Abstract: A case (100) can be configured to hold a portable computer (350) with a keyboard (351). In one embodiment, the case can include: (a) a base shell (120) having: (1) a base panel (121) with a first side (144); and (2) one or more pads (231) extending from the first side and positioned such that a bottom of the portable computer is capable of resting on the one or more pads; and (b) a cover shell (110) coupled to the base shell and configured to move between a first position relative to the base shell, in which a user cannot type on the keyboard of the portable computer while the portable computer is inside of the case, and a second position relative to the base shell, in which the user can type on the keyboard of the portable computer while the portable computer is inside of the case.

Abstract: A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes a stationary base station functioning as a connectivity hub and a removable connectivity hub functioning by itself as a travel connectivity hub. The removable travel hub can be plugged into the stationary base station by connecting an upstream port of the removable hub to a downstream port of the base station. Thus, a user of the connectivity hub achieves the functionality of a full-featured connectivity base station as well as that of a small, easily transportable travel hub without having to purchase multiple units.

Abstract: Some embodiments can concern an apparatus configured to provide electrical power received from at least a first electrical outlet or a second electrical outlet. The apparatus can include: (a) a housing; (b) at least two electrical outlets at the housing; (c) an electrical coupler at least partially enclosed by the housing and electrically coupled to the at least two third electrical outlets; (d) a first prong adapter configured to removably couple to the electrical coupler and the first electrical outlet; (e) a second prong adapter configured to removably couple to the electrical coupler and the second electrical outlet. The first prong adapter can be configured to receive a first electrical power with a first voltage from the first electrical outlet when the first prong adapter is coupled to the first electrical outlet.

Abstract: A charging station is provided for charging portable electronic devices. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station includes a surge protector located within the charging station. 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.

Abstract: A connectivity system capable of use with a desk having a surface containing an aperture includes a grommet and a connection hub. The grommet has an interior surface. The connection hub includes a connection port and a perimeter. The surface of the desk defines a first plane that forms a division between a first side of the first plane and a second side of the first plane. A portion of the perimeter of the connection hub is spaced apart from the interior surface of the grommet such that the perimeter and the interior surface define a passageway therebetween through which a cable may be passed from the first side to the second side of the surface of the desk.

Abstract: Embodiments of electrical grommet devices, and methods of use and manufacture are generally described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, an electrical device comprises a casing comprising: a grommet comprising one or more first apertures and an insertion portion; and a connection mechanism capable of being coupled to the grommet. The electrical device further comprises one or more electrical components located at least partially within the casing, and one or more electrical connectors located at least partially within the casing and coupled to the one or more electrical components. The insertion portion of the grommet can be removably placed in a grommet hole from a first side of the grommet hole, and the grommet can be removably coupled to the connection mechanism at a second side of the grommet hole opposite the first side.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a charging station configured to provide electrical power to one or more portable electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cord management device. The method includes: (a) providing a power strip; (b) physically and electrically coupling a power cord to the power strip; (c) providing a stationary portion, providing the stationary portion includes: (1) providing a first wall; (2) providing two or more slots in the first wall configured to contain a first portion of a single electrical cord; and (3) providing a second wall spaced part from the first wall, the first wall and second wall defining a first space there between; (d) providing a cover; (e) hingedly attaching the cover to the stationary portion, thereby defining a second space; (f) integrating the power strip into the second space; and (g) locating a portion of the power cord in the first space.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an electrical power delivery system including: (a) a base having: (1) a first surface; and (2) a second surface spaced apart from the first surface by a first sidewall; (b) a platform extending away from the second surface of the base, the platform having a third surface spaced apart from the second surface by a second sidewall; (c) a first electrical power outlet at the third surface; (d) a second electrical power outlet at the second sidewall; and (e) an electrical power cord. The first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet are electrically coupled to the electrical power cord such that the first electrical power outlet and the second electrical power outlet receive electrical power from the electrical power cord when the electrical power cord receives electrical power.

Abstract: A charging station is provided for charging portable electronic devices. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station includes a surge protector located within the charging station. 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.

Abstract: A connectivity hub enabling multiple peripheral devices to be connected with a computer includes an integrated clip adapted to grip cables and to grip an edge of a work surface, thereby reducing cable clutter and providing for a more efficient use of work surface space. The connectivity hub includes a curved portion manufactured from a flexible and springy material, enabling a user to apply pressure to increase the distance between two edges of the clip in order to insert cables into the clip or to slide the clip over an edge of a work surface, or both.

Abstract: A charging station is provided for charging portable electronic devices. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the charging station includes a surge protector located within the charging station. 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.

Abstract: An article having a support base and multiple nodules arranged in an array can be placed under part of a laptop computer to promote cooling of the computer. Nodules may be spaced to hold cords or may contain slots for cords. There may be one or more rows of modules which may be off set and may vary in height. Materials may be selected to conduct heat. Methods include obtaining or providing articles, advertising use under laptop computers, and selling the articles.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are provided for managing cables, wires, and cords, and more particularly, to organize and route cables and wires in various directions. For example, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a cable clip with a rigid circular base and a flexible dome-shaped head, wherein the base includes a central aperture and an adhesive layer covered by a protective film on one side and is integrated with the dome-shaped head on the other side. The dome-shaped head has a plurality of slots that extend radially across the head and intersect with one another, forming an opening. In one embodiment, each slot has circular shaped arcuate openings on opposites sides creating first and second transit paths for a cable or wire. The resulting dome-shaped head has a plurality of retaining arms that receive cables, retains them, and can be attached to a surface by a variety of methods.

Abstract: A connectivity system capable of use with a desk (199) having a surface containing an aperture (120) includes a grommet (210, 610, 1010, 1210) and a connection hub (220, 620, 1020, 1220). The grommet has an interior surface (212, 612, 1012, 1212). The connection hub includes a connection port (221, 621, 1121, 1321) and a perimeter (222, 622, 1022, 1222). The surface of the desk defines a first plane (150) that forms a division between a first side (160) of the first plane and a second side (170) of the first plane. A portion of the perimeter of the connection hub is spaced apart from the interior surface of the grommet such that the perimeter and the interior surface define a passageway (310, 710, 720, 1070, 1080, 1270) therebetween through which a cable may be passed from the first side to the second side of the surface of the desk.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a cable management device is configured to support one or more electrical devices. The cable management device can include: (a) a housing defining an interior space and having one or more apertures extending from an exterior of the housing to the interior space; and (b) one or more electrical outlets located in the interior space of the housing. The housing can include: (a) a stationary portion with a support mechanism; and a cover hingedly attached to the stationary portion. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a surge protector includes: (a) an electrical connector configured to receive electrical power; (b) one or more receivers configured to receive input via wireless signals; (c) at least one first switch electrically coupled to the electrical connector; (d) one or more first electrical outlets; and (e) one or more second electrical outlets electrically coupled to the electrical connector. In these embodiments, each switch of the at least one first switch is electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more first electrical outlets and at least one of the one or more receivers. The at least one first switch is configured to turn on or turn off the electrical power to the one or more first electrical outlets based on the input received by the one or more receivers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus to carry a portable device comprises a brace body, an adjustment mechanism coupled to the brace body, and a locking mechanism coupled to the brace body. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the apparatus for an adjusted fit and to retain the adjusted fit for the apparatus when not in use. The locking mechanism is configured to conform to a locked state to configure the apparatus for a bracing fit and to conform to an unlocked state to configure the apparatus for a relaxed fit. The bracing fit is configured to brace the apparatus at a usage position, and the relaxed fit permits positioning of the apparatus relative to the usage position.