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.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A docking accessory system, comprising:
 a mobile device platform comprising a recess and a first mating component carried by a, wherein the first mating component is disposed in the recess of the mobile device platform, wherein the first mating component is configured to receive a plurality of types of docking accessories, and wherein the first mating component comprises an aligning element configured to align the plurality of types of docking accessories;   a second mating component carried by a first docking accessory, the first docking accessory being of a first type from the plurality of types of docking accessories, and configured to engage the first mating component to removably connect the first docking accessory to the mobile device platform; and   a third mating component carried by a second docking accessory, the second docking accessory being of a second type from the plurality of types of docking accessories different from the first type, and configured to engage the first mating component to removably connect the second docking accessory to the mobile device platform,   wherein the first and second docking accessories are configured to be aligned on the mobile device platform using the aligning element of the first mating component.   
     
     
         22 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first mating component comprises a magnetic element configured to form detachable magnetic attachments to the second mating component and to the third mating component. 
     
     
         23 . The docking accessory system of  claim 22 , wherein the first mating component further comprises one or more mechanical connectors for further securing the first and second docking accessories to the mobile device platform. 
     
     
         24 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the aligning element is further configured to align at least the first docking accessory in a plurality of positions relative to the mobile device platform. 
     
     
         25 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a wireless accessory configured to transmit at least one of data and power to a mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         26 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the wireless accessory comprises at least one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and RFID reader. 
     
     
         27 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first mating component comprises an annular magnetic attachment system. 
     
     
         28 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first mating component comprises a disc-shaped magnetic element. 
     
     
         29 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is configured to transmit at least one of data and power to a mobile electronic device. 
     
     
         30 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first mating mechanism comprises a spring tab. 
     
     
         31 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first mating mechanism further comprises electronic contacts configured to transmit at least one of data and power to the first and/or second docking accessories. 
     
     
         32 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a flexible circuit disposed between a substantially flush mating surface of the first docking accessory proximal to the mobile device platform and an outer portion of the first docking accessory. 
     
     
         33 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is an extendable accessory configured to extent outward from the mobile device platform and to retract back to the mobile device platform. 
     
     
         34 . The docking accessory system of  claim 33 , wherein the extendable accessory comprises a tapered tubular accordion having a first end and a second end, the tapered tubular accordion movable for expanding and collapsing along a longitudinal axis of the first docking accessory. 
     
     
         35 . The docking accessory system of  claim 34 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a disk operatively coupled to the first end of the tapered tubular accordion, and wherein the second end at least partially surrounds the second mating component. 
     
     
         36 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first type of the plurality of types of docking accessories comprises a rotatable docking accessory configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the first docking accessory relative to the mobile device platform. 
     
     
         37 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first type of the plurality of types of docking accessories comprises a tiltable docking accessory configured to tilt at an angle relative to the mobile device platform. 
     
     
         38 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is one of a battery and a solar charger. 
     
     
         39 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is a speaker. 
     
     
         40 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory is a wireless audio device. 
     
     
         41 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a game controller. 
     
     
         42 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second docking accessory comprises a light source. 
     
     
         43 . The docking accessory system of  claim 21 , wherein the first and/or second type of the plurality of types of docking accessories comprises a slideably-adjustable docking accessory.