CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/378,932 filed on October 10, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless charging stations have become increasingly common in a wide range of settings. Wireless charging stations allow electronic devices to charge by merely resting on or above a charging surface of the charging station. Magnetic fields generated by transmitters disposed below the charging surface induce corresponding currents in receivers (of the electronic devices being charged) that have a corresponding inductive coil. The induced currents are used by the electronic device to charge its internal battery. It is also common for the transmitter to be fixed on a lower surface of a table or desk and a marker placed on the upper surface of the table or desk, with the marker indicating w here to position the electronic device such that the coils of the transmitter and receiver are sufficiently aligned.

[0003] In conference rooms and multipurpose seating areas, there is often a need to have multiple wireless charging stations available. Prior art multi-charging station systems typically employ cables sufficiently long to accommodate the highest number and furthest spaced apart charging station configuration which can be reasonably anticipated. If it is desired to employ a smaller number of charging stations, or if it is desired to more position the charging stations close to one another (e.g., due to the use of a smaller conference table), then the excess cable becomes an entanglement hazard. Further, many traditional wiring methods require the use of multiple AC sockets. A need exists in the art for a modular solution that allows for flexible placement of a variable number of wireless power transmitters without the need for separate power cables for each wireless power transmitter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention disclosed herein is generally directed to a modular wireless charging system capable of providing users the flexibility of adding or reducing the number of wireless charging transmitters utilized in a defined space while minimizing excess cable that would otherwise need managed. The disclosed modular wireless charging system allows improved flexibility when addressing electronic device charging needs in a defined space, such as office conference rooms.

[0005] A modular wireless charging system exemplifying the principles of the present invention can comprise at least three wireless charging transmitters and at least two multi-leg cables. Each multi-leg cable may include a connector receptacle and first and second legs, with each leg having a connector plug. One of the connector plugs of a first multi-leg cable is configured to engage the connector receptacle of a second multi-leg cable, thereby creating a linkage between the first and second multi-leg cables. The other connector plug is configured to engage one of the wireless charging transmitters.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will recognize the benefits conferred by the modularity of the above-described embodiments. On the other hand, the multi-leg cables such as seen in the figures can be placed in a configuration most closely matching that designed for the particular charging station arrangement desired, while minimizing excess cable that would otherwise need to be tied off and managed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below; are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages in accordance with the present invention:

Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of the modular wireless charging system of the present invention.

Figure IB illustrates another embodiment of the multi-leg cable of the modular wireless charging system of the present invention.

Figures 2A-2C illustrate an embodiment of the locking mechanism of the connectors on the multi -leg cable of the modular wireless charging system depicted in Figure 1 A.

Figures 3A-3C illustrate an embodiment of the locking mechanism of the plug adapters of the modular wireless charging system depicted in Figure 1A.

Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary linear configuration of the modular wireless charging system of the present invention.

Figure 4B illustrates an exemplary branched configuration of the modular wireless charging system of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the modular wireless charging system of the present invention whereby the system provides power to an additional device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Further, the tenns and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forw ard.

[0009] As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms “including,” “having,” or “featuring,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, right and left, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Herein various embodiments of the present invention are described. To avoid redundancy, repetitive description of similar features may not be made in some circumstances. [0010] A modular wireless charging system embodying features of the present invention is shown in Figure 1A. The modular wireless charging system 1 may comprise a wireless charging transmitter 3, a power converter 5, a multi-leg cable 15, adapter 30, and optionally one or more cable clamps 60. In a preferred embodiment, a modular wireless charging system embodying features of the present invention will include at least three wireless charging transmitters 3 and at least tw o multi-leg cables 15.

[0011] Wireless charging transmitters 3 can be any number of conventional or future developed transmitters. This wireless charging transmitter 3 may be attached to the undersurface of a desk or table via adhesive, fasteners, or any other suitable means of attachment known in the art. Wireless charging transmitter 3 will have a power receptacle 4 through which power is supplied to the transmitter. As used herein, “receptacle” means the receiving portion of an electrical connector, while “plug” means the pin or inserting portion of the electrical connector which is inserted into the receptacle. Regardless of whether a connector is described as a “plug” or “receptacle,” both may sometimes be referred to generically as a “connector type.” In the embodiment pictured in Figure 1A, the wireless charging transmitter 3 features a 3.5 mm power receptacle (i. e. , will receive a 3.5 mm power plug), but those skilled in the art will readily understand that the connectors used in the invention can be any number of conventional or future developed power connectors, including but not limited Barrel Jack, Terminal Block or Header connectors.

[0012] Power converter 5 accepts the conventional AC wall power (e.g., 120V AC) and outputs 24V DC power. Power converter 5 will typically include a cable terminating in a plug connector 6. In the illustrated embodiment, plug connector 6 has a 5.5 mm OD plug.

[0013] Referring to Figures 1A and IB, the multi-leg cable preferably features two legs. In one embodiment, each multi-leg cable 15 has a base connector receptacle 18, a short branch leg 20, and a long branch leg 21. Both branch legs terminate in a connector plug 17. In the illustrated embodiment, both base connector receptacle 18 and connector plug 17 have a 5.5 mm connector type. In the Figure 1A embodiment, short branch leg 20 is approximately 12” in length while long branch leg 21 is approximately 48” in length. However, Figure IB suggests how in other embodiments, the cable lengths of each leg of the multi-leg cable (numbered as long branch legs 21) can be of equal length.

[0014] The modular wireless charging system 1 may also employ adapter 30 which operates to convert one connector size or type to another to accommodate a wireless charging transmitters 3 having varying receptacle sizes. For example, the illustrated adapter 30 has a 5.5 mm connector receptacle 32 and a 3.5 mm connector plug 31, which allows it to connect the 5.5 mm plug 17 of the multi-leg cable 15 to the 3.5 mm receptacle of the wireless charging transmitter 3.

[0015] The cable clamp 60 is adapted to prevent the legs 20, 21 of the multi-leg cables 15 from sagging when running along the undersurface of a desk or table. In the depicted embodiment, the cable clamp 60 has a half-sphere body with a cable channel 61 formed in the sphere designed to retain the legs 20, 21. Cable clamp 60 may be attached to the undersurface of a desk or table via adhesive or any other suitable means of attachment known in the art.

[0016] As seen in Figures 2A to 2C, locking mechanism 40 may be employed to secure the cable connections described herein. Locking mechanism 40 includes locking lug 41 on one connector and locking channel 42 and channel inlet 43 on the other connector. As suggested in the figures, locking lug 41 will enter locking channel 42 via channel inlet 43. and then relative rotation of the connectors will move locking lug 41 into a position where it cannot be withdrawn from locking channel 42. Figures 3A to 3C suggest how the same locking mechanism 40 is employed on adapter 30, allowing adapter 30 to securely connect to connector plug 17 on the multi-leg cables 15. A skilled artisan will readily recognize that any other suitable locking mechanism may be used, such as magnetic or threaded engagement. [0017] Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, the multi-leg cables 15 can be positioned to create a variety ⁷ of wireless charging system configurations. Figure 4A illustrates a linear configuration where the power converter 5 is positioned at the end of the table and all four wireless transmitters 3 are connected in a single line extending from the power converter 5. In this configuration, the power converter 5 connects to a first multi -leg cable 15A while the short branch leg 20A connects to wireless charging transmitter 3A via an adapter 30 (not shown). The long branch leg 21A of first multi-leg cable 15A extends to connect to the second multileg cable 15B. The short branch leg 20B again connects to a wireless changing transmitter 3B. Then long branch leg 21B again extends to connect to a third multi-leg cable 15C. Finally, the multi-leg cable 15C has both its short branch leg 20C and its long branch leg 21C engaging the wireless charging transmitters 3C and 3D, respectively.

[0018] Figure 4B illustrates a branched configuration where the power converter 5 can be in the middle, with one multi-leg cable 15 connected to the power converter 5 and then powering two wireless transmitters 3 connected to a first branch and two wireless transmitters 3 connected to a second branch. In the Figure 4B configuration, a first multi-leg cable 15A connects to power converter 5, while the short branch leg 20A connects to a second multi-leg cable 15B, and long branch 21A extends to connect to a third multi-leg cable 15C. Short branch leg 20B and long branch leg 21B of second multi-leg cable 15B connect to wireless charging transmitters 3A and 3B, respectively. Similarly, short branch leg 20C and long branch 21C of third multi-leg cable 15C connect to wireless charging transmitters 3C and 3D. respectively.

[0019] Although not specifically illustrated in Figure 4B, it can readily be understood how an additional wireless charging transmitter 3 could be added to this configuration. A fourth multi-leg cable 15D would be connected to the long branch leg 21C. allowing transmitter 3D to be connected to the short branch leg 20D of this fourth multi-leg cable 15D, and a fifth wireless charging transmitter 3E to be connected to the long branch leg 2 ID of the fourth multi - leg cable 15D. Additionally, the multi-leg cables 15 may also be used in a pure extension cable format, where using a different number of cables can change the distance between the wireless transmitter and the power supply without excess amounts of cable that would need to be managed and tied off. [0020] Referring to Figure 5, the modular wireless charging system 1 may also be utilized to provide power to additional desk peripherals, such as a desk lamp 66.

[0021] Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, all obvious variations and modifications should be considered as following within the scope of invention. For example, while the illustrated multi-leg cables have a base connector receptacle (a first connector type) with connector plug (a second connector type) on the two branch legs, there could be embodiments with a base connector plug and connector receptacles on the branch legs. Similarly, while the illustrated adapter converts a first sized receptacle to a second size plug, alternative adapters could convert a first size plug to a second size plug, or a first size receptacle to a second size receptacle. Further, as illustrated in Figure 5, the system is not limited to powering wireless charging transmitters.