MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE CHARGING AND NETWORKING SYSTEM AND METHOD
Systems and methods for charging and/or networking mobile computing devices. A cart for storing, charging, and/or networking mobile computing devices. A portable interface between a mobile computing device and a cart. A docking station module having a plurality of docking stations.
1 . (canceled)
2 . A mobile computing device charger comprising:
a frame; and
at least one module positioned within the frame, wherein the at least one module includes a plurality of docking stations, the at least one module including:
a body including:
a first surface configured to be in apposition to a portion of a mobile computing device, wherein the first surface includes at least one power connector configured to mate with a mobile computing device power receiving connector; and
a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface configured to be in apposition to a portion of the frame, wherein the second surface includes a power connector configured to provide a power connection to a power supply system automatically as the mobile computing device is positioned in one of the plurality of docking stations.
3 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the frame includes a cart.
4 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the first surface includes:
at least one network connector configured to mate with a mobile computing device network connector, wherein the second surface includes a mobile computing device charger network connector to provide a network connection to the charger automatically as the mobile computing device is positioned in one of the plurality of docking stations.
5 . The charger of claim 4 , wherein the network connection includes a connector disposed within individual ones of the plurality of docking station, the connector having a beveled leading edge to help guide the connector into a receiving connector in the mobile computing device.
6 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the at least one module is configured to be removed from the frame.
7 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the plurality of docking stations includes a key such that the mobile computing device is positioned in the docking station in only one direction.
8 . The charger of claim 7 , wherein the key includes a patterned slot that corresponds to a profile of the mobile computing device.
9 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the at least one module includes a lock.
10 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the at least one module includes a status indicator light configured to alert a user if the mobile computing device is fully docked.
11 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the at least one module includes a status indicator light configured to alert a user if the mobile computing device is partially docked and needs to be repositioned.
12 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the mobile computing device is a laptop computer.
13 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the mobile computing device is tablet computer.
14 . The charger of claim 2 , wherein the power connector is mounted to the frame via a flange having at least one aperture for receiving a connector, wherein the aperture is configured to allow for relative movement between the flange and the connector to facilitate alignment between the power connector and the power receiving connector.
15 . The charger of claim 14 , wherein the connector does not include a locking tab, such that the connector can be completely connected and disconnected to the receiving connector in the mobile computing device by applying a force only to the mobile computing device.
16 . A mobile computing device charger comprising:
a cart;
at least one module positioned within the frame, wherein the at least one module includes a plurality of docking stations, the at least one module including:
a body including:
a first surface configured to be in apposition to a portion of a mobile computing device, wherein the first surface includes at least one power connector configured to mate with a mobile computing device power receiving connector; and
a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface configured to be in apposition to a portion of the frame, wherein the second surface includes a power connector configured to provide a power connection to a power supply system automatically as the mobile computing device is positioned in one of the plurality of docking stations.