WO2014066990A1

WO2014066990A1 - An apparatus for charging a mobile device

Info

Publication number: WO2014066990A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/000936
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jack Daniel Murphy BERNSTEIN; Ralph Alfred MCAFEE
Original assignee: Port Credit Charging Systems
Priority date: 2012-11-02
Filing date: 2013-11-04
Publication date: 2014-05-08

Abstract

An apparatus for charging a mobile device comprises a housing, a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing, and at least one charging connector cord, a first end of the charging connector cord electrically connected to the rechargeable power assembly and a second end of the charging connector cord extending out from an opening in the housing and connectable to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR CHARGING A MOBILE DEVICE

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

61/721896 to Bernstein et al. filed on November 2, 2012 and entitled "An Apparatus for Charging a Mobile Device", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for charging a mobile device.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Mobile devices such as smart phones and tablet computers for example are powerful computing and entertainment devices that often have large, bright touch screens that allow a user to perform a variety of tasks such as web browsing, emailing, social networking, playing games, downloading and watching video, downloading and listening to audio, sending and receiving phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, etc.

[0004] Such intense usage places a heavy demand on the mobile device battery and thus leads to a short battery life. When away from home or the office, the short battery life is particularly problematic as means for charging the mobile device battery are not readily available.

[0005] To charge the mobile device battery away from the home or office, the user must bring their mobile device battery charging cord with them, locate an available electrical outlet, plug the charging cord into the outlet, and wait for the mobile device battery to be sufficiently charged for use.

[0006] Consequently, a readily available means for charging a mobile device battery while away from the home or office is desired. Large kiosks that provide charging of electronic devices for a fee are available at airports and other such facilities. However, such large kiosks are unattractive and occupy a significant amount of floor space. As a result, these kiosks are not generally installed in establishments such as restaurants, bars and coffee shops. [0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0206089 to LoBianco describes an advertising device, having a charging base for charging multiple various electronic devices. The advertising device includes a three dimensional advertising member, a base member configured for supporting the advertising member, a plurality of charging connector cords disposed along the periphery of the base member, an illumination source disposed at an internal position of the base member, and a power distribution assembly for providing power to the illumination source and the plurality of charging connectors.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel apparatus for charging a mobile device.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] Accordingly, in one aspect there is provided an apparatus for charging a mobile device comprising a housing, a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing, and at least one charging connector cord, a first end of the charging connector cord electrically connected to the rechargeable power assembly and a second end of the charging connector cord extending out from an opening in the housing and connectable to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto.

[00010] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a mounting assembly connected to the exterior of the housing for mounting the housing to a support surface. The housing has at least one generally flat surface. A resting pad is connected to a portion of the at least one generally flat surface of the housing. The portion of the at least one generally flat surface of the housing is configured to extend from the support surface when mounted thereto.

[00011] In another embodiment, the housing comprises an outer sleeve and an inner housing, the outer sleeve configured to at least partially surround the inner housing when secured thereto. The apparatus comprises advertisement member having a threaded projection configured to extend through an opening of the outer sleeve and to be received by a threaded opening of the inner housing such that when the threaded projection is received by the threaded opening and rotated, the outer sleeve is secured to the inner housing. The outer sleeve comprises at least one transparent or translucent graphic and the inner sleeve comprises at least one illumination panel coupled to the rechargeable power assembly, the at least one illumination panel positioned to illuminate the at least one transparent or translucent graphic.

[00012] According to another aspect there is provided an apparatus for charging a mobile device comprising a housing, a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing, at least one charging connector cord, a first end of the charging connector cord electrically connected to the rechargeable power assembly and a second end of the charging connector cord extending out from an opening in the housing and connectable to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto, and a mounting assembly configured to attach the housing to a support surface such that at least a portion of the housing extends generally outward from the support surface for supporting the mobile device.

[00013] According to yet another aspect there is provided an apparatus for charging a mobile device comprising a housing, a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing, and a charging assembly configured to be coupled to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00014] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[00015] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for charging a mobile device;

[00016] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a housing forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00017] Figure 3 is a front view of a bracket for mounting the apparatus of Figure

1 to a support surface;

[00018] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 connected to the bracket of Figure 3;

[00019] Figure 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the housing forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[00020] Figure 6 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an apparatus for charging a mobile device; [00021] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a housing forming part of the apparatus of Figure 6;

[00022] Figure 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an apparatus for charging a mobile device;

[00023] Figure 9 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 8;

[00024] Figure 10 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 8;

[00025] Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 8; and

[00026] Figure 12 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an apparatus for charging a mobile device.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[00027] For convenience, like reference numerals in the description refer to like structures in the drawings. Turning now to Figures 1 to 4, an apparatus for charging a mobile device is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 100. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the apparatus 100 comprises a rechargeable power assembly 200, a connection assembly 300, and a housing 400. The rechargeable power assembly 200 and connection assembly 300 are positioned within the housing 400.

[00028] The rechargeable power assembly 200 comprises a battery 210 which in this embodiment is a sealed lead acid battery that provides a source voltage of 12 volts with a five (5) Ampere hour capacity. The sealed lead acid battery 210 is electrically coupled to a connector 220 for connection to a charging unit (not shown). The sealed lead acid battery 210 is electrically coupled to a power converter circuit 230 comprising one or more DC-to-DC convertors 235. In this embodiment, two (2) DC-to-DC converters 235 are used. The DC-to-DC convertors 235 receive the source voltage from the sealed lead acid battery 210 and covert the source voltage to the required voltage level of the connection assembly 300, which in this embodiment is 5 volts.

[00029] The connection assembly 300 comprises one or more charging connector cords 310. In this embodiment, the connection assembly 300 comprises four (4) charging connector cords 310. A first end of each charging connector cord 310 is electrically coupled to one of the DC-to-DC convertors 235. A second end of each charging connector cord 310 comprises a connector for connection to a mobile device. As can be seen, in this embodiment each of the DC-to-DC convertors 235 is electrically coupled to two of the charging connector cords 310. As will be appreciated, each of the charging connector cords 310 may have a different connector such that various types of mobile devices may be connected to the apparatus 100. Examples of such connectors are a 30-pin dock connector (manufactured by Apple, Inc.), a lightning connector (manufacture by Apple, Inc.), a micro universal serial bus (USB) connector, a USB connector, and the like. Examples of such mobile devices are an Apple™ iPhone, an Apple™ iPad, a Samsung™ Galaxy, a Blackberry™ Torch, a Blackberry™ Playbook, a Nokia™ Lumia, and the like.

[00030] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the housing 400. In this embodiment, components of the housing 400 are made of a light weight rigid material such as plastic for example, unless otherwise specified. As can be seen, in this embodiment the housing 400 has a generally flat and rectangular top surface 410. A resting pad 412 is positioned on a front portion of the top surface 410 and is made of a non-slip material such as rubber for example. As will be appreciated, the resting pad 412 may display an advertisement. Side walls 420 extend generally downward from the sides of the top surface 410. In this embodiment, a pair of openings 422 is defined in each side wall 420 at a position generally below the resting pad 412. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment the number of openings 422 is dependent on the number of charging connector cords 310 used with the connection assembly 300. A rectangular front wall 430 is connected to the front edge of the top surface 410 and has a top portion extending above the top surface 410 thereby defining a lip 432. A bottom portion 434 of the rectangular front wall 430 extends generally downward from the top surface 410. A rectangular rear wall (not shown) extends generally downward from the rear edge of the top surface 410 and comprises an opening for accessing the connector 220. A bottom surface (not shown) extends between the bottom edge of the side walls 420, the front wall 430 and the rear wall.

[00031 J The housing 400 defines an enclosure for supporting the rechargeable power assembly 200 and the connection assembly 300. The pair of openings 422 allow a respective charging connector cord 310 to extend therethrough such that a first end of the charging connector cord 310 is electrically coupled to one of the DC-to-DC converters 235 positioned within the housing 400 and a second end of the charging connector cord 310 is located outside of the housing 400 for connection to a mobile device.

[00032] A mounting assembly 500 is used to connect the apparatus 100 to a support surface S. The mounting assembly 500 is shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the mounting assembly 500 comprises a mounting bracket 510 having a generally flat surface 512. Sides 514 extend generally upward from the flat surface 512. Mounting tabs 516 extend generally outward from the top of the sides 514 and have openings (not shown) defined therein for receiving an attachment device such as a screw for example. When secured to the support surface S via the attachment device, the mounting bracket 510 defines a chamber 520 for receiving a portion of the apparatus 100. A locking mechanism (not shown) is used to secure the apparatus 100 to the mounting assembly 500.

[00033] The housing 400 is designed for use in an establishment such as a coffee shop, a bar, a restaurant, a library, and the like. The housing 400 may be placed at any location in the establishment, that is, it does not require the use of an electrical outlet when providing charge to one or more connected mobile devices. In the following the term "user" will be used to refer to a patron of the establishment and the term

"establishment" will be used to refer to the establishment itself or an employee of the establishment. The mounting assembly 500 is connected to a support surface S such as a table or a bar counter for example via the attachment device. At any desired time (such as when the establishment is opening), the housing 400 is positioned within the chamber 520 and secured via the locking mechanism. When the housing 400 is in position within the chamber 520, a portion of the housing 400 comprising the resting pad 412 extends generally outward such that it protrudes from the support surface S, as shown in Figure 4. As mentioned previously, the resting pad 412 may display an advertisement. A user that wishes to charge their mobile device connects their mobile device to the appropriate charging connector cord 310 and places their mobile device on the resting pad 412. The rechargeable power assembly 200 provides the necessary power to charge the connected mobile device. When the charge is complete, or in the event that the user wishes to leave the establishment, the mobile device is disconnected from the charging connector cord 310. In the event that the rechargeable power assembly 200 does not have sufficient charge to power a mobile device or at any desired time (such as when the establishment is closing), the locking mechanism can be unlocked and the housing 400 can be removed from the chamber 520. The power assembly 200 can be recharged by electrically coupling the connector 220 to a charging unit (not shown) via a charging cord. Once the rechargeable power assembly 200 is charged, the housing 400 can be re-installed in the chamber 520.

[00034] Turning to Figure 5, another embodiment of the housing is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 450. In this embodiment no mounting bracket is required to connect the housing 450 to a support surface S. Rather, housing 450 comprises an L-shaped mounting member 460 upwardly extending from the top surface 410. The L-shaped mounting member 460 and a rear portion of the top surface 410 define a C-shaped chamber 465 configured to engage a support surface such as the edge of a table for example. As will be appreciated, one or more opening may also be defined in either the rear portion of the top surface 410, the L-shaped mounting member 460, or both, for receiving an attachment device. The L-shaped mounting member 460 may also be adjustable such that the dimensions of the C-shaped chamber 465 are adjusted to accommodate different sizes of support surfaces.

[00035] Turning now to Figures 6, another embodiment of an apparatus for charging a mobile device is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 600. As can be seen, apparatus 600 is similar to apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 with a few exceptions. In this embodiment, a power switch 215 is electrically coupled between the sealed lead acid battery 210 and the power converter circuit 230. The power converter circuit 230 comprises four (4) DC-to-DC converters 235 and the connection assembly 300 comprises four (4) charging connector cords 310. As will be appreciated, control of the power switch 215 may be made accessible on the outside of the housing by a push button, mechanical switch, capacitive switch or the like.

[00036] Referring to Figure 7, the housing 700 for apparatus 600 is shown. In this embodiment, components of the housing 700 are made of a light weight rigid material such as plastic for example, unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment the housing 700 is in the shape of a rectangular cuboid having sides 710, a top surface 720, and a bottom surface (not shown). An opening 422 is defined at a bottom portion of each of the sides 710. One of the sides 710 provides access to the connector 220 and the power switch 215. An advertisement holding member 730 is connected to each of the sides 710. Each advertisement holding member 730 is made of a generally see-through material such as clear plastic for example and has an opening 732 for receiving an advertisement such as a menu displaying food or beverage specials, upcoming events, product information, and the like. An advertisement holding member 740 is connected to the top surface 720 and comprises a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending tabs 742 for receiving further advertisement.

[00037] Housing 700 defines an interior space for containing the rechargeable power assembly 200 and the connection assembly 300. Each opening 422 allows a respective charging connector cord 310 to extend therethrough such that the first end of the charging connector cord 310 is electrically coupled to a respective one of the DC-to- DC convertors 235 positioned within the housing 400 and the second end of the charging connector cord 310 is located outside of the housing 400 for connecting to a mobile device.

[00038] In this embodiment, the apparatus 600 is designed for use in an establishment such as a coffee shop, a bar, a restaurant, a library, and the like. The apparatus 600 may be placed at any location in the establishment, that is, it does not require the use of an electrical outlet when providing charge to one or more connected mobile devices. In the following the term "user" will be used to refer to a patron of the establishment and the term "establishment" will be used to refer to the establishment or an employee of the establishment. At any desired time (such as when the establishment is opening), the apparatus 600 is positioned atop a support surface such as a table, a bar counter, and the like. A user that wishes to charge their mobile device toggles the power switch 215 to the "ON" position, connects their mobile device to the appropriate charging connector cord 310 and places their mobile device on the support surface. The rechargeable power assembly 200 provides the necessary power to charge the connected mobile device. When the charge is complete, or in the event that the user wishes to leave the establishment, the mobile device is disconnected from the charging connector cord 310 and the power switch 215 is toggled to the "OFF" position. In the event that the rechargeable power assembly 200 does not have sufficient charge to power a mobile device or at any desired time (such as when the establishment is closing), the apparatus 600 can be moved and the connector 220 electrically coupled to a charging unit (not shown) via a charging cord. Once the rechargeable power assembly 200 is charged, the apparatus 600 can be re-placed on the support surface.

[00039] Although the advertisement holding members 730 are described above being made of clear plastic and having an opening for receiving an advertisement, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternatives are available. For example, in another embodiment the advertisement holding members may be a small plastic tab extending generally outward from a respective side of the housing for receiving a bottom portion of an advertisement. In this embodiment an advertisement may be positioned around all sides of the housing and held into place by the small plastic tabs. In this embodiment, in the event the apparatus 100 requires charging, the advertisement may be removed from the housing and placed on the support surface for display. Once the apparatus is charged, it can be returned to the support surface and the advertisement may be reconnected thereto via the small plastic tabs.

[00040] Turning now to Figures 8 to 11, another embodiment of an apparatus for charging a mobile device is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 800. In this embodiment, the rechargeable power assembly 200 and connection assembly 300 are similar to that described above with the exception that the charging connector cords 310 are coiled.

[00041] The apparatus 800 comprises a housing 810. In this embodiment, the housing 810 comprises an inner housing 820 and an outer sleeve 830 dimensioned to receive the inner housing 820. An advertisement member 840 is used to secure the outer sleeve 830 to the inner housing 820 at the top portion of the housing 810 as will be described in more detail below. A rotatable base member 850 is received by the inner housing 820 as will be described in more detail below.

[00042] The inner housing 820 is in the shape of a rectangular cuboid having sides 855, a top surface 860 and a removable bottom 865.

[00043] The top surface 860 of the inner housing 820 comprises a threaded opening 870 configured to receive the advertisement member 840 as will be described in more detail below.

[00044] A bottom portion of each of the sides 855 comprises an opening 875 configured to permit one of the charging cords 310 to extend therethrough. Each of the sides 855 comprises advertisement holding grooves 880 configured to receive an advertisement such as a menu displaying food or beverage specials, upcoming events, product information, and the like.

[00045] Two light panels 885 are connected adjacent to opposing corners of the inner housing 820 and are electrically coupled to the rechargeable power assembly 200. The two light panels 885 are used to provide backlight to the outer sleeve 830 as will be described in more detail below.

[00046] A housing panel 890 is used to mount the rechargeable power assembly

200 and the connection assembly 300 within the inner housing 820. In this embodiment, the rechargeable power assembly 200 is mounted on top of the housing panel 890 as best shown in Figure 10. The connection assembly 300 is mounted to the bottom of the housing panel 890 as best shown in Figure 1 1. The housing panel 890 is received by the inner housing 820 and is secured thereto via one or more fastening members.

[00047] The removable bottom 865 of the inner housing 820 comprises side walls

895 extending from a base 900. Each of the side walls 895 comprises an opening 905 configured to permit one of the charging cords 310 to extend therethrough. The base 900 comprises an opening 910 having grooves 912 configured to receive the rotatable base member 850, as will be described below. When the removable bottom 865 is connected to the inner housing 820, the side walls 895 are configured to extend into the interior housing 820 and are configured to align the openings 905 with a respective opening 875 defined in the sides 855. As best shown in Figure 1 1 , the removable bottom 865 is removable from the inner housing 820 to provide access to the connection assembly 300 to allow the establishment to easily replace the charging cords 310.

[00048] The outer sleeve 830 comprises a top surface 920, a bottom surface 925, and two arms 930 extending therebetween and is dimensioned to receive the inner housing 820. The top surface 920 comprises an opening 935 dimensioned to permit a portion of the advertisement member 840 to extend therethrough. The bottom surface 925 comprises an opening 940 dimensioned to permit a portion of the rotatable base member 850 to extend therethrough. The two arms 930 are positioned adjacent opposite comers of and extend between the top surface 920 and bottom surface 925. Each arm 930 comprises a transparent or translucent graphic 945 positioned to overlap with a respective light panel 885 of the inner housing 820, when the outer sleeve 830 is connected thereto. The light panels 885 illuminate the transparent or translucent graphic 945 to provide an aesthetically pleasing display and to indicate to a user whether or not the apparatus 800 is powered ON. As will be appreciated, in the event the apparatus 800 is powered ON, the light panels 885 are illuminated. In the event the apparatus 800 is powered OFF, the light panels 885 are not illuminated.

[00049] The advertisement member 840 comprises a threaded projection 950 configured to extend through the opening 935 of the top surface 920 of the outer sleeve 830 and to be received by the threaded opening 870 of the top surface 860 of the inner housing 820. The advertisement member 840 also comprises a groove 940 configured to receive at least one advertisement such as a menu displaying food or beverage specials, upcoming events, product information, and the like. A tab 942 extends from the advertisement member 840 and is used to help a user selectively screw and unscrew the advertisement member 840.

[00050] The rotatable base member 850 has a cylindrical body 950 comprising a projection 955 extending therefrom. The projection 955 is configured to extend through the opening 940 of the bottom surface 925 of the outer sleeve 830 and into the opening 910 of the inner housing 820. The projection 955 has mating members 960 that mate with corresponding grooves 912 within the opening 910 of the inner housing. A bottom of the cylindrical body 950 has four (4) resting pads 965 that sit atop a support surface. The rotatable base member 850 allows a user to rotate the housing 810 to position the appropriate charging connector cord 310 nearest to them or to view one of the advertisements mounted on the housing 810.

[00051] In this embodiment, the apparatus 800 is designed for use in an establishment such as a coffee shop, a bar, a restaurant, a library, and the like. The apparatus 800 may be placed at any location in the establishment, that is, it does not require the use of an electrical outlet when providing charge to one or more connected mobile devices. At any desired time (such as when the establishment is opening), the apparatus 800 is positioned atop a support surface such as a table, a bar counter, and the like. A user that wishes to charge their mobile device connects their mobile device to the appropriate charging connector cord 310 and places their mobile device on the support surface. The rechargeable power assembly 200 provides the necessary power to charge the connected mobile device. When the charge is complete, or in the event that the user wishes to leave the establishment, the mobile device is disconnected from the charging connector cord 310. In the event that the rechargeable power assembly 200 does not have sufficient charge to power a mobile device or at any desired time (such as when the establishment is closing), the apparatus 800 can be moved and the connector 220 can be electrically coupled to a charging unit (not shown) via a charging cord. Once the rechargeable power assembly 200 is charged, the apparatus 800 can be re-placed on the support surface.

[00052] Turning now to Figure 12, another embodiment of an apparatus for charging a mobile device is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 1000. As can be seen, apparatus 1000 is similar to apparatus 100 with the exception that in addition to the DC-to-DC converters 235 a DC-to-AC converter 250 is provided. In this embodiment, the DC-to-AC converter 250 is electrically coupled to a wireless induction coil 320 used to wirelessly charge a mobile device according to an inductive power standard such as the Qi inductive power standard or the like. In this embodiment, the wireless induction coil 320 is positioned within the housing (not shown) at a position beneath the resting pad (not shown). The resting pad comprises a graphic such as an outline of a wireless charging area for example, indicating to a user where to position their mobile device to charge it via the wireless induction coil 320. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment charging connectors 310 are also provided such that a mobile device may be charged via the charging connectors 310 or the wireless induction coil 320.

[00053] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a locking mechanism to secure the apparatus to a support such as a table. In this embodiment, a cord such as an airplane wire tether may be connected at a first end to the apparatus and at a second end to the support.

[00054] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power indicator light coupled to the rechargeable power assembly. In this embodiment, the power indicator light may be illuminated green when the rechargeable power assembly is fully charged and may be illuminated red when the rechargeable power assembly requires charging.

[00055] In another embodiment, the rechargeable power assembly comprises an electronic circuit configured to reduce the time required to charge the battery. [00056] In another embodiment, each of the charging connector cords may be connected to a retractable cord assembly such that the length of the charging connector cord may be varied by the user.

[00057] Although in embodiments described above the DC-to-DC converters are described as converting the source voltage to 5 volts, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the source voltage may be converted to any appropriate voltage level.

[00058] Although in embodiments described above the rechargeable power assembly is described as comprising a sealed lead acid battery, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of batteries may be used. Further, other types of rechargeable batteries may be used such as lithium-ion batteries for example.

[00059] Although in embodiments described above openings are defined in the side wall of the housing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the opening may be defined in any part of the housing such as the top surface for example.

[00060] Although in embodiments described above each charging connector cord extends through an opening in the housing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more charging connector cords may extend through an opening in the housing.

[00061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that features of particular embodiments described above may be implemented with other embodiments. For example, any of the above-described embodiments may include a power switch.

[00062] Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for charging a mobile device comprising:

a housing;

a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing; and

at least one charging connector cord, a first end of the charging connector cord electrically connected to the rechargeable power assembly and a second end of the charging connector cord extending out from an opening in the housing and connectable to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mounting assembly connected to the exterior of the housing for mounting the housing to a support surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the housing has at least one generally flat surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a resting pad connected to a portion of the at least one generally flat surface of the housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the portion of the at least one generally flat surface of the housing is configured to extend from the support surface when mounted thereto.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the at least one charging connector cord is a plurality of charging connector cords.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the second end of a first one of the plurality of charging connector cords is connectable to a different type of mobile device than the second end of a second one of the plurality of charging connector cords.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an advertising assembly attached to the housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the advertising assembly is removably attached to the housing.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the advertising assembly is permanently attached to the housing.

1 1. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the advertising assembly comprises an opening for receiving advertising material.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 1 1 wherein the second end of the at least one charging connector cord is selectively extendable and retractable from the housing.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the second end of the at least one charging connector cord is one of a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a micro USB connector, a 30-pin connector, and a Lightning connector.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the rechargeable power assembly comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14 further comprising a power switch connected to the rechargeable power assembly for selectively powering the rechargeable power assembly ON and OFF.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the rechargeable power assembly comprises circuit means electrically connected to the at least one rechargeable battery and the first end of the at least one charging connector.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the circuit means comprises a DC-to-DC converter.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises an outer sleeve and an inner housing, the outer sleeve configured to at least partially surround the inner housing when secured thereto.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising an advertisement member having a threaded projection configured to extend through an opening of the outer sleeve and to be received by a threaded opening of the inner housing such that when the threaded projection is received by the threaded opening and rotated, the outer sleeve is secured to the inner housing.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein the outer sleeve comprises at least one transparent or translucent graphic and the inner sleeve comprises at least one illumination panel coupled to the rechargeable power assembly, the at least one illumination panel positioned to illuminate the at least one transparent or translucent graphic.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the inner housing comprises a housing panel configured to receive the rechargable power assembly, and comprises a removable bottom, wherein a bottom of the housing panel and the removable bottom define a compartment for receiving the first end of the at least one charging connector cord.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the removeable bottom comprises an opening for receiving a rotatable base member.

23. An apparatus for charging a mobile device comprising:

a housing;

a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing;

at least one charging connector cord, a first end of the charging connector cord electrically connected to the rechargeable power assembly and a second end of the charging connector cord extending out from an opening in the housing and connectable to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto; and a mounting assembly configured to attach the housing to a support surface such that at least a portion of the housing extends generally outward from the support surface for supporting the mobile device.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the portion of the housing that extends generally outward from the support surface comprises a resting pad for frictionally supporting the mobile device.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the resting pad comprises an advertising surface for displaying an advertisement.

26. An apparatus for charging a mobile device comprising:

a housing;

a rechargeable power assembly positioned within the housing; and

a charging assembly configured to couple the rechargeable power assembly to a mobile device for providing an electrical charge thereto.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a mounting assembly configured to attach the housing to a support surface such that at least a portion of the housing extends generally outward from the support surface for supporting the mobile device.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 or 27 wherein the charging assembly comprises at least one of a charging connector cord or a wireless induction coil.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the wireless induction coil is positioned within the housing adjacent to a top surface of the portion of the housing that extends generally outward from the support surface.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein the portion of the housing that extends generally outward from the support surface comprises a resting pad for frictionally supporting the mobile device.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the resting pad comprises a graphic indicating to the user where to position the mobile device to permit wireless charging via the wireless indication coil.

32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein a first end of the at least one charging connector cord is configured to be electrically to the rechargeable power assembly and a second end of the charging connector cord is configured to extend out from an opening in the housing for connecting to a mobile device to providing an electrical charge thereto.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 comprising a plurality of charging connector cords, wherein the second end of a first one of the plurality of charging connector cords is configured to connect to a different type of mobile device than the second end of a second one of the plurality of charging connector cords.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 33 further comprising an advertising assembly attached to the housing.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the advertising assembly is removably attached to the housing.

36. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the advertising assembly is permanently attached to the housing.

37. The apparatus of any one of claims 34 to 36 wherein the advertising assembly comprises an opening for receiving advertising material.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 37 wherein the second end of the at least one charging connector cord is selectively extendable and retractable from the housing.

39. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 38 wherein the second end of the at least one charging connector cord is one of a universal serial bus (USB) connector, a micro USB connector, a 30-pin connector, or a Lightning connector.

40. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 39 wherein the rechargeable power assembly comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

41. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 40 further comprising a power switch coupled to the rechargeable power assembly for selectively powering the rechargeable power assembly.

42. The apparatus of any one of claims 40 wherein the rechargeable power assembly comprises a converter circuit configured to electrically couple the at least one rechargeable battery and the first end of the at least one charging connector.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 wherein the converter circuit comprises at least one of a DC-to-DC converter or a DC-to-AC converter.