# 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.

- **Patent:** US 12737006
- **Original title:** Dock with isolated dock connector and methods of making and using
- **Granted:** 2026
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** consumer_electronics, telecommunications, mechanical

## What it does

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 does NOT 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.

## 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

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does A Durable Dock for Devices with a Specially Protected Connector cover?

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.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What problem does this patent solve?

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.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover docks where the connector lacks an elastomeric sleeve molded around its perimeter.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737006/dock-with-isolated-dock-connector-and-methods-of-making-and-using

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12737006

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._