US 8545247

US Patent 8545247, titled "Dock for a portable electronic device," provides a solution for safely and easily docking portable electronic devices by incorporating an elastically deformable support for the connector.

Here's a concise summary of the patent:

• Title: Dock for a portable electronic device [cite: The provided patent text]
• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Ltd [cite: The provided patent text]
• Original Assignee: BlackBerry Ltd [cite: The provided patent text]
• Inventors: Leonardo Aldana, Ming-Lun Dave MA, Dietmar Frank Wennemer, Felipe Oliveira Simoes [cite: The provided patent text]
• Filing Date: 2012-02-15 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Issue Date: 2013-10-01 [cite: The provided patent text]
• Abstract: A dock for receiving a portable electronic device, including a housing comprising an aperture; a support coupled to an inner wall of the housing, a portion of the support being elastically deformable; and a connector received in the support and extending through the aperture for electrically communicating with the portable electronic device, wiring of the connector for transferring data to an electronic device; wherein the portion of the support elastically deforms in response to non-axial movement of at least a portion of the connector. [cite: The provided patent text]

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a dock for a portable electronic device. It includes a main body (housing) with an opening (aperture). Inside the housing, there's a flexible holder (support) that can bend. A connector, which handles power or data, sits in this flexible holder and pokes through the opening to connect with the portable device. A key feature is a ring-like part (collar) that surrounds the connector inside the housing. This collar stops the connector from moving too much side-to-side, but still allows it to tilt (pivot) slightly. The flexible holder is designed to bend and absorb movement when the connector is pushed or pulled from the side (non-axial movement). [cite: The provided patent text]

• Claim 12: This independent claim also describes a dock for a portable electronic device. It features a housing with an opening and a flexible support that includes a "spring component" inside a "support tray." This spring component has a channel (passage) for the connector, and this passage contains "ribs" that touch the connector. The spring component is designed to be flexible when the connector moves sideways (non-axially). A specific detail of this claim is that the ribs become thinner (their cross-sectional area is reduced) as they go from the top part of the spring component (near the housing's opening) to the bottom part. [cite: The provided patent text]

• Claim 13: This claim outlines a dock similar to Claim 1, with a housing, an aperture, a support, and a connector. However, it specifically adds a "pad" within the support. This pad is designed to be flexible and absorb movement when the connector is pushed or pulled straight into or out of the dock (axial movement). The broader support structure, as in Claim 1, still deforms elastically in response to sideways (non-axial) movement of the connector. [cite: The provided patent text]

• Claim 14: This claim describes a "connector assembly" which is a component designed to be installed into a larger dock. This assembly includes a support that has a flexible "spring component" inside a "support tray." The spring component has a channel (passage) for a connector. The claim specifies that this passage has "ribs" that touch the connector. A distinctive feature here is that the cross-sectional area of these ribs decreases from the top end of the spring component (which would be near the housing's opening in a dock) to its bottom end. [cite: The provided patent text]

• Claim 15: This claim also describes a "connector assembly" for a dock. It includes a support with a "collar," where a part of the support is designed to be flexible. It also has a connector housed within this support. The key feature is that the flexible part of the support deforms elastically, allowing the connector to both move sideways (non-axial translation) and tilt (pivot) relative to the collar. This flexibility helps the connector align with the portable electronic device. [cite: The provided patent text]

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
No specific litigation involving US patent 8545247 was found in the CAFC 2026 dockets. The search results provided general information on patent-related cases in the Federal Circuit for 2026, but no direct mention of this particular patent.

As of April 26, 2026, the following litigation involving US patent 8545247 is known:

1. PTAB Case (Inter Partes Review)

• Case Number: IPR2026-00005
• Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Plaintiff(s): Unified Patents (implied, based on the source "Unified Patents PTAB Data")
• Defendant(s): Malikie Innovations Ltd (current assignee of US8545247)
• Filing Date: 2026 (implied by case number IPR2026-00005)
• Outcome or Current Status: Settlement

2. US District Court Case

• Case Number: 2:24-cv-01490
• Jurisdiction: Washington Western District Court
• Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided information.
• Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided information.
• Filing Date: 2024 (implied by case number 2:24-cv-01490)
• Outcome or Current Status: Litigation (status not specified beyond being filed)

Proceedings overview

One AIA trial proceeding has been filed against US patent 8545247, which has been Terminated-Settled. This indicates that while the patent has not been subjected to a final written decision by the PTAB, the patent owner and petitioner reached a private agreement. Consequently, no claims were invalidated by the PTAB in this proceeding, leaving all claims of the patent untested by a final PTAB ruling and potentially still vulnerable to future challenges.

IPR2026-00005 — Nintendo Co., Ltd. et al. v. Malikie Innovations Ltd.

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2025-10-08
• Status: Terminated-Settled. This indicates that the parties involved reached a settlement agreement and the proceeding was concluded before a final decision on the merits of the patentability challenge.
• Judge panel: Information regarding the specific Administrative Patent Judges (APJs) assigned to the merits panel for this proceeding is not publicly available in the search results. Following USPTO policy changes effective October 20, 2025, the Director now initially decides whether to institute IPR and PGR trials, and only after institution is the petition referred to an APJ panel.
• Petition grounds: Specific details regarding which claims of US8545247 were challenged, the prior art asserted, and the statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) of the challenge are not explicitly detailed in the publicly available search snippets. The patent was part of a broader litigation campaign where Nintendo filed IPR petitions under "invalidation pressure".
• Institution decision: The proceeding was filed in October 2025, and by December 2025, the IPR petitions filed by Nintendo were still pending. Given the settlement and termination date of March 2, 2026, it is not definitively clear from the search results whether an institution decision was issued before the settlement, or if the settlement occurred prior to such a decision. The "Terminated-Settled" status means the proceeding concluded without a formal decision on institution or a Final Written Decision.
• Final Written Decision: Not issued, as the proceeding was terminated due to settlement.
• Settlement / termination: The proceeding was terminated as settled, with the last modification recorded on 2026-03-02. This settlement is understood to be part of a broader resolution between Malikie Innovations Ltd. and Nintendo Co., Ltd. that included the withdrawal of infringement claims and revocation counterclaims in parallel Unified Patent Court (UPC) litigation. The specific terms of the settlement are confidential.
• Appeal: Not applicable, as no Final Written Decision was issued to be appealed.
• Defensive value: This IPR did not result in any claims being invalidated by the PTAB, as it was settled. For a defendant currently facing assertion of this patent, this means that while the patent has not been "hardened" by surviving a full IPR trial, its claims also haven't been canceled by the PTAB. The petitioner, Nintendo, and any parties in privity with them, would be estopped under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) from challenging any grounds that were raised or reasonably could have been raised in this IPR. However, without knowing the specific grounds of the petition, the exact scope of this estoppel is difficult to ascertain.

Strategic summary

All claims of US8545247 are currently UNTESTED by a Final Written Decision from the PTAB. The sole IPR proceeding, IPR2026-00005, was Terminated-Settled between Nintendo Co., Ltd. and Malikie Innovations Ltd. on 2026-03-02, meaning no claims were formally challenged to a verdict by the PTAB. This leaves the patent's validity as determined by the original examination process, and its enforceability is not yet affected by any PTAB invalidation.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) would bar Nintendo and its privies from raising any patentability ground that was raised or reasonably could have been raised during IPR2026-00005. However, since the specific claims and prior art challenged in the petition are not publicly detailed in the provided information, the precise scope of this estoppel is unknown. For other potential defendants, prior-art grounds not implicated by IPR2026-00005 (or other prior art not available to Nintendo at the time) would still be available for challenging the patent.

The patent owner, Malikie Innovations Ltd., is a patent licensing firm that acquired a substantial portfolio from BlackBerry, and has been actively asserting these patents, including US8545247, against companies like Nintendo in multiple jurisdictions. The settlement in this IPR, alongside the withdrawal of claims and counterclaims in parallel UPC litigation, suggests a strategic resolution rather than a full legal victory or loss on the merits of patentability for either party. There are no other PTAB proceedings on file for this patent.

Recommended next steps

Since IPR2026-00005 was terminated due to settlement and no Final Written Decision was issued, no claims of US8545247 were invalidated by the PTAB in this proceeding. Therefore, there is no FWD to link to or quote for claim invalidation. All claims of the patent remain legally intact regarding PTAB challenges.

Given that no active PTAB proceedings are currently pending against US8545247, a defendant facing assertion of this patent would need to evaluate whether to initiate a new IPR. The absence of PTAB activity could be a signal that the patent has not been subjected to robust challenges, or it could reflect the patent owner's strategy of settling disputes before they reach a final PTAB decision. Due to recent changes in USPTO policy, institution decisions are now made by the Director, with an increased focus on discretionary denials, especially if the IPR appears to be a "second bite at the apple" after district court litigation or if the petitioner has a limited U.S. manufacturing footprint. This new policy landscape makes careful strategic consideration of a new IPR filing even more critical.

Inventors

• Leonardo Aldana: At the time of filing, employed by Research In Motion Limited (later BlackBerry Ltd).
• Ming-Lun Dave MA: At the time of filing, employed by Research In Motion Limited (later BlackBerry Ltd).
• Dietmar Frank Wennemer: At the time of filing, employed by Research In Motion Limited (later BlackBerry Ltd).
• Felipe Oliveira Simoes: At the time of filing, employed by Research In Motion Limited (later BlackBerry Ltd).

All named inventors were employed by Research In Motion Limited, the original assignee, at the time of filing the patent application. No unusual patterns of inventors departing the original assignee within 12 months of filing are evident from the provided information.

Original assignee

The original assignee of US Patent 8545247 was Research In Motion Limited, which later changed its name to BlackBerry Limited [cite: The provided patent text].

Research In Motion Limited (RIM), and subsequently BlackBerry Limited, was a Canadian multinational telecommunications company primarily known for developing the BlackBerry brand of wireless mobile devices, interactive pagers, smartphones, and tablets from 1999 to 2016. These products embodied the claims of the patent, which relates to a dock for a portable electronic device.

BlackBerry Limited transitioned to an enterprise software and services company specializing in secure communications and the Internet of Things (IoT) after ceasing in-house device design in 2016. As of the current date (May 25, 2026), BlackBerry Limited is an operating company focusing on cybersecurity enterprise software and services.

Assignment timeline

The correspondent information for these assignments could not be determined from the provided search results.

• 2012-06-21 (executed) / recorded 2012-06-27 — Reel 028456/0127

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: Aldana, Leonardo; Ma, Ming-Lun Dave; Wennemer, Dietmar Frank; Simoes, Felipe Oliveira (Inventors)
  • Assignee: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Original assignment from inventors to the company.

• 2013-07-09 (executed) / recorded 2013-08-28 — Reel 031122/0342

  • Conveyance: Change of Name
  • Assignor: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
  • Assignee: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Internal corporate name change.

• 2023-03-20 (executed) / recorded 2023-04-27 — Reel 063471/0474

  • Conveyance: Assignment
  • Assignor: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
  • Assignee: OT PATENT ESCROW, LLC
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Transfer of a patent portfolio from an operating company to an escrow entity as part of a sale.

• 2023-05-11 (executed) / recorded 2023-06-16 — Reel 064015/0001

  • Conveyance: Nunc Pro Tunc Assignment
  • Assignor: OT PATENT ESCROW, LLC
  • Assignee: MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LIMITED
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Transfer from an escrow entity to a patent monetization firm (NPE) as the ultimate purchaser.

• 2023-05-11 (executed) / recorded 2023-06-19 — Reel 064066/0001

  • Conveyance: Nunc Pro Tunc Assignment
  • Assignor: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
  • Assignee: MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LIMITED
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Direct transfer from the original operating company to the patent monetization firm (NPE), likely to confirm or correct the prior transfer chain.

• 2023-03-20 (executed) / recorded 2023-09-05 — Reel 064806/0669

  • Conveyance: Corrective Assignment
  • Assignor: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
  • Assignee: OT PATENT ESCROW, LLC
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Corrective assignment related to the initial transfer from BlackBerry to the escrow entity.

• 2023-05-11 (executed) / recorded 2023-09-05 — Reel 064807/0001

  • Conveyance: Corrective Assignment
  • Assignor: OT PATENT ESCROW, LLC
  • Assignee: MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LIMITED
  • Correspondent: Not determinable from provided search results.
  • Context: Corrective assignment related to the transfer from the escrow entity to Malikie Innovations Limited.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8545247
    2011 : Priority date
    2012 : Filed by Research In Motion Ltd
    2013 : Assigned to BlackBerry Ltd
         : Patent Issued
    2023 : Transferred to OT Patent Escrow LLC
         : Transferred to Malikie Innovations
         : Corrective assignments
    2024 : District Court case filed
    2026 : PTAB case filed

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Present.

   • Malikie Innovations Limited is described as an "IP holding company" and a "subsidiary of Irish patent monetization firm Key Patent Innovations Limited (KPI)". Its focus is "licensing these patents to both established players and new entrants". It is explicitly identified as a "non-practising entity (NPE)".
   • OT PATENT ESCROW, LLC appears as an intermediary, which is common in large portfolio sales to an NPE.
   • Evidence: Reel 064015/0001 (transfer to Malikie Innovations Limited recorded 2023-06-16), Reel 064066/0001 (transfer to Malikie Innovations Limited recorded 2023-06-19).

2. Known asserter in the chain — Present.

   • Malikie Innovations Limited is identified as an NPE and a subsidiary of Key Patent Innovations Limited (KPI), an "Irish patent monetization firm". KPI advertises three portfolios, including Malikie's former BlackBerry patents, and both Malikie and its sister entities (Pictiva, Valtrus) have become plaintiffs in US federal courts. Malikie Innovations is described as "active in patent assertions across multiple sectors".
   • Evidence: Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Ltd (per patent text). RPX Insight and ip fray articles confirm Malikie's role as an asserter.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Unclear. Correspondent information could not be determined from the provided search results, as specific USPTO assignment records with this detail were not returned.

4. Cascading transfers — Present.

   • Multiple assignments occurred in quick succession in 2023:
     • BlackBerry to OT Patent Escrow, LLC (executed 2023-03-20, recorded 2023-04-27).
     • OT Patent Escrow, LLC to Malikie Innovations Limited (executed 2023-05-11, recorded 2023-06-16).
     • BlackBerry to Malikie Innovations Limited (executed 2023-05-11, recorded 2023-06-19).
     • Corrective assignments in September 2023 (Reel 064806/0669 and 064807/0001) further demonstrate multiple transactions within a short period to finalize the transfer.
   • These transfers happened within a span of less than 6 months. This pattern is indicative of a structured portfolio sale to a monetization entity.
   • Evidence: Reel 063471/0474 (recorded 2023-04-27), Reel 064015/0001 (recorded 2023-06-16), Reel 064066/0001 (recorded 2023-06-19), Reel 064806/0669 (recorded 2023-09-05), Reel 064807/0001 (recorded 2023-09-05).

5. Pre-litigation transfer — Present.

   • The transfer to Malikie Innovations Limited was largely completed by June 2023. The US District Court case (2:24-cv-01490) was filed in Washington Western District Court in 2024, and the PTAB IPR2026-00005 case in 2026. While the district court case is more than 6 months after the recording of the assignment to Malikie, the overall pattern of the patent being transferred to a known NPE and then asserted shortly after (within a year of the transfer) strongly suggests the chain was arranged to enable assertion. RPX Insight reports that Malikie joined its sister entities in becoming plaintiffs in US federal courts after the acquisition.
   • Evidence: Transfers to Malikie Innovations Limited recorded June 2023 (Reel 064015/0001, Reel 064066/0001). US District Court case 2:24-cv-01490 filed in 2024 (per previous litigation summary).

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. BlackBerry Limited is an operating company, and the transfer was described as a sale of "substantially all of [BlackBerry's] non-core patents and patent applications", not a bankruptcy proceeding.

7. Privateering — Unclear. While BlackBerry sold its non-core patents to an NPE, there is no explicit information in the provided snippets stating that Malikie Innovations is asserting these patents on BlackBerry's behalf against BlackBerry's competitors. This type of arrangement often requires specific agreements not visible in public assignment records.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The chain ends with Malikie Innovations Limited, which is identified as a patent monetization firm (NPE).

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

This verdict is supported by multiple strong signals: the transfer to a known asserter (Malikie Innovations Limited, a subsidiary of Key Patent Innovations, identified as an NPE actively engaged in patent assertions), a clear shell-entity transfer from an operating company (BlackBerry) to this licensing-focused entity, and cascading transfers involving an escrow entity and multiple corrective assignments within a short period in 2023 (Reels 063471/0474, 064015/0001, 064066/0001, 064806/0669, 064807/0001). The subsequent filing of litigation in 2024 confirms the patent assertion strategy.

For verification, see the USPTO Assignment Center search page: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/ and search for patent number US8545247.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 8545247

To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 8545247, we examine the "Cited By" and "Citations" sections of the patent document itself. These sections list patents and non-patent literature that were considered by the patent examiner or cited by the applicant during prosecution. The "Citations" section specifically lists prior art cited against US8545247.

Here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art references, along with their publication/filing dates, brief descriptions, and potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102:

Prior Art Patents Cited Against US8545247

The following patents are cited as prior art in US8545247:

• US4940417A

  • Full Citation: US4940417A, Yazaki Corporation, "Connector device with fitting adjustment mechanism," published July 10, 1990. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 1990-07-10; Priority: 1988-06-24. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a connector device designed with a fitting adjustment mechanism to ensure proper engagement, particularly in multi-pin connectors. It focuses on facilitating engagement by allowing some degree of relative movement or adjustment between the connector parts.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US4940417A could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 related to a connector allowing movement or adjustment to facilitate engagement and prevent damage. Specifically, the "fitting adjustment mechanism" could be considered analogous to the elastically deformable support or ribs for accommodating misalignment. The ability to adjust fitting might anticipate the non-axial movement and pivoting aspects.

• US5513995A

  • Full Citation: US5513995A, Fujitsu Ltd., "Electrical connecting arrangement for establishment of electrical connections of electronic printed circuit boards detachably mounted in cabinet," published May 7, 1996. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 1996-05-07; Priority: 1993-08-13. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes an electrical connecting arrangement for printed circuit boards that are detachably mounted in a cabinet. The focus is on reliable electrical connection when inserting and removing boards.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US5513995A might anticipate general concepts of connecting electronic devices within a housing, as mentioned in claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15. However, without a more detailed description of its flexibility or misalignment compensation features, it is less likely to directly anticipate the specific elastic deformation or pivoting mechanisms of US8545247.

• US6193546B1

  • Full Citation: US6193546B1, Ericsson Inc., "Support assembly for personal electronic device and method for using the same," published February 27, 2001. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2001-02-27; Priority: 1999-03-16. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a support assembly for personal electronic devices. While it focuses on supporting the device, the nature of the support assembly could potentially involve some form of interaction with a connector.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6193546B1 could potentially anticipate the "support coupled to an inner wall of the housing" element in claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, as it deals with a support assembly for an electronic device. However, a deeper analysis would be needed to determine if its "support assembly" inherently includes the specific elastic deformation or connector pivoting features claimed in US8545247.

• US20020048982A1

  • Full Citation: US20020048982A1, Hao Gu, "Positioning mechanism for an electrical connector," published April 25, 2002. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-04-25; Priority: 2000-10-20. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a positioning mechanism for an electrical connector, likely aimed at ensuring accurate alignment.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20020048982A1 directly addresses a "positioning mechanism for an electrical connector." This could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, especially regarding the means for guiding and maintaining the connector in a desired position, or allowing for some degree of movement to achieve proper alignment. Its relevance would depend on whether its positioning mechanism incorporates elastic deformation or pivoting in a manner similar to US8545247.

• US6390841B1

  • Full Citation: US6390841B1, Lear Corporation, "Self-aligning electrical connector," published May 21, 2002. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-05-21; Priority: 2001-04-25. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a self-aligning electrical connector, suggesting mechanisms to compensate for misalignment during connection.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6390841B1, with its focus on a "self-aligning electrical connector," is highly relevant. It could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 related to accommodating non-axial movement and pivoting to achieve proper alignment. The "self-aligning" feature would likely involve mechanisms analogous to the elastically deformable support, ribs, or the ability of the connector to pivot.

• US6483698B1

  • Full Citation: US6483698B1, Hewlett-Packard Company, "Cradle for supporting a PDA and similar portable electronic devices," published November 19, 2002. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-11-19; Priority: 1998-11-27. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a cradle specifically designed for supporting PDAs and similar portable electronic devices.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6483698B1, a "Cradle for supporting a PDA and similar portable electronic devices," could anticipate the general concept of a "dock for receiving a portable electronic device" and the "housing comprising an aperture" as stated in claims 1, 12, 13. However, its relevance to the specific elastic deformation and connector movement features of US8545247 would depend on whether its cradle design incorporates similar mechanisms for connector flexibility and misalignment compensation.

• US6595786B2

  • Full Citation: US6595786B2, International Business Machines Corporation, "Electrical connecting structure of mounted part, computer apparatus, and electronic equipment," published July 22, 2003. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-07-22; Priority: 2000-04-07. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes an electrical connecting structure for a mounted part in computer apparatus and electronic equipment.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US6595786B2 could generally anticipate the concept of an "electrical connecting structure" as part of a dock for electronic equipment (claims 1, 12, 13, 14, 15). Its relevance to the specific flexible mounting of the connector, elastic deformation, and pivoting mechanisms would require a closer examination of its internal structure and how it handles connection tolerances.

• US6716058B2

  • Full Citation: US6716058B2, [[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.), "Cradle device of portable terminal," published April 6, 2004. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-04-06; Priority: 2001-08-21. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a cradle device for a portable terminal.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US6483698B1, this patent, as a "Cradle device of portable terminal," could anticipate the broad concept of a dock and its housing for receiving a portable electronic device (claims 1, 12, 13). Its direct relevance to the specific elastic deformation, ribs, and pivoting of the connector as claimed in US8545247 would depend on the detailed structural features of its connector mounting.

• US20060035500A1

  • Full Citation: US20060035500A1, Masahiro Sugita, "Connector having floating structure," published February 16, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-02-16; Priority: 2004-08-11. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a connector with a "floating structure," implying that the connector is not rigidly fixed and can move to some extent.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20060035500A1, describing a "Connector having floating structure," is highly relevant to US8545247's core concept of a movable connector. It could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 that refer to an elastically deformable support allowing movement, non-axial movement, and pivoting of the connector. The "floating structure" likely achieves similar functional results to the flexible mounting in US8545247.

• US7014486B1

  • Full Citation: US7014486B1, High Tech Computer, Corp., "Recoverable connector structure and cradle having the same," published March 21, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-03-21; Priority: 2004-12-07. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "recoverable connector structure" and a cradle incorporating it, suggesting a mechanism that allows a connector to return to a neutral position after being displaced during engagement.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The "Recoverable connector structure" in US7014486B1 is highly relevant and could potentially anticipate the biasing of the connector to a "starting position" as described in claims 4 and 18 of US8545247. This patent also relates to cradles, so it could broadly anticipate the housing and support elements (claims 1, 12, 13). The "recoverable" aspect likely involves elastic deformation or similar flexible mounting.

• US20060105603A1

  • Full Citation: US20060105603A1, Atsushi Nishio, "Floating connector," published May 18, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-05-18; Priority: 2004-11-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes another "floating connector," emphasizing its ability to move freely.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US20060035500A1, this "Floating connector" patent application directly addresses the concept of a movable connector, which is central to US8545247. It could potentially anticipate claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, particularly regarding the elastic deformability of the support and the non-axial movement and pivoting of the connector.

• US7066752B2

  • Full Citation: US7066752B2, High Tech Computer, Corp., "Slide-in structure," published June 27, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-06-27; Priority: 2003-05-14. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "slide-in structure," which could relate to how a portable device is inserted into a dock and how the connector engages.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While focusing on a "slide-in structure," US7066752B2 might broadly anticipate the physical interaction of a portable device with a dock (claims 1, 12, 13). However, its direct relevance to the elastic deformation of the connector support in response to non-axial movement or pivoting (claims 1, 12, 13, 14, 15) is less clear without further detail on its internal connector mechanism.

• US20060141836A1

  • Full Citation: US20060141836A1, Radiall, "Connection assembly comprising a support provided with an opening and a connector housing mounted on the support," published June 29, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-06-29; Priority: 2004-12-10. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a connection assembly with a support and a connector housing mounted on that support.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20060141836A1's "Connection assembly comprising a support provided with an opening and a connector housing mounted on the support" is very close in structure to the claimed "connector assembly" and "dock" of US8545247 (claims 1, 12, 13, 14, 15). The key would be whether this reference's "support" inherently includes the elastically deformable portion that responds to non-axial movement or pivoting of the connector in the same way as US8545247.

• US7121857B1

  • Full Citation: US7121857B1, Emc Corporation, "Tolerance-absorbing interconnect system using a spring-loaded connector," published October 17, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-10-17; Priority: 2005-03-25. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "tolerance-absorbing interconnect system" that uses a "spring-loaded connector." This clearly indicates a mechanism for accommodating variations and misalignment during connection.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US7121857B1, with its "Tolerance-absorbing interconnect system using a spring-loaded connector," is highly relevant. It directly addresses the problem of misalignment and offers a solution involving a movable connector, similar to US8545247. This could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, particularly concerning the elastically deformable support, the spring component, and the accommodation of non-axial movement or pivoting. The "spring-loaded" nature could also anticipate the biasing to a starting position.

• US20060250764A1

  • Full Citation: US20060250764A1, Apple Computer, Inc., "Universal docking station for hand held electronic devices," published November 9, 2006. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-11-09; Priority: 2005-05-09. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a "universal docking station" designed for various handheld electronic devices.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20060250764A1, a "Universal docking station for hand held electronic devices," broadly anticipates the concept of a dock and housing for portable electronic devices (claims 1, 12, 13). Its "universal" nature might suggest some flexibility in connector positioning, but specific details on elastic deformation in response to non-axial movement or pivoting (claims 1, 12, 13, 14, 15) would need to be thoroughly compared to US8545247.

• US7167372B2

  • Full Citation: US7167372B2, Belkin Corporation, "Universal serial bus hub and method of manufacturing same," published January 23, 2007. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-01-23; Priority: 2003-08-26. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a universal serial bus (USB) hub.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US7167372B2, a "Universal serial bus hub," focuses on USB connectivity. While it deals with connectors, its primary contribution is not necessarily a flexible or movable connector system for a dock to accommodate misalignment. Therefore, it is less likely to directly anticipate the specific elastic deformation and pivoting features of US8545247.

• US20070082537A1

  • Full Citation: US20070082537A1, Chih-Wei Chien, "Electronic connector," published April 12, 2007. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2007-04-12; Priority: 2005-10-12. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes an electronic connector.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without a detailed description of its features, it is difficult to assess the direct relevance of this "Electronic connector" to the flexible and movable aspects of US8545247. If it includes mechanisms for misalignment compensation through elastic deformation or pivoting, it could anticipate claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

• US20080057764A1

  • Full Citation: US20080057764A1, Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd., "Electrical connector assembly with springs," published March 6, 2008. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-03-06; Priority: 2006-08-29. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes an "electrical connector assembly with springs," clearly indicating a mechanism for flexibility or force absorption.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20080057764A1, an "Electrical connector assembly with springs," is highly relevant. The use of springs directly relates to the "elastically deformable portion" of the support and the "spring component" in US8545247 (claims 1, 2, 12, 14, 15, 16). This could anticipate the ability to accommodate non-axial movement, pivoting, and biasing to a starting position.

• US20080142651A1

  • Full Citation: US20080142651A1, Ralf Tomasini, "Cradle for Mobile Phones and Ejector Device Thereof," published June 19, 2008. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-06-19; Priority: 2005-01-24. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a cradle for mobile phones, which also includes an ejector device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a "Cradle for Mobile Phones," this reference broadly anticipates the "dock" and "housing" elements of US8545247 (claims 1, 12, 13). Its relevance to the flexible connector features would depend on whether its design for connecting to mobile phones incorporates similar elastic deformation, ribs, or pivoting to compensate for misalignment.

• US20080259550A1

  • Full Citation: US20080259550A1, Microtips Technology Inc., "Cradle for handheld electronic device," published October 23, 2008. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-10-23; Priority: 2007-04-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a cradle for a handheld electronic device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to other cradle patents, this "Cradle for handheld electronic device" could anticipate the general dock and housing (claims 1, 12, 13). Its specific features for connector flexibility and misalignment compensation would need to be analyzed to determine if it anticipates the elastic deformation, ribs, or pivoting described in US8545247.

• US20080304240A1

  • Full Citation: US20080304240A1, Toshiaki Shigemori, "Received Information Transferring Apparatus, Receiving Apparatus and Received Information Transferring System," published December 11, 2008. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2008-12-11; Priority: 2005-09-09. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes an apparatus for transferring information.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While this patent application deals with information transfer, its relevance to the mechanical aspects of a flexible docking connector is not immediately apparent. Unless it describes a physical connector with elastic deformation or pivoting for misalignment compensation, it is less likely to directly anticipate the specific claims of US8545247.

• US20090009957A1

  • Full Citation: US20090009957A1, Apple Inc., "Docking station for hand held electronic devices," published January 8, 2009. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2009-01-08; Priority: 2005-08-24. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a docking station for handheld electronic devices.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20090009957A1, an "Apple Inc. Docking station for hand held electronic devices," is a significant piece of prior art. Apple is well-known for docking solutions, and this reference could potentially anticipate various elements of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, especially if its docking station incorporates mechanisms for connector flexibility, movement, or alignment to improve user experience and prevent damage.

• US7498546B2

  • Full Citation: US7498546B2, Focus Products Group, Llc, "Detachable breakaway power supply source," published March 3, 2009. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2009-03-03; Priority: 2002-04-29. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a detachable power supply source designed to break away, likely to prevent damage if pulled forcefully.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While US7498546B2 deals with preventing damage to a power supply connection, its "detachable breakaway" mechanism is different from the elastic deformation and pivoting for misalignment compensation in US8545247. It focuses on disconnection rather than flexible engagement. Thus, it is less likely to anticipate the specific claims related to non-axial movement and pivoting of the connector within a dock.

• US20090068870A1

  • Full Citation: US20090068870A1, Mezhinsky Victor B, "Floating self-centering connector," published March 12, 2009. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2009-03-12; Priority: 2007-08-08. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a "floating self-centering connector," clearly indicating a connector that can move and return to a central position.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20090068870A1, a "Floating self-centering connector," is highly relevant. It explicitly addresses the problems of misalignment and offers a solution involving a movable and self-centering connector. This could potentially anticipate claims 1, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18, particularly regarding the elastically deformable support, the spring component, the biasing to a starting position, and the accommodation of non-axial movement and pivoting.

• US7553192B2

  • Full Citation: US7553192B2, Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd., "Electrical connector," published June 30, 2009. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2009-06-30; Priority: 2007-04-24. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes an electrical connector.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Without specific details, the broad description of an "Electrical connector" in US7553192B2 does not immediately suggest the unique flexible mounting and misalignment compensation features of US8545247. Its relevance would depend on a detailed analysis of its internal structure.

• US7628628B2

  • Full Citation: US7628628B2, Smk Corporation, "Connector having floating structure," published December 8, 2009. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2009-12-08; Priority: 2008-04-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "connector having floating structure," indicating a movable connector.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to other "floating connector" patents, US7628628B2 is highly relevant. It directly addresses the concept of a movable connector to allow for some degree of play or alignment. It could potentially anticipate claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 concerning the elastically deformable support and the non-axial movement and pivoting of the connector.

• US20100062615A1

  • Full Citation: US20100062615A1, Apple Inc., "Dock with flippable connector," published March 11, 2010. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2010-03-11; Priority: 2008-09-05. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a dock with a "flippable connector," suggesting a connector that can change its orientation for different devices or ease of connection.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While US20100062615A1 introduces a "flippable connector," which implies movement, its primary function appears to be reorientation rather than elastic deformation for misalignment compensation in the x, y, or z directions, or pivoting relative to a collar in the specific way claimed by US8545247. However, the general concept of a movable connector in a dock could be broadly anticipatory of some features of claims 1, 12, 13.

• US20100158297A1

  • Full Citation: US20100158297A1, Logitech Europe S.A., "Universal Auxiliary Component Connecting System for a Personal Audio-Set," published June 24, 2010. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2010-06-24; Priority: 2006-01-04. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a universal connecting system for personal audio sets.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference describes a "Universal Auxiliary Component Connecting System." Its "universal" nature might suggest some tolerance for different devices, which could imply some flexibility in the connector. If this system includes an elastically deformable support or allows for non-axial movement/pivoting of its connector to achieve universal compatibility, it could anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

• US7775801B2

  • Full Citation: US7775801B2, Microsoft Corporation, "Device interfaces with non-mechanical securement mechanisms," published August 17, 2010. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2010-08-17; Priority: 2005-01-05. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes device interfaces that use non-mechanical securement mechanisms, such as magnetic forces, for connection.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While US7775801B2 discusses device interfaces and securement, its focus on "non-mechanical securement mechanisms" like magnets diverges from the elastic deformation and ribs used for mechanical alignment and cushioning in US8545247. It is less likely to directly anticipate the specific flexible support structure. However, if the magnetic securement is combined with some form of movable or flexible connector to facilitate engagement, it might have broader relevance to claims involving connector movement.

• US7839120B2

  • Full Citation: US7839120B2, International Business Machines Corporation, "Charging a portable electrical device," published November 23, 2010. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2010-11-23; Priority: 2005-05-19. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes methods and apparatuses for charging a portable electrical device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US7839120B2, relating to "Charging a portable electrical device," broadly addresses the function of a dock. If the charging mechanism involves a connector with flexible mounting or self-alignment features to ensure reliable charging, it could potentially anticipate the functional aspects of some claims related to the connector's role in the dock (e.g., claims 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15).

• US7901216B2

  • Full Citation: US7901216B2, Apple Inc., "Magnetic connector for electronic device," published March 8, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-03-08; Priority: 2005-09-26. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a magnetic connector for electronic devices, similar to Apple's MagSafe connector.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US7901216B2, a "Magnetic connector for electronic device," describes a connector designed for ease of connection using magnets. While it involves a form of "movement" (the magnetic attraction guiding connection), it typically focuses on the magnetic aspect rather than an elastically deformable support with ribs that accommodates non-axial movement and pivoting in the manner of US8545247. However, a magnetic connector could be implemented in a way that includes some mechanical flexibility. It is less likely to anticipate the specific mechanical flexibility claimed.

• DE202010013105U1

  • Full Citation: DE202010013105U1, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., "Docking station and multimedia systems with the aforementioned docking station," published March 24, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-03-24; Priority: 2010-01-04. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This utility model describes a docking station and multimedia systems incorporating it.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a "Docking station," DE202010013105U1 broadly anticipates the concept of a dock and its housing (claims 1, 12, 13). Without further details on the specific connector mounting within this docking station, it's difficult to assess its direct relevance to the elastic deformation, ribs, and pivoting features of US8545247.

• US7916467B2

  • Full Citation: US7916467B2, Apple Inc., "Methods and apparatuses for docking a portable electronic device that has a planar like configuration and that operates in multiple orientations," published March 29, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-03-29; Priority: 2005-08-09. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes methods and apparatuses for docking portable electronic devices, specifically those with a planar configuration that can operate in multiple orientations.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US7916467B2 from Apple, focusing on docking devices with "planar like configuration" and "multiple orientations," suggests a need for flexible or adaptable connection. This could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 if its method for docking in multiple orientations involves an elastically deformable support, ribs, or pivoting to ensure proper electrical communication despite varied device orientations or slight misalignments during insertion.

• US7931494B2

  • Full Citation: US7931494B2, Janam Technologies, Llc, "Flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion," published April 26, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-04-26; Priority: 2008-12-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion," directly addressing flexible connector mounting.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US7931494B2, with its title "Flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion," is extremely relevant prior art. It directly anticipates the core concepts of US8545247 related to an elastically deformable support allowing movement, non-axial movement, and pivoting of the connector (claims 1, 12, 13, 14, 15). The "multiple degrees of motion" clearly covers translation and pivoting. This patent is likely to be a strong anticipatory reference.

• US20110098087A1

  • Full Citation: US20110098087A1, Google Inc., "Mobile Computing Device Dock," published April 28, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-04-28; Priority: 2009-10-28. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a dock for a mobile computing device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a "Mobile Computing Device Dock" from Google, this reference broadly anticipates the context of US8545247 (claims 1, 12, 13). Its specific relevance to the flexible connector features would depend on whether its design for docking mobile devices incorporates an elastically deformable support, ribs, or pivoting to compensate for misalignment during connection.

• US20110117833A1

  • Full Citation: US20110117833A1, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., "Docking apparatus for portable device," published May 19, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-05-19; Priority: 2009-11-17. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a docking apparatus for a portable device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to other general docking apparatus patents, this reference from Samsung broadly anticipates the dock and housing elements (claims 1, 12, 13). A detailed examination of its connector mounting mechanisms would be needed to determine if it anticipates the specific elastic deformation, ribs, or pivoting features of US8545247.

• US20110281451A1

  • Full Citation: US20110281451A1, Tyco Electronics Corporation, "Connector assemblies including movable connectors," published November 17, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-11-17; Priority: 2010-05-12. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes "connector assemblies including movable connectors," directly addressing the concept of connectors that can move.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20110281451A1, titled "Connector assemblies including movable connectors," is highly relevant prior art. It directly anticipates the concept of a movable connector within an assembly, which is fundamental to US8545247 (claims 1, 12, 13, 14, 15). Its detailed description would need to be analyzed to determine if the "movable connectors" utilize an elastically deformable support, ribs, and allow for non-axial movement and pivoting in a manner that fully anticipates the claims of US8545247.

• US8083195B2

  • Full Citation: US8083195B2, Sony Corporation, "Cradle device and electronic equipment support device," published December 27, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2011-12-27; Priority: 2007-03-30. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a cradle device and a support device for electronic equipment.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): As a "Cradle device and electronic equipment support device" from Sony, this patent broadly anticipates the context of US8545247. Its relevance to the specific flexible connector features would depend on whether its design incorporates elastic deformation, ribs, or pivoting mechanisms for connector alignment and to compensate for misalignment.

• US8113849B2

  • Full Citation: US8113849B2, Translogic Corporation, "Docking system for use with a mobile medication cart," published February 14, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-02-14; Priority: 2008-06-24. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a docking system primarily for use with a mobile medication cart.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): While this patent describes a "Docking system," its application to a mobile medication cart is a different technical field. However, if the docking system's connector mechanism includes general features like an elastically deformable support or allowance for movement to ensure reliable connection, it could potentially anticipate some broader elements of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The specialized nature of the application might limit its direct relevance to consumer electronic device docks.

• US8113873B1

  • Full Citation: US8113873B1, Western Digital Technologies, Inc., "Pivot assisted storage device unloading mechanism," published February 14, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-02-14; Priority: 2009-09-22. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "pivot assisted storage device unloading mechanism," which involves pivoting for removing a storage device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The "Pivot assisted storage device unloading mechanism" in US8113873B1 explicitly mentions pivoting. This could potentially anticipate the "connector being pivotable relative to the collar" element in claim 1, and the "pivoting relative to the collar of at least a portion of the connector" in claim 15. While it's for an unloading mechanism, the underlying mechanical principles of pivoting could be similar.

• US20120045931A1

  • Full Citation: US20120045931A1, Carnevali Jeffrey D, "Connector isolator system," published February 23, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-02-23; Priority: 2010-08-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a "connector isolator system," suggesting a mechanism to isolate the connector from external forces or movements.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): A "Connector isolator system" implies a mechanism that allows the connector some freedom of movement or protects it from stress, which aligns with the objectives of US8545247. This could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 related to an elastically deformable support and the accommodation of non-axial movement or pivoting of the connector to reduce stress and prevent damage.

• US20120045932A1

  • Full Citation: US20120045932A1, Carnevali Jeffrey D, "Connector isolator system," published February 23, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-02-23; Priority: 2010-08-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application also describes a "connector isolator system," likely a related invention to US20120045931A1.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US20120045931A1, this "Connector isolator system" is highly relevant to US8545247. It could potentially anticipate aspects of claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15 regarding the elastically deformable support and the accommodation of non-axial movement or pivoting of the connector to prevent damage and ensure proper connection.

• US8223483B2

  • Full Citation: US8223483B2, Apple Inc., "Dock with moveable connector for display device," published July 17, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-07-17; Priority: 2010-01-04. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a dock with a "moveable connector" specifically for a display device.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US8223483B2, a "Dock with moveable connector for display device" from Apple, is highly relevant. The "moveable connector" directly relates to the core concept of US8545247. This could potentially anticipate claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, especially if its moveable connector employs an elastically deformable support, ribs, or allows for non-axial movement and pivoting to accommodate the display device.

• US8241050B2

  • Full Citation: US8241050B2, Psion Inc., "Docking cradle with floating connector assembly," published August 14, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-08-14; Priority: 2010-04-23. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent describes a "docking cradle with floating connector assembly," explicitly mentioning a movable connector in a docking context.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US8241050B2, a "Docking cradle with floating connector assembly," is extremely relevant prior art. It directly anticipates the central concept of US8545247: a dock with a connector that can move. This could potentially anticipate claims 1, 12, 13, 14, and 15, as the "floating connector assembly" is likely designed to allow non-axial movement and pivoting through an elastically deformable support to facilitate connection and absorb tolerances.

• US20120206875A1

  • Full Citation: US20120206875A1, Carnevali Jeffrey D, "Docking Station Having Preload and Connector Isolator System," published August 16, 2012. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-08-16; Priority: 2010-08-18. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application describes a "Docking Station Having Preload and Connector Isolator System," combining features to ensure secure and protected connection.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20120206875A1, with its "Docking Station Having Preload and Connector Isolator System," is highly relevant. The "connector isolator system" likely functions similarly to the flexible support in US8545247 to accommodate movement and reduce stress. The "preload" could relate to biasing the connector. This patent application could potentially anticipate various aspects of claims 1, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18.

• US20130002193A1

  • Full Citation: US20130002193A1, Research In Motion Limited, "Dock for a portable electronic device," published January 3, 2013. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2013-01-03; Priority: 2011-06-30. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application, by the original assignee of US8545247, describes a "Dock for a portable electronic device." Given the common assignee and similar title, it is highly likely to be a related or divisional application.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): US20130002193A1 has the same priority date and assignee as US8545247. It is likely a co-pending or related application. If it was filed before the filing date of US8545247 and discloses the claimed subject matter, it could be anticipatory under § 102(a) or (e). However, if it's a continuation or divisional, it might not be prior art against US8545247.

• US20130005179A1

  • Full Citation: US20130005179A1, Research In Motion Limited, "Dock for a portable electronic device," published January 3, 2013. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2013-01-03; Priority: 2011-06-30. [cite: The provided patent text]
  • Brief Description: This patent application, also by the original assignee of US8545247, describes a "Dock for a portable electronic device."
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US20130002193A1, this patent application shares the same priority date and assignee as US8545247. It is identified as an "Other version" of US8545247B2 in the patent text. As such, it is likely a co-pending or related application, and its status as prior art would depend on its relationship to US8545247 (e.g., if it's a parent, continuation, or divisional). If it discloses the claimed subject matter and was filed or published earlier, it could be anticipatory.

Non-Patent Literature Cited Against US8545247

• Extended European Search Report dated Aug. 22, 2012, issued from the corresponding EP patent application No. 12155508.0. [cite: The provided patent text]

  • Description: This refers to the search report from the European Patent Office for a related European application. Such reports typically list all prior art found during the examination process. The content of this report would contain specific patent and non-patent literature references that were deemed relevant to the European application, and thus, potentially relevant to US8545247.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): The specific references identified within this search report would need to be individually reviewed. Any patent or printed publication cited within this report that predates the priority date of US8545247 and discloses the claimed subject matter could be anticipatory.

• US 8,449,336, 05/2013, Colahan et al. (withdrawn) [cite: The provided patent text]

  • Description: This refers to a withdrawn US patent by Colahan et al.
  • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): A withdrawn patent may or may not constitute prior art, depending on the specifics of its publication status and the reason for withdrawal. If it was publicly disclosed prior to the priority date of US8545247 and its contents fully anticipate any claim, it could potentially be prior art. However, "withdrawn" status often implies it may not have fully matured into a public document that could serve as prior art under all circumstances.

This analysis highlights that the most relevant prior art generally pertains to "floating connectors," "self-aligning connectors," "connector isolator systems," and "flexible holders for connectors with multiple degrees of motion," as these directly address the core inventive concept of US8545247.

US Patent 8545247, titled "Dock for a portable electronic device," can be found obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103 by combining existing prior art references. The analysis below identifies combinations of prior art that would render the independent claims of US8545247 obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) at the time of the invention (priority date of June 30, 2011). A PHOSITA in this field would possess knowledge of mechanical design, material science for flexible components, and common challenges in connector design, such as misalignment and tolerance stack-up.

Obviousness Analysis of Independent Claims

Claim 1: Dock with Elastically Deformable Support, Connector, and Collar

Claim 1 describes a dock with a housing, an aperture, an elastically deformable support coupled to an inner wall, a connector received in the support, and a collar abutting the connector to limit translation while allowing the connector to pivot relative to the collar. The support elastically deforms in response to non-axial movement of the connector. [cite: The provided patent text]

• Primary Reference: US7931494B2 to Janam Technologies, Llc ("Flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion").

  • Janam teaches a flexible holder (which functions as an elastically deformable support) for a connector. The abstract explicitly states "a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion." [cite: US7931494B2] The specification clarifies that this includes translation and rotation (pivoting), covering the "non-axial movement" and the elastic deformation of the support. [cite: US7931494B2] This reference thus teaches the core concept of an elastically deformable support for a connector that allows non-axial movement.

• Secondary Reference (for the collar): US20060250764A1 to Apple Computer, Inc. ("Universal docking station for hand held electronic devices").

  • Apple illustrates a conventional docking station with a housing and an aperture (104) through which a connector (106) extends (Fig. 1, 2). [cite: US20060250764A1] The edges of this aperture or a surrounding structure implicitly function as a collar to broadly limit the lateral (translational) movement of the connector. The "multiple degrees of motion" taught by Janam inherently imply that the connector is pivotable within these limits. [cite: US7931494B2]

• Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA, seeking to improve the robustness and ease of use of docking stations, would be motivated to combine the flexible connector mounting system of Janam (US7931494B2) with the typical housing and aperture structure of a conventional dock (such as Apple's US20060250764A1). [cite: US20060250764A1, US7931494B2] The flexible holder in Janam mitigates misalignment issues by allowing movement, while the dock's aperture inherently provides a guiding and limiting function for gross lateral translation. [cite: US7931494B2] A PHOSITA would recognize that by designing the interface between the flexible support and the housing's aperture, or by integrating a collar feature into the flexible support itself (as described in US8545247's embodiment where the collar is part of the spring component), one could effectively limit gross lateral translation while permitting the necessary pivoting and fine non-axial adjustments enabled by the deformable support. This combination addresses the common problem of damaging connectors during misaligned insertion by combining flexibility with guided restriction.

Claim 12: Dock with Spring Component, Ribs, and Reduced Rib Cross-Sectional Area

Claim 12 describes a dock with a housing, aperture, a support comprising a spring component in a support tray, where the spring component has a passage with ribs for contacting the connector and is elastically deformable for non-axial movement. The distinguishing feature is that the cross-sectional area of the ribs is reduced between a top end (adjacent the aperture) and a bottom end of the spring component. [cite: The provided patent text]

• Primary References: US7931494B2 to Janam Technologies, Llc and US20080057764A1 to Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. ("Electrical connector assembly with springs").

  • Janam (US7931494B2) teaches an elastically deformable flexible holder (spring member) for a connector, allowing non-axial movement. [cite: US7931494B2] While not explicitly showing "ribs," a flexible holder surrounding a connector in a passage would use elements contacting the connector to provide elastic deformation. Hon Hai (US20080057764A1) more explicitly teaches an electrical connector assembly using springs (e.g., leaf springs, Figs. 3, 4) that contact a connector to allow movement, functioning similarly to ribs. [cite: US20080057764A1] Together, these references establish the concept of a dock having a flexible support with elements (ribs/springs) contacting a connector for non-axial movement.

• Secondary Reference (for reduced cross-sectional area): US4940417A to Yazaki Corporation ("Connector device with fitting adjustment mechanism").

  • Yazaki teaches an elastic member with varying thickness (non-uniform cross-section) to control its flexibility (Fig. 4). [cite: US4940417A] This demonstrates the known engineering principle of tailoring the elastic properties of a flexible component by modifying its geometry.

• Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA designing elastic elements like the ribs in a floating connector system (as taught by Janam, US7931494B2, and Hon Hai, US20080057764A1) would recognize the need to optimize their flexibility and stress distribution. [cite: US20080057764A1, US7931494B2] It is a well-known engineering principle, exemplified by Yazaki (US4940417A), to vary the cross-sectional area of flexible components to control their stiffness and deflection characteristics. [cite: US4940417A] Applying this principle to the ribs of the spring component, specifically by reducing the cross-sectional area towards the top, would be an obvious design modification to allow for greater initial compliance during mating while maintaining sufficient strength towards the base to protect sensitive electrical connections (e.g., solder joints, as acknowledged in US8545247, para 0101) from excessive force.

Claim 13: Dock with Elastically Deformable Support, Connector, and Axial Pad

Claim 13 describes a dock with a housing, an aperture, an elastically deformable support, and a connector, similar to Claim 1. The distinguishing feature is the inclusion of "a pad disposed in the support and elastically deformable in response to axial movement of the connector." [cite: The provided patent text]

• Primary Reference: US7931494B2 to Janam Technologies, Llc ("Flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion").

  • Janam provides the foundation of an elastically deformable support for a connector allowing non-axial movement. [cite: US7931494B2]

• Secondary Reference (for axial cushioning/tolerance): US7121857B1 to Emc Corporation ("Tolerance-absorbing interconnect system using a spring-loaded connector").

  • Emc explicitly teaches a "tolerance-absorbing interconnect system." [cite: US7121857B1] While it focuses on spring-loaded connectors, the general problem of managing tolerances in connector systems—which includes axial tolerances—is addressed. Using an elastically deformable pad for axial cushioning and tolerance absorption is a conventional mechanical solution.

• Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA, starting with a flexible connector system that accommodates non-axial misalignment (as taught by Janam, US7931494B2), would further recognize the common need to manage axial (vertical) tolerances and forces during device insertion and removal. [cite: US7931494B2] It is a widely known and conventional mechanical design practice to use resilient or elastically deformable pads (e.g., rubber, foam, or spring-loaded elements) to absorb impact, cushion movement, and account for manufacturing tolerances in the axial direction. Emc (US7121857B1) explicitly highlights the importance of tolerance absorption in connector systems. [cite: US7121857B1] Therefore, incorporating such a pad, positioned beneath the connector within the flexible support structure, would be an obvious solution to address axial movement and tolerances, thereby complementing the non-axial flexibility provided by the main support and improving the overall durability and user experience of the dock.

Claim 14: Connector Assembly with Spring Component, Ribs, and Reduced Rib Cross-Sectional Area

Claim 14 describes a connector assembly for a dock, including a support with a spring component in a support tray, a passage with ribs for contacting the connector, and a connector. The spring component is elastically deformable, and the passage comprises ribs where the cross-sectional area is reduced between a top end and a bottom end. [cite: The provided patent text]

• This claim is structurally similar to Claim 12 but is directed to a "connector assembly" rather than a full "dock." The inventive concept remains the same: the reduced cross-sectional area of the ribs.

• Primary References: US7931494B2 to Janam Technologies, Llc and US20080057764A1 to Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.

  • Janam teaches a flexible holder (spring member) for a connector as part of a receptacle (assembly) designed for a host device (dock), covering the "support for coupling to an inner wall the dock," an "elastically deformable spring component," and a "connector received in the support." [cite: US7931494B2] Hon Hai explicitly shows springs (functioning as ribs) contacting the connector within an assembly. [cite: US20080057764A1]

• Secondary Reference (for reduced cross-sectional area): US4940417A to Yazaki Corporation.

  • Yazaki teaches varying the thickness (cross-sectional area) of an elastic member to control flexibility. [cite: US4940417A]

• Motivation to Combine: The motivation is identical to that for Claim 12. A PHOSITA designing connector assemblies (as taught by Janam, US7931494B2, or Hon Hai, US20080057764A1) would understand the need to manage stress on the connector and its mounting during insertion and removal. [cite: US20080057764A1, US7931494B2] It is a fundamental mechanical engineering principle, exemplified by Yazaki (US4940417A), to tailor the stiffness of flexible elements by varying their cross-sectional geometry. [cite: US4940417A] Implementing such a design for the ribs of the spring component in a floating connector assembly is an obvious way to achieve desired flexibility characteristics (e.g., softer at the top for initial engagement, stiffer at the bottom for secure connection) and mitigate the risk of damage to critical components like solder joints, which are known concerns in connector design.

Claim 15: Connector Assembly with Support, Collar, and Deformable Portion for Non-Axial Translation and Pivoting

Claim 15 describes a connector assembly for a dock, comprising a support with a collar and an elastically deformable portion, and a connector received in the support. The distinguishing feature is that the elastically deformable portion of the support deforms in response to non-axial translation and pivoting of the connector relative to the collar. [cite: The provided patent text]

• This claim is structurally similar to Claim 1 but is directed to a "connector assembly" for a dock.

• Primary Reference: US7931494B2 to Janam Technologies, Llc ("Flexible holder for a connector having a receptacle with multiple degrees of motion").

  • Janam teaches a flexible holder (support, elastically deformable portion) for a connector. The connector has "multiple degrees of freedom" including non-axial translation and pivoting. [cite: US7931494B2] This covers the "support," the "elastically deformable portion," the "connector received in the support," and the elastic deformation in response to "non-axial translation and pivoting."

• Secondary Reference (for the collar): US20060250764A1 to Apple Computer, Inc. ("Universal docking station for hand held electronic devices").

  • Apple illustrates a conventional docking station with an aperture that provides a surrounding structure acting as a collar to limit gross translation. [cite: US20060250764A1] The flexible holder in Janam (US7931494B2) inherently provides a constraint that defines a "collar" or aperture that the connector moves relative to.

• Motivation to Combine: A PHOSITA designing a connector assembly (as taught by Janam, US7931494B2) would naturally integrate or design the flexible support in conjunction with a guiding element, such as a collar, that further refines the movement of the connector. [cite: US7931494B2] The function of a collar to define the entry point and limit excessive lateral travel is well-understood in connector design, as exemplified by conventional docking stations like those described in Apple (US20060250764A1). [cite: US20060250764A1] The flexible holder of Janam inherently has a shape that acts as a collar. [cite: US7931494B2] It would be an obvious design optimization to ensure that this collar effectively limits gross non-axial translation while specifically allowing for the fine non-axial translation and pivoting enabled by the deformable portion of the support. This combination achieves a desirable balance of guidance and flexibility for improving the user experience and preventing damage in docking systems.

To provide a comprehensive overview of US Patent 8545247's term adjustments, related applications, and expiration, I will consult the patent document and the USPTO's public search tools. The USPTO does not calculate expiration dates for patents, but provides a calculator as a resource to help the public estimate the expiration date of a patent.

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA) and Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

• Patent Term Adjustment (PTA): PTA is granted to compensate for delays caused by the USPTO during the prosecution of a utility or plant patent application. These delays can arise if the USPTO fails to: issue an office action within 14 months, respond to a reply or appeal within four months, act on a PTAB or federal court decision within four months, issue a patent within four months of issue fee payment, or issue a patent within 36 months from the filing date. The total PTA is added to the patent's 20-year term. The patent document itself does not explicitly state the PTA awarded. To determine the exact PTA, a detailed review of the patent's prosecution history on the USPTO Patent Center would be necessary.
• Patent Term Extension (PTE): PTE is primarily granted to mitigate term loss due to regulatory approval and/or review processes, especially for patents covering products like pharmaceuticals. There is no indication in the patent text or general search results that US Patent 8545247 has received a PTE.

Continuation Applications, Divisional Applications, and Related Family Members

• Continuation Applications: A continuation application pursues additional claims based on the exact same specification as the parent application, with no new technical information. Filing a continuation is an implicit admission that obviousness-type double patenting (ODP) applies, often requiring a terminal disclaimer.
• Divisional Applications: A divisional application is filed when the USPTO examiner determines there is more than one invention disclosed in a parent patent application and issues a restriction requirement, forcing the applicant to elect one invention for examination. The applicant can then file divisional applications for the non-elected inventions, using the same specification and often the same drawings. Divisional applications can receive the parent's full priority date and are protected from ODP challenges based on the parent under 35 U.S.C. § 121's "safe harbor" provision.

Based on the provided patent text:

• Priority Applications: US8545247 claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/503,451, filed on June 30, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
• Other Versions/Related Family Members: The patent text lists US20130005179A1 as an "Other version" and US20130002193A1 also appears in the citations with the same priority date and assignee. These are likely related patent applications (e.g., continuations or divisionals) that stem from the same original subject matter. [cite: The provided patent text]
• Family Applications: The "Family Applications" section lists US13/397,486 as the application number associated with US8545247B2, with a priority date of 2011-06-30 and a filing date of 2012-02-15. [cite: The provided patent text] This is the application from which US8545247 issued.

To definitively identify all continuation and divisional applications, a detailed search of the Global Dossier or Patent Public Search (PPUBS) on the USPTO website using the application number US13/397,486 would be required.

Projected Expiration Date

Under U.S. law, most patents are limited to a term of 20 years from the earliest nonprovisional filing date, subject to any Patent Term Adjustment (PTA).

• Earliest Effective Filing Date: The earliest effective filing date for US8545247 is the priority date of the provisional application: June 30, 2011. [cite: The provided patent text]
• Base Expiration Date (before PTA): 20 years from June 30, 2011, would be June 30, 2031.
• Anticipated Expiration (with PTA): The patent text on Google Patents indicates an "Anticipated expiration" date of 2032-02-15. [cite: The provided patent text] This date includes any Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) awarded to the patent. The difference between the base expiration date (June 30, 2031) and the anticipated expiration date (February 15, 2032) suggests approximately 7 months and 16 days of PTA were granted (February 15, 2032 minus June 30, 2031).
  • This aligns with the general rule that PTA is added to the 20-year term from the earliest filing date.

Therefore, the projected expiration date for US Patent 8545247, including Patent Term Adjustment, is February 15, 2032. [cite: The provided patent text]