WO2020091904A1

WO2020091904A1 - Accessory for a portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2020091904A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/051395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randy Yang Chiang
Original assignee: Popsockets Llc
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2019-09-17
Publication date: 2020-05-07

Abstract

A mounting accessory includes a board member having a coupling surface, at least one first release component coupled to the coupling surface via a coupling mechanism, and at least one coupling accessory. The at least one coupling accessory includes button having a top side and a bottom side that carries a second release component. The at least one first release component selectively secures to the second release component to secure the button to the board member.

Description

ACCESSORY FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Priority is claimed to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/754,720, filed November 2, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an accessory device and, more particularly, to accessory devices for expandable devices that can be attached to a portable electronic device or a case for a portable electronic device and used as grips, stands, or for other purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Portable electronic devices, such as MP3 players and smart phones, are often housed in protective covers or cases in order to protect the device from damage, provide a grip for handling the device, and/or provide a stand for propping the device on a surface. Such cases increase the effective size of the device. Expandable devices and accessories, which may be attached directly to the device or to the case protecting the device, are used for a variety of functions, including propping the device on a surface and providing an expandable grip for handling the device. The expandable devices have decorative buttons, which may display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings. In some cases, a user may wish to interchange a button to provide a different visual effect.

SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one aspect, a mounting accessory includes a board member having a coupling surface, at least one first release component coupled to the coupling surface via a coupling mechanism, and at least one coupling accessory. The at least one coupling accessory includes button having a top side and a bottom side that carries a second release component. The at least one first release component selectively secures to the second release component to secure the button to the board member.

[0005] In some examples, the accessory further includes an expandable body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The expandable body is operably coupled to the button and is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration to selectively move the button between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration. In some of these approaches, upon decoupling the first release component from the second release component, the expandable body remains coupled to the button.

[0006] In some aspects, the coupling mechanism is in the form of a magnetic member, an adhesive, and/or a friction-fit interface. In other examples, the coupling mechanism may be in the form of a button, a snap, and/or a hook-and loop component or mechanism. In some approaches, the first release component is flush-mounted to the board member, however in other approaches, the first release component may protrude outwardly from the board member. In any of these examples, the first release component may be integrally formed with the board member.

[0007] In accordance with a second aspect, an approach for operating a mounting accessory for a portable electronic device includes securing a button of at least one coupling accessory to a board member carrying a first portion of a release component using a second portion of the release component. The first portion of the release component is operably secured to the board member. The second portion of the release component is operably secured to the button to releasably secure the button to the board member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the accessory for a portable electronic device described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example mounting accessory in accordance with various embodiments;

[0010] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting accessory of Fig. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0011] Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of the mounting accessory of Figs. 1 and 2 coupled using a first approach in accordance with various embodiments;

[0012] Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation view of the mounting accessory of Figs. 1 and 2 coupled using a second approach in accordance with various embodiments;

[0013] Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a third example accessory device in accordance with various embodiments; [0014] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the accessory device of Fig. 5, including an example button, an example body including an example disk, an example hub, and an example platform in accordance with various embodiments;

[0015] Fig. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view of the accessory device taken at I-I of Fig. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0016] Fig. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of the accessory device taken at II- II of Fig. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0017] Fig. 9 is a front, cross-sectional view of the accessory device of Fig. 5 in a collapsed configuration in accordance with various embodiments;

[0018] Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the button of Fig. 5 in accordance with various

embodiments;

[0019] Fig. 11 is a top view of the connecting disk of Fig. 5 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0020] Fig. 12 is a side view of the connecting disk of Fig. 11 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0021] Fig. 13 is a isometric view of the hub of Fig. 5 in accordance with various

embodiments;

[0022] Fig. 14 is a bottom view of the hub of Fig. 13 in accordance with various

embodiments;

[0023] Fig. 15 is a top view of the platform of Fig. 15 in accordance with various

embodiments;

[0024] Fig. 16 is a side, cross-sectional view of the platform taken at III- III of Fig. 13 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0025] Fig. 17 is a front, cross-sectional view of the platform taken at IV-IV of Fig. 13 in accordance with various embodiments;

[0026] Fig. 18 is a front, cross-sectional view of a fourth example accessory device constructed in accordance with various embodiments; [0027] Fig. 19 is a side, cross-sectional view of the accessory device of Fig. 18 in accordance with various embodiments; and

[0028] Fig. 20 is a top view of a second example connector of the accessory device of Fig. 18 in accordance with various embodiments.

[0029] 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.

Also, 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 further 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

[0030] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, accessory devices for use with expandable devices for portable electronics are provided. These accessory devices may be releasably mounted or coupled to an object. Generally, an expandable accessory device includes a platform, a button, and an expanding mechanism that is movable relative to the platform between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. These expandable devices may be coupled to a portable electronic device (e.g., a cellular telephone, a tablet, a laptop, etc.) to provide a gripping and/or storage mechanism for a user. Some of these expandable devices are adapted to accommodate releasable buttons via a release mechanism, each of which may be adorned with different decorative buttons displaying logos, decals, symbols, and/or other artistic renderings. Accordingly, the accessory devices described herein provide for the selective coupling and display of these releasable buttons.

[0031] In the event that a user or users accumulate a number of these expandable devices, they may wish to selectively store and/or display the devices. Accordingly, the accessory device described herein provides a mounting and display surface for the accessory devices. The accessory device described herein can further accommodate hanging of items such as bags and/or apparel, and thus serves a variety of aesthetic and functional purposes.

[0032] A first embodiment of an accessory device 100 is shown in Figs. 1-3. The accessory device 100 includes a board member 122 having a top side or coupling surface l22a and a bottom or lower side l22b, at least one button 114 having a top or upper side 1 l4a and a bottom or lower side 1 l4b, a collapsible and/or expandable mechanism or body 118 operably coupled to the button 114, a releasable or locking device or mechanism 124, and a coupling mechanism 102. Generally, the releasable mechanism 124 allows a portion of the accessory device 100 (e.g., the body 118 and/or the button 114) to be disengaged from the board member 122. A portion of the board member 122 (e.g., the top surface l22a) may carry a first release component l24a, and a portion of the button 118 (e.g., the bottom surface 1 l4b) may carry a second release component l24b.

[0033] The board member 122 may have any desired shape (e.g., an elongated shape) and can be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as, for example metal, wood, and/or plastic materials, though other suitable materials (e.g., cardboard) and/or combinations thereof can be used. In some examples, the bottom side l22b of the board member 122 may be coupled or secured to an object such as a wall, a door, or other structural element using fasteners, adhesives, magnets, or the like.

[0034] The body 118 generally facilitates movement of the accessory device 100 between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and to retain the accessory device 100 in the desired configuration (expanded or collapsed) when coupled to a portable electronic device (via a platform component; not shown). The body 118 may take the form of an outer case, enclosure, shell, deformable cover, etc., and may include a resilient member (e.g., a coil spring).

[0035] As previously noted, the button 114 includes the top or upper side 1 l4a and the bottom or inner side 1 l4b and is operably coupled to the body 118. The button 114 may have an annular shape. In other examples, however, the button 114 may have a rectangular, square, triangular, irregular, or other shape. The button 114 may be constructed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material or materials. [0036] As stated, the button 114 is removable from an expandable device operably coupled to a portable electronic device, and may be selectively secured to the board member 122 of the accessory device 100 for storage and/or display purposes. The button 114 may have artistic value (e.g., the button 114 may include an artistic rendering, a logo, a symbol, text, or a decal), the button 114 may provide a grip that allows a user to slide their fingers between the bottom side 1 l4b and a platform when the body 118 is in the expanded configuration (when, for example, the button is coupled to the portable electronic device) such that the top side 114a of the button 114 is disposed adjacent to the palm of the user’s hand, and may also provide a space in which a cord, such as a cord for earphones, may be wrapped and stored around a portion of the platform.

[0037] Generally, the body 118 is used to move from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration by overcoming any biasing forces applied by resilient members. This may be accomplished by grabbing or grasping the button 114 and moving (e.g., pushing) the button 114 towards the board member 122. The accessory device 100 may include any number of retaining components to maintain the accessory device 100 in the collapsed configuration. The button 114 may be positioned in the expanded configuration by grasping or pulling the button 114 away from the board member 122 with a sufficient force to overcome the force of any retaining components used to secure the accessory device 100 in the collapsed configuration. Upon doing so, if the accessory device 100 is equipped with a resilient member or members, the button 114 will be urged towards, and maintained in, an expanded configuration.

[0038] The bottom side 114b of the button 114 includes the second release component l24b to allow the button 114 to be removed from and coupled to the board member 122 of the accessory device 100. As will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 5-20, the first and second release components l24a, l24b may include any number of subcomponents.

[0039] The coupling mechanism 102 allows the first release component l24a to be secured to the board member 102. In some examples, the coupling mechanism may be in the form of an adhesive, a fastener, a hook-and-loop coupling, a magnetic member, a button, a snap, or any other suitable device or devices. As a result, the first release component l24a may be fixedly and/or releasably secured to the board member 122 at the coupling surface l22a.

[0040] In operation, and as illustrated in Fig. 2, the accessory device 100 is coupled to an object (e.g., a wall, a door, an appliance, etc.) by placing the board member 122 against the object. The first release component l24a is coupled to the board member 122. The button 114 may then be coupled to the board member 122 via the releasable mechanism 124. Specifically, the second release component l24b (which is carried by the button 114 and/or the body 118) is coupled to the first release component l24a. Accordingly, the button 144 is releasably secured to the board member 122. As a result, any visual depictions on the button 114 may be displayed on the board member 122. The button 114 may then be positioned in the expanded or the collapsed configuration as desired to allow an object 108 (e.g., an article of clothing, bags, etc.) to be hung therefrom. The object 108 may be suspended from the body 118 and/or the button 114 in either of the expanded or collapsed configurations. As a result, the button 114 acts as a decorative “hook” to accommodate the placement and/or storage of any number of objects. Upon removing the button 114 from the board member 122, the button 114 may be returned to a portable electronic device to serve as an expandable grip for the device.

[0041] As illustrated in Fig. 4, an alternative accessory device 200 is provided. It will be appreciated that the accessory device 200 illustrated in Fig. 4 may include similar features to the accessory device 100, and thereby elements illustrated in Fig. 4 are designated by similar reference numbers indicated on the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-3, increased by 100.

Accordingly, these features will not be described in substantial detail. In this example, the coupling mechanism 202, and thus the first release component 224a, is embedded within the board member 222. In this example, the coupling mechanism 202 is in the form of a countersunk opening dimensioned to accommodate and retain the first release component 224a via a frictional engagement. However, additional components such as adhesives, magnets, fasteners, and the like may additionally be used to further secure the first release component 224a to the board member 222.

[0042] While the illustrated example of Fig. 4 depicts the first release component 224a being flush with the top side 222a of the board member 222, in some approaches, the first release component 224a may be embedded within the board member 222, but still extend outwardly from the top surface 222a of the board member 222. In any or all of the example devices 100, 200, the coupling mechanism 102, 202 and/or the first release component l24a, 224a may be integrally formed with the board member 122, 222. [0043] The above accessory devices 100, 200 may include any number of additional features as desired to improve and/or increase its functionality. As previously noted, the release mechanism allows the body and the button to be selectively decoupled from the board member. Turning to Figs. 5-9, the third example accessory device 300 is provided in further detail. As with the accessory devices 100, 200, the accessory device 300 includes a button 314, a board member 322 that is attachable to an object or structure, and a body 318 attached to the button 314. In the illustrated example, the board member 322 is in the form of a small, round platform which itself may be coupled to a separate board or an object. However, in other forms, and as illustrated in Figs. 1-4, the board member 322 may be elongated and may accommodate any number of individual devices.

[0044] The body 318 is movable between an expanded configuration, as shown in Figs. 5-8, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 9. A release component or locking device 324, which is hidden from view in Fig. 5 and is shown in Fig. 6, is disposed between the body 318 and the platform or board member 322 to rotatably and releasably couple the button 314 and/or the body 318 to the platform 322. The locking device 324 is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 318 is removable from the platform 322, and a locked configuration, in which the body 318 is secured to the platform 322. When the body 318 is in the expanded configuration, the body 318 may rotate freely about a longitudinal axis A relative to both the platform 322 and the locking device 324. The body 318 is configured to rotate with the locking device 324, and therefore move the locking device 324 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, for example, only when the body 318 is in the collapsed configuration. As shown in Figs. 7-9, an engaging member 330 carried by an inner surface 334 of the button 314 is configured to engage with a mating surface 338 of the locking device 324 when the device 300 in in the collapsed configuration. When the button 314 and body 318 rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the collapsed configuration, the engaging member 330 of the button 314 engages the locking device 324 such that the locking device 324 is rotatable relative to the platform 322 between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 318 is removable from the platform 322, and a locked configuration, in which the body 318 is secured to the platform 322. The locking device 324 also rotates about the axis A relative to the platform 322 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration. [0045] As shown in Fig. 6, the locking device 324 includes a hub 326 and a connecting disk 328 rotatably connected to the body 318. In the locked configuration, the body 318 is rotatable relative to the locking device 324 and therefore rotatably coupled to the platform 322 by way of the locking device 324. The platform 322 has the coupling mechanism 302 that assists in attaching the platform 322 to an object. The coupling mechanism 302 secures the platform 322 relative to the device and may facilitate unlocking and locking the locking device 324. The hub 326, the connecting disk 328, the button 314, the body 318, and the platform 322 are aligned relative to the longitudinal axis A when the accessory device 300 is in the locked configuration.

[0046] The body 318 can include an accordion-like structure 318 having a collapsible wall 320. The body 318 is movable between the expanded configuration, as shown in Figs. 5-8, and collapsed configuration, as shown in Fig. 9. The body 318 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A, and includes a first end 340 distal to the platform 322 and a second end 342 proximate to the platform 322. When the button 314 is attached to the first end 340 of the body 318, the wall 320 of the body 318 and the button 314 define a chamber 356. The body 318 includes an aperture 358 formed in the second end 342 of the body 318 such that the locking device 324 may be partially disposed both internally and externally relative to the body 318. At the second end 342 of the body 318, the chamber 356 has a volume sized to receive the connecting disk 328.

The body 318 can be made of a flexible material, such as polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, or may be any equivalently functional material suitable for its intended purpose.

[0047] As illustrated in Figs. 7 through 9, the connecting disk 328 of the locking device 324 carried by the second end 342 of the body 318 and is disposed in the chamber 356 of the body 318 adjacent to the second end 342. In this configuration, the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328 faces the inner surface 334 of the button 314, and a second mating surface 360 extends through the aperture 358 of the second end 342 of the body 318 for coupling to the hub 326. The connecting disk 328 is disposed within the body 318 and is rotatable relative to the body 318. The connecting disk 328 rotates with the body 318 when the button 314 is attached to the first end 340 of the body 318 and engages with the first mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328. [0048] The engaging member 330 of the button 314 is particularly suited to connect with the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328. As such, locking device 324 of the device 300 is beneficially constructed so that the body 318 does not easily detach from the platform 322 when the device 300 is in use. The button 314 of the device 300 acts as a key to unlock or lock the body 318 from or to the platform 322 when the button 314 engages the locking device 324. In some examples where the locking device 324 is disposed below the body (as opposed to the button), the body acts as a key to unlock or lock the body from or to the platform.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 9, the engaging member 330 of the button 314 and the first mating surface 338 of the locking device 324 are arranged so that the engaging member 330 and the first mating surface 338 interlock (e.g., mesh, overlap, engage, mate, couple) when the inner surface 334 of the button 314 is adjacent to the mating surface 338. The inner surface 334 of the button 314 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 10. The engaging member 330 includes a plurality of protrusions 344 (e.g., teeth, ribs, studs, pegs, etc.) separated by a plurality of spaces 348 (e.g., grooves, notches, dimples, etc.), which may be arranged in a predetermined pattern or configuration that corresponds to the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328. In this example, the engaging member 330 includes a plurality protruding teeth 344 evenly spaced by the plurality of openings or grooves 348 in the shape of a ring. The engaging member 330 is disposed about the longitudinal axis A, and is symmetrical such that the button 314 may easily mesh with the first mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328.

[0050] Fig. 11 illustrates the mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328 is arranged in a pattern of protruding teeth 352 (e.g., protrusions, ribs, studs, pegs, etc.), which are evenly spaced by a plurality of grooves 354 (e.g., spaces, notches, dimples, etc.). The first mating surface 338 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A such that the button 314 may easily mesh with the first mating surface 338 of the connecting disk 328. Briefly returning to Figs. 7-9, the plurality of protrusions 352 of the connecting disk 328 are aligned, and sized to fit, within the spaces 348 of the engaging member 330 of the button 314. Likewise, the plurality of grooves 354 are aligned, and sized to receive, the plurality of protrusions 344 of the button 314. Thus, when the body 318 is in the collapsed configuration, the plurality of protrusions 344, 352 of the button 314 and the mating surface 338 of the locking device 324 are interlocked and positioned to engage when the button 314 is rotated about the longitudinal axis A. In another example, the mating surface 338 and the engaging member 330 interlock or otherwise engage via an alternative locking configuration.

[0051] In Fig. 12, the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328 is shown. The second mating surface 360 includes a flat area 362, a protruding portion 363 surrounded by the flat area 362 and extending axially away from the flat area 362 of the disk 328. The flat area 362 is configured to lay flat against an interior surface of the second end 342 of the body 318 and the protruding portion 363 is configured to at least partially extend through the aperture 358 of the body 318. The flat area 362 includes a smooth surface to reduce friction between the disk 328 and the body 318 such that the connecting disk 328 is free to rotate relative to the body 318 when the disk 328 is disposed within the chamber 356. A distal end 364 of the protruding portion 363 includes a plurality of angled tips. The angled tips 364 may be configured to flex, bend, or otherwise deform to mate with the hub 326. Once the protruding portion 363 engages the hub 326, the hub 326 and the connecting disk 328 may be fixed (e.g., welded, fused, etc.) together to move as a unitary locking device 324. Alternatively, the hub 326 and connecting disk 328 can be integrally formed. Unlike the flat area 362, the distal end 364 may be a textured material configured to frictionally engage with the hub 326 so that the connecting disk 328 rotates the hub 326 when the disk 328 and hub 326 are engaged.

[0052] In Figs. 13 and 14, the hub 326 is shown in greater detail. The hub 326 includes a body 365 and first and second radial wings 366 and 368 that extend outwardly from the body 365. The wings 366 and 368 are disposed on opposing sides of the body 365, and may be a resilient material such that the wings 366 and 368 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when the wings 366 and 368 engage the platform 322. The body 365 includes a first surface 370 and a second surface 372 opposite the first surface 370. The first surface 370 is configured to mate with the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328. More particularly, an opening 371 formed in the first surface 370 is sized and shaped to receive the protruding portion 363 of the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328. As shown in Fig. 14, the hub 326 includes first and second curved notches or ramps 373, 374 formed in the second surface 372 to facilitate disengagement between the platform 322 and the hub 326 when the locking device 324 rotates relative to the platform 322. Specifically, the notches 373, 374 are formed to slide against protrusions 376, 378 extending from the platform 322 when the locking device 324 rotates a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) about the longitudinal axis A. First and second detents 384, 386 are formed in the second surface 372 of the hub 326 and are shaped to engage with first and second protrusions 376, 378 of the platform 322 when the locking device 324 is in the locked configuration. In another example, the second surface 372 of the body 365 may have only one notch 373 or 374 or no notches. In the case where the hub 326 provide only one notch 373, the portion of the second surface 372 opposite disposed from the notch 373 may be flat or coplanar with the second surface 372. This configuration may facilitate removal of the body 318 from the platform 322. For example, as the locking device 324 is rotated out of locking engagement with the platform 322, the protrusion 376 or 378 of the platform 394 may bias the second surface 372 of the hub 326 upward and away from the platform 322.

[0053] The hub 326 and the platform 322 are arranged to rotatably couple to lock the body 318 to the platform 322. The first and second wings 366 and 368 are deformable such that they may deflect from their original position when the wings 366 and 368 engage first and second shelves 380, 382 of the platform 322 as the locking device 324 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The detents 384, 386 formed in the second surface 372 of the hub 326 are configured to engage with the platform 322 in the locked configuration.

Specifically, each detent 384, 386 is partially formed in one of the two wings 366, 368. It will be appreciated that the second shelf 382 is substantially similar to the first shelf 380 and the wing 368 is substantially similar to the wing 366, such that any details of the first shelf 380 and the first wing 366 discussed below apply equally to the second shelf 382 and the second wing 368, respectively. In the illustrated accessory device 300, the locking device 324 includes two wings 366 and 368 and the platform 322 includes two shelves 380 and 382 corresponding to the wings 366 and 368 of the locking member 324. However, in another example device, the locking device 324 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 322 may have the same number of corresponding shelves. Likewise, the platform 322 includes two protrusions 376, 378 and the hub 326 includes two detents 384, 386 corresponding to the protrusions 376, 378.

However, in another example device, the hub 326 may include one detent or more than two detents, and the platform may have the same number of corresponding protrusions. The hub 326 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any equivalently functional materials suitable for its intended purpose.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 7-9, the hub 326 is coupled to the platform 322 when the locking device is in the locked configuration. The platform 322 includes an outer surface 387 and a collar 388 extending away from the surface 387. The collar 388 defines a cavity 390. The second shelf 382 oppositely disposed from the first shelf 380 is configured to slidably receive one of the wings 366 and 368 of the hub 326. The shelves 380 and 382 are configured to engage one of the wings 366 and 368 of the locking member 324 when the locking member 324 is in the locked configuration. A surface of each shelf 380 and 382 inhibits axial movement of the locking device 324 relative to the platform 322 when the locking device 324 is in the locked configuration. The first and second wings 366 and 368 move out of engagement with the shelves 380 and 382 when the hub 326 is rotated.

[0055] As illustrated in Figs. 15 through 17, the first exemplary platform 322 includes the first shelf 380 extending radially inwardly from the collar 388 and into a cavity 390 formed in the platform 322. At least a portion of the locking device 324 is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform 322 for releasably coupling the body 318 to the platform 322. The cavity 390 is partially defined by a non-circular opening 392, as shown in Fig. 15, and is shaped to receive the first and second wings 366 and 368 of the hub 326. In particular, the opening 392 is defined by first and second opposing shelves 380, 382, and an interior wall 3100 of the collar 388. The platform 322 also includes a base 394 that is recessed from the collar 388 and defines a lower boundary of the cavity 390 of the platform 322. The base 394 is connected to the inner wall 3100 of the platform 322 such that the base 394 may be co-planar with the mounting surface 339 of the platform 322, as shown in Fig. 16. The base 394 also includes first and second protrusions 376, 378 extending axially into the cavity 390 and spaced radially inwardly relative to the shelves 380, 382, respectively. The base 394 is connected to the inner wall 3100 at opposing ends, which are 90 degrees offset from the first and second shelves 380, 382. Above the opposing ends of the base 394, the collar 388 defines a radially recessed inner wall 3100, providing a clearance for the hub 326. So configured, the radial wings 366, 368 of the hub 328 may slide into the opening 392 until the radial wings 366, 368 are beneath a reference plane on which the shelves 380, 382 are disposed. The base 394 is disconnected from the inner wall 3100 directly below the first and second shelves 380, 382 such that the base 394 may flex downward relative to the shelves 380, 382 when the second surface 372 of the hub 326 engages the base 394.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the first shelf 380 of the platform 322 includes a first surface 3104 that faces the second end 342 of the body 318, and a second surface 3108 that engages with one of the first and second wings 366 and 368 of the locking member 324 when the locking member 324 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The platform 322 is preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, or a harder plastic, such as polycarbonate, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including thermoplastic polyurethane, metal, fiberglass, or any combination of these materials, or any equivalently functional materials suitable for its intended purpose.

[0057] To couple the locking member 324 to the platform 322, the hub 326 is disposed through the opening 392 and into the cavity 390 of the platform 322 such that the locking member 324 is at least partially disposed below first and second shelves 380, 382. The locking member 324 is rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. As the locking member 324 is rotated, the first wing 366 of the hub 326 of the locking member 324 slides against the shelf 380 of the platform 322 until the protrusion 376 of the base 394 snaps into the detent 384 of the second surface 372 of the hub 326. Additionally, the hub 326 may deflect or displace the base 394 until the protrusion 376 and the detent 384 are engaged. The base 394 may be a resilient material such that the base 394 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when engaged by the hub 326. In one example, the base 394 may bend or flex along a flexible hinge formed in the base 394 extending between opposing sides of the inner wall 3100 (i.e., where the base 394 connects to the platform 322. It will be appreciated that the second shelf 382 is substantially similar to the first shelf 380, the second wing 368 is substantially similar to the first wing 366, the second detent 386 is substantially similar to the first detent 384, and the second protrusion 378 is substantially similar to the first protrusion 376, such that any details of the first shelf 380, first wing 366, first detent 384, and the first protrusion 376 discussed above apply equally to the second shelf 382, the second wing 368, the second detent 386, and the second protrusion 378, respectively. [0058] The mating relationships between the button 314 and the connecting disk 328, the connecting disk 328 and the hub 326, and the hub 326 and the platform 322 may be configured to provide any number of different mating engagements. For example, the hub 326 may include one or more protrusions extending from its second surface 372 to couple to one or more detents formed in the base 394 of the platform 322. In another example, the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 328 may not extend through the aperture 358 formed in the second end 342 of the body 318, but instead, the first surface 370 of the hub 326 may include a portion that extends into the aperture 358 of the body 318 to couple with the second mating surface 360 of the connecting disk 322. Non-limiting examples of the configuration or mating relationship between the locking member 324 and the platform 322 and/or other components of the device 300 are disclosed in U.S. Appl. No. 15/864,402, filed January 8, 2018, U.S. Appl. No.

15/864,509, filed January 8, 2018, and U.S. Appl. No. 15/993,458, filed May 30, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0059] The accessory device 300 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking device 324 and the platform 322. Generally speaking, a user of the accessory device 300 may rotate the locking device 24 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by collapsing the expandable device 310 such that the button 314 engages with the connecting disk 328 of the locking device 324, and then by grabbing or grasping the button 314 or body 318 and moving, e.g., rotating or twisting, the button 314 or body 318 a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. The button 314 engages with the locking device 324 to rotate the locking device 324 with the button 314 and body 318. In turn, the connecting disk 328 transfers the rotational motion from the button 314 to rotate the hub 326 of the locking device 324 out of engagement with the platform 322. Once the locking member 324 is in the unlocked configuration, the user may pull the body 318 away and out of the cavity 390 and through the opening 392 of the platform 322 to lock the body 318 to the platform 322.

[0060] The device 300 may be assembled by connecting the connecting disk 328 to the second end 342 of the body 318 by disposing the connecting disk 328 into the chamber 356 of the body 318. The second mating surface 360 is coupled to the first surface 370 of the hub 326 such that the hub 326 and the connecting disk 328 form a unitary locking device 324. The body 318 may be coupled to the platform 322 by disposing the hub 326 into the cavity 390 of the platform 322.

[0061] Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate a fourth example device 400 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fourth example device 400 is similar to the device 300 of Figs. 5-9. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the device 400 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the devices 100, 200, 300, although the reference numbers will be increased by a multiple of 100.

[0062] A button 414 of the fourth device 400 includes an engaging member 430 having a non circular cross-sectional shape. The engaging member 430 includes a plurality of sides 431 configured to engage with a corresponding opening 448 or indentation formed in a first mating surface 438 of a locking device 424. As shown in Fig. 20, a connecting disk 428 of the locking device 424 includes the first mating surface 438 having a non-circular shape sized to receive the engaging member 430 of the button 414 when the device 410 is in a collapsed configuration. A body 418, a platform 422, and a hub 426 may be substantially similar to the body 318, platform 322, and hub 326 of the third device 300 previously described with reference to Figs. 5-17. The mating surface 438 of the locking device 424 and the engaging member 430 of the button 414 may be any number of shapes and structures that facilitate engagement between the locking device 424 and the button 414.

[0063] In some instances, the expandable grip accessory of the current disclosure may be in the form of a commercially available grip and stand product such as that available on

www.popsockets.com. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,560,031, filed on February 23, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 9,970,589, filed on November 9, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/615,900, filed on June 7, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/679,934, filed on August 17, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/803,410, filed on November 3, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/808,076, filed on November 9, 2017; U.S. Appl. No. 15/864,402, filed on January 8, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/864,509, filed on January 8, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/906,920, filed on February 27, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/922,601, filed on March 15, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/952,025, filed on April 12, 2018; U.S. Appl. No. 15/993,458, filed on May 30, 2018; and U.S. Appl. No. 16/001,723, filed on June 6, 2018 each describe suitable expandable grip and stand product, which also incorporate collapsible mechanisms, the entirety of each being hereby incorporated by reference.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as“means for” or“step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s).

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A mounting accessory, the accessory comprising:

a board member having a coupling surface;

at least one first release component coupled to the coupling surface of the board member via a coupling mechanism;

at least one coupling accessory including a button having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side carrying a second release component;

wherein the at least one first release component selectively secures to the second release component to releasably secure the button to the board member.

2. The mounting accessory of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupling accessory further comprises an expandable body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the expandable body being operably coupled to the button and being movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration to selectively move the button between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.

3. The mounting accessory of claim 2, wherein when the at least one coupling accessory is moved to the expanded configuration, the button protrudes outwardly from the board member such that an object may be at least partially supported by at least one of the expandable body or the button.

4. The mounting accessory of claims 2 or 3, wherein upon decoupling the first release component from the second release component, the expandable body remains coupled to the button.

5. The mounting accessory of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least one of:

a magnetic member;

an adhesive;

a friction-fit interface;

a button; a snap; or

a hook-and-loop component.

6. The mounting accessory of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first release component is flush-mounted to the board member.

7. The mounting accessory of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first release component protrudes outwardly from the board member.

8. The mounting accessory of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first release component is formed integrally with the board member.

9. A method of operating a mounting accessory, the method comprising:

securing a button of at least one coupling accessory to a board member carrying a first portion of a release component via a second portion of the release component;

wherein the first portion of the release component is operably secured to the board member and the second portion of the release component is operably secured to the button to releasably secure the button to the board member.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the at least one coupling accessory further comprises an expandable body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the expandable body being operably coupled to the button, the body being movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration to selectively move the button between the expanded configuration and the collapsed configuration.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

moving the at least one coupling accessory to the expanded configuration such that the button protrudes outwardly from the elongated board; and

hanging an object on at least one of the button or the body.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises at least one of: a magnetic member;

an adhesive;

a friction-fit interface;

a button;

a snap; or

a hook-and-loop component.

13. The method of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the first portion of the release component is flush-mounted to the board member.

14. The method of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the first portion of the release component protrudes outwardly from the board member.

15. The method of any one of claims 9-14, further comprising decoupling the button from the board member, wherein upon decoupling the button from the board member, the expandable body remains coupled to the button.