Versatile plug and play charging station

Abstract

A plug-and-play addition to a traditional electrical outlet that upgrades it to a universally compatible charging station. The unit can be plugged directly into an ordinary electrical outlet or can be secured to the wall with a screw. A removable pod module couples to a docking module plugged into the wall. A positive interface between the two modules holds them together, and an internal battery in the pod module is automatically charged. The interface may be frictionally enhanced with rubberized contact surfaces and magnetic latches. Both modules include integrated flexible charging cables with a variety of connectors for external devices.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61 / 979,908, filed Apr. 15, 2014.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to device chargers and, more particularly, to a versatile charging station having an outlet-mounted docking module and a removable pod module that provides a portable charging unit.BACKGROUND[0003]Consumers in 2015 typically own several electronic devices specifically designed for portability and on-the-go use, including, for example, a mobile phone or smart phone, a portable music player like an iPod® or an MP3 player, a tablet, a portable gaming unit, a camera, and the like. Each of these devices requires frequent recharging. Such electronic devices typically utilize a cable for connecting the device to a power source, such as a wall outlet, a car charger, an airplane charger, or a computer. However, a separate cable is usually required for each power source. Moreover, different electronic devices often ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The docking module is a multi-device charger that is designed to be easily connected to a removable pod module. It features a hubcap that covers the existing screw and contains built-in charging tips for various devices. The flexible arms use magnetic technology to securely hold the charging tips when not in use. The docking module also has a safe and secure display shelf for when tablets and smartphones are charging. It includes two surge protected AC outlets and an additional USB port for charging additional devices. The docking module is easy to use and provides a convenient and organized solution for charging multiple devices.

Problems solved by technology

Each of these devices requires frequent recharging.

Moreover, different electronic devices often utilize different connection ports and interfaces such that a single charging cable is not compatible with multiple devices.

Even then, the consumer may be without sufficient power to recharge a phone due to bad weather or a power outage, or may not always be in a place where a power source is readily available, or even if so, may not have the appropriate cable or adapter available to use with a particular power source.

With traditional power sources, such as those noted above, it is often difficult to charge multiple devices at the same time, especially where each device requires a separate charging cable.

However, such adapters are often only compatible with certain interfaces or device plug receptacles.

Moreover, such adapters are separate from portable power sources and tend to be bulky.

However, such attachments are usually separate small pieces, and therefore difficult to keep track of when not in use.

Further, use of such attachments does not solve the problem presented by the need to charge multiple devices at the same time, from the same power source, as oftentimes, only one attachment can be used with a charging cable at a time.

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