WO2020091903A1 - Accessoire destiné à un dispositif électronique portatif - Google Patents

Accessoire destiné à un dispositif électronique portatif Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020091903A1
WO2020091903A1 PCT/US2019/051394 US2019051394W WO2020091903A1 WO 2020091903 A1 WO2020091903 A1 WO 2020091903A1 US 2019051394 W US2019051394 W US 2019051394W WO 2020091903 A1 WO2020091903 A1 WO 2020091903A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
button
accessory
release component
coupling mechanism
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2019/051394
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Randy Yang Chiang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
PopSockets LLC
Original Assignee
PopSockets LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by PopSockets LLC filed Critical PopSockets LLC
Publication of WO2020091903A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020091903A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
    • A45C11/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for storing portable handheld communication devices, e.g. pagers or smart phones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/10—Handles for carrying purposes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/041—Allowing quick release of the apparatus
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/043—Allowing translations
    • F16M11/046—Allowing translations adapted to upward-downward translation movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/08—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a vertical axis, e.g. panoramic heads
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/16—Details concerning attachment of head-supporting legs, with or without actuation of locking members thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
    • F16M11/2007—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment
    • F16M11/2014—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment around a vertical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
    • F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
    • F16M11/38—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by folding, e.g. pivoting or scissors tong mechanisms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F16M13/02—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
    • F16M13/022—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle repositionable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F16M13/04—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or holding steady relative to, a person, e.g. by chains, e.g. rifle butt or pistol grip supports, supports attached to the chest or head
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45C
    • A45C2200/15—Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
    • A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
    • A45F5/02—Fastening articles to the garment
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0279—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics
    • H04M1/0283—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to an accessory device and, more particularly, to accessory devices for 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.
  • 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. In some cases, a user may wish to interchange a button to provide a different visual effect.
  • an accessory for a portable electronic device includes a button having a top side and a bottom side that carries a first release component, a platform having a top side and a bottom side, the top side carrying a second release component, and a coupling mechanism operably coupled to the platform.
  • the coupling mechanism is in the form of a magnetic member.
  • the first release component selectively secures to the second release component to secure the button to the platform.
  • the coupling mechanism is adapted to magnetically couple to an object, which, in some examples, may be an appliance.
  • the magnetic member is flush-mounted to the bottom side of the platform. In other approaches, the magnetic member protrudes outwardly from the bottom side of the platform. In any of these approaches, the magnetic member may be formed integrally with the platform.
  • the accessory further includes an expandable body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis.
  • the expandable body is operably coupled to at least one of the platform or the button and is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration to selectively move the button between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.
  • the expandable body upon decoupling the first release component from the second release component, the expandable body remains coupled to the button.
  • the expandable body upon decoupling the first release component from the second release component, the expandable body remains coupled to the platform.
  • an approach for operating an accessory for a portable electronic device includes securing a platform of the accessory to an object using a coupling mechanism and securing a button of the accessory to the platform using a release component.
  • the coupling mechanism is in the form of a magnetic member.
  • the release component includes a first portion operably secured to the platform and a second portion operably secured to the button to releasably secure the button to the platform.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example accessory in accordance with various embodiments
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of the accessory of Fig. 1 in accordance with various embodiments
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the accessory of Figs. 1 and 2 coupled to an object in accordance with various embodiments
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a second example accessory in accordance with various embodiments
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a third example accessory device in accordance with various embodiments
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the accessory device of Fig. 5, including an example button, an example body including an example disk, an example hub, and an example platform in accordance with various embodiments;
  • Fig. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view of the accessory device taken at I-I of Fig. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;
  • Fig. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of the accessory device taken at II- II of Fig. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;
  • Fig. 9 is a front, cross-sectional view of the accessory device of Fig. 5 in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments;
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of the connecting disk of Fig. 5 in accordance with various embodiments.
  • Fig. 12 is a side view of the connecting disk of Fig. 11 in accordance with various embodiments.
  • Fig. 13 is a isometric view of the hub of Fig. 5 in accordance with various requirements
  • Fig. 16 is a side, cross-sectional view of the platform taken at III- III of Fig. 13 in accordance with various embodiments;
  • Fig. 17 is a front, cross-sectional view of the platform taken at IV-IV of Fig. 13 in accordance with various embodiments;
  • Fig. 18 is a front, cross-sectional view of a fourth example accessory device constructed in accordance with various embodiments;
  • Fig. 19 is a side, cross-sectional view of the accessory device of Fig. 18 in accordance with various embodiments.
  • Fig. 20 is a top view of a second example connector of the accessory device of Fig. 18 in accordance with various embodiments.
  • accessory devices for use with expandable devices for portable electronics are provided. These accessory devices may be releasably mounted or coupled to an object.
  • an expandable accessory device includes a platform, a button, and an expanding mechanism that is movable relative to the platform between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
  • These expandable devices may be coupled to a portable electronic device (e.g., a cellular telephone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.) to provide a gripping and/or storage mechanism for a user.
  • a portable electronic device e.g., a cellular telephone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.
  • FIG. 1 A first embodiment of an accessory device 100 is shown in Figs. 1-3.
  • the accessory device 100 includes a platform 122 having a top or upper side l22a and a bottom or lower side l22b, a button 114 having a top or upper side 1 l4a and a bottom or lower side 1 l4b, and a collapsible and/or expandable mechanism or body 118 operably coupled to the button 114 (illustrated in a collapsed configuration in Figs. 1 and 2).
  • the accessory device 100 further includes a coupling mechanism 102 and a releasable or locking device or mechanism 124 that allows a portion of the accessory device 100 (e.g., the body 118 and/or the button 114) to be disengaged from the platform 122.
  • a portion of the platform 122 may carry a first release component l24a
  • a portion of the button 118 e.g., the bottom surface 1 l4b
  • the platform 122 may have any desired shape (e.g., an annular shape) and is preferably constructed from metal or plastic material, though other suitable materials (e.g., cardboard) can be used.
  • the body 118 generally facilitates movement of the accessory device 100 between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and to retain the accessory device 100 in the desired configuration (expanded or collapsed) when coupled to a portable electronic device (via a separate platform; not shown).
  • the body 118 may take the form of an outer case, enclosure, shell, deformable cover, etc., and may include a resilient member (e.g., a coil spring) that is arranged between the platform 122 and the button 114.
  • a resilient member e.g., a coil spring
  • the button 114 includes the top or upper side 1 l4a and the bottom or inner side 1 l4b and is operably coupled to the body 118.
  • the button 114 may have an annular shape. In other examples, however, the button 114 may have a rectangular, square, triangular, irregular, or other shape.
  • the button 114 in this example also has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the platform 122, though this need not be the case.
  • the button 114 is preferably constructed from metal or plastic material, though other suitable materials can be used.
  • the button 114 is removable from an expandable device operably coupled to a portable electronic device, and may be selectively secured to the platform 122 of the accessory device 100 for storage and/or display purposes.
  • the button 114 may have artistic value (e.g., the button 114 may include an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), the button 114 may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their fingers between the bottom side 1 l4b and the platform 122 when the body 118 is in the expanded configuration (when, for example, the button is coupled to the portable electronic device) such that the top side 114a of the button 114 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 platform 122.
  • a cord such as a cord for earphones
  • the body 118 is used to move from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration by overcoming any biasing forces applied by resilient members. This may be accomplished by grabbing or grasping the button 114 and moving (e.g., pushing) the button 114 towards the platform 122.
  • the accessory device 100 may include any number of retaining components to maintain the accessory device 100 in the collapsed configuration.
  • the button 114 may be positioned in the expanded configuration by grasping or pulling the button 114 away from the platform 122 with a sufficient force to overcome the force of any retaining components used to secure the accessory device 100 in the collapsed configuration. Upon doing so, if the accessory device 100 is equipped with a resilient member or members, the button 114 will be urged towards, and maintained in, an expanded configuration.
  • the bottom side 114b of the button 114 includes the second release component l24b to allow the button 114 to be removed from and coupled to the platform 122 of the accessory device 100.
  • the first and second release components l24a, l24b may include any number of subcomponents.
  • the coupling mechanism 102 allows the accessory device 100 to be secured to an object 108.
  • the coupling mechanism 102 is in the form of a magnet that is operably coupled to the platform 122 (e.g., at the bottom surface l22b thereof). In some examples, and as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the coupling portion 102 is disposed on the bottom surface l22b of the platform.
  • the accessory device 100 may be coupled to an object (e.g., an appliance such as a refrigerator as illustrated in Fig. 3, a dishwasher, etc.) by placing the platform 122 (and thus the coupling member 102) against the object 108.
  • an object e.g., an appliance such as a refrigerator as illustrated in Fig. 3, a dishwasher, etc.
  • the coupling member 102 will then be coupled to the object 108 via magnetic attraction. So configured, different objects (e.g., notes, drawings, receipts, papers, etc.) may be temporarily affixed to the object 108 for display.
  • the button 114 may then be coupled to the platform 122 via the releasable mechanism 124. As a result, any visual depictions on the button 114 may be displayed on the object 108. It will be appreciated that in some approaches, the button 114 may be first secured to the platform 122 via the releasable mechanism 124 prior to securing the coupling mechanism 102 to the object 108. So configured, the accessory device 100 resembles a magnetic button having interchangeable visualizations by way of different buttons.
  • an alternative accessory device 200 is provided. It will be appreciated that the accessory device 200 illustrated in Fig. 4 may include similar features to the accessory device 100, and thereby elements illustrated in Fig. 4 are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-3, increased by 100.
  • the coupling mechanism 202 is embedded within the platform 222. While the illustrated example of Fig. 4 depicts the coupling mechanism 202 being flush with the bottom side 222b of the platform 222, in some approaches, the coupling mechanism 202 may be embedded within the platform 222 but still extend outwardly from the bottom surface 222b of the platform 222. In any or all of the example devices 100, 200, the coupling mechanism 102, 202 may be integrally formed with the platform 122, 222.
  • the above accessory devices 100, 200 may include any number of additional features as desired to improve and/or increase its functionality.
  • approaches described herein may include a release mechanism to allow the body and the button to be selectively decoupled from the platform.
  • the third example accessory device 300 is provided in further detail.
  • the accessory device 300 includes a button 314, a platform 322 that is attachable to an object or component, and a body 318 attached to the button 314.
  • the body 318 is movable between an expanded configuration, as shown in Figs. 5-8, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 9.
  • a release component or locking device 324 which is hidden from view in Fig.
  • the locking device 324 is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 318 is removable from the platform 322, and a locked configuration, in which the body 318 is secured to the platform 322.
  • the body 318 may rotate freely about a longitudinal axis A relative to both the platform 322 and the locking device 324.
  • the body 318 is configured to rotate with the locking device 324, and therefore move the locking device 324 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, for example, only when the body 318 is in the collapsed configuration.
  • an engaging member 330 carried by an inner surface 334 of the button 314 is configured to engage with a mating surface 338 of the locking device 324 when the device 300 in in the collapsed configuration.
  • the engaging member 330 of the button 314 engages the locking device 324 such that the locking device 324 is rotatable relative to the platform 322 between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 318 is removable from the platform 322, and a locked configuration, in which the body 318 is secured to the platform 322.
  • the locking device 324 also rotates about the axis A relative to the platform 322 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.
  • the locking device 324 includes a hub 326 and a connecting disk 328 rotatably connected to the body 318.
  • the body 318 is rotatable relative to the locking device 324 and therefore rotatably coupled to the platform 322 by way of the locking device 324.
  • the platform 322 has the coupling mechanism 302 that assists in attaching the platform 322 to an object.
  • the coupling mechanism 302 secures the platform 322 relative to the device and may facilitate unlocking and locking the locking device 324.
  • the hub 326, the connecting disk 328, the button 314, the body 318, and the platform 322 are aligned relative to the longitudinal axis A when the accessory device 300 is in the locked configuration.
  • the body 318 can include an accordion-like structure 318 having a collapsible wall 320.
  • the body 318 is movable between the expanded configuration, as shown in Figs. 5-8, and collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 9.
  • the body 318 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A, and includes a first end 340 distal to the platform 322 and a second end 342 proximate to the platform 322.
  • the button 314 is attached to the first end 340 of the body 318, the wall 320 of the body 318 and the button 314 define a chamber 356.
  • the body 318 includes an aperture 358 formed in the second end 342 of the body 318 such that the locking device 324 may be partially disposed both internally and externally relative to the body 318.
  • the chamber 356 has a volume sized to receive the connecting disk 328.
  • the body 318 can be made of a flexible material, such as polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, or may be any equivalently functional material suitable for its intended purpose.
  • the connecting disk 328 of the locking device 324 carried by the second end 342 of the body 318 and is disposed in the chamber 356 of the body 318 adjacent to the second end 342.
  • the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328 faces the inner surface 334 of the button 314, and a second mating surface 360 extends through the aperture 358 of the second end 342 of the body 318 for coupling to the hub 326.
  • the connecting disk 328 is disposed within the body 318 and is rotatable relative to the body 318.
  • the connecting disk 328 rotates with the body 318 when the button 314 is attached to the first end 340 of the body 318 and engages with the first mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328.
  • the engaging member 330 of the button 314 is particularly suited to connect with the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328.
  • locking device 324 of the device 300 is beneficially constructed so that the body 318 does not easily detach from the platform 322 when the device 300 is in use.
  • the button 314 of the device 300 acts as a key to unlock or lock the body 318 from or to the platform 322 when the button 314 engages the locking device 324.
  • the locking device 324 is disposed below the body (as opposed to the button), the body acts as a key to unlock or lock the body from or to the platform.
  • the engaging member 330 of the button 314 and the first mating surface 338 of the locking device 324 are arranged so that the engaging member 330 and the first mating surface 338 interlock (e.g., mesh, overlap, engage, mate, couple) when the inner surface 334 of the button 314 is adjacent to the mating surface 338.
  • the inner surface 334 of the button 314 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 10.
  • the engaging member 330 includes a plurality of protrusions 344 (e.g., teeth, ribs, studs, pegs, etc.) separated by a plurality of spaces 348 (e.g., grooves, notches, dimples, etc.), which may be arranged in a predetermined pattern or configuration that corresponds to the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328.
  • the engaging member 330 includes a plurality protruding teeth 344 evenly spaced by the plurality of openings or grooves 348 in the shape of a ring.
  • the engaging member 330 is disposed about the longitudinal axis A, and is symmetrical such that the button 314 may easily mesh with the first mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328 is arranged in a pattern of protruding teeth 352 (e.g., protrusions, ribs, studs, pegs, etc.), which are evenly spaced by a plurality of grooves 354 (e.g., spaces, notches, dimples, etc.).
  • the first mating surface 338 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A such that the button 314 may easily mesh with the first mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328.
  • the plurality of protrusions 352 of the connecting disk 328 are aligned, and sized to fit, within the spaces 348 of the engaging member 330 of the button 314.
  • the plurality of grooves 354 are aligned, and sized to receive, the plurality of protrusions 344 of the button 314.
  • the plurality of protrusions 344, 352 of the button 314 and the mating surface 338 of the locking device 324 are interlocked and positioned to engage when the button 314 is rotated about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the mating surface 338 and the engaging member 330 interlock or otherwise engage via an alternative locking configuration.
  • the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328 is shown.
  • the second mating surface 360 includes a flat area 362, a protruding portion 363 surrounded by the flat area 362 and extending axially away from the flat area 362 of the disk 328.
  • the flat area 362 is configured to lay flat against an interior surface of the second end 342 of the body 318 and the protruding portion 363 is configured to at least partially extend through the aperture 358 of the body 318.
  • the flat area 362 includes a smooth surface to reduce friction between the disk 328 and the body 318 such that the connecting disk 328 is free to rotate relative to the body 318 when the disk 328 is disposed within the chamber 356.
  • a distal end 364 of the protruding portion 363 includes a plurality of angled tips.
  • the angled tips 364 may be configured to flex, bend, or otherwise deform to mate with the hub 326.
  • the hub 326 and the connecting disk 328 may be fixed (e.g., welded, fused, etc.) together to move as a unitary locking device 324.
  • the hub 326 and connecting disk 328 can be integrally formed.
  • the distal end 364 may be a textured material configured to frictionally engage with the hub 326 so that the connecting disk 328 rotates the hub 326 when the disk 328 and hub 326 are engaged.
  • the hub 326 includes a body 365 and first and second radial wings 366 and 368 that extend outwardly from the body 365.
  • the wings 366 and 368 are disposed on opposing sides of the body 365, and may be a resilient material such that the wings 366 and 368 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when the wings 366 and 368 engage the platform 322.
  • the body 365 includes a first surface 370 and a second surface 372 opposite the first surface 370.
  • the first surface 370 is configured to mate with the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328.
  • an opening 371 formed in the first surface 370 is sized and shaped to receive the protruding portion 363 of the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328.
  • the hub 326 includes first and second curved notches or ramps 373, 374 formed in the second surface 372 to facilitate disengagement between the platform 322 and the hub 326 when the locking device 324 rotates relative to the platform 322.
  • the notches 373, 374 are formed to slide against protrusions 376, 378 extending from the platform 322 when the locking device 324 rotates a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) about the longitudinal axis A.
  • First and second detents 384, 386 are formed in the second surface 372 of the hub 326 and are shaped to engage with first and second protrusions 376, 378 of the platform 322 when the locking device 324 is in the locked configuration.
  • the second surface 372 of the body 365 may have only one notch 373 or 374 or no notches.
  • the portion of the second surface 372 opposite disposed from the notch 373 may be flat or coplanar with the second surface 372. This configuration may facilitate removal of the body 318 from the platform 322.
  • the protrusion 376 or 378 of the platform 394 may bias the second surface 372 of the hub 326 upward and away from the platform 322.
  • the hub 326 and the platform 322 are arranged to rotatably couple to lock the body 318 to the platform 322.
  • the first and second wings 366 and 368 are deformable such that they may deflect from their original position when the wings 366 and 368 engage first and second shelves 380, 382 of the platform 322 as the locking device 324 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.
  • the detents 384, 386 formed in the second surface 372 of the hub 326 are configured to engage with the platform 322 in the locked configuration. Specifically, each detent 384, 386 is partially formed in one of the two wings 366, 368.
  • the second shelf 382 is substantially similar to the first shelf 380 and the wing 368 is substantially similar to the wing 366, such that any details of the first shelf 380 and the first wing 366 discussed below apply equally to the second shelf 382 and the second wing 368, respectively.
  • the locking device 324 includes two wings 366 and 368 and the platform 322 includes two shelves 380 and 382 corresponding to the wings 366 and 368 of the locking member 324.
  • the locking device 324 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 322 may have the same number of corresponding shelves.
  • the platform 322 includes two protrusions 376, 378 and the hub 326 includes two detents 384, 386 corresponding to the protrusions 376, 378.
  • the hub 326 may include one detent or more than two detents, and the platform may have the same number of corresponding protrusions.
  • the hub 326 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any equivalently functional materials suitable for its intended purpose.
  • the hub 326 is coupled to the platform 322 when the locking device is in the locked configuration.
  • the platform 322 includes an outer surface 387 and a collar 388 extending away from the surface 387.
  • the collar 388 defines a cavity 390.
  • the second shelf 382 oppositely disposed from the first shelf 380 is configured to slidably receive one of the wings 366 and 368 of the hub 326.
  • the shelves 380 and 382 are configured to engage one of the wings 366 and 368 of the locking member 324 when the locking member 324 is in the locked configuration.
  • a surface of each shelf 380 and 382 inhibits axial movement of the locking device 324 relative to the platform 322 when the locking device 324 is in the locked configuration.
  • the first and second wings 366 and 368 move out of engagement with the shelves 380 and 382 when the hub 326 is rotated.
  • the first exemplary platform 322 includes the first shelf 380 extending radially inwardly from the collar 388 and into a cavity 390 formed in the platform 322. At least a portion of the locking device 324 is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform 322 for releasably coupling the body 318 to the platform 322.
  • the cavity 390 is partially defined by a non-circular opening 392, as shown in Fig. 15, and is shaped to receive the first and second wings 366 and 368 of the hub 326.
  • the opening 392 is defined by first and second opposing shelves 380, 382, and an interior wall 3100 of the collar 388.
  • the platform 322 also includes a base 394 that is recessed from the collar 388 and defines a lower boundary of the cavity 390 of the platform 322.
  • the base 394 is connected to the inner wall 3100 of the platform 322 such that the base 394 may be co-planar with the mounting surface 339 of the platform 322, as shown in Fig. 16.
  • the base 394 also includes first and second protrusions 376, 378 extending axially into the cavity 390 and spaced radially inwardly relative to the shelves 380, 382, respectively.
  • the base 394 is connected to the inner wall 3100 at opposing ends, which are 90 degrees offset from the first and second shelves 380, 382.
  • the collar 388 defines a radially recessed inner wall 3100, providing a clearance for the hub 326. So configured, the radial wings 366, 368 of the hub 328 may slide into the opening 392 until the radial wings 366, 368 are beneath a reference plane on which the shelves 380, 382 are disposed.
  • the base 394 is disconnected from the inner wall 3100 directly below the first and second shelves 380, 382 such that the base 394 may flex downward relative to the shelves 380, 382 when the second surface 372 of the hub 326 engages the base 394.
  • the first shelf 380 of the platform 322 includes a first surface 3104 that faces the second end 342 of the body 318, and a second surface 3108 that engages with one of the first and second wings 366 and 368 of the locking member 324 when the locking member 324 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.
  • the platform 322 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any equivalently functional materials suitable for its intended purpose.
  • the hub 326 is disposed through the opening 392 and into the cavity 390 of the platform 322 such that the locking member 324 is at least partially disposed below first and second shelves 380, 382.
  • the locking member 324 is rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the first wing 366 of the hub 326 of the locking member 324 slides against the shelf 380 of the platform 322 until the protrusion 376 of the base 394 snaps into the detent 384 of the second surface 372 of the hub 326.
  • the hub 326 may deflect or displace the base 394 until the protrusion 376 and the detent 384 are engaged.
  • the base 394 may be a resilient material such that the base 394 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when engaged by the hub 326.
  • the base 394 may bend or flex along a flexible hinge formed in the base 394 extending between opposing sides of the inner wall 3100 (i.e., where the base 394 connects to the platform 322.
  • the second shelf 382 is substantially similar to the first shelf 380
  • the second wing 368 is substantially similar to the first wing 366
  • the second detent 386 is substantially similar to the first detent 384
  • the second protrusion 378 is substantially similar to the first protrusion 376, such that any details of the first shelf 380, first wing 366, first detent 384, and the first protrusion 376 discussed above apply equally to the second shelf 382, the second wing 368, the second detent 386, and the second protrusion 378, respectively.
  • the mating relationships between the button 314 and the connecting disk 328, the connecting disk 328 and the hub 326, and the hub 326 and the platform 322 may be configured to provide any number of different mating engagements.
  • the hub 326 may include one or more protrusions extending from its second surface 372 to couple to one or more detents formed in the base 394 of the platform 322.
  • the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328 may not extend through the aperture 358 formed in the second end 342 of the body 318, but instead, the first surface 370 of the hub 326 may include a portion that extends into the aperture 358 of the body 318 to couple with the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 322.
  • Non-limiting examples of the configuration or mating relationship between the locking member 324 and the platform 322 and/or other components of the device 300 are disclosed in U.S. Appl. No. 15/864,402, filed January 8, 2018, U.S. Appl. No.
  • the accessory device 300 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking device 324 and the platform 322.
  • a user of the accessory device 300 may rotate the locking device 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by collapsing the expandable device 310 such that the button 314 engages with the connecting disk 328 of the locking device 324, and then by grabbing or grasping the button 314 or body 318 and moving, e.g., rotating or twisting, the button 314 or body 318 a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A.
  • the button 314 engages with the locking device 324 to rotate the locking device 324 with the button 314 and body 318.
  • the connecting disk 328 transfers the rotational motion from the button 314 to rotate the hub 326 of the locking device 324 out of engagement with the platform 322.
  • the device 300 may be assembled by connecting the connecting disk 328 to the second end 342 of the body 318 by disposing the connecting disk 328 into the chamber 356 of the body 318.
  • the second mating surface 360 is coupled to the first surface 370 of the hub 326 such that the hub 326 and the connecting disk 328 form a unitary locking device 324.
  • the body 318 may be coupled to the platform 322 by disposing the hub 326 into the cavity 390 of the platform 322.
  • Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate a fourth example device 400 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.
  • the fourth example device 400 is similar to the device 300 of Figs. 5-9.
  • the same or similar components of the device 400 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the devices 100, 200, 300, although the reference numbers will be increased by a multiple of 100.
  • a button 414 of the fourth device 400 includes an engaging member 430 having a non circular cross-sectional shape.
  • the engaging member 430 includes a plurality of sides 431 configured to engage with a corresponding opening 448 or indentation formed in a first mating surface 438 of a locking device 424.
  • a connecting disk 428 of the locking device 424 includes the first mating surface 438 having a non-circular shape sized to receive the engaging member 430 of the button 414 when the device 410 is in a collapsed configuration.
  • a body 418, a platform 422, and a hub 426 may be substantially similar to the body 318, platform 322, and hub 326 of the third device 300 previously described with reference to Figs. 5-17.
  • the mating surface 438 of the locking device 424 and the engaging member 430 of the button 414 may be any number of shapes and structures that facilitate engagement between the locking device 424 and the button 414.
  • the expandable grip accessory of the current disclosure may be in the form of a commercially available grip and stand product such as that available on

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un accessoire pour un dispositif électronique portatif qui comprend un bouton ayant un côté supérieur et un côté inférieur qui supporte un premier élément de libération, une plateforme ayant un côté supérieur et un côté inférieur, le côté supérieur portant un second élément de libération, et un mécanisme d'accouplement accouplé fonctionnellement à la plateforme. Le mécanisme d'accouplement se présente sous la forme d'un élément magnétique. Le premier élément de libération se fixe sélectivement au second élément de libération pour fixer le bouton à la plateforme. Le mécanisme d'accouplement est conçu pour s'accoupler magnétiquement à un objet.
PCT/US2019/051394 2018-11-02 2019-09-17 Accessoire destiné à un dispositif électronique portatif Ceased WO2020091903A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201862754760P 2018-11-02 2018-11-02
US62/754,760 2018-11-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020091903A1 true WO2020091903A1 (fr) 2020-05-07

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WO (1) WO2020091903A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

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WO2022087183A1 (fr) * 2020-10-21 2022-04-28 Black Jet Innovations, Inc. Poignée et support de dispositif mobile
US20220353359A1 (en) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 Marco Donna Gripping accessory for portable electronic devices, gripping accessory group, accessory assembly and method
US11530779B2 (en) 2020-10-21 2022-12-20 Black Jet Innovations, Inc. Mobile device grip and stand
US11786031B1 (en) 2022-09-13 2023-10-17 ohSnap, Inc. Grip for portable electronic devices
KR102850289B1 (ko) * 2025-01-23 2025-08-27 주식회사 허스크 휴대용 단말 거치대 및 그 제조방법
USD1098094S1 (en) 2021-10-13 2025-10-14 Popsockets Llc Mobile electronic device grip with round base

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US8560031B2 (en) 2011-03-16 2013-10-15 David B. Barnett Extending socket for portable media player
WO2016205041A1 (fr) * 2015-06-17 2016-12-22 Airo Collective, Inc. Support de dispositif mobile
US20180051851A1 (en) * 2016-08-17 2018-02-22 Popsockets Llc Expanding socket accessory for mobile electronic device
WO2018187278A1 (fr) * 2017-04-03 2018-10-11 Popsockets Llc Accessoire tournant destiné à un dispositif électronique mobile

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8560031B2 (en) 2011-03-16 2013-10-15 David B. Barnett Extending socket for portable media player
WO2016205041A1 (fr) * 2015-06-17 2016-12-22 Airo Collective, Inc. Support de dispositif mobile
US20180051851A1 (en) * 2016-08-17 2018-02-22 Popsockets Llc Expanding socket accessory for mobile electronic device
US9970589B2 (en) 2016-08-17 2018-05-15 Popsockets Llc Expandable sockets for use with portable media players
WO2018187278A1 (fr) * 2017-04-03 2018-10-11 Popsockets Llc Accessoire tournant destiné à un dispositif électronique mobile

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022087183A1 (fr) * 2020-10-21 2022-04-28 Black Jet Innovations, Inc. Poignée et support de dispositif mobile
US11530779B2 (en) 2020-10-21 2022-12-20 Black Jet Innovations, Inc. Mobile device grip and stand
USD1021887S1 (en) 2020-10-21 2024-04-09 Black Jet Innovations, Inc. Accessory for a mobile device
US12129963B2 (en) 2020-10-21 2024-10-29 Black Jet Innovations, Inc. Mobile device grip and stand
US20220353359A1 (en) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 Marco Donna Gripping accessory for portable electronic devices, gripping accessory group, accessory assembly and method
US11632453B2 (en) * 2021-04-28 2023-04-18 Marco Donna Gripping accessory for portable electronic devices, gripping accessory group, accessory assembly and method
USD1098094S1 (en) 2021-10-13 2025-10-14 Popsockets Llc Mobile electronic device grip with round base
US11786031B1 (en) 2022-09-13 2023-10-17 ohSnap, Inc. Grip for portable electronic devices
KR102850289B1 (ko) * 2025-01-23 2025-08-27 주식회사 허스크 휴대용 단말 거치대 및 그 제조방법

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