WO2020009967A1

WO2020009967A1 - Expandable device for a portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2020009967A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/040074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lucas Menanix; Sara Cinnamon; Robert Lane
Original assignee: Popsockets Llc
Priority date: 2018-07-06
Filing date: 2019-07-01
Publication date: 2020-01-09

Abstract

An expandable device includes a platform having an elongated body that defines first and second ends, top and bottom sides, a channel disposed on the top side, a sliding mechanism operably coupled to the channel, and a button having a top side and a bottom side. The channel has first and second ends end and extends at least partially between the first and second ends of the platform. The sliding mechanism moves between the first and second ends of the channel. The button is operably coupled to the sliding mechanism. When the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, it causes the button to be disposed in a collapsed configuration, and when the sliding mechanism is moved to the second end of the channel, it causes the button to be disposed in an expanded configuration.

Description

EXPANDABLE DEVICE FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/694,658, filed July 6, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an expandable device and, more

particularly, to expandable devices that can be attached to a portable electronic device or a case for a portable electronic device and used as grips, stands, or for other purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Portable electronic devices, such as MP3 players and smart phones, are often housed in protective covers or cases in order to protect the device from damage, provide a grip for handling the device, and/or provide a stand for propping the device on a surface. Such cases increase the effective size of the device. Expandable devices and accessories, which may be attached directly to the device or to the case protecting the device, are used for a variety of functions, including propping the device on a surface and providing an expandable grip for handling the device. The expandable devices have decorative buttons, which may display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one aspect, an expandable device includes a platform having an elongated body that defines first and second ends, top and bottom sides, a channel disposed on the top side, a sliding mechanism operably coupled to the channel, and a button having a top side and a bottom side. The channel has first and second ends end and extends at least partially between the first and second ends of the platform. The sliding mechanism moves between the first and second ends of the channel. The button is operably coupled to the sliding mechanism. When the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, it causes the button to be disposed in a collapsed configuration, and when the sliding mechanism is moved to the second end of the channel, it causes the button to be disposed in an expanded configuration. [0005] In some approaches, the sliding mechanism may include a first leg and a second leg. The first leg includes a first end and a second end, and the first end of the first leg is slidably coupled to the channel. The second leg also includes a first end that is rotatably coupled to the channel and a second end being rotatably coupled to the button. The sliding mechanism may further include a resilient member that urges the button towards the expanded configuration. The expandable device may also include a locking mechanism coupled to the sliding mechanism that is adapted to lock the button in the expanded configuration.

[0006] In other aspects, the sliding mechanism may include a plurality of at least partially coaxial rings carried by a base member. The at least partially coaxial rings may be movable relative to each other as the sliding mechanism is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. The coaxial rings may be carried by the base member via a rotatable coupling. The at least partially coaxial rings are substantially concentrically arranged when the sliding mechanism is in the collapsed configuration. The expandable device may also include a locking mechanism coupled to the sliding mechanism. When the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings are restricted from moving to the expanded configuration.

[0007] In some examples, the expandable device may include a first projection carried by the button and extending radially inward to engage a portion of a first one of the partially coaxial rings to releasably secure the button to the collapsible mechanism. The first projection may have an inner surface that curves radially inward as the projection extends radially inwardly. The expandable device may also include a second projection carried by the platform and extending radially outward to engage a portion of one of the partially coaxial rings to releasably secure the platform to the collapsible mechanism.

[0008] In other forms, the button of the expandable device includes a projection configured to couple the button to the channel. The expandable device may also include a resilient member that urges the button to the expanded configuration.

[0009] In accordance with another aspect, an expandable device includes a platform having an elongated body that defines first and second ends, top and bottom sides, a channel disposed on the top side, a sliding mechanism operably coupled to the channel, a button having a top side and a bottom side, and a resilient member coupled to the button. The channel has first and second ends end and extends at least partially between the first and second ends of the platform and further includes a release mechanism disposed near the second end. The sliding mechanism moves between the first and second ends of the channel. The button is operably coupled to the sliding mechanism. The resilient member urges the button towards an expanded configuration. When the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, it causes the button to be disposed in a collapsed configuration, and when the sliding mechanism is moved to the second end of the channel, the resilient member causes the button to be disposed in an expanded configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the expandable device for a portable electronic device described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0011] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an expandable device in accordance with various embodiments;

[0012] Fig. 1B illustrates a front, cross-sectional view of the expandable device of Fig. 1A taken at A-A in accordance with various embodiments;

[0013] Fig. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a sliding mechanism coupled to a button of the expandable device of Figs. 1A-1B in accordance with various embodiments;

[0014] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of Figs. 1 A-2 whereby the button is moving towards a second end of an elongated channel in accordance with various embodiments;

[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of Figs. 1 A-3 in an expanded configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

[0016] Fig. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an alternative expandable device in accordance with various embodiments;

[0017] Fig. 5B illustrates a front, cross-sectional view of the expandable device of Fig. 5A taken at B-B in accordance with various embodiments; [0018] Fig. 6A illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of Figs. 5A and 5B whereby the button is in an expanded configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

[0019] Fig. 6B illustrates a front, cross-sectional view of the expandable device of Fig. 6A taken at C-C in accordance with various embodiments;

[0020] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; and

[0021] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable device of Fig. 7 whereby the button is in an expanded configuration in accordance with various embodiments.

[0022] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.

Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, expandable devices for portable electronic devices are provided that include a base and a body that is movable relative to the base between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The body is movable about support portions that are pivotably coupled to the base and that can be moved between collapsed states that generally extend along the base and expanded states projecting upwardly from the base. The expandable devices may further include a button coupled to the body.

[0024] A first embodiment of an expandable device 100 is shown in Figs. 1A-4. The expandable device 100 includes a platform 102 having an elongated body 104, a channel 110, a sliding mechanism 130 and a button 150. The elongated body 104 of the platform 102 defines a first end l04a, a second end l04b, a top side l04c, and a bottom side l04d. The bottom side l04d of the elongated body 104 is attachable to a portable electronic device (not shown), a case for a portable electronic device, or other desired component. The elongated body 104 further defines a stop or ledge 106 on the top side l04c and at the second end l04b. The channel 110 is disposed on the top side l04c of the elongated body 104 and includes a first end 1 lOa and a second end 1 lOb. The channel 110 extends at least partially between the first end l04a and the second end l04b of the elongated body 104. In the illustrated example, the channel 110 extends the entire length of the elongated body 104.

[0025] The sliding mechanism 130 is operably coupled to the channel 110 and is adapted to move between the first end 1 lOa and the second end 1 lOb of the channel. In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1A-4, the sliding mechanism 130 includes a first leg 132 having a first end l32a and a second end l32b and a second leg 134 having a first end l34a and a second end l34b. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the first end l32a of the first leg 132 includes at least one tab or protrusion 133 which is dimensioned to extend outwardly into the channel 110. This tab or protrusion 133 is rotatable within the channel, thereby allowing the first leg 132 to rotate relative to the elongated body 104. Similarly, the second end l34b of the second leg 134 may also include at least one protrusion 135 which is disposed within the channel 110. The second end l34b of the second leg 134 may also define a stop 136 which will be discussed in further detail below. Accordingly, movement of the sliding mechanism 130 is at least partially guided by the channel 110 between the first end 1 lOa and the second end 1 lOb thereof.

[0026] The button 150 includes a top or upper side l50a and a bottom or inner side l50b and is operably coupled to the sliding mechanism 130. The button 150 may be removable from the expandable device 100. The button 150 may have artistic value (e.g., the button 150 may include an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), the button 150 may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their fingers between the bottom side l50b and the elongated body 104 when the sliding mechanism 130 is in the expanded configuration such that the top side l50a of the button 150 is disposed adjacent to the palm of the user’s hand, and may also provide a space in which a cord, such as a cord for earphones, may be wrapped and stored around a portion of the elongated body 104. As such, in some examples, it may be desirable to remove the button 150 and replace it with another button 150 that features a different aesthetic design and/or provides a different grip so as to change the look and/or function of the expandable device 100.

[0027] In the illustrated example of Figs. 1A-4, and as best seen in Fig. 2, a first coupling mechanism 152 and a second coupling mechanism 154 are disposed on the bottom side l50b of the button 150. In other examples, the first and second coupling mechanisms 152, 154 may be disposed on and/or coupled to any portion of the button 150. The first coupling mechanism 152 may be in the form of a slotted connection that the second end l32b of the first leg is inserted into. The connection may be a friction fit and thus, in some examples, may fixedly couple the first leg 132 to the button 150. In other examples, the first coupling mechanism 152 may be a rotatable coupling (e.g., corresponding protrusions and grooves disposed on the first leg 132 and the first coupling mechanism 152 or vise- versa) that rotatably couples the first leg 132 to the button 150. Other examples are possible.

[0028] In the illustrated example of Figs. 1A-4, the second coupling mechanism 154 is in the form of a rotatable coupling. Specifically, the first end l34a of the second leg 134 includes at least one protrusion 137 that is rotatably inserted into a groove or opening 155 formed on the second coupling mechanism 154. So configured, the second leg 134 is rotatable relative to the button 150. In some examples (not shown), the first end l34a of the second leg 134 includes a groove or opening that rotatably accommodates at least a protrusion formed on the second coupling mechanism.

[0029] In operation, when the sliding mechanism 130 is positioned near the first end 1 lOa of the channel 110, the sliding mechanism 130 causes the button 150 to be disposed in a collapsed configuration (as illustrated in Fig. 1A). As Fig. 3 illustrates, as the sliding mechanism 130 continues to move towards the second end 110b of the channel 110, the stop 136 of the second leg 134 may contact the stop or ledge 106 of the elongated body 104.

[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 4, continued urging of the sliding mechanism 130 toward the second end 1 lOb of the elongated channel 110 causes the second leg 134 to rotate or pivot about its second end l34b (i.e., in a generally clockwise direction in the illustrated example of Fig. 4), which is rotatably coupled to the elongated channel 110. Further, the first end l34a of the second leg 134 rotates relative to the second coupling mechanism 154, and thus, relative to the button 150. Further, because the first leg 132 is fixedly coupled to the first coupling mechanism 152, and thus is fixedly coupled to the button 150, the first leg 150 rotates about its first end l32a (i.e., in a generally counter-clockwise direction in the illustrated example of Fig. 4) relative to the elongated channel. As a result, the button 150 rises to an expanded configuration. In examples where the first leg 132 is rotatably coupled to the first coupling mechanism 152, the first coupling mechanism 152, and thus the button 150, may also rotate relative to the first leg 132.

[0031] The first leg 132 and/or the second leg 134 may carry a locking mechanism 138 that causes the sliding mechanism 130 to be maintained in the expanded configuration illustrated in Fig. 4. For example, the locking mechanism 138 may be in the form of a protrusion that frictionally engages a portion of the elongated channel 110 to restrict the button 150 from lowering to the collapsed position without overcoming a frictional force maintaining the sliding mechanism in the expanded configuration. Other examples of suitable locking mechanisms are possible.

[0032] In some examples, the sliding mechanism 130 may be equipped with and/or formed by a resilient member that urges the button 150 towards the expanded configuration. For example, one or both of the legs 132, 134 may be constructed from a resilient material and may include an optional base portion l32c, l34c. This base portion l32c, l34c may be selectively biased to cause the first leg 132 and/or the second leg 134 to move to a desired configuration. For example, the first end l32a of the first leg 132 may be coupled to the base portion l32c and may be biased in a way that urges the first leg 132 into a bent or folded configuration where the second end l32b is positioned upwardly relative to the base portion l32c. Conversely, the second end l34b of the second leg 134 may be coupled to the base portion l34c and the second leg 134 may be biased towards a naturally flat configuration, thus the first end l34a of the second leg 134 is urged upwardly. In either of these two configurations, the resulting fore exerted on the button 150 causes it to move to the expanded configuration. In other examples, a separate resilient member (e.g., a spring; not shown) may be disposed at or near the second end 1 lOb of the channel 110 to urge the button 150 to the expanded configuration. Other examples are possible.

[0033] In these examples, the sliding mechanism 130 and/or the button 150 may engage a release mechanism 112 disposed at or near the second end 1 lOb of the elongated channel 110. For example, the release mechanism 112 may be in the form of a catch or protrusion that engages a corresponding tab formed on one or both of the sliding mechanism 130 and/or a surface of the button 150. This release mechanism 112 may act to maintain the sliding mechanism 130 (and thus, the button 150) in the collapsed configuration while the sliding mechanism 130 slides along the elongated channel 110. Upon the sliding mechanism 130 approaching the second end l lOb of the elongated channel 110, the sliding mechanism and/or the button 150 may disengage or be decoupled from the release mechanism, allowing the sliding mechanism to move freely toward the elongated configuration.

[0034] A second embodiment of an expandable device 200 is illustrated in Figs. 5A-6B. It will be appreciated that the expandable device 200 illustrated in Figs. 5A-6B may include similar features to the expandable device 100, and thereby elements illustrated in Figs. 5A-6B are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, increased by 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail.

[0035] The platform 202 includes an elongated body 204 and a channel 210 that a sliding mechanism 230 is operably coupled to. The channel 210 has a first end 2l0a and a second end 2l0b. In this example, the sliding mechanism 230 is in the form of a base or disk that extends a width into the channel 210. Accordingly, the sliding mechanism 230 slides along the elongated channel 210 from the first end 2l0a to the second end 210b thereof.

[0036] The button 250 is operably coupled to the sliding mechanism 230. In the illustrated example, the button 250 includes a top or outer surface 250a, a bottom or inner surface 250b, and a perimeter edge 250c. The button 250 further includes an expandable grip in the form of a collapsible mechanism 252 that generally facilitates movement of the expandable device 200 between a collapsed configuration, shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, and the expanded configuration shown in Figs. 6A and 6B. The collapsible mechanism 252 is in the form of a plurality of concentric rings 254 arranged between the button 250 and the sliding mechanism 230. In the illustrated example, the collapsible mechanism 252 includes three concentric rings 254a, 254b, and 254c each having a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section, though in other examples, more or less concentric rings 254 may be employed and/or the concentric rings may have a different shape. In any case, the concentric rings 254 are movable relative one another along a longitudinal axis L as the expandable device 200 moves between the collapsed and expanded configurations. Moreover, as illustrated in Figs. 5B and 6B, the concentric ring 254b is movable within the concentric ring 254a and the concentric ring 254c is movable within the concentric ring 254b (and, in turn, the ring 254a) as the expandable device 200 moves between the collapsed and expanded configurations. In some examples, the expandable grip may be in the form of a commercially available grip and stand product such as that available on

www.popsQckets.com. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,560,031, filed on February 23, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 9,970,589, filed on November 9, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/615,900, filed on June 7, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/679,934, filed on August 17, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/803,410, filed on November 3, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/808,076, filed on November 9, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/864,402, filed on January 8, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/864,509, filed on January 8, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/906,920, filed on February 27, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/922,601, filed on March 15, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/952,025, filed on April 12, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/993,458, filed on May 30, 2018; and U.S. Appl. No. 16/001,723, filed on June 6, 2018 each describe suitable expandable grip and stand product, which also incorporate collapsible mechanisms, the entirety of each being hereby incorporated by reference.

[0037] The button 250 in this example is similar to the button 150 described above, with common components referred to using common reference numerals. However, unlike the button 150, the button 250 also includes a first, annular projection 256 that is carried by and extends axially inward of and from a bottom or inner side 250b of the button 250 at or proximate to the perimeter edge 250c of the button 250. The projection 256 in this example has an inner surface 256a that curves radially inward as the projection 256 extends away from the button 250. The inner surface 256a is therefore arranged to interface with an outermost one of the concentric rings 254 (the concentric ring 254a in this example) to help maintain the concentric rings 254 in the proper position between the button 250 and the sliding mechanism 230. The button 250 and/or the expandable device 200 may include any features described in U.S. App. No.

15/808,076, filed on Nov. 9, 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0038] The sliding mechanism 230 in this example includes a second annular projection 232 that is carried by and extends axially inward of and from an upper side 230a of the sliding mechanism 230. The projection 232 is disposed radially inward of both the first projection 256 and the concentric rings 254. In other words, the second projection 232 is nested within the first projection 256 and the concentric rings 254. The second projection 232 has an outer surface 232a that tapers as the projection 232 extends away from the sliding mechanism 230. A detent 234 is formed at or proximate to an end of the outer surface 232a. The detent 234 is thus arranged to interface with an innermost one of the concentric rings 254 (the concentric ring 254c in this example) to help maintain the concentric rings 254 in the proper position between the button 250 and the sliding mechanism 230. In some examples, such as the one illustrated in Figs. 5B and 6B, the innermost concentric ring 254 (254c in this example) may also include a groove 254d that is sized to receive and interferingly engage the detent 234 in order to further help maintain the concentric rings 254 in the proper position.

[0039] In operation, the expandable device 200 may be transitioned between the expanded and collapsed configurations by manipulating the button 250. More particularly, the user of the expandable device 200 may move the expandable device 200 from the collapsed configuration (Figs. 5A and 5B) to the expanded configuration (Figs. 6A and 6B) by, for example, grabbing or grasping the button 250 and moving (e.g., pulling) the button 250 upward, away from the sliding mechanism 230, along the longitudinal axis L. As briefly mentioned above, the expandable device 200 includes a lock that may in turn lock, or securely retain, the expandable device 200 in this expanded configuration. In this example, the lock is a friction-based lock that is defined by the detent 234 and the inner surface 256a, which not only helps to maintain the concentric rings 254 in the proper position between the button 250 and the sliding mechanism 230, but also respectively frictionally engages the innermost and outermost of the concentric rings 254 (254c and 254a, respectively, in this example) when the expandable device 200 is in the expanded configuration. In this example, the concentric rings 254 are also shaped so as to frictionally engage one or both adjacent concentric rings 254 when the expandable device 200 is in the expanded configuration, thereby helping to lock the expandable device 200 in the expanded configuration. The user of the expandable device 200 may release or disengage these locking features, and move the expandable device 200 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, by, for example, moving (e.g., pushing, pressing) the button 250 downward, toward the sliding mechanism 230, along the longitudinal axis L. As the expandable device 200 is moved from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, the concentric rings 254 nest within one another, with the innermost ring 254 nesting within the next innermost ring 254 and so on, until the projection 232 is positioned immediately adjacent or in contact with the bottom side 250b of the button 250. [0040] In some of these examples, and as shown in Fig. 6B, the expandable device 200 may further include a resilient member 236 that urges the button 250 to the expanded configuration.

In the illustrated example, the resilient member 236 is in the form of a spring disposed in an interior region 250d of the button 250. In these examples, a portion of the button 250 (e.g., a protrusion 250e and/or a combination of the top surface 250a and the perimeter edge 250c, etc.) engages a release mechanism 212 disposed near the second end 2l0b of the channel. In some examples, the release mechanism 212 may be in the form of a corresponding catch, ledge, and/or protrusion that engages corresponding components formed on the button 250. The resilient member 236 is in a compressed state when the portion of the button 250 (e.g., the protrusion 250e and/or a combination of the top surface 250a and the perimeter edge 250c) engages the release mechanism 212 of the channel 210. Upon the sliding mechanism 230 moving towards the second end 2l0b of the channel 210, the protrusion 250e releases from the release mechanism 212, and accordingly, the resilient member 236 urges the button 250 to the expanded

configuration described above. A user may place the button 250 in the collapsed configuration by pressing against the button 250 and sliding the sliding mechanism 230 towards the first end 2l0a of the channel 210 until the protrusion 250e reengages the release mechanism 212. Other examples are possible.

[0041] A third embodiment of an expandable device 300 is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. It will be appreciated that the expandable device 300 illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 may include similar features to the expandable device 200, and thereby elements illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5A-6B, increased by 100. Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail.

[0042] The expandable device 300 includes a further elongated platform 302 including an elongated body 304 and channel 310 that a sliding mechanism 330 is operably coupled to. In some examples, the elongated body 304 may be partitioned into a first portion 304a and a second portion 304b that are operably coupled to each other. For example, the first portion 304a may include an engagement member 305 that couples to a corresponding engagement member 307 of the second portion 304b. The engagement members 305, 307 may be in the form of a tongue and groove connection whereby the engagement member 305 is inserted into the engagement member 307 to form a single elongated body 304. When the first and second portions 304a, 304b are coupled to each other, the single elongated channel 310 is formed, allowing the sliding mechanism 330 to move between a first end 3l0a and a second end 3l0b thereof.

[0043] As described with regards to the expandable device 200, a release mechanism 312 may be positioned near the second end 3l0b of the channel 310. In some examples, an additional release mechanism (not shown) may be positioned near the first end 3l0a of the channel 310. So configured, the button 350 may be capable of moving to an expanded configuration by sliding the sliding mechanism 330 to either one of the first or second ends 3 lOa, 3 lOb of the channel 310. In other examples, any number of additional release mechanisms may be positioned at various locations along the channel 310.

[0044] In any of these examples, and as illustrated in Fig. 8, the button 350 may be rotatably coupled to the sliding mechanism 330. In one example, such a coupling is in the form of a ball and corresponding socket configuration. Other examples are possible. As a result, the sliding mechanism may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis and configured in a number of desired orientations.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

[0046] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as“means for” or“step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. An expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device, the expandable device comprising:

a platform having an elongated body defining a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device; a channel disposed on the top side of the elongated body and including a first end and a second end, the channel extending at least partially between the first end and the second end of the elongated body;

a sliding mechanism operably coupled to the channel, the sliding mechanism adapted to move between the first end and the second end of the channel; and

a button having a top side and a bottom side, the button being operably coupled to the sliding mechanism;

wherein when the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, the sliding mechanism causes the button to be disposed in a collapsed configuration, and when the sliding mechanism is moved to the second end of the channel, the sliding mechanism causes the button to be disposed in an expanded configuration.

2. The expandable device of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a first leg and a second leg, the first leg including a first end and a second end, the first end of the first leg being slidably coupled to the channel, the second leg including a first end being rotatably coupled to the channel and a second end being rotatably coupled to the button.

3. The expandable device of claim 2, wherein the sliding mechanism further comprises a resilient member adapted to urge the button towards the expanded configuration.

4. The expandable device of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the sliding mechanism, the locking mechanism adapted to lock the button in the expanded configuration.

5. The expandable device of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a plurality of at least partially coaxial rings carried by a base member, the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings being movable relative to each other as the sliding mechanism is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, wherein the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings are substantially concentrically arranged when the sliding mechanism is in the collapsed configuration.

6. The expandable device of claim 5, further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the sliding mechanism, wherein when the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings are restricted from moving to the expanded configuration.

7. The expandable device of one of claims 5 or 6, further comprising a first projection carried by the button and extending radially inward to engage a portion of a first one of the partially coaxial rings to releasably secure the button to the collapsible mechanism.

8. The expandable device of claim 7, wherein the first projection has an inner surface that curves radially inward as the projection extends radially inwardly.

9. The expandable device of any one of claims 5-8, further comprising a second projection carried by the platform and extending radially outward to engage a portion of one of the partially coaxial rings to releasably secure the platform to the collapsible mechanism.

10. The expandable device of any one of claims 5-9, wherein the button includes a projection configured to couple the button to the channel.

11. The expandable device of claim 10, further comprising a resilient member configured to urge the button to the expanded configuration.

12. The expandable device of any one of claims 5-11, wherein the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings are carried by the base member via a rotatable coupling.

13. An expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device, the expandable device comprising: a platform having an elongated body defining a first end, a second end, a top side, and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device;

a channel disposed on the top side of the elongated body and including a first end and a second end, the channel extending at least partially between the first end and the second end of the platform, the channel including a release mechanism disposed near the second end thereof; a sliding mechanism operably coupled to the channel, the sliding mechanism adapted to move between the first end and the second end of the channel;

a button having a top side and a bottom side, the button being operably coupled to the sliding mechanism; and

a resilient member coupled to the button, the resilient member adapted to urge the button towards an expanded configuration;

wherein when the sliding mechanism is positioned near the first end of the channel, the sliding mechanism causes the button to be disposed in a collapsed configuration, and when the sliding mechanism is moved to the second end of the channel beyond the release mechanism, the resilient member causes the button to be disposed in an expanded configuration.

14. The expandable device of claim 13, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a first leg and a second leg, the first leg including a first end and a second end, the first end of the first leg being slidably coupled to the channel, the second leg including a first end being rotatably coupled to the channel and a second end being rotatably coupled to the bottom side of the button.

15. The expandable device of claim 13, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a plurality of at least partially coaxial rings carried by a base member, the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings being movable relative to each other as the collapsible mechanism is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, wherein the plurality of at least partially coaxial rings are substantially concentrically arranged when the collapsible mechanism is in the collapsed configuration.

16. The expandable device of any one of claims 13-15, further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the sliding mechanism, the locking mechanism adapted to lock the button in the expanded configuration.