Mobile device expansion system
View Patent ↗An expansion device is provided for expanding the functionality of a mobile electronic device while in a mobile mode and/or in a desktop mode. The expansion device may be a media slice that provides multimedia functionality to a mobile electronic device. The media slice may be configured to receive an electromechanical interface from the mobile electronic device and to replicate the electromechanical interface for connecting to another expansion device, such as to a docking station or a port replicator. The expansion device and the mobile electronic device may be connected via a latch mechanism that easily couples and de-couples the devices. An expansion system is also provided that includes a support stand for providing orientation and support features for a computing device and/or an expansion device.
1. A media slice for a tablet PC, the media slice comprising:
an L-shaped body having a first leg portion adapted to overlie a first side of the tablet PC and a second leg adapted to overlie a second side of the tablet PC;
a media player;
an audio speaker in communication with the media player;
a first connector configured to connect with an expansion connector of the tablet PC and to permit the tablet PC to interact with the media player; and
a second connector configured to replicate the expansion connector of the tablet PC, the second connector electrically connected with the first connector to enable an expansion device connected to the second connector to interface with the tablet PC while the tablet PC is connected to the first connector;
wherein the second leg is configured to mate with a computer stand.
2. An expansion unit for providing expanded functionality to a tablet PC while bridging a connection from the tablet PC to a tablet PC stand, the expansion unit comprising:
a first peripheral device providing expanded functionality to the tablet PC when electrically connected to the tablet PC;
a first connector permitting the tablet PC to interface with the first peripheral device when the first connector is electrically connected to the tablet PC;
a second connector electrically connected to the first connector and permitting the tablet PC to interface with the tablet PC stand via the first and second connectors when the second connector is electrically connected to the tablet PC stand;
wherein the expansion unit is configured to be disposed between the tablet PC and the tablet PC stand when the first connector is electrically connected to the tablet PC and the second connector is electrically connected to the tablet PC stand;
wherein the expansion unit has an L-shaped cross section comprising a first leg and a second leg.
3. The expansion unit of claim 2 wherein said first leg is configured to be disposed between a first portion of the tablet PC and a first portion of the tablet PC stand and wherein the second leg is configured to be disposed between a second portion of the tablet PC and a second portion of the tablet PC stand.
4. The expansion unit of claim 3 including at least one speaker on said second leg.
5. A media slice for a tablet PC, the media slice comprising:
an L-shaped body having a first leg portion adapted to overlie a first side of the tablet PC and a second leg adapted to overlie a second side of the tablet PC;
a media player;
an audio speaker in communication with the media player;
a first connector configured to connect with an expansion connector of the tablet PC and to permit the tablet PC to interact with the media player; and
a second connector configured to replicate the expansion connector of the tablet PC, the second connector electrically connected with the first connector to enable an expansion device connected to the second connector to interface with the tablet PC while the tablet PC is connected to the first connector;
wherein the second leg is configured to mate with a computer stand, and
wherein said first connector is located on a first side of said second leg and said second connector is located on a second side of said second leg opposite from said first side.