In-case computer charging system

Abstract

A case configured to enclose a portable electronic device includes a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current to flow to or from the device while enclosed in the case. The invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players. Typically the electrical contacts allow a battery in the case or in the device to be recharged while device is enclosed. An adaptor cable may be provided between the device and the electrical contacts so that the same or similar case may be used with different model devices from different manufacturers. For greater ‘universality,’ a voltage-changing adaptor cable may be provided within the case between the device and the electrical contacts. The system may further include a docking bay to receive the case, the docking bay having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case. Such a docking bay may take the form of a charging stand, a cart with one or more slots or compartments, or a locker with a door and a storage compartment.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 684,894, filed May 26, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to the recharging of portable electronic devices and, in particular to systems and methods for recharging such devices while enclosed in cases according to the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is becoming increasingly popular to provide schoolchildren with laptop computers which they obtain from a cart or locker in the classroom. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,008,621 and 6,218,796 show such storage carts. Some of these notebook computer carts are are also commercially available from various sources. [0004] One of the problems with these arrangements is that students, particularly younger children, can drop the computer while removing or returning the device from and to its storage compartment, thereby co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] Typically the electrical contacts allow a battery in the case or in the device to be recharged while device is enclosed. To reduce shorting, one or more of the electrical contacts may protrude from the case, or one or more of the electrical contacts may be recessed. One or more of the electrical contacts may be adapted to magnetically engage with a corresponding set of electrical contacts, and a light may be provided on the case or the docking station to indicating that electrical current is flowing to the device through the case.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with these arrangements is that students, particularly younger children, can drop the computer while removing or returning the device from and to its storage compartment, thereby costing the school considerable funds.

Problems may also arise in the wiring associated with plugging and unplugging the recharger, resulting in dead batteries or poor contacts.

The need remains, therefore, for a system which is relatively fool-proof in terms of charging, while, at the same time, protecting expensive devices such as laptop computers.

Images