INDUCTIVELY COUPLED CONSOLES

Abstract

Inductively coupled consoles and vehicle consoles with integrated primary coils, and apparatuses for charging, supporting, and securing portable computers with integrated primary coils are provided. Power is inductively coupled from a primary coil to a device containing a secondary coil, such as a PDA, cellular phone, rechargeable flashlight, remote control, power tool, or laptop computer. Primary coils may be integrated into consoles to charge devices containing secondary coils placed in the consoles. Primary coils may similarly be integrated into vehicle consoles. Inductively coupled consoles may be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils. Primary coils may also be integrated into an apparatus for charging, supporting, and securing a portable computer. Integrated primary coils may provide varying amounts of power.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/391,714 (filed on Feb. 24, 2009), which claims priority to U.S. provisional applications 61/031,132 (filed Feb. 25, 2008) and 61/142,557 (filed Jan. 5, 2009). All of the aforesaid applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

One of the problems associated with many of the electronic devices so common in today's world is the necessity for the cords and cables associated with the various electronic devices. Rechargeable cordless devices are a common alternative. These devices still require charging and the associated cords and cables to accommodate this charging.

Technology has been developed to address these limitations by providing an inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit dynamically seeks resonance and optimizes power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary device with a secondary coil. This power transfer can occur under multiple, varying load conditions. By using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to match the needs of the secondary devices being supplied with power. The circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously.

SUMMARY

Intelligent, inductively coupled power circuits have been developed to transfer power from a source to a device without the need for a wired connection. Primary coils inductively couple power to secondary coils integrated into devices such as laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate this inductive coupling technology into consoles and apparatuses for charging, supporting, and securing portable computers.

In one embodiment, primary coils are integrated into a console. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into the console in any position, number, and combination. The inductively coupled console may be installed in furniture seating.

In another embodiment, primary coils are integrated into a vehicle console. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into the vehicle console in any position, number, and combination. The vehicle console may be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils, such as a PDA, cell phone, and rechargeable flashlight. The vehicle console could be installed between seats, in the front dashboard control unit, or elsewhere in a vehicle.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for charging, supporting, and securing a portable computer is provided. One or more primary coils are integrated into one or more surfaces. Primary coils of low, medium, and high power can be integrated into the surface in any position, number, and combination. The apparatus includes means of securing the portable computer to the surface and means of attaching the surface to the interior of a vehicle.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled vehicle console;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled console installed in seating furniture;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a laptop computer and an apparatus for securing and inductively charging the laptop computer;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus for securing and inductively charging a laptop computer shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the laptop computer and apparatus for securing and inductively charging the laptop computer of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways.

As noted in the background section, technology has been developed that provides an intelligent, inductively coupled power circuit. This circuit dynamically seeks resonance and optimizes power transfer from a primary coil to a secondary coil in a secondary device. The circuit allows the primary coil to determine and provide the power needs of the secondary device. By using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to match the needs of the secondary devices being supplied with power. The circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously. Examples of the circuit and the operation of the circuit are contained in the following U.S. Patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,436,299; 6,673,250; 6,731,071; 6,806,649; 6,812,645; 6,831,417; 6,917,163; 6,975,198; 7,116,200; 7,118,240; 7,126,450; and 7,132,918.

Inductively coupled power circuits may be used to power and recharge cordless devices, including cell phones, PDAs, flashlights, laptop computers, and power tools. Each cordless device could have a secondary coil. The primary coil required to create the inductively coupled power circuit could be integrated into a console, vehicle console, or apparatus for securing, supporting, and charging a portable computer. An inductively coupled console could be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils. Alternatively, embodiments of an inductively coupled console may include a substantially flat surface with integrated primary coils that is integrated into furniture seating. Consoles may generally be installed near any type of seating or in an office or room environment. In a vehicle, an inductively coupled console may be installed between seats, as a center console in the front dashboard control unit, or anywhere else in the vehicle.

Primary coils may be low, medium, or high power. Low power primary coils provide up to about approximately 20 watts of power. Medium power primary coils provide between about approximately 20 and 100 watts of power. High power primary coils provide greater than about approximately 100 watts of power. Any number and combination of primary coils may be integrated into an inductively coupled console or surface of an apparatus for charging, securing, and supporting a portable computer.

FIG. 1 illustrates a center console 10 for a vehicle and is preferably located in the front seat between the driver's side and the passenger's side of the vehicle. Console 10 is typically provided with dedicated communications device 12, which could be a radio, CB, navigation device, cassette player, or compact disc player. Below communications device 12 is holding area 14 for devices containing secondary coils, such as a cell phone or PDA 16 and flashlight 18. Other devices could of course be housed within holding area 14, limited only by the physical dimensions of holding area 14 and the devices housed.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, holding area 14 has one or more primary coils installed behind, beneath, above, or below that inductively couple power to secondary coils contained in devices. Console 10 is provided with small indicator lights 19 that illuminate when a device is receiving power inductively coupled from a primary coil. In embodiments with multiple primary coils installed, all of the multiple primary coils may be controlled by a single control circuit. Holding area 14 can be completely sealed due to the inductive nature of the power circuit, and so can alternatively be used as a general purpose holding area or cup holder when not in use as a charging area.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, console 10 is configured to receive and hold PDA 16 and flashlight 18. This could be accomplished by a friction fit, strap restraints, buckles, compartments, clips, or other means of securing devices in holding area 14. For embodiments installed in a vehicle, this will ensure devices remain in place during transit. Additionally, in embodiments of a vehicle console, the primary coils may draw power from the battery of the vehicle.

FIG. 2 illustrates theater-style seating 20 with a primary coil installed in center console 22. The individual seats in theater-style seating 20 tilt slightly toward center console 22. A person seated in theater-style seating 20 can charge a cell phone, PDA, or other handheld electronic device by placing the device on the top surface of center console 22. Additionally, remote control 24 can be charged through the primary coil such that an individual seated and using the remote control will not be inconvenienced by remote control batteries running out of power. Although FIG. 2 provides an embodiment in which an inductively coupled console is installed in theater seating, an inductively coupled console could also be installed in other seating furniture, including, but not limited to, recliner chairs, couches, sofas, loveseats, and office chairs. In embodiments with multiple primary coils installed, all of the multiple primary coils may be controlled by a single control circuit.

To facilitate proper placement, an outline of each charging area, along with logos, pictures, or other indicia, is preferably provided on the console surface. The outline may be illuminated, for example with LEDs. An indicator light may be located in the console surface for each primary coil location. More specifically, an indicator light may be embedded below the console surface and covered with a material that allows the light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. The indicator light may turn on when a device containing a secondary coil is placed over a respective primary coil and is charging.

An inductively coupled console installed in seating furniture could contain one or more depressions or compartments in which devices containing secondary coils rest or are secured, rather than a substantially flat surface on which devices rest. Such depressions or compartments could be concealed by an armrest or center armrest. For example, an armrest of a chair could open via a hinge or other mechanism to reveal an inductively coupled console that may have compartments for devices containing secondary coils.

Referring again to FIG. 2, power may be provided to console 22 through a battery or a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet. Console 22 provides the user the capability to power or recharge any number of devices equipped with the proper secondary coils. Power is provided by the primary coil or coils under the console surface in an unobtrusive fashion. Also, it should be understood that any number of recharging zones could be provided, with corresponding primaries coils located beneath them. It should be also be understood that the rechargeable devices shown are merely exemplary, and that a virtually unlimited number and variety of devices equipped with a proper secondary coil could be charged by the primary coils located in console 22.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a portable computer mount 32. Computer mount 22 may be attached to any structure, including, but not limited to, a vehicle, interior or exterior building wall, desk, podium, or table. Preferably, the computer mount is attached to the interior of a vehicle. FIG. 3 illustrates laptop computer 30 being held within computer mount 32. For simplicity, computer mount 32 is not shown attached to a structure. It should be understood that mount 32 is normally found within the interior of a vehicle, such as in a police car, to provide the driver access to laptop 30. Mount 32 may be positioned such that the driver is able to see and use laptop 30 while seated in the driver's seat. Mount 32 is a universal mount that allows for different sizes and shapes of laptops.

FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of the base 34 of mount 32, and is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,872, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Base 34 provides a reliable computer mount which can secure a laptop computer in place within a vehicle. Base 34 also provides a number of different adjustment features to accommodate a variety of laptops. Base 34 also has locking and releasing features that allow the laptop to be easily removed. As best seen in FIG. 5, primary coil charging surface 36 is coupled to base 34. The primary coil is located to correspond to the battery location of the laptop, and provides power to the secondary coil in the laptop. The mount base 34 and surface 36 provide a charging station and universal mount for laptop 30. The primary coil could also be embedded in base 34 rather than integrated into charging surface 36. Additional primary coils could also be integrated into surface 36 or base 34. These additional primary coils could be configured to charge PDAs, cell phones, or other electronic devices that could also be secured to mount 32 along with laptop 30. In embodiments with multiple primary coils installed, all of the multiple primary coils may be controlled by a single control circuit.

It should be appreciated that other means for securing and supporting a portable computer, such as different mounts or a friction fit are contemplated. Means for attaching a laptop and mount to a vehicle or other structure are also contemplated. Such means include mounting brackets and support arms, which could be bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to the vehicle or structure.

Referring again to FIG. 5, preferably the charging area for the primary coil intended to charge laptop 30 would be outlined, along with logos, pictures or other indicia, on surface 36. The outline may be illuminated, for example with LEDs. An indicator light may be located in the console surface for each primary coil location. More specifically, an indicator light may be embedded below the console surface and covered with a material that allows the light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. The indicator light may turn on when a computer containing a secondary coil is placed over a respective primary coil and is charging. Similar indicators could be present for other devices containing secondary coils, such as PDAs or cell phones, that receive power inductively coupled from additional primary coils integrated into surface 36.

If an apparatus for charging, securing, and supporting a portable computer is installed in a vehicle, the primary coils may be powered through the vehicle's battery or engine. If an apparatus is installed on or in a structure with access to an electrical outlet, for example an office building lobby wall or podium, the apparatus may be powered through a battery or a power cord plugged into an electrical outlet.

The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A seating unit comprising:

a seat portion including a seat bottom attached to a backrest;

an armrest coupled adjacently to the seat portion;

a primary coil that is integrated into to the armrest and that is connected to a power source, wherein the primary coil provides an inductive-power coupling to a device containing a secondary coil.

2. The seating unit of claim 1 further comprising, a compartment built into the armrest, wherein the armrest includes a hingedly attached portion that covers the compartment and that opens to provide access to the compartment and closes to conceal the compartment.

3. The seating unit of claim 2, wherein the primary coil is constructed into the compartment.

4. The seating unit of claim 1, wherein the armrest includes a substantially flat surface and wherein the primary coil is coupled beneath the substantially flat surface.

5. The seating unit of claim 1, wherein the primary coil is coupled to a power cord, which receives electricity from an electrical outlet.

6. The seating unit of claim 1 further comprising another seat portion, wherein the armrest and the primary coil are constructed into a center console positioned between the seat portion and the other seat portion.

7. The seating unit of claim 6, wherein the seat portion and the other seat portion are angled toward the center console.

8. A console for a seating unit, the console comprising:

a charging surface for supporting a device containing a secondary coil;

an armrest having an armrest surface positioned adjacent to the charging surface; and

a primary coil that is constructed below the charging surface and that is connected to a power source, wherein the primary coil provides an inductive-power coupling to the device containing the secondary coil.

9. The console of claim 8 further comprising, a compartment built into the armrest, wherein the charging surface is positioned inside the compartment and the armrest surface is above the charging surface.

10. The console of claim 9, wherein the armrest includes a hingedly attached portion that covers the compartment and that opens to provide access to the compartment and closes to conceal the compartment.

11. The console of claim 8, wherein the primary coil is coupled to a power cord, which receives electricity from an electrical outlet.

12. The console of claim 8 further comprising, an indicator light embedded below the charging surface that illuminates to indicate the primary coil is providing the inductive-power coupling.

13. A seating unit comprising:

a seat portion including a seat bottom attached to a backrest;

an armrest coupled adjacently to the seat portion, the armrest including a hingedly coupled portion comprising an armrest surface;

a compartment constructed into the armrest, wherein the hingedly coupled portion covers the compartment and opens to provide access to the compartment and closes to conceal the compartment;

a charging surface included in the compartment; and

a primary coil that is positioned beneath the charging surface and that is connected to a power source, wherein the primary coil provides an inductive-power coupling to a device containing a secondary coil.

14. The seating unit of claim 13, wherein the primary coil is coupled to a power cord, which receives electricity from an electrical outlet.

15. The seating unit of claim 13 further comprising another seat portion, wherein the armrest and the primary coil are constructed into a center console positioned between the seat portion and the other seat portion.

16. The seating unit of claim 15, wherein the seat portion and the other seat portion are angled toward the center console.

17. The seating unit of claim 13 further comprising, an indicator light embedded below the charging surface that illuminates to indicate the primary coil is providing the inductive-power coupling.

18. The seating unit of claim 13, wherein the primary coil is configured to provide the inductive-power coupling to a remote control.