as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication (o) Pub. No.: US 2006/0052144 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Mar. 9, 2006
`
`Seil et al.
`
`US 20060052144A1
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HO4M 1/00
`(52) U.S. Che cacsssscssnsssens enone 455/578.1; 455/903
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A holder, electrical supply, and optional RF transmitter unit
`to hold, supply power to, and receive a data signal from an
`operating electronic device when the device (e.g., MP3
`player) is held in the unit is disclosed. Electrical power
`enters the unit’s power acquisition portion (e.g., cigarette
`lighter adapter) from an external source and flows to the
`electronic device via the holder. A data signal from the
`electronic device is processed by an RF transmitter in the
`unit, and the resulting RF signal is broadcast by an antenna
`(e.g., gooseneck) that preferably forms a repositionable
`mechanical connection between the holder and the power
`acquisition unit.
`
`_— 500
`
`101
`
`(54) HOLDER, ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, AND RF
`TRANSMITTER UNIT FOR ELECTRONIC
`DEVICES
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Pasadena, CA
`(US); Jeffrey David Meyers, Rochester,
`NY (US); Vijendra Nalwad, Newbury
`Park, CA (US); Thorben Neu, Los
`Angeles, CA (US); Ernesto Victor
`Quinteros, Los Angeles, CA (US); Ian
`Sinclair, Indian Falls, NY (US); John
`F. Wadsworth, Los Angeles, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Bryan Cave LLP
`1290 Avenue of Americas
`New York, NY 10104 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`10/936,356
`
`Sep. 8, 2004
`
`APPLE 1107
`APPLE1107
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 1 of 23
`
`US 2006/0052144 Al
`
`FIG. 1
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 2 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`502
`
`3
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 3 of 23
`
`US 2006/0052144 A1
`
`FIG. 3
`
`4
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 4 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
`
`109
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`FIG. 4
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 5 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`504
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 6 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 6
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 7 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`102 ——»
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`FIG. 7
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`116
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`FIG. 8
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 8 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`102 —>
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`9
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 9 of 23
`
`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 9
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`US 2006/0052144 A1 x
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 10 of 23
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 11 of 23
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 12 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 12
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`Patent Application Publication Mar.
`
`9, 2006 Sheet 13 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 Al
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`FIG. 13
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 14 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 14
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 15 of 23
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 16 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 16
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`17
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 17 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 17
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 18 of 23
`
`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 18
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 19 of 23
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG. 19
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`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 20 of 23
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`FIG. 20
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`US 2006/0052144 Al
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 21 of 23 beOla
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 22 of 23
`
`US 2006/0052144 A1
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`FIG.22
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 9, 2006 Sheet 23 of 23
`
`US 2006/0052144 A1
`
`FIG. 23
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`

`

`US 2006/0052144 Al
`
`Mar. 9, 2006
`
`HOLDER, ELECTRICAL SUPPLY, AND RF
`TRANSMITTER UNIT FOR ELECTRONIC
`DEVICES
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001]
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0002] This invention relates to accessories for electronic
`devices, particularly audio devices (e.g., portable MP3 play-
`ers). More specifically,
`the invention relates to a holder,
`electrical (power) supply, and optional RF transmitter unit
`for electronic devices.
`
`[0003]
`
`2. Description of the Background
`
`[0004] Numeroustypes of electronic devices are known,
`many of whichare portable, for example, mobile (or cellu-
`lar) phones, laptop computers, and audio playback devices,
`for example, portable AM and FM radios, portable CD
`(compact disk) players, and portable MP3 (MPEG Audio
`Layer-3) players. The term “electronic device” should be
`broadly understood and includes electronic devices of all
`types and designs.
`
`[0005] MP3 format is a compressed format for digital
`music. Use of MP3 format reduces the size of digitized
`music files without degrading or distorting acoustic sound
`quality. Music is sometimes converted to MP3 format and
`made available on the Internet. Such MP3 files can be
`
`downloaded from the Internet using a computer and special
`software. A computer with the appropriate capability and
`software can convert digital music from a CD into MP3
`format. MP3 files are commonly played in three different
`ways: (i) MP3files can be played directly on a computerthat
`contains the requisite software, (ii) MP3 files can be decom-
`pressed and recorded onto a CD, which can then be played,
`and (iii) MP3 files can be played on an MP3player.
`
`[0006] Portable MP3 players are relatively small, light-
`weight devices that can interface with a computer. Typically,
`a user downloads MP3files from the Internet onto a com-
`
`puter and then loads the MP3 files onto the MP3player. The
`MP3player is connected to the computer’s parallel or USB
`port, which allows the MP3 player to interface with the
`computer and receive the MP3files.
`
`
`
`[0007] There are many portable MP3 players available,
`including those manufactured by Sony Corp., Philips Corp.,
`Audiovox Corp., and Apple Computer, Inc. (e.g., Apple
`Computer’s iPod MP3 player and iPod mini MP3 player).
`MP3 players rely on batteries for their portability and
`ypically utilize headsets or ear phones for user listening.
`Battery life is sometimes a problem. After a few hours of
`playing time, most MP3 players need an alternate power
`source, need to be charged, or need to have their batteries
`eplaced. Another limitation is that these MP3 players typi-
`cally playback soundfor only onelistenerat a time(e.g., via
`headset or ear phones). Even if the MP3playeris equipped
`with a speaker,
`the player’s small size and light-weight
`design limit the size of the speaker, which tends to make the
`speaker inadequate for transmitting music to a group of
`people, e.g., in a vehicle.
`
`[0008] MP3 player accessories that attempt to overcome
`these limitations are available, for example, units to supply
`powerto the MP3playerfor operation and/or charging(e.g.,
`Auto Kat For iPod With Dock Connector, Part No. F8V7058-
`
`APL, from Belkin Corp.) and FM transmission systems
`(e.g. TuneCast
`II Mobile FM Transmitter, Part No.
`F8V3080-APL, from Belkin Corp.). An FM transmission
`system when used in conjunction with an MP3player allows
`the user to play MP3 musicfiles stored on the MP3 player
`through an FM audio system so that one can listen and allow
`others to listen to the stored music. However, current FM
`transmission systems are often unstable and provide weak
`FM signals, which can result in loss of signal or constant
`static hiss in the background. In such known FMtransmis-
`sion systems, the FM signal strength is sometimes weakened
`or lost because of inefficient antenna design (e.g., concern-
`ing its size, shape, and/orlocation).
`[0009] Some known accessory units combine power sup-
`ply and charging circuitry with an FM transmission system.
`Some of these devices are capable of use in vehicles by
`means of a cigarette lighter adapter (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
`6,591,085, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/
`0058649, International Application Publication No. WO
`2004/0105 94,and International Application Publication No.
`WO 2004/008649). The current devices available, however,
`are often bulky, mechanically unstable,
`lack versatility,
`produce weak FM signals, yield noisy audio output from the
`FM receiver (e.g., audio output with noticeable hiss), and
`sacrifice user comfort and convenience. (All of the docu-
`ments,including patent documents and productspecification
`sheets, are incorporated herein in their entireties for all
`purposes.) Broadly speaking, accessories for electronic
`devices have included various features that attempt
`to
`improve reliability, stability, portability, and/or functional-
`ity. Some of these features include: multiple preset buttons
`for user convenience; concealed buttons under a single
`smooth resilient
`thin outside surface, which reduces the
`danger of dirt getting stuck between the buttons(as in, for
`example, some cell phones and microwave ovens); goose-
`necks, which allow for increased maneuverability of the
`devices; and swivel joints, which also allow for increased
`maneuverability of the devices.
`[0010] Despite all of this, however, the need still remains
`for a versatile holder and power supply unit, desirably with
`RF (e.g., FM)
`transmission capabilities,
`for electronic
`devices (e.g., MP3 players) so that one can easily utilize the
`full breadth of the capabilities of the electronic devices. In
`the case of MP3 players, such units desirably would allow
`the user (and desirably others also) to listen to the music
`stored on the MP3 players. The need also exists for such
`units that allow the electronic devices (e.g., MP3 players) to
`charge, even if the units contain no charging circuitry. The
`need also exists for such units that are stable, light-weight,
`have rigid but adjustable positioning elements, and/or are
`portable so that they can be used, for example, in vehicles.
`The need also exists for such units that, when designed for
`use in, for example,vehicles, can accommodate a variety of
`cigarette lighter outlets (power supplyoutlets), locations,
`and sizes and allow easy repositioning of the electronic
`device (e.g., MP3 player) for the comfort and convenience
`of the driver and/or passengers. The need also exists for such
`units that produce a stronger and cleaner(e.g., more accurate
`and/or lowernoise) signal, e.g., to provide or make possible
`a higher signal-to-noise ratio in the audio output. The need
`also exists for such units that are aestheticallypleasing to the
`eye, for example, that are sleek and modern looking. Finally,
`the need also exists for such units that are superior in
`comfort, convenience, and/or electrical capabilities when
`
`
`
`25
`
`25
`
`

`

`US 2006/0052144 Al
`
`Mar. 9, 2006
`
`mounting, powering, and/or otherwise using the units, but
`without sacrificing portability, stability, versatility, and/or
`aesthetics.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0011] An invention that satisfies one or more of those
`needs and overcomes one or more of those problems has
`nowbeen developed. Broadly, in one aspect, the invention
`concerns a holder, electrical supply, and RF transmitter unit
`to hold, supply power to, and receive a data (e.g., audio)
`signal (i.e., at least one data signal) from an electronic
`device (e.g., MP3 player) when the electronic device is
`being held in the unit and is operating; the unit being capable
`of converting the data signal to an RF signal and transmitting
`the RF signal to an RF receiver; power being available to the
`nit from a source external to the unit when the unit is being
`sed; the electronic device having at least one power input
`connector through which input power for the electronic
`device passes when the electronic device is held in the unit
`and is operating and at least one data signal output connector
`through which a data output signal passes from the elec-
`tronic device when the electronic device is held in the unit
`and is operating; the electronic device also having a top, a
`bottom, and a bottom portion extending from the bottom of
`the device towards the top of the device; the unit comprising:
`
`
`
`[0012]
`
`(a) an RFtransmitter;
`
`the RF
`(b) a holder for the electronic device,
`[0013]
`transmitter being mechanically coupled to the holder, the
`holder having a power coupling to transmit powerto the at
`least one powerinput connectorof the electronic device and
`also having a signal coupling to transmit the data output
`signal from the at least one data signal output connector of
`he electronic device to the RF transmitter, the RF transmit-
`er converting the data output signal (as is or as it may
`possibly have been modified prior to entering the RF trans-
`mitter) to an RF signal;
`
`(c) a poweracquisition sub-unit that is electrically
`[0014]
`coupled to the power coupling of the holder and thatis
`electrically and mechanically coupledto the external power
`source when the unit is being used to transmit power from
`he external power source to the power coupling of the
`holder; and
`
`
`
`(d) a connector mechanically coupling the holder to
`[0015]
`he power acquisition sub-unit, which connector comprises
`a semi-rigid elongate metallic antenna portion that allows
`he position of the holder to be semi-permanently adjusted
`elative to the position of the power acquisition sub-unit and
`hat is electrically coupled to the RF transmitter to receive
`he RF signal and radiate it so that it can be received by the
`RFreceiver.
`
`In another aspect, the invention concerns a holder
`[0016]
`and electrical supply unit to hold and supply power to an
`electronic device (e.g., MP3 player) when the electronic
`deviceis being held in the unit and is operating; power being
`available to the unit from a source external to the unit when
`
`the unit is being used; the electronic device providing a data
`(e.g., audio) output signal (i.e., at
`least one data output
`signal) whenthe electronic device is operating and having at
`least one power input connector through which input power
`for the electronic device passes when the electronic device
`is held in the unit and is operating; the electronic device also
`
`havinga top, a bottom, and a bottom portion extending from
`the bottom of the device towards the top of the device; the
`unit comprising:
`
`(a) a holder for the electronic device, the holder
`[0017]
`having a power couplingto transmit powerto theat least one
`power input connectorof the electronic device;
`
`(b) a poweracquisition sub-unit that is electrically
`[0018]
`coupled to the power coupling of the holder and that is
`electrically and mechanically coupled to the external power
`source when the unit is being used to transmit power from
`the external power source to the power coupling of the
`holder;
`
`(c) a connector mechanically coupling the holderto
`[0019]
`the power acquisition sub-unit, which connector comprises
`a semi-rigid elongate portion that allows the position of the
`holder to be semi-permanently adjusted relative to the
`position of the power acquisition sub-unit; and
`
`(d) wherein at least one of(i) and (ii) obtains (i.e.,
`[0020]
`exists, is the case, or is applicable):
`
`() the semi-rigid elongate portion of the con-
`[0021]
`nector comprises a gooseneck; and/or
`
`(i) the power acquisition sub-unit comprises a
`[0022]
`cigarette lighter adapter having a housing with a distal
`end(i.e., the end farther from the user when the power
`acquisition sub-unit
`is being inserted into a power
`source such as a cigarette lighter), a proximal end (ie.,
`the end closer to the user when the power acquisition
`sub-unit is being inserted into a power source such as
`a cigarette lighter), and a length running from the distal
`end to the proximal end, the distal end being adapted
`for insertion into and positioning within a cigarette
`lighter, the cigarette lighter having a depth and an inner
`circumference,
`the cigarette lighter adapter further
`comprising a deformable resilient member having an
`outer circumference, the deformable resilient member
`being mounted (semi-permanently or otherwise) on the
`cigarette lighter adapter near the distal end so thatits
`outer circumference is generally perpendicular to the
`length of the housing, the outer circumference of the
`deformable resilient memberbeinglarger than the inner
`circumference of the cigarette lighter so that pushing
`the distal end of the cigarette lighter adapter into the
`cigarette lighter causes the outer circumference of the
`deformable resilient member to bend away from the
`distal end of the cigarette lighter adapter and towards
`the proximal end ofthe cigarette lighter adapter while
`at least some of the deformable resilient member even
`after such deformation continues to push against the
`inner circumference of the cigarette lighter.
`
`In another aspect, the invention concerns a power
`[0023]
`acquisition unit for electrically coupling to an electronic
`device and that is electrically and mechanically coupled to
`an external power source when the unit is being used to
`transmit power from the external power source to the
`electronic device, the power acquisition unit comprising a
`cigarette lighter adapter having a housing with a distal end,
`a proximal end, and a length running from the distal end to
`the proximal end,the distal end being adapted for insertion
`into and positioning within a cigarette lighter (e.g.,
`the
`cigarette lighter of a vehicle), the cigarette lighter having a
`depth and an inner circumference,
`the cigarette lighter
`
`26
`
`26
`
`

`

`US 2006/0052144 Al
`
`Mar. 9, 2006
`
`adapter further comprising a deformable resilient member
`having an outer circumference,
`the deformable resilient
`member being mounted (semi-permanently or otherwise) on
`the cigarette lighter adapter near the distal end so that its
`outer circumference is generally perpendicular to the length
`of the housing, the outer circumference of the deformable
`resilient member being larger than the inner circumference
`of the cigarette lighter so that pushing the distal end ofthe
`cigarette lighter adapter into the cigarette lighter causes the
`outer circumference of the deformable resilient member to
`bend awayfrom the distal end ofthe cigarette lighter adapter
`and towardsthe proximalendofthe cigarette lighter adapter
`while at least some ofthe deformable resilient member even
`
`after such deformation continues to push against the inner
`circumference of the cigarette lighter.
`
`In another aspect, the invention concerns a power
`[0024]
`supply and support apparatus for an electromic device, the
`apparatus comprising the foregoing power acquisition unit
`and a support membercoupled to the power acquisition unit,
`he support member comprising a semi-rigid elongate por-
`ion that allows the position of the electronic device to be
`semi-permanently adjusted relative to the position of the
`power acquisition unit.
`
`
`
`
`
`In another aspect, the invention concerns a holder
`[0025]
`for an electronic device comprising an inner housing com-
`prising two or more inner housing sections and an outer
`piece that fits over the inner housing sections to hold the
`inner housing sections in closefitting alignment with each
`other,
`the holder also having a cavity for receiving and
`eleasably holding the electronic device,
`the electronic
`device having a top, a bottom, and a bottom portion extend-
`ing from the bottom of the device towards the top of the
`device, the cavity being defined byat least a bottom wall and
`a sidewall, the sidewall fitting around the electronic device
`to help retain the electronic device within the cavity.
`
`In another aspect, the invention concerns an RF
`[0026]
`transmission system comprising a gooseneck metallic mem-
`ber as the antenna, the gooseneck desirably (but not neces-
`sarily) also functioning as a structural (e.g., support) mem-
`ber.
`
`In other embodiments, one or more ofthe follow-
`[0027]
`ing preferably obtain (i.e., exist, are the case, or are appli-
`cable): the RF (radio frequency) transmitter (e.g., FM trans-
`mitter) is removably coupled to the holder and/or can be
`directly connected to the electronic device to receive a data
`output signal therefrom (i.e., at least one data output signal)
`for modulation (asis or as it may possibly be modified prior
`to modulation) onto a carrier wave; and/or the RF transmit-
`ter is at least partially or wholly within the holder; and/or the
`holder comprises an inner housing comprising two or more
`inner housing sections and an outerpiece that fits over the
`inner housing sections to hold them in close fitting align-
`ment with each other, optionally defining at least one inner
`cavity between the inner housing sections; and/or the RF
`transmitter is located in the inner cavity; and/or the holder
`has one or more controls for changing the carrier frequency
`on which the RF transmitter operates and the one or more
`controls (which comprise, e.g., buttons of any type) are
`located at
`least partially in the inner cavity; and/or the
`controls can be actuated through an opening in the major
`face of the outer piece; and/or the buttonsareall covered by
`a thin membrane, the membrane desirably carrying indicia
`
`on its outer surface to indicate the functions of the buttons;
`and/or the unit (e.g., the holder portion of the unit) has a
`display (e.g., an indicator light or a liquid crystal display
`(LCD))for indicating the function and/orstatus of the unit;
`and/or the holder has a cavity for receiving and holding at
`least the bottom of the electronic device; and/or the cavity is
`defined byat least a bottom wall and a sidewall, the sidewall
`fitting around at least the bottom portion of the electronic
`device to help retain the electronic device within the cavity;
`and/or the top of the sidewall extends up to 30 millimeters
`(preferably 5 to 25 millimeters) above the bottom wall of the
`cavity; and/or the holder comprises a shallow cavity (e.g.,
`the depth of the cavity being not more than one-third of the
`longer of the length and width of the cavity) for receiving
`and releasably holding the bottom portionof the electronic
`device, the electronic device whenin the holder being held
`only by its bottom portion; and/or the cavity is defined at
`least in part by one or more biasing members(e.g., deform-
`able members such as crush bars or spring-loaded balls in
`sockets) extending into the cavity(e.g., on the bottom wall,
`top wall, or sidewall of the cavity) that push against the
`electronic device when the electronic deviceis located in the
`cavity and that help retain the electronic device within the
`cavity; and/or the holder and/or its cavity has one or more
`protruding members(e.g., attached to the bottom wall and
`extending away therefrom) and the electronic device has one
`or more mating concavities (e.g., having their respective
`openings in the bottom of the device), the one or more
`protruding members extending into the corresponding mat-
`ing concavities of the electronic device when the electronic
`device is held in the unit, the protruding members being,
`e.g., alignmentpins or a power and/or signal coupling (e.g.,
`a male or female multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector); and/or
`the holder has a display for indicating the carrier frequency
`of the RF signal; and/orthe unit (e.g., the holder) hasatleast
`one control for changing the carrier frequency on whichthe
`RFtransmitter operates; and/or the unit (e.g., the holder) has
`one or more reprogrammable pre-sets, each one capable of
`being semi-permanently set to select a carrier frequency on
`which the RF transmitter can operate, the activation of any
`one ofthe presets causing the RF transmitter to operate on
`the carrier frequency to which that preset has been pro-
`grammed; and/or the semi-rigid elongate metallic antenna
`portion of the connector comprises a gooseneck; and/or the
`connector is mechanically coupled to the holder through a
`swivel joint; and/or the gooseneck is directly connected to
`the swivel joint; and/or the connector is directly mechani-
`cally connected to the power acquisition sub-unit; and/or the
`power acquisition sub-unit comprises a cigarette lighter
`adapter; and/or the cigarette lighter adapter comprises a
`housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a length
`running from the distal end to the proximal end, the distal
`end being adaptedfor insertion into and positioning within
`a cigarette lighter(e.g., the cigarette lighter of a vehicle), the
`cigarette lighter having a depth and an inner circumference;
`and/or the cigarette lighter adapter further comprises a
`deformable resilient member havingan outer circumference,
`the deformable resilient member being mounted (semi-
`permanently or otherwise) on the cigarette lighter adapter
`near the distal end so that its outer circumference is gener-
`ally perpendicular to the length of the housing; and/or the
`outer circumference of the deformable resilient memberis
`larger than the inner circumferenceof the cigarette lighter so
`that pushing the distal end of the cigarette lighter adapter
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`into the cigarette lighter causes the outer circumference of
`the deformable resilient member to bend away from the
`distal end of the cigarette lighter adapter and towards the
`proximal end of the cigarette lighter adapter while at least
`some of the deformable resilient member even after such
`
`deformation continues to push against the inner circumfer-
`ence ofthe cigarette lighter, thereby stabilizing the cigarette
`lighter adapter in the cigarette lighter; and/or the cigarette
`lighter adapter carries a retainer between the deformable
`esilient member and the distal end of the cigarette lighter
`adapterto fix the deformableresilient memberin position on
`he cigarette lighter adapter along the length ofthe cigarette
`lighter adapter; and/or the length of the cigarette lighter
`adapter is greater than the depth of the cigarette lighter so
`hat the proximal end of the cigarette lighter adapter is not
`within the cigarette lighter when the distal end of the
`cigarette lighter adapter is fully positioned within (ie.,
`pushed all the way into) the cigarette lighter; and/or the
`connector is coupled to cigarette lighter adapter near the
`proximal end of the cigarette lighter adapter; and/or the
`power acquisition sub-unit has an audio output connector,
`which preferably makes available an output signalthatis the
`same as or is derived from the data output signal from the
`electronic device; and/or the RF transmission system is
`capable of being (but
`is not necessarily) mechanically
`coupled to a structure in an environment(e.g., a cabinet, a
`vehicle, a building), the environment having an RFreceiving
`system (e.g., an audio system), the RF transmission system
`desirably being designed to transmit an RF signal to the RF
`receiving system; and/or the RF transmission system is
`designed to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a
`vehicle, the vehicle having an audio system andan electrical
`system, for supporting the RF transmission system and
`drawing powerfrom theelectrical system ofthe vehicle, the
`RFtransmission system being capable of transmitting an RF
`signal
`to the audio system; and/or the RF transmission
`system is designed to transmit an RF signal to the audio
`system of a vehicle; and/or the holder further comprises a
`cavity for receiving andreleasably holding an RFtransmitter
`and which has a connector to electrically couple the RF
`transmitter to the electronic device.
`
`[0028] As used herein, “vehicle” and the like should be
`broadly understood and refer to vehicles of all types and
`designs, including watercraft, aircraft (both lighter-than-air
`and heavier-than-air), automobiles, trucks, carriages, golf
`carts, motorcycles, etc.
`
`“couple,”“coupled,couples,”“cou-
`terms
`[0029] The
`pling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer
`to connecting two or more elements orsignals, electrically
`and/or mechanically, either directly or indirectly through
`interveningcircuitry and/or elements. Two or moreelectrical
`elements maybe electrically coupled, either direct or indi-
`rectly, but not be mechanically coupled;
`two or more
`mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, either
`direct or indirectly, but not be electrically coupled; two or
`more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled,
`directly or indirectly, but not be electrically coupled; etc.
`Coupling (whether only mechanical, only electrical, or both)
`maybe for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-
`permanentor only for an instant.
`
`and the like should be
`“Electrical coupling’
`[0030]
`broadly understood and include coupling involving any
`electrical signal, whether a power signal, a data signal, or
`mixture of the two.
`
`“Mechanical coupling” and the like should be
`[0031]
`broadly understood and include mechanical coupling ofall
`types.
`
`“Semi-permanently”and the like should be broadly
`[0032]
`understood andrefer to a position, coupling, etc. being able
`to be held until it is changed. For example, the connector
`may comprise a semi-rigid elongate metallic antennaportion
`that allowsthe position of the holder to be semi-permanently
`adjusted relative to the position of the power acquisition
`sub-unit. Thus, while keeping the power acquisition sub-unit
`in position, the semi-rigid elongate metallic antenna portion
`can be put into one position, which it holds untilit is put into
`another position, whichit then holds until changed from that
`second position, thereby twice semi-permanently adjusting
`the position of the holder relative to the position of the
`power acquisition sub-unit. Significant advantages of using
`a gooseneck as the connector include its being readily
`repositionable from one semi-permanentposition to another,
`which helps make units of this invention usablein virtually
`any vehicle, even though vehicles differ widely in what
`obstructions (knobs,
`levers, etc.) are located near their
`cigarette lighters, because the gooseneck and holder can be
`adjusted so easily to avoid those obstructions.
`
`
`
`
`[0033] As another example, the deformable resilient mem-
`ber(e.g., stabilizer 154 in,e.g., FIG. 9) maybe, but need not
`be, semi-permanently mounted on the cigarette lighter
`adapter (e.g., power acquisition sub-unit 102 of FIG. 9
`comprises a cigarette lighter adapter), ¢.g., the deformable
`resilient member may instead be permanently mounted.
`Thus, the deformable resilient memberis preferablyfixed in
`position on the cigarette lighter adapter but may be removed
`(e.g., byfirst unscrewing and removing nut 146and retain-
`ing washer 158), e.g., to replace the deformableresilient
`member.
`
`[0034] As another example,each oneof the pre-sets of the
`RFtransmission system maydesirably be semi-permanently
`set to select a carrier frequency on whichthe RF transmitter
`can operate. Thus, e.g., a pre-set can be set to a carrier
`
`frequency andit will hold (..e., correspondto) that frequency
`until that pre-set is reprogrammed to a different frequency.
`The term “pre-set” should be broadly understoodto include
`any type of mechanism (whether or not having moving
`parts) that allows information, such as a frequency,to be set
`and held in the mechanism for later use. The one or more
`pre-sets used in the present invention desirably are program-
`mable by the user but need not be (e.g.,
`they may be
`permanently set by the manufacturer and not be reprogram-
`mable by the user).
`
`
`
`“Semi-rigid” andthe like should be broadly under-
`[0035]
`stood and refer to a member being sufficiently flexible,
`pliable, etc. so that it holds a position and shape when not
`stressed but can be bent, twisted, etc., preferably without
`damaging the member. Thus, a semi-rigid memberispref-
`erably not so rigid that attempts to bend,twist, etc. it cause
`it to break, crack, etc. rather than bend, twist, etc. However,
`a wire itself would not be a semi-rigid elongate portion that
`allows the position of the holder to be semi-permanently
`adjusted relative to the position of the power acquisition
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`sub-unit because, amongotherreasons, a wire byitself is not
`rigid or strong enough to support and semi-permanently
`maintain in the desired position either the empty holder or
`the holder when holding the electronic device.
`
`[0036] The term “external power source” and the like
`should be broadly understood and refer to a source of
`electrical power outside of the item in question. For
`example, an external power source with respect to (Le.,
`outside of) the embodiments of this invention include a
`battery pack thatis not p