Electronic device cradle having replaceable latches

Abstract

A cradle for receiving an electronic device is capable of coupling to devices having different form factors. Multiple latches, each having a common mechanical connection mechanism to the common base, are provided for accommodating the multiple form factors. Each latch includes a clasp for coupling to the electronic device. In one embodiment, the latches include clasp arms of varying lengths to accommodate the multiple form factors. In another embodiment, the latches include geometrically dissimilar clasps for coupling to the multiple form factors. The latches are detachable from the body. When one latch is coupled to the body, the cradle is suitable for receiving an electronic device having a first form factor. When that latch is decoupled, and a second, different latch is coupled to the body, the cradle is suitable for receiving an electronic device having a second form factor. As such, a single base may be used with multiple electronic devices simply by changing latches.

1 . A cradle for an electronic device, comprising: 
 a. a body, the body comprising: 
 i. at least one pocket for receiving an electronic device; and  
 ii. at least one latch aperture; and  
   b. a latch, the latch comprising: 
 i. a clasp;  
 ii. a means for coupling to the body; and  
 iii. a clasp arm having a clasp arm length;  
   wherein the latch is detachable from the body.    
   
   
       2 . The cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the means for coupling to the body comprises: 
 a. a retention latch; and    b. a retention latch arm;    wherein the retention latch arm acts as a cantilever beam.    
   
   
       3 . The cradle of  claim 2 , wherein the latch further comprises a thumb release.  
   
   
       4 . The cradle of  claim 2 , wherein the latch further comprises a stabilizing support.  
   
   
       5 . The cradle of  claim 2 , wherein the latch further comprises a rear support for the electronic device.  
   
   
       6 . The cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a retention latch catch.  
   
   
       7 . The cradle of  claim 6 , wherein the body further comprises a latch guide.  
   
   
       8 . The cradle of  claim 7 , wherein the body further comprises a rear support recess.  
   
   
       9 . The cradle of  claim 7 , wherein the body further comprises a rotation support.  
   
   
       10 . A cradle and latch assembly, the assembly comprising: 
 a. a body, the body comprising: 
 i. at least one pocket for receiving an electronic device; and  
 ii. at least one latch aperture;  
   b. a first detachable latch, comprising: 
 i. a first clasp;  
 ii. a first means for coupling to the body; and  
 iii. a first clasp arm having a first clasp arm length; and  
   c. a second detachable latch, comprising: 
 i. a second clasp;  
 ii. a second means for coupling to the body; and  
 iii. a second clasp arm having a second clasp arm length;  
   wherein the first clasp arm length is unequal to the second clasp arm length.    
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the first means for coupling to the body is geometrically equivalent to the second means for coupling to the body.  
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second means for coupling to the body each comprise: 
 a. a retention latch; and    b. a retention latch arm;    wherein the retention latch arm acts as a cantilever beam.    
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the first clasp and second clasp are geometrically equivalent.  
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the first clasp and second clasp are geometrically dissimilar.  
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein both the first and second latches each comprise a thumb release.  
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein when the first detachable latch is coupled to the body, the body is capable of coupling to a first portable electronic device having a first form factor, further wherein when the second detachable latch is coupled to the body, the body is capable of coupling to a second portable electronic device having a second form factor.  
   
   
       17 . A detachable latch for securing a portable electronic device to a cradle, the latch comprising: 
 a. a clasp;    b. a means for coupling to a body;    c. a clasp arm having a clasp arm length;    d. a retention latch; and    e. a retention latch arm;    wherein the retention latch arm acts as a cantilever beam.    
   
   
       18 . The detachable latch of  claim 17 , wherein the clasp arm the clasp arm acts as a cantilever beam.  
   
   
       19 . The detachable latch of  claim 18 , wherein the clasp arm comprises a compound curvature.