阅读说明：本技术 用于便携式电子设备的可伸展设备 (Extendable device for portable electronic device ) 是由 R·莱恩 S·辛纳蒙 于 2019-06-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种可伸展设备包括：基部,其具有顶侧和底侧；伸展机构,其可操作地联接至基部；和按钮。基部的底侧适于接合便携式电子设备的一部分。按钮具有顶侧和底侧并且被可操作地联接至伸展机构。伸展机构在第一构型与第二构型之间是选择性地可移动的,在第一构型中,按钮以第一收缩构型被布置,在第二构型中,按钮以第二伸展构型被布置。在将按钮推压至第一构型时,可伸展设备将按钮保持在第一构型,并且在朝向基部进一步推压按钮时,按钮从第一构型释放并且移动至第二构型。(An extendable apparatus comprising: a base having a top side and a bottom side; an extension mechanism operably coupled to the base; and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side and is operatively coupled to the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is disposed in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is disposed in a second, extended configuration. The extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration when the button is urged to the first configuration, and the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration when the button is further urged toward the base.)

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

a base having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device;

an extension mechanism operably coupled to the base; and

a button having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operatively coupled to the extension mechanism;

wherein the extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is arranged in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is arranged in a second, extended configuration;

wherein upon urging the button to the first configuration, the extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration, upon further urging of the button toward the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration.

2. The extendable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a structure constructed from an elastic material.

3. The extendable apparatus of claim 2, wherein the extension mechanism comprises at least one collapsible elongated member that is biased toward the second configuration.

4. The extendable apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one collapsible elongated member comprises at least one accordion fold.

5. The extendable apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one collapsible elongated member comprises at least one elongated strap pivotably coupled to the base and the button.

6. The extendable apparatus of claim 2, wherein the extension mechanism comprises a foam member that is biased toward the second configuration.

7. The extendable device of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a locking device to lock the button in the first retracted configuration.

8. The extendable apparatus of claim 7, wherein the locking apparatus comprises a first locking region disposed on a portion of the button and a second locking region disposed on a portion of the base to couple to the first locking region.

9. The expandable apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first locking region comprises a tab, and wherein the second locking region comprises a groove.

10. The extendable device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the first locking region is frictionally coupled to the second locking region.

11. The extendable apparatus of claim 7, wherein the locking apparatus comprises a portion of the extension mechanism, wherein the portion of the extension mechanism is biased toward the first configuration.

12. An extendable device for attachment to a portable electronic device, the extendable device comprising:

a base having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device;

an extension mechanism operably coupled to the base, the extension mechanism comprising at least one collapsible elongated member;

a button having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operatively coupled to the extension mechanism;

wherein the extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is arranged in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is arranged in a second, extended configuration, wherein the extension mechanism is biased towards the second configuration;

wherein upon urging the button to the first configuration, the extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration, upon further urging of the button toward the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration.

13. The extendable apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one collapsible elongated member comprises at least one accordion fold.

14. The extendable apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one collapsible elongated member comprises at least one elongated strap pivotably coupled to the base and the button.

15. An extendable device as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a locking device to lock the button in the first retracted configuration.

16. The extendable apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking apparatus comprises a first locking region disposed on a portion of the button and a second locking region disposed on a portion of the base to couple to the first locking region.

17. An extendable device for attachment to a portable electronic device, the extendable device comprising:

a base having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device;

an extension mechanism operably coupled to the base, the extension mechanism comprising a foam member;

a button having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operatively coupled to the extension mechanism;

wherein the extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is arranged in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is arranged in a second, extended configuration, wherein the extension mechanism is biased towards the second configuration;

wherein upon urging the button to the first configuration, the extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration, upon further urging of the button toward the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration.

18. The extendable device of claim 17, further comprising a locking device to lock the button in the first retracted configuration.

19. The extendable apparatus of claim 18, wherein the locking apparatus comprises a first locking region disposed on a portion of the button and a second locking region disposed on a portion of the base to couple to the first locking region.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an extendable device, and more particularly to an extendable device that may be attached to a portable electronic device or a housing of a portable electronic device and used as a grip (grip), stand, or for other purposes.

Background

Portable electronic devices, such as MP3 players and smart phones, are typically housed in protective covers or cases in order to protect the device from damage, provide grips for handling the device, and/or provide stands for supporting the device on a surface. Such a housing increases the effective size of the device. Extendable devices and accessories (which may be attached directly to the device or to protect the housing of the device) are used for a variety of functions, including supporting the device on a surface and providing an extendable grip for manipulating the device. The extendable device has a decorative button that can reveal a logo, decal, symbol, or other artistic expression.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, an extendable apparatus comprises: a base (base) having a top side and a bottom side; an extension mechanism operably coupled to the base; and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operatively coupled to the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is disposed in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is disposed in a second, extended configuration. The extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration when the button is urged to the first configuration, and the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration when the button is further urged toward the base.

In some approaches, the stretching mechanism includes a structure constructed from an elastic material. The extension mechanism may be at least one collapsible elongated member biased toward the second configuration. In some forms, the at least one collapsible elongated member may be at least one organ fold (accoridon fold). In other forms, the at least one foldable elongate member may be at least one elongate strip pivotably coupled to the base and the button. In still other forms, the expansion mechanism may be a foam member biased toward the second configuration.

In some approaches, the extendable device may further comprise a locking device to lock the button in the first retracted configuration. The locking device may be of the form: a first locking region disposed on a portion of the button and a second corresponding locking region disposed on a portion of the base to couple to the first locking region. The first locking region may be a tab (tab) and the second locking region may be a corresponding groove. The locking regions may be frictionally coupled to each other. In other examples, the locking device may be part of the extension mechanism. The portion of the extension mechanism may be biased toward the first configuration.

According to another aspect, an extendable apparatus comprises: a base having a top side and a bottom side; an extension mechanism in the form of at least one collapsible elongated member operably coupled to the base; and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operatively coupled to the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is disposed in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is disposed in a second, extended configuration. Upon urging the button to the first configuration, the extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration, and upon further urging the button toward the base, the button is released from the first configuration and moves to the second configuration

According to yet another aspect, an extendable apparatus comprises: a base having a top side and a bottom side; an extension mechanism in the form of at least one foam member operably coupled to the base; and a button. The bottom side of the base is adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device. The button has a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side of the button being operatively coupled to the extension mechanism. The extension mechanism is selectively movable between a first configuration in which the button is disposed in a first, contracted configuration and a second configuration in which the button is disposed in a second, extended configuration. The extendable device maintains the button in the first configuration when the button is urged to the first configuration, the button being released from the first configuration and moving to the second configuration when the button is further urged toward the base

Drawings

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

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example extendable device, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable apparatus of fig. 1 in a contracted configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second example expandable apparatus in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable apparatus of fig. 3 in a contracted configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a third example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable apparatus of fig. 5 in a contracted configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a fourth example expandable apparatus in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable apparatus of fig. 7 in a contracted configuration, in accordance with various embodiments;

fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a fifth example expandable device in accordance with various embodiments; and

fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the expandable apparatus of fig. 9 in a contracted configuration, in accordance with various embodiments.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will also be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

Detailed Description

In general, according to these various embodiments, an extendable device for a portable electronic device is provided that includes a base and an extension mechanism that is movable relative to the base between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The extension mechanism is movable in multiple directions (e.g., about a pivot portion pivotably coupled to the base) to allow movement between a retracted state and an extended state projecting upward from the base. The extendable device may further include a button coupled to the body.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of an expandable apparatus 100. Extendable device 100 includes a base 102, an extension mechanism 110 operably coupled to base 102, and a button 120. The base 102 has a top or upper side 102a and a bottom or lower side 102 b. The bottom side 102b of the base 102 may be attached to a portable electronic device (not shown), a housing of the portable electronic device, or other desired component.

The base 102 further includes a cutout (cutout)104 to accommodate a portion of the extension mechanism 110 (as will be described in further detail below). Further, in some examples, base 102 can include a coupling or locking region 136 to secure expandable apparatus 100 in a collapsed configuration (as will be discussed in further detail below).

Extension mechanism 110 is operably coupled to base 102 via any number of suitable approaches. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the stretching mechanism 110 is in the form of a plurality of legs (legs) 112 extending upwardly from the base 102. Any number of legs 112 may be used as desired. The plurality of legs 112 may be integrally attached to the base 102 via folds 107. In some examples, the plurality of legs 112 may be coupled to the base 102 via any number of other suitable ways, such as, for example, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, snap fit or friction fit, etc.

Plurality of legs 112 may be constructed of any number of suitable materials, such as, for example, an elastic or shape-retaining material (e.g., polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) that biases or urges expandable device 100 toward the extended and/or retracted configuration depending on the relative positioning and angle between base 102 and legs 112. In another example, extendable device 100 may include a spring or other biasing member (not shown) disposed between base 102 and button 120.

At least one of the plurality of legs 112 may be positioned proximal to the cutout 104 formed in the base 102 and may have a size and/or shape similar to the size and/or shape of the cutout 104. As a result, the plurality of legs 112 are foldable to extend across the base 102 and into the cutout 104 (fig. 2) in the folded state.

The button 120 includes a top or upper side 120a and a bottom or inner side 120b and is operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of legs 112. Button 120 may be removable from extendable device 100. Button 120 may have artistic value (e.g., button 120 may include an artistic expression, logo, symbol, text, or decal), when plurality of legs 112 are in the extended configuration, button 120 may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their finger between bottom side 120b and base 102 such that top side 120a of button 120 is disposed adjacent the palm of the user's hand, and may further provide a space in which a cord (cord), such as an earphone cord, may be wrapped and stored around a portion of plurality of legs 112. Thus, in some examples, it may be desirable to remove button 120 and replace it with another button 120, another button 120 being characterized by a different aesthetic design and/or providing a different grip to facilitate changing the appearance and/or functionality of extendable device 100.

The plurality of legs 112 are coupled to the bottom side 120b of the button via any number of suitable ways. For example, the plurality of legs 112 may be integrally attached to the button 120 via a fold (not shown). In other examples, the plurality of legs 112 may be coupled to the button 120 via any number of suitable ways, such as, for example, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, snap fit or friction fit, etc. Bottom side 120b of the button may also include a cutout (not shown) similar to cutout 104 formed on base 102 to accommodate a portion of plurality of legs 112 when extendable apparatus 100 is in a retracted configuration.

In operation, the expandable device 100 can be positioned in an expanded configuration (fig. 1) or a collapsed configuration (fig. 2) by manipulating the button 120. In general, a user of the expandable apparatus 100 can move the expandable apparatus 100 from the collapsed configuration (fig. 2) to the expanded configuration (fig. 1) by, for example, as follows: the button 120 is grasped or held and the button 120 is moved (e.g., pulled) upward along the longitudinal axis L away from the base 102. Conversely, a user of the expandable apparatus 100 can move the expandable apparatus 100 from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration by, for example: the button 120 is grasped or held and the button 120 is pushed downward toward the base 102. In any of these movements, the plurality of legs 112 will pivot about the fold 107 and corresponding coupling areas (e.g., folds; not shown) of the plurality of legs 112 and the bottom side 120b of the button 120. As described above, at least one of the plurality of legs 112 may nest within the cutout 104 when in the collapsed configuration. Although the embodiments illustrated in fig. 1 and 2 depict the plurality of legs 112 rotating clockwise when the expandable apparatus 100 is transitioned to the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs 112 may alternatively rotate counterclockwise when transitioned to the collapsed configuration.

In examples where the plurality of legs 112 and/or base 102 are constructed of a shape-retaining material, the expandable device 100 may be retained in any position in which it is last placed. For example, the expandable apparatus 100 may automatically remain in the expanded configuration, the contracted configuration, or a partially expanded configuration between the expanded and contracted configurations.

In examples where the plurality of legs 112 and/or the base 102 are constructed of an elastic material, the plurality of legs 112 may urge the button 120 toward an extended configuration. In these examples, and as briefly mentioned above, the expandable device 100 may include a locking device 130, which in turn may lock or securely hold the expandable device 100 in a collapsed configuration. For example, the locking device 130 may be in the form of: a first locking region 132 disposed on a portion of the button 120 and a second locking region 136 disposed on a portion of the base 102, the second locking region 136 coupled to the first locking region 132. In the example shown, the first locking region 132 is in the form of an elongated hook or protrusion 133, while the second locking region 136 is in the form of a corresponding slot or recess 137. When the expandable apparatus 100 is transitioned to the collapsed configuration, the protrusion 133 may be inserted into the recess 137, and thus the protrusion 133 remains within the recess 137 and resists the biasing force exerted by the plurality of resilient legs 112.

In some examples, the protrusion 132 and the groove 136 form a frictional connection sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the plurality of legs 112. In other examples, the first and second locking regions 132, 136 are in the form of push-to-eject mechanisms, whereby one of the first and second locking regions 132, 136 includes a spring-driven member that moves along a cam track (not shown) to selectively retain or eject the other of the locking regions 132, 136, similar to the operation of a touch latch (touch latch) or push-to-open (push-to-open) system used in a push pen (click-pen). In these examples, the user may press the button 120 toward the base 102 to secure the button 120 to the base 102, and may press the button 120 again toward the base 102 to cause the button to disengage from the base 102. Other examples of push-to-release mechanisms are possible.

In other examples, the plurality of legs 112 and/or the base 102 are constructed of a material (e.g., a shape-retaining and/or elastic material) that is capable of being "snap-engaged" to one or both of an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In other words, the plurality of legs 112 may be initially positioned in the extended position, and upon pressing the button 120 to urge the extendable apparatus 100 to the retracted configuration, the plurality of legs 112 may initially resist the compressive force. However, as the pushing continues toward the collapsed configuration, the plurality of legs 112 may be snap-engaged to the folded collapsed configuration. In a similar manner, upon urging the extendable apparatus 100 to the extended configuration, the plurality of legs 112 may initially resist this pulling force until a point is reached whereby the plurality of legs 112 may snap engage to the extended configuration. Other examples of suitable components and/or mechanisms are possible.

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of an expandable apparatus 200. It should be understood that the extendable apparatus 200 shown in fig. 3 and 4 may include similar features to the extendable apparatus 100, and thus the elements shown in fig. 3 and 4 are represented by like reference numerals increased by 100 over the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2. Therefore, these features will not be described in detail.

In this form, the extension mechanism 210 is in the form of a folding assembly coupled to the base 202. As with the plurality of legs 112 of the expandable apparatus 100, the folding mechanism 210 can include any number of foldable legs 212, and the foldable legs 212 can be integrally formed with the base 202, or alternatively, the foldable legs 212 can be secured to the base 202 using any number of suitable means. In the example shown, the collapsible leg 212 includes a base member 213 secured to the top side 202a of the base 202. Foldable leg 212 may be coupled to bottom side 220b of button 220 in a similar manner.

Foldable leg 212 is configured to be compressed to move button 220 between an extended configuration (fig. 3) and a retracted configuration (fig. 4). The collapsible leg 212 may have an accordion-like configuration that includes a plurality of body sections 214 divided by leg folds 216. It will be appreciated that any number of desired body sections 214 may be used in the expandable device 200 to vary its size and shape.

Similar to the extendable apparatus 100 of fig. 1 and 2, the extendable apparatus 200 may be positioned in an extended configuration (fig. 3) or a retracted configuration (fig. 4) by manipulating the button 220. A user of the extensible device 200 can move the extensible device 200 from the extended configuration (fig. 3) to the retracted configuration (fig. 4) by, for example,: the button 220 is grasped or held and the button 220 is pushed down along the longitudinal axis L toward the base 202. As a result, the body section 214 will pivot about the leg fold 216 and will be compressed, generally positioned in a zigzag configuration. As a result, the body section 214 will be positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

Conversely, a user of the expandable apparatus 200 can move the expandable apparatus 200 from the collapsed configuration (fig. 4) to the expanded configuration (fig. 3) by, for example,: the button 220 is grasped or held and the button 220 is moved (e.g., pulled) upward away from the base 202 along the longitudinal axis L. As a result, the body section 214 will extend generally upwardly relative to the base 202 in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis L. In any of these movements, the collapsible leg 212 will expand or compress, respectively, to position the button 220 in the desired configuration.

As with the plurality of legs 112 of the extendable apparatus 100 of fig. 1 and 2, the collapsible leg 212 may be constructed of a shape-retaining material, an elastomeric material (e.g., a polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer), and/or a material capable of "snapping" the button 220 into a desired configuration. The extendable device 200 may include a locking device (not shown) similar to the locking device 130 described above that locks the button 220 in the retracted configuration.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment of an expandable apparatus 300. It should be understood that the extendable apparatus 300 shown in fig. 5 and 6 may include similar features to the extendable apparatuses 100 and 200, and thus the elements shown in fig. 5 and 6 are represented by like reference numerals increased by 100 (relative to fig. 3 and 4) or 200 (relative to fig. 1 and 2) as represented in the embodiments shown in fig. 1-4. Therefore, these features will not be described in detail.

In this example, the stretching mechanism 310 is in the form of an elastic member 310 coupled to the base 302. The resilient member 310 may be a foam member or any other type of dispersion medium (dispersed medium) that is selectively compressible and stretchable. The resilient member 310 may be in the form of a cell structure that includes a plurality of air pockets (air pockets) that vent air when a compressive force is applied thereto. In some examples, the resilient member 310 may be a spring or other similar member. The resilient member 310 may be coupled to the top side 302a of the base 302 and the bottom side 320b of the button 320 using any number of suitable approaches.

Similar to the expandable devices 100 and 200, the elastic member 310 is configured to be compressed to move the expandable device 300, and thus the button 320, between the expanded configuration (fig. 5) and the collapsed configuration (fig. 6) by manipulating the button 320. The elastic member 310 may be naturally biased to be positioned in an extended configuration and, as such, the elastic member 310 may return to its original extended form when the compressive force is removed.

A user of the expandable apparatus 300 can move the expandable apparatus 300 from the expanded configuration (fig. 5) to the collapsed configuration (fig. 6) by, for example, grasping or holding the button 320 and pushing the button 320 downward along the longitudinal axis L toward the base 302. As a result, the resilient member 310 will compress itself, thereby releasing air from its air pocket. As a result, the button 320 will be positioned near the base 302.

Conversely, a user of the expandable apparatus 300 can move the expandable apparatus 300 from the collapsed configuration (fig. 6) to the expanded configuration (fig. 5) by, for example, grasping or holding the button 320 and moving (e.g., pulling) the button 320 upward along the longitudinal axis L away from the base 302. As a result, the resilient member 310 will return to its extended configuration, which causes the button 320 to move upward. In any of these movements, the resilient member 310 will expand or compress, respectively, to position the button 320 in the desired configuration.

Extendable device 300 may include a locking device 330, and locking device 330 may in turn lock or securely hold extendable device 300 in a retracted configuration. For example, the locking device 330 may be in the form of a first locking region 332 disposed on a portion of the button 320 and a second locking region 336 (coupled to the first locking region 332) disposed on a portion of the base 102. In the example shown, the first locking region 332 is in the form of a first loop 333 and the second locking region 336 is in the form of a second loop 337. When the expandable apparatus 300 is transitioned to the collapsed configuration, the first ring 333 may be inserted into the second ring 337, and thus, the first ring 333 and the second ring 337 form a concentric ring arrangement whereby the first ring 333 is retained within the second ring 337 and resists the biasing force exerted by the resilient member 310. In other examples, the second loop 337 may be inserted into the first loop 333.

In some examples, the first locking region 332 and the second locking region 336 are frictionally coupled to each other. This coupling may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of elastic member 310 urging extendable apparatus 300 toward the extended configuration. In other examples, the first and second locking regions 332, 336 comprise corresponding protrusion and groove arrangements (not shown), whereby the protrusions are inserted into the grooves to secure the locking device 330. In still other examples, the first and second locking regions 332, 336 are in the form of a push-down ejection mechanism whereby one of the first or second locking regions 332, 336 includes a spring driven member that moves along a cam track (not shown) to selectively retain or eject the other of the locking regions 332, 336, similar to the operation of a touch latch or push-down opening system used in push pens. In these examples, the user may press the button 320 toward the base 302 to secure the button 320 to the base 302, and may again press the button 320 toward the base 302 to disengage the button from the base 302. Other examples of push release mechanisms are possible.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate a fourth embodiment of an expandable apparatus 400. It should be understood that the expandable devices 400 illustrated in fig. 7 and 8 may include similar features to expandable devices 100 and 200, and in particular expandable device 300. Thus, the elements shown in fig. 7 and 8 are denoted by like reference numerals as in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 6, increased by 100 with respect to fig. 5 and 6, increased by 200 with respect to fig. 3 and 4 or increased by 300 with respect to fig. 1 and 2. Therefore, these features will not be described in detail.

In the example, the stretching mechanism 410 is also in the form of an elastic member 410 coupled to the base 402. The elastic member 410 may be a foam member or any other type of dispersion medium that is selectively compressible and stretchable. The resilient member 410 may be in the form of a cellular structure that includes a plurality of air pockets that vent air when a compressive force is applied thereto. In some examples, the resilient member 410 may be a spring or other similar member. The resilient member 410 may be coupled to the top side 402a of the base 402 and the bottom side 420b of the button 420 using any number of suitable approaches.

In particular, the resilient member 410 includes an integrally formed locking region 436 disposed proximate the base 402. The locking area 436 may be in the form of an annular protrusion 437, the annular protrusion 437 extending outwardly from the outer surface 410a of the resilient member 410. The locking area 436 may be coupled to a locking area 432 disposed on a portion of the button 420. As with the locking region 332 of fig. 5 and 6, the locking region 432 may be in the form of a ring 433, the ring 433 being coupled to an annular protrusion 437 to form a concentric arrangement, whereby the annular protrusion 437 is retained within the ring 433 and resists the biasing force exerted by the resilient member 410.

In other examples, the locking regions 432, 436 are in the form of push-down ejection mechanisms, whereby one of the locking regions 432, 436 includes a spring driven member that moves along a cam track (not shown) to selectively retain or eject the other of the locking regions 432, 436, similar to the operation of a push-down opening system used in a touch latch or in a push pen. In these examples, the user may press the button 420 toward the base 402 to secure the button 420 to the base 402, and may again press the button 420 toward the base 402 to disengage the button from the base 402. Other examples of push release mechanisms are possible.

Fig. 9 and 10 illustrate a fifth embodiment of an extendable apparatus 500. It should be understood that the expandable devices 500 illustrated in fig. 9 and 10 may include similar features to expandable devices 100 and 200, and in particular expandable devices 300 and 400. Accordingly, the elements shown in fig. 9 and 10 are represented by like reference numerals as represented in the embodiments shown in fig. 1 to 8, increased by 100 with respect to fig. 7 and 8, increased by 200 with respect to fig. 5 and 6, increased by 300 with respect to fig. 3 and 4, and increased by 400 with respect to fig. 1 and 2. Therefore, these features will not be described in detail.

In an example, the stretching mechanism 510 is also in the form of an elastic member 510 coupled to the base 502. The resilient member 510 may be two distinct foam members 510a, 510b or any other type of dispersion medium that is selectively compressible and stretchable. The elastic members 510a, 510b are separated by spacers (partitions) 512 constructed of any number of materials. The resilient member 510 may be in the form of a cellular structure that includes a plurality of air pockets that vent air when a compressive force is applied thereto. In some examples, the resilient member 510 may be a first spring and a second spring or other similar member. The first resilient member 510a can be coupled to the top side 502a of the base 502 using any number of suitable approaches, and the second resilient member 510b can be coupled to the bottom side 520b of the button 520 using any number of suitable approaches. In an example, the extension device 530 can include any one or combination of the aforementioned locking devices 130, 330, and/or 430, as desired.

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

Patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed in accordance with 35u.s.c. § 112(f), unless conventional means-plus-function language is explicitly recited, such as the language "means for …" or "step for …" explicitly recited in the claim(s).