Patent Publication Number: US-8121329-B2

Title: Expandable speaker assemblies for portable media devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/860,508, filed Sep. 24, 2007, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments herein relate to speaker assemblies compatible for use with portable media players (PMPs) non-exclusively including smart phones, handheld game consoles, and digital audio and video players capable of storing and playing files in one or more media formats. More specific embodiments relate to speaker and cradle assemblies designed for use with portable media players that are configured to be used in multiple orientations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable media players (PMPs) are handheld electronic devices that are capable of storing and playing files in one or more media formats. In general PMPs are configured to play audio and/or video files. Additionally, PMPs can also display image files, including pictures, spreadsheets, word processing documents, drawings, graphs, web pages, and the like. Data files are typically stored on a hard drive, microdrive, or flash memory within the PMP. Various portable media players include the ability to record video and audio, and some have built-in card readers like SD or MMC, which makes it convenient to upload media directly to the player, or the memory is used as extra capacity. 
     Typical video formats PMPs can be configured to play non-exclusively include MPEG, DivX, Xvid, AMV and SigmaTel Motion Video (SMV) files. Typical audio file formats PMPs can be configured to play, non-exclusively include MP3, WAV, Advanced Audio Coding (ACC) and Ogg Vorbis. Typical digital image formats PMPs can be configured to display non-exclusively include BMP, JPEG, PDF, and GIF, for example. 
     While most PMPs are capable of playing audio, because of their relatively small size and power needs, often times the speakers that are built into the PMP are inadequate, if they exist at all. Minimally powered, or small built-in speakers on a PMP make it difficult for multiple listeners to simultaneously enjoy an audio file. To address this issue, removable speaker assemblies for PMPs have been designed to allow multiple listeners to simultaneously hear an audio file. 
     One example of an existing speaker assembly configured for a PMP is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,230,822, to Langberg, et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Unfortunately, the speaker assembly disclosed in Langber, et al., and other existing speaker assemblies, are configured for PMPs that display images and videos files in a single orientation. Recent technological developments in PMPs however, now allow for the screen to display images and video files in multiple orientations. Examples of PMPs that currently display images and video files in multiple orientations (e.g., vertical and horizontal or portrait and landscape) non-exclusively include Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch, for example. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for releasably attached speaker assemblies configured to work with PMPs that display images and/or video in multiple orientations. Accordingly, one object of the teachings herein is to provide a releasably attachable speaker assembly operably coupled to a PMP that can operate while the PMP is positioned in a plurality of orientations. More specifically, in advantageous embodiments, the teachings herein are directed to speaker assemblies that can expand past the coupled PMP in its widest orientation such that the body of the PMP does not significantly block, or overlap the speakers. Further objects of the invention, allow for a compact speaker assembly that is collapsible and expandable, to make it easier for the user to handle and transport. More specifically, in preferred embodiments the speaker assemblies provided herein can be configured to have the same, or substantially the same, height and width as the attached PMP, or even smaller. 
     It is a further objective herein to provide cradle assemblies that can individually secure different sized PMPs without having means for manually resizing the dimensions of the cradle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments herein are directed to speaker assemblies having a housing configured to utilize a power source and being operably connected to 1 or more speakers having means for expanding and contracting, and further including means for releasably attaching and operably coupling to a portable media player (PMP), such that audio can be transmitted from the PMP through the 1 or more speakers. More specifically, speaker assemblies herein can include means for releasably attaching to said PMP that are configured to rotate, such that a user can view the PMP in multiple orientations. 
     In further embodiments, the means for expanding and contracting are operably coupled to said means for releasably attaching to said PMP, such that the speakers are configured to expand and contract based on the rotation of the PMP. In further embodiments, the means for releasably attaching to said PMP are operably coupled to a rotating central gear within the housing that is configured to expand and contract the speakers based upon clockwise or counter-clockwise rotational direction. Additionally, the gear can include two toothed quadrants positioned on opposite sides from each other and are complementary to toothed sections on extension arms coupled to 1 or more speakers. Additionally, the means for expanding and contracting can be configured to expand the 1 or more speakers to a position beyond the body of the PMP and contract the 1 or more speakers to a position behind the body of the PMP. 
     Additional embodiments relate to speaker assembly having a housing configured to utilize a power source and being operably connected to 1 or more speakers having means for expanding and contracting, and further including means for releasably attaching and operably coupling to a portable media player (PMP) having a substantially rectangular screen that can display video or images in both a vertical and horizontal orientation, such that data can be transmitted from the PMP through the 1 or more speakers. In other embodiments, the means for releasably attaching to said PMP can be configured to rotate, such that a user can view the PMP in both said vertical and horizontal orientation. Further means for expanding and contracting are operably coupled to the means for releasably attaching to said PMP, such that the speakers are configured to expand and contract based on the rotation of the PMP. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It will be appreciated that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed on illustrating the various aspects and features of embodiments of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one embodiment of a speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is an orthogonal view depicting means to expand and retract a speaker assembly as an attached PMP rotates to different orientations. 
         FIG. 3  is an orthogonal top view depicting the internal components of a preferred speaker assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view depicting a preferred PMP in a vertical position. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view depicting a preferred PMP in a working horizontal position. 
         FIG. 6  is an orthogonal back view depicting the back of a preferred speaker assembly in a contracted state and operably coupled to a PMP in a starting horizontal position. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a preferred speaker system 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a preferred support plate, cradle and PMP. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a preferred cradle, platform, and PMP. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a PMP secured in a preferred cradle. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a preferred cradle with its platform in an open position. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a preferred cradle unlocked from the support plate. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a preferred cradle locked to the support plate. 
         FIG. 14  is a preferred cradle positioned in the starting horizontal position and operably coupled to speakers in a contracted state. 
         FIG. 15  is a preferred cradle positioned in a vertical position and operably coupled to speakers in a contracted state. 
         FIG. 16  is a preferred cradle positioned in a working horizontal position and operably coupled to speakers in an expanded state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the above described Figures. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments depicted in the Figures, but rather the intention is that modifications that are apparent to the person skilled in the art and equivalents thereof are also included. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exploded view of a preferred speaker assembly  2  that is configured to be used with a PMP  4 . The speaker assembly  2  preferably includes a cradle  6  configured to hold the PMP  4  and connect to a main housing  14 . In advantageous embodiments, the cradle  6  includes a backing  13  and first and second parallel sides  10  and  11  configured to wrap around parallel sides of the PMP  4 . While the cradle  6  can be configured to hold any desired PMP, in more preferred embodiments, the first and second sides  10  and  11  and the backing  13  of the cradle  6  are configured to hold a PMP  4  having a height of 4.5 inches, width of 2.4 inches, and a depth of 0.46 inches, such as an Apple iPhone. In other preferred embodiments, the first and second sides  10  and  11  of the cradle  6  are configured to hold a PMP  4  having a height of 4.3 inches, width of 2.4 inches and a depth of 0.31 inches, such as an Apple iPod Touch. Other advantageous cradles  6  can be configured to hold PMPs having heights between 4 to 5 inches, widths between 2 to 4 inches, and depths between 0.2-0.75 inches. Cradles that have adjustable means for retracting and contracting, such that they can hold differently sized PMPs are also expressly contemplated herein. 
     Other means, beside the cradle  6  depicted in  FIG. 1 , for releasably securing the PMP  4  while operably coupled to the speaker assembly  2  are expressly contemplated herein, and non-exclusively can include magnets, snaps, clips, latches, and the like, depending on the specifications of the PMP. 
     In other preferred embodiments, the means for releasably securing the PMP can include a connector  8  configured to receive and operably couple with the PMP  4 . In more specific embodiments, the connector  8  can be attached to the cradle backing  13  by an extension plate  12 , configured to hold the PMP  4  securely within the sides  10  and  11  of the cradle  6  such that the connector  8  is in operable connection to the PMP port  22 . In preferred embodiments, the extension plate  13  can also provide support to the back of the PMP  4 . Means for operably coupling the PMP  4  to the speaker assembly  2  can also include wireless means (e.g., Bluetooth). 
     The connector  8  can serve multiple functions, non-exclusively including transferring power into the PMP  4  and transferring data from the PMP  4  to the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 . The power and data transfer through the connector  8  and the PMP  4  (e.g., complementary port) can be embodied in various forms and combinations including contact based and non-contact based platforms. By way of example, contact based platforms may include electrical contacts that are capable of transferring data and/or power when the electrical contacts between the PMP  4  and the connector  8  are electrically engaged or in contact with one another. Non-contact based platforms, on the other hand, may include inductive devices, optical devices, or wireless devices that are capable of transferring data and/or power without mating contact. In preferred non-exclusive embodiments, the connector  8  is configured to operably couple with an Apple iPod Touch and an Apple iPhone. The speaker assemblies  2  provided herein can include connectors  8  that are in contact and/or non-contact communication with the PMP  4 , and can include contact and/or non-contact communication means for transferring the data from the PMP  4  to the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 . 
     Preferred means for coupling the PMP  4  to the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  involve speaker wires, but can be wireless. While shown in the Figures as crescent shaped, the speaker casings herein can be any suitable shape, non-exclusively including substantially square, rectangular, circular or oval, for example. Preferred embodiments include speaker casings that do not extend past the body of the PMP  4  in a contracted state, or do not substantially extend past the body of the PMP  4  in a contracted state. Likewise preferred speaker casings  26  and  28  are configured to be able to expand, such that the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  are not blocked, or are minimally blocked, by the PMP  4 , cradle  6 , or connector  8 . 
     While the Figures depict the left and right speaker  26  and  28  casings individually housing 2 speakers  30 ,  32  and  34 ,  36 , those with skill in the art will readily appreciate having 1, 3, 4, or more speakers in each casing  26  and  28 . 
     Additional ports, such as those supporting a Universal Serial Bus, Fire Wire, and the like, can be added to the speaker assembly  2 , preferably on the main housing  14  or speaker casings  26  and  28 . Such connectors can allow the speaker assembly to have docking station functionality thus enabling the portable media device to transfer files with another computer, PMP, and the like. Further preferred ports on the speaker assembly  2  can support a 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or other sized headphone jack. As PMPs  4  often include their own port for a headphone jack, it is preferred that speaker assemblies  2  provided herein, including the connector  8 , are configured to not engage or block said port, or other ports on the PMP  4  except the connector port  22 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the speaker assemblies  2  provided herein include a housing  14  that is in operable connection with the cradle  6  and first and second expandable speaker casings  26  and  28  and supports a power source  16 . According to certain embodiments, the speaker assemblies  2  disclosed herein are configured to utilize a battery power source  16  and do not have means for plugging into an electrical outlet. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that speaker assemblies  2  provided herein can include means for plugging into an electrical outlet (e.g., AC current). More advantageously, it is preferred that one or more USB ports are positioned externally on the housing  14  and are configured to allow a USB cable to connect the speaker assembly  2  to a power source such as a computer or to an AC adapter to supply power to the unit. The USB port on the housing  14  can be any suitable type of USB port non-exclusively including: Type-A, Type-B, Mini-A, Mini-B, Micro-A, Micro-B, and Micro-AB ports. Most preferably, the port is a Mini-B USB port configured to work with a USB cable having a Mini-B plug at one end and a Type-A plug at the other end. Further speaker assemblies can be configured to utilize both a battery power source and an electrical outlet. This embodiment can be especially advantageous if the user does not have batteries available or if the speaker assemblies  2  are using rechargeable batteries that are configured to be charged while the speaker assembly  2  is plugged into an electrical outlet. 
     In preferred embodiments, the power source  16  is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 batteries. In preferred embodiments, the speaker assemblies  2  described herein can be powered by 1 or more alkaline batteries, including but not limited to D, C, AA, and AAA, PP3 batteries. In other embodiments, 1 or more 9 volt alkaline batteries can be used as a power source. 
     In other advantageous aspects, 1 or more lithium batteries can be used to power the speaker assemblies  2  herein. Non-exclusive examples of lithium batteries that can be used with the teachings herein include lithium thionyl chloride batteries, and lithium manganese oxide batteries, and the like. In advantageous embodiments, 1 or more 6 Volt or 3 Volt lithium batteries can used to power the embodiments described herein. In still further embodiments, 1 or more 3.5 Volt, AA, 2.1 AH rated lithium batteries can be used as a power source. Those with skill in the art can readily select an appropriate power source  16  that is compatible with the power requirements of the speaker assembly  2  used. In further aspects, rechargeable batteries can be used to power the speaker assemblies  2  described herein. In additional embodiments, nickel-cadmium batteries can be used as a power source  16 . 
     The speaker assemblies  2  herein can preferably include one or more of the following: means for controlling a power source such as an ON/OFF switch, means for controlling the volume, means for amplifying the sound (e.g., anti-static protected amplifier), means for adjusting the balance of sound, means for adjusting the treble and/or bass, and means for remote control operation, for example (not shown). These features are well known in the art of speakers and stereos, and their respective circuitry and electronics can readily be implemented with the teachings herein. Preferably, the above features can non-exclusively be located externally on the housing  14  or on the speaker casings  26  and  28  to be accessible to the user. The above features can also be readily implemented in a remote control configured to work with said speaker assemblies  2 . Alternatively, the speaker assemblies  2  herein can be controlled through the PMP  4  alone or through the PMP  4  in conjunction with controls on the speaker assembly  2 . In other embodiments the speaker assemblies  2  provided herein do not have an ON/OFF switch; for example, they could have a sensor that automatically detects an audio signal from the PMP  4 . This specific embodiment allows the user to preserve power. 
     Preferably, the speaker assemblies  2  herein can be configured to use means for minimizing static such that the PMP  4  can be operated in its normal functioning mode. Non-exclusive means for minimizing static can include shielding the amplifier, surrounding the amplifier in aluminum and grounding it, shielding the signal wire and grounding the signal wire, and utilizing plastic-metallic shielding, and the like, for example. 
     The housing  14  preferably has a front side  15  facing the back of the cradle  13  and back side  17  that preferably includes a stand  24  or other means for supporting the speaker assembly  2  and attached PMP  4  in a desired position on a flat surface, such as a cabinet, table top, bookshelf, and the like. In more preferred embodiments, the stand  24  is configured such that it can support the speaker assembly  2  and attached PMP  4  in both a vertical and horizontal, and expanded and contracted position. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the stand  24  is preferably a wire-frame, having a U-square shape, as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Preferred stands  24  will be made of metal or plastic and have padding (e.g., rubber grommets)  25  to prevent scratching and slipping on the support surface. In even more preferred embodiments, the stand  24  can non-hinged or hinged to the back side  17  of the housing, such that it folds outward when used to support the speaker assemblies  2  provided herein. Hinged stands  24  can be folded against the back side  17  of the housing  14  when not used as a support means. Advantageously, a latch, lock, snap, tab, molding on the backside  17  of the housing, or other releasable means can secure the latch to the back side  17 . Complementary molding in the shape of the stand  24  positioned on the backside  17  is especially advantageous as it allows the stand  24  to be flush against the backside  17  of the housing  14 , when not in use. When supporting the speaker assemblies  2  with or without an attached PMP  4 , it is preferred that the stand  24  is positioned at or between 40-89.5 degrees with respect to the backside  17  and the support surface. Means for holding the stands  24  such as latches, snaps, and the like, can also be used to maintain a stand  24  at a desired angle, such as at 44.5 degrees, and/or 89.5 degrees, for example. 
     In other embodiments, the back side  17  of the housing  14  can include means for hanging the speaker assembly  2  and attached PMP  4  on a hook, nail, and the like, for example. (not shown) Preferred hanging means include 1 or more wire, metal, or plastic loops configured to hang the speaker assembly  2  and PMP  4  substantially level on a wall. 
     In other advantageous embodiments, the back side  17  of the housing preferably includes a hinged or removable panel  18  for removing and inserting a power source  16  (e.g., 1 or more batteries). These types of panels  18  are well known in the art and can be closed by the use of tabs, latches, snaps, slots, and the like, for example. 
     In further embodiments, the housing  14  is in operable connection with 1 or more speaker casings  26  and  28 . Preferably, the housing  14  is coupled to a right and left speaker casing  26  and  28 , that house 1 or more speakers. In preferred embodiments, the connector  8  can be operably wired to the housing  14  and the housing  14  can be operably wired to the speakers such that the sound from the PMP&#39;s  4  audio files can be transferred to the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 . In other embodiments, this configuration is wireless, such that the connector  8  transfers a signal to the housing  14 , which then transmits a signal to the 1 or more speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36 . Other suitable means for transferring data from the PMP  4  to the 1 or more speakers are expressly incorporated herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the main housing  14  is preferably connected to the cradle  6  through a rotatable shaft  42  that extends through the front side  15 . The shaft  42  can include a first end connected to the cradle&#39;s backing  13  through any suitable means, and can be a continuous piece of metal or plastic, for example. It is more preferred that the shaft  42  attaches to the center of the cradle&#39;s backing  13  for support. In further embodiments, it is preferred that when the cradle  6  rotates in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the shaft  42  will rotate in the same direction. The shaft  42  preferably includes a second end that is attached to a central gear  44  located within the housing  14 . This preferred configuration allows the central gear  44  to rotate in the same direction as the cradle  6 . The central gear  44  is preferably attached to the housing&#39;s back side  17  by any suitable means, including an axle or a rotating shaft  46  threaded through the center of the gear  44 . 
     Preferred means for expanding and contracting the speaker casings  26  and  28  involve a central gear  44 . According to one embodiment, the gear  44  includes teeth  66  and  68  that are complementary to teeth  70  and  72  on a first and second extension arm  48  and  50 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , preferably the first extension arm  48  is positioned above the gear  44  and the second extension arm  50  is positioned below the gear  44 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a preferred internal gear/arm configuration, while the PMP  4  is in a vertical position, as depicted in  FIG. 4 . According to this particular embodiment, the speaker casings  26  and  28  are contracted and horizontally positioned on the sides of the PMP  4 . As the user manually rotates the PMP  4  a quarter turn (90 degrees) counter-clockwise the teeth on the gear  66  and  68  engage with the complementary teeth  70  and  72  on the extension arms  48  and  50 , and expand the speaker casings  26  and  28  outward, vertically.  FIGS. 3 and 5  depict the PMP  4  in a working horizontal position, with the speaker casings  26  and  28  fully expanded and horizontally positioned on the sides of the PMP  4 . The expansion of the speaker  26  and  28  casings is highly advantageous as it prevents the body of the PMP  4 , the cradle  6 , and the connector  8  from blocking, or significantly blocking, the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  in the working horizontal orientation, or in its widest configuration. Accordingly, the listener can enjoy the emitted sound waves from the speakers  30 ,  32 ,  34 , and  36  without unnecessary interference from the body of the PMP  4 , the cradle  6 , and the connector  8 . In more specific embodiments, the connector  8  is configured to not block the speaker casings  26  and  28  at all. In other embodiments, the connector  8  can be configured to block some of the speaker casing  26 , but not the speakers  30  and  32  themselves. Conversely, the user can rotate the PMP  4  a quarter turn clockwise from the horizontal working position (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ) and return the PMP  4  to a vertical position, thereby contracting the speaker casings  26  and  28 . 
     Rotating the PMP  4  from a vertical to a working horizontal orientation is highly desirable depending on the visual orientation of the PMP screen  20  the user desires. If the user desires the PMP  4  in a narrow orientation, such as when space is limited, they can rotate the PMP  4  into a vertical position (See  FIG. 4 ). Alternatively, if the user desires a wider screen to view video or images in a larger format, they can rotate the PMP  4  to a working horizontal position. The speaker assemblies  2  provided herein are highly advantageous as they allow the speaker casings  26  and  28  to be in operable communication with a PMP  4  in multiple working orientations (e.g., vertical and horizontal) without being obstructed by the body of the PMP  4 , the cradle  6 , or the connector  8 . 
     In addition to being oriented in a vertical position ( FIG. 4 ) and a working horizontal position ( FIG. 5 ), the PMP  4  can also be oriented to a starting horizontal position as depicted in  FIG. 6 . More specifically, with reference to  FIG. 2 , when a user rotates the PMP  4  a quarter turn clockwise from the vertical position, the teeth of the gear  66  and  68  will not engage with the complementary teeth  70  and  72  of the extension arms  48  and  50 . Accordingly, the PMP  4  rotates but the extension arms  48  and  50  will remain in the contracted state. In this position, the PMP  4  will cover the attached speaker assembly  2 , as depicted in  FIG. 6 . More specifically it is preferred that the speaker assembly  2  will not extend past the height or width of the PMP  4 . This particular configuration is highly advantageous when the PMP  4  is not in use, or is being transported, as it allows the user to keep the attached speaker assembly  2  protected and compacted to take up less space. For embodiments where the PMP  4  can display visual data on the screen in both horizontal positions, the gear engagement with the expansion arms can readily be configured to expand when the PMP is in either horizontal orientation, if desired. 
       FIG. 2  will now be described in more detail, to explain a preferred means of expanding and contracting the speaker casings  26  and  28 . As stated above,  FIG. 2  represents a preferred embodiment when the PMP  4  is in a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 4 , for example. The gear  44  preferably has two toothed arcs  66  and  68 . It is further preferred that the toothed arcs  66  and  68  are separated from each other by 180 degrees along the perimeter of the gear  44 . It is still further preferred that each toothed arcs  66  and  68  encompasses an entire quadrant, of the gear&#39;s  44  perimeter, or substantially. 
     The first toothed arc  66  can be configured to engage with a complementary toothed section  70  on a first extension arm  48 , while a second toothed arc  68  can be configured to engage with a complementary toothed section  72  on the second extension arm  50 . The extension arms  48  and  50  each preferably include a first notch  51  and  52 . The first notches  51  and  52  can be advantageously configured such that they are configured with other means for stopping the rotation of the gear  44 . Any suitable means for releasably stopping, or controlling the rotation of the gear  44  can be used with the teachings herein, non-exclusively including, detents, ratchets, pawls, stops, springs, and the like, for example. In preferred embodiments leaf springs  54  and  56  can be engaged with the first notches  51  and  52 , respectively, such that the extension arms  48  and  50  remain in the contracted position (as depicted in  FIG. 2 ) in the absence of user rotation of the PMP  4 . In more specific embodiments, the leaf springs  54  and  56  can be maintained in position by any suitable means, including stops  58  and  60  attached internally within the housing  14 , for example. 
     The radius of the gear  44  can readily be adjusted to achieve the desired amount of contraction and expansion of the extension arms  48  and  50 . In specific preferred embodiments, it is preferred that the gear  44  has a radius of approximately 0.72 inches to allow the extension arms  48  and  50  to extend 1 and ⅛th inches. Further support means can be added to the extension arms  48  and  50 , for strength purposes respectively. An example of support means can include expanding the width of the extension arms  48  and  50 , utilizing rigid material, or adding additional extension arms (e.g., toothed and non-toothed) in suitable configurations, for example. Casing can also be used to house the extension arms  48  and  50 , in order to protect them and for aesthetic purposes, for example. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , as the user rotates the PMP  4  in a counter-clockwise direction, the means for releasably stopping, or controlling the rotation of the gear  44  disengage from the first notches  51  and  52 . Preferably, the extension arms  48  and  50  individually include second notches  62  and  64  that will engage with the means for releasably stopping, or controlling the rotation of the gear, after the speaker casings  26  and  28  have been expanded to their desired position; preferably, past the body of the PMP  4 , the cradle  6 , and the connector  8 . 
     In further embodiments, the central gear  44  can include 1, 2, 3, or 4 indentions around the perimeter of the gear.  FIG. 2  depicts a gear having 3 indentions:  80 ,  82 ,  84 , where the first indention  82  is located at the top of the gear, when the PMP is in a vertical position ( FIG. 4 ) and the second indention  80  is positioned 90 degrees clockwise from the first indention  82 , and the third indention  84  is positioned 90 degrees counter-clockwise from the first indention  82 . These indentions  80 ,  82 , and  84  can be used alone or in conjunction with the other means for controlling and releasably stopping the rotation of the gear  44 , described herein. The indentions are especially advantageous to prevent unintentional rotation of the PMP from a starting horizontal position ( FIG. 6 ) to a vertical position ( FIG. 4 ) and vice versa. With reference to  FIG. 2 , a user can rotate the PMP 90 degrees clockwise, thus rotating the gear  44  90 degrees clockwise such that the second indention  84  is now positioned at the top of the gear  44 , where first indention  82  previously was, and the third indention  80  is now positioned at the bottom of the gear  44 , 180 degrees from 82. These indentations can readily be configured to engage with other means for controlling and preventing the rotation of the gear  44 , including the teeth  70  and  72  of the extension arms  48  and  50 , or other stops, for example. In this position, the second and third indentation  84  and  80  prevent the gear  44  from unintentionally rotating, until the user manually rotates the PMP  4  in a counter-clockwise motion. 
     The first indention  82  can be used alone or in conjunction with other means (e.g., notches  51  and  52 , springs  54  and  56 ) for preventing and controlling the expansion and contraction of the speaker casings  26  and  28  while the PMP  4  is oriented in a vertical position as depicted in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 . A fourth indention (not shown) can readily be added to the gear  44  180 degrees from the first indention  82 , to further aid in controlling the rotation of the gear  44 , and/or controlling the expansion and contraction of the speaker casings  26  and  28 . In still other embodiments the gear can only include 2 indentions  84  and  80 , for example. 
     The above preferred configurations generally pertain to PMPs that are wider in their horizontal orientation than their vertical orientation. For PMPs that are wider in a vertical orientation, the gear and extension arms can readily be configured to expand the speaker casings past the body of the PMP in a vertical position and contract as the PMP rotates to a horizontal position. As it is appreciated that vertical and horizontal orientations can and will be more difficult to define as PMPs adapt their user interface depending on their given orientation, it is preferred that the speaker assemblies provided herein expand as the PMP is moved to its widest orientation, and contract as the PMP is moved to its narrowest orientation. While the above embodiments generally relate to rectangular PMPs, or substantially so (e.g., having rounded corners such as the iPhone and iPod Touch) the teachings are likewise applicable to PMPs that have substantially circular, square, oval, or other non-rectangular shapes. For example, the above described means can readily be configured such that the speaker casings expand past the body of the PMP in a working or preferred configuration, and contract in another configuration, for storage and transport, regardless of the shape of the PMP. 
     While the speaker assemblies  2  herein are primarily advantageous when used with PMPs  4  capable of being viewed in multiple orientations, it is also expressly contemplated that they can be used with ordinary PMPs not having multiple orientations, including 5 th  generation Apple iPods, and older, for example. 
     While the teachings herein have been primarily directed to speaker assemblies that are configured to have means that expand and contract dependent on the rotation of the PMP, it is also expressly contemplated that the speaker assemblies can include means for contracting and expanding that can be controlled independent of the PMP&#39;s rotation. According to more specific embodiments, a PMP can be secured within a rotatable cradle operably coupled to the speaker assembly, without being operably coupled to the means for contraction and expansion of the speaker casings. The cradle can include means (e.g., rotating disc, rotating shaft, or axle) for controlling the rotation including, stops, latches, notches, detents, and the like, that are not in operable connection with the means for expansion and contraction. Preferred means will be positioned on the back of the cradle, on the opposite side of the PMP. 
     The means for expansion and contraction that are independent of the cradle can include extension arms that include releasable locks, stops, latches, teeth, springs, hinges, detents, and the like such that a user can manually expand them when desired, regardless of the orientation of the PMP. More specifically, the speaker casings can be releasably locked in a contracted position by 1 or more releasable buttons or tabs. For example, when a user presses in on the 1 or more release buttons or tabs, the speaker casings can become unhinged, spring outward, slide outward, or be manually pulled outward. 
     A second embodiment preferred PMP cradle assembly  100  is depicted in  FIGS. 7-16 . The second cradle  100  is configured to releasably secure a PMP  4 , and more preferably it can be configured to secure each of the following: the iPod Touch, iPod classic, and the iPhone without manual resizing of the cradle&#39;s dimensions. The cradle  100  by itself is preferably made of rigid plastic, but can be made of other or additional suitable materials including light metals. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the cradle  100  preferably includes a substantially planar backing  108 , preferably in the shape of a rectangle, or substantially so. The perimeter of the backing  108  is preferably coupled to three sides rising away from the backing  108 : a lower side  110 , a left side  114 , and an upper side  116 . The right side of the backing  108  is preferably without a side, to provide space for the PMP  4  to be inserted and removed from the cradle assembly  100 . It is preferred that at least two of the cradle&#39;s three sides (e.g.  110  and  116 ) are preferably curved such that they wrap around the sides of the PMP  4  and even more preferably, they lip slightly over the top of the PMP&#39;s  4  face that includes the screen  20  (but not over the screen  20  itself) to prevent the PMP  4  from falling out. 
     The lower side  110  is configured to be placed against a PMP  4  side that does not have any side controls such as volume, or power, for example, and can therefore lack any grooves and be solid, or substantially so. In contrast the upper side  116  can be configured to be placed against the side of a PMP  4  that does include controls such as volume, or power, for example. Accordingly, the upper side  116  can include a groove or slot  118  that allows the user to access a particular side control on the PMP  4 . The sides that the grooves are on can be readily interchanged depending on the configuration of the PMP&#39;s controls. 
     While preferred PMP cradle&#39;s  100  include three sides, alternatively the cradle can include only two sides that are configured to hold two parallel sides, preferably the longest sides, of a PMP  4 . Accordingly, it is conceivable that the left side  114  is removed completely such that the lower side  110  and the upper side  116  are the only two walls on the cradle assembly  100 . Additionally, a right side with the left sides features (not shown) can be used instead of a left side  114  for an alternative three-sided cradle. 
     The left side  114  of the cradle assembly  100  can include grooves to allow plugs to be inserted into jacks in the PMP  4 . Preferably this side  114  can include a first groove or slot  112  configured to allow a docking connector (e.g., iPod or iPhone docking connector) to be inserted into the bottom of the PMP  4 . Additionally or alternatively, this side  114  can include a second groove or slot  106  configured to allow an audio plug  102  such as a 3.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or other sized headphone jack plug to be inserted into the PMP  4 . As the speaker assemblies herein can preferably utilize an audio plug  102  (e.g., 3.5 mm) and cord  104  to transmit the audio from the PMP  4  to the speakers  30  and  34 , it is preferred that the audio jack slot  106  allows the plug  102  to be secured into the PMP&#39;s  4  jack. For embodiments where the left side  114  of the cradle is not present, a user can insert plugs and docking connectors into the respective PMP ports directly. 
     Having a cradle with only two or three sides is advantageous as it allows the cradle to accommodate different PMPs having varying lengths without using means for manually adjusting the size of the cradle  100 , such as clamps, or adjustable side walls, for example. For example the iTouch, iPhone, and iPod Classic have the following lengths respectively: 4.3″, 4.5″, and 4.1″. A preferred cradle  100  can releasably hold each of these types of PMPs. Preferred cradles  100  for holding the iTouch, iPhone, and iPhone Classic are approximately between 4.4-4.6 inches long, including approximately 4.5 inches. Other suitable lengths can also be used herein depending on the length of the PMP  4 . Likewise, as the iTouch, iPhone, and iPod Classic are each 2.4″ wide, it is preferred that the upper and lower sides  116  and  110  are approximately 2.4″ wide, or slightly less than 2.4″ at their farthest point. Other widths for the cradle are also readily contemplated depending on the size of the PMP  4 . 
     Preferred cradles  100  are configured to work with a raised platform  120 . The platform  120  is preferably made of a thinner plastic than the cradle  100  and preferably has some flexibility to it. The platform  120  is preferably substantially the same shape as the backing  108  of the cradle (e.g., rectangular) and/or can advantageously fit within the cradle siding, above and parallel to the backing  108 . Preferably the platform  120  includes springs that are configured to compress and expand against the cradle backing  108 . Spring can include small compression springs (e.g., helical) or flat springs, for example. As  FIG. 9  depicts, the platform  120  can include one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) downward angled legs  130  that act as flat springs against the cradle  100 . 
     Having spring is advantageous as it allows a single cradle  100  to accommodate different PMPs  4  having varying depths without using means for manually adjusting the size of the cradle  100 . For example the iTouch, iPhone, and iPod Classic have the following depths respectively: 0.33″, 0.48″, and 0.41″. A preferred cradle  100  can releasably secure each of these PMPs without having to be manually resized by the user. The springs (e.g., legs  130 ) allow the platform  120  to apply upward pressure to the PMP  4  thereby securely sandwiching the PMP  4  between the top lips of the upper and lower sides  110  and  116 . Preferred cradles  100  have a depth measured from the top surface of the cradle backing  108  to the top of the lower and upper sides  110  and  116  at about approximately 9/16″ to ⅝″. Other suitable depths can also be used herein depending on the depth of the PMP  4 . 
     More specifically, the legs  130  can include pivot pins  132  configured to fit within corresponding holes  128  in the cradle backing  108 . The holes  128  are preferably located in shallow recesses  126  along the cradle backing  108 . The shallow recesses  126  act as guides for the flexible legs  130  and allows the pins  132  to snap in and out of their respective holes  128 . Advantageously, the pins  132  and their corresponding holes  128  keep the platform  120  anchored to the cradle  100  and in more preferred embodiments the back pins (those closest to the left side  114 ) act as a hinge to allow the platform  120  open up as shown in  FIG. 11 . Hinged platforms  120  have the ability to open ( FIG. 11 ) and close ( FIG. 8 ). More specifically a user can lift upwards on the platform  120  or on its one or more release tabs  136  on the platform  120  to raise it to an open position ( FIG. 11 ) and/or to completely remove the platform  120  from the cradle assembly  100 . The release tabs  136  can be configured similarly to the legs  130  such that they compress and extend outward past the cradle backing  108  when the PMP  4  is secured in the cradle  100 . 
     Preferably, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , the entire platform is releasable from the cradle backing  108  such that the pins  132  are releasable from their holes  128 . The hinged pins  132  allow a user to more easily open and close the platform  120 ; once in the open position ( FIG. 11 ) the hinged pins  132  can easily be removed from their respective holes  128 . Alternatively, the back pins can be permanently secured within the back holes  128  while the front two pins are releasable from their holes, such that the platform can be opened and closed. Any suitable means for releasably attaching or hinging the platform to the cradle can be used herein. 
     The platform  120  preferably can include windows  134  for allowing a viewing user to determine whether the cradle  100  is attached or locked to a structure or device, such a support plate  150 . For example,  FIG. 12  shows that the cradle  100  is in an unlocked position with respect to the support plate  150 , whereas  FIG. 13  depicts the cradle  100  in a locked position with respect to the support plate  150 . In both instances a viewer can determine this by looking through the windows  134  when a PMP  4  is not secured to the cradle  100 . The platform  120  can also include padding, or other skid resistant material to reduce the PMP  4  from sliding inside the cradle  100 . 
     The cradles  100  described herein can be used to secure a PMP  4  to any desired device or structure, including speakers, mounts, bases, and power sources, for example. Preferably the cradles  100  are configured to attach to the speaker assemblies  2  provided herein. More specifically, it is preferred that they are attached to the speaker assemblies  2  herein such that the speaker casings  26  and  28  expand and contract as the cradle  100  rotates. According to one embodiment, the cradle  100  can be attached directly to the rotating shaft  42 , with the some or all of the attachment features described herein. More preferably, the cradle  100  is in operable communication with a rotatable shaft  42  by being mounted on a rotatable support plate  150  in operable communication with the rotating shaft  42 . A preferred support plate  150  that rotates the rotating shaft  42  as the attached cradle  100  rotates is depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
     The support plate  150  and the back of the cradle  100  preferably include complementary means for releasably attaching to each other, preferably on the housing  14 . These means can include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and the like, for example. Other means include lipped tabs configured to snap into flanged grooves. For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the support plate  150  can include one or more lipped tabs  138  that face the back of the cradle  100 . The tabs  138  are complementary to 1 or more flanged grooves  122  such that the lips snap into the flanged portions of the grooves  122  to lock the cradle  100  to the plate  150  ( FIG. 13 ) and snap out of the flanged portions of the grooves  122  to unlock the cradle  100  from the plate  150  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     Additionally, the support plate  150  can include another flexible tab  140  that can be configured to fit an aperture or recess  142  on the underside of the cradle  100 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , when the cradle  100  is in the unlocked position ( FIG. 12 ). As the cradle  100  is positioned to the locked position in  FIG. 13 , the flexible tab  140  moves into a locking aperture or recess  144  also positioned on the underside of the cradle  100 . This flexible tab  140  can thus further secure the cradle  100  to the support plate  150  and also serve as a guide for positioning the cradle  100  onto the support plate  150 . 
     Furthermore, it is preferred that the support plate  150  includes a channel  136  for securing and guiding an 3.5 mm plug cord  104  such that it can be plugged into the PMP  4  when the PMP  4  is secured into the cradle  100 . As certain PMPs, such as the iPod and the iTouch, have their 3.5 mm jack on their bottom side, it is preferable that the channel  136  can secure and guide the cord  104  such that the plug  102  is exposed in a way that it can be plugged into the bottom end jack on the PMP  4 . This particular configuration is depicted in  FIG. 8 . More preferably, it is also advantageous that the channel  136  can also guide and secure the cord  104  such that the plug  102  is exposed in a way that it can be plugged into the top end jack on a PMP  4 , such as the iPhone. For this configuration, a user can pull the cord  104  out of the lower-left position shown in  FIG. 8 , and place it into the upper-right portion of the channel  136 , thereby exposing the plug  102  on the right side of the plate  150  (not shown). 
       FIGS. 14-16  depict the preferred three alternate positions that the cradle  100  can rotate to with the speaker assembly  2 . According to even more preferred embodiments, the coupled support plate  150  rotates with the cradle  100  and in turn rotates the rotating shaft  42 . While the plug  102  is shown detached, in actual usage it can be plugged into the appropriate jack in the secured PMP  4  and rotate along with the cradle  100  and support plate  150 . The plug  102  can likewise rotate along with the cradle  100  and support plate  150  when exposed at the upper right side of the cradle  100  and plugged into the PMP&#39;s  4  top side when the cord  104  is positioned into the upper right portion of the channel  136 .  FIG. 14  depicts a preferred cradle  100  positioned in the starting horizontal position and operably coupled to the speaker casings  26  and  28  in a contracted state. From the starting horizontal position, it is preferred that the cradle  100  can rotate 90° counter-clockwise, such that the cradle  100  and the PMP  4  are in vertical or portrait positions as shown in  FIG. 15 . In this position, it is preferred that the speaker casings  26  and  28  are still contracted, as in the starting position. From the vertical position depicted in  FIG. 15 , the cradle is preferably configured to rotate 90° in either in a clockwise direction back to its starting horizontal position ( FIG. 14 ) or in a counter-clockwise direction to a working horizontal or landscape position ( FIG. 16 ) where the speaker casings  26  and  28  are expanded. From the working horizontal position, the cradle  100  can be preferably rotated clockwise 90° or 180°, to the vertical position ( FIG. 15 ) or the starting horizontal position ( FIG. 14 ) respectively. 
     According to advantageous embodiments, preferred cradle assemblies  100  herein do not have parts that require tightening, adjusting, or resizing to accommodate different sized PMPs (e.g., iPod classics, iPod Touch, and iPhone). While preferred embodiments herein are directed to securing multiples types of PMPs having the same width (e.g., 2.4″) but varying lengths and depths, it is also readily contemplated to secure PMPs having the same length and depth, but different widths. According to these embodiments, the two parallel, upper-lipped sides would be configured to hold the shorter sides of the PMP, instead of the longer sides. In other non-preferred embodiments the cradles  100  herein can have means that allow them to be resized to accommodate different sized PMPs  4 . 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms besides and beyond those described herein. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description.