Wireless charging system for smart devices, kit and method for using the same

Abstract

A charging system for wirelessly charging a smart device positioned above the charging system is disclosed, wherein the charger can be connected to a power source to charge the smart device such as a smartphone and can be inserted into the interior of the furniture through an opening located on the top surface thereof; a fixing element compatible with the opening and attached to the charger, for fixing the charger to be engaged inside the opening and below the top surface; and a removable cover for covering the fixing element. When the removable cover is made of a transparent material, the charging system is configured to provide advertising information displayed on a support that can be attached to the bottom surface of the transparent cover, and the information is visible through the transparent cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an assembly for wirelessly charging a smart device, such as a cell phone, that integrates easily replaceable advertising information. Background Art

[0002] In the technical field, it is known that a wireless charging system with a primary coil charges an electronic device with a secondary coil through induction. However, most components used in such a charging system are static. Summary of the invention

[0003] The deficiencies of the prior art can usually be compensated by a charging system that wirelessly charges the smart device when the smart device is placed on the charging system. The charging system includes:

[0004] A charger, connectable to a power source for charging the smart device, the charger being dimensioned to be inserted into the furniture through an opening in the top surface of the furniture;

[0005] a securing element configured to mate with the opening, the securing element being attached to the charger when positioned within the opening and below the top surface; and

[0006] a removable cover having a top surface and a bottom surface and configured to cover the fixed element;

[0007] Wherein when the removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the charging system is configured to display advertising information displayed on a support, the support being attachable to the bottom surface of the transparent protective cover, and the advertising information being visible through the transparent protective cover; or

[0008] The top surface of the removable protective cover includes the advertising information.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the securing element defines a top recess configured to receive the removable cover and an outer lip configured to fit over an edge of the opening when the securing element is inserted into the opening.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the removable protective cover has a truncated shape matching the truncated cross-section of the top recess.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the top recess comprises an adhesive material for removably attaching the removable cover to the fixing element.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer lip of the fixing element is attached to the piece of furniture using an adhesive element.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element is attached to the piece of furniture by clipping or screwing the fixing element to an opening of the piece of furniture.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the charging system further comprises a waterproof seal interposed between an outer lip of the fixing element and a top surface of the piece of furniture in the vicinity of the opening.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element defines a top square edge, a triangular edge or a rounded edge providing a transition from the top surface of the fixing element to the top surface of the piece of furniture.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element is a ring, and the removable cover is a disc adapted to be inserted into the top recess of the ring. Preferably, the ring is made of stainless steel.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the smart device includes a mobile phone, a smart watch, a tablet computer, a tablet phone, a portable computer, a power tool or other handheld device with wireless charging capability.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for installing a charging system for a smart device when the smart device is located above the charging system. The method comprises:

[0019] providing a fixing element configured to mate with an opening at a top surface of the furniture;

[0020] attaching the fixed element to a charger that can be connected to a power source to charge the smart device;

[0021] inserting the charger into the interior of the furniture through the opening until the fixing element fits into the opening and the charger is retained inside the furniture below the top surface;

[0022] providing a removable cover having a top surface and a bottom surface and configured to cover the fixed element;

[0023] and

[0024] When the removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the method further comprises attaching the advertising information displayed on the support to the bottom surface of the transparent protective cover, and the advertising information is visible through the transparent protective cover; or

[0025] When the top surface of the removable cover includes advertising information, the method further includes covering the fixed element with the removable cover, the information then being visible on the top surface of the removable cover.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, an adhesive material is used to attach the fixing element to the charger.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element further comprises an internal threaded portion compatible with an external threaded portion of the charger, and the step of attaching the fixing element to the charger comprises screwing the fixing element onto the charger.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element is attached to the edge of the opening by using an adhesive material or by clamping the fixing element to the edge of the opening.

[0029] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for replacing advertising information of a wireless charging system as defined herein or installed according to the method defined herein. The method comprises:

[0030] a) removing the removable cover and associated advertising information from the fixed element; and

[0031] b) Repositioning the subsequent removable cover containing the relevant subsequent advertising information onto the fixed element.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises, before step b), removing the adhesive material used to attach the removable cover to the fixing element and repositioning new adhesive material before repositioning the subsequent removable cover.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, in step a), the removable protective cover is removed using a removal tool. Preferably, the removal tool is configured to attach the protective cover by suction.

[0034] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a kit for installing multiple wireless charging systems, each system displays advertising information. The kit includes:

[0035] at least one charger unit, each charger unit being connectable to a power source to charge a smart device, each charger unit being sized to be inserted into the interior of the furniture through an opening in a top surface of the furniture;

[0036] at least one fixing element unit, each fixing element unit being configured to mate with the opening, the fixing element being attached to the charger when the charger is within the opening and below the top surface; and

[0037] at least one removable cover unit having a top surface and a bottom surface, each removable cover unit being configured to cover a corresponding fixed element;

[0038] Wherein when at least one removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the kit further comprises at least one advertising message displayed on a support, the support being attached to the bottom surface of the corresponding transparent protective cover, and the message being visible through the transparent protective cover; or

[0039] wherein the top surface of the removable cover includes the advertising information; and

[0040] A removal tool is configured to remove the cover from the fixed element to replace the advertising information with another advertising information.

[0041] Advantageously, the invention allows to provide advertising information on top of the charging system that can be easily changed. This is particularly useful when the system according to the invention is installed in a public space - such as on the top counter of a restaurant, bar, pub, conference room, hotel bedroom, etc. Thus, the owner of a bar, restaurant or hotel offers his customers the possibility to charge the batteries of their smart devices (such as smartphones) while eating, drinking or sleeping. The same owner can also sell commercial advertising space to third parties and easily modify the information, for example, when the relevant advertising contract with the third party is updated or cancelled. The kit disclosed herein allows to install multiple wireless charging systems in public places and to change the advertising information conveniently and quickly.

[0042] Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood after reading the illustrative embodiments to be described or as will be indicated in the appended claims, and those skilled in the art will appreciate various advantages not mentioned herein when carrying out the invention in practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 An environment of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 A wireless charging system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 3A A wireless charging system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 3B is a top view of a fixing element according to a preferred embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to a preferred embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to a preferred embodiment.

[0050] Figure 5A is an exploded schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to a preferred embodiment.

[0051] Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to another preferred embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 6A is an exploded schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to another preferred embodiment.

[0053] Figure 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to another preferred embodiment.

[0054] Figure 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing element and a protective cover according to another preferred embodiment.

[0055] Figure 7 The removal of the protective cover from the fixing element using a special tool according to another preferred embodiment is shown.

[0056] Fig. 8A is a side view of a wireless charging system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0057] Figure 8B is a bottom isometric view of a wireless charging system according to a preferred embodiment.

[0058] Figure 8C A wireless charging system embedded into a top surface of a piece of furniture is shown according to a preferred embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of a wireless charging system with a threaded connection according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Fig. 10A is a bottom isometric view of a wireless charging system with a threaded connection according to a preferred embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 10B is a bottom view of a wireless charging system with a threaded connection according to a preferred embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 10C yes Fig. 10B A cross-sectional view of a wireless charging system is shown above.

[0063] Fig.11A is a top isometric view of a fixing element as a ring with a threaded connection according to a preferred embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of the retaining ring is shown above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] A novel wireless charging system will be described below. Although the present invention is described with specific illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only, and the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0066] Figure 1 and Figure 8CAn inductively coupled charging system 100 is shown, with an integrated primary coil embedded on a top surface S of a piece of furniture F (such as a bar counter top, as shown). Power is inductively coupled from the top surface S with the primary coil integrated to an electronic smart device D, such as a smart phone, mobile phone, smart watch, tablet, phablet, portable computer, power tool, or other handheld device with wireless charging capability, typically embodied as a secondary coil. The inductively coupled work surface may alternatively be mounted on the top surface of other furniture, such as a table, a counter in a restaurant or home kitchen, furniture in a hotel bedroom, and the like. The primary coil integrated into the work surface may provide varying amounts of power. Smart devices D (such as laptops, PDAs, mobile phones, and power tools) containing secondary coils may be charged when placed on the top surface S with the primary coil integrated.

[0067] like Figure 2 , 3A , 8A and 8B, when the smart device is positioned above the charging system, the charging system 100 for wirelessly charging the smart device D includes a charger 110 that can be connected to a power source (not shown) to charge the smart device. The charger 110 is sized to be inserted into the interior of the furniture F through an opening 200 located at the top surface S of the furniture F. Any type of primary coil charger known in the art can be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] The system 100 also includes a fixing element 120 configured to cooperate with the opening 200. Although the invention described herein shows a circular opening and the fixing element 120 is a ring that cooperates with the circular opening, different geometric openings are contemplated within the scope of the invention as long as the charger can be attached to the fixing element and can be inserted through the opening. As shown, the fixing element is preferably a ring, and the removable cover is preferably a disk that is suitable for insertion into the top recess of the ring. More preferably, the ring is made of stainless steel, but other materials such as plastic, wood, etc. can also be used within the scope of the invention.

[0069] like Fig. 8A and 8B As shown, the fixing element 120 is attached to the charger. The charger can be suspended in the opening and held by the fixing element. Alternatively, the charger can be attached to other internal fixing elements (not shown) in the open ring.

[0070] like Figure 2 , 3A As shown in FIG. 4B , another adhesive element 150 may be used to attach the fixing element to the charger 110 .

[0071] Alternatively, if Fig. 9 , 10A, 10B, 10C, 11A and 11B, the fixing element can be attached to the charger 110 by screwing the fixing ring 120 onto the charger 110. The fixing element 120 also includes an internal threaded portion 190, and the charger includes an external threaded portion 112. The fixing element 120 can be screwed onto the charger 110 before being inserted into the opening of the furniture.

[0072] The system 100 further includes a removable cover 130 having a top surface 131 and a bottom surface 132, the cover 130 being configured to cover the fixed element and conceal the charger 110 located inside the furniture F. Figure 2 , 3A , 3B, 4A and 4B, the fixing element 120 has a top recess 121 configured to receive the removable cover 130. The top recess 121 may contain an adhesive material 140 (such as a double-sided tape) Figure 2 Or 3A) for attaching the removable cover to the fixed element. The adhesive properties of the adhesive material also allow the cover 130 to be removed from the fixed element when needed.

[0073] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 5B , the removable protective cover 130 may be a plate with square edges, and the square edges thereof match the square cross-section of the top recess 121 of the fixing element 120 . Fig. 6A , 6B In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6C , the protective cover 130 may have a truncated edge to match the truncated cross-section of the top recess 121 . Figure 5A or 5B square, Figures 6A-6C The truncated shape provides a larger contact surface between the protective cover and the recess 121 of the fixing element 120 and also facilitates the insertion of the protective cover into the top recess of the fixing element.

[0074] The adhesive element 160 may also function as a waterproof seal 160 between the bottom surface 122 of the lip 120 of the fixing element and the top surface S of the piece of furniture F adjacent the opening 200 ( Figure 4B ). The seal protects the electronic charger 110 embedded in the furniture F from water or other liquids that may accidentally spread on the top surface S.

[0075] like Figure 2 , 3A 4A to 6C, the fixing element includes an outer lip 122 for fitting against the edge of the opening 200 when the fixing element 120 is inserted into the opening 200. The outer lip can define different geometric shapes, such as a square lip ( Figure 5A or 6A), triangular or truncated lip ( Figure 4A , 4B or 6B) or rounded lip ( Figure 5B or 6C) to provide a smooth transition from the top surface of the fixing element to the top surface of the furniture, such as Figure 8C Other forms of the lip not shown may also be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0076] The charging smart device can be a mobile phone, such as a smart phone. Other electronic devices can also be charged using the system, such as a laptop or a power tool including a secondary induction coil. The smart device can also be a tablet, a tablet phone or other handheld device with wireless charging function and compatible with the charging system.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, the removable protective cover 130 can be made of a transparent material, such as plastic or glass, more preferably plastic. The advertising information 172 can be printed on a support 170, such as a paper or plastic disc, and attached to the bottom surface 132 of the transparent protective cover 130 by adhesive or non-adhesive means, and then the advertising information can be seen through the transparent protective cover.

[0078] Alternatively, if Figure 3A As shown, the advertising information 172 can be printed directly on the bottom surface 132 of the protective cover 130. Another option is to print or emboss the advertising information 172 on the top surface 131 of the removable protective cover. In this case, the protective cover does not have to be transparent.

[0079] The invention also relates to a method for installing a charging system for a smart device when the smart device is located above the charging system. The method comprises:

[0080] providing a fixing element configured to mate with an opening at a top surface of the furniture;

[0081] attaching the fixing element to a charger connectable to a power source for charging the smart device;

[0082] inserting the charger into the interior of the furniture through the opening until the fixing element fits into the opening and the charger is retained inside the furniture and below the top surface;

[0083] providing a removable cover having a top surface and a bottom surface and configured to cover the fixed element;

[0084] and

[0085] When the removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the method includes attaching the advertising information displayed on the support to the bottom surface of the transparent protective cover, the information being visible through the transparent protective cover; or

[0086] When the top surface of the removable cover includes advertising information, the method further includes covering the fixed element with the removable cover, and the information is then visible on the top surface of the transparent cover.

[0087] Preferably, the fixing element is attached to the charger using an adhesive material or by a screwing method as described above.

[0088] Preferably, the fixing element is attached to the edge of the opening by using an adhesive material or by clamping the fixing element to the edge of the opening.

[0089] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for replacing advertising information of a wireless charging system as defined herein or installed according to the method described herein. The method comprises:

[0090] a) removing the removable cover 130 and associated advertising information 170-172 from the fixed element 120; and

[0091] b) Repositioning the subsequent removable cover containing the relevant subsequent advertising information onto the fixed element.

[0092] Preferably, the method further comprises, before step b), removing adhesive material used to attach the removable cover to the fixed element, and repositioning new adhesive material before repositioning the subsequent removable cover.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown, in step a), the removable protective cover is removed using a removal tool. Preferably, the removal tool is configured to attach the protective cover by suction.

[0094] In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a kit for installing a plurality of wireless charging systems, each system displaying advertising information, the kit comprising:

[0095] at least one charger unit 110, each of which is connectable to a power source to charge a smart device, each of which is sized to be inserted into the furniture through an opening in a top surface of the furniture;

[0096] at least one fixing element unit 120, each fixing element unit being configured to match the opening, the fixing element being attached to the charger located inside the opening and below the top surface;

[0097] at least one removable cover unit 130 having a top surface and a bottom surface, each removable cover being configured to cover the fixed element 120;

[0098] Wherein when at least one removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the kit further comprises at least one advertising message 172 displayed on a support 170, the support 170 being attached to the bottom surface of the corresponding transparent protective cover, the message being visible through the transparent protective cover; or

[0099] wherein the top surface of the removable cover includes the advertising information; and

[0100] a removal tool 180 configured to remove each cover from its corresponding fixing element,

[0101] To replace the advertisement information with another advertisement information.

[0102] The invention allows to display advertising information on top of the charging system. This is particularly useful when the system according to the invention is installed in a public area, such as on a table in a restaurant, on a counter in a bar or pub, on a table in a conference room, on furniture in a hotel bedroom, etc. Thus, the owners of public areas offer their customers the possibility to charge the batteries of smart devices (smartphones) in the presence of public areas without the use of wires. The same owner can also sell commercial advertising space to third parties and the advertising information can be easily modified when the contract with the third party is changed or cancelled. With the kit disclosed herein, multiple wireless charging systems can be installed in public places, and the advertising information can be changed quickly and easily.

[0103] Although the exemplary and presently preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously implemented and employed, and the appended claims are intended to be interpreted to include such variations unless limited by the prior art. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Claims

1. A charging system for wirelessly charging a smart device when the smart device is placed above the charging system, the charging system comprising: A charger that can be connected to a power source for charging the smart device, the charger being sized to be inserted into the furniture through an opening on an upper surface of the furniture; a fixing element configured to be inserted into the opening from above the upper surface and to mate with the opening, the fixing element being attached to the charger; and a removable cover having a top surface and a bottom surface and configured to cover the fixed element and to be non-permanently retained by the fixed element; wherein the fixing element defines a top recess and an outer lip, wherein the top recess is configured to receive the removable cover and the outer lip is configured to fit over an edge of the opening in the upper surface of the furniture when the fixing element is inserted into the opening; wherein the removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the charging system further comprises advertising information displayed on a support, the support can be attached to the bottom surface of the transparent removable protective cover, and the advertising information is visible through the transparent removable protective cover; or The charging system includes the advertising information printed or embossed on the top surface of the removable protective cover.

2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the removable protective cover has a truncated shape matching a truncated cross-section of the top recess.

3. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the top recess includes an adhesive material for removably attaching the removable cover to the fixed element.

4. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer lip of the fixing element is attached to the furniture using an adhesive element or by clamping the outer lip to the opening.

5. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing element is attached to the charger by screwing the fixing element onto the opening of the furniture.

6. The charging system according to claim 5, wherein the fixing element further comprises an internal thread portion compatible with an external thread portion of the charger so as to screw the fixing element onto the charger.

7. The charging system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a waterproof seal disposed between the outer lip of the fixing element and an upper surface of the furniture adjacent the opening.

8. The charging system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing element defines a top square edge, a triangular edge, or a rounded edge that provides a transition from a top surface of the fixing element to an upper surface of the piece of furniture.

9. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing element is a ring, and the removable protective cover is a disc adapted to be inserted into a top recess of the ring.

10. The charging system of claim 9, wherein the ring is made of stainless steel, a composite material or a plastic material.

11. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the smart device is a mobile phone, a portable computer or an electric tool.

12. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The charger for charging the smart device includes an integrated primary coil for charging the smart device by electromagnetic induction when the smart device is placed above the charging system, and the smart device includes a secondary coil compatible with the integrated primary coil of the charger.

13. A method for installing a wireless charging system for a smart device when the smart device is located above the charging system, the method comprising: providing a fixing element configured to mate with an opening at an upper surface of the furniture; attaching the fixing element to a charger that can be connected to a power source to charge the smart device; Inserting the fixing element and the charger into the interior of the furniture through the opening until the fixing element fits into the opening and fixing the fixing element to the upper surface, and then placing the charger inside the furniture and below the upper surface; providing a removable cover having a top surface and a bottom surface and configured to cover the fixed element and to be non-permanently retained by the fixed element; wherein the fixing element defines a top recess and an outer lip, wherein the top recess is configured to receive the removable cover and the outer lip is configured to fit over an edge of the opening in the upper surface of the furniture when the fixing element is inserted into the opening; and Wherein the removable protective cover is made of a transparent material, the method further comprises attaching the advertising information displayed on the support to the bottom surface of the transparent removable protective cover, and the advertising information is visible through the transparent removable protective cover; or Wherein the removable protective cover includes the advertising information printed or embossed on the top surface thereof, the method further comprises covering the fixed element with the removable protective cover, and the advertising information is visible on the top surface of the removable protective cover. The method of claim 13 , wherein the fixing element is attached to the charger using an adhesive material.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the fixing element further comprises an internal threaded portion compatible with an external threaded portion of the charger, the step of attaching the fixing element to the charger comprising screwing the fixing element onto the charger.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the fixing element is attached to the edge of the opening by attaching it to the edge of the opening using an adhesive material or by clamping the fixing element to the edge of the opening.

17. A method for replacing advertising information of a wireless charging system as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12 or a wireless charging system installed according to any one of claims 13 to 16, the method comprising: a) removing the removable cover and the associated advertising information from the fixed element; and b) repositioning the subsequent removable cover containing the relevant subsequent advertising information onto the fixed element.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising before step b): Adhesive material used to attach the removable cover to the fixed element is removed and new adhesive material is repositioned before repositioning the subsequent removable cover.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein in step a), the removable cover is removed using a removal tool.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the removal tool is configured to attach the cover by suction.

21. A kit for installing a plurality of wireless charging systems, each system displaying advertising information, the kit comprising: at least one charger unit, each charger unit being connectable to a power source to charge a smart device, each charger unit being sized to be inserted into the interior of the furniture through an opening in an upper surface of the furniture; at least one fixing element unit, each fixing element unit being configured to be inserted into the opening from above the upper surface and to be mated with the opening, the fixing element being attached to the charger; at least one removable cover unit having a top surface and a bottom surface, each removable cover unit being configured to cover and be non-permanently retained by a corresponding fixed element; wherein the fixing element defines a top recess and an outer lip, wherein the top recess is configured to receive the removable cover and the outer lip is configured to fit over an edge of the opening in the upper surface of the furniture when the fixing element is inserted into the opening; wherein at least one of the removable protective covers is made of a transparent material, at least one advertising message on a support is displayed, the support is configured to be attached to a bottom surface of a corresponding transparent removable protective cover, and the advertising message is visible through the transparent removable protective cover; or wherein at least one of the removable covers includes the advertising information printed or embossed on the top surface thereof; and Optionally, a tool is included that is configured to remove the removable cover from the fixed element to replace the advertising information with another advertising information.

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