Expandable device for a portable electronic device.

EXPANDABLE DEVICE FOR A SITW。ELECTRONIC。PORTABLE DEVICE

Cross reference to related requests

This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number: 62/582,912 filed November 7, 2017, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number: 62/589,068 filed November 21, 2017. November 2017, and the United States Non-Provisional Patent Application with Serial Number: 15/993,458 filed May 30, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

field of invention

This disclosure relates generally to a device and, more particularly, to expandable devices that can be attached to portable electronic devices or housings for portable electronic devices, and used as handles, stands, or for other purposes.

Background of the invention

Portable electronic devices, such as MP3 players and smartphones, are often housed in protective covers or casings in order to protect the device from damage, provide a handle for handling the device, and/or provide a stand to support the device. the device on a surface. Such casings increase the effective size of the device. Expandable devices and accessories, which can be attached directly to the device or to the case that protects the device, are used for a variety of functions, including supporting the device on a surface and providing an expandable handle for handling the device. Expandable devices have decorative buttons, which may display logos, labels, symbols, or other artistic representations.

Brief description of the invention

According to a first exemplary aspect, an expandable device for a portable electronic device may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body can be moved between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A button may be attached to the first end of the body and this may include an internal surface and an engagement element carried by the internal surface. A platform may include an outer surface and a collar that extends away from the outer surface. The collar may define a cavity. The second end of the body can carry a locking device. At least a portion of the locking device can be adapted in such a way as to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform in order to releasably couple the body to the platform. When the body is in the collapsed configuration, the button coupling element can be coupled to the locking device in such a way that the locking device can be rotated relative to the platform between an unlocked configuration, in which the body can be dismounted from the platform, and a locked configuration, in which the body is secured to the platform.

According to a second exemplary aspect, a method of attaching an expandable device to a portable electronic device or case may include rotatably coupling a first body to a platform through a locking device that is arranged between the first body and the platform, and the disassembly of the first body from the platform. Furthermore, the method may include rotatably coupling a second body, different from the first body, to the platform.

Furthermore, according to one or more of the first or second aspects above, an expandable device and/or a method for fixing the expandable device may further include one or more of the following preferred forms.

In a preferred form, the locking device may include a link disk and a core attached to the link disk. The core can be attached to the platform when the locking device is in the locked configuration and can be removed from the platform when the locking device is in the unlocked configuration.

In a preferred form, the connecting disc may be adjacent to the second end of the body. The connecting disc may include a first mating surface adapted to mate to the button mating element and a second mating surface adapted to mate to the core.

In a preferred form, the πύοΙβο may include a body having a first surface adapted to engage the connecting disc, a second surface adapted to engage a first portion of the platform, and a radial flange extending from the core body. and adapted to engage a different portion of the platform.

In a preferred form, the cavity of the platform can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body.

In a preferred form, the platform may include a protrusion that extends into the cavity.

The protrusion can be adapted to engage the second surface of the ηύοΙεο when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the core can be configured in such a way as to slide against the boss of the platform. The platform can be configured in such a way as to deform when the locking device is moved between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the platform may include a base recessed from the collar and at least partially defining the cavity in such a way that the cavity may be disposed between the collar and the base of the platform. The bulge can be formed at the base.

In a preferred form, the platform may include a rim that extends into the cavity from the collar. The lip can be configured in such a way as to engage the radial flange of the core when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the radial wing of the core can be arranged below the lip of the platform when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the core may include a curved notch formed in the second surface of the body. The notch can be configured in such a way as to engage the protrusion of the platform when the locking device is moved between the locked and unlocked configurations.

In a preferred form, at least one of the base of the platform and a portion of the core can be made of a resilient material and is deformable. The at least one of the base and the platform can be deformed as the locking device moves from the unlocked to the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the second mating surface of the connecting disk is adaptable to extend through the second end of the body.

In a preferred form, the button engagement element may include a plurality of prongs extending away from the inner surface.

In a preferred form, the first mating surface of the connection disk can be arranged in such a way as to engage the mating element of the button.

In a preferred form, the button engagement element may include a non-circular prong extending away from the inner surface.

In a preferred form, the connection disc may include an opening having a shape that corresponds to the shape of the non-circular protrusion of the button coupling element.

In a preferred form, the connecting disc can be fixed to the core.

In a preferred form, the body can include a flexible wall that defines a chamber. The locking device can be arranged at least partly in the body chamber.

In a preferred form, a housing body can be dimensioned such as to receive a portable electronic device and the platform can be integrally formed with the housing body.

In a preferred form, rotational engagement of the first body may include collapsing the first body in such a way that a button attached to the first body can engage an engagement surface of the locking device, and rotation of the first body. body with respect to the platform by means of the engagement of the button and the engagement surface of the locking device.

In a preferred form, disassembly of the first body from the platform may include collapsing the first body such that the button attached to the first body can engage the mating surface of the locking device, and rotating the first body. body with respect to the platform by means of the engagement of the button and the engagement surface of the locking device.

In a preferred form, the method may include locking the first body to the platform by means of rotating the locking device with respect to the platform when the first body is in a collapsed configuration.

In a preferred form, the method may include providing the platform integrally formed with a housing body for the portable device.

In a preferred form, the method may include fixing the platform to a surface of a portable device or a case for the portable device.

In a preferred form, the method may include attaching a locking device connection disc to one end of the first body prior to rotatably coupling the first body to the platform.

In a preferred form, the method may include attaching the connecting disk to a core and fixing the connecting disk to the core.

In a preferred form, rotatably engaging the first body may include first engaging the first body to the locking device by sliding a wing of the core through an opening in the deck, and rotating the first body. with respect to the platform for arranging the wing of the core below a rim of the platform.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first exemplary expandable device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the expandable device of Figure 1, including a first exemplary button, a first exemplary body including a first exemplary disk, a first exemplary core, and a first exemplary platform. example.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional front view of the expandable device taken at ll of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the expandable device taken at ll-ll of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional front view of the expandable device of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration.

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the button of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a top view of the connection disc of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a side view of the connection disc of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of the core of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a bottom view of the core of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a top view of the platform of Figure 1.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the platform taken at Ill-Ill of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional front view of the platform taken at IV-IV of Figure 9.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional front view of a second exemplary expandable device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the expandable device of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a top view of a second exemplary connector of the expandable device of Figure 14.

Figure 17 is an isometric view of a case for a portable electronic device having an integrated expandable device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of the invention

In Figures 1 to 5, a first exemplary expandable device 10 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The expandable device 10 includes a button 14, a body 18 attached to the button 14, and a platform 22 that can be attached to a portable electronic device (not shown), to a housing for a portable electronic device, or to any other desired component. The body 18 is movable between an expanded configuration, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in Figure 5. A locking device 24, which is hidden from view in Figure 1 and shown in Figure 2, is arranged between body 18 and platform 22 to rotatably and releasably couple body 18 to platform 22. Locking device 24 is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which body 18 can be dismounted from platform 22, and a locked configuration, in which body 18 is secured to platform 22. When body 18 is in In the expanded configuration, the body 18 is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis A relative to both the platform 22 and the locking device 24. The body 18 is configured in such a way as to rotate with the locking device 24, and therefore to move the locking device 24 from a locked to an unlocked configuration, for example, only when the body 18 is in the configuration collapsed. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, an engaging element 30 carried by an internal surface 34 of the button 14 is configured in such a way as to engage an engaging surface 38 of the locking device 24 when the device 10 is in the configuration collapsed. When the button 14 and the body 18 rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the collapsed configuration, the coupling element 30 of the button 14 engages the locking device 24 in such a way that the locking device 24 can rotate relative to the platform 22 between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 18 can be detached from the platform 22, and a locked configuration, in which the body 18 is secured to the platform 22. The locking device 24 also rotates about the axis A with respect to the platform 22 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

As shown in Figure 2, the locking device 24 includes a core 26 and a connecting disc 28 rotatably connected to the body 18. In the locked configuration, the body 18 is rotatable relative to the locking device 24. and can therefore be rotatably coupled to platform 22 by means of locking device 24. The platform 22 has a mounting surface 39 that may include an adhesive adapted to affix the platform 22 to the portable device or to the case for the portable device. The mounting surface 39 secures the platform 22 in relation to the device to facilitate the unlocking and locking of the locking device 24. Core 26, connecting disk 28, button 14, body 18, and platform 22 are aligned relative to longitudinal axis A when expandable device 10 is in the locked configuration.

The body 18 may include an accordion-like structure 18 having a collapsible wall 20. The body 18 may be moved between the expanded configuration, as shown in Figures 1-4, and the collapsed configuration, as shown. in figure 5. The body 18 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A, and includes a first end 40 distal to the platform 22 and a second end 42 proximal to the platform 22. When button 14 is attached to first end 40 of body 18, wall 20 of body 18 and button 14 define a chamber 56. Body 18 includes an opening 58 formed in second end 42 of body 18 in such a manner that The locking device 24 can be partially arranged both internally and externally in relation to the body 18. At second end 42 of body 18, chamber 56 has a volume sized to receive connecting disc 28. Body 18 can be made of a flexible material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer based on polyester, which can be formed by means of injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, or can be any functionally equivalent material suitable for its intended purpose. In some cases, the body 16 of the present disclosure may include, at least in part, a Popsocket^MR and/or an extended body for a portable media player, as disclosed in US Patent No. 8,560,031, US Patent Application No. 15/729,260, filed October 10, 2017 , United States Patent Application No. 15/864,402, filed January 8, 2018, and United States Patent Application No. 15/864,509, filed January 8, 2018, all disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the connecting disk 28 of the locking device 24 carried by the second end 42 of the body 18, is arranged in the chamber 56 of the body 18 adjacent to the second end 42. In this configuration, the mating surface 38 of the connecting disk 28 faces the inner surface 34 of the button 14, and a second mating surface 60 extends through the opening 58 of the second end 42 of the body 18 for mating. with the ηύοΙβο 26. The connecting disk 28 is arranged inside the body 18 and is rotatable relative to the body 18. The connecting disk 28 rotates with the body 18 when the knob 14 is attached to the first end 40 of the body 18 and engages the first mating surface 38 of the connecting disk 28.

The coupling element 30 of the button 14 is particularly suitable to engage with the coupling surface 38 of the connection disc 28. As such, the locking device 24 of the device 10 is constructed in a beneficial manner such that the body 18 does not it is easily separated from the platform 22 when the device 10 is in use. The button 14 of the device 10 acts as a key to unlock or lock the body 18 from or with the platform 22 when the button 14 is engaged with the locking device 24.

As shown in Fig. 5, the engaging element 30 of the button 14 and the first engaging surface 38 of the locking device 24 are arranged in such a way that the engaging element 30 and the first engaging surface 38 interlock ( eg, mesh, overlap, latch, splice, mating) when the inner surface 34 of the button 14 is adjacent to the mating surface 38. The internal surface 34 of the button 14 is shown in greater detail in Figure 6. The coupling element 30 includes a plurality of protrusions 44 (eg, teeth, ribs, pins, pins, etc.) separated by a plurality of spaces. 48 (eg, grooves, notches, dimples, etc.), which may be arranged in a predetermined pattern or configuration that corresponds to the mating surface 38 of the connecting disk 28. In this example, the coupling element 30 includes a plurality of protruding teeth 44 spaced evenly across the plurality of openings or slots 48 in the shape of a ring. The coupling element 30 is arranged around the longitudinal axis A, and is symmetrical in such a way that the button 14 can be easily engaged with the first coupling surface 38 of the connecting disk 28.

Figure 7 shows that the mating surface 38 of the connecting disk 28 is arranged in a pattern of protruding teeth 52 (eg, protrusions, ribs, bolts, pins, etc.), which are evenly spaced by means of a plurality of grooves 54 (eg, gaps, notches, dimples, etc.). The first mating surface 38 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A in such a way that the button 14 can be easily engaged with the first mating surface 38 of the connecting disk 28. Returning to figures 3 to 5, the plurality of protrusions 52 of the connection disk 28 are aligned, and are dimensioned in such a way as to fit within the spaces 48 of the coupling element 30 of the button 14. Similarly, the plurality of slots 54 are aligned, and dimensioned in such a way as to receive the plurality of protrusions 44 of the button 14. Therefore, when the body 18 is in the collapsed configuration, the plurality of protrusions 44 , 52 of the button 14 and the mating surface 38 of the locking device 24 engage and are positioned in such a way as to engage when the button 14 is rotated about the longitudinal axis A. In another example, the mating surface 38 and the mating element 30 nest or otherwise mate through a different locking configuration.

In Fig. 8, the second mating surface 60 of the connecting disk 28 is shown. The second mating surface 60 includes a flat area 62, a protruding portion 63 surrounded by the flat area 62 and extending axially away from the flat area. 62 of disc 28. The flat area 62 is configured in such a way as to lie flat against an internal surface of the second end 42 of the body 18, and the protruding portion 63 is configured in such a way as to extend at least partially through the opening 58. of the body 18. Flat area 62 includes a smooth surface to reduce friction between disk 28 and body 18 so that connecting disk 28 is free to rotate relative to body 18 when disk 28 is disposed within the chamber. 56. A distal end 64 of the protruding portion 63 includes a plurality of angled prongs. The angled tips 64 can be configured in such a way as to flex, bend, or otherwise deform to mate with the core 26. Once the protruding portion 63 mates with the core 26, the core 26 and the connecting disk 28 can be fixed (eg, welded, cast, etc.) together to move as a unitary locking device 24. Alternatively, the core 26 and the connecting disc 28 can be integrally formed. Unlike flat area 62, distal end 64 may be of a textured material configured such as to frictionally engage core 26 such that connecting disc 28 rotates core 26 when disc 28 and core 26 are coupled.

In Figures 9 and 10, the core 26 is shown in greater detail. Core 26 includes a body 65 and first and second radial wings 66 and 68 that extend outwardly from body 65. Wings 66 and 68 are disposed on opposite sides of body 65, and may be of a resilient material. such that wings 66 and 68 can deform (eg, bend, flex) when wings 66 and 68 are attached to platform 22. Body 65 includes a first surface 70 and a second surface 72 opposite first surface 70. First surface 70 is configured in such a manner as to mate with second mating surface 60 of connecting disc 28. More particularly, a Aperture 71 formed in the first surface 70 is sized and shaped in such a way as to receive the protruding portion 63 of the second mating surface 60 of the connecting disk 28. As shown in Figure 10, core 26 includes first and second curved notches or ramps 73, 74 formed in second surface 72 in order to facilitate disengagement between platform 22 and core 26 when locking device 24 rotates relative to platform 22. Specifically, the notches 73, 74 are formed so as to slide against the protrusions 76, 78 extending from the platform 22 when the locking device 24 is rotated a quarter of a turn (ie, 90 degrees) about the longitudinal axis A. The first stop 84 and the second stop 86 are formed on the second surface 72 of the core 26 and are shaped in such a way as to mate with the first and second protrusions 76, 78 of the platform 22 when the locking device 24 is in configuration locked. In another example, the second surface 72 of the body 65 may have only one notch 73 or 74 or no notch. In the housing where the core 26 provides only a notch 73, the portion of the second opposing surface 72 disposed from the notch 73 may be flat or coplanar with the second surface 72. This configuration may facilitate disassembly of the body 18 to starting from platform 22. For example, as locking device 24 is rotated out of its locking engagement with platform 22, protrusion 76 or 78 on platform 94 can deflect second surface 72 of core 26 upward and away from the platform. platform 22.

Core 26 and platform 22 are arranged in such a way as to rotatably engage to lock body 18 to platform 22. First and second wings 66 and 68 are deformable in such a manner that they can be deflected from Its original position when the wings 66 and 68 engage the first and second flanges is 80, 82 of the platform 22 as the locking device 24 moves from the unlocked to the locked configuration. Stops 84, 86 formed on second surface 72 of core 26 are configured to engage platform 22 in the locked configuration. Specifically, each stop 84, 86 is partially formed on one of the two wings 66, 68. It will be appreciated that the second flange 82 is substantially similar to the first flange 80 and the flange 68 is substantially similar to the flange 66, such that any details of the first flange 80 and first flange 66 discussed below apply equally to the following. second flange 82 and second wing 68, respectively. In the illustrated expandable device 10, the locking device 24 includes two wings 66 and 68, and the platform 22 includes two ridges 80 and 82 that correspond to the wings 66 and 68 of the locking element 24. However, in another expanding device For example, the locking device 24 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 22 may have the same number of corresponding ridges. Likewise, platform 22 includes two protrusions 76, 78, and core 26 includes two stops 84, 86 that correspond to protrusions 76, 78. However, in another example device, core 26 may include a stop or more than two stops, and the platform can have the same number of corresponding protrusions. The core 26 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, which can be formed by means of injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but is instead may be formed of any other suitable and durable material, including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any functionally equivalent material suitable for its intended purpose.

As shown in Figures 3-5, core 26 engages platform 22 when the locking device is in the locked configuration. Platform 22 includes an outer surface 87 and a collar 88 extending away from surface 87. Collar 88 defines a cavity 90. Second rim 82 disposed opposite first rim 80 is configured such as to receive from a sliding form one of the wings 66 and 68 of the core 26. Ridges 80 and 82 are configured in such a way as to engage one of wings 66 and 68 of locking element 24 when locking element 24 is in the locked configuration. A surface of each flange 80 and 82 inhibits axial movement of locking device 24 relative to platform 22 when locking device 24 is in the locked configuration. The first and second wings 66 and 68 move out of engagement with the shoulders 80 and 82 when the core 26 is rotated.

As illustrated in Figures 11-13, exemplary first platform 22 includes first rim 80 extending radially inwardly from collar 88 and into a cavity 90 formed in platform 22. At least a portion of the Locking device 24 is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of platform 22 to releasably couple body 18 to platform 22. The cavity 90 is partly defined by a non-circular opening 92, as shown in Figure 11, and is shaped in such a way as to receive the first and second wings 66 and 68 of the core 26. In particular, the opening 92 is defined by first and second opposed ridges 80, 82, and an interior wall 100 of collar 88. Platform 22 also includes a base 94 that is recessed from collar 88 and defines a lower limit of cavity 90 of the platform 22. The base 94 connects to an interior wall 100 of the platform 22 in such a way that the base 94 can be coplanar with the mounting surface 39 of the platform 22, as shown in Figure 12. The base 94 also includes the first and second protrusions 76, 78 extending axially to cavity 90 and radially inwardly spaced relative to ridges 80, 82, respectively. The base 94 connects to the interior wall 100 at opposite ends, which are offset 90 degrees from the first and second flanges 80, 82. Above the opposite ends of the base 94, the collar 88 defines an interior wall. 100 radially recessed, which provides clearance for the ηύοΙβο 26. Thus configured, the radial wings 66, 68 of the core 26 can be slid into the opening 92 until the radial wings 66, 68 lie below a reference plane in which the ridges 80, 82 are arranged. The base 94 is disconnected from the interior wall 100 directly below the first and second ridges 80, 82 such that the base 94 can be flexed downward relative to the ridges 80, 82 when the second surface 72 of the core 26 is flexed. attaches to base 94.

As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first rim 80 of the platform 22 includes a first surface 104 that faces the second end 42 of the body 18, and a second surface 108 that mates with one of the first and second wings 66 and 68 of the locking element 24 when the locking element 24 moves from the unlocked to the locked configuration. The platform 22 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, which can be formed by means of injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but is instead may be formed of any other suitable and durable material, including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any functionally equivalent material suitable for its intended purpose.

In order to couple the locking element 24 to the platform 22, the core 26 is arranged through the opening 92 and in the cavity 90 of the platform 22 in such a way that the locking element 24 is arranged at least partially. below the first and second flanges 80, 82. The locking element 24 is rotated (for example, 90 degrees), either in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. As the locking element 24 is rotated, the first wing 66 of the core 26 of the locking element 24 slides against the rim 80 of the platform 22 until the protrusion 76 of the base 94 instantly engages the stop 84 of the second surface 72 of the core 26. In addition, the core 26 can bias or displace the base 94 until the boss 76 and stop 84 engage. Base 94 may be made of a resilient material such that base 94 may deform (eg, bend, flex) when engaged by core 26. In one example, base 94 may bend or flex along along a flexible hinge formed in base 94 that extends between opposite sides of interior wall 100 (i.e., where base 94 connects to platform 22. It will be appreciated that the second flange 82 is substantially similar to the first flange 80, the second flange 68 is substantially similar to the first flange 66, the second stop 86 is substantially similar to the first stop 84, and the second protrusion 78 is substantially similar to the first flange 84. first boss 76, such that any details of the first flange 80, the first wing 66, the first stop 84, and the first boss 76 that were discussed above, it applies equally to the second ridge 82, the second wing 68, the second stop 86, and the second protrusion 78, respectively.

The mating relationships between button 14 and connecting disk 28, connecting disk 28 and core 26, and core 26 and platform 22 can be configured in such a way as to provide any number of different mating engagements. . For example, core 26 may include one or more protrusions that extend from its second surface 72 to engage one or more stops formed on base 94 of platform 22. In another example, the second mating surface 60 of the connecting disk 28 may not extend through the opening 58 formed in the second end 42 of the body 18, but instead, the first surface 70 of the core 26 may include a portion extending to opening 58 of body 18 to mate with second mating surface 60 of connecting disc 22. Non-limiting examples of the configuration or mating relationship between the locking element 24 and the platform 22 and/or other components of the device 10 are disclosed in United States Patent Application No. 15/864,402, filed on January 8, 2018, and in United States Patent Application Nijmero 15/864,509, filed January 8, 2018, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The expandable device 10 can be moved from the locked to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking device 24 and the platform 22. Generally speaking, a user of the expandable device 10 can rotate the locking device 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by collapsing the expandable device 10 in such a way that the button 14 engages the connecting disk. 28 of the locking device 24, and then the button 14 or the body 18 is grasped or held and moved, for example rotated or turned over, button 14 or body 18 by a quarter turn (i.e. 90 degrees), either in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. The button 14 engages with the locking device 24 to Rotate the locking device 24 with the button 14 and the body 18. In turn, the connection disc 28 transfers the rotational movement from the button 14 to rotate the ηύοΙβο 26 of the locking device 24 out of its engagement with the platform 22. Once the locking element 24 is in the In the unlocked configuration, the user can pull the body 18 away and out of the cavity 90, and through the opening 92 of the platform 22 to lock the body 17 with the platform 22.

The device 10 can be assembled by connecting the connection disk 28 to the second end 42 of the body 18 through the arrangement of the connection disk 28 inside the chamber 56 of the body 18. The second mating surface 60 it engages first surface 70 of core 26 such that core 26 and connecting disc 28 form a unitary locking device 24. The body 18 can be coupled to the platform 22 through the arrangement of the core 26 inside the cavity 90 of the platform 22.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a second example device 210 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second example device 210 is similar to the device 10 of Figures 1 to 5. Therefore, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second example device 210 will retain the same reference numerals as noted above with respect to the first example device 10, although the numbers Reference will be incremented by 200. However, the second example device 210 is different from device 10 in the manner described below.

A button 214 of the second example device 210 includes an engagement element 230 having a non-circular cross-sectional shape. Engagement element 230 includes a plurality of sides 231 that are configured in such a way as to mate with an opening 248 or corresponding indentation formed in a first engagement surface 238 of a locking device 224. As shown in Figure 16, a connecting disk 228 of the lockout device 224 includes a first engaging surface 238 having a non-circular shape sized to receive the engaging element 230 of the button 214 when the device 210 is in a configuration. collapsed. A body 218, platform 222, and core 226 may be substantially similar to body 18, platform 22, and core 26 of the first example device 10 previously described with reference to Figures 1 through 13. The mating surface 238 The locking device 224 and the coupling element 230 of the button 214 can be any number of shapes and structures that facilitate the coupling between the locking device 224 and the button 214.

Figure 17 illustrates a third example device 410 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third example device 410 of Figure 17 is an example of the manner in which the platform 22 of the first example expandable device 10, or the platform 222 of the third example expandable device 210, can be integrally formed or can be attached separately. a permanent manner to a body 412 of the casing of a portable device 410. Therefore, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the third example device 410 will retain the same reference numerals as noted above with respect to the first example device 10, although the reference numbers reference will be increased by 400. As shown in Fig. 17, the expandable quick release device 410 is a protective casing integrated with a platform 422 such that a body 418 of the expandable device 410 is detachably attached to a body 412 of the casing by means of the integrated platform 422. The platform 422 may be embedded with an outer wall 416 of the housing body 412, and may be formed with the housing body 412 by means of injection molding, thermoforming, compression molding, or other techniques, such as additive manufacturing techniques. In another example, housing body 412 may first be formed, and then platform 422 may be permanently secured to housing body 412 such that housing body 412 and platform 422 are inseparable. In some versions, the platform is formed integrally with the body of the casing as opposed to a separate component that is attached to the body of the casing.

Expandable quick release devices 10, 210, 410 for a portable device, such as a portable media player, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, provide a platform 22, 222, 422 that attaches directly to a portable device or housing. protection of the portable device. Platform 22,222,422 allows body 18,218,418 to be easily attached to and removed from platform 22,222,422 and can be replaced with a different body 18,218,418 if desired .日 body 18, 218, 418 of the device 10, 210, 410 engages the locking device 24, 224, 424 (as shown in broken lines in figure 17) which is detachably engaged to the platform 22 , 222, 422. Each of the platform 22, 222, 422, the locking device 24, 224, 424 and the button 14, 214, 414 can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes in order to facilitate slide locking and sliding release. of body 18, 218, 418 on platform 22, 222, 422.

The figures and description provided herein represent and describe preferred examples of an expandable device for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the discussion herein that alternative embodiments of components illustrated herein can be employed without departing from the principles described herein. After reading this description, those skilled in the art will appreciate other alternative and additional structural and functional designs for expandable fixtures. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are not limited to the precise construction and components described herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made as to the arrangement, operation, and details of the method and apparatus herein described without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.