enclosure has
a carrying strap; and wherein said carrying strap of said bag of
said enclosure extends outwardly from said front wall of said top
of said bag of said enclosure and substantially aligns with said
front wall of said base of said bag of said enclosure.
19. The station of claim 7, wherein said bag of said enclosure has
a pair of side walls; wherein said bag of said enclosure has a pair
of carrying handles; and wherein said pair of carrying handles of
said bag of said enclosure extend upwardly from said pair of side
walls of said top of said bag of said enclosure, respectively.
20. The station of claim 14, wherein said opening in said top wall
of said top of said bag of said enclosure is always open.
21. The station of claim 13, wherein said floor of said top of said
bag of said enclosure has floor apertures therein.
22. The station of claim 21, further comprising an additional
plurality of female AC receptacles; and wherein said additional
plurality of female AC receptacles are snapingly accepted in said
floor apertures of said floor of said top of said bag of said
enclosure, respectively, that are accessible therefrom.
23. The station of claim 22, further comprising a pair of top
flaps; and wherein said pair of top flaps extend hingedly inwardly
from said pair of side walls of said top of said bag of said
enclosure, respectively, to selectively cover said floor of said
top of said bag of said enclosure and protect said additional
plurality of female AC receptacles when not in use.
Description
1. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant non-provisional patent application claims
priority from provisional patent application No. 61/208,387, filed
on Feb. 23, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference thereto.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of the Invention
[0003] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a
portable docking station, and more particularly, the embodiments of
the present invention relate to a portable docking station for
powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers and multiple
DC-powered battery chargers simultaneously.
[0004] B. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Today, many people own many portable electronic devices
having internal batteries. Each device requires that its internal
battery be recharged via charging units, e.g., "chargers." One
person may have a mobile phone, a separate smart-phone/organizer
like a Palm Pilot.RTM. or a Blackberry.RTM., an iPod.RTM., a
digital camera, various lap tops, and/or other portable music
players, each with its own charger and/or charging station.
[0006] When people travel they often have multiple electronic
devices and their corresponding chargers. A traveler not only faces
the task of packing and organizing their chargers, but also of
charging each device when they arrive at their destination. To make
matters more difficult, there may not be enough accessible wall
sockets at their destination, a hotel room, perhaps, to accommodate
all devices at once.
[0007] Numerous innovations for portable battery chargers have been
provided in the prior art, which will be described below in
chronological order to show advancement in the art, and which are
incorporated herein by reference thereto. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the individual purposes to which
they address, nevertheless, they differ from the embodiments of the
present invention in that they do not teach a portable docking
station for powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers and
multiple DC-powered battery chargers simultaneously.
(1) United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2003/0117104 A1 to Liao.
[0008] United States Patent Application Publication Number US
200/30117104 A1 published to Liao on Jun. 26, 2003 in U.S. class
320 and subclass 107 teaches a portable multi-function charger for
electronic devices, which includes a body, a circuit section, an
input end, an output end, an output cord, and a battery connector.
The body has a cavity therein to receive the circuit section. The
circuit section has a circuit board therein and a plurality of
spring contacts. The input end, the output end, the output cord,
and the battery connector are connected to the circuit board. A
mounting stage is arranged on the outer surface of the body and has
a plurality of contacts therein. The multi-function charger can be
electrically connected to a notebook computer, a wall socket, a
vehicle charger, or a battery for inputting electric power. The
multi-function charger can be used to simultaneously charge a
plurality of portable electronic devices and a rechargeable
battery.
(2) U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,206 B1 to Wong et al.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,206 B1 issued to Wong et al. on Sep. 2,
2003 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 136 teaches an apparatus for
supplying power to electronic devices, which includes a housing, an
electric power source connector coupled to the housing, an
electronic circuit enclosed in the housing and electrically coupled
to the power source connector, and a universal serial bus connector
coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic
circuit. The connector is capable of supplying electrical power to
one or more electronic devices for battery charging. The electronic
circuit is capable of controlling the charging of the batteries of
more than one device and can be enabled to provide data
communication between data devices. The apparatus may receive power
from a utility power outlet or from another electronic device
through the USB connector.
(3) U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,064 B2 to Liu et al.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,064 B2 issued to Liu et al. on May 25,
2004 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 107 teaches a power charging
system for charging portable electric devices. The power charging
system includes a plurality of transformers for transforming a
plurality of different input voltages into standard DC voltage. The
charging system also includes a power cord for inputting and
outputting the standard DC voltage. The charging system also
includes a plurality of converters for converting the standard DC
voltage into the working voltage of the portable electric devices.
Users connect the corresponding converters to the power cord and
then connect the power cord to any one of the transformers to use
the standard DC voltage to charge the portable electric
devices.
(4) United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2006/0273757 A1 to Naguib.
[0011] United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2006/0273757 A1 published to Naguib on Dec. 7, 2006 in U.S. class
320 and subclass 107 teaches a portable electronic device case. The
case can simultaneously be used as a solar charger for the portable
devices, can combine any carrying case design with that of a solar
charger into a single item, can detach the solar panels portion
from the case when desired, can integrate the solar panels with a
case design functioning as a regular carrying case, can be used
with almost any type of portable device, and can also be applied to
almost any type of briefcase, suitcase, or handheld device
cover.
(5) United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2006/0280519 A1 to Mori et al.
[0012] United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2006/0280519 A1 published to Mori et al. on Dec. 14, 2006 in U.S.
class 399 and subclass 116 teaches a charging station for charging
portable electronic devices. In one preferred embodiment, the
charging station includes a surge protector located therein. The
charging station includes a base for housing the surge protector, a
removable base cover that can be placed over the base, and a
removable tray that can be placed over the base or over the base
cover if the base cover is in place over the base. If desired, the
charging station can be used in a disassembled form by placing the
tray on one surface and the base on another. If the charging
station is used in this manner, the base cover can be placed over
the base.
(6) U.S. Pat. No. 7,271,568 B2 to Purdy et al.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 7,271,568 B2 issued to Purdy et al. on Sep.
18, 2007 in U.S. class 320 and subclass 106 teaches a battery
charger that may include a charger connector to be coupled to a
corresponding device connector of a portable device including a
rechargeable battery. The battery charger may also include a
charging circuit connected to the charger connector, and a
controller connected to the charger connector and the charging
circuit. The controller may be for causing a portable device
connected to the charger connector to identify its corresponding
portable device type and its corresponding rechargeable battery
type from among a plurality of different portable device types and
different battery types, and for causing the charging circuit to
charge the rechargeable battery based thereon.
(7) United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2007/0236169 A1 to Purdy et al.
[0014] United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2007/0236169 A1 published to Purdy et al. on Oct. 11, 2007 in U.S.
class 320 and subclass 106 teaches a battery charger that may
include a charger connector to be coupled to a corresponding device
connector of a portable device including a rechargeable battery.
The battery charger may also include a charging circuit connected
to the charger connector, and a controller connected to the charger
connector and the charging circuit. The controller may be for
causing a portable device connected to the charger connector to
identify its corresponding portable device type and its
corresponding rechargeable battery type from among a plurality of
different portable device types and different battery types, and
for causing the charging circuit to charge the rechargeable battery
based thereon.
(8) United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2009/0128091 A1 to Purdy et al.
[0015] United States Patent Application Publication Number US
2009/0128091 A1 published to Purdy et al. on May 21, 2009 in U.S.
class 320 and subclass 106 teaches a battery charger that may
include a charger connector to be coupled to a corresponding device
connector of a portable device including a rechargeable battery.
The battery charger may also include a charging circuit connected
to the charger connector, and a controller connected to the charger
connector and the charging circuit. The controller may be for
causing a portable device connected to the charger connector to
identify its corresponding portable device type and its
corresponding rechargeable battery type from among a plurality of
different portable device types and different battery types, and
for causing the charging circuit to charge the rechargeable battery
based thereon.
[0016] It is apparent that numerous innovations for portable
battery chargers have been provided in the prior art that are
adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may
be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they
address, however, they would not be suitable for the purposes of
the embodiments of the present invention as heretofore described,
namely, a portable docking station for powering multiple AC-powered
battery chargers and multiple DC-powered battery chargers
simultaneously.
3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Thus, an object of the embodiments of the present invention
is to provide a portable docking station for powering multiple
AC-powered battery chargers and multiple DC-powered battery
chargers simultaneously, which avoids the disadvantages of the
prior art.
[0018] Briefly stated, another object of the embodiments of the
present invention is to provide a portable docking station for
powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers and multiple
DC-powered battery chargers simultaneously. The portable docking
station includes an enclosure, a plurality of female AC
receptacles, an AC power circuit, a plurality of female DC
receptacles, and a DC power circuit. The plurality of female AC
receptacles and the plurality of female DC receptacles are
accessible from the enclosure. The AC power circuit is contained
within the enclosure and powers the plurality of female AC
receptacles for powering the multiple AC-powered battery chargers.
The DC power circuit is contained within the enclosure and powers
the plurality of female DC receptacles for powering the multiple
DC-powered battery chargers. The AC power circuit and the DC power
circuit operate simultaneously for powering the multiple AC-powered
battery chargers and the multiple DC-powered battery chargers,
respectively, simultaneously.
[0019] The novel features considered characteristic of the
embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the appended
claims. The embodiments of the present invention themselves,
however, both as to their construction and their method of
operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of the
specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with
the accompanying drawing.
4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0020] The figures of the drawing are briefly described as
follows:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the portable
docking station of the embodiments of the present invention
powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers and multiple
DC-powered battery chargers simultaneously;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the portable docking
station of the embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of the
enclosure of the portable docking station of the embodiments of the
present invention identified by ARROW 3 in FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side elevational view taken
generally in the direction of ARROW 4 in FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic front elevational view taken
generally in the direction of ARROW 5 in FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in
the direction of ARROW 6 in FIG. 3;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken
generally in the direction of ARROW 7 in FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of an
alternate embodiment of the enclosure of the portable docking
station of the embodiments of the present invention identified by
ARROW 8 in FIG. 1; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally in
the direction of ARROW 9 in FIG. 8.
5. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING
A. General
[0030] 10 portable docking station of embodiments of present
invention for powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers 12 and
multiple DC-powered battery chargers 14 simultaneously [0031] 12
multiple AC-powered battery chargers [0032] 14 multiple DC-powered
battery chargers
B. Overall Configuration of Portable Docking Station 10
[0032] [0033] 16 enclosure [0034] 18 plurality of female AC
receptacles for powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers 12
[0035] 20 AC power circuit [0036] 22 plurality of female DC
receptacles [0037] 24 DC power circuit for powering multiple
DC-powered battery chargers 14
C. Specific Configuration of AC Power Circuit 20
[0037] [0038] 26 AC power jack of AC power circuit 20 [0039] 28 AC
power cord for interfacing with female AC power source 30 [0040] 30
female AC power source [0041] 32 surge protector of AC power
circuit 20
D. Specific Configuration of DC Power Circuit 24
[0041] [0042] 34 step-down transformer of DC power circuit 24
[0043] 36 AC/DC convertor of DC power circuit 24 [0044] 37 USB
ports of plurality of female DC receptacles 22
E. Specific Configuration of Enclosure 16
[0044] [0045] 38 bag of enclosure 16 [0046] 40 base of bag 38 of
enclosure 16 [0047] 42 top of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0048] 44
front wall of base 40 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0049] 46 pair of
side walls of base 40 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0050] 48 rear wall
of base 40 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0051] 50 side wall apertures
in pair of side walls 46 of base 40 of bag 38 of enclosure 16
[0052] 52 rear wall aperture in rear wall 48 of base 40 of bag 38
of enclosure 16 [0053] 54 front wall apertures in front wall 44 of
base 40 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0054] 56 partition of bag 38 of
enclosure 16 [0055] 58 floor of top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16
[0056] 60 front wall of top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0057] 62
pair of side walls of top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0058] 64
rear wall of top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0059] 66 top wall of
top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0060] 68 chamber in top 42 of bag
38 of enclosure 16 for carrying various items 74, such as, but not
limited to, AC power cord 28, etc. [0061] 70 opening in top wall 66
of top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0062] 72 zipper of opening 70
in top wall 66 of top 42 of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0063] 74
various items, such as, but not limited to, AC power cord 28, etc.
[0064] 76 carrying strap of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0065] 78 front
flap of bag 38 of enclosure 16 [0066] 80 pair of side flaps of bag
38 of enclosure 16 [0067] 82 rear flap of bag 38 of enclosure
16
F. Specific Configuration of Alternate Embodiment of Enclosure
116
[0067] [0068] 116 enclosure [0069] 176 pair of carrying handles
[0070] 150 floor apertures in floor 58 of top 42 of bag 38 of
enclosure 16 [0071] 118 additional plurality of female AC
receptacles [0072] 180 pair of top flaps of bag 38 of enclosure
16
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A. General
[0073] Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals
indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 1, which is a
diagrammatic perspective view of the portable docking station of
the embodiments of the present invention powering multiple
AC-powered battery chargers and multiple DC-powered battery
chargers simultaneously, the portable docking station of the
embodiments of the present invention is shown generally at 10 for
powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers 12 and multiple
DC-powered battery chargers 14 simultaneously.
B. The Overall Configuration of the Portable Docking Station 10
[0074] The overall configuration of the portable docking station 10
can best be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, which are, respectively, again,
a diagrammatic perspective view of the portable docking station of
the embodiments of the present invention powering multiple
AC-powered battery chargers and multiple DC-powered battery
chargers simultaneously, and a schematic diagram of the portable
docking station of the embodiments of the present invention, and as
such, will be discussed with reference thereto.
[0075] The portable docking station 10 comprises an enclosure 16, a
plurality of female AC receptacles 18, an AC power circuit 20, a
plurality of female DC receptacles 22, and a DC power circuit
24.
[0076] The plurality of female AC receptacles 18 and the plurality
of female DC receptacles 22 are accessible from the enclosure 16.
The AC power circuit 20 is contained within the enclosure 16 and
powers the plurality of female AC receptacles 18 for powering the
multiple AC-powered battery chargers 12. The DC power circuit 24 is
contained within the enclosure 16 and powers the plurality of
female DC receptacles 22 for powering the multiple DC-powered
battery chargers 14. The AC power circuit 20 and the DC power
circuit 24 operate simultaneously for powering the multiple
AC-powered battery chargers 12 and the multiple DC-powered battery
chargers 14, respectively, simultaneously.
C. The Specific Configuration of the AC Power Circuit 20
[0077] As shown in FIG. 2, the AC power circuit 20 comprises an AC
power jack 26. The AC power jack 26 of the AC power circuit 20 is
accessible from the enclosure 16 and interfaces with a detachable
AC power cord 28 for interfacing with a female AC power source
30.
[0078] The AC power circuit 20 further comprises a surge protector
32. The surge protector 32 of the AC power circuit 20 is contained
within the enclosure 16 and electrically communicates with both the
AC power jack 26 of the AC power circuit 20 and the plurality of
female AC receptacles 18.
D. The Specific Configuration of the DC Power Circuit 24
[0079] As further shown in FIG. 2, the DC power circuit 24
comprises a step-down transformer 34. The step-down transformer 34
of the DC power circuit 24 is contained within the enclosure 16 and
electrically communicates with the plurality of female AC
receptacles 18 for reducing voltage outputted therefrom.
[0080] The DC power circuit 24 further comprises an AC/DC convertor
36. The AC/DC convertor 36 of the DC power circuit 24 is contained
within the enclosure 16 and electrically communicates with the
step-down transformer 34 of the DC power circuit 24 and the
plurality of female DC receptacles 22 for converting AC voltage
inputted therein to DC voltage outputted therefrom.
[0081] The plurality of female DC receptacles 22 are USB ports
37.
E. The Specific Configuration of the Enclosure 16
[0082] The specific configuration of the enclosure 16 can best be
seen in FIGS. 3-7, which are, respectively, an enlarged
diagrammatic perspective view of the enclosure of the portable
docking station of the embodiments of the present invention
identified by ARROW 3 in FIG. 1, a diagrammatic side elevational
view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 4 in FIG. 3, a
diagrammatic front elevational view taken generally in the
direction of ARROW 5 in FIG. 3, a diagrammatic top plan view taken
generally in the direction of ARROW 6 in FIG. 3, and a diagrammatic
rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of ARROW 7
in FIG. 3, and as such, will be discussed with reference
thereto.
[0083] The enclosure 16 comprises a bag 38. The bag 38 of the
enclosure 16 has a base 40 and a top 42. The top 42 of the bag 38
of the enclosure 16 extends upwardly from the base 40 of the bag 38
of the enclosure 16.
[0084] The base 40 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 is rigid,
while the top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 is flexible,
such as, but not limited to, a fabric.
[0085] The base 40 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 has a front
wall 44, a pair of side walls 46, and a rear wall 48.
[0086] The pair of side walls 46 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of
the enclosure 16 have side wall apertures 50. The side wall
apertures 50 in the pair of side walls 46 of the base 40 of the bag
38 of the enclosure 16 snapingly accept the plurality of female AC
receptacles 18, respectively, that are accessible therefrom.
[0087] The surge protector 32 of the AC power circuit 20, the
step-down transformer 34 of the DC power circuit 24, and the AC/DC
convertor 36 of the DC power circuit 24 are contained within the
base 40 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16.
[0088] The rear wall 48 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16 has a rear wall aperture 52. The rear wall aperture 52
in the rear wall 48 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of the enclosure
16 snapingly accepts the AC power jack 26 of the AC power circuit
20 that is accessible therefrom.
[0089] The front wall 44 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16 has front wall apertures 54. The front wall apertures
54 in the front wall 44 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16 snapingly accept the plurality of female DC
receptacles 22, respectively, that are accessible therefrom.
[0090] The bag 38 of the enclosure 16 further has a partition 56.
The partition 56 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 is contained
within the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 and separates the base 40 of
the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 from the top 42 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16, to thereby form a floor 58 for the top 42 of the bag
38 of the enclosure 16.
[0091] The top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 has a front
wall 60, a pair of side walls 62, a rear wall 64, and a top wall
66.
[0092] The top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 defines a
chamber 68. The chamber 68 in the top 42 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16 is for carrying various items 74, such as, but not
limited to, the AC power cord 28, etc., and is accessible from an
opening 70 in the top wall 66 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16, which is selectively opened and closed by a zipper
72.
[0093] The bag 38 of the enclosure 16 further has a carrying strap
76. The carrying strap 76 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 extends
outwardly from the front wall 60 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16 and substantially aligns with the front wall 44 of the
base 40 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16.
[0094] The bag 38 of the enclosure 16 further has a front flap 78.
The front flap 78 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 is flexible,
such as, but not limited to, a fabric, and hingedly depends from
the front wall 60 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16
to selectively cover the front wall 44 of the base 40 of the bag 38
of the enclosure 16 to protect the plurality of female DC
receptacles 22 when not in use.
[0095] The bag 38 of the enclosure 16 further has a pair of side
flaps 80. The pair of side flaps 80 of the bag 38 of the enclosure
16 are flexible, such as, but not limited to, a fabric, and
hingedly depend from the pair of side walls 62 of the top 42 of the
bag 38 of the enclosure 16, respectively, to selectively cover the
pair of side walls 46 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of the enclosure
16 and protect the plurality of female AC receptacles 18 when not
in use.
[0096] The bag 38 of the enclosure 16 further has a rear flap 82.
The rear flap 82 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 is flexible,
such as, but not limited to, a fabric, and hingedly depends from
the rear wall 64 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 to
selectively cover the rear wall 48 of the base 40 of the bag 38 of
the enclosure 16 and protect the AC power jack 26 of the AC power
circuit 20 when not in use.
F. The Specific Configuration of an Alternate Embodiment of the
Enclosure 116
[0097] The specific configuration of an alternate embodiment of the
enclosure 116 can best be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, which are,
respectively, an enlarged diagrammatic perspective view of an
alternate embodiment of the enclosure of the portable docking
station of the embodiments of the present invention identified by
ARROW 8 in FIG. 1, and a diagrammatic top plan view taken generally
in the direction of ARROW 9 in FIG. 8, and as such, will be
discussed with reference thereto.
[0098] The configuration of an alternate embodiment of the
enclosure 116 is similar to the enclosure 16, except: [0099] The
carrying strap 76 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 is replaced by
a pair of carrying handles 176 that extend upwardly from the pair
of side walls 62 of the top 42 of the enclosure 16, respectively;
[0100] The zipper 72 is removed leaving opening 70 in the top wall
66 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 always open;
[0101] The floor 58 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16
has floor apertures 150 therein; [0102] An additional plurality of
female AC receptacles 118 are snapingly accepted in the floor
apertures 150 of the floor 58 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the
enclosure 16, respectively, and which are accessible therefrom; and
[0103] A pair of top flaps 180 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16
are flexible, such as, but not limited to, a fabric, and extend
hingedly inwardly from the pair of side walls 62 of the top 42 of
the bag 38 of the enclosure 16, respectively, to selectively cover
the floor 58 of the top 42 of the bag 38 of the enclosure 16 and
protect the additional plurality of female AC receptacles 118 when
not in use.
G. The Impressions
[0104] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above or two or more together may also find a useful application in
other types of constructions differing from the types described
above.
[0105] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described as embodied in a portable docking station
for powering multiple AC-powered battery chargers and multiple
DC-powered battery chargers simultaneously, however, they are not
limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that
various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the
forms and details of the embodiments of the present invention
illustrated and their operation can be made by those skilled in the
art without departing in any way from the spirit of the embodiments
of the present invention.
[0106] Without further analysis the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the embodiments of the present invention that others
can by applying current knowledge readily adapt them for various
applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of
prior art fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.
* * * * *