The present invention relates generally to docking devices for electronic devices. Particularly, the present invention relates to an easy-to-use, portable and light-weight docking stand incorporating an acoustic amplifier.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] There is a plethora of electronic devices available these days. With the advancement in technology various options for electronic communication devices are available to a person depending on type, and style, usage, weight, and size of the mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computing devices, media players etc. Various docking ports with docking stands compatible with different electronic devices are known, which allow the mobile device to be readily connected to a power source and/or other peripheral devices. These docking ports/stands may also have different locations on which multiple different mobile devices can be stationed. However, these docking ports/stands may also be equipped with other components for additional features.
[003] Numerous electronic devices, especially mobile phones, have speakers whose acoustic output level is very low as compared to usual demand of the consumer. This acoustic output problem arises due to:
• low power availability due to small battery as the size of the portable device is limited; and
• small size of the speaker and its acoustic amplifier in order to fit in small and portable device.
[004] Various docking stations provide external speakers to amplify the sound emitted by the electronic devices mounted on them. However, such setups are costly and are difficult to be designed. Moreover, they consume extra electricity for functioning.
[005] Therefore, keeping in view of the problems associated with the state of the art, there is a requirement of an improved device for increasing the audio output of a portable electronic device which can work without utilizing any power and is economical, has portable size, easy-to-carry and easy-to-use for all age group users. The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more problems of the prior art.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[006] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use, portable and light-weight docking stand.
[007] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a docking stand having an acoustic amplifier.
[008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a system that enables 100% hands-free video-calling experience to the users.
[009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to eliminate the usage of head-phones by providing atleast 15% more surround sound without any additional device at no extra power consumption.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provides a system that promotes hassle free work as it frees-up both our hands for doing any other work rather than holding the electronic device during long video-calls/online classes.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a right viewing angle for longer on-screen times avoiding neck strain & eye strain.
[0012] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying illustrations and examples to disclose the aspects of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:
[0014] Figure 1 is a top view of a docking stand;
[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a left view of a docking stand;
[0016] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of a docking stand; and

[0017] Figure 4 is a graphical representation of amplification in the volume of an electronic device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to an easy-to-use, portable, economical, safe and light-weight docking stand. The docking stand includes a docking cavity and a base configured to support the electronic device placed inside it. The docking cavity having a support surface is configured to support the placement and holding the electronic device on the docking stand. Further, the support surface is made up of front wall and rear wall adjacent to the base of the docking device and surrounding the electronic device placed inside it. The docking stand also includes an acoustic amplification channel to amplify the sound of the speakers emitted by the electronic device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The following description describes various features and functions of the disclosed device and methods. The illustrative aspects described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system, method and apparatus can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.
[0020] These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
[0021] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0022] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0023] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictate otherwise.
[0024] It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.
[0025] The present invention relates to a docking stand (100) having an outer body including a front body (107) and back body (108), a docking cavity (101) comprising a base (102) configured to support the electronic device and, an acoustic channel/amplifier. The front body (107) is lower in height as compared to the back body (108). Further, the docking cavity (101) is an open enclosure from one end (Figure 1 showing top view) while closed by a base (102) on another end. The docking cavity (101) carved inside the docking stand includes a support surface configured to support the placement of electronic device on the docking stand. The support surface includes a front wall (103) and a rear wall (104) also known as inner walls facing each other, a pair of stairs like structures (105) confining the acoustic channel and a base surface (102).
[0026] As illustrated in Figure 2, the height of the stair like structures (105) is equal on both the sides of the channel. The support surface aids the electronic device from the front, rear end whereas the base (102) supports the electronic device from the bottom. The support surface can be substantially upright when the base (102) of the docking stand (100) is placed on a substantially horizontal surface. Thus, the base (102) and the two opposite stairs (105) and the inner walls (103, 104) are carved inside the docking cavity to form a continuous supporting structure for the electronic device in such a way that the device once placed inside the cavity (101) of the docking stand (100), leaves a hollow space beneath the electronic device for amplification of volume, also known as the acoustic channel.
[0027] The docking stand is preferably made up of wood. Solid wood is a seasoned wood and treated to improve its longevity. The docking cavity (101) carved inside the docking stand includes an acoustic channel providing acoustic amplification in addition to the sound of the speaker of the electronic device. The acoustic channel is designed to include the space defined between the set of stairs (105) protruding from the base. Further, there is a circular hole (106) sculpted in the base of the docking stand (100) and the single set of stairs (105). The acoustic

channel/amplifier includes a longitudinal space defined between the pair of stairs (105) and the horizontal base.
[0028] In an embodiment, the docking cavity (101) is configured to hold the electronic device securely and includes a small acoustic channel/amplifier carved on the base (102) of the wooden docking stand. The base (102) helps in amplifying the sound that is reflected by the electronic device when placed on the set of stairs (105). The speakers of the electronic device are positioned inside the docking cavity (101) wherein they are surrounded by the walls on both the sides and are mounted on the base (102) of the docking stand. The sound generated by the speakers of the electronic device is emitted towards the horizontal base (102). The sound is reflected back which creates an echoing effect and is amplified by the acoustic channel between the horizontal base (102) and speakers of the device. This phenomenon amplifies the sound coming out of the speakers of the electronic device and gives an effect of "surround sound".
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in figure 4, the sound of various electronic devices is played individually one by one and initially the volume is recorded to be in the range of 70-80 decibels. The electronic devices are then placed one by one inside the docking stand (100) of the present invention and the sound is again played. The amplified volume of the speaker of the electronic devices is recorded to be in the of range 80-95 decibels. Therefore, an approximate increase by 15-25 percent in volume is recorded on using the docking stand (100) of the present invention. However, the initial range of the volume and the amplified range may vary based on the type of sound played and the type of electronic device used. As there are various types of electronic devices available in the market for the users.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment the graphical representation as illustrated in Figure 4 is based on the values tabulated in Table 1 below:

Devices Initial Volume in decibels Amplified Volume in decibels Percentage Increment in Volume
Electronic Device 1 70 82 17%
Electronic Device 2 80 93 16%
Electronic Device 3 60 75 25%
Electronic Device 4 65 79 21%

[0031] According to an embodiment, the stair (105) may have a sufficient dimension to prevent docking stand (100) from tipping over when an electronic device is placed inside it. The base (105) may be of a rectangular shape, a substantially circular shape, a rounded rectangular shape, or another suitable shape for providing a support base for docking stand (100).
[0032] In an embodiment, the support surface is angled such that the rear wall (103) is elevated higher than the front wall (104). Such an angle allows the electronic device, when docked to docking stand, to be angled rearward from vertical, so as to allow the back of the electronic device to be support by rear walls. The said angle is known to be a right viewing angle approximately 80 degrees to the on-screen users during vertical video-calls & horizontal video watching.
[0033] As illustrated in Figure 3, a circular hole (106) is provided at the bottom of the device, which is configured at the centre of the horizontal base (102). There is a channel defined by the circular hole (106) and protrusions on both the walls of the stairs (105) that allows the charger wire to pass through it. The channel at its end towards the bottom of the device is in communication with a longitudinal depression (109) for providing passage to the charger wire. The longitudinal cavity is sculpted/configured at the bottom of the base surface (102) of the docking stand (100) to encase a charger wire for charging the electronic device wirelessly. The charger wire can be plugged to a socket at one end through its adapter and the wire is made to pass through the longitudinal depression (109) and the channel defined by circular hole (106) so that its USB port on the other end can be connected to the electronic device inside the space defined by the hole (106).
[0034] The chargers may be selected from any commercially available chargers compatible with the mobile device. Preferably, magnetic chargers are used for wirelessly charging the mobile devices. The magnetic chargers allow a user to charge any type of mobile device with any type of software. It also enables hassle free connection of charger to the mobile device. In an exemplary embodiment the charger for the electronic device may be integrated permanently within the docking stand (100) or may be removably attached as per the requirement of the user.
[0035] The advantages of the system of the present invention includes:
I. The system enables 100% hands-free video-calling experience to the users.

II. The sound channel eliminates the need of head-phones by providing atleast 15 % more surround sound without any additional device at no extra power consumption.
III. The mobile docking stand is easy-to-use, portable, light-weight device and hand-made from reclaimed wood.
IV. The mobile docking stand does not have any sharp edges so it can be easily handled by the young users and safe to use.
V. The system promotes hassle free work as it frees-up both our hands for writing or doing any other work rather than holding the electronic device during long video-calls/online classes during extended on-screen time.
VI. The sound channel provides a "surround sound" & "echo effect" enhancing the smart phone's speaker volume without any additional device or power consumption.
VII. The device when kept on a regular study table with electronic device placed inside the niche provides the right viewing angle for longer on-screen times avoiding neck strain & eye strain. The device is also beneficial for more than two users using the same device for attending a single session or virtual class.
[0036] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspects, which aspects have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the principles of the invention.

We Claim:

1. A docking stand (100) comprising:
• an outer body having a front body (107) and a back body (108) wherein height of the front body is higher than the back body (108);
• a docking cavity (101) having support surface comprising a front wall (103) and a rear wall (104) facing each other, a pair of stairs (105) like structures confining an acoustic channel and a base surface (102); and
• an acoustic channel;
• a circular hole (106) connected with longitudinal depression (109) for
accommodating a charging cable; and
wherein:
a. the acoustic channel comprises longitudinal space confined between a pair of stairs (105) and the base (102) surface.
2. The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear wall (103) is positioned higher than the front wall (104).
3. The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of stairs (105) like structures is configured to support the electronic device in a substantially vertical and horizontal position.
4. The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (102), the two opposite stairs (105) and the inner walls (103, 104) are carved inside the docking cavity to form a continuous supporting structure for the electronic device.
5. The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device when placed inside the cavity (101) of the docking stand (100), leaves a hollow space/acoustic channel beneath the electronic device for amplification of volume.
6. The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the acoustic channel amplifies the sound emitted by the speaker of the electronic devices.
7. The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the range of amplification of the sound emitted by the speaker of the electronic device is approximately 15-25 percent.

The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the docking stand allows the electronic device to be placed at a right viewing angle in the range 80 to 90 degree.
The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal depression (109) is configured at the bottom of the base surface (102).
The docking stand as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal depression (109) encases charging wire of the electronic charger for charging the electronic device.