阅读说明：本技术 用于便携式电子设备的可互换的托座配件 (Interchangeable cradle accessory for a portable electronic device ) 是由 D·B·巴尼特 G·阿德尔曼 M·J·科瑞 R·Y·姜 A·纳胡姆 D·E·威尔逊 于 2018-07-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种包括主体(18)的可伸展托座(10),该主体(18)具有第一端(32)、第二端(36)和纵向轴线(A)。主体(18)在伸展构型和折叠构型之间是可移动的。平台(22)具有孔(74),其尺寸被设置为容纳主体(18)的第二端。孔与主体的纵向轴线轴向对准。锁定构件(24)被布置在主体(18)和平台(22)之间,并且将主体(18)可旋转地且可释放地联接至平台(22)。锁定构件(24)在解锁构型(其中主体是从平台可移除的)和锁定构型(其中主体被固定至平台)之间是可移动的。(An extendable bracket (10) is disclosed that includes a main body (18), the main body (18) having a first end (32), a second end (36) and a longitudinal axis (a). The body (18) is movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The platform (22) has a bore (74) sized to receive the second end of the body (18). The bore is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body. A locking member (24) is disposed between the body (18) and the platform (22) and rotatably and releasably couples the body (18) to the platform (22). The locking member (24) is movable between an unlocked configuration (in which the body is removable from the platform) and a locked configuration (in which the body is fixed to the platform).)

1. An extendable receptacle accessory for a portable device, the accessory comprising:

a body comprising a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the body being movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. An extendable bracket for a mobile electronic device, the bracket comprising:

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

a platform; and

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

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

a second mating portion configured to engage the body.

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

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

14. A receptacle according to claim 11, wherein the platform comprises an aperture, a wall surrounding the aperture, and a shelf projecting away from the wall and into a cavity of the aperture, wherein the first mating portion of the locking member is rotatably and releasably coupled to the platform.

15. A bracket according to claim 14, wherein the first mating portion comprises a detent and the platform comprises a protrusion extending into the cavity of the platform, the detent being sized to receive the protrusion of the platform.

16. A receptacle according to claim 14, wherein the shelf includes a first end having an inclined surface that engages the first mating portion of the locking member when the locking member is moved from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration.

17. The bracket of claim 16, wherein the shelf comprises a second end having an inclined surface, the inclined surface of the second end being separated from the inclined surface of the first end by a groove.

18. The bracket of claim 16, wherein the shelf includes a second end having a stop separated from the inclined surface of the first end by a groove.

19. The receptacle of claim 14, wherein the shelf comprises a first side and a second side, the second side comprising an upwardly inclined surface, a downwardly inclined surface, and a groove disposed between the upwardly inclined surface and the downwardly inclined surface of the shelf, and wherein the groove is sized to receive the first mating portion of the locking member.

20. A socket as defined in claim 11, wherein the second mating portion of the locking member comprises an aperture and a wall surrounding the aperture of the locking member, wherein the aperture is sized to receive the second end of the body.

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

22. A socket as defined in claim 11, wherein the second mating portion of the locking member comprises a flange extending inwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the locking member, the flange being adapted to be removably coupled to the second end of the body.

23. A receptacle according to claim 14, wherein the recess is formed in the wall of the platform.

24. A method of attaching an extendable receptacle to a portable device or a case of the portable device, the method comprising:

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

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

removing the first socket body from the platform; and

rotatably coupling a second cradle body, distinct from the first cradle body, to the platform via the locking member.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to expandable sockets and, more particularly, to interchangeable expandable sockets that may be attached to a portable electronic device or a case of a portable electronic device and used as a handle (grip), a stand, or for other purposes.

Background

Portable electronic devices, such as MP3 players and smart phones, are typically housed in protective covers or cases to protect the device from damage, to provide handles for holding (handling) the device, and/or to provide stands for supporting the device on a surface. Such a shell increases the effective size of the device. Extendable brackets that can be attached directly to the device or to the housing protecting the device are used for a variety of functions, including supporting the device on a surface and providing an extendable handle for holding the device. The extendable receptacle has decorative buttons (buttons) that can display logos, decals (decals), symbols, or other artistic representations.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the interchangeable extendable bracket is configured to allow a user to rotatably remove the extendable bracket body and the button from the portable device and replace the interchangeable extendable bracket body and the button with a different extendable bracket body and button. Additionally, one interchangeable expandable bracket body and button may be rotatably removed from a first universal platform attached to a first portable device or case and then rotatably coupled to a second universal platform attached to a second portable device or case.

In a first aspect of the disclosure, an extendable cradle accessory (access) for a portable device is provided. The fitting may include a body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body may be movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed (collapsed) configuration. The platform may have an aperture sized to receive the second end of the body. The bore may be axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body. The locking member may be arranged to rotatably and releasably couple the body to the platform. The locking member may be movable between an unlocked configuration (in which the body is removable from the platform) and a locked configuration (in which the body is fixed to the platform).

A second aspect of the disclosure provides an extendable receptacle for a mobile electronic device. The bracket may include a body having a first end, a second end, and a collapsible wall extending between the first end and the second end. The socket may include a platform and a locking member disposed between the body and the platform to removably and rotatably couple the body to the platform. The locking member may include a first mating portion configured to removably engage the platform and a second mating portion configured to engage the body.

A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of attaching an extendable cradle to a portable device or a case of a portable device. The method can comprise the following steps: attaching a platform to a surface of a portable device or a case of a portable device; rotatably coupling the first socket body to the platform via a locking member disposed between the first socket body and the platform; removing the first socket body from the platform; and rotatably coupling a second cradle body, different from the first cradle body, to the platform via a locking member.

Drawings

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

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an extendable bracket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is an exploded view of the extendable bracket of fig. 1, including a first exemplary button, a first exemplary body, a first exemplary platform, and a first exemplary locking member removably coupling the first button and the first body to the first platform;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the extendable bracket of FIG. 1 in an extended configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the extendable bracket of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration;

fig. 5 is a bottom view of the extendable bracket of fig. 1;

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

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

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

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

fig. 10 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of an extendable bracket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and including a first exemplary body, a second exemplary locking member, and a fourth exemplary platform;

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

fig. 12 is a partial bottom view of the extendable bracket of fig. 10;

fig. 13 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of an extendable bracket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and including a first exemplary body, a third exemplary locking member, and a fifth exemplary platform;

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

fig. 15 is a partial isometric bottom view of the extendable bracket of fig. 13, partially cut along a vertical plane;

fig. 16 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of an extendable bracket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and including the removable button of fig. 1, a second exemplary body, a fourth exemplary locking member, and the first exemplary platform of fig. 1;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the extendable bracket of FIG. 16;

fig. 18 is a bottom view of the extendable bracket of fig. 16;

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

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

fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an extendable bracket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and including a fourth exemplary body, a sixth exemplary locking member, and a sixth exemplary platform;

fig. 22 is a partial bottom view of the extendable bracket of fig. 21;

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

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

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

Detailed Description

A quick-release extendable cradle accessory for a portable device, such as a portable media player, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure provides a universal platform that attaches directly to the portable device or to a protective case of the portable device. The universal platform allows the body of the extendable bracket (also referred to herein as a gusset (appendage) or bracket body) to be easily coupled to and removed from the platform and replaced with a different body if desired. The main body (which may, for example, carry a removable button) is typically configured to be removably coupled to the universal platform via a locking member. Each of the platform, locking member and body may be designed in various shapes and sizes to facilitate rotatably locking and rotatably releasing the body to and from the platform.

Turning to fig. 1-5, a first exemplary extendable bracket 10 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The extendable bracket 10 comprises a removable button 14, a main body 18 removably attached to the button 14, a platform 22 attachable to a portable device (not shown) or a housing of the portable device, and a locking member 24 disposed between the main body 18 and the platform 22 to rotatably and releasably couple the main body 18 to the platform 22. In this embodiment, the locking member 24 is secured to the body 18 such that the body 18 carries the locking member 24. With the locking member 24 secured to the body 18, the body 18 is rotatably coupled to the platform 22 by the locking member 24. In another embodiment, locking member 24 may be secured to platform 22 such that platform 22 carries locking member 24 and body 18 is rotatably and removably coupled to platform 22 via locking member 24. In either receptacle, the platform 22 has a mounting surface 30, which mounting surface 30 may include an adhesive to facilitate attachment of the platform 22 to the portable device or a case of the portable device.

In a first exemplary arrangement of the extendable bracket 10, the body 18 takes the form of an accordion pleated (acordination like) structure made of a deformable and durable material. The accordion pleated structure includes a folded portion 38, the folded portion 38 including a plurality of relatively rigid walls having flexible hinges (hinge) interspersed therein. In other words, the body 18 is formed of collapsible walls 20 and is movable between an extended configuration, as shown in fig. 3, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in fig. 4. The folded portion 38 is disposed between the first end 32 and the second end 36 of the body 18 and is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis a of the body 18. At the second end 36 of the body 18, a tab 40 extends away from the folded portion 38 (downward in fig. 2) and is configured to couple to the locking member 24 to securely carry the locking member 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 40 includes a vertical groove 44 and a horizontal groove 48 arranged to securely fasten the locking member 24 to the second end 36 of the body 18. In other embodiments, second end 36 may include a different structure securely coupled to locking member 24. The body 18 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as a polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, which may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, or may be any equivalent functional material suitable for its intended purpose.

As best shown in fig. 2, the locking member 24 is a rotatable linking mechanism that allows the body 18 to be coupled to and removed from the platform 22 by rotating the body 18 about the longitudinal axis a. The locking member 24 is movable between an unlocked configuration (in which the body 18 is removable from the platform 22) and a locked configuration (in which the body 18 is fixed to the platform 22). Specifically, the locking member 24 includes a first mating portion 26 configured to removably engage the platform 22 and a second mating portion 28 configured to engage the body 18. The first mating portion 26 is rotatably coupled to the platform 22 when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration, and the first mating portion 26 is removable from the platform 22 when in the unlocked configuration. The platform 22 includes a connecting member 52 that engages the first mating portion 26 to couple the platform 22 to the locking member 24 (and in turn to the body 18) when the locking member 24 is rotated in a clockwise direction, a counterclockwise direction, or both, as will be discussed in more detail below.

As used herein, first mating portion 26 of locking member 24 may refer to any generally male (male) member that structurally mates with (e.g., locks, fits, or is coupled to or within) a corresponding female (male) member (e.g., groove and/or hole) of platform 22. Similarly, the second mating portion 28 of the locking member 24 may refer to any female locking member that structurally mates with (e.g., receives) a corresponding male member (e.g., protrusion 40) of the body 18. However, in other embodiments, the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 may instead form a male locking member configured to mate with a female locking member of the body 18. In yet another embodiment, the second mating portion 28 of the locking member 24 may form a female locking member configured to mate with a male locking member of the platform 22. Further, each of the first and second mating portions 26, 28 may have both female and male locking or engagement members. The locking member 24 is preferably made of a durable plastic such as polyethylene or a harder plastic such as polycarbonate, which may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming or compression molding, but may alternatively be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass or any combination of these materials, or any equivalent functional material suitable for its intended purpose.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first mating portion 26 includes a first deformable wing 56 and a second deformable wing 58 that extend outwardly from a central wall 60 of the locking member 24. The first and second wings 56 and 58 are deformable such that the wings 56 and 58 can deflect from their initial positions when engaging the connecting member 52 of the platform 22 when the locking member 24 is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration. The second mating portion 28 (shown more clearly in fig. 3 and 4) is fixedly attached to the tab 40 of the body 18 and is defined by a wall 60 of the locking member 24, a hole 64 formed in the wall 60, and a flange 68 extending inwardly away from the wall 60 and toward the center of the hole 64. The bore 64 of the locking member 24 is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis a of the body 18 such that the flange 68 is aligned with the horizontal groove 48 when the locking member 24 is secured to the body 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 68 is an annular ring that is press-fit into the horizontal groove 48 of the tab 40. Additionally, the locking member 24 may include first and second extending fingers (fingers) 70, 72, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, which fingers 70, 72 are press fit into the vertical grooves 44 of the tabs 40 to secure the locking member 24 to the body 18. However, in other embodiments, the locking member 24 may not include the extension fingers 70 and 72, and/or may be attached to the body 18 by other suitable fastening mechanisms (e.g., via adhesive, welding, injection molding, or threads). Similarly, the projection 40 may not include the horizontal groove 44 or the vertical groove 48, but may include a different mating structure that securely engages the locking member 24.

Returning to fig. 3 and 4, connecting member 52 of platform 22 may be configured to engage locking member 24 when body 18 and locking member 24 are rotated within aperture 74 of platform 22, thereby coupling platform 22 to body 18 via locking member 24. As shown, when the locking member 24 is locked to the platform 22, the aperture 74 of the platform is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis a of the body 18. To couple the locking member 24 to the platform 22, the first mating portion 26 is disposed in the aperture 74 of the platform 22 and then rotated about the longitudinal axis a in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As the locking member 24 is rotated, the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 slides against the connecting member 52 of the platform. As the first mating portion 26 continues to engage the connecting member 52, the first mating portion 26 deforms by deflecting downward and away from the connecting member 52. Specifically, the connecting member 52 of the platform 22 includes first and second oppositely disposed shelves (shelf)76 and 78, and each shelf 76 and 78 is configured to slidably receive one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24. Each shelf 76 and 78 is configured to engage one of wings 56 and 58 of locking member 24 when locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. So configured, the surface of each shelf 76 and 78 inhibits vertical movement of locking member 24 relative to platform 22 when locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. The connecting member 52 may release the locking member 24 when the first and second wings 56 and 58 rotate away from the surface of each shelf 76 and 78. In the illustrated extendable bracket 10, the locking member 24 includes two wings 56 and 58, and the platform 22 includes two shelves 76 and 78 corresponding to the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24. However, in other example receptacles, the locking member 24 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 22 may have the same number of corresponding shelves.

The first end 32 is disposed opposite the second end 36 of the body 18 and includes a vertical wall 80 extending parallel relative to the longitudinal axis a. Generally, the button 14 is removably coupled to the body 18 via a vertical wall 80. In this embodiment, the vertical wall 80 is configured to be coupled to the vertical wall 82 of the button 14 by inserting a plurality of tabs (tab)84 extending from the vertical wall 82 of the button 14 into a plurality of oblong apertures 88 formed in the vertical wall 80 of the body 18. The plurality of tabs 84 are aligned with the plurality of apertures 88, and the tabs 84 may be sized to extend through the apertures 88 and slightly beyond the outer surface 92 of the vertical wall 80. As shown in fig. 3, vertical wall 80 of body 18 engages vertical wall 82 of button 14 such that button 14 is securely attached to body 18. As shown in fig. 4, the outer surface 92 of the vertical wall 80 may be the only exposed portion of the body 18 when the body 18 is in the folded configuration, i.e., not hidden from view. A plurality of vent apertures 96 formed through the wall 20 of the body 18 are disposed in the folded portion 38 to facilitate folding and unfolding of the bracket body 18 between the folded configuration shown in fig. 4 and the unfolded configuration shown in fig. 3 and a plurality of intermediate configurations between the folded and unfolded configurations.

Fig. 6 shows the body 18 and locking member 24 removed from the platform 22. When the body 18 and locking member 24 are securely attached, these two components form a movable unit 98. The unit 98 may be coupled (e.g., locked) to the platform 22, removed (e.g., unlocked) from the platform 22, and in some cases replaced with a different second unit 98. As used herein, the unit 98 may include a button 14 removably attached to the first end 32 of the body 18. Additionally, "unit" may generally refer to the structure or function of the body 18 or locking member 24. When the first unit 98 is removed, the first unit 98 may be replaced with the second unit 98 by coupling the second unit 98 (and specifically, the locking member 24 of the second unit 98) to the platform 22 attached to the portable device or the case of the portable device. It may be desirable to replace the first unit 98 with a second, third or other unit to change the overall appearance (e.g., color, design, pattern, visibility, shape and/or artistic expression) and size of the extendable bracket 10. For example, the first unit 98 may be sized to fit within a child's hand and may include buttons 14 having an artistic expression that is preferred by young people. The first unit 98 may be removed and replaced with a second unit 98, the second unit 98 including a body 18 and/or buttons 14 that are larger and sized to fit within the hand of an average adult, and may include different buttons 14 having different artistic renderings. In different embodiments, the dimensions (e.g., volume, width, length, wall thickness) of the body 18 may be varied to provide a socket having particular or desired characteristics. For example, the unit 98 may be selected and used because the length of the body 18 of the unit 98 is lengthy to increase the extension of the extendable bracket 10 when the extendable bracket 10 is in the extended or extended configuration. In another embodiment, a unit 98 having a more robust structure (e.g., wider button 14, wider second end 36, increased thickness wall 20) may be selected and used to better support larger or heavier portable devices. Thus, because platform 22 may be coupled to any number of different units 98, platform 22 may be considered and referred to herein as a universal platform.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the connecting member 52 of the first exemplary platform 22 is shown in greater detail. As shown, the platform 22 includes a wall 100 surrounding the aperture 74, and the connecting member 52 is integrally formed with the wall 100. While fig. 7 only shows shelf 76 of connecting member 52 away from wall 100 and into cavity 102 of aperture 74, it should be understood that shelf 78 likewise extends away from wall 100 and into aperture 74. It is also to be appreciated that shelf 78 is substantially similar to shelf 76 and wing 58 is substantially similar to wing 56 such that any details of first shelf 76 and first wing 56 discussed below are equally applicable to second shelf 78 and second wing 58, respectively. The first shelf 76 of the platform 22 includes a first surface 104 facing the second end 36 of the main body 18 and a second surface 108 that engages the first wing 56 of the locking member 24 with one of the second wings 58 when the locking member 24 is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The first shelf 76 of the platform 22 extends between the first end 112 and the second end 116 and includes a recess 120 disposed between the first end 112 and the second end 116. The groove 120 is sized to receive and retain the locking member 24 (e.g., one of the wings 56 and 58) when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. In this particular embodiment, the first end 112 of the shelf 76 includes a first ramp 124, the first ramp 124 having an angled surface 128 that slopes downwardly (at least when viewed in fig. 7) as the first ramp 124 extends toward the second end 116. The second end 116 also includes a second ramp 132, the second ramp 132 having an angled surface 136 that slopes upward (at least when viewed in fig. 7) as the second ramp 132 extends toward the second end 116.

To maintain one of wings 56 and 58 in the locked configuration, shelf 76 includes a first stop surface 140 and a second stop surface 144 that frame each wing 56 and 58. A first stop surface 140 defined by the wide end of the first ramp 124 and a second stop surface 144 defined by the wide end of the second ramp 132 are configured to engage (i.e., abut) the sides of each wing 56 and 58. For example, first wing 56 has a first side 148 and a second side 150 arranged to engage blocking surfaces 140 and 144 of first shelf 76. Similarly, the second wing 58 has first and second sides 152, 154, the first and second sides 152, 154 being arranged to engage corresponding stop surfaces of the second shelf 78 when the second wing 58 is disposed in the recess 122 of the second shelf 78. In some embodiments, first and second blocking surfaces 140, 144 of shelf 76 may have a textured surface that enhances the frictional force between first and second blocking surfaces 140, 144 and first mating portion 26 of locking member 24. The textured surface may be integrally formed with locking member 24 or may be added to each of sides 148, 150, 152, and 154 of wings 56 and 58. Platform 22 is preferably made of a durable plastic such as polyethylene or a harder plastic such as polycarbonate, which may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming or compression molding, but may alternatively be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass or any combination of these materials, or any equivalent functional material suitable for its intended purpose.

Thus, the first exemplary platform 22 of fig. 7 features a double ramp that allows the unit 98 to be removably coupled to the platform 22 by rotating the unit 98 a quarter turn about the longitudinal axis a in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In other words, platform 22 allows for bi-directional mounting of locking member 24 with platform 22. To couple unit 98 to platform 22, first mating portion 26 of locking member 24 is placed within aperture 74 of platform 22 such that first wing 56 is adjacent, for example, first end 112 or second end 116 of shelf 76. While unit 98 may be rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to lock to platform 22, the following description of the locking sequence includes rotating unit 98 in a clockwise direction. The unit 98 may be grasped by the button 14 or the body 18 and rotated in a clockwise direction such that the first side 148 of the first wing 56 engages, for example, the angled surface 128 of the first ramp 124. As the unit 98 continues to rotate in the clockwise direction, the first ramp 124 of the first shelf 76 guides the first wing 56 downward and toward the groove 120 relative to the first surface 104 of the shelf 76. When wings 56 engage angled surfaces 128 of shelf 76, wings 56 deform by deflecting away from shelf 76 until wings 56 slide into grooves 120. The second wing 58 also deforms substantially simultaneously and slides within the groove 122 formed in the second shelf 78. Once wings 56 and 58 are disposed within their respective grooves 120 and 122, locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. The stop surfaces 140 and 144 of each ramp 124 and 132 abut the first and second sides 148 and 150 of the first wing 56, thereby holding the wing 56 in place and in the locked configuration. To move locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, unit 98 may continue to rotate in the same direction (e.g., clockwise) to again deflect wing 56 downward and away from shelf 76, thereby rotating wing 56 past second blocking surface 144. The unit 98 requires more torque to move the locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration because the shelf 76 does not gradually deflect the wings 56 as the wings 56 rotate from the grooves 120. Once the wings 56 are deformed and pass the second stop surface 144, the unit 98 continues to rotate and the second ramp 132 guides the wings 56 away and out of the groove 120 and into the unlocked configuration. As the first wing 56 deforms, the second wing 58 is also deformed by a similar, opposing shelf 78 of the platform 22. Unit 98 may also be moved from the locked configuration by rotating unit 98 in a counterclockwise direction.

More generally, the extendable bracket 10 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the friction between the mating surfaces of the locking member 22 and the platform 24. In general, a user of the extendable bracket 10 may rotate the locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by: the button 14 or body 18 is grasped or held and the button 14 or body 18 is moved (e.g., rotated or twisted) about the longitudinal axis a in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, which thereby rotates the first mating portion 26 of the locking member 24 out of engagement with the connecting member 52 of the platform 22. Once locking member 24 is in the unlocked configuration, the user may pull unit 98 away and out of aperture 74 of platform 22.

The removable button 14 may also be replaced without completely removing the unit 98 from the platform 22. As discussed above, the removable button 14 may have artistic value (e.g., an artistic expression, logo, symbol, text, or decal), the button 14 attached to the first end 32 of the body 18 may provide a handle that allows a person to slide the folded portion 28 of the body 18 between two fingers such that the platform 22 is disposed within the palm of the person's hand and the button 14 is disposed adjacent the back of the person's hand. The configuration of the button 14 and body 18 may also provide a space in which a cable (cord), such as that of a headset, may be wrapped and stored around a portion of the body 18. Accordingly, it may be desirable to remove the button 14 and replace it with another button 14 having a different aesthetic design, providing a different handle to change the appearance and/or function of the button 14.

Fig. 8 illustrates a second exemplary platform 222 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary platform 222 is similar to the platform 22 of fig. 1-7. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second exemplary platform 222 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary platform 22, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. However, the second exemplary platform 222 differs from the platform 22 in the following manner.

As shown in fig. 8, the first shelf 276 of the platform 222 includes a first surface 304, a second surface 308 opposite the first surface 304, a first end 312, and a second end 316 opposite the first end 312. Similar to the first exemplary platform 22, the second exemplary platform 222 includes a ramp surface 328 extending downwardly from the first surface 304 of the shelf 276. Unlike first exemplary platform 22, second exemplary platform 222 includes a groove 320, and groove 320 is disposed between ramp 324 and a stop (stop)364 formed at the second end of shelf 276. The groove 320 formed in the shelf 276 is sized to receive one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24 with minimal clearance to inhibit the ability of the locking member 24 to rotate or otherwise move when in the locked configuration. First and second blocking surfaces 340 and 344 at least partially bound recess 320 and are configured to abut against first and second sides 148 and 150 of wings 56 of locking member 24, for example. The stop 364 extends from the second stop surface 344 to the second end 316 of the shelf 276 and includes a flat bottom surface 336. Flat bottom surface 336 may be substantially parallel to first surface 304 of shelf 276 and configured to block further rotation of wings 56 of locking member 24 in a clockwise direction. Although not shown in fig. 8, it should be understood that the second shelf 278 is substantially similar to the first shelf 276. Thus, the details of the first shelf 276 discussed above apply equally to the second shelf 278.

Accordingly, the platform 222 is characterized as having a single ramp configuration that allows the locking member 24 to move in only one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. In this embodiment, when the locking member 24 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the locking member 24 is coupled to the platform 222 by engaging the first end 312 of the shelf 276. The ramp 324 of the shelf 276 slidably receives the wings 56 of the locking member 24 at the first end 312 of the shelf 276 and allows the wings 56 to slide into the grooves 320. The stop 364 blocks the wing 56 from further rotation in the clockwise direction so that the locking member 24 must be rotated in the counterclockwise direction to move the locking member 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. Thus, when the locking member 24 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the unlocked configuration, the stop 364 also prevents the platform 222 from receiving the wings 56 at the second end 316 of the shelf 276. In other words, the platform 222 enables one-way installation of the locking member 24. In fig. 8, a ramp 324 is disposed at the first end 312 of the shelf 276 to allow clockwise rotation of the unit 98 (e.g., the locking member 24 carried by the main body 18) to lock the main body 18 to the platform 222. However, in another embodiment, the ramp 324 may be disposed at the second end 316 of the shelf 276 (and the stop 364 at the first end 312 of the shelf 276) to allow counterclockwise rotation of the main body 18 (i.e., the locking member 24 of the unit 98) to lock the main body 18 to the platform 222. Other configurations may also be employed to allow one-way installation via either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Fig. 9 illustrates a third exemplary platform 422 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third exemplary platform 422 is similar to the platform 222 of fig. 8. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the third exemplary platform 422 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the second exemplary platform 222, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. However, the third exemplary platform 422 differs from the platform 222 in the following manner.

First shelf 476 of platform 422 includes a first surface 504, a second surface 508 opposite first surface 504, a first end 512, and a second end 516 opposite first end 512. Unlike the platform 222 including the ramp 324, the third example platform 422 includes a curved ramp 524 with an inclined surface 528 extending downwardly from the first surface 504 of the shelf 476 that initially provides a steep curve to guide the wings 56 toward the grooves 520 formed in the shelf 476. Groove 520 is disposed between curved ramp 524 at first end 512 and stop 564 formed in shelf 476 at second end 516. The groove 520 formed in the shelf 476 is sized to receive one of the wings 56 and 58 of the locking member 24 with minimal clearance to inhibit the ability of the locking member 24 to rotate or move when in the locked configuration. The first and second stop surfaces 540, 544 at least partially bound the recess 520 and are configured to abut the first and second sides 148, 150 of the wings 56 of the locking member 24. The stop 564 extends from the second stop surface 544 to the second end 516 of the shelf 476 and includes a flat bottom surface 536. The flat bottom surface 536 may be substantially parallel to the first surface 504 of the shelf 476 and configured to block further rotation of the wings 56 of the locking member 24 in the clockwise direction. It should be appreciated that the platform 422 is therefore characterized as having a single ramp configuration that allows the locking member 24 to move in only one direction (e.g., clockwise) from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, similar to the platform 222.

Fig. 10 illustrates a second example extendable bracket 210 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second example extendable bracket 210 includes a main body 18, a button 14 removably coupled to the main body 18, a second example locking member 224 securely coupled to the main body 18, and a fourth example platform 622 coupled to the locking member 224 when the bracket 210 is in a locked configuration. Second exemplary locking member 224 is similar to locking member 24, and fourth exemplary platform 622 is similar to third exemplary platform 422. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the locking member 224 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary locking member 24, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. Likewise, the same or similar components of the fourth exemplary platform 622 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the third exemplary platform 422, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. However, the second example locking member 224 and the fourth example platform 622 differ from the first example locking member 24 and the third example platform 422, respectively, in the following manner.

As best shown in fig. 10-12, the body 18 is coupled to the platform 622 by a locking member 224 carried by the body 18. The connecting member 652 of the platform 622 includes a first shelf 676, a first protrusion 758, a second shelf 678 opposite the first shelf 676, and a second protrusion 766 opposite the first protrusion 758. Shelf 676 shown in FIG. 11 includes a narrow first end 712, a second end 716 opposite first end 712, a stop 764 disposed at second end 716, and a groove 720 formed below second surface 708 of shelf 676 and between first end 712 and second end 716. Although not shown in fig. 11, it should be understood that the second shelf 678 is substantially similar to the first shelf 676. Accordingly, any details regarding the first shelf 676 discussed herein are equally applicable to the second shelf 678.

Each of the first 758 and second 766 tabs extend inwardly relative to the platform wall 700 and into the aperture 674. Each of the protrusions 758, 766 has a semi-circular shape and is disposed within the recess 720 at a location between the first and second ends 712, 716 and below the second surface 708 of the shelf 676. As shown in fig. 10 and 12, the first mating portion 226 of the locking member 224 includes first and second deformable wing portions 256 and 258 and stops (detents) 362 and 370 formed in each of the wing portions 256 and 258. Each detent 362 and 370 is sized to receive one of the protrusions 758 and 766 when the locking member 224 is in the locked configuration as shown. As with the first and second shelves 676, 678, the second wing 258 is substantially similar to the first wing 256. Accordingly, any details regarding the first wing 256 discussed herein are equally applicable to the second wing 258.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 224 may be rotatably coupled to the platform 622 by placing the locking member 224 within the aperture 674 of the platform 622 and rotating the locking member 224 a quarter turn in a clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis a. When the second side 350 of the wing 256 engages the protrusion 758, the wing 256 of the locking member 224, for example, deforms by deflecting away from the shelf 676. As the locking member 224 is rotated, the wings 256 deform (e.g., bend, deflect, compress) slightly to pass the protrusions 758 in the grooves 720 until the protrusions 758 snap into the stops 362 of the wings 256, and the wings 256 then return to their original undeformed configuration. When the locking member 224 is in the locked configuration as shown in FIG. 12, the first side 348 of the flap 256 abuts the stop surface 744 of the stop 764. To move the locking member 224 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, and thus move the first side 348 of the wing 256 away from the stop 764, the locking member 224 is rotated about the longitudinal axis a in a counterclockwise direction relative to the platform 622. It should be appreciated that the platform 622 is therefore characterized as having a single ramp configuration that, similar to the platform 422, allows the locking member 224 to move from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration in only one direction (e.g., clockwise).

Fig. 13 illustrates a third example expandable bracket 410 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third example extendable bracket 410 includes a main body 18, a button 14 removably coupled to the main body 18, a third example locking member 424 securely coupled to the main body 18, and a fifth example platform 822 coupled to the locking member 424 when the bracket 410 is in a locked configuration. Third exemplary locking member 424 is similar to locking member 224 and fifth exemplary platform 822 is similar to fourth exemplary platform 622. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the locking member 424 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the second exemplary locking member 224, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. Likewise, the same or similar components of the fifth exemplary platform 822 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the fourth exemplary platform 622, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. However, the third example locking member 424 and the fifth example platform 822 differ from the second example locking member 224 and the fourth example platform 622, respectively, in the following manner.

As best shown in fig. 13-15, the body 18 is coupled to the platform 822 via a locking member 424. Similar to the connecting members 652 of the fourth exemplary platform 622, the connecting members 852 of the platform 822 include a first shelf 876, a first protrusion 974, a second shelf 878 opposite the first shelf 876, and a second protrusion 976 opposite the first protrusion 974. In the illustrated embodiment, first shelf 876 is substantially similar to second shelf 878, such that any details regarding first shelf 876 are equally applicable to second shelf 876. Shelf 876 shown in fig. 14 includes a narrow first end 912, a second end 916 opposite first end 912, a stop 964 disposed at second end 916, and a groove 920 formed below second surface 908 of shelf 876 and between protrusion 974 and second end 916. The recess 920 is sized to receive the first wing 456 of the locking member 424 when the locking member 424 is in the locked configuration, while the recess 920 of the second shelf 978 is sized to receive the second wing 458 of the locking member 424 when the locking member 424 is in the locked configuration. Each of first and second tabs 974, 976 extend inwardly relative to platform wall 900 and into an aperture 874 located between first and second ends 912, 916 and below second surface 908 of shelf 876. Unlike the fourth exemplary platform 622, which includes a semi-circular protrusion 758 centered in the groove 720, the protrusion 974 of the fifth exemplary platform 822 is disposed closer to the first end 912 and has a first angled surface 928 and a second angled surface 940 that intersect at one point of the protrusion 974. As shown in fig. 15, the first mating portion 426 of the locking member 424 includes a first wing 456 (which is deformable and has chamfered (chamferred) edges 580 and 582) and a second wing 458. Second wing 458 is substantially similar to first wing 456, as are first shelf 876 and second shelf 878. Accordingly, any details regarding the first wing 456 discussed herein are equally applicable to the second wing 458.

In this embodiment, the locking member 424 may be rotatably coupled to the platform 822 by placing the locking member 424 within the aperture 874 of the platform 822 and rotating the locking member 424 a quarter turn in a clockwise direction about the longitudinal axis a. When the first side surface 548 of the wing 456 engages the first angled surface 928 of the projection 974, the first wing 456 of the locking member 424 deforms by deflecting away from the shelf 876. Unlike the second example locking member 224, the wings 456 of the third example locking member 424 deform slightly (e.g., bend, flex, deflect, compress) to pass over and around the projections 974 when the locking member 424 is rotated into the locked configuration. When the locking member 424 is in the locked configuration, as shown in fig. 15, the wings 456 are disposed within the recesses 920 formed by the shelf 876, the first side 548 of the wings 456 engages the blocking surface 944 of the stop 964, and the chamfered edge 582 of the second side 550 engages the second angled surface 940 of the protrusion 974. To move the locking member 424 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, the locking member 424 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the platform 822. It should be appreciated that the platform 422 is therefore characterized as having a single ramp configuration that allows the locking member 24 to move in only one direction (e.g., clockwise) from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, similar to the platform 222. However, other configurations may be employed to allow one-way installation via either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Figures 16 through 18 illustrate a fourth exemplary extendable bracket 610 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fourth exemplary extendable bracket 610 includes second exemplary body 218, button 14 removably coupled to body 218, fourth exemplary locking member 624 securely coupled to body 218, and platform 22 coupled to locking member 624 when bracket 610 is in the locked configuration. The second example body 218 is similar to the first example body 18, and the fourth example locking member 624 is similar to the third example locking member 424. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second example body 218 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the first example body 18, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. Likewise, the same or similar components of locking member 624 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to third exemplary locking member 424, but these reference numerals will be increased by 200. However, the second and fourth example locking members 218, 624 differ from the first and third example locking members 18, 424, respectively, in the following manner. Further, although locking member 624 is coupled to first exemplary platform 22, in other embodiments, locking member 624 may alternatively be coupled to any of the exemplary platforms shown in fig. 7-9.

More specifically, the fourth example locking member 624 of fig. 16-19 includes a second mating portion 628 (which may be identical to the second mating portion 28) that is different from the second mating portion 428 of the third example member 424. The second mating portion 628 is defined by a raised body 660 and a plurality of pegs (peg)786 extending outwardly (upwardly when viewed in fig. 16) from the raised body 660. At the second end 236 of the second example body 218, the protrusion 240 includes a plurality of grooves 248 formed around the circumference of the protrusion 240. Accordingly, the plurality of recesses 248 are sized to receive the plurality of extension pins 786 of the locking member 624 when the locking member 624 is axially aligned with the body 218 and the locking member 624 and the body 218 are coupled (e.g., pushed) together. The locking member 624 and the body 218 may then be secured by molding the second end 236 of the body 218 around the second mating portion 628 of the locking member 624. As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the second mating portion 628 of the locking member 624 includes a scalloped outer edge 661, and the second end 236 of the body 218 may be molded around the spikes 786 and the scalloped outer edge of the second mating portion 628. However, in other embodiments, the second mating portion may be different than the second mating portion 628. For example, fig. 20 shows a fifth example locking member 824 including a second mating portion 828 with an additional outer ring 880 to provide an increased mating surface area between the locking member 824 and a third example body 418, which third example body 418 is similar to body 218 but is configured to accommodate the additional outer ring 880.

Fig. 21-24B illustrate a fifth example expandable bracket 810 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fifth example expandable bracket 810 includes a fourth example body 618, a button 14 (not shown, but removably coupled to the body 618), a sixth example locking member 1024 securely coupled to the body 618, and a sixth example platform 1022 coupled to the locking member 1024 when the bracket 810 is in the locked configuration. The fourth example body 618 is similar to the second example body 218, the sixth example locking member 1024 is similar to the fourth example locking member 624, and the sixth example platform 1022 is similar to the fifth example platform 822. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the fourth example body 618 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above with respect to the second example body 218, but these reference numerals will be increased by 400. Likewise, the same or similar components of locking member 1024 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to fourth exemplary locking member 624, but these reference numbers will be increased by 400. Also, the same or similar components of the sixth exemplary platform 1022 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the fifth exemplary platform 822, but these reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the fourth example body 618, the sixth example locking member 1024, and the sixth example platform 1022 are different from the second example body 218, the fourth example locking member 624, and the fifth example platform 822, respectively, in the following manner.

As best shown in fig. 22 and 23, the sixth exemplary locking member 1024 is a rotatable link mechanism that allows the body 618 to be coupled to the platform 1022 and the body 618 to be removed from the platform 1022 by rotating the body 618 about the longitudinal axis B. Unlike the fifth exemplary locking member 824, the sixth exemplary locking member 1024 has an outer surface 1025 that can be grasped to facilitate quick release of the extendable bracket 1010 when the locking member 1024 is coupled to the platform 1022 (e.g., mounted to the platform 1022). The quick release feature allows the locking member 1024 to move between an unlocked configuration (where the body 618 is removable from the platform 1022) and a locked configuration (where the body 618 is secured to the platform 1022). In other words, the locking member 1024 has a first mating portion 1026, the first mating portion 1026 being rotatably coupled to the platform 1022 when the locking member 1024 is in the locked configuration, and the first mating portion 1026 being removable from the platform 1022 when in the unlocked configuration. To this end, the platform 1022 includes an attachment member 1052 that removably engages the first mating portion 1026 when the locking member 1024 is rotated in the clockwise direction.

As shown in fig. 22, the first mating portion 1026 is defined by first and second deformable wings 1056, 1058, which first and second deformable wings 1056, 1058 extend outwardly from a central wall 1060 of the locking member 1024 and away from the aperture 1064 of the locking member 1024. The first wing 1056 and the second wing 1058 also extend downwardly from the wall 1060 and away from the longitudinal axis B of the hole 1064. The wings 1056 and 1058 are deformable such that when the locking member 1024 is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration, the wings 1056 and 1058 may deflect from their initial position when engaging the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022. The second mating portion 1028 is more clearly shown in fig. 21 as being fixedly attached to the second end 636 of the main body 618, and in particular, to the tab 640 of the main body 618. The second mating portion 1028 is defined by a wall 1060 of the locking member 1024, an aperture 1064 formed in the wall 1060, and a flange 1068 extending inwardly away from the wall 1060 and toward a center of the aperture 1064. The hole 1064 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis B of the body 618 such that the flange 1068 (which in the illustrated embodiment is an annular ring) snaps into the horizontal groove 648 of the body 618 to secure the locking member 1024 to the body 618. As shown in fig. 21, the tabs 640 of the body 618 have chamfered ends that facilitate insertion of the tabs 640 into the apertures 1064 of the locking member 1024. When the projections 640 are disposed within the apertures 1064 of the locking member 1024, the annular ring 1068 of the second mating portion 1026 of the locking member 1024 engages the horizontal groove 1048 of the projections 640. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 640 may be press fit into the hole 1064 of the locking member 1024, but in other embodiments, the tab 640 may be inserted into the hole 1064 in a different manner. Additionally, as shown in fig. 23, the locking member 1024 may include a first slot 1070 and a second slot 1072 that may provide additional support or may facilitate alignment of the body 618 with the locking member 1024. However, in other embodiments, the locking member 1024 may not include the first slot 1070 and the second slot 1072.

Turning to fig. 24A and 24B, the connection member 1052 of the platform 1022 is configured to engage the locking member 1024 when the body 618 and the locking member 1024 are disposed within the aperture 1074 of the platform 1022 and rotated within the aperture 1074 of the platform 1022, thereby coupling the platform 1022 to the body 618 via the locking member 1024. As the first mating portion 1026 of the locking member 1024 slides against the attachment member 1052 of the platform 1022, the first mating portion 1026 deforms by deflecting away from the attachment member 1052. Specifically, the first and second wings 1056, 1058 of the locking member 1024 are configured to be slidably disposed in oppositely disposed first and second shelves 1076, 1078 of the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022 and to deflect away from the first and second shelves 1076, 1078. It is appreciated that the first shelf 1076 is substantially similar to the second shelf 1078 and the first wing 1056 is substantially similar to the second wing 1058. Accordingly, any details of the first wing 1056 and the first shelf 1076 discussed below are equally applicable to the second wing 1058 and the second shelf 1078, respectively.

Turning to fig. 24B, the attachment member 1052 of the platform 1022 is shown. The platform 1022 includes a wall 1100 surrounding the aperture 1074, and the shelf 1076 of the connection member 1052 extends away from the wall 1100 and into the aperture 1074. Although not shown, the shelf 1078 of the connection member 1052 also extends away from the wall 1100 and into the aperture 1074. The first shelf 1076 includes a first surface 1104 and a second surface 1108, the second surface 1108 engaging the first wing 1056 when the locking member 1024 is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. Unlike the fifth exemplary platform 822, the shelf 1076 of the sixth exemplary platform 1022 extends between a first end 1112 and a second end 1116 opposite the first end 1112 and includes a first groove 1120 and a second groove 1121. As shown in fig. 22, the first groove 1120 is formed as a wall 1100 of the platform 1022 such that the width of the second surface 1108 of the shelf 1076 gradually decreases from the first end 1112 until the first groove 1120 intersects the second groove 1121. The second recess 1121 is disposed between the first recess 1120 and the second end 1116 of the shelf 1076. The second recess 1121 is further formed as a wall 1100 of the platform 1022 than the first recess 1120 and is sized to receive the locking member 1024 (e.g., the first wing 1056 as shown in fig. 22) when the locking member 1024 is in the locked configuration. In this particular embodiment, the first end 1112 of the shelf 1076 includes a first ramp 1124 having an angled surface 1128 that slopes downward (at least when viewed in fig. 24A and 24B). When the wing 1056 is disposed within the second recess 1121, the first blocking surface 1140 (which is formed in the wall 1100 and separates the first recess 1120 and the second recess 1121) and the second blocking surface 1144 of the stop 1164 are configured to engage the first side 1148 and the second side 1150, respectively, of the wing 1056 of the locking member 1024.

To couple the locking member 1024 to the platform 1022, the unit 1098 (i.e., the body 618 and the locking member 1024 carried by the body 618) can be rotated such that the first side surface 1148 of the first wing 1056 engages the angled surface 1128 of the first ramp 1124. As the unit 1098 continues to rotate, the first ramp 1124 of the first shelf 1076 guides the first wing 1056 downward relative to the first surface 1104 of the shelf 1076. The slightly tapered configuration of first groove 1120 engages wings 1056 such that wings 1056 are deformed by deflecting slightly in direction D away from wall 1100 of platform 1022 until wings 1056 slide into second grooves 1121. Similarly, the first side 1152 of the second wing 1058 engages the second shelf 1078 such that the second wing 1058 deforms until the second wing 1058 slides within the second groove 1122 of the shelf 1078 (this second groove 1122 is the same as the second groove 1121). Once the wings 1056 and 1058 are disposed within their respective recesses 1121 and 1122, the locking member 1024 is in a locked configuration. As shown, when the first wing 1056 engages the first shelf 1076 of the platform 1022, the blocking surfaces 1140 and 1144 of the platform 1022 abut the first side 1148 and the chamfered side 1150, respectively, of the first wing 1056, holding the wing 1056 in place and in the locked configuration.

Accordingly, platform 1022 of cradle 1010 features a single ramp configuration that allows locking member 1024 to move in only one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. In this embodiment, when the locking member 1024 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the locking member 1024 is coupled to the platform 1022 by engaging the first end 1112 of the shelf 1076. The ramp 1124 of the shelf 1076 slidably receives the wing 1056 of the locking member 1024 at the first end 1112 of the shelf 1076 and allows the wing 1056 to slide into the second groove 1112. The stop 1164 blocks further rotation of the flap 1056 in the clockwise direction so that the locking member 1024 must be rotated in the counterclockwise direction to move the locking member 1024 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. Thus, when the locking member 1024 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction from the unlocked configuration, the stop 1164 also prevents the platform 1022 from receiving the wing 1056 at the second end 1116 of the shelf 1076. In other words, the platform 1022 enables one-way installation of the locking member 1024. Other configurations may also be employed to allow one-way installation via either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

More generally, the extendable bracket 810 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by: move from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration against the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking member 1022 and the platform 1024. In general, a user of the extendable bracket 810 can move (e.g., rotate or twist) the button 14, the main body 618, or the outer surface 1025 of the locking member 1024 about the longitudinal axis B in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by grasping or holding the button 14, the main body 618, or the outer surface 1025 of the locking member 1024, which thereby rotates the first mating portion 1026 of the locking member 1024 out of engagement with the connecting member 1052 of the platform 1022. Once the locking member 1024 is in the unlocked configuration, the user can pull the unit 1098 away from and out of the aperture 1074 of the platform 1022.

Various embodiments of quick-release extendable brackets constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, such as the brackets 10, 210, 410, 610, and 810 shown and described herein, provide a user with the ability to use a single bracket body and button for multiple devices, or provide the user with the variability and possibility of easily replacing a single bracket body and button with a different bracket body and/or button. For example, when multiple users share a single portable device, each user may have their own cradle body and buttons to connect to a common platform that has been attached to the shared portable device. This may be particularly convenient for parents to share their devices with their children. Before handing over the device, parents can exchange their cradle and button unit for one specifically designed for the child. For example, the child's cradle and button unit may provide additional handles and protective features that the parent may not use or want to use. Thus, the quick release extendable bracket attachment provides functional convenience and aesthetic variability to the user.

The figures and description provided herein depict and describe preferred embodiments of the quick-release extendable bracket for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative embodiments of the components illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Accordingly, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate additional alternative structural and functional designs for the extendable bracket having a quick release feature. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, changes, and variations can be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and assemblies disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.