GB2599353A

GB2599353A - Portable-electronic-device charging and holding station

Info

Publication number: GB2599353A
Application number: GB2013880.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stevens Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-03
Filing date: 2020-09-03
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Also published as: GB202013880D0

Abstract

A portable electronic device charging and holding station 10 with a station support 14 and a portable electronic device holder 18 supported by and rotatable relative to the station support. A power supply 16 disposed at, in or adjacent to the station support. In some embodiments, an on-board driving means 20 rotates the holder 18 relative to the station support. A charging outlet 22 is disposed at or adjacent to the portable electronic device holder, wherein there is a power transmission path between the power supply and the outlet; in some embodiments, the power transmission path includes a rotary electrical interface 24. The station may hold a plurality of portable electronic devices 12. The portable electronic device may be held in an arm 30 and a device-securing portion 32; the device-securing portion may be pivotable relative to the arm. The on-board driving means 20 may be instructed by a controller. The rotary electrical interface may include a stationary element 52/54 and a rotatable element 54/52 spaced apart from one another, wherein a flexible conductive member from one element extends to a conductive circular track on the other element.

Description

Portable-Electronic-Device Charging and Holding Station The present invention relates to a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station or hub. The invention further relates to a method of automatically recording an environment surrounding a portable electronic device whilst providing power to the portable electronic device, a portable-electronic-device charging and holding system, and an electronic-device support system.

Increasingly, it is desirable to share images or video recordings of social gatherings and events. Such sharing may typically be done via the internet and social media. The sharing may be part of a two-way sharing, for example as a video call.

The images or video are conventionally recorded using a portable electronic device, such as a mobile telephone with an in-built camera. An attendee of the gathering or event would typically hold and direct the portable electronic device to capture the required images or video.

However, in certain situations it may be difficult for the attendee to direct the device towards the other attendees. For example, if the social gathering or event is a meal at a table, an attendee sitting at a given position at the edge of the table may be unable to angle the device to obtain a suitable recording of all of the other attendees. Additionally, capturing image or video of the operator of the device, continuous with that of the other attendees, may be difficult.

Furthermore, it can be desirable to record images or video of long portions of the event, which for the operator of the recording device would require reduced participation in the event for long durations.

Additionally, portable electronic devices are typically powered by batteries and therefore can have a relatively brief recording capability when not connected to a power outlet. As 25 such, only a relatively short duration of the event may be able to be recorded.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portableelectronic-device charging and holding station comprising: a station support; a power supply at, in or adjacent to the station support; a portable-electronic-device holder 30 supported by the station support and rotatable relative thereto; an on-board driving means for rotating the holder relative to the station support; a portable-electronic-device charging outlet at or adjacent to the portable-electronic-device holder; and a power transmission path between the power supply and the charging outlet, the power transmission path including a rotary electrical interface.

The rotatable portable-electronic-device holder allows for a portable electronic device to be automatically rotated and thereby record video or other media of persons surrounding the station. For example, the station may allow for video to be recorded during a meal of attendees of a meal. The on-board driving means is on-board of the station and is non-external to the station. In other words, the station does not require manual force to be continuously applied to rotate the holder. The rotary electrical interface allows for the portable electronic devices to be charged whilst being rotated so that the devices do not deactivate due to a loss of power. The portable electronic devices are removably securable to the holder.

If the portable electronic devices include a display, microphone, speaker and a recording means along with an internet connection, the station may allow for two-way video communication between persons surrounding the station and another person remote from the station. Similarly, the station may permit live streaming over the internet of the persons surrounding the station.

Preferably, the portable-electronic-device holder may be configured to hold a plurality of 20 portable electronic devices. Therefore, multiple attendees of the event can each record the event using their portable electronic device.

Advantageously, the holder may comprise at least one arm and a device-securing portion at or adjacent to an end of the or each arm. The arm can allow for the portable electronic device to project from station and therefore provide an improved viewpoint for the device.

Beneficially, the device securing portion may be pivotable relative to the arm. In a preferable embodiment, the or each arm may be articulable. These features may allow for the angle of the portable electronic device to be adjusted relative to the station which may assist in angling the portable electronic device when capturing photographs therewith, for example.

Preferably, the holder may comprise a mount rotatably supported by the station support, the or each arm being supported by the mount. Including a mount from which one or more arms may project may be a convenient way of arranging the device, which allows for power cabling or similar to be hidden by the mount for example.

In a preferable embodiment, the or each arm may be pivotable relative to the mount. This also allows for the device to be angularly adjusted relative to the station.

Optionally, the station may further comprise a shaft or spindle for rotating the holder, the driving means including a motor for rotating the shaft or spindle.

Additionally, the motor may be a variable speed motor. Such a feature allows for variation in the recorded video since the portable electronic device can be rotated at differing speeds.

Preferably, the station may further comprise a controller for initiating the driving means and/or controlling a speed of rotation.

Optionally, the station may further comprise a wireless receiver for receiving wireless instructions to instruct the controller. As such, the station can be operated remotely, without requiring a user to reach across and manually control the station, for example.

Advantageously, the device may further comprise at least one wheel for permitting rotation between the station support and holder or base.

In a preferable embodiment, the device may further comprise at least one planar bearing surface for permitting rotation between the station support and holder or base.

Preferably, the holder may be supported by the station support and rotatable so as to permit 360 ° of rotation. As such, all participants of an event surrounding the station can be recorded.

Beneficially, the holder may be supported by the station support and rotatable so as to permit continuous rotation.

Optionally, the rotary electrical interface may comprise a stationary element associated with the station support and a rotatable element associated with the portable-electronicdevice holder, the rotatable element and stationary element being spaced apart from each other, the stationary element including a conductive circular track and the rotatable element including a flexible conductive member extending thereto or vice versa.

Alternatively, the rotary interface may comprise a conductive member and a flexible conductor, the flexible conductor being engageable with and rotatable relative to the conductive member.

Preferably, the power supply may be a rechargeable power supply. For example, the power supply may be a rechargeable battery. Power cabling to a mains or utility power supply and/or mains energisation, although feasible as an additional option, may not necessarily be required, for example, when the station is in use.

In a preferable embodiment, the power supply may provide sufficient weight to counteract at least twice the weight of the holders and/or base. This prevents the device from toppling, for example. For example, if utilising a rechargeable battery pack as the portable power source, by locating this lower in the device and at or towards the base, the battery pack will have the additional function of acting as a counter-balance.

Beneficially, the station further comprises an audio-emitting element which allows for music to be played by the station.

Optionally, the audio-emitting element may be rotatable relative to the station support. The audio emitting element being rotatable may provide an improved music experience for the users around the station.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of automatically recording an environment surrounding a portable electronic device whilst providing power to the portable electronic device, the method comprising the steps: a) providing a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station according to the first aspect of the invention; b) providing a portable electronic device having a recording element; c) mounting said portable electronic device to the portable-electronic-device holder and connecting the charging outlet to a power inlet of the portable electronic device; d) rotating the portable-electronic-device holder via the driving means so that the portable electronic device records the environment surrounding the portable electronic device.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable-electronic-device charging and holding system comprising: the portable-electronic-device charging and a holding station according to the first aspect of the invention; and a portable electronic device releasably held by the portable-electronic-device holder and connectable to the portable-electronic-device charging outlet.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable-electronicdevice charging and holding station comprising: a station support; a power supply; a portable-electronic-device holder supported by the station support and rotatable relative thereto; a portable-electronic-device charging outlet at or adjacent to the portableelectronic-device holder; and a power transmission path between the power supply and the charging outlet.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic-device support system comprising: a support; a power supply at, in or adjacent to the support; an electronic device rotatably supported by the support; an on-board driving means for rotating the electronic device relative to the support; a power transmission path between the power supply and the electronic device, the power transmission path including a rotary electrical interface.

Preferably, the electronic device is an audio emitting device. In particular, the audio emitting device may comprise a sub-woofer at or adjacent to a rotational axis of the station The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a representation of a first embodiment of a portable-electronicdevice charging and holding system according to the third aspect of the invention, including a first embodiment of a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station according to the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention and two portable-electronic devices held thereby, a station support and mount of the station being cut-away to show interior components; Figure 2 shows a top representation of one example of a stationary portion of a rotary electrical interface of the portable-electronic-device charging and holding station 20 of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows one example of a bottom representation of a rotating portion of the rotary electrical interface of the portable-electronic-device charging and holding station of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a portable-electronic-device charging and holding system according to the third aspect of the invention, including a second embodiment of a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station according to the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention and one portable-electronic device held thereby, a station support and mount of the station being cut-away to show interior components; and Figure 5 shows a top representation of a rotary electrical interface of the portable-electronic-device charging and holding station of Figure 4.

Firstly referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a portable-electronicdevice charging and holding system 100. The system 100 comprises a first embodiment of a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station 10 and portable electronic devices 12 held thereby.

The station 10 comprises a station support 14, a power supply 16, a portable-electronicdevice holder 18, an on-board driving means 20, a portable-electronic-device charging outlet 22, and a rotary electrical interface 24.

The station support 14 may otherwise be referred to as a base, and in this case is preferably the lowest-most part of the device upon, in or above which the other components are supported. However, it will be appreciated that in another arrangement the station support 14 may, for example, be the uppermost part and be supported from a ceiling or other support.

The station support 14 is preferably hollow and may be considered to be a housing. The station support 14 may comprise a support and/or bearing surface at a holder-adjacent portion of the station support 14, in this case at or adjacent to a top 26 of the station support 14. The support surface may therefore be referred to as the upper surface. The upper surface is preferably at least in part planar or substantially planar and may provide a planar circular path around and/or on which the holder 18 may rotate.

The station support 14 may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, although it will be 20 appreciated that this may not be necessary. For example, the station support and mount together may define a substantially flattened semi-spherical shape, for example having a shield-like shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.

The diameter of the station support may be approximately 200 mm, for example being between 150 mm and 250 mm.

The holder 18 is supported by the station support 14 and rotatable relative thereto. The holder 18 preferably comprises a mount 28, four arms 30 or branches supported by the mount 28, and a device-securing portion 32 at or adjacent to an end of each arm 30. Only two of the four arms 30 are shown in Figure 1. Whilst four arms 30 are described, it will be appreciated that only one arm 30 may be provided. Altematively, other numbers of arms 30 may be provided, for example two, three, five, six or eight arms 30, or generally a plurality of arms 30.

The mount 28 has a base which includes a lower surface 34 or a station-support adjacent surface. The lower surface 34 is at least in part planar or substantially planar and may provide a planar circular path for rotation relative to the station support 14.

The mount 28 is preferably arcuate, substantially arcuate, semi-spherical or substantially 5 semi-spherical. The mount 28, may preferably be between 100 mm and 250 mm in diameter, and may more preferably be between 150 mm and 200 mm.

At least one rotatable element 36 is provided between the lower surface 34 of the base of the mount 28, and the upper surface of the station support 14 for permitting moveable or rotatable support therebetween. The rotatable element 36 is preferably a wheel, although ball bearings may be considered in addition or instead. Here there are four wheels, although other numbers of wheels may be considered such as at least two. The or each wheel may have an axle which is connected to the station support 14 or mount 28. Additionally or alternatively, a path, channel or guide 38 may be provided around which the wheel may move. VVhilst a rotatable element 36 is described, it will be appreciated that this may not be necessary and a planar bearing surface, which may be lubricated for example, may instead be considered.

The holder 18 and mount 28 is therefore at least in part rotatably supported via the station support 14.

The arms 30 are preferably hollow for permitting cabling to be guided or fed therethrough.

Each arm 30 may be articulable, for example having pivot or articulation points for allowing movement of a portion of the arm 30 relative to another portion. Additionally or alternatively, each arm 30 may be pivotably mounted to the mount 28 to allow relative motion thereto. The motion of each arm 30 or each portion of each arm 30 relative to mount 28 or the remainder of the arm 30 respectively may be achieved via manual manipulation. Alternatively, the movement may be mechanised or powered via at least one motor or pneumatic or hydraulic operator. The operation of the motor or pneumatic or hydraulic operator may be automatic, for example to cause the arm 30 to follow a set pattern of movement. Alternatively, the operation of the motor or pneumatic or hydraulic operator may be controlled via a remote control, for example an infrared remote control, although radio frequency controllers may also be considered among others.

The device-securing portion 32 may otherwise be referred to a device receiver, device holder or device mount. The device-securing portion 32 is for releasably securing a portable electronic device 12 to the station 10. The device-securing portion 32 may be pivotably or movably mounted to the arm 30, for example via a hinge or ball joint.

Preferably, the portable-electronic-device charging outlet 22 is at or adjacent to the device-securing portion 32 for charging or powering a portable electronic device 12. The charging outlet 22 may take the form of any charging or powering plug such as an Apple Lightning (RTM) connector or plug, or a universal serial bus (USB) connector such as a micro-USB or USB-C connector or plug. Each portable-electronic-device charging outlet 22 may include a flexible cable or joint to allow the outlet to be connected to a port on the portable electronic device 12.

Whilst the presence of arms 30 and the device-securing portion 32 being attached to the remainder of the station 10 via the arms 30 is described, it will be appreciated that the arms may be omitted. Instead, the device-securing portion may be attached directly to the mount, for example.

The station 10 further comprises a shaft 40 or spindle. The shaft 40 may be a part of the driving means 20 and is preferably fixedly connected to the mount 28 and/or holder 18 so as to provide rotation thereto, for example via brackets. The shaft 40 is rotatably mounted relative to the support. For example, the shaft 40 may be mounted on or supported to the support via a bearing 42.

The shaft 40 is preferably positioned centrally with regards to the mount 28 and/or holder 20 18, however, it will be appreciated that it may in fact be offset relative thereto. The shaft 40 defines an axis of rotation of the holder 18.

It will be appreciated that the shaft 40 may at least in part support the mount 28 and/or holder 18. It will even be appreciated that in some instances the shaft 40 may support the mount 28 and/or holder 18 alone, and there may be no direct support between the station support 14 and the mount 28 and/or holder 18. In this instance the rotatable elements 36 between the lower surface 34 of the base of the mount 28 and the upper surface of the station support 14 may not be necessary, although they may still be included.

The shaft 40 is preferably powered, and therefore the driving means 20 comprises a 30 motor 44. Here the power supply 16 powers the motor 44, although it will be appreciated that other or separate power supplies or sources may be considered. The motor 44 is preferably a variable speed motor 44 for rotating the shaft 40 at differing speeds. The station 10 preferably includes a controller 46 for operating or instructing the motor 44. The controller 46 may include a wireless receiver, such as a radio receiver, for example a Bluetooth (RTM) receiver. The receiver may be for receiving instructions from a controller 46, such as a portable electronic device 12 with a Bluetooth (RTM) or other radio transmitter. The controller 46 may be instructed to operate the motor 44 at differing speeds. The motor 44 may be a reversible motor 44 to allow the holder 18 to rotate in opposite directions. VVhilst a wireless receiver is described, controls such as buttons or switches on the station 10 may be considered for operating the controller 46. It will be appreciated that voice commands may also be considered. As such, the station may include a microphone and the controller may include means or circuits capable of interpreting voice commands.

Although the holder 18 is rotated via a shaft 40 and motor 44, it will be appreciated that other drive means may be considered such as pulleys, belts, gearboxes, wheels or cogs.

The station 10 preferably includes a power inlet 48, for example a socket or plug. The power inlet 48 is for connection to a mains or utility power supply 16 to allow charging of the power supply 16 of the station 10. The power supply 16 of the station 10 is preferably a rechargeable battery. A transformer 50 is connected to the power inlet 48 for transforming the voltage of the power from the mains supply. The transformer 50 may be for transforming the voltage from a 240 Volt alternating current supply, for example as provided by the mains supply in the United Kingdom, to a 12 Volt direct current supply. Other transformers 50 may be considered.

The transformer 50 is connected to the controller 46 which may then be connected to the battery 16 to permit charging thereof. A direct connection between the transformer 50 and the battery 16 may be considered. Although a rechargeable battery is described, it will be appreciated that non-rechargeable batteries may be considered, and thus the power inlet 48 may be omitted. Alternatively, other portable power supplies may also be considered, such as a capacitive power supply 16. The station 10 may not include an on-board power supply and may instead rely on a mains or utility connection. Whilst a transformer 50 is described, it will be appreciated that this may not be included.

A power transmission path is defined between the power supply 16 and the charging outlet 22, the power transmission path including the rotary electrical interface 24. The power transmission path extends from the power supply 16 to the controller 46, from the controller 46 to the rotary electrical interface 24, and then from the rotary electrical interface 24 to the charging outlet 22 along the arms 30.

Referring in addition to Figures 2 and 3, the rotatory electrical interface includes a stationary element or plate 52 associated with the station support 14, and a rotatable element or plate 54 associated with the portable-electronic-device holder 18. The rotatable plate 52 and stationary plate 54 are spaced apart from each other and at least one conductor 56 extends therebetween, represented in Figure 1 by block arrows indicating a flow of electricity. The rotatable plate and stationary plate 52, 54 are preferably parallel to each other.

The conductor 56 is preferably flexible, such as a conductive brush or spring, although it will be appreciated that this may not be the case. Here the stationary plate 52 includes three conductive tracks 58 or busways for a positive, negative and ground electrical connections 58a, 58b, 58c. Each track 58 forms a closed loop, and is preferably circular or substantially circular. Similarly, the rotatable plate 54 includes three conductors 56 attached thereto for each arm 30, the three conductors 56 representing positive, negative and ground electrical connections 56a, 56h, 56c. The conductor 56 connects with the corresponding track 58 or busway. It will be appreciated that the ground electrical connection may be omitted. An electrical connection is made between the controller 46 and the tracks 58 and between the positive and negative conductors 56a, 56b and the charging outlet 22 to provide an electrical pathway between the charging outlet 22 and the power supply 16. The ground conductor 56c may be connected to a portion of the holder 18, for example.

Electrical and/or communicative connections throughout the device may be made by electrical conductors, wiring or cables 59.

The station 10 preferably includes at least one audio-emitting device 60 for emitting audio such as music. The audio-emitting device 60 may be a wireless, for example a Bluetooth (RTM) audio-emitting device 60. The audio-emitting device 60 may be in or at the station support 14. Alternatively, the audio-emitting device 60 may be in or at the mount 28, for example the audio-emitting device 60 may be at the top of the mount 28 and/or aligned with the rotational axis of the mount.

There may be different types of audio-emitting devices, for example there may be a sub-woofer for bass audio and a speaker or speakers for higher pitched audio. The sub-woofer may be at the top of the mount 28 distal from the station support 14, and the speaker or speakers for higher pitched audio further towards the station support 14. When received on the mount 28, the audio-emitting device 60 is rotatable. The audio-emitting device 60 may be powered by the power supply 16 and, if on the mount 28, a power transmission path may extend between the audio-emitting device 60 and the power supply 16 via the rotary electrical interface 24.

In some scenarios, the arms 30, charging outlet 22 and portable-electronic-devicesecuring portion 32 may be omitted with the audio-emitting device 60 being present on the mount 28. In this case, the portable-electronic-device holder 18 may instead be an 10 electronic-device holder or support system 18.

In use, a user may first connect an external power supply, such as the mains power supply, to the power inlet 48. The voltage of the power supplied by the mains is transformed by the transformer 50 and the power is supplied to the controller 46 which in turn charges the on-board battery 16. Once the battery 16 is charged, a charge indication light, such as an LED, may be illuminated. The station 10 may then be disconnected from the mains power supply 16.

The station 10 is then be positioned on a support surface of choice. For example, the station 10 may be positioned on a table, for example in the centre of the tabletop. Users then position and/or secure their portable electronic devices 12 in the device-securing portion 32 of the arms 30 and may connect the charging outlet 22 to the power inlet 48 of the portable electronic devices 12 to charge the devices if so required.

To charge the portable electronic devices 12, electrical current is transmitted from a positive terminal of the battery 16 to the controller 46 and then to the positive track 58a of the stationary plate 52 of the rotatory electrical interface. Electrical current is then transmitted via the positive conductors 56a to respective power cabling in the arms 30 and then to the charging outlet 22 which charges the portable electronic device 12. The electrical circuit is completed via a connection from the charging outlet 22 to a negative terminal of the battery 16 via the negative conductors 56b and negative track 58b. It will be appreciated that the portable electronic devices 12 may be charged via the mains supply if the power inlet 48 of the station 10 is connected to the mains when the portable electronic devices 12 are connected to the charging outlet 22.

The portable electronic devices 12 may then be set, for example, to record video, to take photographs at intervals, and/or to record sound.

The holder 18 is then instructed to rotate, for example via a signal from a Bluetooth (RTM) device transmitter to the Bluetooth (RTM) receiver of the controller 46. The controller 46 instructs the motor 44 to operate which draws power from the battery 16 to rotate the shaft 40 or spindle to rotate the mount 28, which rotates the arms 30 and the portable electronic devices 12 received thereby. The electrical connection between the battery 16 and the charging outlet 22 is maintained by the flexible conductors 56 maintaining contact with the relevant track 58 as they move therearound.

The portable electronic devices 12 are thus able to be charged and to record media whilst rotating which permits for attendees at an event surrounding the station 10 to be automatically recorded for a long duration.

The audio-emitting device 60 may emit music, provided by a wireless device for example, during the operation of the station 10. If the audio-emitting device 60 is at or in the mount 28, the rotation of the mount 28 may rotate the audio emitting device. The audio-emitting device 60 being positioned at the centre of the mount 28 and/or at the axis of rotation thereof may reduce the circumference of rotation of the audio-emitting device 60, which may be beneficial if minimal displacement of the audio-emitting device 60 is desired.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, there is shown a second embodiment of a portable-electronic-device charging and holding system 200. The system 200 comprises a second embodiment of a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station 110 and one portable electronic devices 12 held thereby. The second embodiment of the station 110 is similar or identical to the first embodiment, although a different rotary electrical interface 124 and a different driving means 120 is used and only one arm 130 and portable electronic device 12 is shown. The second embodiment of the station 110 is otherwise similar or identical to the first embodiment and similar or identical reference numerals are used with 100 added.

The rotary electrical interface 124 of the second embodiment comprises two stationary conductive members 162, or circular busbars, at or aligned with an axis of rotation of the mount 128. The conductive members 162 may each be considered to be a shaft. One member 162a is designated as a positive member and one member 162b is designated as a negative member. The negative member 162b is outside of the positive member 162a, although it will be appreciated that this may be reversed. Insulation, and in particular double insulation, is between the members 162. A positive flexible conductor 156a makes contact with the positive member 162a and a negative flexible conductor 156b makes contact with the negative member 162b. The flexible conductors 156 are spring biased to maintain contact with the members 162. The flexible conductors 156 are supported by the mount 128 so that they are rotatable around the conductive members 162 with the mount 128, maintaining electrical contact with the respective members 162 when the mount 128 is rotating.

The positive and negative flexible conductors 156a, 156b are connected to respective 10 terminals at or adjacent to the mount 28 via a connection box 164. Electrical connections from the respective terminals can then be made to the or each charging outlet 122.

The driving means 120 of the second embodiment comprises a motor 144 which directly drives at least one of the rotatable elements 136 or wheels between the mount 128 and the station support 114. The wheels may be rotatably connected to the mount 128 so that when they rotate they move the mount 128 relative to the station support 114. In this instance, the rotatable elements 36 may also be considered to be part of the driving means 120.

Only one arm 130 and portable electronic device 112 is shown in Figure 4, although more may be considered, as per the first embodiment. Although no power inlet for a 20 mains power connection is shown in Figure 4, it will be appreciated that this may be included.

Although the first embodiment of the station is described as being supported on a support surface such as a table, it will be appreciated that this may not be the case. For example, the station may in fact be inverted and supported from the ceiling of a room. In this way, 25 the station may have the appearance of a chandelier.

Although not shown, lights, such as light emitting diodes, may be included on the mount or station support to provide a lighting effect which may be a rotating lighting effect.

Whilst driving means such as a spindle or shaft, or driven wheels are described, it will be appreciated that other driving means may be considered. For example, a continuous, 30 closed or circular track may be defined which may be frictionally engageable with at least one wheel. The closed track may be fixedly associated with or attached to the portable-electronic-device holder, and the wheel may be rotatably associated with or attached to the station support. The wheel may be driven by a motor, for example, which may be energised by the power supply. As the wheel rotates, it may drive the track and therefore the holder around and thereby cause the holder to rotate.

The wheel may be a gear or pinion, and the track may be a rack, although a wheel and track without interdigitatable teeth may also be considered. In the instance of a wheel and track without interdigitatable teeth, the wheel and track may be formed from materials such that there is a suitable frictional force therebetween. For example, the wheel and track may be formed from rubber. Although the wheel is described as being associated with the holder and the track associated with the support, it will be appreciated that the opposing scenario may be considered.

It is therefore possible to provide a station or device which can hold and charge portable electronic devices whilst automatically rotating to allow said portable electronic devices to record media of the surrounding environment.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various 25 other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1. 4. 5. 7.A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station comprising: a station support; a power supply at, in or adjacent to the station support; a portable-electronic-device holder supported by the station support and rotatable relative thereto; an on-board driving means for rotating the holder relative to the station support; a portable-electronic-device charging outlet at or adjacent to the portableelectronic-device holder; and a power transmission path between the power supply and the charging outlet, the power transmission path including a rotary electrical interface.
A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable-electronic-device holder is configured to hold a plurality of portable electronic devices.
A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the holder comprises at least one arm and a device-securing portion at or adjacent to an end of the or each arm.
A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claim 3, wherein the device securing portion is pivotable relative to the arm.
A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claims 3 or 4, wherein the or each arm is articulable.
A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the holder comprises a mount rotatably supported by the station support, the or each arm being supported by the mount.
A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each arm is pivotable relative to the mount.
8. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shaft for rotating the holder, the driving means including a motor for rotating the shaft.
9. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claim 8, wherein the motor is a variable speed motor.
10. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller for initiating the driving means and/or controlling a speed of rotation.
11. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a wireless receiver for receiving wireless instructions to instruct the controller.
12. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one wheel for permitting rotation between the station support and holder or base.
13. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is supported by the station support and rotatable so as to permit 360 ° of rotation.
14. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is supported by the station support and rotatable so as to permit continuous rotation A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary electrical interface comprises a stationary element associated with the station support and a rotatable element associated with the portable-electronic-device holder, the rotatable element and stationary element being spaced apart from each other, the stationary element including a conductive circular track and the rotatable element including a flexible conductive member extending thereto or vice versa.16. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary interface comprises a conductive member and a flexible conductor, the flexible conductor being engageable with and rotatable relative to the conductive member.17. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply is a rechargeable power supply.18. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply provides sufficient weight to counteract at least twice the weight of the holders and/or base.19. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an audio-emitting element.20. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the audio-emitting element is rotatable relative to the station support.21 A method of automatically recording an environment surrounding a portable electronic device whilst providing power to the portable electronic device, the method comprising: a) providing a portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b) providing a portable electronic device having a recording element; c) mounting said portable electronic device to the portable-electronic-device holder and connecting the charging outlet to a power inlet of the portable electronic device; d) rotating the portable-electronic-device holder via the driving means so that the portable electronic device records the environment surrounding the portable electronic device.22. A portable-electronic-device charging and holding system comprising: the portable-electronic-device charging and holding station as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20; and a portable electronic device releasably held by the portable-electronic-device holder and connectable to the portable-electronic-device charging outlet.23 A portable-electronic-device charging and holding station comprising: a station support; a power supply; a portable-electronic-device holder supported by the station support and rotatable relative thereto; a portable-electronic-device charging outlet at or adjacent to the portableelectronic-device holder; and a power transmission path between the power supply and the charging outlet.24 An electronic-device support system comprising: a support; a power supply at, in or adjacent to the support; an electronic device rotatably supported by the support; an on-board driving means for rotating the electronic device relative to the support; a power transmission path between the power supply and the electronic device, the power transmission path including a rotary electrical interface.25. An electronic-device support system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the electronic device is an audio emitting device.