Patent Publication Number: US-2023136304-A1

Title: Grip for a foldable electronic device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,305, filed Jan. 18, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/906,361, filed Sep. 26, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to expandable devices and, more particularly, to expandable devices that can be attached to a foldable portable electronic device, or to a case for a foldable portable electronic device, that is configured to be used as a grip, a stand, or to otherwise facilitate handling of a foldable portable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices, such as tablets and smart phones, are often housed in protective covers or cases in order to protect the device from damage, to provide a grip for handling the device, and/or to provide a stand for propping the device on a surface. 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 are typically positioned on and/or coupled to a rear surface of the portable electronic device to allow a user to securely grip the device, and may have decorative buttons that display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings. However, portable electronic devices may include folding and/or expanding mechanisms that can selectively modify an overall configuration and dimensions of the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect, an expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device having first and second surfaces includes a button having a top side, a bottom side, and a coupling portion and further includes an elongated body having a top side, a bottom side, and a platform coupling portion. The button is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The bottom side of the platform engages a portion of the portable electronic device and the platform coupling portion engages the coupling portion of the button. When coupled to the elongated body, the button is movable between a first position where the button is positioned along the first surface of the portable electronic device and a second position where the button is positioned along the second surface of the portable electronic device. 
     In some approaches, the expandable mechanism further includes a locking mechanism that is operably coupled to at least one of the button or the elongated body. The locking mechanism selectively retains the button in the first position or the second position. 
     In some examples, the elongated body is in the form of a track. The coupling portion of the button is slidably constrained within the track such that the button is movable between the first position and the second position. The elongated body may extend along a portion of the first surface of the portable electronic device and a portion of the second surface of the portable electronic device and may be removable from the portable electronic device. In these examples, the locking mechanism may be in the form of at least one detent formed in the track that is adapted to frictionally engage the coupling portion of the button. 
     In one or more examples, the elongated body is in the form of an elongated pivot arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the pivot arm is coupled to a pivot member and the coupling portion of the button is coupled to the second end of the pivot arm such that the button is movable between the first position and the second position. The pivot member may be at least partially disposed on the second surface of the portable electronic device, and may be removable from the portable from the portable electronic device. In these examples, the locking mechanism may be in the form of a detent formed on the pivot member adapted to frictionally engage the first end of the pivot arm. Alternatively, or additionally, the locking mechanism may be in the form of a button disposed on the second surface of the portable electronic device that is adapted to engage at least one of the pivot arm or the button to retain the pivot arm in the second position. 
     In one or more examples, an expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device having first and second surfaces includes a button having a top side, a bottom side, and a coupling portion and an elongated body defining a top side, a bottom side, and a track. The button is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The bottom side of the elongated body engages a portion of the portable electronic device and the track slidably engages the coupling portion of the button. The button is movable along the track between a first position where the button is positioned along the first surface of the portable electronic device and a second position where the button is positioned along the second surface of the portable electronic device. 
     In one or more examples, an expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device having first and second surfaces includes a button having a top side, a bottom side, and a coupling portion and an elongated body having an elongated pivot arm defining a first end and a second end. The button is movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The first end of the pivot arm is coupled to a pivot member, and the second end of the pivot arm is coupled to the coupling portion of the button. The pivot member engages a portion of the portable electronic device. The pivot arm is pivotable relative to the pivot member between a first position and a second position. When coupled to the elongated pivot arm, the button is movable between the first position where the button is positioned along the first surface of the portable electronic device and the second position where the button is positioned along the second surface of the portable electronic device. 
     Other aspects, features, and techniques of the invention will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art in view of the following description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view of an example expandable device coupled to a foldable electronic device in a first position in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  1    in a second position in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the expandable device coupled to the foldable electronic device of  FIGS.  1  and  2    in the first position in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of an example expandable device coupled to a foldable electronic device in a first position in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of  FIG.  4    in a second position in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a front plan view of the expandable device of  FIGS.  4  and  5    in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  7 A  illustrates a top plan view of an example foldable electronic device that does not include an expandable device coupled thereto in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  7 B  illustrates a top plan view of an example foldable electronic device that includes an expandable device coupled thereto in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  8 A  illustrates a rear elevation view of an example expandable device coupled to a foldable electronic device in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  8 B  illustrates a side elevation view of the example expandable device of  FIG.  8 A  in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  9 A  illustrates a rear elevation view of an example expandable device coupled to a foldable electronic device in a first position in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG.  9 B  illustrates a rear elevation view of the expandable device of  FIG.  9 A  in a second position in accordance with various embodiments; and 
         FIG.  9 C  illustrates a rear elevation view of the expandable device of  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  where the foldable electronic device is in a folded position 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 foldable portable electronic devices are provided that include a platform and a button that is movable relative to the platform between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. Traditionally, these expandable devices are positioned on and/or coupled to a rear surface of the portable electronic device and allow a user to securely grip the device. The expandable device further may act as a stand or platform for the device as well as function as a cord-retention mechanism for headphones or other cables. 
     In some environments, foldable portable electronic devices may be configured to fold backwards, such that the rear surface of the device becomes sandwiched between the front surface. In some approaches, such a folded configuration may not provide the necessary clearance for the expandable device to occupy this space. In other cases, foldable portable devices are configured to open in a wallet-type manner. In still other cases, foldable portable devices may be configured to change form in response to a bending- or folding-force applied by the user. In each of these cases, such bending or folding creates handling, ergonomic and/or weight-distribution challenges for the user. To that end, one aspect of the disclosure is to provide an expandable device that is configured to be effectively used as a grip, a stand, or to otherwise facilitate handling of foldable portable electronic devices. For example, the expandable devices described herein allows a button, usable as a grip, to move to various locations or regions of the expandable device in order to be positioned outside of the physical space occupied by the foldable portable electronic device when in the folded position. In other words, the expandable devices described herein accommodate for the folding of the device, and may still be used as a gripping and/or storage mechanism when the device is in the folded position. 
     With reference now to the figures, one example of an expandable device  100  coupled to a foldable electronic device  10  is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . Briefly, the foldable electronic device  10  includes a front surface (not illustrated) that includes a screen or display, a rear surface  12 , an upper surface  14 , and side surfaces  16 . The foldable electronic device  10  may be in the form of a foldable cellular telephone having a foldable screen or screens disposed on the front surface that may be selectively bifurcated in a manner that reduces the overall screen size by approximately half or any other fraction. The foldable electronic device  10  may use any number of folding mechanisms to cause the device to be folded about a folding axis L. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , and in particular  FIG.  3   , the expandable device  100  includes a button  110  having a top side  112 , a bottom side  114 , and a coupling portion  116 , and further includes an elongated body  130  having a top side  132 , a bottom side  134 , and a platform coupling portion  136 . The button  110  further includes a collapsible and/or expandable mechanism  118  operably coupled to the button  110  (illustrated in the expanded position in  FIG.  3   ). In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling portion  116  is carried by, formed integrally with, and/or attached to the body  118  to selectively release or couple the button  110  to the elongated body  130 . 
     The expandable mechanism  118  generally facilitates movement of the accessory device  100  between an expanded position and a collapsed position, and acts to retain the accessory device  100  in the desired position (expanded or collapsed) when coupled to a portable electronic device such as the foldable device  10 . It should further be appreciated that the expandable mechanism  118  similarly may take the form of an outer case, enclosure, shell, deformable cover, etc., and may include a resilient member (e.g., a coil spring) that is arranged between the button  110  and the coupling portion  116 . 
     As previously noted, the button  110  includes the top or upper side  112 , the bottom or inner side  114 , and also includes a rim or edge  115  and is operably coupled to the expandable mechanism  118 . The button  110  may have a circular shape. In other examples, however, the button  110  may have a rectangular, square, triangular, annular, irregular, or other shape. The button  110  is preferably constructed from metal or plastic material, though other suitable materials can be used. 
     As stated, the button  110  can be removable from the expandable device  100 , and may be selectively secured to the elongated body  130  of the expandable device  100 . The button  110  may have artistic value (e.g., the button  110  may include an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), and the button  110  may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their fingers between the bottom side  114  and the elongated body  130  when the expandable mechanism  118  is in the expanded position (when, for example, the button  110  is coupled to the portable electronic device  10 ) such that the top side  112  of the button  110  is disposed adjacent to the palm of the user&#39;s hand, and may also provide a space in which a cord, such as a cord for earphones, may be wrapped and stored around a portion of the expandable mechanism  118  and/or the elongated body  130 . 
     Generally, the expandable mechanism  118  is used to move from the expanded position to the collapsed position by overcoming any biasing forces applied by resilient members. This may be accomplished by grabbing or grasping the button  110  and moving (e.g., pushing) the button  110  towards the elongated body  130 . The expandable device  100  may include any number of retaining components and/or mechanisms to maintain the expandable device  100  in the collapsed position. The button  110  may be positioned in the expanded position by grasping or pulling the button  110  away from the elongated body  130  with a sufficient force to overcome the force of any retaining components used to secure the expandable device  100  in the collapsed position. Upon doing so, if the expandable device  100  is equipped with a resilient member or members, the button  110  will be urged towards, and maintained in, the expanded position. 
     The elongated body  130  may have any desired shape that is generally elongated and is preferably constructed from a metal or a plastic material, though other suitable materials (e.g., cardboard) can be used. In the illustrated example, the platform coupling portion  136  is in the form of a channel or track  138  that slidably receives the coupling portion  116 , which, in the illustrated example, is in the form of a button protrusion or ball  117 . When disposed within the track  138 , the button protrusion  117  may rotate freely therein, and can slide between a first end  130   a  of the elongated body  130  and a second end  130   b  of the elongated body  130 . The button protrusion  117  may be releasably coupled within the track  138  via any number of approaches. 
     In the illustrated example, the elongated body  130  is generally “L” shaped such that the first end  130   a  is positioned on the rear surface  12  of the electronic device  10  and the second end  130   b  is positioned on the upper surface  14  of the electronic device  10 . In other words, the elongated body  130  has an approximately 90° turn in direction that corresponds to the shape of the electronic device  10 . In some examples, the second end  130   b  of the elongated body  130  may be positioned on one of the side surfaces  16  or a lower surface (not illustrated) of the device  10 . In some examples, the elongated body  130  may be generally flexible to accommodate conforming to the shape of the electronic device  10 . The elongated body  130  may be coupled to the electronic device  10  via any number of approaches such as, for example, a reusable adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, a magnetic connection, a suction device, and the like. Other examples are possible. 
     The track  138  extends along the elongated body  130  between the first and second ends  130   a ,  130   b  in a manner that allows the button protrusion  117  to change its direction of travel in order to traverse the length of track  138  disposed on the upper surface  14  of the electronic device  10 . 
     In use,  FIGS.  1  and  3    illustrate the button  110  positioned in a first position. The expandable device  100  may be selectively expanded or collapsed to act as a grip, a stand, a storage mechanism, and/or a retention mechanism as desired while the expandable device is positioned at the first end  130   a  of the elongated body  130 . In this illustration, the electronic device  10  is in an opened position and the button  110  is positioned on, at, and/or near the rear surface  12  of the electronic device  10 . If a user wishes to convert the electronic device  10  to the closed position, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the user may slide the button  110  along the track  138  to the second end  130   b  of the elongated body  130  where the button  110  is positioned in a second position disposed along the upper surface  14  (or, in other examples, along one of the side surfaces  16  or the lower surface). When the button  110  is in this second position, the electronic device  10  may be folded or closed without interfering with the button  10 . 
     In some examples, and as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the track  138  may include any number of locking mechanisms  140  to retain the button  110  at desired locations along the track  138 . For example, a first locking mechanism  140  may be positioned at the first end  130   a  of the elongated body  130  to retain the button  110  in the first position, and a second locking mechanism  140  may be positioned at the second end  130   b  of the elongated body  130  to retain the button  110  in the second position. In the illustrated example, the locking mechanisms  140  are in the form of a detent formed along the track  138  that frictionally engages the button protrusion  117  to retain the button  110 . In other forms, the locking mechanism  140  may be in the form of a bump or protrusion, a magnetic member, or any other mechanism. Other examples are possible. 
       FIGS.  4 - 6    depict another example of an expandable device  200  coupled to a foldable electronic device  10 . It will be appreciated that the expandable device  200  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 6    includes similar features to the expandable device  100 , and thereby elements illustrated in  FIGS.  4 - 6    are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the example illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3    increased by 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     In this embodiment, the elongated body  230  is in the form of an elongated pivot arm  231  that has a first end  231   a  and a second end  231   b . The first end  231   a  of the pivot arm  231  is rotatably coupled to a pivot member  232 . In the illustrated embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , this coupling is in the form of a ball-and-socket engagement where the first end  231   a  of the pivot arm  231  carries a ball member  233  that is inserted into a socket  232   a  formed by the pivot member  232 . The pivot member  232  is operably coupled to one of the side surfaces  16  (or, alternatively, to the top surface  14  or the bottom surface (not shown)) of the device  10  via any number of permanent- or reversible-coupling mechanisms (e.g., permanent and/or releasable adhesives, fasteners, magnets, suction devices, etc.). In such an arrangement, the ball member  233 , and thus the pivot arm  231  may freely rotate within the socket along a three-dimensional space, and in other examples, the socket may include a track or guide member that constrains rotation within a single plane or other limited three-dimensional space. Further, in some examples, the pivot arm  231  may carry the socket, and the pivot member  232  may carry the ball member. Other examples are possible. 
     The second end  231   b  of the pivot arm  231  also carries a ball member  234  which is rotatably coupled to the coupling portion  216  of the button  210 . The coupling portion  216  may be in the form of a socket  217  that accepts the ball member  234  carried by the pivot arm  231 , or alternatively, the coupling portion  216  may be in the form of a ball member (not illustrated) that is retained within a socket (not illustrated) carried by the pivot arm  231 . Such an arrangement allows the button  210  to be rotatably positioned at different angles relative to the rear surface  12  if desired. In other examples, the coupling portion  216  of the button  210  may be secured to the pivot arm  230  in a non-rotatable manner. 
     As with the expandable device  100 , the expandable device  200  is movable between a first position ( FIG.  4   ) where the button  210  is positioned at, on, or near the rear surface  12  of the device  10 , and a second position ( FIG.  5   ) where the button  210  is positioned at, on, or near the side surface  16 , the upper surface  14 , or the lower surface of the device  10 . In some approaches, the pivot arm  230  may be at least partially formed from a resilient material that urges or presses the button  210  against the rear surface  12  of the device  10  to create a frictional engagement that assists in retaining the button  210  in a desired position relative to the device  10 . In some examples, the pivot member  232  may be dimensioned in a way that urges the pivot arm  230  and the button  210  against the rear surface  12  of the electronic device  10 . Other examples are possible. 
     In some examples, the expandable device  200  may include a locking mechanism  240  disposed on the side surface  16  and/or the top surface  14  (or the bottom surface) of the device  10 . This locking mechanism  240  may be in the form of a protrusion (e.g., a bulb, a barb, a detent, a button, etc.) that engages the pivot arm  231  and/or a portion of the button  210  to retain the pivot arm  231  in the second position (i.e., the position that allows the expandable device  10  to be moved to the folded position). Further, an additional locking mechanism in the form of a protrusion (not illustrated) may be disposed on the rear surface  12  of the device  10  to retain the expandable device  100  in the first position. The locking mechanism(s)  240  may be removable to allow for repositioning as desired. In other examples, the pivot member  232  may carry a locking mechanism (not illustrated) in the form of a detent that frictionally engages a portion of the first end  231   a  of the pivot arm  231 . This detent may retain the button  210  in the first and/or the second position. Other examples of retention and/or locking mechanisms are possible. 
     So configured, the expandable devices described herein are movable to a position that allows the foldable electronic device  10  to be folded or closed. As illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A , in a foldable electronic device  10  that is in the folded position and that does not include an expandable device as disclosed herein, the device may have one tall collapsed height side  10   a  and one short collapsed height side  10   b . However, as illustrated in  FIG.  7 B , when the expandable devices described herein are coupled to the folding electronic device  10 , the two sides of the device  10   a ,  10   b  are parallel, thus providing different viewing angles and usability. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrating an expandable device  300  coupled to a foldable electronic device  10 , it will be appreciated that the expandable device  300  illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  includes similar features to the expandable devices  100 ,  200 , and thereby elements illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 6    increased by 100 or 200, respectively. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     Expandable device  300  includes an elongated body  310  having a first end  312 , a second end  314 , and an elongated length  316  extending between the first and second ends  312 ,  314 , thereby forming a grip band that lays flat inside the fold of the foldable electronic device  10 . The expandable device  300  may be constructed from a flexible material such as elastic or any other material. The first and second ends  312 ,  314  of the expandable device  300  may be adhered to the foldable electronic device  10  using any number of approaches such as, for example, adhesives, fasteners, and the like. 
     As with the expandable devices above, expandable device  300  is configured to assume different positions, including a first position such that, when the first and second ends  312 ,  314  of the expandable device  300  are secured to the foldable device  10 , an opening  318  is formed between the elongated length  316  and the rear (or other) surface  12  of the foldable device  10 . The opening  318  is dimensioned to accommodate all or some of a user&#39;s hand. In the unfolded position, a user&#39;s hand may slip through the opening  318  of the expandable device  300  to secure the device. In some examples, the expandable device  300  may be constructed from a material that generally retains an arced shape to accept a user&#39;s hand. The expandable device  300  may be further configured to assume a second position in which the expandable device  300  is in a generally flattened position that rests against the rear surface  12  of the device  10  when not in use. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , an exemplary expandable device  400  coupled to a foldable electronic device  10  is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the expandable device  400  illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  may include similar features to the expandable devices  100 ,  200 , and  300 , and thereby elements illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 8 B  increased by 100, 200, or 300, respectively. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. 
     The expandable device  400  includes a button  410  that has a first portion  410   a  and a second portion  410   b  that can be operably coupled to each other. In some examples, the first portion  410   a  of the button  410  and the second portion  410   b  of the button  410  may interlock to couple to each other. The device  400  further includes an elongated body  430  in the form of a track or sliding mechanism that extends from a first segment  12   a  of the rear surface  12  of the foldable electronic device  10  to a second segment  12   b  of the rear surface  12  of the foldable electronic device  10 . 
       FIG.  9   a   A illustrates the device in a first position, where the first and second portions  410   a ,  410   b  of the button  410  are coupled to each other. The device  400  may be used as a stand, a grip, and/or a retention mechanism as previously described. Turning to  FIG.  9 B , if a user wishes to have an additional stand for the device  10  when in an unfolded position, the second portion  410   b  of the button  410  may be movable along the sliding mechanism  430  to a second position such that the second portion  410   b  of the button  410  is positioned on the second segment  12   b  of the rear surface  12 . Accordingly, the electronic device  10  may be gripped or retained at two locations to provide for increased stability. As illustrated in  FIG.  9 C , a user may return the second portion  410   b  of the button  410  to a position that interlocks with the first portion  410   a  of the button  410  before folding the device  10 . 
     In some instances, the expandable device of the current disclosure may at least partly take the form of a commercially available grip and stand product such as that available on www.popsockets.com. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,560,031, filed on Feb. 23, 2012; U.S. Pat. No. 9,970,589, filed on Nov. 9, 2017; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/615,900, filed on Jun. 7, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,054,259); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/679,934, filed on Aug. 17, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,060,573); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/803,410, filed on Nov. 3, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,958,107); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/808,076, filed on Nov. 9, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,970,589); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/864,402, filed on Jan. 8, 2018 (published as US 2019/0138052); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/864,509, filed on Jan. 8, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,463,116); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/906,920, filed on Feb. 27, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,215,329); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/922,601, filed on Mar. 15, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,030,807); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/952,025, filed on Apr. 12, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,386,009); U.S. application Ser. No. 15/993,458, filed on May 30, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,348,352); and U.S. application Ser. No. 16/001,723, filed on Jun. 6, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,317,005) each describe suitable expandable grip and stand products, which also incorporate collapsible mechanisms and may form at least part of the disclosure herein, and therefore the entirety of each is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     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).