Patent Description:
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 buttons, which may display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings.

Document <CIT> discloses an expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device comprising a button and a folding mechanism.

According to the invention there is provided an expandable device according to claim <NUM>.

In one example, not according to the invention, 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 another example, not according to the present invention, 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 yet another example, not according to the invention, 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.

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:.

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.

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 include a button coupled to the body.

A first example of an expandable device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The expandable device <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, an expanding mechanism <NUM> operably coupled to the base <NUM>, and a button <NUM>. The base <NUM> has a top or upper side 102a and a bottom or lower side 102b. The bottom side 102b of the base <NUM> is attachable to a portable electronic device (not shown), a case for a portable electronic device, or other desired component.

The base <NUM> further includes a cutout <NUM> to accommodate a portion of the expanding mechanism <NUM> (as will be described in further detail below). Further, in some examples, the base <NUM> may include a coupling or locking region <NUM> to secure the expandable device <NUM> in a collapsed configuration (as will be discussed in further detail below).

The expanding mechanism <NUM> is operably coupled to the base <NUM> via any number of suitable approaches. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the expanding mechanism <NUM> is in the form of a plurality of legs <NUM> that extend upwardly from the base <NUM>. Any number of legs <NUM> may be used as desired. The plurality of legs <NUM> may be integrally attached to the base <NUM> via fold <NUM>. In some examples, the plurality of legs <NUM> may be coupled to the base <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> towards an expanded and/or a collapsed configuration, depending on a relative positioning and angle between the base <NUM> and the legs <NUM>. In another example, the expandable device <NUM> can include a spring or other biasing member (not shown) disposed between the base <NUM> and the button <NUM>.

At least one of the plurality of legs <NUM> may be positioned proximally to the cutout <NUM> formed in the base <NUM>, and may have similar dimensions and/or shape as the dimensions and/or shape of the cutout <NUM>. As a result, the plurality of legs <NUM> are foldable to extend across the base <NUM> and into the cutout <NUM> in the collapsed state (<FIG>).

The button <NUM> includes a top or upper side 120a and a bottom or inner side 120b and is operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of legs <NUM>. The button <NUM> may be removable from the expandable device <NUM>. The button <NUM> may have artistic value (e.g., the button <NUM> may include an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), the button <NUM> may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their fingers between the bottom side 120b and the base <NUM> when the plurality of legs <NUM> are in the expanded configuration such that the top side 120a of the button <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the palm of the user'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 <NUM>. As such, in some examples, it may be desirable to remove the button <NUM> and replace it with another button <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

The plurality of legs <NUM> are coupled to the bottom side 120b of the button via any number of suitable approaches. For example, the plurality of legs <NUM> may be integrally attached to the button <NUM> via a fold (not shown). In other examples, the plurality of legs <NUM> may be coupled to the button <NUM> 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 120b of the button may also include a cutout (not shown) resembling the cutout <NUM> formed on the base <NUM> to accommodate a portion of the plurality of legs <NUM> when the expandable device <NUM> is in the collapsed configuration.

In operation, the expandable device <NUM> may be positioned in an expanded configuration (<FIG>) or a collapsed configuration (<FIG>) by manipulating the button <NUM>. Generally, the user of the expandable device <NUM> may move the expandable device <NUM> from the collapsed configuration (<FIG>) to the expanded configuration (<FIG>) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button <NUM> and moving (e.g., pulling) the button <NUM> upward, away from the base <NUM>, along the longitudinal axis L. Conversely, the user of the expandable device <NUM> may move the expandable device <NUM> from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button <NUM> and pushing the button <NUM> downward, toward the base <NUM>. In either of these movements, the plurality of legs <NUM> will pivot about the fold <NUM> and the corresponding coupling region (e.g., a fold; not shown) of the plurality of legs <NUM> and the bottom side 120b of the button <NUM>. As stated, at least one of the plurality of legs <NUM> may nest within the cutout <NUM> when in the collapsed configuration. While the illustrated embodiment of <FIG> depict the plurality of legs <NUM> rotating clockwise when transitioning the expandable device <NUM> to the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs <NUM> may alternatively rotate counter-clockwise when transitioning to the collapsed configuration.

In examples where the plurality of legs <NUM> and/or the base <NUM> are constructed from a shape retentive material, the expandable device <NUM> may remain in whatever position it was last placed in. For example, the expandable device <NUM> 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 <NUM> and/or the base <NUM> are constructed from a resilient material, the plurality of legs <NUM> may urge the button <NUM> towards the expanded configuration. In these examples, and as briefly mentioned above, the expandable device <NUM> may include a locking device <NUM> that may in turn lock, or securely retain, the expandable device <NUM> in the collapsed configuration. For example, the locking device <NUM> may be in the form of a first locking region <NUM> disposed on a portion of the button <NUM> and a second locking region <NUM> disposed on a portion of the base <NUM> that couples to the first locking region <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first locking region <NUM> is in the form of an elongated hook or protrusion <NUM>, and the second locking region <NUM> is in the form of a corresponding slot or groove <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is insertable into the groove <NUM> when the expandable device <NUM> is trasitioned to the collapsed configuration and accordingly, the protrusion <NUM> is retained within the groove <NUM> and resists the biasing force exerted by the plurality of resilient legs <NUM>.

In some examples, the protrusion <NUM> and the groove <NUM> form a frictional connection that is sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the plurality of legs <NUM>. In other examples, the first and second locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> are in the form of a push-to-eject mechanism whereby one of the first or the second locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cammed track (not shown) to selectively retain or expel the other locking region <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> towards the base <NUM> to secure the button <NUM> thereto, and may again press the button <NUM> towards the base <NUM> to cause the button to be decoupled from the base <NUM>. Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible.

In other examples, the plurality of legs <NUM> and/or the base <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be originally positioned in the expanded position, and upon pressing on the button <NUM> to urge the expandable device <NUM> to the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs <NUM> may initially resist the pressing force. However, upon continued urging towards the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs <NUM> may snap to the folded, collapsed configuration. In a similar manner, upon urging the expandable device <NUM> to the expanded configuration, the plurality of legs <NUM> may initially resist this pulling force until reaching a certain point, whereby the plurality of legs <NUM> may snap to the expanded configuration. Other examples of suitable components and/or mechanisms are possible.

A first embodiment, which is according to the invention, of an expandable device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. It will be appreciated that the expandable device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include similar features to the expandable device <NUM>, and thereby elements illustrated in <FIG> are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, increased by <NUM>. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail.

In this form, the expanding mechanism <NUM> is in the form of a folded assembly that is coupled to the base <NUM>. As with the plurality of legs <NUM> of the expandable device <NUM>, the folding mechanism <NUM> includes a plurality of foldable legs <NUM> may be integrally formed with the base <NUM>, or alternatively, the foldable legs <NUM> may be affixed thereto using any number of suitable approaches. In the illustrated example, the foldable legs <NUM> include a base member <NUM> that is secured to the top side 202a of the base <NUM>. The foldable legs <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom side 220b of the button <NUM> in a similar manner.

The foldable legs <NUM> are configured to be compressed to move the button <NUM> between an expanded configuration (<FIG>) and a collapsed configuration (<FIG>). The foldable legs <NUM> may have an accordion-like configuration that includes a number of body sections <NUM> that are partitioned by leg folds <NUM>. It is appreciated that any number of desired body portions <NUM> may be used in the expandable device <NUM> to alter its size and shape.

Similarly to the expandable device <NUM> of <FIG>, the expandable device <NUM> may be positioned in an expanded configuration (<FIG>) or a collapsed configuration (<FIG>) by manipulating the button <NUM>. The user of the expandable device <NUM> may move the expandable device <NUM> from the expanded configuration (<FIG>) to the collapsed configuration (<FIG>) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button <NUM> and pushing the button <NUM> downward, toward the base <NUM>, along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the body sections <NUM> will pivot about the leg folds <NUM> and will be compressed, generally being positioned in a zigzag configuration. As a result, the body sections <NUM> will be positioned approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L.

Conversely, the user of the expandable device <NUM> may move the expandable device <NUM> from the collapsed configuration (<FIG>) to the expanded configuration (<FIG>) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button <NUM> and moving (e.g., pulling) the button <NUM> upward, away from the base <NUM>, along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the body sections <NUM> will extend generally upwards relative to the base <NUM> in a direction that is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In either of these movements, the foldable legs <NUM> will expand or compress, respectively, to position the button <NUM> in the desired configuration.

As with the plurality of legs <NUM> of the expandable device <NUM> of <FIG>, the foldable legs <NUM> 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 <NUM> to a desired configuration. The expandable device <NUM> may include a locking device (not shown) similar to the locking device <NUM> described above that locks the button <NUM> in the collapsed configuration.

A second embodiment of an expandable device <NUM> not according to the present invention is shown in <FIG>. It will be appreciated that the expandable device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include similar features to the expandable devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and thereby elements illustrated in <FIG> are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, increased by <NUM> (relative to <FIG>) or <NUM> (relative to <FIG>). Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail.

In this example, the expanding mechanism <NUM> is in the form of a resilient member <NUM> that is coupled to the base <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> may be a foam member or any other type of dispersed media that is selectively compressible and expandable. The resilient member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be a spring or other similar member. The resilient member <NUM> may be coupled to the top side 302a of the base <NUM> and the bottom side 320b of the button <NUM> using any number of suitable approaches.

Similarly to the expandable devices <NUM> and <NUM>, the resilient member <NUM> is configured to be compressed to move the expandable device <NUM>, and thus the button <NUM>, between an expanded configuration (<FIG>) and a collapsed configuration (<FIG>) by manipulating the button <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> may be naturally biased to be positioned in the expanded configuration, and as such, upon a compressive force being removed, the resilient member <NUM> may return to its original, expanded form.

The user of the expandable device <NUM> may move the expandable device <NUM> from the expanded configuration (<FIG>) to the collapsed configuration (<FIG>) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button <NUM> and pushing the button <NUM> downward, toward the base <NUM>, along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the resilient member <NUM> will compress upon itself, thereby releasing air from its air pockets. As a result, the button <NUM> will be positioned near the base <NUM>.

Conversely, the user of the expandable device <NUM> may move the expandable device <NUM> from the collapsed configuration (<FIG>) to the expanded configuration (<FIG>) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button <NUM> and moving (e.g., pulling) the button <NUM> upward, away from the base <NUM>, along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the resilient member <NUM> will return to its expanded configuration, moving the button <NUM> upwardly. In either of these movements, the resilient member <NUM> will expand or compress, respectively, to position the button <NUM> in the desired configuration.

The expandable device <NUM> may include a locking device <NUM> that may in turn lock, or securely retain, the expandable device <NUM> in the collapsed configuration. For example, the locking device <NUM> may be in the form of a first locking region <NUM> disposed on a portion of the button <NUM> and a second locking region <NUM> disposed on a portion of the base <NUM> that couples to the first locking region <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first locking region <NUM> is in the form of a first ring <NUM>, and the second locking region <NUM> is in the form of a second ring <NUM>. The first ring <NUM> is insertable into the second ring <NUM> when the expandable device <NUM> is transitioned to the collapsed configuration and accordingly, the first and second rings <NUM>, <NUM> form a concentric ring arrangement whereby the first ring <NUM> is retained within the second ring <NUM> and resists the biasing force exerted by resilient member <NUM>. In other examples, the second ring <NUM> may be inserted into the first ring <NUM>.

In some examples, the first and second locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> are frictionally coupled to each other. Such coupling may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the resilient member <NUM> that urges the expandable device <NUM> towards the expanded configuration. In other examples, the first and second locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> include a corresponding protrusion and groove arrangement (not shown) whereby the protrusion is inserted into the groove to secure the locking device <NUM>. In yet other examples, the first and second locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> are in the form of a push-to-eject mechanism whereby one of the first or the second locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cammed track (not shown) to selectively retain or expel the other locking region <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> towards the base <NUM> to secure the button <NUM> thereto, and may again press the button <NUM> towards the base <NUM> to cause the button to be decoupled from the base <NUM>. Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible.

A third embodiment of an expandable device <NUM> not according to the present invention is shown in <FIG>. It will be appreciated that the expandable device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include similar features to the expandable devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and particularly the expandable device <NUM>; thereby, elements illustrated in <FIG> are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, increased by <NUM> (relative to <FIG>), <NUM> (relative to <FIG>), or <NUM> (relative <FIG>). Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail.

In this example, the expanding mechanism <NUM> is also in the form of a resilient member <NUM> that is coupled to the base <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> may be a foam member or any other type of dispersed media that is selectively compressible and expandable. The resilient member <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be a spring or other similar member. The resilient member <NUM> may be coupled to the top side 402a of the base <NUM> and the bottom side 420b of the button <NUM> using any number of suitable approaches.

Notably, the resilient member <NUM> includes an integrally-formed locking region <NUM> disposed near the base <NUM>. The locking region <NUM> may be in the form of an annular protrusion <NUM> extending outwardly from an outer surface 410a of the resilient member <NUM>. This locking region <NUM> may couple to the locking region <NUM> disposed on a portion of the button <NUM>. As with the locking region <NUM> of <FIG>, the locking region <NUM> may be in the form of a ring <NUM> that couples to the annular protrusion <NUM> to form a concentric arrangement whereby the annular protrusion <NUM> is retained within the ring <NUM> and resists the biasing force exerted by resilient member <NUM>.

In other examples, the locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> are in the form of a push-to-eject mechanism whereby one of the locking regions <NUM>, <NUM> includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cammed track (not shown) to selectively retain or expel the other locking region <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM> towards the base <NUM> to secure the button <NUM> thereto, and may again press the button <NUM> towards the base <NUM> to cause the button to be decoupled from the base <NUM>. Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible.

A fourth embodiment of an expandable device <NUM> not according to the present invention is shown in <FIG>. It will be appreciated that the expandable device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include similar features to the expandable devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and particularly the expandable devices <NUM> and <NUM>; thereby, elements illustrated in <FIG> are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, increased by <NUM> (relative to <FIG>), <NUM> (relative to <FIG>), or <NUM> (relative <FIG>), or <NUM> (relative <FIG>). Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail.

Claim 1:
An expandable device (<NUM>, <NUM>) for attachment to a portable electronic device, the expandable device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a top side (102a, 202a) and a bottom side (102b, 202b), the bottom side (102b, 202b) adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device;
an folding mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) operably coupled to the base (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a button (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a top side (120a, 220a) and a bottom side (120b, 220b), the bottom side of the button (<NUM>, <NUM>) being operably coupled to the folding mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the folding mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) is selectively movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration,
wherein the folding mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a plurality of foldable legs (<NUM>, <NUM>), each having a plurality of body sections (<NUM>) that are partitioned by leg folds (<NUM>),
wherein upon pushing the button (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards the base (<NUM>, <NUM>) the plurality of body sections (<NUM>) are caused to pivot about a corresponding one or more of the leg folds (<NUM>) and will be compressed.