A Durable Dock for Devices with a Specially Protected Connector

This patent describes a dock for electronic devices that features a unique, layered connector designed for improved durability and protection, using both rigid plastic and a flexible elastomeric sleeve.

What it covers

The patent describes a dock for an electronic device that includes a base designed to fit over part of the device's back surface and a tray to hold one side. The key feature is its 'dock connector arrangement.' This arrangement starts with a dock connector made of a first rigid plastic, containing electrical contacts. An elastomeric sleeve, which is a flexible material, is molded around the perimeter of this connector. Finally, a contact box, made of a second rigid plastic, is molded around the perimeter of the elastomeric sleeve. This entire connector assembly is then attached to the base or tray of the dock, providing a robust and potentially isolated connection.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover docks where the connector lacks an elastomeric sleeve molded around its perimeter.
• —Does not cover docks where the contact box is not molded around the elastomeric sleeve's perimeter.
• —Does not cover docks that do not have a base configured to fit over at least a portion of a back surface of the electronic device.
• —Does not cover docks that do not include a tray extending from the base for receiving one side of the electronic device.
• —Does not cover dock connectors made solely of rigid plastic or entirely of elastomeric material without the described layered structure.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in the multi-material, layered construction of the dock connector. By molding a flexible elastomeric sleeve around a rigid connector, and then encasing that in another rigid contact box, the design creates an 'isolated' and protected connection point that can withstand more stress than simpler designs.

Why it matters

This patent focuses on making the connection point of a dock more resilient. By using a combination of rigid plastics and a flexible elastomeric sleeve, the design aims to protect the electrical contacts from wear, impact, or environmental factors. This could lead to more reliable and longer-lasting docking accessories for various electronic devices, reducing common failure points.

Real-world examples

• 1.Charging docks for smartphones
• 2.Docking stations for tablets
• 3.Smart home hubs with device docks
• 4.Medical device charging cradles
• 5.Point-of-sale system docks