阅读说明：本技术 用于便携式电子设备的可伸展装置 (Extendable apparatus for portable electronic device ) 是由 D·B·巴尼特 G·阿德尔曼 M·科瑞 R·Y·姜 A·纳胡姆 D·F·威尔逊 于 2018-10-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：可伸展装置包括具有第一端、第二端和纵向轴线的主体。主体在伸展构型和折叠构型之间是可移动的。按钮被联接至主体的第一端并且包括内表面和由内表面承载的接合构件。平台包括外表面和延伸远离外表面的轴环,并且轴环限定了空腔。锁定装置由主体的第二端承载,并且锁定装置的一部分适于被可移除地布置在平台的空腔中,用于将主体可释放地联接至平台。当主体处于折叠构型时,按钮的接合构件接合锁定装置,使得锁定装置相对于平台在解锁构型和锁定构型之间是可旋转的。(The extendable device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The body is movable between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The button is coupled to the first end of the body and includes an inner surface and an engagement member carried by the inner surface. The platform includes an outer surface and a collar extending away from the outer surface, and the collar defines a cavity. A locking device is carried by the second end of the body and a portion of the locking device is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform for releasably coupling the body to the platform. When the body is in the folded configuration, the engagement member of the button engages the locking device such that the locking device is rotatable relative to the platform between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.)

1. An extendable apparatus for a portable electronic device, 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 button coupled to the first end of the body, the button including an inner surface and an engagement member carried by the inner surface;

a platform including an outer surface and a collar extending away from the outer surface, the collar defining a cavity; and

a locking device carried by the second end of the body, at least a portion of the locking device adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform so as to releasably couple the body to the platform,

wherein, when the body is in the folded configuration, the engagement member of the button engages the locking device such that the locking device is rotatable relative to the platform between an unlocked configuration in which the body is removable from the platform and a locked configuration in which the body is secured to the platform.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a land and a bushing attached to the land, the bushing being coupled to the platform when the locking device is in the locked configuration and being removable from the platform when the locking device is in the unlocked configuration.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the interface disc is adjacent the second end of the body, the interface disc including a first mating surface adapted to engage the engagement member of the button and a second mating surface adapted to connect to the bushing.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bushing includes a body having a first surface adapted to connect to the interface disc, a second surface adapted to couple to a first portion of the platform, and a radial wing extending from the body of the bushing and adapted to engage a different portion of the platform.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the cavity of the platform is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the platform includes a protrusion extending into the cavity, the protrusion adapted to couple to the second surface of the bushing when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the bushing is configured to slide against the protrusion of the platform, and wherein the platform is configured to deform when the locking device is moved between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the platform comprises a base recessed from the collar and at least partially defining the cavity such that the cavity is disposed between the collar and the base of the platform, and wherein the protrusion is formed in the base.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the platform includes a shelf extending inwardly from the collar into the cavity, the shelf configured to engage the radial wings of the bushing when the locking apparatus is in the locked configuration.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the radial wings of the bushing are disposed below the shelf of the platform when the locking apparatus is in the locked configuration.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the bushing includes a curved notch formed in the second surface of the body, the notch configured to engage the protrusion of the platform when the locking device is moved between the locked and unlocked configurations.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one of the base of the platform and a portion of the bushing is a resilient material and is deformable, wherein the at least one of the base and the platform deforms when the locking device moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

13. The device of claim 3, wherein the second mating surface of the land is adapted to extend through the second end of the body.

14. The device of claim 3, wherein the engagement member of the button comprises a plurality of teeth extending away from the inner surface.

15. The device of claim 3, wherein the first mating surface of the connector disc is arranged to interlock with the engagement member of the button.

16. The device of claim 3, wherein the engagement member of the button comprises a non-circular tooth extending away from the inner surface.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the interface disc comprises an opening having a shape corresponding to a shape of a non-circular protrusion of the engagement member of the button.

18. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the interface disc is secured to the bushing.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a flexible wall defining a chamber, the locking device being at least partially disposed in the chamber of the body.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing sized to receive a portable electronic device, and wherein the platform is integrally formed with the housing.

21. A method of attaching an extendable apparatus to a portable electronic device or a case of a portable electronic device, the method comprising:

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

removing the first body from the platform;

rotatably coupling a second body, different from the first body, to the platform.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein rotatably coupling the first body comprises folding the first body such that a button attached to the first body interlocks with a mating surface of the locking device, and rotating the first body relative to the platform by engaging the button with the mating surface of the locking device.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein removing the first body from the platform comprises folding the first body such that the button attached to the first body interlocks with the mating surface of the locking device, and rotating the first body relative to the platform by engaging the button with the mating surface of the locking device.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising locking the first body to the platform by rotating the locking device relative to the platform when the first body is in the folded configuration.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising attaching the connecting disc of the locking device to an end of the first body prior to rotatably coupling the first body to the platform.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising attaching the interface disc to a bushing and securing the interface disc to the bushing.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein rotatably coupling the first body comprises: first coupling the first body to the locking device by sliding the wings of the bushing through the opening of the platform, and rotating the first body relative to the platform to dispose the wings of the bushing under the shelf of the platform.

28. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing the platform integrally formed with a housing of the portable device.

29. The method of claim 21, further comprising attaching a platform to a surface of a portable device or a case of the portable device.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to devices, and more particularly to expandable devices that may be attached to portable electronic devices or cases of portable electronic devices and used as handles (grip), brackets, 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 devices and accessories (accesses) that 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 extendable handle for holding the device. The extendable device has decorative buttons (buttons) that can display logos, decals (focal), symbols, or other artistic representations.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first exemplary aspect, an extendable apparatus for a portable electronic device may include a body having 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 button may be coupled to the first end of the body and may include an inner surface and an engagement member carried by the inner surface. The platform may include an outer surface and a collar (collar) extending away from the outer surface. The collar may define a cavity. The locking means may be carried by the second end of the body. At least a portion of the locking device may be adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform so as to releasably couple the body to the platform. When the body is in the folded configuration, the engagement member of the button may engage the locking device such that the locking device may be rotatable relative to the platform between an unlocked configuration (in which the body is removable 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 extendable apparatus to a portable electronic device or case may comprise: the method includes rotatably coupling the first body to the platform via a locking device disposed between the first body and the platform, and removing the first body from the platform. Additionally, the method may include rotatably coupling a second body, different from the first body, to the platform.

Further in accordance with any one or more of the preceding first or second aspects, the extendable device and/or the method of attaching the extendable device may further comprise any one or more of the following preferred forms.

In a preferred form, the locking means may comprise a coupling disc and a bush (hub) attached to the coupling disc. The sleeve may be coupled to the platform when the locking device is in the locked configuration and removable from the platform when the locking device is in the unlocked configuration.

In a preferred form, the connecting disc may be adjacent the second end of the body. The connecting disc may include a first mating surface adapted to engage an engagement member of the button and a second mating surface adapted to connect to the bushing.

In a preferred form, the bushing may include a body having a first surface adapted to connect to the interface disc, a second surface adapted to couple to the first portion of the platform, and a radial wing (radial wing) extending from the body of the bushing and adapted to engage a different portion of the platform.

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

In a preferred form, the platform may include a projection that extends into the cavity. The protrusion may be adapted to couple to the second surface of the bushing when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the bushing may be configured to slide against a projection of the platform. The platform may be configured 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 a cavity such that the cavity may be disposed between the collar and the base of the platform. The protrusion may be formed in the base.

In a preferred form, the platform may comprise a shelf (shelf) extending inwardly from the collar into the cavity. The shelf may be configured to engage the radial wings of the bushing when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the radial wings of the bushing may be disposed below the platform shelf when the locking device is in the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the bush may include a curved notch (curvednotch) formed in the second surface of the body. The notch may be configured to engage with the projection of the platform when the locking device is moved between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

In a preferred form, at least one of the base of the platform and a portion of the liner may be of a resilient material and deformable. At least one of the base and the platform may be deformable when the locking device is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

In a preferred form, the second mating surface of the connector disc may be adapted to extend through the second end of the body.

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

In a preferred form, the first mating surface of the connector disc may be arranged to interlock with an engagement member of the button.

In a preferred form, the engagement member of the button may include a non-circular tooth extending away from the inner surface.

In a preferred form, the connecting disc may include an opening having a shape corresponding to the shape of the non-circular projection of the engagement member of the button.

In a preferred form, the connecting disc may be fixed to the bush.

In a preferred form, the body may include a flexible wall defining the chamber. The locking device may be at least partially disposed in the cavity of the body.

In a preferred form, the case body may be sized to accommodate a portable electronic device, and the platform may be integrally formed with the case body.

In a preferred form, rotatably coupling the first body may include: folding the first body such that a button attached to the first body may interlock with a mating surface of the locking device; and rotating the first body relative to the platform by engaging mating surfaces of the button and the locking device.

In a preferred form, removing the first body from the platform may comprise: folding the first body such that a button attached to the first body may interlock with a mating surface of the locking device; and rotating the first body relative to the platform by engaging mating surfaces of the button and the locking device.

In a preferred form, the method may comprise: the first body is locked to the platform by rotating the locking device relative to the platform when the first body is in the folded configuration.

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

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

In a preferred form, the method may comprise: the connecting disc of the locking device is attached 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 interface disc to the bushing and securing the interface disc to the bushing.

In a preferred form, rotatably coupling the first body may include: the first body is first coupled to the locking device by sliding the wings of the bushing through the opening of the platform, and rotating the first body relative to the platform to dispose the wings of the bushing under the shelf of the platform.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a first exemplary extendable apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the extendable apparatus of FIG. 1, including a first exemplary button, a first exemplary body containing a first exemplary disc, a first exemplary bushing, and a first exemplary platform;

FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the extendable apparatus taken along line I-I of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the extendable apparatus taken along line II-II of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the extendable device of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the button of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the interface disc of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the interface disc of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the bushing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the bushing of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the platform taken along III-III of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of the platform taken along IV-IV of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of a second exemplary extendable apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the extendable apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a second exemplary connector of the extendable apparatus of FIG. 14; and

fig. 17 is an isometric view of a housing for a portable electronic device having an integrated extendable apparatus constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1-5, a first exemplary extendable apparatus 10 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Extendable apparatus 10 includes a button 14, a body 18 attached to button 14, and a platform 22 attachable to a portable electronic device (not shown), a housing of the portable electronic device, or other desired component. The body 18 is movable between an extended configuration, as shown in figures 1 to 4, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in figure 5. A locking device 24 (which is hidden in fig. 1 and shown in fig. 2) is disposed between the body 18 and the platform 22 to rotatably and releasably couple the body 18 to the platform 22. The locking device 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). When the body 18 is in the extended configuration, the body 18 may freely rotate about the longitudinal axis a relative to both the platform 22 and the locking device 24. The body 18 is configured to rotate with the locking device 24 and thereby move the locking device 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, e.g., only when the body 18 is in the folded configuration. As shown in fig. 3-5, the engagement member 30 carried by the inner surface 34 of the button 14 is configured to engage a mating surface 38 of the locking device 24 when the device 10 is in the folded configuration. When the button 14 and the body 18 are rotated about the longitudinal axis a in the folded configuration, the engagement member 30 of the button 14 engages the locking device 24 such that the locking device 24 is rotatable relative to the platform 22 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). The locking device 24 is also rotated relative to the platform 22 about axis a from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

As shown in fig. 2, the locking device 24 includes a bushing 26 and a coupling disc 28 rotatably coupled to the body 18. In the locked configuration, the body 18 is rotatable relative to the locking device 24 and is thus rotatably coupled to the platform 22 by the locking device 24. The platform 22 has a mounting surface 39 that may include an adhesive (adhesive) suitable for attaching the platform 22 to a portable device or a case of a portable device. The mounting surface 39 secures the platform 22 relative to the device to facilitate unlocking and locking of the locking mechanism 24. When extendable device 10 is in the locked configuration, bushing 26, coupling disc 28, button 14, body 18, and platform 22 are aligned with respect to longitudinal axis a.

The body 18 may include an accordion pleated (accordion) structure 18 having collapsible walls 20. The body 18 is movable between an extended configuration, as shown in figures 1 to 4, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in figure 5. The body 18 is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis a and includes a first end 40 distal from the platform 22 and a second end 42 proximal to the platform 22.When the button 14 is attached to the first end 40 of the body 18, the wall 20 of the body 18 and the button 14 define a chamber 56. The body 18 includes an aperture 58 formed in the second end 42 of the body 18 such that the locking device 24 may be partially disposed both internally and externally relative to the body 18. At the second end 42 of the body 18, the cavity 56 is sized to receive the connector disc 28. The body 18 may be 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. In some examples, the body 16 of the present disclosure may include, at least in part, a Popsocket^TMAnd/or an extension body for a portable media player, as disclosed in U.S. patent No. 8,560,031, U.S. application No. 15/729,260 filed on 10/2017, U.S. application No. 15/864,402 filed on 1/8/2018, and U.S. application No. 15/864,509 filed on 1/8/2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in fig. 3-5, the connector disc 28 of the locking device 24 is carried by the second end 42 of the body 18 and is disposed in the cavity 56 of the body 18 adjacent the second end 42. In this configuration, mating surface 38 of interface disc 28 faces inner surface 34 of button 14, and second mating surface 60 extends through aperture 58 of second end 42 of body 18 for coupling to bushing 26. The connection disc 28 is disposed within the body 18 and is rotatable relative to the body 18. When button 14 is attached to first end 40 of body 18 and engages first mating surface 38 of interface disc 28, interface disc 28 rotates with body 18.

Engagement member 30 of button 14 is particularly adapted to interface with mating surface 38 of interface disc 28. As such, the locking device 24 of the device 10 is advantageously configured such that the body 18 is not easily separated from the platform 22 when the device 10 is in use. When the button 14 engages the locking device 24, the button 14 of the device 10 is used as a key to unlock the body 18 from the platform 22 or lock the body 18 to the platform 22.

As shown in fig. 5, the engaging member 30 of the button 14 and the first mating surface 38 of the locking device 24 are positioned such that the engaging member 30 and the first mating surface 38 interlock (e.g., engage, overlap, engage, mate, couple) when the inner surface 34 of the button 14 is adjacent the mating surface 38. The inner surface 34 of the button 14 is shown in more detail in fig. 6. Engagement member 30 includes a plurality of projections 44 (e.g., teeth, ribs, posts (stud), pegs (peg), etc.) separated by a plurality of spaces 48 (e.g., grooves, indentations, recesses, etc.), which may be disposed in a predetermined pattern or configuration corresponding to mating surface 38 of interface disc 28. In this example, the engagement member 30 includes a plurality of protruding teeth 44 evenly spaced by a plurality of annular openings or grooves 48. Engagement member 30 is disposed about longitudinal axis a, and engagement member 30 is symmetrical such that button 14 may be easily engaged with first mating surface 38 of interface disc 28.

Fig. 7 shows mating surface 38 of interface disc 28 disposed in a pattern of protruding teeth 52 (e.g., projections, ribs, posts, pegs, etc.), which protruding teeth 52 are evenly spaced apart by a plurality of grooves 54 (e.g., spaces, indentations, recesses, etc.). First mating surface 38 is symmetrical about longitudinal axis a such that button 14 may be easily engaged with first mating surface 38 of interface disc 28. Returning to fig. 3-5, a plurality of protrusions 52 of interface disc 28 are aligned with spaces 48 of engagement members 30 of button 14, and protrusions 52 are sized to fit within spaces 48 of engagement members 30 of button 14. Likewise, the plurality of recesses 54 are aligned with the plurality of protrusions 44 of the button 14, and the recesses 54 are sized to receive the plurality of protrusions 44 of the button 14. Thus, when the body 18 is in the folded configuration, the plurality of protrusions 44, 52 of the button 14 and the mating surface 38 of the locking device 24 interlock and are positioned to engage when the button 14 is rotated about the longitudinal axis a. In another example, the mating surface 38 and the engagement member 30 interlock or otherwise engage in different locking configurations.

In fig. 8, second mating surface 60 of interface disc 28 is shown. The second mating surface 60 includes a planar region 62, a projection 63 surrounded by the planar region 62 and extending axially away from the planar region 62 of the disc 28. The planar region 62 is configured to lie against an inner surface of the second end 42 of the body 18 (lay flat), and the protruding portion 63 is configured to extend at least partially through the aperture 58 of the body 18. Planar region 62 includes a smooth surface to reduce friction between disc 28 and body 18 such that when disc 28 is disposed within cavity 56, connection disc 28 is free to rotate relative to body 18. The distal end 64 of the projection 63 includes a plurality of angled tips. The angled tip 64 may be configured to flex, bend, or otherwise deform to mate with the bushing 26. Once the projection 63 engages the bushing 26, the bushing 26 and the interface disc 28 may be secured (e.g., welded, fused, etc.) together to move as an integral locking device 24. Alternatively, the bushing 26 and the connecting disc 28 may be integrally formed. Unlike planar region 62, distal end 64 may be a textured material configured to frictionally engage bushing 26 such that coupling disk 28 rotates bushing 26 when disk 28 and bushing 26 are engaged.

In fig. 9 and 10, the bushing 26 is shown in more detail. The bushing 26 includes a body 65 and first and second radial wings 66, 68 extending outwardly from the body 65. Wings 66 and 68 are disposed on opposite sides of body 65 and may be a resilient material such that wings 66 and 68 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when engaging platform 22. The body 65 includes a first surface 70 and a second surface 72 opposite the first surface 70. First surface 70 is configured to mate with second mating surface 60 of connector disc 28. More specifically, opening 71 formed in first surface 70 is sized and shaped to receive protruding portion 63 of second mating surface 60 of land 28. As shown in fig. 10, the bushing 26 includes a first curved notch or ramp 73 and a second curved notch or ramp 74 formed in the second surface 72 to facilitate disengagement between the platform 22 and the bushing 26 as the locking device 24 is rotated relative to the platform 22. Specifically, the notches 73, 74 are formed to slide against tabs 76, 78 extending from the platform 22 when the lock 24 is rotated a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) about the longitudinal axis a. A first stop (detent)84 and a second stop 86 are formed in the second surface 72 of the bushing 26 and are shaped to engage the first tab 76 and the second tab 78 of the platform 22 when the locking device 24 is in the locked configuration. In another example, the second surface 72 of the body 65 may have only one gap 73 or 74 or no gap. Where the bushing 26 provides only one notch 73, the portion of the second surface 72 disposed opposite the notch 73 may be flat or coplanar with the second surface 72. This configuration may facilitate removal of the body 18 from the platform 22. For example, when the locking device 24 is rotated out of locking engagement with the platform 22, the tabs 76 or 78 of the platform 94 may bias the second surface 72 of the bushing 26 upward and away from the platform 22.

The bushing 26 and platform 22 are positioned to be rotatably coupled to lock the body 18 to the platform 22. The first and second wings 66, 68 are deformable such that the wings 66, 68 may deflect from an initial position when engaging the first and second shelves 80, 82 of the platform 22 when the locking device 24 is moved from the unlocked to the locked configuration. Stops 84, 86 formed in the second surface 72 of the bushing 26 are configured to engage the platform 22 in the locked configuration. Specifically, each stop 84, 86 is partially formed in one of the two wings 66, 68. It should be understood that the second shelf 82 is substantially similar to the first shelf 80 and the wings 68 are substantially similar to the wings 66, such that any details of the first shelf 80 and the first wings 66 discussed below are equally applicable to the second shelf 82 and the second wings 68, respectively. In the illustrated extendable apparatus 10, the locking apparatus 24 includes two wings 66 and 68, and the platform 22 includes two shelves 80 and 82 corresponding to the wings 66 and 68 of the locking member 24. However, in another example arrangement, the locking device 24 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 22 may have the same number of corresponding shelves. Likewise, the platform 22 includes two tabs 76, 78, and the bushing 26 includes two stops 84, 86 corresponding to the tabs 76, 78. However, in another example arrangement, the bushing 26 may include one stop or more than two stops, and the platform may have the same number of corresponding tabs. The liner 26 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. 3-5, when the locking device is in the locked configuration, the bushing 26 is coupled to the platform 22. Platform 22 includes an outer surface 87 and a collar 88 extending away from surface 87. The collar 88 defines a cavity 90. A second shelf 82 disposed opposite the first shelf 80 is configured to slidably receive one of the wings 66 and 68 of the bushing 26. The shelves 80 and 82 are configured to engage one of the wings 66 and 68 of the locking member 24 when the locking member 24 is in the locked configuration. The surface of each shelf 80 and 82 inhibits axial movement of the locking device 24 relative to the platform 22 when the locking device 24 is in the locked configuration. As the bushing 26 rotates, the first and second wings 66 and 68 move out of engagement with the shelves 80 and 82.

As shown in fig. 11-13, the first exemplary platform 22 includes a first shelf 80 extending radially inward from a collar 88 and into a cavity 90 formed in the platform 22. At least a portion of the locking device 24 is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform 22 for releasably coupling the body 18 to the platform 22. The cavity 90 is defined in part by a non-circular opening 92, as shown in FIG. 11, and is shaped to receive the first and second wings 66, 68 of the bushing 26. In particular, the opening 92 is defined by the opposing first and second shelves 80, 82 and an inner wall 100 of the collar 88. The platform 22 also includes a base 94 recessed from the collar 88 and defining a lower boundary of the cavity 90 of the platform 22. The base 94 is connected to an inner wall 100 of the platform 22 such that the base 94 may be coplanar with the mounting surface 39 of the platform 22, as shown in fig. 12. The base 94 also includes first and second tabs 76, 78, respectively, that extend axially into the cavity 90 and are spaced radially inward relative to the shelves 80, 82. Base 94 is connected to inner wall 100 at opposite ends that are 90 degrees offset from first shelf 80 and second shelf 82. Above the opposite end of the base 94, the collar 88 defines a radially recessed inner wall 100 that provides clearance for the bushing 26. So configured, the radial wings 66, 68 of the bushing 28 may be slid into the openings 92 until the radial wings 66, 68 are located below a reference plane on which the shelves 80, 82 are disposed. The base 94 is disconnected from the inner wall 100 directly below the first and second shelves 80, 82 such that when the second surface 72 of the bushing 26 engages the base 94, the base 94 may flex downward relative to the shelves 80, 82.

As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the first shelf 80 of the platform 22 includes a first surface 104 facing the second end 42 of the main body 18 and a second surface 108 that engages one of the first and second wings 66, 68 of the locking member 24 when the locking member 24 is moved from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. 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.

To couple the locking member 24 to the platform 22, the bushing 26 is disposed through the opening 92 and into the cavity 90 of the platform 22 such that the locking member 24 is disposed at least partially under the first and second shelves 80, 82. The locking member 24 rotates in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., 90 degrees) about the longitudinal axis a. As the locking member 24 is rotated, the first wing 66 of the bushing 26 of the locking member 24 slides against the shelf 80 of the platform 22 until the tab 76 of the base 94 snaps into the detent 84 of the second surface 72 of the bushing 26. Additionally, the bushing 26 may deflect or displace the base 94 until the tab 76 and the stop 84 engage. The base 94 may be a resilient material such that the base 94 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when engaged by the bushing 26. In one example, the base 94 may bend or flex along a flexible hinge (hinge) formed in the base 94 extending between opposite sides of the inner wall 100 (i.e., where the base 94 is connected to the platform 22). It should be appreciated that the second shelf 82 is substantially similar to the first shelf 80, the second wing 68 is substantially similar to the first wing 66, the second stop 86 is substantially similar to the first stop 84, and the second tab 78 is substantially similar to the first tab 76, such that any of the details of the first shelf 80, the first wing 66, the first stop 84, and the first tab 76 discussed above are equally applicable to the second shelf 82, the second wing 68, the second stop 86, and the second tab 78, respectively.

The mating relationship between button 14 and interface disc 28, interface disc 28 and bushing 26, and bushing 26 and platform 22 may be configured to provide any number of different mating engagements. For example, the bushing 26 may include one or more tabs extending from the second surface 72 thereof to couple to one or more detents formed in the base 94 of the platform 22. In another example, second mating surface 60 of interface disc 28 may not extend through aperture 58 formed in second end 42 of body 18, but rather first surface 70 of bushing 26 may include a portion that extends into aperture 58 of body 18 to couple with second mating surface 60 of interface disc 22. Non-limiting examples of configurations or mating relationships between locking member 24 and platform 22 and/or other components of device 10 are disclosed by U.S. application No. 15/864,402 filed on 8.1.2018 and U.S. application No. 15/864,509 filed on 8.1.2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Extendable device 10 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the friction between the mating surfaces of locking device 24 and platform 22. In general, a user of extendable device 10 may rotate locking device 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by: the extendable device 10 is folded such that the button 14 engages the interface disc 28 of the locking device 24, and then the button 14 or body 18 is grasped or gripped and the button 14 or body 18 is moved (e.g., rotated or twisted) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis a for a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees). The button 14 engages the locking device 24 such that the locking device 24 rotates with the button 14 and the body 18. In turn, coupling disc 28 transmits rotational movement from button 14 to rotate bushing 26 of locking device 24 out of engagement with platform 22. Once locking member 24 is in the unlocked configuration, the user may pull body 18 away and out of cavity 90 and through opening 92 of platform 22 to lock body 17 to platform 22.

The device 10 may be assembled by: connecting disc 28 to second end 42 of body 18 is accomplished by disposing connecting disc 28 into cavity 56 of body 18. The second mating surface 60 is coupled to the first surface 70 of the bushing 26 such that the bushing 26 and the interface disc 28 form the integral locking device 24. The body 18 may be coupled to the platform 22 by disposing the bushing 26 into the cavity 90 of the platform 22.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate a second exemplary apparatus 210 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary apparatus 210 is similar to the apparatus 10 of fig. 1-5. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second example apparatus 210 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above for the first example apparatus 10, but the reference numeral values will be increased by 200. However, the second exemplary apparatus 210 differs from the apparatus 10 in the manner described below.

The button 214 of the second example apparatus 210 includes an engagement member 230 having a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The engagement member 230 includes a plurality of sides 231 configured to engage with corresponding openings 248 or indents (indentations) formed in the first mating surface 238 of the locking device 224. As shown in fig. 16, the coupling disc 228 of the locking device 224 includes a first mating surface 238 having a non-circular shape sized to receive the engagement member 230 of the button 214 when the device 210 is in the folded configuration. The body 218, the platform 222, and the bushing 226 may be substantially similar to the body 18, the platform 22, and the bushing 26 of the first example apparatus 10 previously described with reference to fig. 1-13. The mating surface 238 of the locking device 224 and the engagement member 230 of the button 214 may have any number of shapes and configurations that facilitate engagement between the locking device 224 and the button 214.

Fig. 17 illustrates a third example apparatus 410 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third example apparatus 410 of fig. 17 is how the platform 22 of the first example extendable apparatus 10 or the platform 222 of the second example extendable apparatus 210 may be integrally formed with or permanently attached to the housing 412 of the portable device 410. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the third example apparatus 410 will retain the same reference numerals as outlined above for the first example apparatus 10, but the reference numeral values will be increased by 400. As shown in fig. 17, quick release extendable device 410 is a protective shell integrated with platform 422 such that body 418 of extendable device 410 is removably coupled to housing 412 through integrated platform 422. The platform 422 may be embedded with the outer wall 416 of the housing 412 and may be formed with the housing 412 by injection molding, thermoforming, compression molding, or other techniques (such as additive manufacturing techniques). In another example, the housing 412 may be formed first, and then the platform 422 may be permanently secured to the housing 412 such that the housing 412 and the platform 422 are not separable. In some forms, the platform is integrally formed with the housing, rather than being attached to a separate component of the housing.

A quick release extendable apparatus 10, 210, 410 for a portable device, such as a portable media player, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure provides a platform 22, 222, 422 that is directly attached to the portable device or a protective case of the portable device. The platform 22, 222, 422 allows the body 18, 218, 418 to be easily coupled to and removed from the platform 22, 222, 422 and replaced with a different body 18, 218, 418 if desired. The body 18, 218, 418 of the device 10, 210, 410 is coupled to a locking device 24, 224, 424 (shown in phantom in fig. 17), the locking device 24, 224, 424 being removably coupled to the platform 22, 222, 422. Each of the platform 22, 222, 422, locking device 24, 224, 424 and button 14, 214, 414 may be designed in various shapes and sizes to facilitate slidably locking and releasing the body 18, 218, 418 to and from the platform 22, 222, 422.

The figures and description provided herein depict and illustrate preferred embodiments of an extendable apparatus for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative examples of the components illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Thus, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will appreciate other alternative structural and functional designs for extendable accessories. 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 components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.