Patent Publication Number: US-2023134303-A1

Title: Expandable device for a portable electronic device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/693,515, filed Jul. 3, 2018, is hereby claimed and the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an expandable device and, more particularly, to expandable devices that can be attached to a portable electronic device or a case for a portable electronic device and used as grips, stands, or for other purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices, such as MP3 players and smart phones, are often housed in protective covers or cases in order to protect the device from damage, provide a grip for handling the device, and/or provide a stand for propping the device on a surface. Such cases increase the effective size of the device. Expandable devices and accessories, which may be attached directly to the device or to the case protecting the device, are used for a variety of functions, including propping the device on a surface and providing an expandable grip for handling the device. The expandable devices have decorative buttons, which may display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect, an expandable device includes a base having a top side and a bottom side, an expanding mechanism operably coupled to the base, and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of a portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operably coupled to the expanding mechanism. The expanding mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration whereby the button is disposed in a first, collapsed configuration and a second configuration whereby the button is disposed in a second, expanded configuration. Upon urging the button to the first configuration, the expandable device retains the button in the first configuration, and upon further urging the button towards the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration. 
     In some approaches, the expanding mechanism includes a structure constructed from a resilient material. The expanding mechanism may be at least one foldable elongated member that is biased towards the second configuration. In some forms, the at least one foldable elongated member may be at least one accordion fold. In other forms, the at least one foldable elongated member may be at least one elongated strip pivotably coupled to the base and the button. In yet other forms, the expanding mechanism may be a foam member being biased towards the second configuration. 
     In some approaches, the expandable device may further include a locking device to lock the button in the first, collapsed configuration. The locking device may be in the form of a first locking region disposed on a portion of the button and a second, corresponding locking region disposed on a portion of the base to couple to the first locking region. The first locking region may be a tab, and the second locking region may be a corresponding groove. The locking regions may be frictionally coupled to each other. In other examples, the locking device may be a portion of the expanding mechanism. This portion of the expanding mechanism may be biased towards the first configuration. 
     In accordance with another aspect, an expandable device includes a base having a top side and a bottom side, an expanding mechanism in the form of at least one foldable elongated member operably coupled to the base, and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of a portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operably coupled to the expanding mechanism. The expanding mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration whereby the button is disposed in a first, collapsed configuration and a second configuration whereby the button is disposed in a second, expanded configuration. Upon urging the button to the first configuration, the expandable device retains the button in the first configuration, and upon further urging the button towards the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration 
     In accordance with yet another aspect, an expandable device includes a base having a top side and a bottom side, an expanding mechanism in the form of at least one foam member operably coupled to the base, and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of a portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operably coupled to the expanding mechanism. The expanding mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration whereby the button is disposed in a first, collapsed configuration and a second configuration whereby the button is disposed in a second, expanded configuration. Upon urging the button to the first configuration, the expandable device retains the button in the first configuration, and upon further urging the button towards the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the expandable device for a portable electronic device described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  1    in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of a second example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  3    in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of a third example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  5    in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective view of a fourth example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  7    in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a perspective view of a fifth example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; and 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  9    in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, expandable devices for portable electronic devices are provided that include a base and an expanding mechanism that is movable relative to the base between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanding mechanism is movable in a number of directions (e.g., about a pivot portion that pivotably couples to the base) to allow for movement between collapsed states and expanded states projecting upwardly from the base. The expandable devices may further include a button coupled to the body. 
     A first embodiment of an expandable device  100  is shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The expandable device  100  includes a base  102 , an expanding mechanism  110  operably coupled to the base  102 , and a button  120 . The base  102  has a top or upper side  102   a  and a bottom or lower side  102   b . The bottom side  102   b  of the base  102  is attachable to a portable electronic device (not shown), a case for a portable electronic device, or other desired component. 
     The base  102  further includes a cutout  104  to accommodate a portion of the expanding mechanism  110  (as will be described in further detail below). Further, in some examples, the base  102  may include a coupling or locking region  136  to secure the expandable device  100  in a collapsed configuration (as will be discussed in further detail below). 
     The expanding mechanism  110  is operably coupled to the base  102  via any number of suitable approaches. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the expanding mechanism  110  is in the form of a plurality of legs  112  that extend upwardly from the base  102 . Any number of legs  112  may be used as desired. The plurality of legs  112  may be integrally attached to the base  102  via fold  107 . In some examples, the plurality of legs  112  may be coupled to the base  102  via any number of other suitable approaches such as, for example, an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, a snap or friction fit, and the like. 
     The plurality of legs  112  may be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example, a resilient or shape-retentive material (e.g., a polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) that biases or urges the expandable device  100  towards an expanded and/or a collapsed configuration, depending on a relative positioning and angle between the base  102  and the legs  112 . In another example, the expandable device  100  can include a spring or other biasing member (not shown) disposed between the base  102  and the button  120 . 
     At least one of the plurality of legs  112  may be positioned proximally to the cutout  104  formed in the base  102 , and may have similar dimensions and/or shape as the dimensions and/or shape of the cutout  104 . As a result, the plurality of legs  112  are foldable to extend across the base  102  and into the cutout  104  in the collapsed state ( FIG.  2   ). 
     The button  120  includes a top or upper side  120   a  and a bottom or inner side  120   b  and is operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of legs  112 . The button  120  may be removable from the expandable device  100 . The button  120  may have artistic value (e.g., the button  120  may include an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), the button  120  may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their fingers between the bottom side  120   b  and the base  102  when the plurality of legs  112  are in the expanded configuration such that the top side  120   a  of the button  120  is disposed adjacent to the palm of the user&#39;s hand, and may further provide a space in which a cord, such as a cord for earphones, may be wrapped and stored around a portion of the plurality of legs  112 . As such, in some examples, it may be desirable to remove the button  120  and replace it with another button  120  that features a different aesthetic design and/or provides a different grip so as to change the look and/or function of the expandable device  100 . 
     The plurality of legs  112  are coupled to the bottom side  120   b  of the button via any number of suitable approaches. For example, the plurality of legs  112  may be integrally attached to the button  120  via a fold (not shown). In other examples, the plurality of legs  112  may be coupled to the button  120  via any number of suitable approaches such as, for example, and adhesive, ultrasonic welding, a snap or friction fit, and the like. The bottom side  120   b  of the button may also include a cutout (not shown) resembling the cutout  104  formed on the base  102  to accommodate a portion of the plurality of legs  112  when the expandable device  100  is in the collapsed configuration. 
     In operation, the expandable device  100  may be positioned in an expanded configuration ( FIG.  1   ) or a collapsed configuration ( FIG.  2   ) by manipulating the button  120 . Generally, the user of the expandable device  100  may move the expandable device  100  from the collapsed configuration ( FIG.  2   ) to the expanded configuration ( FIG.  1   ) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button  120  and moving (e.g., pulling) the button  120  upward, away from the base  102 , along the longitudinal axis L. Conversely, the user of the expandable device  100  may move the expandable device  100  from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button  120  and pushing the button  120  downward, toward the base  102 . In either of these movements, the plurality of legs  112  will pivot about the fold  107  and the corresponding coupling region (e.g., a fold; not shown) of the plurality of legs  112  and the bottom side  120   b  of the button  120 . As stated, at least one of the plurality of legs  112  may nest within the cutout  104  when in the collapsed configuration. While the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  1  and  2    depict the plurality of legs  112  rotating clockwise when transitioning the expandable device  100  to the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs  112  may alternatively rotate counter-clockwise when transitioning to the collapsed configuration. 
     In examples where the plurality of legs  112  and/or the base  102  are constructed from a shape retentive material, the expandable device  100  may remain in whatever position it was last placed in. For example, the expandable device  100  may be automatically retained in an expanded configuration, a collapsed configuration, or a partially-expanded configuration between the expanded and collapsed configurations. 
     In examples where the plurality of legs  112  and/or the base  102  are constructed from a resilient material, the plurality of legs  112  may urge the button  120  towards the expanded configuration. In these examples, and as briefly mentioned above, the expandable device  100  may include a locking device  130  that may in turn lock, or securely retain, the expandable device  100  in the collapsed configuration. For example, the locking device  130  may be in the form of a first locking region  132  disposed on a portion of the button  120  and a second locking region  136  disposed on a portion of the base  102  that couples to the first locking region  132 . In the illustrated example, the first locking region  132  is in the form of an elongated hook or protrusion  133 , and the second locking region  136  is in the form of a corresponding slot or groove  137 . The protrusion  133  is insertable into the groove  137  when the expandable device  100  is transitioned to the collapsed configuration and accordingly, the protrusion  133  is retained within the groove  137  and resists the biasing force exerted by the plurality of resilient legs  112 . 
     In some examples, the protrusion  132  and the groove  136  form a frictional connection that is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the plurality of legs  112 . In other examples, the first and second locking regions  132 ,  136  are in the form of a push-to-eject mechanism whereby one of the first or the second locking regions  132 ,  136  includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cam med track (not shown) to selectively retain or expel the other locking region  132 ,  136  similar to the operation of a touch latch or a press-to-open system used in click-pens. In these examples, a user may press the button  120  towards the base  102  to secure the button  120  thereto, and may again press the button  120  towards the base  102  to cause the button to be decoupled from the base  102 . Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible. 
     In other examples, the plurality of legs  112  and/or the base  102  are constructed from a material (e.g., a shape retentive and/or a resilient material) that is capable of “snapping” to one or both of the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. In other words, the plurality of legs  112  may be originally positioned in the expanded position, and upon pressing on the button  120  to urge the expandable device  100  to the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs  112  may initially resist the pressing force. However, upon continued urging towards the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs  112  may snap to the folded, collapsed configuration. In a similar manner, upon urging the expandable device  100  to the expanded configuration, the plurality of legs  112  may initially resist this pulling force until reaching a certain point, whereby the plurality of legs  112  may snap to the expanded configuration. Other examples of suitable components and/or mechanisms are possible. 
     A second embodiment of an expandable device  200  is shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . It will be appreciated that the expandable device  200  illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4    may include similar features to the expandable device  100 , and thereby elements illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4    are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , increased by 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     In this form, the expanding mechanism  210  is in the form of a folded assembly that is coupled to the base  202 . As with the plurality of legs  112  of the expandable device  100 , the folding mechanism  210  may include any number of foldable legs  212  may be integrally formed with the base  202 , or alternatively, the foldable legs  212  may be affixed thereto using any number of suitable approaches. In the illustrated example, the foldable legs  212  include a base member  213  that is secured to the top side  202   a  of the base  202 . The foldable legs  212  may be coupled to the bottom side  220   b  of the button  220  in a similar manner. 
     The foldable legs  212  are configured to be compressed to move the button  220  between an expanded configuration ( FIG.  3   ) and a collapsed configuration ( FIG.  4   ). The foldable legs  212  may have an accordion-like configuration that includes a number of body sections  214  that are partitioned by leg folds  216 . It is appreciated that any number of desired body portions  214  may be used in the expandable device  200  to alter its size and shape. 
     Similarly to the expandable device  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the expandable device  200  may be positioned in an expanded configuration ( FIG.  3   ) or a collapsed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) by manipulating the button  220 . The user of the expandable device  200  may move the expandable device  200  from the expanded configuration ( FIG.  3   ) to the collapsed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button  220  and pushing the button  220  downward, toward the base  202 , along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the body sections  214  will pivot about the leg folds  216  and will be compressed, generally being positioned in a zigzag configuration. As a result, the body sections  214  will be positioned approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. 
     Conversely, the user of the expandable device  200  may move the expandable device  200  from the collapsed configuration ( FIG.  4   ) to the expanded configuration ( FIG.  3   ) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button  220  and moving (e.g., pulling) the button  220  upward, away from the base  202 , along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the body sections  214  will extend generally upwards relative to the base  202  in a direction that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In either of these movements, the foldable legs  212  will expand or compress, respectively, to position the button  220  in the desired configuration. 
     As with the plurality of legs  112  of the expandable device  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the foldable legs  212  may be constructed from a shape retentive material, a resilient material (e.g., a polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), and/or a material capable of “snapping” the button  220  to a desired configuration. The expandable device  200  may include a locking device (not shown) similar to the locking device  130  described above that locks the button  220  in the collapsed configuration. 
     A third embodiment of an expandable device  300  is shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . It will be appreciated that the expandable device  300  illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6    may include similar features to the expandable devices  100  and  200 , and thereby elements illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6    are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , increased by 100 (relative to  FIGS.  3  and  4   ) or  200  (relative to  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     In this example, the expanding mechanism  310  is in the form of a resilient member  310  that is coupled to the base  302 . The resilient member  310  may be a foam member or any other type of dispersed media that is selectively compressible and expandable. The resilient member  310  may be in the form of a cell structure including a number of air pockets that are expelled when a compressive force is exerted thereon. In some examples, the resilient member  310  may be a spring or other similar member. The resilient member  310  may be coupled to the top side  302   a  of the base  302  and the bottom side  320   b  of the button  320  using any number of suitable approaches. 
     Similarly to the expandable devices  100  and  200 , the resilient member  310  is configured to be compressed to move the expandable device  300 , and thus the button  320 , between an expanded configuration ( FIG.  5   ) and a collapsed configuration ( FIG.  6   ) by manipulating the button  320 . The resilient member  310  may be naturally biased to be positioned in the expanded configuration, and as such, upon a compressive force being removed, the resilient member  310  may return to its original, expanded form. 
     The user of the expandable device  300  may move the expandable device  300  from the expanded configuration ( FIG.  5   ) to the collapsed configuration ( FIG.  6   ) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button  320  and pushing the button  320  downward, toward the base  302 , along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the resilient member  310  will compress upon itself, thereby releasing air from its air pockets. As a result, the button  320  will be positioned near the base  302 . 
     Conversely, the user of the expandable device  300  may move the expandable device  300  from the collapsed configuration ( FIG.  6   ) to the expanded configuration ( FIG.  5   ) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button  320  and moving (e.g., pulling) the button  320  upward, away from the base  302 , along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the resilient member  310  will return to its expanded configuration, moving the button  320  upwardly. In either of these movements, the resilient member  310  will expand or compress, respectively, to position the button  320  in the desired configuration. 
     The expandable device  300  may include a locking device  330  that may in turn lock, or securely retain, the expandable device  300  in the collapsed configuration. For example, the locking device  330  may be in the form of a first locking region  332  disposed on a portion of the button  320  and a second locking region  336  disposed on a portion of the base  102  that couples to the first locking region  332 . In the illustrated example, the first locking region  332  is in the form of a first ring  333 , and the second locking region  336  is in the form of a second ring  337 . The first ring  333  is insertable into the second ring  337  when the expandable device  300  is transitioned to the collapsed configuration and accordingly, the first and second rings  333 ,  337  form a concentric ring arrangement whereby the first ring  333  is retained within the second ring  337  and resists the biasing force exerted by resilient member  310 . In other examples, the second ring  337  may be inserted into the first ring  333 . 
     In some examples, the first and second locking regions  332 ,  336  are frictionally coupled to each other. Such coupling may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the resilient member  310  that urges the expandable device  300  towards the expanded configuration. In other examples, the first and second locking regions  332 ,  336  include a corresponding protrusion and groove arrangement (not shown) whereby the protrusion is inserted into the groove to secure the locking device  330 . In yet other examples, the first and second locking regions  332 ,  336  are in the form of a push-to-eject mechanism whereby one of the first or the second locking regions  332 ,  336  includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cammed track (not shown) to selectively retain or expel the other locking region  332 ,  336  similar to the operation of a touch latch or a press-to-open system used in click-pens. In these examples, a user may press the button  320  towards the base  302  to secure the button  320  thereto, and may again press the button  320  towards the base  302  to cause the button to be decoupled from the base  302 . Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible. 
     A fourth embodiment of an expandable device  400  is shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   . It will be appreciated that the expandable device  400  illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8    may include similar features to the expandable devices  100  and  200 , and particularly the expandable device  300 ; thereby, elements illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8    are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , increased by 100 (relative to  FIGS.  5  and  6   ),  200  (relative to  FIGS.  3  and  4   ), or  300  (relative  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     In this example, the expanding mechanism  410  is also in the form of a resilient member  410  that is coupled to the base  402 . The resilient member  410  may be a foam member or any other type of dispersed media that is selectively compressible and expandable. The resilient member  410  may be in the form of a cell structure including a number of air pockets that are expelled when a compressive force is exerted thereon. In some examples, the resilient member  410  may be a spring or other similar member. The resilient member  410  may be coupled to the top side  402   a  of the base  402  and the bottom side  420   b  of the button  420  using any number of suitable approaches. 
     Notably, the resilient member  410  includes an integrally-formed locking region  436  disposed near the base  402 . The locking region  436  may be in the form of an annular protrusion  437  extending outwardly from an outer surface  410   a  of the resilient member  410 . This locking region  436  may couple to the locking region  432  disposed on a portion of the button  420 . As with the locking region  332  of  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the locking region  432  may be in the form of a ring  433  that couples to the annular protrusion  437  to form a concentric arrangement whereby the annular protrusion  437  is retained within the ring  433  and resists the biasing force exerted by resilient member  410 . 
     In other examples, the locking regions  432 ,  436  are in the form of a push-to-eject mechanism whereby one of the locking regions  432 ,  436  includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cammed track (not shown) to selectively retain or expel the other locking region  432 ,  436  similar to the operation of a touch latch or a press-to-open system used in click-pens. In these examples, a user may press the button  420  towards the base  402  to secure the button  420  thereto, and may again press the button  420  towards the base  402  to cause the button to be decoupled from the base  402 . Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible. 
     A fifth embodiment of an expandable device  500  is shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . It will be appreciated that the expandable device  500  illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10    may include similar features to the expandable devices  100  and  200 , and particularly the expandable devices  300  and  400 ; thereby, elements illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10    are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , increased by 100 (relative to  FIGS.  7  and  8   ),  200  (relative to  FIGS.  5  and  6   ), or  300  (relative  FIGS.  3  and  4   ), or  400  (relative  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     In this example, the expanding mechanism  510  is also in the form of a resilient member  510  that is coupled to the base  502 . The resilient member  510  may be two distinct foam members  510   a ,  510   b  or any other type of dispersed media that is selectively compressible and expandable. The resilient members  510   a ,  510   b  are separated by a partition  512  constructed from any number of materials. The resilient member  510  may be in the form of a cell structure including a number of air pockets that are expelled when a compressive force is exerted thereon. In some examples, the resilient member  510  may be a first and second spring or other similar members. The first resilient member  510   a  may be coupled to the top side  502   a  of the base  502 , and the second resilient member  510   b  may be coupled to the bottom side  520   b  of the button  520  using any number of suitable approaches. In this example, the expanding device  530  may include any one or combination of the previously described locking devices  130 ,  330 , and/or  430  as desired. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept. 
     The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).