KR20190003092U - Spin Rotation Accessories for Mobile Electronics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spin rotation accessory 800 for use with the socket accessory 200 attached to the mobile electronic device 100. The spin rotating accessory includes a bearing assembly 801 sized to receive a socket accessory and a gripping member 803 held by an inner surface of the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly facilitates the rotation of a portion of the spin rotating accessory relative to the socket accessory. The gripping member is configured to rigidly engage a portion of the socket accessory.

Description

Spin Rotation Accessories for Mobile Electronics

This application claims the provisional designation "Spinning Accessory for a Mobile Electronic Device," US Provisional Application No. 62 / 614,916, filed Jan. 8, 2018, and designation "Mobile Electronics." Claiming the benefit of the priority and filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 15 / 729,260, filed Oct. 10, 2017, as "Spinning Accessory for a Mobile Electronic Device." Spinning Accessory for a Mobile Electronic Device "claims the benefit and priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 481,041, filed April 3, 2017. The entire disclosure of each of these applications is expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes and purposes.

The present invention relates to an accessory for a mobile electronic device, in particular an accessory that allows the mobile electronic device to spin rotate relative to the accessory (or a portion of the accessory) when attached to the mobile electronic device.

US Patent No. 8,560,031 discloses an expandable socket accessory having a button formed in an accordion-like socket structure and attached to its distal end for attaching to a mobile electronic device or a case for a mobile electronic device. When attached, the expandable socket accessory can be used to hold the mobile electronic device (and / or case) as a stand for the mobile electronic device (and / or case) and to manage code associated with the electronic device.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a spin rotation accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device. The spin rotating accessory includes an inner ring forming a central opening sized to receive a socket accessory, an outer ring surrounding the inner ring, and one or more balls arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The one or more balls are configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring such that the mobile electronic device is rotatable relative to a portion of the spin rotation accessory. The spin spinning accessory also includes a gripping member held by the inner surface of the inner ring. The gripping member is configured to firmly engage with a portion of the socket accessory.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a spin rotation accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device. The spin rotation accessory includes a bearing assembly, a gripping member, and a gripping rim sized to receive a socket accessory. The bearing assembly facilitates rotation of a portion of the spin rotation accessory relative to the socket accessory. The gripping member is held by the inner surface of the bearing assembly and is configured to securely engage with a portion of the socket accessory. The grip rim is held by the outer surface of the bearing assembly.

The present disclosure is directed to spin spinning accessories for mobile electronic devices (eg, smartphones, tablet computers, electronic readers, digital media players, cameras, and other mobile electronic devices having surfaces suitable for receiving spin spinning accessories). It is about. The "spinning accessory" disclosed herein may be attached directly to a mobile electronic device or indirectly by attaching the accessory to a mobile electronic device case or other accessory attached to the mobile electronic device. The spin rotation accessory, when attached, allows the mobile electronic device to spin rotate relatively frictionlessly relative to the spin rotation accessory or some portion of the spin rotation accessory. Spin-rotating accessories generally include a bearing assembly (e.g., a bearing assembly that facilitates a low friction attachment point between a portion of the accessory that remains stationary and the rest of the accessory that spins relative to the stationary portion when rotational force is applied in the proper direction). Ball bearing assemblies). Alternatively, the portion of the mobile electronic device and the spin rotational accessory may remain fixed, while the remaining portion rotates when rotational force is applied in the proper direction to the spin rotational accessory. In one embodiment, a method for fixing the position of a portion of a spin rotating accessory includes mounting or mounting the portion on a surface, whereby a rotational force is applied to the mobile electronic device to which the spin rotating accessory is attached. When friction between that portion of the spin spin accessory and the surface or mounting device on the surface prevents the spin spin accessory from rotating.

In one embodiment, the spin spinning accessory can be removable and repositionable on the mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, spin spinning accessories can be permanently glued or formed into a mobile electronic device or device case.

The spin rotation accessory can have any suitable size and shape suitable for spin rotation on a surface when attached to a mobile electronic device.

In certain cases, the software application of the mobile electronic device may provide feedback to the user while the mobile electronic device is spinning and the spin spinning accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device. The software application may include feedback in the form of images, videos, or sounds that are causally correlated with the spin rotation of the mobile electronic device, sound fluctuations corresponding to the spin rotation of the mobile electronic device, or other feedback corresponding to the spin rotation of the mobile electronic device. Can be provided.

In some cases, methods for spinning, viewing and listening are provided in mobile electronic devices. A method for spin rotating a mobile electronic device includes attaching a spin rotation accessory to a rear surface of the mobile electronic device, spin rotating the mobile electronic device relative to a stationary object (eg, a portion of the spin rotation accessory), Detecting the angular velocity of the mobile electronic device in wireless communication with the electronic device (e.g., Bluetooth) and spin-rotating with a gyrometer or other type of accelerometer held by an accessory or held by the electronic device itself. Detecting the magnetic orientation of the spinning electronic device, and using the angular velocity and magnetic orientation to modify the visual display and / or sound output of the mobile electronic device. A method for spin-rotating and observing a mobile electronic device includes attaching a spin-rotating accessory to the rear surface of the mobile electronic device, spin-rotating the mobile electronic device relative to a stationary object (eg, part of the spin-rotating accessory). And displaying visual information on the screen of the mobile electronic device, and observing the display of the mobile electronic device, the display of the mobile electronic device when the spin-rotating accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device. It is perceived to be enlarged by the spin rotation operation of the mobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, the display, lights and speakers and other transducers of the mobile electronic device, to which the spin rotation accessory is attached, can work in concert with gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, and other sensors of the mobile electronic device. In another embodiment, the display, lighting and speakers and transducers of the mobile electronic device, to which the spin rotation accessory is attached, can operate independently of the sensors of the mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, while the mobile electronic device spins, the spin rate and position of the mobile electronic device can be detected by a sensor of the mobile electronic device and the spinner accessory of the mobile electronic device and the spinner accessory. It can be used to change the output (eg, audio and / or video output). In another embodiment, the spin rotation accessory can generate a kinetic harvester, where the spin rotation of the spin rotation accessory and the mobile electronic device charges the mobile electronic device. The kinetic harvester may include enclosed LED lights, which are coupled when the spin rotation accessory spins or the mobile electronic device spins. In another embodiment, the spin rotation accessory can include an electromechanical motor that acts to spin rotate one bearing surface relative to the other bearing surface.

While particular embodiments have been presented herein, such as spin spinning accessories attached to mobile electronic devices, it should be understood that the accessories disclosed herein can be any number of different shapes, sizes, and configurations within the spirit of the present disclosure. do. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure described herein in connection with the specific embodiments described with reference to the drawings is not intended to be overly limited.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a spin rotation accessory for a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, electronic reader, laptop, camera, music player, or the like. The mobile electronic device can have a front surface, a back surface, and a side surface. The mobile electronic device may have a touch screen or a display, and in some cases, may have a keyboard or a button. The mobile electronic device may have a camera on one or more surfaces and may have a port for interaction with a power cord and headphones. Mobile electronic devices are typically battery powered, but in some cases may be wirelessly powered.

The spin rotation accessories described herein can be used in connection with expansion socket accessories for mobile electronic devices. For example, a further description of such an extension socket accessory for use as a docking accessory and for use as a grip and stand for a mobile electronic device is commonly owned and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. It can be found at number 8,560,031.

1 is an isometric view of an example of an extension socket accessory for a mobile electronic device in an extended position.
2 is an isometric view of the expansion socket accessory of FIG. 1 in the folded position.
3 is a side view of an example of a spin rotation expansion socket accessory.
4 is a side view of another example of a spin rotation expansion socket accessory.
5 is an exploded side view of the spin rotation extension socket accessory of FIG. 4.
6 is an isometric view of another example of a spin rotation extension accessory for a mobile electronic device.
7 is an isometric cross-sectional view of another example of a spin rotation extension accessory for a mobile electronic device.
8 is an isometric view of another example of a spin rotation accessory for a mobile electronic device.
9 is an isometric view of an example cutout of a bearing assembly that may be integrated into a spin spinning accessory.
10 is an isometric view of another example of a spin rotation extension accessory for a mobile electronic device.
11 is a perspective view of another example of a spin rotation extension accessory for a mobile electronic device in an extended position.
12 is a cross-sectional view of the spin rotation extension accessory of FIG. 11.

1 and 2 show an example of an extension socket accessory 200 removably coupled to a mobile electronic device 100 taking the form of a smartphone in this example. 1 and 2, the mobile electronic device 100 has a flat back, but this back may be curved instead. The extension socket accessory 200 is attached to the back of the mobile electronic device 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the socket accessory 200 has a platform 201, an accordion 203, and a button 204 (also referred to herein as a foot). Platform 201 may also be referred to as a stationary element or socket board and is generally configured to attach socket accessory 200 to mobile electronic device 100 (but in other cases, mobile electronic device 100 may be Socket accessory 200 may be attached to a case for the same). Platform 201 may include, for example, adhesive material 202 for removably attaching socket accessory 200 to mobile electronic device 100. In another example, platform 201 may include a suction cup for attaching socket accessory 200 to mobile electronic device 100, a particular type of adhesive material (eg, glue, tape), or a thread, hook and look ( hook and look) and other means including mechanical locking means such as fastening means, snap fits, and the like. Platform 201 may be made of any suitable material, such as thermoplastic polymer, polycarbonate, and the like. Alternatively, any other material or combination of materials that provides rigidity to the platform 201 may be used.

Accordion 203 is attached to platform 201. Accordion 203 is movable relative to platform 201 along central axis 206 of accessory 200. More specifically, accordion 203 may expand as shown in FIG. 1 and may be folded as shown in FIG. 2. The material used to create and form the accordion 203 can be any suitable material, such as a flexible thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, or other flexible or semi-rigid material. The accordion 203 can have wall portions with different thicknesses, providing rigidity when expanded as shown in FIG. 1, and providing flexibility to itself be folded, as shown in FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the accordion 203 includes a plurality of folds and has a tapered profile that converges from the maximum diameter adjacent the button 204 to the minimum diameter adjacent the platform 201. The fold can assist in folding and expanding the accordion 203 and providing structural integrity when in the folded state (FIG. 2) and / or in the expanded state (FIG. 1). The tapered configuration can assist in providing a comfortable ergonomic gripping configuration to the user. In the disclosed embodiment, the accordion 203 is self-supported so that no additional structure is required to support the accordion 203 in the extended position shown in FIG. However, other structures may be used in other embodiments. In fact, in one embodiment the socket accessory 200 may further include a biasing member disposed inside the accordion 203 to deflect the accessory 200 to the expanded state shown in FIG. 1. In addition, it should be understood that in embodiments where the accordion 203 includes a deflection mechanism, it may also be advantageous to include a locking configuration to hold the accessory 200 in a folded configuration against compression of the deflection device. This locking configuration may take the form of a snap fit connection between the button 204 of the accessory 200 and the platform 201. Also, in embodiments with a deflection device, it should be understood that the accordion 203 may not necessarily require any folds such that the accordion 203 is substantially similar to the accordion but rather similar to a simple skirt or skin. do. One example of such a biased accessory is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 376,237, filed August 17, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the button 204 is attached to the accordion 203 such that the button 204 is also movable relative to the platform 201 along the axis 206. The button 204 may be co-molded, glued, or integrally molded to the accordion 203 so that the button 204 is permanently attached to the accordion 203. Alternatively, button 204 may be removably attached to accordion 203. For example, button 204 may be attached to accordion 203 with a tab 205 extending from button 204 and engaging an opening in accordion 203. The material used to create the button 204 can be any suitable material, such as polycarbonate. Alternatively, any other material or combination of materials, such as wood, metal, glass, and the like, can be used to form the button 204. The button 204 may also be formed of a rigid material and have a cavity to hold different materials such as leather, fabric, gels, and the like. The button 204 can include a graphic, a printed or molded image, or a texture, or a combination thereof on its surface.

3 shows an example of a spin rotation expansion socket accessory 300. Spin-rotating expansion socket accessory 300 may also be referred to as a spin-rotating accessory, spinner, spin-rotating system, spin-rotating socket accessory, or spin-rotating socket. Spin rotation accessory 300 includes a platform 301, an accordion 302 and a button 303. Platform 301 may include all aspects similar to platform 201 and the same as platform 201. Accordion 302 may include all aspects similar to accordion 203 and the same as accordion 203. Button 303 may include all aspects similar to button 204 and the same as button 204. Thus, further details regarding platform 301, accordion 302 and button 303 are omitted for brevity.

A bearing assembly in the form of a ball bearing assembly 304 is attached to the platform 301 and accordion 302 of the spin rotating accessory 300. The ball bearing assembly 304 includes two rings that include a race to hold a plurality of balls so that motion and potential loads are transferred through the ball and between the two rings. Thus, the ball bearing assembly 304 reduces rotational friction, allowing less friction between the two components when rotating.

9 shows the ball bearing assembly 304 in more detail. As shown, the ball bearing assembly 304 includes an outer ring 310, an inner ring 312, and a plurality of balls 318 arranged between the outer ring 310 and the inner ring 312. Outer ring 310 forms outer race 314 and includes outer surface 320. Inner ring 312 forms an inner race 316 and includes an inner surface 322. A plurality of balls 318 are present between the outer race 314 of the outer ring 310 and the inner race 316 of the inner ring 312. In some cases, the ball 318 may be housed in the cage 324, as shown in FIG. 9. The ball bearing assembly 304 may be made of any material suitable for standard ball bearings including stainless steel, chrome steel, and in some cases ceramics. In other cases, ball bearing 304 may be a hybrid material, for example, ball 318 may be races 314 and 316 made of ceramic balls and metal.

As generally described above, a portion of the spin rotation accessory 300 is held or fixed so that the mobile electronic device 100 is at least rotatable relative to the fixed portion of the spin rotation accessory 300. In some cases, the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing 304 assembly remains stationary while the inner ring 312 rotates relative to the outer ring 310. In other cases, the inner ring 312 is held fixed while the outer ring 310 rotates relative to the inner ring 312. In another case, portions of the spin rotation accessory 300 in addition to or in addition to the rings 310, 312 may be fixed or rotatable to facilitate the required motion.

It will be appreciated that the inner ring 312 and outer ring 310 of the ball bearing assembly 304 can have a variable thickness and a variable height. In some cases, outer ring 310 and inner ring 312 have the same height as shown in FIG. 9. However, in other cases, the outer ring 310 and inner ring 312 can have different heights. It will also be appreciated that the ball 318 may be variable in size to accommodate variable sized inner and outer races 316 and 314.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the ball bearing assembly 304 extends outward from the platform 301 and is connected to the accordion 302. The ball bearing assembly 304 can be attached to the platform 301 in any number of ways. In some cases, ball bearing assembly 304 is bonded to platform 301 using an adhesive. In other cases, the ball bearing assembly 304 is press-fit into an opening in the platform 301. In another case, the ball bearing assembly 304 may be attached using glue, snap fit assembly, or sonic or vibration welding. In other cases, the ball bearing assembly 304 (or a portion of the ball bearing assembly) may be integrated into the platform 301 or other component of the spin rotation accessory or expansion socket assembly 200.

The outer surface 320 of the outer ring 310 can be glued or press fit into the opening of the platform 301. When the platform 301 with the ball bearing assembly 304 is attached to the surface of a mobile electronic device (not shown) or to a case (also not shown) for the mobile electronic device, the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing 304 is Fixed (ie, not moving), wherein the inner ring 312 is about the outer ring 310 (and in particular, the ball bearing assembly 304) about the axis 306 of the spin rotating accessory 300. Keep rotating. In another embodiment, the inner ring 312 of the ball bearing 304 has an inner ring 312 secured wherein the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing assembly 304 has an inner ring about an axis 306. And to the platform 301 to freely spin rotate 312. In another embodiment, outer ring 310 or inner ring 312 is rotatable about an axis other than axis 306.

Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 3, the inner ring 312 of the ball bearing assembly 304 may be attached to the accordion 302. Accordion 302 may have a portion that is press fit or extend into inner ring 312 or otherwise attached to inner ring 312 of ball bearing 304. The ball bearing assembly 304 allows the accordion 304 and the attached button 303 to spin rotate about an axis 306. When the spin rotation accessory 300 is attached to the back of the mobile electronic device 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the mobile electronic device 100 may be positioned to seat on a button, wherein the button ( 303 is seated on an outer surface, such as a table or other hard surface. With the button 303 seated on the outer surface, the mobile electronic device 100 persists due to the reduced frictional rotation of the ball bearing assembly 304 interacting between the platform 301 and the accordion 302. May be rotated or spin rotated to initiate spin rotation of the mobile electronic device 100.

Spin rotation accessory 300 may spin rotate about axis 306 with accordion 302 extended or folded. Thus, when the platform 301 is attached to the surface of the mobile electronic device, the spin rotation accessory 300 can spin rotate with the accordion 302 extended or folded. When the spin rotation accessory 300 is attached to the mobile electronic device and disposed on an outer surface, the mobile electronic device can spin rotate relative to the spin rotation accessory 300. In addition, the spin rotation accessory 300 can spin rotate with the mobile electronic device seated on the outer surface and the spin rotation accessory 300 extend in a direction away from the outer surface. Additionally, spin rotation accessory 300 can spin rotate when the mobile electronic device is held in the user's hand or the mobile electronic device can spin rotate while the spin rotation accessory 300 is held in the user's hand. Similarly, when spin-rotating accessory 300 is attached to a case for a mobile electronic device, the case (and thus the device) is placed on the outer surface when the spin-rotating accessory 300 is placed on the outer surface. And when the case or spin rotation accessory 300 is held in the user's hand.

The bearing assembly 304 of FIG. 3 is a ball bearing assembly, but the bearing assembly may take the form of a different bearing assembly instead, for example using a needle bearing or a magnetic bearing instead of a ball bearing. Alternatively, bushings and washers can be used in place of the ball bearing assembly to create the desired rotational / spin rotational effect on the spin rotational accessory 300.

Optionally, the illumination on the mobile electronic device 100 operates in conjunction with the spin rotational action of the spin rotation accessory to produce a light-based visualization controlled by the direction of the mobile electronic device and the angular velocity of the spin rotation. can do. These visualizations can be displayed on the mobile electronics and can be tuned to the music, the visualizations can be tuned to the angular velocity, or in some cases the visualizations are fixed even when the display and the mobile electronics are spinning. Can be seen. In another embodiment, the sound output of the mobile electronic device may be controlled by the direction of the mobile electronic device and the angular velocity of spin rotation. In another embodiment, the mobile electronic device can display an image or a series of images (eg, video) in cooperation with the spin rotational action of the mobile electronic device when the spin rotation accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device.

In certain embodiments, packaging may be included with the spin rotation accessory 300 to assist the user in the ideal placement of the spin rotation accessory onto the mobile electronic device. The packaging may include a visual indicator that is the same size as the surface of the mobile electronic device, such as a template on the surface of the mobile electronic device, such that the user may rotate the spin rotation accessory 300 with the surface of the mobile electronic device to ensure smooth spin rotation. You can align properly. The spin axis of rotation can be orthogonal to the major surface plane of the mobile electronic device, and the amount of spin rotation can be equal to the yaw. The angular velocity may be present around the z-axis with respect to the surface of the mobile electronic device having x- and y-axis directions. Alternatively, the spin axis can be arranged to pitch spin or roll spin around the x- or y-axis using a mounting system. This may cause the mobile electronic device to spin rotate and appear to the viewer as a frame. The frame rate is nearly equivalent to the spin rotational speed for a single display spin rotation. In some embodiments, the spin rotation system may increase the perceived visual size of the display of the mobile electronic device through the rapid rotation of the mobile electronic device.

The spin rotation system can change the perceived size of the circular display from the standard rectangular aspect ratio of the mobile electronic device. The perceived circular display diameter may be equivalent to the diagonal screen size of the actual display.

4 and 5 show another example of spin rotation accessory 400. Spin rotation accessory 400 may include a platform 401 similar to platform 201, an accordion 402 similar to accordion 203, a button 403 similar to button 204, and a ball similar to ball bearing assembly 304. Bearing assembly 404. However, unlike the spin rotation accessory 300, the spin rotation accessory 400 includes a frame 405, a button 403, and a ball bearing assembly 404 coupled to the accordion 402.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the frame 405 has a peripheral rim 410 and a plurality of ribs 411 connecting the peripheral rim 410 with the ball bearing assembly 404. Thus, the rib 411 extends radially inward from the peripheral rim 410 toward the ball bearing assembly 404. The peripheral rim 410 has a circular shape sized to substantially match the diameter of the accordion 402 and the button 403 (substantially the same). Frame 405 may be made of any suitable material, such as polycarbonate or other rigid material.

In this example, the frame 405 extends outward from the peripheral rim 410 and extends into and around the accordion 402 into a slot 407 formed around the coupling of the frame 405 to the accordion 402. May comprise a tab 406. In another example, frame 405 may be coupled to accordion 402 in other ways (eg, via adhesive, magnetic coupling, frictional fitting, or any other suitable means). In this example, frame 405 is coupled to button 403 by fastening element 408. The fastening element 408 has a base 412 and a protrusion 413 extending outwardly from the base 412. The protrusion 413 can be inserted into the opening 415 of the frame 405 which is centered with respect to the axis 414 and arranged radially inward of the ball bearing assembly 404 so that the ball bearing 404 can be inserted. May be snapped into the downwardly extending protrusion 416 of the button 403. In another example, frame 405 may be coupled to button 403 in other ways (eg, via adhesive, magnetic coupling, frictional fitting, or any other suitable means). Also in this example, the ball bearing assembly 404 can be attached to the frame 405 by adhering the assembly 404 to the frame 405 or by pressing the assembly 404 into an opening in the frame 405. . In either case, when assembly 404 is attached to frame 405 and frame 405 is coupled to accordion 402, the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 404 is secured as frame 405 does. Maintain state (i.e. do not rotate). Spin rotation accessory 400 may function while accordion 402 is extended or folded.

When frame 405 is coupled to button 403, button 403 is coupled with ball bearing assembly 404. More specifically, the protrusion 416 of the button 403 is removably disposed in the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404, or alternatively the protrusion 416 is bonded to the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404. Can be. When the button 403 is coupled to the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404, the button 403 can spin freely with respect to the rest of the spin rotation accessory 400 (eg, the outer ring). . Thus, the spin rotation accessory 400 is attached to the surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (or the case for the device 100) and the button 403 is seated on a stationary outer surface. Or case), the button 403 can remain fixed due to seating friction on the outer surface, while the remaining components of the spin rotation accessory 400 rotate the ball bearing assembly 404. Spin spins easily (or relatively without friction).

In some cases, the button 403 has a higher friction to keep the button 403 stationary on the outer surface while the remaining components of the spin rotation accessory 400 spin around the axis 414. It may be made of or include a material having a make-up.

The frame 405 includes the ability to receive a larger diameter ball bearing assembly 404 such that the ball bearing assembly 404 extends closer along the larger diameter of the accordion 402. It will be appreciated that it may have a shape and / or size. In some cases, the ball bearing assembly 404 may have a diameter that is the same or nearly the same as the upper portion of the accordion 402 or the outer diameter of the button 403. In addition, the diameter of the protrusion 416 can be increased to accommodate the larger diameter inner and outer rings of the ball bearing assembly 404. Depending on how large the diameter of the ball bearing assembly 404 is, the frame 405 may have ribs 411 as shown in FIG. 5, or may have openings sized to receive the ball bearing assembly 404. It may be a solid piece. The arrangement of FIG. 5 may provide lighter weight and thinner components of the spin rotational accessory 400 and may be easier to manufacture, while the solid frame 405 may have a spin rotational accessory 400 during spin rotation. ) Can improve the stability.

Frame 405 is also described as part of spin rotation accessory 400 (along with platform 401, accordion 402, button 403, and ball bearing assembly 404), but nevertheless frame 405. It will be appreciated that the spin itself may be the spin rotation accessory 400. That is, a socket accessory such as socket accessory 200 can be retrofitted with frame 405 to convert socket accessory 200 into a spin rotating socket accessory. This may include, for example, removing button 204 from accordion 203, attaching frame 405 to accordion 203 (eg, snapping), and then attaching button 204 to accordion 203 and the like. It may be achieved by attaching to the frame 405. Frame 405 may be attached to accordion 203 as described above or in other ways. Likewise, button 204 may be attached to accordion 203 and frame 405 as described above or in other ways.

6 illustrates another example of a spin rotation accessory 500 attached to the surface of the mobile electronic device 100. Spin rotation accessory 500 is similar to platform 201, platform 501 similar to button 203, button 503 similar to button 203, and ball bearing assembly 204 and is attached to platform 501 and button 503. Ball bearing assembly 504. As discussed above, the button 503 may be made of any suitable material, such as polycarbonate or other hard material, semi-hard material or elastomer, and includes graphics, images, or molded or attached textures on its face. can do. Unlike the spin rotation accessory 200, which includes an accordion 203, the spin rotation accessory 500 includes an extension 502 instead of the accordion 203.

The extension 502 may be integrally formed with the platform 501 or connected to the platform 501 by snap fit, press fit, elastomeric compression, magnetic attachment, mechanical or other suitable means. The extension 502 may vary in height and shape. In some embodiments, the inner ring of ball bearing assembly 504 is attached to or connected to extension 502, and the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 504 is attached to or connected to button 503. Thus, when the button 503 is seated on the surface, the button 503 remains fixed while the extension 502 and the platform 501 are with the removable electronic electronic device 100 attached. It is possible to spin freely and continue the spin rotation with respect to the button 503 due to the ball bearing assembly 504. In other embodiments, the inner and outer rings of ball bearing assembly 504 may be integrated with platform 501 and button 503. In some embodiments, the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 504 may be integrated with platform 501 and the inner ring of ball bearing assembly 504 may be integrated with button 503. However, in other embodiments, the outer ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 is integrated with the button 503 and the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 is integrated with the platform 501.

Spin rotation accessory 500 operates in a similar manner as spin rotation accessory 400, but there are no accordion components that extend and fold the spin rotation accessory. 7 illustrates another example of a spin rotation accessory 600. Spin rotation accessory 600 is similar to spin rotation accessory 500. Thus, the spin rotation accessory 600 includes a platform 601, a button 602 and a ball bearing assembly 603. Platform 601 is similar to platform 201, and button 602 is similar to button 204 and button 503.

8 illustrates an example of a spin rotation clip 700. Spin rotation clip 700 includes a platform 701 similar to platform 201, a lift plate 702, a ball bearing assembly 703 similar to ball bearing assembly 304, and a clip rim 704.

10 illustrates another example of a spin rotation accessory 800. Spin rotation accessory 800 includes a bearing assembly in the form of a ball bearing assembly 801. The ball bearing assembly 801 is similar to the ball bearing 304 in that it includes an inner ring and an outer ring. Spin rotation accessory 800 also includes an extended surface 802 that is held (eg attached) by an outer ring. As an example, the extended surface 802 may extend axially outward from the outer ring. Extended surface 802, which may also be referred to as a gripping band, gripping rim, or elongated rim, may be made of any high-friction or gripping material, including rubber, thermoplastic, or a range of polymers. Spin-rotating accessory 800 also includes a gripping member 803 held by an inner surface of the inner ring to rigidly engage a portion of the extension socket accessory. In the illustrated example, the gripping member 803 takes the form of an inner connection surface 803 that is held (eg attached) by an inner surface of the inner ring. The inner connecting surface 803, which may also be referred to as an inner lining, connecting band or attachment band, may be made of any high friction or gripping material, including rubber or gel. However, in other examples, the gripping member 803 may additionally or alternatively include one or more protrusions (eg, tabs, threads, flanges), one or more recesses, one or more magnets, and the like. As one example, the gripping member 803 may additionally or alternatively include one or more spring biased tabs that selectively engage one or more recesses in the extension socket accessory.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the spin rotation accessory 800 is temporarily around an extended socket accessory, such as the socket accessory 200 described above, attached to a mobile electronic device (eg, mobile electronic device 100). Or permanently installed or deployed. Spin rotation accessory 800 may in some cases have one or more colors and / or textures that match the color (s) and / or texture (s) of the socket accessory or mobile electronic device to which it is attached. In any case, when the spin rotation accessory 800 is installed, for example on the extension socket accessory 200, the inner connection surface 803 is the outer diameter surface 810 of the button 204 of the socket accessory 200. Disposed around and due to the material properties of the inner connecting surface 803 and the outer diameter surface due to the tight-fit tolerance between the outer diameter of the button 204 and the diameter of the inner connecting surface 803 810 and firmly combined. Alternatively, the inner connection surface 803 may be attached to the outer diameter surface 810 (or other surface of the button 204) by snap fit, elastic compression, magnetic coupling or other means.

In some embodiments, the connection may be accomplished with a gripping member (eg, gripping surface) comprising some combination of the aforementioned means, and / or mechanical connecting means, such as threaded connections, or buttons 204 The outer diameter surface 810 of may comprise a connection that snaps into an annular recess formed in the inner connection surface 803 of the accessory 800. In some embodiments, the gripping member further or alternatively comprises an annular flange or a plurality of annular flanges that abut the top surface of the button 204 when the button 204 is assembled to not pass through the spin-rotating accessory 800. It may include an internal connection surface 803 having. When the spin rotation accessory 800 is disposed around the button 204 of the socket accessory 200, the spin rotation accessory 800 is also connected to the socket accessory 200 even when the socket accessory 200 is extended or folded in various configurations. It can remain attached to.

It will be appreciated that when the spin rotation accessory 800 is attached to the socket accessory 200, at least the extended surface 802 extends axially beyond the outer diameter surface 810 of the button 204. That is, the elongated surface 802 has a height greater than the height of the outer diameter surface 810. As a result, the extended surface 802 may be seated on an outer surface, such as a desk top or table top. As noted above, this means that the socket accessory 200 attached to the mobile electronic device 100 has a surface 802 extending in a frictionless environment (due to the ball bearing assembly 801 of the spin rotating accessory 800). To spin-rotate.

11 and 12 illustrate another example of spin rotation accessory 1100.

Spin rotation accessory 1100 includes platform 1101, accordion 1102, button 1103, ball bearing assembly 1104 (same as ball bearing assembly 404), and accordion 1102, button 1103. ) And a frame 1105 coupled to the ball bearing assembly 1104, but similar in the manner described below.

First, although generally similar, platform 1101 has a slightly different structure than platform 401, and accordion 1102 has a slightly different structure than accordion 402. In particular, the accordion 1102 of this example includes a second connector 1122 (e.g., held by an upwardly extending flange 1124 of the platform 1101, for coupling the accordion 1102 to the platform 1101). For example, it has a downwardly extending first connector 1120 (eg, a male snap fit portion) arranged to mate with a female snap fit portion (and vice versa).

Second, although generally similar to button 403, button 1103 is different in that it is co-molded or double molded with two different materials. In this example, button 1103 has a base 1126 made of plastic material and a peripheral edge 1128 made of rubber material to facilitate gripping of button 1103. However, in another example, base 1126 and / or peripheral edge 1128 of button 1103 may be made of one or more different materials.

Third, frame 1105 is similarly coupled to accordion 1102 and similarly retains ball bearing assembly 1104, but frame 1105 is structurally different from frame 405. Frame 1105 has a peripheral rim 1110 similar to the peripheral rim 410 of frame 405, while frame 1105 is a solid part (ie, does not include ribs) and is adjacent to peripheral rim 1110. Differently in that it also includes a flange 1130 extending downward from the frame 1105. In this example, the flange 1130 extends downward from the frame 1105 at a radially inward position of the peripheral rim 1110. Thus, in this example, the peripheral rim 1110 is arranged to seat on the upper surface 1132 of the peripheral edge of the accordion 1102, and the flange 1130 engages with the inner surface 1134 of the peripheral edge of the accordion 1102. Arranged to couple the frame 1105 to the accordion 1102. In some examples, frame 1105 may also include a plurality of tabs 1106 that are similar to tabs 406, which may be used to more firmly couple frame 1105 to accordion 1102. Extendable outwardly from the peripheral rim 1110 and disposed within a slot 1107 similar to the slot 407 formed within and around the accordion 1102.

Fourth, frame 1105 is coupled to button 1103 in a different manner than frame 405 is coupled to button 403. Although the frame 1105 is similarly coupled to the button 1103 by the fastening element 1108, the fastening element 1108 is different from the fastening element 408. In particular, unlike fastening element 408, fastening element 1108 has a protrusion 1113 forming a threaded outer surface. As such, unlike frame 405, button 1103 has a downwardly extending protrusion 1116 that forms a threaded inner surface. Accordingly, the protrusion 1113 can be inserted into the opening 1115 of the frame 1105 arranged radially inward of the ball bearing assembly 1104 held by the frame 1105 and centered about the axis 1114. Thus, the protrusion 1113 may be inserted into the protrusion 1116 such that the outer surface of the protrusion 1113 is threadedly engaged with the inner surface of the frame 1105 (or vice versa).

Notwithstanding the foregoing differences between accessory 400 and accessory 1100, accessory 1100 operates in substantially the same manner as accessory 400. When the frame 1105 is coupled to the button 1103 (via threaded engagement), the button 1103 is coupled with the ball bearing assembly 1104. More specifically, the protrusion 1116 of the button 1103 is removably disposed in the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 1104. When the button 1103 is coupled to the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 1104, the button 1103 can spin freely with respect to the rest of the spin rotation accessory 1100 (eg, the outer ring). . Thus, the spin rotation accessory 1100 is attached to the surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (or the case for the device 100) and the mobile electronic device 100 (or the case) has the button 1103 fixed to the outer surface. When seated on the top, the button 1103 may remain stationary due to seating friction on the outer surface, while the remaining components of the spin rotating accessory 1100 rotate the ball bearing assembly 1104. Spin spins easily (or relatively without friction). On the other hand, the spin rotation accessory 1100 may be attached to the surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (or the case of the device 100) and the mobile electronic device 100 (or the case) may be seated on a fixed outer surface. When the button 1103 can be easily rotated (without comparative friction), the remaining components of the spin rotation accessory 1100 (as well as the device 100 and / or the case) remain stationary. maintain.

While each illustrated version of the spin rotation accessory includes a spin rotation accessory having a generally circular profile, it should be understood that the spin rotation accessory can take other shapes. For example, with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 10, it may be important for the inner surface of the outer ring to be circular to accommodate ball bearings and to facilitate smooth spin rotation about the inner ring, but the outer surface may be of any shape. Can be taken. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the outer ring can take the form of a square, star, triangle, or the like. These alternative shapes may facilitate gripping by the user. Alternative shapes are only explicitly mentioned with reference to FIG. 10, but it should be understood that any embodiment described herein may also include such alternative shapes.

The above description and description of the drawings may depict exemplary configurations for embodiments of the present disclosure, which have been performed to assist in understanding the configurations and functionality that may be included in the embodiments disclosed herein. The above embodiments are not limited to the illustrated configuration, but can be implemented using various alternative configurations. In addition, while apparatuses have been described in connection with various exemplary embodiments and implementations, the various configurations and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments disclosed herein may, instead, and be configured whether or not such embodiments are disclosed. It is to be understood that the present disclosure may be applied alone or in some combination to one or more of the other embodiments of the present disclosure, regardless of whether or not they exist as being part of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, particularly in the following claims, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

The terms and phrases and derivatives used herein are to be interpreted openly, without limitation, unless stated otherwise. As an example of the above, the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including without limitation" and the like, and the term "example" is used to provide an illustrative case of the item discussed rather than a comprehensive or restrictive list, Adjectives, such as the terms "conventional", "typical", "standard", "known", and the like, are to be construed as limiting the items described in a given period or restricting the items available at a given time. It should instead be construed to include conventional, typical, conventional or standard techniques that may be available or known at some point in the present or future. Likewise, a group of items linked by the conjunction "and" should not be construed as requiring each of the items to exist as a group, but rather should be construed as "and / or" unless stated otherwise. Also, although an item, element, or component of the present disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is also considered to be within the scope unless otherwise specified. In some cases the presence of extensible words and phrases, such as “one or more”, “at least”, “non-limiting” or other similar phrases, is intended to be narrower where such extension may be absent. It should not be construed as. Also, when a range is described, the upper and lower limits of the range include all intermediate units within that range.

The above disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described in the above disclosure have been chosen to illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications in order to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. The following claims are intended to be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the present invention, except as limited by the prior art.

Claims (26)

A spin rotation accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device, the spin rotation accessory comprising:
An inner ring forming a central opening sized to receive a socket accessory,
Outer ring surrounding the inner ring,
One or more balls arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the one or more balls are configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring such that the mobile electronic device is rotatable relative to a portion of the spin rotating accessory. Ball over, and
A gripping member held by an inner surface of an inner ring, the gripping member comprising a gripping member configured to rigidly engage a portion of the socket accessory. The spin spinning accessory of claim 1 wherein the outer ring is fixed and the inner ring is rotatable relative to the outer ring. The spin spinning accessory of claim 1, further comprising a grip rim held by an outer ring. The spin spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises at least one of a gripping surface, one or more protrusions, one or more magnets, or one or more annular recesses. The spin spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises a gripping surface. The spin spinning accessory of claim 5 wherein the gripping surface is made of a rubber or gel material. The spin spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the one or more balls comprise a plurality of balls arranged circumferentially about an inner ring. A spin rotation accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device, the spin rotation accessory comprising:
A bearing assembly sized to receive a socket accessory, wherein the bearing assembly facilitates rotation of a portion of the spin rotation accessory relative to the socket accessory;
A gripping member held by an inner surface of a bearing assembly, the gripping member configured to rigidly engage a portion of the socket accessory, and
And a gripping rim held by an outer surface of the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly of claim 8, wherein the bearing assembly comprises a ball bearing assembly, the ball bearing assembly
Inner ring sized to accommodate a socket accessory,
An outer ring surrounding the inner ring, the inner ring and the outer ring being rotatable relative to one another such that the spin rotating accessory is rotatable relative to the socket accessory, and
A plurality of balls arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring, the plurality of balls comprising a plurality of balls, configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring,
The gripping member is held by the inner surface of the inner ring and the gripping rim is held by the outer ring. The spin spinning accessory of claim 8, wherein the gripping member comprises at least one of a gripping surface, one or more protrusions, one or more magnets, or one or more annular recesses. The spin spinning accessory of claim 8, wherein the gripping member comprises a gripping surface. The spin spinning accessory of claim 11 wherein the gripping surface is made of a rubber or gel material. An assembly of accessories for a portable media player, the assembly comprising:
A socket accessory for attaching to a case for a portable media player or a portable media player, wherein the socket is
A platform for attaching a socket accessory to a case for a portable media player or a portable media player, and
Socket accessories, including buttons spaced relative to the platform,
A spin rotation accessory attachable to a button of a socket accessory, the spin rotation accessory comprising:
A bearing assembly configured to facilitate rotation of a portion of the spin rotation accessory relative to the socket accessory, and
An accessory assembly comprising a gripping member held by an inner surface of the bearing assembly and configured to securely engage a surface of the button to attach the spin rotation accessory to the socket accessory. The accessory assembly of claim 13, wherein the button is movable relative to the platform such that the socket accessory is extendable. The accessory assembly of claim 13, wherein the socket accessory is extendable along an axis and the spin rotation accessory is rotatable about the socket accessory about an axis. The accessory assembly of claim 13, wherein the socket accessory further comprises a skin coupled to the platform, wherein the skin is deformable between the folded configuration and the expanded configuration. The accessory assembly of claim 13, wherein the button is coupled to the skin against the platform. The bearing assembly of claim 13, wherein the bearing assembly comprises:
An inner ring forming a central opening sized to receive a button of a socket accessory,
An outer ring surrounding the inner ring, the inner ring and the outer ring being rotatable relative to one another;
One or more balls arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring, the one or more balls comprising one or more balls, configured to facilitate rotation between the inner and outer rings,
The gripping member is retained by the inner surface of the inner ring. 19. The accessory assembly of claim 18, wherein the outer ring is fixed and the inner ring is rotatable relative to the outer ring. 19. The accessory assembly of claim 18, further comprising a grip rim held by an outer ring. The accessory assembly of claim 13, wherein the gripping member comprises at least one of a gripping surface, one or more protrusions, one or more magnets, or one or more annular recesses. Scalable spin-rotating accessory for a portable media player, which accessory
Platform for attaching spin-rotating accessories to a case for a portable media player or a portable media player,
A skin coupled to the platform, the skin deformable between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration,
A button coupled to the skin against the platform, and
A bearing assembly coupled to the skin and the button, wherein the bearing assembly is configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin. 23. The expandable spin rotation accessory of claim 22, further comprising a frame coupled to the skin, wherein the bearing assembly is held by the frame. The bearing assembly of claim 22, wherein the bearing assembly comprises:
An inner ring forming a central opening sized to receive a button on the socket accessory,
An outer ring surrounding the inner ring, the inner ring and the outer ring being rotatable with respect to each other, and
One or more balls arranged between an inner ring and an outer ring, wherein the one or more balls comprise one or more balls configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring. The expandable spin rotation accessory of claim 24, wherein the outer ring is fixed and the inner ring is rotatable relative to the outer ring. 25. The expandable spin rotation accessory of claim 24, further comprising a frame coupled to the skin, wherein the outer ring of the bearing assembly is coupled to the frame.

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