Docking Connector Platform For Mobile Electronic Devices

Abstract

Docking platforms formed in one of the largest-surface-area surfaces (the back surfaces) of mobile electronic devices. Such a docking platform comprises a docking accessory cavity having a docking connection system comprising one or more docking connectors formed within the cavity, and optionally two or more electrical contacts within the cavity, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The cavities of the docking platforms are shaped to accommodate a broad range of docking accessories that are specially adapted to sit in a generally flush manner with the back surface of the mobile electronic device while attached to the docking connectors. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A docking platform formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device comprising:
 a docking connection system formed with the selected surface, the connection system constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to one or more docking accessories, the connection system further constructed and arranged to enable the docking accessory cavity to be open only at the selected surface.   
     
     
         2 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , further constructed and arranged to attach to a docking accessory without fixing any outer edges of the docking accessory. 
     
     
         3 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , further comprising two electrical contacts within the docking connection system, the contacts electrically connected to electronics within the electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system. 
     
     
         4 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , further configured and arranged to enable at least one of wireless data transmission or wireless power transmission between the docking accessory and the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         5 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , wherein the docking connection system forms a detachable mechanical connection with the docking accessory. 
     
     
         6 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , wherein the docking connection system forms a detachable magnetic bond with the docking accessory. 
     
     
         7 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , wherein the docking connection system comprises two docking connectors. 
     
     
         8 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , wherein the docking connection system comprises generally circular docking connectors. 
     
     
         9 . The docking platform of  claim 8 , wherein the docking accessory cavity is elongated. 
     
     
         10 . The docking platform of  claim 1 , wherein the selected largest-surface-area surface is substantially flush with an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system. 
     
     
         11 . A docking system comprising:
 a docking platform formed in a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device comprising:
 docking connection system formed with the selected surface, the connection system constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to one or more docking accessories, the connection system further constructed and arranged to enable the docking accessory cavity to be open only at the selected surface; and 
   a docking accessory constructed and arranged to form a detachable attachment to the docking connection system, the docking accessory further constructed to enable at least one of data or power transmission between the docking accessory and the mobile electronic device.   
     
     
         12 . The docking system of  claim 11 , wherein no outer edges of the attached docking accessory are fixed by the attachment. 
     
     
         13 . The docking system of  claim 11 , further comprising electrical contacts within the docking connection system, the contacts provide an electrically connection to electronics within the mobile electronic device and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system. 
     
     
         14 . The docking system of  claim 11 , wherein the docking accessory comprises an accordion capable of extending outward from the selected surface and retracting back toward the selected surface, the accordion distal end attached to the docking accessory body. 
     
     
         15 . The docking system of  claim 14 , further comprising a flex circuit formed within the accordion and connected between the electrical contacts within the docking accessory cavity and the docking accessory body. 
     
     
         16 . The docking system of  claim 11 , wherein the docking accessory comprises a connector located inward radially from the outer edges of the docking accessory. 
     
     
         17 . The docking system of  claim 11 , wherein the selected largest-surface-area surface is substantially flush with an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to the docking connection system. 
     
     
         18 . The docking system of  claim 11 , wherein the docking accessory is constructed and arranged to operate as a device selected from the group consisting of a battery, an electrophysiology sensor, a game controller, and a solar charger. 
     
     
         19 . A detachable docking accessory system for a mobile electronic device, comprising:
 a docking accessory body configured with electronics operable to transfer at least one of data or power between the accessory body and the mobile electronic device; and   a connector constructed to attach to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device.   
     
     
         20 . The docking accessory system of  claim 19 , further comprising a circuit configured to electrically connect the mobile electronic device and the docking accessory body.