Docking connector platform for mobile electronic devices

Abstract

A docking platform formed for detachable attachment to a largest-surface-area surface of a mobile electronic device. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory connection system having one or more docking connectors, and optionally two or more electrical contacts therein, the contacts electrically connected to an electronics assembly within the docking platform and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking accessory connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The docking platform may assist in providing interoperability between connected/linked docking accessories. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A docking system comprising:
 a platform adapted to couple to a mobile electronic device, the platform including a docking connector portion and a mating element, the mating element configured to connect to a side of the mobile electronic device; and   a docking accessory including a tapered body having a first end and a second end, the second end operatively coupled to the docking connector portion of the platform;   wherein the body of the docking accessory is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         22 . The docking system of  claim 21 , wherein the mating element includes a portion formed to attach to an edge of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         23 . The docking system of  claim 21 , wherein the mating element includes a portion formed to attach to a narrow side of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         24 . The docking system of  claim 21 , wherein the mating element includes a portion formed to attach to a rim of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         25 . The docking system of  claim 21 , wherein the docking connector portion is configured to attach to a back surface of the portable electronic device and the mating element is configured to extend over the side of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         26 . The docking system of  claim 21 , wherein the platform is configured to at least partially encase an edge of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         27 . The docking system of  claim 26 , wherein the tapered body is capable of extending outward from the platform and retracting back toward the platform. 
     
     
         28 . The docking system of  claim 27 , further comprising a mating component carried by the second end of the body of the docking accessory and configured to matingly engage a corresponding mating component of the docking connector portion of the platform, the mating component carried by the docking accessory and adapted to removably connect the tapered body to the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         29 . A docking system comprising:
 a platform adapted to couple to a mobile electronic device, the platform including a back portion and a side portion, the back portion configured to attach to a back surface of the mobile electronic device and the side portion configured to connect to a side of the mobile electronic device;   a docking accessory including a tapered body having a first end and a second end, the second end operatively coupled to the docking connector portion of the platform, the body of the docking accessory being movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration;   wherein the back portion and the side portion of the platform form a removable attachment to the mobile electronic device.   
     
     
         30 . The docking system of  claim 29 , wherein the side portion is formed to extend over the side of the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         31 . The docking system of  claim 29 , wherein the tapered body is capable of extending outward from the platform and retracting back toward the platform. 
     
     
         32 . The docking system of  claim 29 , further comprising a mating component carried by the second end of the tapered body of the docking accessory and configured to matingly engage a corresponding mating component of the back portion of the platform, the mating component carried by the docking accessory and adapted to removably connect the tapered body to the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         33 . A docking system comprising:
 a platform adapted to removably couple to a mobile electronic device, the platform including a central portion and a mating connection, the mating connection arranged to at least partially encase a side of the mobile electronic device; and   a docking accessory constructed and arranged to removably connect to the central portion of the platform, the docking accessory including a tapered body having a first end and a second end, the second end operatively coupled to the central portion of the platform;   wherein the body is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.   
     
     
         34 . The docking system of  claim 33 , wherein the mating connection is formed to extend over the side of the mobile electronic device to detachably couple the platform to the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         35 . The docking system of  claim 33 , wherein the tapered body is capable of extending outward from the platform and retracting back toward the platform. 
     
     
         36 . The docking system of  claim 33 , further comprising a mating component carried by the second end of the tapered body of the docking accessory and configured to matingly engage a corresponding mating component of the central portion of the platform, the mating component carried by the docking accessory and adapted to removably connect the tapered body to the mobile electronic device.