BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to mobile phone docking stations.

2. Technical Background

A docking station provides an electrical connection, such as an electrical power connection, or a physical electronic data connection, to a separate device, such that the separate device may connect to the electrical connection. The docking station physically supports the device when it is electrically connected to and mounted on, or "docked with", the docking station.

3. Discussion of Related Art

Prior art Figure 15 shows a disclosure which forms part of European Registered Design Number 000015649-0003, which is a docking station for use in hands-free kits for cellular phones. The design provides little protection for the cellular phone against damage if the docking station falls off a surface, for example. The design appears to make no provision for storage space. The design discloses no connectivity with USB storage devices. The design discloses no pairing function between the docking station and a mobile phone through a wireless connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile phone docking station programmed with software, the docking station comprising a microphone and a speaker, the docking station including a cradle operable to receive a mobile phone, wherein the software is operable to pair the docking station with the mobile phone through a wireless connection, and to provide hands free calling from the docking station in connection with the mobile phone using the wireless connection, the microphone and the speaker.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile phone docking station comprising a container, a lid and a cradle for receiving a mobile phone.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile phone docking station comprising a drawer.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile phone docking station comprising a cradle operable to receive a mobile phone, the cradle including a connector operable to form a data connection between the mobile docking station and the mobile phone when docked, the mobile docking station further including a USB connector operable to connect to a USB connectable storage device, wherein the mobile phone when docked is connectable via the docking station to the USB connectable storage device. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile phone docking station programmed with software, the docking station comprising a speaker and a cradle operable to receive a mobile phone, wherein the software is operable to pair the docking station with the mobile phone through a wireless connection, and to receive music track content data from the mobile phone in connection with the docking station using the wireless connection, and to play music corresponding to the music track content data using the speaker.

Further aspects of the invention are described in the dependent Claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an example of a docking station, which is docked with a mobile phone. An open front draw and an interchangeable drawer insert to a side of the docking station are shown.

Figure 2 shows an example of a docking station in a closed configuration so as to protect a mobile phone within from mechanical impact.

Figure 3 shows the docking station of Figure 2 from a different viewing point.

Figure 4 shows the docking station of Figures 2 - 3 from a different viewing point. Figure 5 the docking station of Figure 1, which is docked with a mobile phone. A front draw is closed.

Figure 6 shows the docking station of Figure 5, which is not docked with a mobile phone. A front draw is closed.

Figure 7 shows the docking station of Figure 1, which is not docked with a mobile phone. An open front draw and an interchangeable drawer insert to a side of the docking station are shown.

Figure 8 shows a front view of an example of a docking station in a closed configuration so as to protect a mobile phone within from mechanical impact.

Figure 9A shows a front view of an example of a docking station in a closed configuration so as to protect a mobile phone within from mechanical impact. Dimensions are indicated in mm by way of example.

Figure 9B shows a side view of an example of a docking station in a closed configuration so as to protect a mobile phone within from mechanical impact. Dimensions are indicated in mm by way of example.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an example of a docking station, which is not docked with a mobile phone. A front draw is closed.

Figure 11 shows a side view in cross section of an example of a docking station, which is not docked with a mobile phone. A front draw is closed.

Figure 12 shows a front view of an example of a docking station, which is not docked with a mobile phone. A front draw is closed.

Figure 13 shows a table of parts which correspond to the parts numerals in Figures 11- 12. Figure 14A shows an example of a docking station lead-in bezel (eg. a USB bezel) of a mobile phone from a rear perspective view; the mobile phone is operable to dock with a docking station. The tapered shape of the bezel may facilitate connection with a port (eg. a USB port) such as a plug (eg. a USB plug) provided at the base of a similarly tapered cradle. Such facilitated connection may reduce the opportunity for scratching a case of the mobile phone on a plug.

Figure 14B shows a front perspective view of the docking station lead-in bezel (eg. a USB bezel) of a mobile phone of Figure 14A.

Figure 15 shows a prior art disclosure from European Registered Design Number 000015649-0003.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is provided a mobile phone docking station programmed with software, the docking station comprising a microphone and a speaker, the docking station including a cradle operable to receive a mobile phone, wherein the software is operable to pair the docking station with the mobile phone through a wireless connection, and to provide hands free calling from the docking station in connection with the mobile phone using the wireless connection, the microphone and the speaker. Examples are shown in Figures 1-12.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein pairing with the mobile phone occurs in response to receiving the mobile phone in the cradle.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein pairing and wireless link establishment between the docking station and the mobile phone are carried out automatically, without user intervention.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein when pairing has occurred, hands free calling is provided after the mobile phone is removed from the docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein when a hands free call is in progress, the hands free call is not interrupted when the phone is removed from the docking station. The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein hands free calling is provided totally through the wireless connection.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the docking station includes a button operable to reset the wireless connection.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the docking station includes an optical indication of a status of the wireless connection. The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the optical indication is an illumination state of a light emitting diode.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the wireless connection is a short range wireless connection.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the short range wireless connection is a Bluetooth connection. The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the Bluetooth connection is a Bluetooth Class 2 connection.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the microphone and the speaker are integral to the mobile phone docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the microphone and the speaker are directed orthogonally.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein a speaker is tuned by the software for voice reproduction when reproducing voice, and is tuned by the software for music reproduction when reproducing music.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the mobile phone docking station is operable to receive volume control commands from the mobile phone.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the cradle comprises a port for charging the mobile phone.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the port is a micro USB port.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the mobile phone docking station comprises a connector input for power input. There is provided a mobile phone docking station comprising a container, a lid and a cradle for receiving a mobile phone. Examples are shown in Figures 1-12.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the mobile phone docking station is arranged to provide the cradle in a first configuration operable to receive a mobile phone in response to opening the lid, wherein the mobile phone docking station is operable to move the cradle into a second configuration in which to house the mobile phone within the container in response to closing the lid. The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the cradle is arranged to hold the mobile phone securely in the second configuration.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the cradle is designed to protect parts of the phone that have precious materials, and prevent damage to phone.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the lid is operable to rotate 90 degrees between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the lid is closed by a latch when the lid is in a closed configuration.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein in the first configuration the cradle is operable to receive the phone at an angle in the range of 60 to 70 degrees to a general horizontal plane of the container.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the container is a box.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the cradle has a tapered shape. There is provided a mobile phone docking station comprising a drawer. Examples are shown in Figures 1-12. The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the drawer includes interchangeable drawer inserts.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein when the drawer is in a closed configuration, the drawer is held in place by a friction retainer so as to oppose opening of the drawer.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the drawer includes a handle that is stowable within a front face of the drawer.

There is provided a mobile phone docking station comprising a cradle operable to receive a mobile phone, the cradle including a connector operable to form a data connection between the mobile docking station and the mobile phone when docked, the mobile docking station further including a USB connector operable to connect to a USB connectable storage device, wherein the mobile phone when docked is connectable via the docking station to the USB connectable storage device. Examples are shown in Figures 1-12.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the mobile phone docking station is operable to permit data communication between the mobile phone and the USB connectable storage device to be controlled by software on the mobile phone.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the mobile phone docking station is only operable to provide a data connection to the USB connectable storage device when a mobile phone is docked with the mobile phone docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the USB connector is provided in a direction perpendicular to a direction of a major face of a mobile phone when docked to the mobile phone docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the USB connector is a USB type A socket connector. There is provided a mobile phone docking station programmed with software, the docking station comprising a speaker and a cradle operable to receive a mobile phone, wherein the software is operable to pair the docking station with the mobile phone through a wireless connection, and to receive music track content data from the mobile phone in connection with the docking station using the wireless connection, and to play music corresponding to the music track content data using the speaker. Examples are shown in Figures 1-12.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein when pairing has occurred, music playing is provided after the mobile phone is removed from the docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein when music playing is in progress, the music playing is not interrupted when the phone is removed from the docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein music playing is provided totally through the wireless connection.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the speaker is integral to the mobile phone docking station.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the mobile phone docking station comprises a further speaker, wherein the further speaker is oriented to face in a direction opposite to a facing direction of the speaker.

The mobile phone docking station may be one wherein the further speaker and the speaker are mounted on opposite sides of the mobile phone docking station.

Note

It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred example(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth herein.

APPENDIX

Technical specifications for an example docking station are given below. Dimensions:

212.9 x 215.7 x 192.7 (mm) when Closed; 212.9 x 247.5 x 369.8 (mm) when Open.

Materials

• Piano finish wood.

· Hard wearing Gold or Chrome coloured metalwork.

• Alcantara® inlays.

Mechanism

• Phone presentation cradle securely houses the phone whilst closed.

· Hinged lid opens to 90 degrees and latches closed.

• Semi-visible internal mechanism presents the phone to the user at 65 degrees (from horizontal) when the lid is opened.

Detailing

· Porthole style speaker bezels.

• Friction drawer retainer.

• Nautical style drawer handle.

Electronics

· Bluetooth 2.1 for conference calling and music streaming.

• Cradle mounted Micro USB dock for charging.

• Side plate with: 4mm jack input for power; USB type A connector for external USB device; Bluetooth reset button with LED.

• Cradle with: Gold plated edge connector for mobile phone charging and data communication (specific for Chairman Mobile Phone)

• 2x 4W side mounted Visaton speakers, tuned for voice and music reproduction. Integral forward facing microphone for conference calling.

Function requirement

• Bluetooth specification v2.1 + EDR compliant

• Bluetooth Class 2, communication range up to 10-meter range

• Complete 2.4GHz Bluetooth system

· Blue color LED w/ pairing switch for Bluetooth communication status indication

• Provides hands free communication by Bluetooth link when using mobile phone

1. When phone docking on the box:- A. The pairing process and Bluetooth link establishment will be carried out automatically, of box name "Chairman" and PIN code of "0000".

B. The LED will be turned on for successful pairing and phone is docked on the box phone holder. The Box is available for Bluetooth hands free speakerphone.

2. When phone is not docked:- a) The Box can provide hands free speakerphone function when the phone is not docked but pairing is done.

3. The hands free speakerphone function can not be interrupted when phone is removed from docking mode to non-docking mode while the phone conversation or music play is being carried out.

4. Phone conversation and music play are totally through the established Bluetooth link for the Box and mobile phone

5. The voice/ music volume will be adjusted by mobile phone control.

6. The Chairman box Bluetooth speaker phone should provide noise reduction and echo cancellation for the best hand free speakerphone voice quality.

7. Audio SNR should be higher than 95dB ( On PCBA level)

8. The Chairman box can play the music from mobile phone through Bluetooth link that support audio codec, SBC and MP3 by A2DP and built in stereo CODEC. 9. Automatic / Manual call pick up, mute and mute disable, call hang up, volume up and down, incoming call rejection, last call redial, voice call dialing etc. will be controlled by the Chairman phone. Further Explanation of Function

The supplied 32Gb USB memory will be plugged into the side of the dock. The phone will then be able to back up all of its contents to the USB memory. Subsequent to this the backed up data may then be copied back to this or another phone. You can use the speakers for music and can also use them with the microphone as a hands free kit.

The cradle is designed specifically in a way to protect the parts of the phone that have precious materials, and protect damage to phone.

When closed, it stops the phone moving (e.g. if it was on your yacht or jet).

Its unique that the phone presents itself to you at the appropriate angle. It is a new hinge mechanism type in that it holds a phone or electronic device.

The accessories drawer is unique on a docking station.

Interchangeable drawer inserts allow the accessories to be placed at the top once the instructions have been read.

Data Communication

The external USB type A connector is provided on the Box for mobile phone and external USB device ( such as USB memory ) only when phone is docked on the Box. The data communication between Chairman phone and external USB device is controlled by Chairman phone software.

Mobile phone charging • When sitting the mobile phone on to the gold edge connector (docked) on the phone holder, the phone will be on phone charging mode and charge up the phone battery.

· Charging current 500mA

• Indication of charge status will only be available on Chairman phone

Standard Compliance · The Chairman box (completed unit ) should fully comply the related product standard, Bluetooth specification v2.1 +EDR compliant, FCC and CE related standard.

• The provided USB power adaptor should required safety requirement for UL, CE etc..

· ESD / EMC compliance

Accessories Drawer

• Removable 2 tier accessory drawer with space for the accessories supplied with the phone:

• Interchangeable drawer tiers with integral Alcantara® accessory protection (included in the drawer)

• 32GB USB Memory drive for phone data mirroring

• Power supply with EURO, UK, USA / Japan, Australia, IEC adapters

· Polishing Cloth

• Quick Start User Guide

• CD-Rom containing: full user manual, software & drivers, extra ringtones, Ulysse Nardin phone and watch range details

• Battery Cover and SIM Eject Tool

· 1.5m USB Cable with leather binding

• Warranty Card Certificate of Authenticity