Removable Tether Pendant Docking for Secure Bedside Charging

The pendant nests within a docking station that has a recessed cavity, creating a parent-child relationship where the larger docking station contains the smaller pendant. This nesting arrangement provides a designated home for the pendant, reducing misplacement while maintaining portability when needed.

A tether acts as an intermediary element connecting the pendant to the docking station. This intermediary provides a physical link that prevents complete separation and loss, while still allowing the pendant to be removed and carried when necessary.

The locking mechanism transitions between static locked and unlocked states dynamically. When the tether is attached, the mechanism automatically locks to provide secure coupling. When the tether is removed, the mechanism unlocks to allow easy removal, adapting its state based on the tether's presence.

The locking mechanism is self-actuating based on the tether's attachment state. The tether itself triggers the locking action through mechanical interaction with the mechanism, eliminating the need for separate locking steps and making the secure coupling automatic rather than requiring manual intervention.

The inductive charging operates periodically rather than continuously. Power transfer occurs in intervals when the pendant is docked and needs charging, rather than maintaining constant power flow. This periodic operation reduces energy losses associated with continuous electromagnetic field generation and power transfer.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact charging (plugs and sockets) with inductive charging using electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates physical wear and connection issues while enabling wireless power transfer, though it introduces electromagnetic energy losses that are managed through controlled charging cycles.