STORAGE ACCESSORY FOR AN EXPANDABLE DEVICE

Abstract

A storage accessory for an expandable device includes a body having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a perimeter edge between the first side and the second side. A loop is coupled to the body and extends from the perimeter edge of the body. A cavity is disposed in the first side and is sized to receive a portion of an expandable device. A flange is adjacent to the cavity and is configured to releasably engage a portion of the expandable device. The flange at least partially surrounds a portion of the expandable device when the expandable device is locked to the body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/756,408, filed Nov. 6, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to an accessory for an expandable device and more particularly to a storage accessory for hanging or displaying an expandable device.

BACKGROUND

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. However, these cases can increase the effective size of the device. Expandable devices, which may be attached directly to the portable electronic device or to the case protecting the portable electronic device, are used for a variety of functions, including propping the portable electronic device on a surface and providing an expandable grip for handling the portable electronic device. The expandable devices have decorative buttons, which may display logos, decals, symbols, or other artistic renderings.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a storage accessory for an expandable device may include a body having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a perimeter edge between the first side and the second side. A loop may be coupled to the body and may extend from the perimeter edge of the body. A cavity may be disposed in the first side, and the cavity may be sized to receive a portion of an expandable device. A flange may be adjacent to the cavity and may be configured to releasably engage a portion of the expandable device. The flange may at least partially surround a portion of the expandable device when the expandable device is locked to the body.

In accordance with a second exemplary aspect, a storage accessory for an expandable device may include a body having a platform and perimeter edge. The platform may have a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device. A loop may be coupled to the body and may extend from the perimeter edge of the body.

In accordance with a third exemplary aspect, a chain accessory for storing an expandable device may include a disk having a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device. A loop may be coupled to the disk, and a collar may extend away from the outer surface. The collar may define the cavity.

In accordance with a fourth exemplary aspect, a storage accessory for an expandable device may include a body defining a platform and perimeter edge. The platform may have a cavity. A loop may be coupled to the body and may extend from the perimeter edge of the body. The accessory may include an expandable device. The expandable device may include a device body having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The device body may be movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. A locking device may be carried by the second end of the device body. At least a portion of the locking device may be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform for releasably coupling the device body of the expandable device to the platform.

In further accordance with any one or more of the foregoing first, second, third, and fourth exemplary aspects, a storage accessory and/or a chain accessory for storing an expandable device may include any one or more of the following further preferred forms.

In a preferred form, a collar may extend away from the first side of the body and may define the cavity. The collar may be adjacent to the flange.

In a preferred form, the collar may be configured to rotatably couple to a portion of an expandable device.

In a preferred form, the second side may include a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device.

In a preferred form, the cavity of the first side and the cavity of the second side may be axially aligned.

In a preferred form, the first side may be removably attached to the second side.

In a preferred form, the first side may be attached to the second side by a snap-fit connection.

In a preferred form, the first side may be integrated with the loop and the second side may be removably coupled to the first side.

In a preferred form, a plate may be disposed between the first side and the second side of the body. The first side may be coupled to the second side via the plate.

In a preferred form, the loop may be coupled to the body via the plate.

In a preferred form, the first side, the second side, and the loop may form an integrated component.

In a preferred form, the loop may be coupled to a rotatable clip.

In a preferred form, platform may include a collar extending away from a surface of the platform and may define the opening.

In a preferred form, the platform may include a base recessed from the collar and at least partially defining the cavity such that the cavity may be disposed between the collar and the base of the platform.

In a preferred form, the platform may include a flange extending inwardly into the cavity from the collar. The flange may be configured to engage a portion of an expandable device.

In a preferred form, the body may include a second platform having a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device.

In a preferred form, a plate may be disposed between the first and second platforms. The loop may be attached to the plate.

In a preferred form, the plate may be coupled to a side of each of the first and second platforms.

In a preferred form, the first platform may be separable from the second platform.

In a preferred form, the first platform, the second platform, and the loop may be an integrated component.

In a preferred form, the disk may include a first side and a second side. The cavity may be disposed in the first side.

In a preferred form, the disk may include a cavity disposed in the second side. The cavity of the second side may be sized to receive a portion of an expandable device.

In a preferred form, a second disk may have a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device. The second disk may be coupled to the disk and the loop.

In a preferred form, a plate may be disposed between the disk and the second disk. The loop may be fixed to the plate.

In a preferred form, a keychain may be coupled to the loop.

In a preferred form, a rotatable clasp may be coupled to the loop.

In a preferred form, the platform may include a collar extending away from a surface of the platform and may define the opening.

In a preferred form, a flange may extend inwardly into the cavity from the collar. The flange may be configured to engage a portion of an expandable device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary storage accessory assembled according to the teachings of the present disclosure, and showing attached expandable devices;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage accessory of FIG. 1 with the expandable devices removed;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the storage accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the storage accessory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a second exemplary storage accessory assembled according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the storage accessory of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the storage accessory of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a third exemplary storage accessory assembled according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the storage accessory of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of the storage accessory of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth exemplary storage accessory assembled according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is the storage accessory of FIG. 11 attached to a back pack;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a fifth exemplary storage accessory assembled according to the teachings of the present disclosure, and showing the storage accessory coupled to a keychain;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a first exemplary expandable device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the expandable device of FIG. 14, including a first exemplary button, a first exemplary body including a first exemplary disk, a first exemplary hub, and a first exemplary platform;

FIG. 16 is a front, cross-sectional view of the expandable device taken at I-I of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a side, cross-sectional view of the expandable device taken at II-II of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a front, cross-sectional view of the expandable device of FIG. 14 in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the button of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the connecting disk of FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the connecting disk of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a isometric view of the hub of FIG. 14;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the hub of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the platform of FIG. 14;

FIG. 25 is a side, cross-sectional view of the platform taken at III-Ill of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a front, cross-sectional view of the platform taken at IV-IV of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a front, cross-sectional view of a second exemplary expandable device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a side, cross-sectional view of the expandable device of FIG. 27; and

FIG. 29 is a top view of a second exemplary connector of the expandable device of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one or more examples of the present disclosure, a storage accessory constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure may permit a user to store and creatively display by hanging one or more expandable devices to a key chain, lanyard, necklace, or zipper for a bag, jacket, and other apparel and accessories.

In FIG. 1, a first exemplary storage accessory 10 is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, a first expandable device 12 and a second expandable device 14 are attached to the accessory 10. In some instances, the expandable device 14 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. Pat. No. 10,054,259, filed on Jun. 7, 2017; U.S. Pat. No. 10,030,807, filed on Mar. 15, 2018; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/679,934, filed on Aug. 17, 2017; U.S. application Ser. No. 15/729,260, filed on Oct. 10, 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. 15/952,025, 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.

As shown in FIG. 1, the expandable devices 12, 14 are stored in a collapsed configuration when attached to the accessory 10. In the collapsed configuration, a body of the expandable device 12, 14 folds into itself and a button 16 of the device body faces outwardly away from the accessory 10. In this compact configuration, the attached expandable devices 12, 14 transform the accessory 10 into a decorative charm, keychain, ornament, or medallion that can be linked, hung, hooked for display until the expandable device 12, 14 is removed from the accessory 10.

Turning to FIGS. 2-4, the storage accessory 10 includes a body 18, a loop 22 coupled to the body 18, and a cavity 26 for receiving a portion of an expandable device. In particular, the body 18 of the accessory 10 is a circular disk having a first side 30, a second side 34 opposite the first side 30, and a perimeter edge 38 between the first side 30 and the second side 34. The loop 22 is operatively coupled to the body 18 and extends from the perimeter edge 38 of the body 18. In this example, the loop 22 is integrated with the body 18 such that the accessory 10 is formed into a single component. The loop 22 may be a ring, split key ring, clasp, hook, chain link, carabiner, or other coupling loop arrangement that securely attaches to a receiving loop, hook, ring etc. The loop 22 may be fixed relative to the body 18 of the accessory 10, or, in other examples, the loop 22 may be rotatably coupled to the body 18.

Each side 30, 34 of the body 18 has an integrated platform 42 that is configured to releasably lock to an expandable device 12, 14. The platform 42 includes a collar 46 extending away from a flat surface 50, 52 of each side 30, 34, respectively, and the collar 46 defines the cavity 26 of each platform 42. In this example, the platform 42 of the first side 30 is identical to the platform 42 of the second side 34 such that the cavities 26 of the platforms 42 are coaxially aligned about an X axis. The cavity 26 of each side 30, 34 is sized to receive a portion of an expandable device. For example, a second end and/or locking member of an expandable device is sized to slide into the cavity 26 of either platform 42, and rotate relative to the platform 42 to lock the expandable device 12, 14 to the body 18 of the accessory 10. The platform 42 further includes a flange 58 extending inward relative to the collar 46 such that the flange 58 is adjacent to, and at least partially surrounds, the cavity 26. The flange 58 is configured to releasably engage (e.g., by deforming or deflecting) a portion of the expandable device 12, 14 when a second end and/or locking member of the expandable device 12, 14 is inserted into the cavity 26 and rotated. Upon rotating the expandable device 12, 14 to a certain degree, the flange 58 engages a portion of the expandable device 12, 14 to secure the expandable device to the platform 42. In another example, the cavity 26 may be oriented such that the expandable device 12, 14 slidably, rather than rotatably, locks to the platform 42 of the body 18. In both examples, the flange 58 at least partially surrounds a portion of the expandable device 12, 14 when the expandable device 12, 14 is secured or locked to the body 18 of the accessory 10. The platform 42 may have additional gripping and/or locking mechanisms and/or components to securably receive an expandable device 12, 14.

Turning to FIGS. 5-7, a second exemplary storage accessory 110 is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary storage accessory 110 is similar to the first exemplary storage accessory 10 of FIGS. 1-4 described above, except that the second exemplary storage accessory 110 includes a body 118 with separable components. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second exemplary storage accessory 110 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above, although the reference numbers will increase by 100. A description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even eliminated in the interest of brevity.

By comparison to the first exemplary storage accessory 10, the body 118 of the second exemplary storage accessory 110 of FIGS. 5-7 includes separable components. As shown in FIG. 5, the body 118 includes a first side 130 defining a platform 142, a second side 134 defining a platform 142, and a loop 122 extending from a perimeter edge 138 of the body 118. However, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the body 118 is made up of a first disk 162 defining the first side 130 and a second disk 166 defining the second side 134. The loop 122 is integrally formed with, and extends from a perimeter edge 139, of the first disk 162. The first disk 162 and loop 122 removably couples to the second disk 166 by pushing the first and second disks 162, 166 together or pulling the disks 162, 166 apart. In FIG. 5, when the first side 130 and the second side 134 are coupled, a mating surface 170 of the first disk 162 is adjacent to a mating surface 172 of the second disk 166. The mating surfaces 170, 172 are opposite each respective outer surface 150, 152 and are generally flat. As discussed before, the platform 142, which is formed in the outer surfaces 150, 152 of each side 130, 134, is configured to receive a portion of an expandable device.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second disk 166 is attachable to the first disk 162 and the loop 122 by a snap-fit locking connection. In particular, a detent 176 formed in a perimeter edge 141 of the second disk 166 is sized to receive a knuckle 178 formed in the first disk 162 and adjacent the loop 122. To join the first side 130 to the second side 134 of the body 118, the knuckle 178 of the first disk 162 is configured to snap into the detent 176 of the second disk 166, thereby frictionally securing the first and second disks 162, 166 together. The first side and the second side 130, 134 may attach via other mechanism, such as, for example, magnets, adhesive, threads, or other locking engagements. In one example, the mating surfaces 170, 172 may have a releasable locking adhesive that permits a user to repeatedly attach and detach the disks 162, 166 from one another.

Turning to FIGS. 8-10, a third exemplary storage accessory 210 is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The third exemplary storage accessory 210 is similar to the second exemplary storage accessory 110 of FIGS. 5-7 described above, except that the third exemplary storage accessory 210 includes a coupling plate 280. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the third exemplary storage accessory 210 will retain the same reference numbers with respect to the second exemplary storage accessory 110 of FIGS. 5-7 as outlined above, although the reference numbers will increase by 100. A description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even eliminated in the interest of brevity.

In FIG. 8, a body 218 of the accessory 210 includes a first disk 262 defining a first side 230 and an integrated platform 242, a second disk 266 defining a second side 234 and an integrated platform 242, the coupling plate 280, and a loop 222 extending from a perimeter edge 238 of the body 218. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first disk 262, the second disk 266, and the coupling plate 280 are separable. The plate 280 has parallel first and second surfaces 284, 288, and a perimeter edge 237 between the surfaces 284, 288. The loop 222 is integrally formed with the coupling plate 280 and extends from the perimeter edge 237 of the plate 280. A mating surface 270 of the first disk 272 attaches to the first surface 284 of the plate 280, and a mating surface 272 of the second disk 266 attaches to the second surface 288 of the plate 280. When the accessory 210 is assembled (FIG. 8), the coupling plate 280 is disposed between the first and second sides 230, 234 of the body 218 and the loop 222 extends away from the body 218. As shown in FIG. 10, the coupling plate 280 includes first and second knuckles 278, 290 protruding outwardly from the first and second surfaces 284, 288 adjacent the loop 222. Each knuckle 278, 290 of the plate 280 is sized to snap into a detent 294, 298 (FIG. 9) formed in a peripheral edge 239, 241 of each disk 262, 266, respectively. The first and second disks 262, 266 may attach to the coupling plate 280 by other locking engagements, for example, magnetically coupling.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, a fourth exemplary storage accessory 310 is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The fourth exemplary storage accessory 310 is similar to the first exemplary storage accessory 10 of FIGS. 1-4 described above, except that the third exemplary storage accessory 310 includes a loop 322 that rotates relative to a body 318 of the accessory 310. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the fourth exemplary storage accessory 310 will retain the same reference numbers of the first exemplary storage accessory 10 of FIGS. 1-4 as outlined above, although the reference numbers will increase by 300. A description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even eliminated in the interest of brevity.

By comparison to the first, second, and third exemplary storage accessories 10, 110, 210, the fourth exemplary storage accessory 310 of FIG. 11 has a different loop configuration 322. The loop 322 includes a lobster-claw clasp 324 that opens to clip onto a loop, such as, for example, a zipper pull of a backpack 332 in FIG. 12. The clasp 324 is rotatably coupled to a base component 340 that extends from a peripheral edge 338 of the body 318 of the accessory 310. Accordingly, a user may rotate the body 318 and attached expandable device 312 to display a particular side 330, 334 of the accessory 310. The loop 322 may be plastic, metal, or composite material. Any one of the exemplary storage accessories 10, 110, 210 of FIGS. 1-10 may be configured to provide a loop configuration such as the loop 322 of FIGS. 11 and 12.

Turning to FIG. 13, a fifth exemplary storage accessory 410 is constructed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The fifth exemplary storage accessory 410 is similar to the first exemplary storage accessory 10 of FIGS. 1-4 described above, thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the fifth exemplary storage accessory 410 will retain the same reference numbers of the storage accessory 10 of FIGS. 1-4 as outlined above, although the reference numbers will increase by 400. A description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even eliminated in the interest of brevity. By comparison to the loop configuration 22, 122, 222, 322 of the previous accessories 10, 110, 210, 310, the loop 422 of the fifth exemplary storage accessory 410 includes a chain 440 of interlocking loops connected to a slotted key ring 424 for a holding keys 432. Any one of the exemplary storage accessories 10, 110, 210 of FIGS. 1-10 may be manufactured to provide a loop configuration such as the loop 422 of FIG. 13.

The storage accessories 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 for storing and displaying an expandable device are preferably made of a durable plastic, such as polyethylene, that may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, or compression molding, but may instead be formed of any other suitable and durable material including metal, fiberglass, or other similar materials, or any combination of these materials. The separable components of the second and third exemplary accessories 110, 210 may be constructed of the same or different materials. Additionally, the body 18, 118, 218, 318, 418 of each accessory 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may have a different shape, for example, triangular, oval, square, or polygonal, and are not limited to the circular disk shapes illustrated herein.

The above storage accessories 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 may include any number of additional features as desired to improve and/or increase its functionality. For example and as previously noted, approaches described herein may include a release mechanism to allow the body and the button to be selectively decoupled from the platform. In FIGS. 14-18, a first exemplary expandable device 510 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The expandable device 510 includes a button 514, a body 518 attached to the button 514, and a platform 522 that is attachable to a portable electronic device (not shown), a case for a portable electronic device, or other desired component. The body 518 is movable between an expanded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14-18, and a collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 18. A locking device 524, which is hidden from view in FIG. 14 and is shown in FIG. 15, is disposed between the body 518 and the platform 522 to rotatably and releasably couple the body 518 to the platform 522. The locking device 524 is movable between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 518 is removable from the platform 522, and a locked configuration, in which the body 518 is secured to the platform 522. When the body 518 is in the expanded configuration, the body 518 may rotate freely about a longitudinal axis A relative to both the platform 522 and the locking device 524. The body 518 is configured to rotate with the locking device 524, and therefore move the locking device 524 from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, for example, only when the body 518 is in the collapsed configuration. As shown in FIGS. 16-8, an engaging member 530 carried by an inner surface 534 of the button 514 is configured to engage with a mating surface 538 of the locking device 524 when the device 510 in the collapsed configuration. When the button 514 and body 518 rotate about the longitudinal axis A in the collapsed configuration, the engaging member 530 of the button 514 engages the locking device 524 such that the locking device 524 is rotatable relative to the platform 522 between an unlocked configuration, in which the body 518 is removable from the platform 522, and a locked configuration, in which the body 518 is secured to the platform 522. The locking device 524 also rotates about the axis A relative to the platform 522 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

As shown in FIG. 15, the locking device 524 includes a hub 526 and a connecting disk 528 rotatably connected to the body 518. In the locked configuration, the body 518 is rotatable relative to the locking device 524 and therefore rotatably coupled to the platform 522 by way of the locking device 524. The platform 522 has a mounting surface 539 that may include an adhesive adapted to attach the platform 522 to the portable device or the case for the portable device. The mounting surface 539 secures the platform 522 relative to the device to facilitate unlocking and locking the locking device 524. The hub 526, the connecting disk 528, the button 514, the body 518, and the platform 522 are aligned relative to the longitudinal axis A when the expandable device 510 is in the locked configuration.

The body 518 can include an accordion-like structure 518 having a collapsible wall 520. The body 518 is movable between the expanded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 14-17, and collapsed configuration, as shown in FIG. 18. The body 518 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A, and includes a first end 540 distal to the platform 522 and a second end 542 proximate to the platform 522. When the button 514 is attached to the first end 540 of the body 518, the wall 520 of the body 518 and the button 514 define a chamber 556. The body 518 includes an aperture 558 formed in the second end 542 of the body 518 such that the locking device 524 may be partially disposed both internally and externally relative to the body 518. At the second end 542 of the body 518, the chamber 556 has a volume sized to receive the connecting disk 528. The body 518 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.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 18, the connecting disk 528 of the locking device 524 carried by the second end 542 of the body 518 and is disposed in the chamber 556 of the body 518 adjacent to the second end 542. In this configuration, the mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528 faces the inner surface 534 of the button 514, and a second mating surface 560 extends through the aperture 558 of the second end 542 of the body 518 for coupling to the hub 526. The connecting disk 528 is disposed within the body 518 and is rotatable relative to the body 518. The connecting disk 528 rotates with the body 518 when the button 514 is attached to the first end 540 of the body 518 and engages with the first mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528.

The engaging member 530 of the button 514 is particularly suited to connect with the mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528. As such, locking device 524 of the device 510 is beneficially constructed so that the body 518 does not easily detach from the platform 522 when the device 510 is in use. The button 514 of the device 510 acts as a key to unlock or lock the body 518 from or to the platform 522 when the button 514 engages the locking device 524.

As shown in FIG. 18, the engaging member 530 of the button 514 and the first mating surface 538 of the locking device 524 are arranged so that the engaging member 530 and the first mating surface 538 interlock (e.g., mesh, overlap, engage, mate, couple) when the inner surface 534 of the button 514 is adjacent to the mating surface 538. The inner surface 534 of the button 514 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 19. The engaging member 530 includes a plurality of protrusions 544 (e.g., teeth, ribs, studs, pegs, etc.) separated by a plurality of spaces 548 (e.g., grooves, notches, dimples, etc.), which may be arranged in a predetermined pattern or configuration that corresponds to the mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528. In this example, the engaging member 530 includes a plurality protruding teeth 544 evenly spaced by the plurality of openings or grooves 548 in the shape of a ring. The engaging member 530 is disposed about the longitudinal axis A, and is symmetrical such that the button 514 may easily mesh with the first mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528.

FIG. 20 shows the mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528 is arranged in a pattern of protruding teeth 552 (e.g., protrusions, ribs, studs, pegs, etc.), which are evenly spaced by a plurality of grooves 554 (e.g., spaces, notches, dimples, etc.). The first mating surface 538 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis A such that the button 514 may easily mesh with the first mating surface 538 of the connecting disk 528. Turning back to FIGS. 16-18, the plurality of protrusions 552 of the connecting disk 528 are aligned, and sized to fit, within the spaces 548 of the engaging member 530 of the button 514. Likewise, the plurality of grooves 554 are aligned, and sized to receive, the plurality of protrusions 544 of the button 514. Thus, when the body 518 is in the collapsed configuration, the plurality of protrusions 544, 552 of the button 514 and the mating surface 538 of the locking device 524 are interlocked and positioned to engage when the button 514 is rotated about the longitudinal axis A. In another example, the mating surface 538 and the engaging member 530 interlock or otherwise engage via a different locking configuration.

In FIG. 21, the second mating surface 560 of the connecting disk 528 is shown. The second mating surface 560 includes a flat area 562, a protruding portion 563 surrounded by the flat area 562 and extending axially away from the flat area 562 of the disk 528. The flat area 562 is configured to lay flat against an interior surface of the second end 542 of the body 518 and the protruding portion 563 is configured to at least partially extend through the aperture 558 of the body 518. The flat area 562 includes a smooth surface to reduce friction between the disk 528 and the body 518 such that the connecting disk 528 is free to rotate relative to the body 518 when the disk 528 is disposed within the chamber 556. A distal end 564 of the protruding portion 563 includes a plurality of angled tips. The angled tips 564 may be configured to flex, bend, or otherwise deform to mate with the hub 526. Once the protruding portion 563 engages the hub 526, the hub 526 and the connecting disk 528 may be fixed (e.g., welded, fused, etc.) together to move as a unitary locking device 524. Alternatively, the hub 526 and connecting disk 528 can be integrally formed. Unlike the flat area 562, the distal end 564 may be a textured material configured to frictionally engage with the hub 526 so that the connecting disk 528 rotates the hub 526 when the disk 528 and hub 526 are engaged.

In FIGS. 22 and 23, the hub 526 is shown in greater detail. The hub 526 includes a body 565 and first and second radial wings 566 and 568 that extend outwardly from the body 565. The wings 566 and 568 are disposed on opposing sides of the body 565, and may be a resilient material such that the wings 566 and 568 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when the wings 566 and 568 engage the platform 522. The body 565 includes a first surface 570 and a second surface 572 opposite the first surface 570. The first surface 570 is configured to mate with the second mating surface 560 of the connecting disk 528. More particularly, an opening 571 formed in the first surface 570 is sized and shaped to receive the protruding portion 563 of the second mating surface 560 of the connecting disk 528. As shown in FIG. 23, the hub 526 includes first and second curved notches or ramps 573, 574 formed in the second surface 572 to facilitate disengagement between the platform 522 and the hub 526 when the locking device 524 rotates relative to the platform 522. Specifically, the notches 573, 574 are formed to slide against protrusions 576, 578 extending from the platform 522 when the locking device 524 rotates a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) about the longitudinal axis A. First and second detents 584, 586 are formed in the second surface 572 of the hub 526 and are shaped to engage with first and second protrusions 576, 578 of the platform 522 when the locking device 524 is in the locked configuration. In another example, the second surface 572 of the body 565 may have only one notch 573 or 574 or no notches. In the case where the hub 526 provide only one notch 573, the portion of the second surface 572 opposite disposed from the notch 573 may be flat or coplanar with the second surface 572. This configuration may facilitate removal of the body 518 from the platform 522. For example, as the locking device 524 is rotated out of locking engagement with the platform 522, the protrusion 576 or 578 of the platform 594 may bias the second surface 572 of the hub 526 upward and away from the platform 522.

The hub 526 and the platform 522 are arranged to rotatably couple to lock the body 518 to the platform 522. The first and second wings 566 and 568 are deformable such that they may deflect from their original position when the wings 566 and 568 engage first and second shelves 580, 582 of the platform 522 as the locking device 524 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The detents 584, 586 formed in the second surface 572 of the hub 526 are configured to engage with the platform 522 in the locked configuration. Specifically, each detent 584, 586 is partially formed in one of the two wings 566, 568. It will be appreciated that the second shelf 582 is substantially similar to the first shelf 580 and the wing 568 is substantially similar to the wing 566, such that any details of the first shelf 580 and the first wing 566 discussed below apply equally to the second shelf 582 and the second wing 568, respectively. In the illustrated expandable device 510, the locking device 524 includes two wings 566 and 568 and the platform 522 includes two shelves 580 and 582 corresponding to the wings 566 and 568 of the locking member 524. However, in another example device, the locking device 524 may have one wing or more than two wings, and the platform 522 may have the same number of corresponding shelves. Likewise, the platform 522 includes two protrusions 576, 578 and the hub 526 includes two detents 584, 586 corresponding to the protrusions 576, 578. However, in another example device, the hub 526 may include one detent or more than two detents, and the platform may have the same number of corresponding protrusions. The hub 526 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.

As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the hub 526 is coupled to the platform 522 when the locking device is in the locked configuration. The platform 522 includes an outer surface 587 and a collar 588 extending away from the surface 587. The collar 588 defines a cavity 590. The second shelf 582 oppositely disposed from the first shelf 580 is configured to slidably receive one of the wings 566 and 568 of the hub 526. The shelves 580 and 582 are configured to engage one of the wings 566 and 568 of the locking member 524 when the locking member 524 is in the locked configuration. A surface of each shelf 580 and 582 inhibits axial movement of the locking device 524 relative to the platform 522 when the locking device 524 is in the locked configuration. The first and second wings 566 and 568 move out of engagement with the shelves 580 and 582 when the hub 526 is rotated.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 through 26, the first exemplary platform 522 includes the first shelf 580 extending radially inwardly from the collar 588 and into a cavity 590 formed in the platform 522. At least a portion of the locking device 524 is adapted to be removably disposed in the cavity of the platform 522 for releasably coupling the body 518 to the platform 522. The cavity 590 is partially defined by a non-circular opening 592, as shown in FIG. 24, and is shaped to receive the first and second wings 566 and 568 of the hub 526. In particular, the opening 592 is defined by first and second opposing shelves 580, 582, and an interior wall 600 of the collar 588. The platform 522 also includes a base 594 that is recessed from the collar 588 and defines a lower boundary of the cavity 590 of the platform 522. The base 594 is connected to an inner wall 600 of the platform 522 such that the base 594 may be co-planar with the mounting surface 539 of the platform 522, as shown in FIG. 25. The base 594 also includes first and second protrusions 576, 578 extending axially into the cavity 590 and spaced radially inwardly relative to the shelves 580, 582, respectively. The base 594 is connected to the inner wall 600 at opposing ends, which are 90 degrees offset from the first and second shelves 580, 582. Above the opposing ends of the base 594, the collar 588 defines a radially recessed inner wall 600, providing a clearance for the hub 526. So configured, the radial wings 566, 568 of the hub 528 may slide into the opening 592 until the radial wings 566, 568 are beneath a reference plane on which the shelves 580, 582 are disposed. The base 594 is disconnected from the inner wall 600 directly below the first and second shelves 580, 582 such that the base 594 may flex downward relative to the shelves 580, 582 when the second surface 572 of the hub 526 engages the base 594.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the first shelf 580 of the platform 522 includes a first surface 604 that faces the second end 542 of the body 518, and a second surface 608 that engages with one of the first and second wings 566 and 568 of the locking member 524 when the locking member 524 moves from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration. The platform 522 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.

To couple the locking member 524 to the platform 522, the hub 526 is disposed through the opening 592 and into the cavity 590 of the platform 522 such that the locking member 524 is at least partially disposed below first and second shelves 580, 582. The locking member 524 is rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. As the locking member 524 is rotated, the first wing 566 of the hub 526 of the locking member 524 slides against the shelf 580 of the platform 522 until the protrusion 576 of the base 594 snaps into the detent 584 of the second surface 572 of the hub 526. Additionally, the hub 526 may deflect or displace the base 594 until the protrusion 576 and the detent 584 are engaged. The base 594 may be a resilient material such that the base 594 may deform (e.g., bend, flex) when engaged by the hub 526. In one example, the base 594 may bend or flex along a flexible hinge formed in the base 94 extending between opposing sides of the inner wall 600 (i.e., where the base 594 connects to the platform 522. It will be appreciated that the second shelf 582 is substantially similar to the first shelf 580, the second wing 568 is substantially similar to the first wing 566, the second detent 586 is substantially similar to the first detent 584, and the second protrusion 578 is substantially similar to the first protrusion 576, such that any details of the first shelf 580, first wing 566, first detent 584, and the first protrusion 576 discussed above apply equally to the second shelf 582, the second wing 568, the second detent 586, and the second protrusion 578, respectively.

The mating relationships between the button 514 and the connecting disk 528, the connecting disk 528 and the hub 526, and the hub 526 and the platform 522 may be configured to provide any number of different mating engagements. For example, the hub 526 may include one or more protrusions extending from its second surface 572 to couple to one or more detents formed in the base 594 of the platform 522. In another example, the second mating surface 560 of the connecting disk 528 may not extend through the aperture 558 formed in the second end 542 of the body 518, but instead, the first surface 570 of the hub 526 may include a portion that extends into the aperture 558 of the body 518 to couple with the second mating surface 560 of the connecting disk 522. Non-limiting examples of the configuration or mating relationship between the locking member 524 and the platform 522 and/or other components of the device 510 are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/864,402, filed Jan. 8, 2018, and U.S. application Ser. No. 15/864,509, filed Jan. 8, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The expandable device 510 may be moved from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by overcoming the frictional forces between the mating surfaces of the locking device 524 and the platform 522. Generally speaking, a user of the expandable device 510 may rotate the locking device 524 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration by collapsing the expandable device 510 such that the button 514 engages with the connecting disk 528 of the locking device 524, and then by grabbing or grasping the button 514 or body 518 and moving, e.g., rotating or twisting, the button 514 or body 518 a quarter turn (i.e., 90 degrees) in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis A. The button 514 engages with the locking device 524 to rotate the locking device 524 with the button 514 and body 518. In turn, the connecting disk 528 transfers the rotational motion from the button 514 to rotate the hub 526 of the locking device 524 out of engagement with the platform 522. Once the locking member 524 is in the unlocked configuration, the user may pull the body 518 away and out of the cavity 590 and through the opening 592 of the platform 522 to lock the body 517 to the platform 522.

The device 510 may be assembled by connecting the connecting disk 528 to the second end 542 of the body 518 by disposing the connecting disk 528 into the chamber 556 of the body 518. The second mating surface 560 is coupled to the first surface 570 of the hub 526 such that the hub 526 and the connecting disk 528 form a unitary locking device 524. The body 518 may be coupled to the platform 522 by disposing the hub 526 into the cavity 590 of the platform 522.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a second exemplary device 710 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary device 710 is similar to the device 510 of FIGS. 14-18. Thus, for ease of reference, and to the extent possible, the same or similar components of the second exemplary device 710 will retain the same reference numbers as outlined above with respect to the first exemplary device 510, although the reference numbers will be increased by 200. However, the second exemplary device 710 is different from the device 510 in the manner described below.

A button 714 of the second exemplary device 710 includes an engaging member 730 having a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The engaging member 730 includes a plurality of sides 731 configured to engage with a corresponding opening 748 or indentation formed in a first mating surface 738 of a locking device 724. As shown in FIG. 29, a connecting disk 728 of the locking device 724 includes the first mating surface 738 having a non-circular shape sized to receive the engaging member 730 of the button 714 when the device 710 is in a collapsed configuration. A body 718, a platform 722, and a hub 726 may be substantially similar to the body 518, platform 522, and hub 526 of the first exemplary device 510 previously described with reference to FIGS. 14-26. The mating surface 738 of the locking device 724 and the engaging member 730 of the button 714 may be any number of shapes and structures that facilitate engagement between the locking device 724 and the button 714.

The figures and description provided herein depict and describe preferred examples of an expandable device accessory and storage accessory for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative examples of the components illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Thus, upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for expandable devices and storage accessories for hanging the expandable device. Thus, while particular examples and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed examples are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the methods and components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage accessory for an expandable device, the accessory comprising:

a body having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a perimeter edge between the first side and the second side; and

a loop coupled to the body and extending from the perimeter edge of the body;

a cavity disposed in the first side, the cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device;

a flange adjacent to the cavity and configured to releasably engage a portion of the expandable device;

wherein the flange at least partially surrounds a portion of the expandable device when the expandable device is locked to the body.

2. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a collar extending away from the first side of the body and defining the cavity, the collar adjacent to the flange.

3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the collar is configured to rotatably couple to a portion of an expandable device.

4. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the second side comprises a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device.

5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the cavity of the first side and the cavity of the second side are axially aligned.

6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the first side is removably attached to the second side.

7. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the first side is attached to the second side by a snap-fit connection.

8. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the first side is integrated with the loop and the second side is removably coupled to the first side.

9. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a plate disposed between the first side and the second side of the body, the first side coupled to the second side via the plate.

10. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the loop is coupled to the body via the plate.

11. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the first side, the second side, and the loop form an integrated component.

12. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the loop comprises a clasp.

13. A storage accessory for an expandable device, the accessory comprising:

a body having a platform and perimeter edge, the platform having a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device;

a loop coupled to the body and extending from the perimeter edge of the body.

14. The accessory of claim 13, wherein the platform includes a collar extending away from a surface of the platform and defining the opening.

15. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the platform includes a base recessed from the collar and at least partially defining the cavity such that the cavity is disposed between the collar and the base of the platform.

16. The accessory of claim 14, wherein the platform includes a flange extending inwardly into the cavity from the collar, the flange configured to engage a portion of an expandable device.

17. The accessory of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises a second platform having a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device.

18. The accessory of claim 17, further comprising a plate disposed between the first and second platforms, the loop attached to the plate.

19. The accessory of claim 18, wherein the plate is coupled to a side of each of the first and second platforms.

20. The accessory of claim 17, wherein the first platform is separable from the second platform.

21-28. (canceled)

29. A storage accessory for an expandable device, the accessory comprising:

a body defining a platform and perimeter edge, the platform having a cavity;

a loop coupled to the body and extending from the perimeter edge of the body;

an expandable device comprising:

a device body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the device body movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; and

a locking device carried by the second end of the device body, at least a portion of the locking device removably disposed in the cavity of the platform for releasably coupling the device body of the expandable device to the platform.

30. The accessory of claim 29, wherein the platform includes a collar extending away from a surface of the platform and defining the opening.

31. The accessory of claim 30, wherein the platform includes a base recessed from the collar and at least partially defining the cavity such that the cavity is disposed between the collar and the base of the platform.

32. The accessory of claim 30, wherein the platform includes a flange extending inwardly into the cavity from the collar, the flange configured to engage a portion of an expandable device.

33. The accessory of claim 29, wherein the body further comprises a second platform having a cavity sized to receive a portion of an expandable device.

34. The accessory of claim 33, further comprising a plate disposed between the first and second platforms, the loop attached to the plate.

35. The accessory of claim 34, wherein the plate is coupled to a side of each of the first and second platforms.

36. The accessory of claim 33, wherein the first platform, the second platform, and the loop are an integrated component.

37. The accessory of claim 13, wherein the loop comprises a clasp.

38. The accessory of claim 29, wherein the loop comprises a clasp.