US20190138052A1

US20190138052A1 - Interchangeable socket accessory for a portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: US20190138052A1
Application number: US15/864,402
Authority: US
Inventors: David B. Barnett; Greg Adelman; Michael J. Kory; Randy Yang CHIANG; Altan Nahum; David F. Willson
Original assignee: PopSockets LLC
Current assignee: PopSockets LLC
Priority date: 2017-11-07
Filing date: 2018-01-08
Publication date: 2019-05-09
Also published as: US20190278327A1; CN111447857B; SG10202009634YA; MX2020004759A; JP2021501862A; US20190278328A1; JP7239577B2; PH12020550578A1; EP3706596A1; US10742251B2; PE20201433A1; KR20200086300A; GB2581712B; WO2019094152A1; CL2020001207A1; AU2018364947A1; WO2019094067A1; GB2581712A; CN111565599A; US10686481B2

Abstract

An expandable socket includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A platform has a bore sized to receive the second end of the body. The bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body. A locking member is disposed between the body and the platform and rotatably and releasably couples the body to the platform. The locking member is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body is removable from the platform, and a locked configuration, in which the body is secured to the platform.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/582,912 filed on Nov. 7, 2017, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/589,068 filed on Nov. 21, 2017, the entire contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to expandable sockets and more particularly to interchangeable expandable sockets that can be attached to portable electronic devices or cases for portable electronic devices 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 sockets, 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 sockets have decorative buttons, which may display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings.

SUMMARY

According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, an interchangeable expandable socket is constructed to permit a user to rotatably remove an expandable socket body and button from a portable device, and replace the interchangeable expandable socket body and button with a different expandable socket body and button. Additionally, one interchangeable expandable socket body and button may be rotatably removed from a first universal platform attached to a first portable device or case and then rotatably coupled to a second universal platform attached to a second portable device or case.
In first aspect of the present disclosure provides an expandable socket accessory for a portable device. The accessory may include a body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body may be movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A platform may have a bore sized to receive the second end of the body. The bore may be axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body. A locking member may be arranged to rotatably and releasably couple the body to the platform. The locking member may be movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body is removable from the platform, and a locked configuration, in which the body is secured to the platform.
A second aspect of the present disclosure provides an expandable socket for a mobile electronic device. The socket may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a collapsible wall extending between the first end and the second end. The socket may include a platform and a locking member disposed between the body and the platform to removably and rotatably couple the body to the platform. The locking member may include a first mating portion configured to removably engage the platform, and a second mating portion configured to engage the body.
A third aspect of the present disclosure provides method of attaching an expandable socket to a portable device or a case for the portable device. The method may include attaching a platform to a surface of a portable device or a case for the portable device, rotatably coupling a first socket body to the platform via a locking member disposed between the first socket body and the platform, removing the first socket body from the platform, and rotatably coupling a second socket body, different from the first socket body, to the platform via the locking member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of this invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the several Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first example of an expandable socket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the expandable socket of FIG. 1, including a first exemplary button, a first exemplary body, a first exemplary platform, and a first exemplary locking member that removably couples the first button and the first body to the first platform;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable socket of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable socket of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the expandable socket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom isometric view of the first exemplary body coupled to the first exemplary locking member;

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the first exemplary platform;

FIG. 8 is a partial view of a second exemplary platform constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a partial view of a third exemplary platform constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a second example of an expandable socket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, and including the first exemplary body, a second exemplary locking member, and a fourth exemplary platform;

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the fourth exemplary platform;

FIG. 12 is a partial, bottom view of the expandable socket of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a third example of an expandable socket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, and including the first exemplary body, a third exemplary locking member, and a fifth exemplary platform;

FIG. 14 is a partial view of the fifth exemplary platform;

FIG. 15 is a partial, isometric bottom view of the expandable socket of FIG. 13, partially cut along a vertical plane;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a fourth example of an expandable socket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, and including the removable button of FIG. 1, a second exemplary body, a fourth exemplary locking member, and the first exemplary platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the expandable socket of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the expandable socket of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a bottom, isometric view showing the second exemplary body coupled to the fourth exemplary locking member;

FIG. 20 is a bottom, isometric view of a third exemplary body coupled to a fifth exemplary locking member constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth example of an expandable socket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, and including a fourth exemplary body, a sixth exemplary locking member, and a sixth exemplary platform;

FIG. 22 is a partial, bottom view of the expandable socket of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the sixth exemplary locking member;

FIG. 24A is an isometric view of the sixth exemplary platform; and

FIG. 24B is a cross-sectional view of the sixth exemplary platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A quick-release expandable socket accessory for a portable device, such as a portable media player, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure provides a universal platform that attaches directly to a portable device or to a protective case of the portable device. The universal platform permits a body of the expandable socket, also referred herein as an accordion or socket body, to be easily coupled to and removed from the platform and, if desired, replaced with a different body. The body, which may, for example, carry a removable button, is generally configured to be removably coupled to the universal platform via a locking member. Each of the platform, the locking member, and the body may be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes to facilitate rotatably locking and rotatably releasing the body to the platform.
Turning to FIGS. 1-5, a first exemplary expandable socket 10 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The expandable socket 10 includes a removable button 14, a body 18 removably attached to the button 14, a platform 22 that is attachable to a portable device (not shown) or a case for a portable device, and a locking member 24 disposed between the body 18 and the platform 22 to rotatably and releasably couple the body 18 to the platform 22. In this example, the locking member 24 is fixed to the body 18 so that the body 18 carries the locking member 24. The body 18, with the locking member 24 secured to the body 18, is rotatably coupled to the platform 22 by way of the locking member 24. In another example, the locking member 24 may be fixed to the platform 22 such that the platform 22 carries the locking member 24, and the body 18 is rotatably and removably coupled to the platform 22 via the locking member 24. In either socket, the platform 22 has a mounting surface 30 that may include an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the platform 22 to the portable device or the case for the portable device.
In the first exemplary arrangement of the expandable socket 10, the body 18 takes the form of an accordion-like structure made of a deformable and durable material. The accordion-like structure includes a folding portion 38 that includes a plurality of relatively rigid walls interspersed with flexural (or “living”) hinges. In other words, the body 18 is constructed of a collapsible wall 20 and is movable between an expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, and collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 4. The folding portion 38 is disposed between a first end 32 and a second end 36 of the body 18, and is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A of the body 18. At the second end 36 of the body 18, a projection 40 extends away (downward, in FIG. 2) from the folding portion 38 and is configured to couple to the locking member 24 to securely carry the locking member 24. In the illustrated example, the projection 40 includes a vertical groove 44 and a horizontal groove 48 arranged to securely fasten the locking member 24 to the second end 36 of the body 18. In other examples, the second end 36 may include a different structure that securely couples to the locking member 24. The body 18 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, or may be any equivalently functional material suitable for its intended purpose.
As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the locking member 24 is a rotatable linking mechanism which permits the body 18 to be coupled to, and removed from, the platform 22 by rotating the body 18 about the longitudinal axis A. The locking member 24 is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 18 is removable from the platform 22, and a locked configuration, in which the body 18 is secured to the platform 22. In particular, the locking member 24 includes a first mating portion 26 configured to removably engage the platform 22 and a second mating portion 28 configured to engage the body 18. The first mating portion 26 is rotatably coupled to the platform 22 when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration, and the first mating portion 26 is removable from the platform 22 in the unlocked configuration. The platform 22 includes a connecting member 52 that engages with the first mating portion 26 to couple the platform 22 to the locking member 24 (and, in turn, the body 18) when the locking member 24 rotates in a clockwise direction, a counterclockwise direction, or both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions, as will be discussed in more detail below.
As used herein, the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 may refer to any generally male member that is structured to mate with (e.g., lock, fit, or couple to or within) a corresponding female member (e.g., a groove and/or bore) of the platform 22. Similarly, the second mating portion 28 of the locking member 24 may refer to any female locking member that is structured to mate with (e.g., receive) a corresponding male member (e.g., the projection 40) of the body 18. However, in other examples, the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 may instead form a male locking member configured to mate with a female locking member of the body 18. In yet another example, the second mating portion 28 of the locking member 24 may form a female locking member configured to mate with a male locking member of the platform 22. Further, each of the first and second mating portions 26, 28 may have both female and male locking or engaging members. The locking member 24 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any equivalently functional materials suitable for its intended purpose.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first mating portion 26 includes first and second deformable wings 56 and 58 that extend outwardly from a central wall 60 of the locking member 24. The first and second wings 56 and 58 are deformable such that they may deflect from their original position when the wings 56 and 58 engage the connecting member 52 of the platform 22 as the locking member 24 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The second mating portion 28, which is more clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is fixedly attached to the projection 40 of the body 18, and is defined by the wall 60 of the locking member 24, a bore 64 formed in the wall 60, and a flange 68 extending away from the wall 60 and inwardly toward a center of the bore 64. The bore 64 of the locking member 24 is co-axially aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the body 18 so that the flange 68 aligns with the horizontal groove 48 when the locking member 24 is secured to the body 18. In the illustrated example, the flange 68 is an annular ring that is press-fit into the horizontal groove 48 of the projection 40. Additionally, the locking member 24 may include first and second extending fingers 70 and 72, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, that are press-fit into the vertical groove 44 of the projection 40 to secure the locking member 24 to the body 18. However, in other examples, the locking member 24 may not include extending fingers 70 and 72, and/or may be attached to the body 18 by other suitable fastening mechanisms such as, for example, via adhesive, welding, injection molding, or threads. Similarly, the projection 40 may not include the horizontal groove 44 or the vertical groove 48, and may instead include a different mating structure that securely engages with the locking member 24.
Turning back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connecting member 52 of the platform 22 may be configured to engage the locking member 24 when the body 18 and locking member 24 are rotated within a bore 74 of the platform 22, thereby coupling the platform 22 to the body 18 via the locking member 24. As shown, the bore 74 of the platform is co-axially aligned with the longitudinal axis A of the body 18 when the locking member 24 is locked to the platform 22. To couple the locking member 24 to the platform 22, the first mating portion 26 is disposed in the bore 74 of the platform 22 and then rotated in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. As the locking member 24 is rotated, the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 slides against the connecting member 52 of the platform. The first mating portion 26 deforms by deflecting downward and away from the connecting member 52 as the first mating portion 26 continues to engage the connecting member 52. Specifically, the connecting member 52 of the platform 22 includes first and second shelves 76 and 78 oppositely disposed and each configured to slidably receive one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24. Each shelf 76 and 78 is configured to engage one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24 when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. So configured, a surface of each shelf 76 and 78 inhibits vertical movement of the locking member 24 relative to the platform 22 when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. The connecting member 52 may release the locking member 24 when the first and second wings 56 and 58 are rotated away from that surface of each shelf 76 and 78. In the illustrated expandable socket 10, the locking member 24 includes two wings 56 and 58 and the platform 22 includes two shelves 76 and 78 corresponding to the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24. However, in other example sockets, the locking member 24 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 22 may have the same number of corresponding shelves.
Oppositely disposed from the second end 36 of the body 18, the first end 32 includes a vertical wall 80 that extends parallel relative to the longitudinal axis A. Generally speaking, the button 14 is removably coupled to the body 18 via the vertical wall 80. In this example, the vertical wall 80 is configured to be coupled to a vertical wall 82 of the button 14 by inserting a plurality of tabs 84 extending from the vertical wall 82 of the button 14 into a plurality of oval apertures 88 formed in the vertical wall 80 of the body 18. The plurality of tabs 84 are aligned with the plurality of apertures 88, and the tabs 84 may be sized to extend through the apertures 88 and slightly beyond an exterior surface 92 of the vertical wall 80. As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical wall 80 of the body 18 engages with the vertical wall 82 of the button 14 such that the button 14 is securely attached to the body 18. As shown in FIG. 4, the exterior surface 92 of the vertical wall 80 may be the only portion of the body 18 that is exposed, i.e. not hidden from view, when the body 18 is in the collapsed configuration. A plurality of vents 96 formed through the wall 20 of the body 18 are disposed in the folding portion 38 to facilitate collapsing and expanding of the socket body 18 between the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 4 and the expanded configuration shown in FIG. 3, and a plurality of intermediary configurations between the collapsed and expanded configurations.
FIG. 6 illustrates the body 18 and locking member 24 removed from the platform 22. When the body 18 and locking member 24 are securely attached, the two components form a movable unit 98. The unit 98 may be coupled (e.g., locked) to the platform 22, removed (e.g., unlocked) from the platform 22, and, in some cases, replaced with a different second unit 98. As used herein, the unit 98 may include the button 14 removably attached to the first end 32 of the body 18. Additionally, “unit” may refer generally to the structure or function of either the body 18 or the locking member 24. When a first unit 98 is removed, the first unit 98 can be replaced by a second unit 98 by coupling the second unit 98 (and specifically, a locking member 24 of the second unit 98) to the platform 22 that is attached to the portable device or the case of the portable device. It may be desirable to replace the first unit 98 with the second unit, a third unit, or other units to change the overall appearance (e.g., color, design, pattern, visibility, shape, and/or artistic rendering), and size of the expandable socket 10. For example, the first unit 98 may be sized to fit within a hand of a toddler, and may include a button 14 with an artistic rendering likeable to a young demographic. That first unit 98 may be removed and replaced with a second unit 98 including a body 18 and/or a button 14 that is larger and sized to fit within a hand of an average adult, and may include a different button 14 with a different artistic rendering. In a different example, the dimensions (e.g., volume, width, length, wall thickness) of the body 18 may vary to provide a socket with a particular or desirable characteristic. For example, the unit 98 may be selected and employed because the length of the body 18 of that unit 98 is extra-long to increase the extension of the expandable socket 10 when the expandable socket 10 is in the extended or expanded configuration. In another example, a unit 98 having a sturdier structure (e.g. a wider button 14, a wider second end 36, increased thickness of wall 20) may be selected and employed to better support a larger or heavier portable device. Thus, because the platform 22 can be coupled to any number of different units 98, the platform 22 may be considered, and is referred to herein as, a universal platform.
Turning now to FIG. 7, the connecting member 52 of the first exemplary platform 22 is shown in greater detail. As illustrated, the platform 22 includes a wall 100 surrounding the bore 74 and the connecting member 52 is integrally formed with the wall 100. While FIG. 7 only illustrates that the shelf 76 of the connecting member 52 extends away from the wall 100 and into a cavity 102 of the bore 74, it will be appreciated that the shelf 78 likewise extends away from the wall 100 and into the bore 74. It will also be appreciated that the shelf 78 is substantially similar to the shelf 76 and the wing 58 is substantially similar to the wing 56, such that any details of the first shelf 76 and the first wing 56 discussed below apply equally to the second shelf 78 and the second wing 58, respectively. The first shelf 76 of the platform 22 includes a first surface 104 that faces the second end 36 of the body 18, and a second surface 108 that engages with one of the first and second wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24 when the locking member 24 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The first shelf 76 of the platform 22 extends between a first end 112 and a second end 116, and includes a groove 120 disposed between the first and second ends 112 and 116. The groove 120 is sized to receive and retain the locking member 24 (e.g. one of the wings 56 and 58) when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. In this particular example, the first end 112 of the shelf 76 includes a first ramp 124 having an angled surface 128 with a downward slope (at least when viewed in FIG. 7) as the first ramp 124 extends towards the second end 116. The second end 116 also includes a second ramp 132 having an angled surface 136 with an upward slope (at least when viewed in FIG. 7) as the second ramp 132 extends towards the second end 116.
To retain one of the wings 56 and 58 in the locked configuration, the shelf 76 includes a first stop surface 140 and a second stop surface 144 that frame each wing 56 and 58. The first stop surface 140, which is defined by the wide end of the first ramp 124 and the second stop surface 144, which is defined by the wide end of the second ramp 132, are configured to engage (i.e. abut against) the sides of each wing 56 and 58. The first wing 56, for example, has a first side 148 and a second side 150 arranged to engage the stop surfaces 140 and 144 of the first shelf 76. Similarly, the second wing 58 has first and second sides 152 and 154 arranged to engage corresponding stop surfaces of the second shelf 78 when the second wing 58 is disposed in a groove 122 of the second shelf 78. In some examples, the first and second stop surfaces 140 and 144 of the shelf 76 may have textured surfaces that enhance the frictional forces between the first and second stop surfaces 140 and 144 and the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24. The textured surfaces may be integrally formed with the locking member 24 or may be added to the each of the sides 148, 150, 152, and 154 of the wings 56 and 58. The platform 22 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any equivalently functional materials suitable for its intended purpose.
The first exemplary platform 22 of FIG. 7 thus features a dual-ramp that allows the unit 98 to be removably coupled to the platform 22 by rotating the unit 98 a quarter-turn about the longitudinal axis A in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In other words, the platform 22 permits bi-directional installation of the locking member 24 with the platform 22. To couple the unit 98 to the platform 22, the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 is placed within the bore 74 of the platform 22 so that the first wing 56, for example, is adjacent to the first end 112 or second end 116 of the shelf 76. While the unit 98 may be rotated in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to lock to the platform 22, the following description of the locking sequence includes rotating the unit 98 in the clockwise direction. The unit 98 may be grasped by the button 14 or by the body 18 and rotated in the clockwise direction so that the first side 148 of the first wing 56, for example, engages the angled surface 128 of the first ramp 124. As the unit 98 continues to rotate in the clockwise direction, the first ramp 124 of the first shelf 76 guides the first wing 56 downward relative to the first surface 104 of the shelf 76 and toward the groove 120. As the wing 56 engages the angled surface 128 of the shelf 76, the wing 56 deforms by deflecting away from the shelf 76 until the wing 56 slides into the groove 120. The second wing 58 also deforms and slides within the groove 122 formed in the second shelf 78 at substantially the same time. Once the wings 56 and 58 are disposed within their respective grooves 120 and 122, the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. The stop surfaces 140 and 144 of each ramp 124 and 132 abut the first and second sides 148 and 150 of the first wing 56, thereby keeping the wing 56 in place and in the locked configuration. To move the locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the unit 98 may continue to rotate in the same direction (e.g., clockwise) to again deflect the wing 56 downward and away from the shelf 76 to rotate the wing 56 passed the second stop surface 144. The unit 98 requires more torque to move the locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration because the shelf 76 does not gradually deflect the wing 56 when the wing 56 is rotated from the groove 120. Once the wing 56 deforms and passes the second stop surface 144, the unit 98 continues to rotate and the second ramp 132 guides the wing 56 away from and out of the groove 120 and into the unlocked configuration. As the first wing 56 deforms, the second wing 58 also deforms by the similar, opposing shelf 78 of the platform 22. The unit 98 may move from the locked configuration by rotating the unit 98 in the counterclockwise direction, as well.
More generally, the expandable socket 10 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking member 22 and the platform 24. Generally speaking, a user of the expandable socket 10 may rotate the locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by grabbing or grasping the button 14 or body 18 and moving, e.g., rotating or twisting, the button 14 or body 18 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A, which therefore rotates the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 out of engagement with the connecting member 52 of the platform 22. Once the locking member 24 is in the unlocked configuration, the user may pull the unit 98 away and out of the bore 74 of the platform 22.
The removable button 14 may also be replaced without completely removing the unit 98 from the platform 22. As discussed above, the removable button 14 may have artistic value (e.g., an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), the button 14 attached to the first end 32 of the body 18 may provide a grip that allows a person to slide the folded portion 28 of the body 18 between two fingers such that the platform 22 is disposed within the palm of the person's hand, and the button 14 is disposed adjacent the back of the person's hand. The configuration of the button 14 and the body 18 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 body 18. Thus, it may be desirable to remove the button 14 and replace it with another button 14 that features a different aesthetic design, provides a different grip so as to change the look and/or function of the button 14.
FIG. 8 illustrates a second exemplary platform 222 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary platform 222 is similar to the platform 22 of FIGS. 1-7. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second exemplary platform 222 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary platform 22, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the second exemplary platform 222 is different from the platform 22 in the manner described below.
As shown in FIG. 8, the first shelf 276 of the platform 222 includes a first surface 304, a second surface 308 opposite the first surface 304, a first end 312, and a second end 316 opposite the first end 312. Similar to the first exemplary platform 22, the second exemplary platform 222 includes a ramped surface 328 extending downwardly from the first surface 304 of the shelf 276. Unlike the first exemplary platform 22, the second exemplary platform 222 includes a groove 320 disposed between a ramp 324 and a stop 364 formed at the second end of the shelf 276. The groove 320 formed in the shelf 276 is sized to receive one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24 with minimal clearance to inhibit the ability of the locking member 24 to rotate or otherwise move while in the locked configuration. A first stop surface 340 and a second stop surface 344 at least partially define the boundaries of the groove 320 and are configured to abut against, for example, the first and second sides 148 and 150 of the wing 56 of the locking member 24. The stop 364 extends from the second stop surface 344 to the second end 316 of the shelf 276, and includes a flat bottom surface 336. The flat bottom surface 336 may be substantially parallel with the first surface 304 of the shelf 276, and is configured to block the wing 56 of the locking member 24 from rotating further in the clockwise direction. While not illustrated in FIG. 8, it will be appreciated that the second shelf 278 is substantially similar to the first shelf 276. Thus, the details of the first shelf 276 discussed above apply equally to the second shelf 278.
The platform 222 thus features a single-ramp configuration that permits the locking member 24 to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in only one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). In this example, the locking member 24 couples to the platform 222 by engaging the first end 312 of the shelf 276 when the locking member 24 is rotated in the clockwise direction. The ramp 324 of the shelf 276 slidably receives the wing 56 of the locking member 24 at the first end 312 of the shelf 276, and permits the wing 56 to slide into the groove 320. The stop 364 blocks the wing 56 from rotating further in the clockwise direction, such that the locking member 24 has to be rotated in the counterclockwise direction to move the locking member 24 from the locked to the unlocked configuration. Consequently, the stop 364 also prevents the platform 222 from receiving the wing 56 at the second end 316 of the shelf 276 when the locking member 24 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction from an unlocked configuration. In other words, the platform 222 enables a single-direction installation of the locking member 24. In FIG. 8, the ramp 324 is disposed at the first end 312 of the shelf 276 to permit clockwise rotation of the unit 98 (e.g., the locking member 24 carried by the body 18) to lock the body 18 to the platform 222. However, in another example, the ramp 324 may be disposed at the second end 316 of the shelf 276 (and the stop 364 disposed at the first end 312 of the shelf 276) to permit counterclockwise rotation of the body 18 (i.e. locking member 24 of the unit 98) to lock the body 18 to the platform 222. Other configurations may also be employed to permit single-direction installation, either via the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
FIG. 9 illustrates a third exemplary platform 422 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third exemplary platform 422 is similar to the platform 222 of FIG. 8. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the third exemplary platform 422 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the second exemplary platform 222, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the third exemplary platform 422 is different from the platform 222 in the manner described below.
A first shelf 476 of the platform 422 includes a first surface 504, a second surface 508 opposite the first surface 504, a first end 512, and a second end 516 opposite the first end 512. Unlike the platform 222, which includes the ramp 324, the third exemplary platform 422 includes a curved ramp 524 having a sloped surface 528 extending downwardly from the first surface 504 of the shelf 476, initially providing a steep curve to guide the wing 56 toward a groove 520 formed in the shelf 476. The groove 520 is disposed between the curved ramp 524 at the first end 512 and a stop 564 formed in the shelf 476 at the second end 516. The groove 520 formed in the shelf 476 is sized to receive one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24 with minimal clearance to inhibit the ability of the locking member 24 to rotate or move while in the locked configuration. A first stop surface 540 and a second stop surface 544 at least partially define the boundaries of the groove 520 and are configured to abut against the first and second sides 148 and 150 of the wing 56 of the locking member 24. The stop 564 extends from the second stop surface 544 to the second end 516 of the shelf 476, and includes a flat bottom surface 536. The flat bottom surface 536 may be substantially parallel with the first surface 504 of the shelf 476, and is configured to block the wing 56 of the locking member 24 from rotating further in the clockwise direction. It will be appreciated that the platform 422 thus features a single-ramp configuration that, like the platform 222, permits the locking member 24 to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in only one direction, the clockwise direction.
FIG. 10 illustrates a second exemplary expandable socket 210 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary expandable socket 210 includes the body 18, the button 14 removably coupled to the body 18, a second exemplary locking member 224 securely coupled to the body 18, and a fourth exemplary platform 622 coupled to the locking member 224 when the socket 210 is in the locked configuration. The second exemplary locking member 224 is similar to the locking member 24 and the fourth exemplary platform 622 is similar to the third exemplary platform 422. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the locking member 224 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary locking member 24, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. Likewise, the same or similar components of the fourth exemplary platform 622 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the third exemplary platform 422, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the second exemplary locking member 224 and the fourth exemplary platform 622 differ from the first exemplary locking member 24 and the third exemplary platform 422, respectively, in the manner discussed below.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the body 18 is coupled to the platform 622 via the locking member 224 carried by the body 18. The connecting member 652 of the platform 622 includes a first shelf 676, a first protrusion 758, a second shelf 678 opposite the first shelf 676, and a second protrusion 766 opposite the first protrusion 758. The shelf 676 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a narrow first end 712, a second end 716 opposite the first end 712, a stop 764 disposed at the second end 716, and a groove 720 formed beneath a second surface 708 of the shelf 676 and between the first and second ends 712 and 716. While not illustrated in FIG. 11, it will be appreciated that the second shelf 678 is substantially similar to the first shelf 676. Thus any details regarding the first shelf 676 discussed herein apply equally to the second shelf 678.
Each of the first and second protrusions 758, 766 extends inwardly relative to a platform wall 700 and into the bore 674. Each of the protrusions 758, 766 has a semi-circular shape and is disposed within the groove 720 at a position between the first and second ends 712 and 716 and below the second surface 708 of the shelf 676. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a first mating portion 226 of the locking member 224 includes first and second deformable wings 256 and 258 and a detent 362 and 370 formed in each wing 256 and 258. Each detent 362 and 370 is sized to receive one of the protrusions 758 and 766 when the locking member 224 is in the locked configuration as illustrated. As with the first and second shelves 676, 678, the second wing 258 is substantially similar to the first wing 256. Thus, any details regarding the first wing 256 discussed herein apply equally to the second wing 258.
In the illustrated example, the locking member 224 may be rotatably coupled to the platform 622 by placing the locking member 224 within the bore 674 of the platform 622 and rotating the locking member 224 a quarter-turn about the longitudinal axis A in the clockwise direction. The wing 256, for example, of the locking member 224 deforms by deflecting away from the shelf 676 as a second side 350 of the wing 256 engages the protrusion 758. The wing 256 slightly deforms (e.g., bends, deflects, compresses) to pass the protrusion 758 in the groove 720 as the locking member 224 rotates until the protrusion 758 snaps into the detent 362 of the wing 256 and the wing 256 returns to its initial non-deformed configuration. When the locking member 224 is in the locked configuration as shown in FIG. 12, a first side 348 of the wing 256 abuts a stop surface 744 of the stop 764. To move the locking member 224 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, and thus move the first side 348 of the wing 256 away from the stop 764, the locking member 224 is rotated relative to the platform 622 in the counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. It will be appreciated that the platform 622 thus features a single-ramp configuration that, like the platform 422, permits the locking member 224 to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in only one direction, the clockwise direction.
FIG. 13 illustrates a third exemplary expandable socket 410 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third exemplary expandable socket 410 includes the body 18, the button 14 removably coupled to the body 18, a third exemplary locking member 424 securely coupled to the body 18, and a fifth exemplary platform 822 coupled to the locking member 424 when the socket 410 is in the locked configuration. The third exemplary locking member 424 is similar to the locking member 224, and the fifth exemplary platform 822 is similar to the fourth exemplary platform 622. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the locking member 424 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the second exemplary locking member 224, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. Likewise, the same or similar components of the fifth exemplary platform 822 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the fourth exemplary platform 622, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the third exemplary locking member 424 and the fifth exemplary platform 822 are different from the second exemplary locking member 224 and the fourth exemplary platform 622, respectively, in the manner described below.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, body 18 is coupled to the platform 822 via the locking member 424. Similar to the connecting member 652 of the fourth exemplary platform 622, the connecting member 852 of the platform 822 includes a first shelf 876, a first protrusion 974, a second shelf 878 opposite the first shelf 876, and a second protrusion 976 opposite the first protrusion 974. In the illustrated example, the first shelf 876 is substantially similar to the second shelf 878, such that any details regarding the first shelf 876 apply equally to the second shelf 876. The shelf 876 illustrated in FIG. 14 includes a narrow first end 912, a second end 916 opposite the first end 912, a stop 964 disposed at the second end 916, and a groove 920 formed beneath a second surface 908 of the shelf 876 and between the protrusion 974 and the second end 916. The groove 920 is sized to receive a first wing 456 of the locking member 424 when the locking member 424 is in the locked configuration, while the groove 920 of the second shelf 978 is sized to receive a second wing 458 of the locking member 424 when the locking member 424 is in the locked configuration. Each of the first and second protrusions 974 and 976 extends inwardly relative to a platform wall 900 and into the bore 874 at a position between the first and second ends 912 and 916 and below the second surface 908 of the shelf 876. Unlike the fourth exemplary platform 622, which includes the semi-circular protrusion 758 centered in the groove 720, the protrusion 974 of the fifth exemplary platform 822 is disposed closer to the first end 912 and has first and second angled surfaces 928 and 940 that meet at a point of the protrusion 974. As shown in FIG. 15, a first mating portion 426 of the locking member 424 includes the first wing 456, which is deformable and has chamfered edges 580 and 582, and the second wing 458. As with the first and second shelves 876, 878, the second wing 458 is substantially similar to the first wing 456. Thus, any details regarding the first wing 456 discussed herein apply equally to the second wing 458.
In this example, the locking member 424 may be rotatably coupled to the platform 822 by placing the locking member 424 within the bore 874 of the platform 822 and rotating the locking member 424 a quarter-turn in the clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. The first wing 456 of the locking member 424 deforms by deflecting away from the shelf 876 as a first side 548 of the wing 456 engages the first angled surface 928 of the protrusion 974. Unlike the second exemplary locking member 224, the wing 456 of the third exemplary locking member 424 slightly deforms (e.g., bends, flexes, deflects, compresses) to pass over and around the protrusion 974 as the locking member 424 rotates into the locked configuration. When the locking member 424 is in the locked configuration, as shown in FIG. 15, the wing 456 is disposed within the groove 920 formed by the shelf 876, a first side 548 of the wing 456 engages a stop surface 944 of the stop 964, and a chamfered edge 582 of a second side 550 engages the second angled surface 940 of the protrusion 974. To move the locking member 424 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the locking member 424 is rotated relative to the platform 822 in the counterclockwise direction. It will be appreciated that the platform 422 thus features a single-ramp configuration that, like the platform 222, permits the locking member 24 to move from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration in only one direction, the clockwise direction. However, other configurations may also be employed to permit single-direction installation, either via the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate a fourth exemplary expandable socket 610 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fourth exemplary expandable socket 610 includes a second exemplary body 218, the button 14 removably coupled to the body 218, a fourth exemplary locking member 624 securely coupled to the body 218, and the platform 22, which is coupled to the locking member 624 when the socket 610 is in the locked configuration. The second exemplary body 218 is similar to the first exemplary body 18 and the fourth exemplary locking member 624 is similar to the third exemplary locking member 424. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second exemplary body 218 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary body 18, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. Likewise, the same or similar components of the locking member 624 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the third exemplary locking member 424, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the second exemplary body 218 and the fourth exemplary locking member 624 are different from the first exemplary body 18 and the third exemplary locking member 424, respectively, in the manner described below. Moreover, while the locking member 624 is coupled to the first exemplary platform 22, the locking member 624 may instead couple to any one of the exemplary platforms illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 in other examples.
More particularly, the fourth exemplary locking member 624 of FIGS. 16-19 includes a second mating portion 628 that is different from the second mating portion 428 of the third exemplary member 424 (which may be identical to the second mating portion 28). The second mating portion 628 is defined by an elevated body 660 and a plurality of pegs 786 that extend outward (upward, when viewed in FIG. 16) from the elevated body 660. At a second end 236 of the second exemplary body 218, a projection 240 includes a plurality of grooves 248 formed around the circumference of the projection 240. The plurality of grooves 248 are thus sized to receive the plurality of extending pegs 786 of the locking member 624 when the locking member 624 is axially aligned with the body 218 and the locking member 624 and body 218 are coupled (e.g., pushed) together. The locking member 624 and the body 218 may then be fixed by molding the second end 236 of the body 218 around the second mating portion 628 of the locking member 624. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the second mating portion 628 of the locking member 624 includes a scalloped outer edge 661, and the second end 236 of the body 218 may be molded around the pegs 786 and the scalloped outer edge of the second mating portion 628. In other examples, however, the second mating portion can vary from the second mating portion 628. For example, FIG. 20 illustrates a fifth exemplary locking member 824 that includes a second mating portion 828 having an additional outer ring 880, thereby providing an increased the mating surface area between the locking member 824 and a third exemplary body 418 that is similar to the body 218 but is structured to accommodate the additional outer ring 880.
FIGS. 21 to 24B illustrate a fifth exemplary expandable socket 810 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fifth exemplary expandable socket 810 includes a fourth exemplary body 618, the button 14 (not shown, but removably coupled to the body 618), a sixth exemplary locking member 1024 securely coupled to the body 618, and a sixth exemplary platform 1022 coupled to the locking member 1024 when the socket 810 is in the locked configuration. The fourth exemplary body 618 is similar to the second exemplary body 218, the sixth exemplary locking member 1024 is similar to the fourth exemplary locking member 624, and the sixth exemplary platform 1022 is similar to the fifth exemplary platform 822. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the fourth exemplary body 618 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the second exemplary body 218, although the reference numbers will be increased by 400. Likewise, the same or similar components of the locking member 1024 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the fourth exemplary locking member 624, although the reference numbers will be increased by 400. Also, the same or similar components of the sixth exemplary platform 1022 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the fifth exemplary platform 822, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the fourth exemplary body 618, the sixth exemplary locking member 1024, and the sixth exemplary platform 1022, are different from the second exemplary body 218, the fourth exemplary locking member 624, and the fifth exemplary platform 822, respectively, in the manner described below.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the sixth exemplary locking member 1024 is a rotatable linking mechanism which permits the body 618 to be coupled to, and removed from, the platform 1022 by rotating the body 618 about the longitudinal axis B. Unlike the fifth exemplary locking member 824, the sixth exemplary locking member 1024 has an exterior surface 1025 that may be gripped to facilitate a quick-release of the expandable socket 1010 when the locking member 1024 is coupled to (e.g., installed with) the platform 1022. The quick-release feature permits the locking member 1024 to move between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 618 is removable from the platform 1022, and a locked configuration, in which the body 618 is secured to the platform 1022. Put differently, the locking member 1024 has a first mating portion 1026 that rotatably couples to the platform 1022 when the locking member 1024 is in the locked configuration, and the first mating portion 1026 is removable from the platform 1022 in the unlocked configuration. To this end, the platform 1022 includes a connecting member 1052 that removably engages with the first mating portion 1026 when the locking member 1024 rotates in a clockwise direction.
As shown in FIG. 22, the first mating portion 1026 is defined by first and second deformable wings 1056 and 1058 that extend outwardly from a central wall 1060 of the locking member 1024 and away from bore 1064 of the locking member 1024. The first and second wings 1056 and 1058 also extend downward from the wall 1060 and away from the longitudinal axis B of the bore 1064. The wings 1056 and 1058 are deformable such that they may deflect from their original position when the wings 1056 and 1058 engage the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022 as the locking member 1024 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The second mating portion 1028, which is more clearly shown in FIG. 21, is fixedly attached to the second end 636 of the body 618, and in particular, is secured to a projection 640 of the body 618. The second mating portion 1028 is defined by the wall 1060 of the locking member 1024, the bore 1064 formed in the wall 1060, and a flange 1068 extending away from the wall 1060 and inwardly toward the center of the bore 1064. The bore 1064 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis B of the body 618 so that the flange 1068, which is an annular ring in the illustrated example, snaps into a horizontal groove 648 of the body 618 to secure the locking member 1024 to the body 618. As shown in FIG. 21, the projection 640 of the body 618 has a chamfered end that facilitates insertion of the projection 640 into the bore 1064 of the locking member 1024. When the projection 640 is disposed within the bore 1064 of the locking member 1024, the annular ring 1068 of the second mating portion 1026 of the locking member 1024 engages the horizontal groove 1048 of the projection 640. In the illustrated example, the projection 640 may be press-fit into the bore 1064 of the locking member 1024, though in other examples, the projection 640 can be inserted into the bore 1064 in a different manner. Additionally, the locking member 1024 may include first and second slots 1070 and 1072, as shown in FIG. 23, that may provide additional support or may facilitate alignment of the body 618 with the locking member 1024. However, in other examples, the locking member 1024 may not include first and second slots 1070 and 1072.
Turning to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022 is configured to engage the locking member 1024 when the body 618 and locking member 1024 are disposed and rotated within a bore 1074 of the platform 1022, thereby coupling the platform 1022 to the body 618 via the locking member 1024. As the first mating portion 1026 of the locking member 1024 slides against the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022, the first mating portion 1026 deforms by deflecting away from the connecting member 1052. Specifically, the first and second wings 1056 and 1058 of the locking member 1024 are configured to be slidably disposed in and deflect away from first and second oppositely disposed shelves 1076 and 1078 of the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022. As will be appreciated, the first shelf 1076 is substantially similar to the second shelf 1078, and the first wing 1056 is substantially similar to the second wing 1058. Thus, any details of the first wing 1056 and the first shelf 1076 discussed below also applies equally to the second wing 1058 and the second shelf 1078, respectively.
Turning to FIG. 24B, the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022 is shown. The platform 1022 includes a wall 1100 surrounding the bore 1074 and the shelf 1076 of the connecting member 1052 extends away from the wall 1100 and into the bore 1074. While not illustrated, the shelf 1078 of the connecting member 1052 also extends away from the wall 1100 and into the bore 1074. The first shelf 1076 includes a first surface 1104 and a second surface 1108 that engages the first wing 1056 when the locking member 1024 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Unlike the fifth exemplary platform 822, the shelf 1076 of the sixth exemplary platform 1022 extends between a first end 1112 and a second end 1116 opposite the first end 1112, and includes a first groove 1120, and a second groove 1121. As shown in FIG. 22, the first groove 1120, is formed into the wall 1100 of the platform 1022 such that a width of the second surface 1108 of the shelf 1076 gradually decreases from the first end 1112 until the first groove 1120 meets the second groove 1121. The second groove 1121 is disposed between the first groove 1120 and the second end 1116 of the shelf 1076. The second groove 1121 is formed further into the wall 1100 of the platform 1022 than the first groove 1120 and is sized to receive the locking member 1024 (e.g. the first wing 1056 as shown in FIG. 22) when the locking member 1024 is in the locked configuration. In this particular example, the first end 1112 of the shelf 1076 includes a first ramp 1124 having an angled surface 1128 with a downward slope (at least when viewed in FIGS. 24A and 24B). A first stop surface 1140, which is formed in the wall 1100 and separates the first and second grooves 1120, 1121, and a second stop surface 1144 of a stop 1164 are configured to engage a first side 1148 and a second side 1150, respectively, of the wing 1056 of the locking member 1024 when the wing 1056 is disposed within the second groove 1121.
To couple the locking member 1024 to the platform 1022, a unit 1098 (i.e. the body 618 and the locking member 1024 carried by the body 618) may be rotated so that the first side 1148 of the first wing 1056 engages the angled surface 1128 of the first ramp 1124. As the unit 1098 continues to rotate, the first ramp 1124 of the first shelf 1076 guides the first wing 1056 downward relative to the first surface 1104 of the shelf 1076. The slightly tapered configuration of the first groove 1120 engages the wing 1056 so that the wing 1056 deforms by slightly deflecting in a direction D away from the wall 1100 of the platform 1022 until the wing 1056 slides into the second groove 1121. Similarly, a first side 1152 of the second wing 1058 engages the second shelf 1078, causing the second wing 1058 to deform until the second wing 1058 slides within a second groove 1122 of the shelf 1078 (this second groove 1122 being identical to the second groove 1121). Once the wings 1056 and 1058 are disposed within their respective grooves 1121 and 1122, the locking member 1024 is in the locked configuration. As shown, when in the first wing 1056 engages the first shelf 1076 of the platform 1022, the stop surfaces 1140 and 1144 of the platform 1022 abut the first side 1148 and the chamfered side 1150 of the first wing 1056, respectively, keeping the wing 1056 in place and in the locked configuration.
The platform 1022 of the socket 1010 thus features a single-ramp configuration that permits the locking member 1024 to move from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration in only one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). In this example, the locking member 1024 couples to the platform 1022 by engaging the first end 1112 of the shelf 1076 when the locking member 1024 rotates in the clockwise direction. The ramp 1124 of the shelf 1076 slidably receives the wing 1056 of the locking member 1024 at the first end 1112 of the shelf 1076, and permits the wing 1056 to slide into the second groove 1112. The stop 1164 blocks the wing 1056 from rotating further in the clockwise direction, such that the locking member 1024 has to be rotated in the counterclockwise direction to move the locking member 1024 from the locked to the unlocked configuration. Consequently, the stop 1164 also prevents the platform 1022 from receiving the wing 1056 at the second end 1116 of the shelf 1076 when the locking member 1024 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction from an unlocked configuration. In other words, the platform 1022 enables a single-direction installation of the locking member 1024. Other configurations may also be employed to permit single-direction installation, either via the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
More generally, the expandable socket 810 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking member 1022 and the platform 1024. Generally speaking, a user of the expandable socket 810 may rotate the locking member 1024 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by grabbing or grasping the button 14, the body 618, or the exterior surface 1025 of the locking member 1024, and moving (e.g., rotating and twisting) the button 14, body 618, or locking member 1024 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis B, which therefore rotates the first mating portion 1026 of the locking member 1024 out of engagement with the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022. Once the locking member 1024 is in the unlocked configuration, the user may pull the unit 1098 away and out of the bore 1074 of the platform 1022.
The various examples of a quick-release expandable socket constructed in accordance to the teachings of the present disclosure, such as the sockets 10, 210, 410, 610, and 810 illustrated and described herein, provide a user with the ability to use a single socket body and button for multiple devices, or provide a user with the variability and opportunity to easily replace a single socket body and button with a different socket body and/or button. For example, when multiple users share a single portable device, each user may have their own socket body and button to couple to the universal platform already attached to the shared portable device. This may be especially convenient for a parent to share their device with their toddler. Before handing over the device, the parent may swap out their socket and button unit for a socket and button unit that is specifically designed for a child. As an example, the child's socket and button unit may provide additional grips and protective features that the parent may not use or want. Thus, the quick-release expandable socket accessory provide functional convenience and aesthetic variability for a user.
The figures and description provided herein depict and describe preferred examples of a quick-release expandable socket for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative examples of the components illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Thus, upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for expandable sockets with a quick-release feature. Thus, while particular examples and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. An expandable socket accessory for a portable device, the accessory comprising:

a body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the body movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration;

a platform having a bore sized to receive the second end of the body, the bore axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body; and

a locking member arranged to rotatably and releasably couple the body to the platform, the locking member movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body is removable from the platform, and a locked configuration, in which the body is secured to the platform.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the locking member is removably coupled to the platform.

3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a first mating portion and a second mating portion, the first mating portion rotatably coupled to the platform when the locking member is in the locked configuration and removable from the platform when the locking member is in the unlocked configuration, the second mating portion configured to engage the body.

4. The accessory of claim 3, wherein the first mating portion of the locking member is deformable, wherein the first mating portion deforms as the locking member moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

5. The accessory of claim 3, where in the platform includes a connecting member configured to engage the first mating portion of the locking member.

6. The accessory of claim 5, wherein the first mating portion is configured to slide against the connecting member of the platform and to deform when the locking member moves between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.

7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the first end of the body is adapted to receive a removable button and the second end of the body is fixedly attached to the locking member.

8. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the platform includes a wall surrounding a cavity at least partially defined by the bore and a shelf extending away from the wall and into the cavity, the shelf configured to engage the locking member when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

9. The accessory of claim 8, wherein the shelf includes a ramp and a groove, the groove sized to receive the locking member when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

10. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the ramp of the shelf is angled to slidingly receive a portion of the locking member as the locking member moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the ramp configured to abut the portion of the locking member when the locking member is in the locked configuration.

11. An expandable socket for a mobile electronic device, the socket comprising:

a body having a first end, a second end, and a collapsible wall extending between the first end and the second end;

a platform; and

a locking member disposed between the body and the platform to removably and rotatably couple the body to the platform, the locking member comprising:

a first mating portion configured to removably engage the platform; and

a second mating portion configured to engage the body.

12. The socket of claim 11, wherein the second mating portion of the locking member is fixedly attached to the second end of the body.

13. The socket of claim 12, wherein the first mating portion includes a wing extending outwardly from the second mating portion of the locking member, and wherein the platform includes a groove sized to receive the wing of the locking member.

14. The socket of claim 11, wherein the platform includes a bore, a wall surrounding the bore, and a shelf protruding away from the wall and into a cavity of the bore, wherein the first mating portion of the locking member rotatably and releasably couples to the platform.

15. The socket of claim 14, wherein the first mating portion comprises a detent and the platform comprises a protrusion extending into the cavity of the platform, the detent sized to receive the protrusion of the platform.

16. The socket of claim 14, wherein the shelf includes a first end having a sloped surface, the sloped surface engaging the first mating portion of the locking member when the locking member moves from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.

17. The socket of claim 16, wherein the shelf includes a second end having a sloped surface, the sloped surface of the second end separated from the sloped surface of the first end by a groove.

18. The socket of claim 16, wherein the shelf includes a second end having a stop spaced from the sloped surface of the first end by a groove.

19. The socket of claim 14, wherein the shelf includes a first side and a second side, the second side including an inclined surface, a declined surface, and a groove disposed between the inclined and declined surfaces of the shelf, and wherein the groove is sized to receive the first mating portion of the locking member.

20. The socket of claim 11, wherein the second mating portion of the locking member includes a bore and a wall surrounding the bore of the locking member, wherein the bore is sized to receive the second end of the body.

21. The socket of claim 20, wherein the first mating portion includes a deformable wing extending outwardly from the wall of the second mating portion, the wing adapted to slide against the platform and deform.

22. The socket of claim 11, wherein the second mating portion of the locking member includes an flange extending inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the locking member, the flange adapted to removably couple to the second end of the body.

23. The socket of claim 14, wherein the groove is formed in the wall of the platform.

24. A method of attaching an expandable socket to a portable device or a case for the portable device, the method comprising:

attaching a platform to a surface of a portable device or a case for the portable device;

rotatably coupling a first socket body to the platform via a locking member disposed between the first socket body and the platform;

removing the first socket body from the platform; and

rotatably coupling a second socket body, different from the first socket body, to the platform via the locking member.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising attaching the locking member to an end of the first socket body prior to rotatably coupling the first socket body to the platform.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein attaching the locking member to the first socket body includes snap-fitting an end of the first socket body to a flange of the locking member.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein rotatably coupling the first socket body includes first coupling the first socket body to the locking member, sliding a wing of the locking member through a bore of the platform, and rotating the first socket body relative to the platform to dispose the wing of the locking member into a groove of the platform.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein rotatably coupling includes rotating the first socket body in a first direction about the longitudinal axis.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising removing the first socket body from the platform by rotating the first socket body in a second direction about the longitudinal axis, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising removing the first socket body from the platform by rotating the first socket body in the first direction about the longitudinal axis.

31. The method of claim 24, further comprising attaching a button to the first end of the first socket body.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising removing the button from the first end of the first socket body and attaching a different button to the first end of the first socket body.