U.S. patent application number 17/122359 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-16 for slidable accessory system for portable electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is PopSockets LLC. Invention is credited to Tristan Cannan, Vanessa C. Cantoli-Alves, Randy Yang Chiang, David Czarnecki, Lawrence Herman Fong, Andrew Heinrich, Michael Kory, Thomas Meiser, Altan Nahum, Nicholas Von Bargen, David Willson.
Application Number | 20220183431 17/122359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220183431 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chiang; Randy Yang ; et
al. |
June 16, 2022 |
SLIDABLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Abstract
A slidable accessory system includes a case body configured to
accommodate a portable electronic device, the case body having a
case length and two tracks spanning from a track top and extending
along at least a portion of the case length towards a bottom of the
case body. The slidable accessory system also includes a platform
having two engaging arms each of which is adapted to slidably
engage within a corresponding one of the two tracks. An accessory
is attachable to a top side of the platform.
Inventors: |
Chiang; Randy Yang;
(Boulder, CO) ; Fong; Lawrence Herman; (Boulder,
CO) ; Cantoli-Alves; Vanessa C.; (Boulder, CO)
; Cannan; Tristan; (Boulder, CO) ; Von Bargen;
Nicholas; (Boulder, CO) ; Heinrich; Andrew;
(Boulder, CO) ; Willson; David; (Boulder, CO)
; Kory; Michael; (Boulder, CO) ; Czarnecki;
David; (Boulder, CO) ; Nahum; Altan; (Boulder,
CO) ; Meiser; Thomas; (Boulder, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PopSockets LLC |
Boulder |
CO |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/122359 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2020 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00; A45C 1/06 20060101 A45C001/06; A45F 5/10 20060101
A45F005/10; A45C 13/00 20060101 A45C013/00 |
Claims
1. A slidable accessory system comprising: a case body configured
to accommodate a portable electronic device, the case body having a
case length and two tracks spanning from a track top and extending
along at least a portion of the case length towards a bottom of the
case body, whereby the tracks are open at the bottom of the case
body; a platform having an elongated length, a platform height
dimension, a top side, a bottom side, and two engaging arms each of
which is adapted to slidably engage within a corresponding one of
the two tracks; and an accessory attached to the top side of the
platform, wherein the platform and accessory are movable along the
two tracks between at least a first position and a second position,
wherein the first position corresponds to a central position on the
case body, and wherein the slidable accessory system is configured
to accommodate a further accessory in the first position when the
platform and accessory are in the second position.
2. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the engaging
arms are disposed on opposing ends of the elongated length of the
platform.
3. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the two tracks
are disposed on opposing side surfaces of the case body.
4. The slidable accessory system of claim 3, wherein the elongated
length of the platform extends across an entire back surface of the
case body, and wherein each of the engaging arms is configured to
extend over a portion of the opposing side surfaces to meet and
slideably engage with a corresponding one of the two tracks.
5. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the platform
is configured to engage to and disengage from the case body from
the bottom of the case body.
6. The slidable accessory system of claim 5, wherein the track top
defines a maximum height along the case length to which the
platform can be slid up from the bottom of the case body while
engaged in the two tracks.
7. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the two tracks
further comprise one or more detents each of which is configured to
provide a point of increased slide resistance.
8. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the two tracks
further comprise at least one terminations configured to align the
platform with a corresponding at least one feature of the portable
electronic device.
9. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the accessory
comprises a grip accessory adapted to be removably coupled to the
platform, the grip accessory comprising: an accessory body
including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the
second end of the accessory body being operably coupled with the
platform, the accessory body being movable between an expanded
configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a button operably
coupled with the first end of the accessory body.
10. The slidable accessory system of claim 9, wherein the accessory
body further includes a release mechanism adapted to releasably
couple the accessory body with the platform.
11. The slidable accessory system of claim 9, wherein the accessory
body and the button cooperate to define a storage receptacle.
12. The slidable accessory system of claim 1, wherein the two
tracks are disposed on a back surface of the case body.
13. A platform for a slidable accessory system for a portable
electronic device, the platform comprising: an elongated length
having a top side and bottom side; and two engaging arms disposed
on opposing sides of the elongated length, each of the engaging
arms being adapted to slidably engage within a corresponding one of
two tracks spanning along a case length of a case body, wherein an
accessory is attached to the top side of the elongated length,
wherein the platform and accessory are movable along the two tracks
between at least a first position and a second position, wherein
the first position corresponds to a central position on the case
body, and wherein the slidable accessory system is configured to
accommodate a further accessory in the first position when the
platform and accessory are in the second position.
14. The platform of claim 13, wherein the engaging arms are
disposed on opposing ends of the elongated length of the
platform.
15. The platform of claim 13, wherein the two tracks are disposed
on opposing side surfaces of the case body.
16. The platform of claim 15, wherein the elongated length of the
platform is configured to extend across an entire back surface of
the case body, and wherein each of the engaging arms is configured
to extend over a portion of the opposing side surfaces to meet and
slideably engage with a corresponding one of the two tracks.
17. The platform of claim 13, wherein the platform is configured to
engage to and disengage from the case body from a case bottom along
which the two tracks are open to receive the two engaging arms.
18. The platform of claim 13, wherein the accessory comprises a
grip accessory adapted to be removably coupled to the platform, the
grip accessory comprising: an accessory body including a first end,
a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the second end of the
accessory body being operably coupled with the platform, the
accessory body being movable between an expanded configuration and
a collapsed configuration; and a button operably coupled with the
first end of the accessory body.
19. The platform of claim 18, wherein the platform comprises a
release mechanism adapted to releasably couple the accessory body
with the platform.
20. The platform of claim 18, wherein the accessory body and the
button cooperate to define a storage receptacle.
21. The platform of claim 13, wherein the two tracks are disposed
on a back surface of the case body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an accessory
system and, more particularly, to a slidable accessory system in
which one or more accessories are attachable to a platform that is
slidably engaged with a case for a portable electronic device
case
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the disclose, a slidable
accessory system includes a case body configured to accommodate a
portable electronic device, the case body having a case length and
two tracks spanning from a track top and extending along at least a
portion of the case length towards a bottom of the case body,
whereby the tracks are open at the bottom of the case body. The
slidable accessory system also includes a platform having an
elongated length, a platform height dimension, a top side, a bottom
side, and two engaging arms each of which is adapted to slidably
engage within a corresponding one of the two tracks. An accessory
is attached to the top side of the platform
[0004] Another aspect of the disclosure is a platform for a
slidable accessory system for a portable electronic device. The
platform includes an elongated length having a top side and bottom
side, and two engaging arms disposed on opposing sides of the
elongated length, each of the engaging arms being adapted to
slidably engage within a corresponding one of two tracks spanning
along a case length of a case body. An accessory is attachable to
the top side of the elongated length.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The above needs are at least partially met through the
slidable accessory system for portable electronic devices described
in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in
conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a slidable
accessory system configured in accordance with the principles of
the invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the example
platform and accessory of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with the
principles of the invention;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the example
platform of FIGS. 1-2 in a state decoupled from the accessory in
accordance with the principles of the invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation view of the example
platform and accessory of FIGS. 1-3 in the state in which the
accessory is coupled to the platform in accordance with the
principles of the invention;
[0010] FIGS. 5A-5D depict rear perspective views of the slidable
accessory system of FIG. 1 with various accessory types and
positions;
[0011] FIGS. 6A-6B depict cross sectional views of examples of
slidable accessory systems configured in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 7A-7D depict partial cross sectional views of
additional examples of slidable accessory systems configured in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and
[0013] FIGS. 8A-8C depict various views of another embodiment of a
slidable accessory system configured in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0014] 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
[0015] Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a
slidable accessory system for portable electronic devices is
provided that includes a slidable platform and can additionally
include an accessory attached thereto, wherein the accessory may be
a grip accessory including an expanding mechanism that is movable
relative to the platform between a collapsed configuration and an
expanded configuration. The grip accessory may further include a
button coupled to the expanding mechanism. As described in more
detail below, the platform is dimensioned to engage tracks formed
into the sides or peripheral surfaces of a case for a portable
electronic device, thereby forming a slidable engagement with the
case.
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a rear view of a slidable
accessory system 10 comprising an expandable grip accessory 100, a
platform 102 and a case 200 for a portable electronic device (not
shown). As shown and explained in more detail below, platform 102
is configured to slidably engage within a track 210 formed along
each peripheral side surface of the case 200. The expandable grip
accessory 100 is attached to the platform 102, and may be
detachably attached or integrally formed with the platform 102.
[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, platform 102 comprises a top or
upper side 102a and a bottom or lower side 102b. The expandable
grip accessory 100 comprises a collapsible and/or expandable
mechanism or body 118 operably coupled to the platform 102, a
button 117 having a top or upper side 117a and a bottom or lower
side 117b. In some examples, the expandable grip accessory 100
further includes a storage receptacle 101 defined by the body 118
and/or the button 117.
[0018] The platform 102 may vary in shape (e.g., an elongated
generally rectangular shape) and is preferably constructed from
metal or plastic material, though other suitable materials can be
used. In some examples, the platform 102 is at least partially
constructed from a resilient material. The platform 102 has an
elongated length "L" and a platform height dimension "PH". The
bottom side 102b of the platform 102 is generally configured to
abut a rear surface of the case 200 of the portable electronic
device, although 102b may be offset from the rear surface as
further described below. The platform 102 additionally includes two
engaging arms 104 that, generally speaking, engage with tracks
formed in the peripheral sides of the case, such as track 210
described above with respect to FIG. 1.
[0019] The body 118 of the expandable grip accessory 100 generally
facilitates movement of the expandable grip accessory 100 between
an expanded configuration (not illustrated) and a collapsed
configuration, and to retain the expandable grip accessory 100 in
the desired configuration (expanded or collapsed). The expandable
grip accessory 100 may be generally configured and attached to the
platform 102 as described in pending U.S. application Ser. No.
17/021,535, filed on Sep. 15, 2020, the entire disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0020] It should be appreciated that in some examples, the
accessories described herein need not be equipped with a body or a
button. In these examples, the platform (e.g., the platform 102)
may be used with any other suitable accessory (e.g., a battery, a
wallet, a water bottle, an auxiliary screen, etc.) capable of at
least temporarily coupling with the platform 102.
[0021] In the illustrated example, the platform 102 of the
expandable grip device 100 includes two engaging arms 104, each of
which is positioned at an end of the platform 102. The engaging
arms 104 are in the form of curved members that are dimensioned to
conform to and/or wrap around the sides of a case (e.g., case 200)
for the portable electronic device. In other examples, the engaging
arms 104 may have a non-curved configuration, but may otherwise
conform to and/or wrap around the sides of a case (e.g., case 200)
for a portable electronic device such that the distal ends of
engaging arms 104 snap into or otherwise frictionally engage with a
track formed in each side of such a case, thereby slidably securing
the platform 102 (and hence the accessory 100) to the case. As can
be seen in the various figures described below, the platform height
dimension PH may be less than the height of the case.
[0022] In some examples, the engaging arms 104 may be constructed
from a resilient material that allows a user to stretch the
engaging arms outwardly to place the platform 102 around the case
(e.g., case 200) of the portable electronic device. The resilience
of the engaging arms 104 may cause them to "snap" into engagement
with the tracks 210 disposed along the outer sides of the case
(e.g., case 200). In other examples, the platform 102 may simply be
slid over the outer sides of the portable case (e.g., case 200) at
one of the ends thereof and subsequently slid along the tracks 210
to a desired position along the back surface of the case (e.g.,
case 200). Other examples are possible.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, depicted are rear perspective
views of the slidable accessory system of FIG. 1 with various
accessory types and positions. As with FIG. 1, in FIGS. 5A-5D
platform 102 is slidably engaged within tracks 210 of the case 200
by way of engaging arms 104. While the platform 102 was disposed in
a generally central position on the case 200 in FIG. 1, in FIG. 5A
the platform 102 (and hence accessory 100) has been slid down via
tracks 210 to a lower position on the case 200, thereby enabling an
additional accessory 300 is occupy the central position of the case
200. While in the embodiment of FIG. 5A the additional accessory
300 is a wireless charging accessory, it should be appreciated that
other types of accessories may similarly be accommodated in similar
fashion. For example, FIG. 5C depicts additional accessory type in
the form of a wallet 310 that is attachable to the case 200 after
the platform 102 (and hence accessory 100) has been disengaged from
the case 200. FIG. 5D depicts still another accessory type in the
form of a combined wallet and grip accessory 320.
[0024] Tracks 210 are defined by a span on each side of the case
200 which start at a top termination 215 and extend through a
bottom of the case 200. The top termination 215 defines a maximum
height to which the platform 102 (and hence accessory 100) can be
slid up the case 210. As described above, a resilience of the
engaging arms 104 may cause them "snap" into engagement with the
tracks 210 disposed along the outer sides of the case 200, or to be
slid onto the tracks 210 from one end of the case 200.
Alternatively, tracks 210 may be configured with one or more
detents or intermediate terminations positioned along the span of
the tracks 210. A variety of structures, such as a small protrusion
disposed within the tracks, may be used to form such detents and to
provide a point of increased slide resistance such that a user can
easily detect when the platform 102 has reached a detent point and
such that the platform 102 is additionally secured at such point.
Meanwhile, the detents or termination(s) may be
configured/positioned to physically align the platform 102 with one
or more features of the portable electronic device, such as a
wireless charging coil or magnetic element(s) disposed along the
back of the portable electronic device or a case thereof. In
addition, it should be appreciated that the top termination 215 of
the track may be disposed at a location along the sides of the case
200 to similarly align the platform 102 with one or more features
of the portable electronic device, such as along a rear camera of
the portable electronic device whereby a filter or lens accessory
that is attachable to the platform 102 can be positioned over such
a camera. In an embodiment, tracks 210 extend through the bottom of
the case 200 so that platform 102 (and hence accessory 100) may be
removed from the case 200 by sliding the platform 102 down past the
bottom of the case 200, thereby disengaging the engaging arms 104
from the tracks 210, as shown in FIG. 5B. Alternatively, tracks 210
may terminate along the sides of case 200 such that sliding of
platform 102 towards the bottom of case 200 deflects arms 104
outward to disengage from tracks 210. In certain embodiments, arms
104 may be caused to deflect outward (thereby facilitating
disengagement of the platform 104) based on an interface angle
between a given track termination and the arms 104, such as in the
form of a decreasing track depth in a direction of desired
disengagement.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, depicted are cross sectional
views of the slidable accessory system 10 of the present disclosure
in which a portable electronic device 400 is encased and in which
the accessory 100 has been decoupled from the platform 102. As
shown in FIG. 6A, case 200a is defined by a track-to-back height
220. Platform 102 is correspondingly configured with engaging arms
104 dimensioned to be able to extend to and engage tracks 210, as
described above, while being disposed substantially flush against
the rear surface 225 of the case 200. Similarly, in the example of
FIG. 6B, case 200b is defined by the same track-to-back height 220
as in FIG. 6A, except that the back of case 200b is further defined
by an interior inlay portion 230. Because the cases 200a, 200b are
both defined by the same track-to-back height 220, the same
dimensioned platform 102 can be slidably engaged onto both cases
200a, 200b even though they may have different thicknesses and/or
contours. In this fashion, the slidable accessory system 10 of the
present disclosure may comprise platforms (to which one or more
accessories may be attached) that are interchangeably engageable
with differently dimensioned cases.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, depicted are examples of the
slidable accessory system 10 in which the case (e.g., case 200) is
comprised of part different components which may or may not be
comprised of different materials. With respect to the cases of
FIGS. 7A-7B, each is comprised of a back section 235 that extend
substantially across a back surface of a portable electronic device
400, and a side section 240 that extends substantially around the
peripheral sides of the portable electronic device 400. The back
section 235 extends down and over a portion of the peripheral sides
of the portable electronic device 400, as shown, and in doing so
overlaps a corresponding portion of the side section 240. It should
be appreciated that this overlapping of the back section 235 and
side section 240 provides a stronger, more protective region 250
along the sides of the portable electronic device 400 that are more
likely to be subjected to impact forces. It should also be
appreciated that the back section 235 and side section 240 may be
permanently attached to each other in this overlapping region by
use of an adhesive, for example, or may only be form fitted and
therefore readily separable.
[0027] In the example of FIG. 7A, the track 245 along which the
platform 102 is slidably engaged with the case is formed by a gap
defined by the combination of a bottom end of the back section 235
and an indented portion of the side section 240, as shown in FIG.
7A. In the example of FIG. 7B, the track 255 along which the
platform 102 slidably engages with the case is formed by a groove
formed into an external surface of the back section 235 that
extends down the peripheral sides of the portable electronic device
400, as shown in FIG. 7B. The example of FIG. 7B includes a larger
overlapping region, which may result in a thicker overall case that
provides additional force-absorbing properties as compared to the
thinner case of FIG. 7A.
[0028] Unlike the case examples of FIGS. 7A-7B, the cases of FIGS.
7C-7D each comprises a back section 235 that extend substantially
across a back surface of a portable electronic device 400, but
which does not extend down over the peripheral sides of the
portable electronic device 400. Instead, only side section 240
extends substantially around the peripheral sides of the portable
electronic device 400.
[0029] In the example of FIG. 7C, the side section 240 extends
beyond the back surface of the portable electronic device 400 to
substantially match a height of the back section 235, thereby
providing a substantially flush surface against which the platform
102 can be disposed, as shown. In the example of FIG. 7C, the side
section 240 exclusively defines the track 245 along which the
platform 102 slidably engages with the case.
[0030] In the example of FIG. 7D, the side section 240 again
extends beyond the back surface of the portable electronic device
400, but this time extends beyond a height of the back section 235
in order to provide a rear engaging groove 255 into which the back
section 235 may be fitted and thereby secured to the side section
240. Unlike the example of FIG. 7C, as a result of the side section
240 extending beyond a height of the back section 235, a gap 260 is
formed between the platform 102 and the back section 235, as shown.
Such a gap 260 may be provided to, for example, protect the rear
surface of the case from possible scratches that may otherwise
result from the platform 102 sliding against the back surface of
the case.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the back section 235 of FIGS. 7A-7D
may be made of a polycarbonate or similar material, while the side
section 240 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane or similar
material.
[0032] In the above examples, the described tracks are disposed
along side surfaces on the case. However, it should equally be
appreciated that such tracks may alternatively be disposed on a
back surface of the case. To that end, FIGS. 8A-8C depict an
embodiment in which the slidable accessory system comprises a case
800 in which tracks 810 are disposed on a back surface of the case
instead of the side surface, as with tracks 210 described
above.
[0033] As with the embodiments described above, platform 102 is
slidably engaged within tracks 810 of the case 800. However,
instead of engaging arms, platform 102 slidably engages with case
800 by virtue of its elongated length extending into tracks 810,
which are defined by the back surface of the case on the bottom
side of the platform 102 and by a lip extending around and over the
top side of the platform, as shown in FIG. 8B. As described above,
the platform 102 (and hence accessory 100) may be slid down via
tracks 810 to a lower position on the case 800, thereby enabling
other accessories to occupy the central position of the case
800.
[0034] Tracks 810 are defined by a span on each side of the case
200 which start at a top termination and extend to a closed bottom
of the case 800, as shown in FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the tracks 810
may extend through the bottom of the case 800 to facilitate removal
of the platform 102 (and hence accessory 100) by sliding the
platform 102 down past the bottom of the case 200, as shown in FIG.
8C. Moreover, a variety of structures, such as a small protrusion
disposed within the tracks 810, may be used to form detents to
provide a point of increased slide resistance such that a user can
easily detect when the platform 102 has reached a detent point and
such that the platform 102 is additionally secured at such point.
Case 800 may also comprise one or more detents or terminations
positioned along the span of the tracks 810, as described above
with reference to case 200.
[0035] 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. Pat. No. 8,560,031, filed on
Feb. 23, 2012; U.S. Pat. No. 9,970,589, filed on Nov. 9, 2017; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/615,900, filed on Jun. 7, 2017; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/679,934, filed on Aug. 17, 2017; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/803,410, filed on Nov. 3, 2017; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/808,076, filed on Nov. 9, 2017; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/864,402, filed on Jan. 8, 2018; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/864,509, filed on Jan. 8, 2018; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/906,920, filed on Feb. 27, 2018; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/922,601, filed on Mar. 15, 2018; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/952,025, filed on Apr. 12, 2018; U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/993,458, filed on May 30, 2018; and U.S.
application Ser. No. 16/001,723, filed on Jun. 6, 2018 each
describe suitable expandable grip and stand product, which also
incorporate collapsible mechanisms, the entirety of each being
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0036] 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.
[0037] The patent claims at the end of this patent application are
not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 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).
* * * * *
References