SPINNING ACCESSORY FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
An expandable spinning accessory for a portable media player. The accessory includes a platform for attaching the spinning accessory to the portable media player or a case for the portable media player. The accessory also includes a skin operably coupled to the platform, a button operably coupled to the skin opposite the platform, and a bearing assembly operably coupled to the skin and to the button. The bearing assembly is configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/729,260, entitled “Spinning Accessory for a Mobile Electronic Device” and filed Oct. 10, 2017, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/481,041, entitled “Spinning Accessory for Mobile Electronic Device” and filed Apr. 3, 2017, is claimed. The entire disclosure of each of these applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for all uses and purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to accessories for mobile electronic devices, particularly accessories that, when attached to the mobile electronic device, allow the mobile electronic device to spin relative to the accessory (or some part of the accessory).
BACKGROUNDU.S. Pat. No. 8,560,031 discloses extendable socket accessories, formed of accordion-like socket structures and having buttons attached at their distal ends, for attaching to mobile electronic devices or cases for mobile electronic devices. When attached, the extendable socket accessories can be used to grip the mobile electronic device (and/or the case), as a stand for the mobile electronic device (and/or the case), and to manage cords associated with the electronic device.
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a spinning accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device. The spinning accessory includes an inner ring defining a central opening sized to receive the socket accessory, an outer ring surrounding the inner ring, and one or more balls arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring. The one or more balls are configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring such that the mobile electronic device is rotatable relative to a portion of the spinning accessory. The spinning accessory also includes a gripping member carried by an inner surface of the inner ring. The gripping member is adapted to securely engage a portion of the socket accessory.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a spinning accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device. The spinning accessory includes a bearing assembly sized to receive the socket accessory, a gripping member, and a gripping rim. The bearing assembly facilitates rotation of a portion of the spinning accessory relative to the socket accessory. The gripping member is carried by an inner surface of the bearing assembly and is adapted to securely engage a portion of the socket accessory. The gripping rim is carried by an outer surface of the bearing assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe present disclosure relates to spinning accessories for mobile electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, electronic readers, digital media players, cameras, and other mobile electronic devices having a surface suitable for receiving a spinning accessory). The “spinning accessories” disclosed herein can be directly attached to a mobile electronic device or can be indirectly attached by attaching the accessory to a mobile electronic device case or other accessory that attaches to the mobile electronic device. When attached, the spinning accessories allow the mobile electronic device to spin relatively free of friction, relative to the spinning accessory or some part of the spinning accessory. The spinning accessory generally includes a bearing assembly (e.g., a ball bearing assembly) that facilitates a low-friction attachment point between a part of the accessory that is held stationary and the remaining part of the accessory, which spins relative to the stationary part when a rotational force is applied in the appropriate direction. Alternatively, the mobile electronic device and part of the spinning accessory can be held fixed while the remaining part spins when a rotational force is applied to it in the appropriate direction. In one embodiment, a method for fixing the position of part of the spinning accessory includes resting or mounting that part on a surface so that friction between it and the surface or a mounting device on the surface prevents it from rotating when a rotational force is applied to the mobile electronic device to which it is attached.
In one embodiment, the spinning accessory can be removable and repositionable on the mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, the spinning accessory can be permanently adhered or formed into the mobile electronic device or device case.
The spinning accessory can be of any appropriate size and shape suitable for spinning on a surface when attached to a mobile electronic device.
In certain instances, a software application of a mobile electronic device may provide feedback to a user while the mobile electronic device is spinning and the spinning accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device. The software application can provide feedback in the form of images, videos, or sounds that are causally correlated with the spinning of the mobile electronic device, sound variations that correspond to the spinning of the mobile electronic device, or other feedback corresponding to the spinning of a mobile electronic device.
In some instances, a method for spinning, viewing, and listening to a mobile electronic device is provided. The method for spinning the mobile electronic device includes attaching a spinning accessory to the back surface of the mobile electronic device, spinning the mobile electronic device relative to a stationary object (e.g., a portion of the spinning accessory), detecting the angular velocity of the spinning mobile electronic device with a gyrometer or other type of accelerometer carried by the accessory and in wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth) with the electronic device or carried by the electronic device itself, detecting the magnetic orientation of the spinning mobile electronic device, and using the angular velocity and magnetic orientation to modify the visual display and/or sound output of the mobile electronic device. The method for spinning and viewing a mobile electronic device can include attaching a spinning accessory to the back surface of the mobile electronic device, spinning the mobile electronic device relative to a stationary object (e.g., a portion of the spinning accessory), displaying visual information on the screen of the mobile electronic device, and viewing the display of the mobile electronic device, the display of the mobile electronic perceived to be enlarged by the spinning motion of the mobile electronic device when the spinning accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device.
In some embodiments, displays, lights, and speakers and other transducers of the mobile electronic device, with the spinning accessory attached thereto, may act in cooperation with gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer, and other sensors of the mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, displays, lights, and speakers and transducers of the mobile electronic device, with the spinning accessory attached thereto, may act independent of the sensors of the mobile electronic device. In an embodiment, while the mobile electronic device is spinning, the spin rate and position of the mobile electronic device can be detected by sensors of the mobile electronic device and used to change outputs (e.g., audio and/or video outputs) of the mobile electronic device and the spinner accessory. In other embodiments, the spinning accessory can create a kinetic harvester, in which spinning of the mobile electronic device and the spinning accessory charges the mobile electronic device. The kinetic harvester can include enclosed LED lights, engaged when the spinning accessory is spinning or when the mobile electronic device is spinning. In further embodiments, the spinning accessory can include an electromechanical motor that acts to spin one bearing surface relative to the other.
It is to be understood that although particular embodiments are presented herein, such as a spinning accessory attached to a mobile electronic device, the accessories disclosed herein can be of any number of different shapes, sizes, and configurations without departing from the nature of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure described herein with respect to the particular embodiments set forth in reference to the figures is not intended to be unduly limiting.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a spinning accessory for a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device can be a smartphone, tablet computer, electronic reader, laptop, camera, music player, or the like. The mobile electronic device can have a front surface, a back surface, and side surfaces. The mobile electronic device can have a touchscreen or display and, in some instances, a keyboard or buttons. The mobile electronic device can have a camera on one or more surfaces and can have ports for interaction with power cords and headphones. The mobile electronic device is typically battery powered, but can in some instances be wirelessly powered.
The spinning accessories described herein may be used in connection with an expanding socket accessory for a mobile electronic device. Further description of such expanding socket accessories, which can be used, for example, as a docking accessory and for use as a grip and stand for a mobile electronic device, can be found in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,560,031, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
As shown in
The accordion 203 is attached to platform 201. The accordion 203 is movable relative to the platform 201 along a central axis 206 of the accessory 200. More specifically, the accordion 203 can expand as shown in
Still referring to
Attached to the platform 301 and the accordion 302 of the spinning accessory 300 is a bearing assembly in the form of a ball bearing assembly 304. The ball bearing assembly 304 includes two rings that contain races to hold a plurality of balls, such that motion and potential loads are transmitted through the balls and between the two rings. The ball bearing assembly 304 thus reduces rotational friction, allowing for less friction between two components when rotating.
As generally discussed above, one portion of the spinning accessory 300 is held stationary, or fixed, such that the mobile electronic device 100 is rotatable relative to at least the fixed portion of the spinning accessory 300. In some instances, the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing 304 assembly is held stationary while the inner ring 312 rotates relative to the outer ring 310. In other instances, the inner ring 312 is held stationary while the outer ring 312 rotates relative to the inner ring 312. In yet other instances, portions of the spinning accessory 300 besides or in addition to the rings 310, 312 can be fixed or rotatable to facilitate the desired motion.
It will be appreciated that the inner ring 312 and the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing assembly 304 can have varying thicknesses and varying heights. In some instances, the outer ring 310 and the inner ring 312 have the same height, as shown in
With reference back to
The outer surface 320 of the outer ring 310 can be adhered to or press-fit into an opening in the platform 301. Once the platform 301 with the ball bearing assembly 304 are attached to a surface of a mobile electronic device (not shown) or a case for the mobile electronic device (also not shown), the outer ring 310 of ball bearing 304 is stationary (i.e., does not move), leaving the inner ring 312 to rotate relative to the outer ring 310 about axis 306 of the spinning accessory 300 (and, more particularly, the ball bearing assembly 304). In other embodiments, the inner ring 312 of ball bearing 304 can be adhered to the platform 301, such that the inner ring 312 is stationary, leaving the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing assembly 304 free to spin relative to the inner ring 312 about the axis 306. In yet other embodiments, the outer ring 310 or the inner ring 312 is rotatable about an axis different than the axis 306
While somewhat difficult to see in
The spinning accessory 300 can spin about the axis 306 and with the accordion 302 extended or collapsed. Thus, when the platform 301 is attached to a surface of mobile electronic device, the spinning accessory 300 can spin while the accordion 302 is extended or collapsed. When the spinning accessory 300 is attached to the mobile electronic device and placed on an external surface, the mobile electronic device can spin relative to the spinning accessory 300. The spinning accessory 300 can also spin while the mobile electronic device is resting on the external surface and spinning accessory 300 is extending away from the external surface. Additionally, the spinning accessory 300 can spin when the mobile electronic device is held in a user's hand or the mobile electronic device can spin while spinning accessory 300 is held in the user's hand. Likewise, when the spinning accessory 300 is attached to a case for a mobile electronic device, the case (and thus the device) can spin when the spinning accessory 300 is placed on an external surface, when the case is placed on an external surface, and when the case or the spinning accessory 300 is held in a user's hand.
While the bearing assembly 304 of
Optionally, lights on the mobile electronic device 100 can operate in concert with the spinning action of the spinning accessory to create light-based visualizations, controlled by angular velocity of the spin and direction of the mobile electronic device. These visualizations can be displayed on the mobile electronic device and can be synced with music, the visualizations can be synced to the angular velocity, or, in some cases, the visualizations may appear stationary even though the display and mobile electronic device are spinning. In other embodiments, sound output of the mobile electronic device can be controlled by the angular velocity of the spin and the direction of the mobile electronic device. In even other embodiments, the mobile electronic device can display images or a series of images (e.g., video) in cooperation with the spinning action of mobile electronic device when the spinning accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device.
In certain embodiments, packaging can be included with the spinning accessory 300 that assists a user with ideal placement of spinning accessory onto their mobile electronic device. Packaging can include a visual indicator that is the same size as the surface of mobile electronic device, such as a template of the mobile electronic device surface, such that a user can properly align the spinning accessory 300 with a surface of mobile electronic device to ensure smooth spinning. The spinning axis can be orthogonal to the primary surface plane of mobile electronic device, spin amount can equal yaw. Angular velocity can be around a z-axis, with respect to surfaces of mobile electronic device having x-axis and y-axis directions. Spin axis may alternatively be placed to spin in pitch or roll, around the x-axis or y-axis, using a mounting system. This could enable the mobile electronic device to spin and appear as frames to an observer. The frame rate is roughly equivalent to the spin rate for a single display spinning. In some embodiments, the spinning system can increase the perceived visual size of the display of mobile electronic device through fast rotations of the mobile electronic device. The spinning system can change the perceived size from standard rectangular aspect ratio of the mobile electronic device to that of a circular display. Perceived circular display diameter can be equivalent to the diagonal screen size of the actual display.
As best shown in
In this example, the frame 405 can include tabs 406 that extend outward from the perimeter rim 410 and into slots 407 formed in the and around the perimeter of the accordion 402, thereby coupling the frame 405 to the accordion 402. In other examples, the frame 405 can be coupled to the accordion 402 in a different manner (e.g., via adhesive, a magnetic connection, a frictional fit, or any other suitable means). In this example, the frame 405 is coupled to the button 403 by way of a securing element 408. The securing element 408 has a base 412 and a projection 413 that extends outward from the base 412. The projection 413 can be inserted into an opening 415 of the frame 405 that is centered about axis 414 and arranged radially inwardly of the ball bearing assembly 404, and then snapped into a downwardly extending protrusion 416 of the button 403 thru ball bearing 404. In other examples, the frame 405 can be coupled to the button 403 in a different manner (e.g., via adhesive, a magnetic connection, a frictional fit, or any other suitable means). Further, in this example, the ball bearing assembly 404 can be attached to the frame 405 by adhering the assembly 404 to the frame 405 or by press-fitting the assembly 404 into an opening in frame 405. In any event, when the assembly 404 is attached to the frame 405 and the frame 405 is coupled to the accordion 402, the outer ring of ball bearing 404 remains stationary (i.e., does not rotate), as does the frame 405. The spinning accessory 400 can function while accordion 402 is extended or collapsed.
When the frame 405 is coupled to the button 403, the button 403 is connected with ball bearing 404. More specifically, the projection 416 of the button 403 is removably disposed in the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404 or, alternatively, the projection 416 can be adhered to the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404. When the button 403 is coupled to the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404, the button 403 can freely spin relative to the remainder of spinning accessory 400 (e.g., the outer ring). Thus, when the spinning accessory 400 is attached to a surface of mobile electronic device 100 (or a case for the device 100), and mobile electronic device 100 (or the case) is positioned such that button 403 is resting on a stationary external surface, the button 403 can remain stationary due to friction of resting on the external surface while the remaining components of spinning accessory 400 spin easily (or relatively friction free) due to the rotation of the ball bearing assembly 404. In some instances, button 403 can be made of or include a material with a higher frictional make-up, so as to keep the button 403 stationary on the external surface while the remaining components of spinning accessory 400 spin around the axis 414.
It will be appreciated that the frame 405 can have various shapes and/or sizes, including the ability to house a larger diameter ball bearing assembly 404 such that the ball bearing assembly 404 extends closer along the larger diameter of accordion 402. In some instances, the ball bearing assembly 404 can have the same, or close to the same, diameter as the top portion of the accordion 402 or the outer diameter of the button 403. The diameter of the projection 416 of the can also be increased to accommodate larger diameter inner and outer rings of the ball bearing assembly 404. Depending on how large the diameter of ball bearing assembly 404 is, the frame 405 can have the ribs 411 as shown in
Further, while the frame 405 is described as being part of the spinning accessory 400 (along with the platform 401, the accordion 402, the button 403, and the ball bearing assembly 404), it will nonetheless be appreciated that the frame 405 can itself be the spinning accessory 400. In other words, a socket accessory such as the socket accessory 200 can be retrofit with the frame 405 to convert the socket accessory 200 into a spinning socket accessory. This may be accomplished by, for example, removing the button 204 from the accordion 203, attaching (e.g., snapping) the frame 405 to the accordion 203, and then attaching the button 204 to the accordion 203 and the frame 405. The frame 405 can be attached to the accordion 203 as described above or in a different manner. Likewise, the button 204 can be attached to the accordion 203 and the frame 405 as described above or in a different manner.
The extension 502 can be integrally formed with the platform 501 or connected to platform 501 by way of snap-fit, press fit, elastomeric compression, magnetic attachment, mechanical means, or other suitable means. Extension 502 can vary in height and shape. In some embodiments, the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 is attached or connected with the extension 502 and outer ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 is attached or connected to the button 503. Thus, when the button 503 is resting on a surface, the button 503 remains stationary while the extension 502 and platform 501, along with the removably attached mobile electronic device 100, can freely spin and continue to spin relative to the button 503 due to the ball bearing assembly 504. In other embodiments, the inner and outer rings of the ball bearing assembly 504 can be integrated with the platform 501 and the button 503. In some embodiments, the outer ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 can be integrated with the platform 501 and the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 can be integrated with the button 503. In other embodiments, however, the outer ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 is integrated with the button 503 and the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 504 is integrated with platform 501.
The spinning accessory 500 operates in a similar manner as the spinning accessory 400, but without an accordion component that extends and collapses the spinning accessory.
As illustrated in
It will be appreciated that when the spinning accessory 800 is attached to the socket accessory 200, at least the extended surface 802 extends axially beyond the outer diameter surface 810 of button 204. In other words, the extended surface 802 has a height that is greater than a height of the outer diameter surface 810. As a result, the extended surface 802 can rest on an external surface such as a desk top or table top. Consistent with the foregoing, this allows the socket accessory 200 attached to the mobile electronic device 100 to be spun, relative to the extended surface 802, in a friction-free environment (due to the ball bearing assembly 801 of the spinning accessory 800).
While each of the depicted versions of the spinning accessory include a spinning accessory with a generally circular profile, it should be appreciated that the spinning accessory can take other shapes. For example, with respect to the embodiment of
The above description and description of figures may depict exemplary configurations for an embodiment of the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the embodiments described herein. The embodiments are not restricted to the illustrated configurations, and can be implemented using a variety of alternative configurations. Additionally, although the apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present disclosure, especially in claims hereafter, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional”, “traditional”, “standard”, “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements, or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in a singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more”, “at least”, “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, where a range is set forth, the upper and lower limitations of the range are inclusive of all of the intermediary units therein.
The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoing disclosure where chosen to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that any claims thereafter be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except as limited by the prior art.
Claims
1. An expandable spinning accessory for a portable media player, the accessory comprising:
- a platform for attaching the spinning accessory to the portable media player or a case for the portable media player;
- a skin operably coupled to the platform;
- a button operably coupled to the skin opposite the platform; and
- a bearing assembly operably coupled to the skin and to the button, the bearing assembly configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
2. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 1, further comprising a frame that couples the button to the skin.
3. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the bearing assembly is carried by the button.
4. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the button has a projection, and wherein the bearing assembly surrounds the projection, the projection being rotatable relative to a portion of the bearing assembly to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
5. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the bearing assembly comprises a ring and one or more balls arranged radially inwardly of the ring, the one or more balls configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
6. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 5, wherein the button has a projection, and wherein the projection is surrounded by the one or more balls, the projection being rotatable relative to the ring to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
7. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 5, further comprising a cage housing the one or more balls.
8. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 1, wherein the skin is extendable along an axis, and wherein the bearing assembly facilitates rotation of the button relative to the skin about the axis.
9. An expandable spinning accessory for a portable media player, the accessory comprising:
- a platform for attaching the spinning accessory to the portable media player or a case for the portable media player;
- a skin operably coupled to the platform;
- a button operably coupled to the skin opposite the platform; and
- a bearing assembly operably coupled to the skin and to the button,
- wherein the button has a projection, and wherein the bearing assembly surrounds the projection, the projection being rotatable relative to a portion of the bearing assembly to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
10. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 10, further comprising a frame that couples the button to the skin.
11. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 9, wherein the projection extends downwardly from the button, toward the platform.
12. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 9, wherein the bearing assembly is carried by the button.
13. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 9, wherein the bearing assembly comprises a ring and one or more balls arranged radially inwardly of the ring, the one or more balls configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
14. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 13, wherein the projection is surrounded by the one or more balls, the projection being rotatable relative to the ring to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.
15. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 9, wherein the skin is extendable along an axis, and wherein the bearing assembly facilitates rotation of the button relative to the skin about the axis.
16. An expandable spinning accessory for a portable media player, the accessory comprising:
- a platform for attaching the spinning accessory to the portable media player or a case for the portable media player;
- a skin operably coupled to the platform;
- a frame operably coupled to the skin opposite the platform;
- a button operably coupled to the frame; and
- a bearing assembly operably coupled to the frame and to the button, the bearing assembly configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the frame.
17. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 16, wherein the frame is disposed between the platform and an outer surface of the button.
18. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 16, wherein the bearing assembly is disposed in an opening in the frame.
19. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 16, wherein the button is coupled to the frame via a securing element.
20. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 16, wherein the button has a projection and the projection is disposed in an opening in the frame and surrounded by the bearing assembly, the projection being rotatable relative to a portion of the bearing assembly to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the frame.
21. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 16, wherein the bearing assembly is carried by the button.
22. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 16, wherein the bearing assembly comprises a ring coupled to the frame and one or more balls arranged radially inwardly of the ring, the one or more balls configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the frame.
23. The expandable spinning accessory of claim 22, wherein the button has a projection and the projection is disposed in an opening in the frame, and wherein the projection is surrounded by the one or more balls, the projection being rotatable relative to the ring to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the frame.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 11, 2020
Publication Date: Mar 4, 2021
Inventors: Altan Nahum (Boulder, CO), David B. Barnett (Boulder, CO), Tony L. Torrance (Boulder, CO)
Application Number: 17/095,074