Patent 8545247

Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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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.

Generated 5/25/2026, 6:48:41 AM