# US 2013/0154566 A1 · Modular charging device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0154566 A1 - Document ID: US20130154566A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/707,180 - Filed: 2012-12-06 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-12-07 - Assignees: Signals IT Ltd. - Inventors: Peter EMSLIE - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130154566A1 ## CPC - H02J 7/731: {specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries (H02J7/751 takes precedence)} - H02J 7/00: Circuit arrangements for charging or discharging batteries or for supplying loads from batteries - H02J 2207/40: adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage - H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY ## Abstract A modular charging device includes a chassis, a plurality of cradle mounts and a power distribution unit including a power outlet corresponding to each of the said cradle mounts. Each mount is suitably adapted for detachably affixing a cradle to the chassis, and a charging plug of each cradle is electrically connectable to the power distribution unit via a fly lead providing an electrical connection between the said charging plug and the power outlets. The use of a modular chassis and cradle mount system may conveniently enable each cradle to be attached or detached individually, meaning that the component parts can be removed and replaced upon failure, or for upgrade, with minimal effort. Additionally, the invention suitably permits charging of multiple mobile communication devices or batteries for same. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A modular charging device comprising a chassis, a plurality of cradle mounts and a power distribution unit comprising a power outlet corresponding to each of the said cradle mounts, each mount being adapted for detachably affixing a cradle to the chassis and wherein a charging plug of each cradle is electrically connectable to the power distribution unit via a fly lead providing an electrical connection between the said charging plug and the power outlets. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a charging plug of each cradle is electrically connectable to the power distribution unit via electrical connections provided in the cradle mounts. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power distribution unit comprises a mains transformer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a bracket for mounting the mains transformer on the exterior of the chassis. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power distribution unit comprises a power regulation and distribution circuit for delivering a controlled voltage and/or current to each of the power outlets. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power distribution unit comprises a data interface. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the data interface comprises an Ethernet or USB interface. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the power distribution unit comprises a power-over-Ethernet or powered USB interface. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis is wall-mountable. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a wall-mounting bracket or brackets for detachably affixing the chassis to a wall or other vertical surface. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis is free-standing. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 11, further comprising one or more feet attachable to the chassis, said feet being adapted to enable the chassis to rest stably on a horizontal surface or table top. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis is mountable within a server cabinet. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the width of the chassis is substantially 19″ (480 mm) and wherein the ends of the chassis comprise screw-receiving apertures to enable the chassis to be secured within a server cabinet using screws. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chassis is formed from a pressed steel box. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, comprising four cradle mounts. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein any one of the cradle mounts comprises a plastics injection molded quick release ratchet plate, to which cradles can be detachably affixed. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1, suitable for use with mobile communication devices that is modular to allow on site user repair or modification.