CN212617109U

CN212617109U - Spinning accessory or assembly for a mobile electronic device or portable media player

Info

Publication number: CN212617109U
Application number: CN201890000901.2U
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·纳胡姆; D·B·巴尼特; T·L·托兰斯
Original assignee: PopSockets LLC
Current assignee: PopSockets LLC
Priority date: 2017-04-03
Filing date: 2018-04-03
Publication date: 2021-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-03
Also published as: AU2018249514A1; WO2018187278A1; GB201915948D0; GB2575410A; MX2019011864A; AU2020256370A1; KR20190003092U; EP3607236A1; BR112019020631A2; CA3058644A1; JP2020516195A; GB2575410A8

Abstract

The name of the utility model is a spin accessory or subassembly for mobile electronic equipment or portable media player, spin accessory is configured to be used with the socket accessory that attaches to the mobile electronic equipment and includes: an inner ring defining a central opening sized to receive the socket attachment; an outer ring surrounding the inner ring; one or more balls disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, the one or more balls 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 attachment; and a gripping member carried by an inner surface of the inner ring, the gripping member adapted to securely engage a portion of the socket attachment.

Description

Spinning accessory or assembly for a mobile electronic device or portable media player

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an accessory for a mobile electronic device, in particular an accessory that allows the mobile electronic device to spin relative to the accessory (or some part of the accessory) when attached to the mobile electronic device.

Background

Us patent No.8,560,031 discloses an extendable seat attachment formed of a concertina-like seat structure and having a button attached at its distal end for attachment to a mobile electronic device or a housing of a mobile electronic device. When attached, the extendable seat attachment may be used to grip the mobile electronic device (and/or housing) as a stand for the mobile electronic device (and/or housing) and to manage wires associated with the electronic device.

Related applications: the present application claims priority and benefit of filing date of us provisional patent application No.62/614,916 entitled "Spinning access for a Mobile Electronic Device" filed on 8.1.2018 and us non-provisional application No.15/729,260 entitled "Spinning access for a Mobile Electronic Device" filed on 10.10.2017, which in turn claims priority and benefit of filing date of us provisional patent application No.62/481,041 entitled "Spinning access for a Mobile Electronic Device" filed on 3.4.2017. The entire disclosure of each of these applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes and purposes.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a spin (spinning) accessory for use with a socket accessory attached to a mobile electronic device. The spin attachment includes: an inner ring defining a central opening sized to receive the socket attachment; an outer ring surrounding the inner ring; and one or more balls disposed 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 attachment. The spin attachment 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 seat attachment.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a spin attachment for use with a socket attachment attached to a mobile electronic device. The spin attachment includes: a bearing assembly sized to receive the socket attachment; a gripping member; and a gripping edge. The bearing assembly facilitates rotation of a portion of the spinning attachment relative to the socket attachment. The gripping member is carried by an inner surface of the bearing assembly and is adapted to securely engage a portion of the socket attachment. The gripping edge is carried by an outer surface of the bearing assembly.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an extended cradle accessory of a mobile electronic device in an extended position;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the expanded seat attachment of FIG. 1 but in a collapsed position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a spin expanding socket attachment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a spin expanding socket attachment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the spin expanding socket attachment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a spin-expanding attachment of a mobile electronic device;

FIG. 7 is an isometric cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spin-expanding attachment of a mobile electronic device;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a spin-on attachment of a mobile electronic device; and is

FIG. 9 is an isometric view in cross-section of one embodiment of a bearing assembly that can be incorporated into a spin-on attachment;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a spin-expanding attachment of a mobile electronic device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spin expand attachment of a mobile electronic device in an expanded position; and is

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the spin expand attachment of FIG. 11.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to spin accessories for mobile electronic devices (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers, e-readers, digital media players, cameras, and other mobile electronic devices having a surface adapted to receive spin accessories). A "spinning accessory" disclosed herein may be directly attached to a mobile electronic device or may be indirectly attached by attaching the accessory to a mobile electronic device case or other accessory to which the mobile electronic device is attached. When attached, the spinning attachment allows the mobile electronic device to spin relatively frictionless with respect to the spinning attachment or some portion of the spinning attachment. Spinning accessories typically include a bearing assembly (e.g., a ball bearing assembly) that facilitates a low friction attachment point between the portion of the accessory that remains stationary and the remainder of the accessory, which spins relative to the stationary portion when a rotational force is applied in the proper direction. Alternatively, the mobile electronic device and a portion of the spinning accessory may remain stationary while the remainder spins upon application of a rotational force in the appropriate direction to the remainder. In one embodiment, a method for fixing the position of a portion of a spin-on attachment includes resting or mounting the portion on a surface such that friction between the portion and the surface or a mounting device on the surface prevents the portion from rotating when a rotational force is applied to a mobile electronic device to which the portion is attached.

In one embodiment, the spin-on attachment can be removable and repositionable on the mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, the spin-on attachment may be permanently adhered or formed in the mobile electronic device or device housing.

The spin-on attachment can have any suitable size and shape suitable for spinning on a surface when attached to a mobile electronic device.

In some cases, a software application of the mobile electronic device may provide feedback to the user while the mobile electronic device spins and the spinning accessory is attached to the mobile electronic device. The software application may provide feedback in the form of images, video or sound that is generally related to the spins of the mobile electronic device, changes in sound that correspond to the spins of the mobile electronic device, or other feedback that corresponds to the spins of the mobile electronic device.

In some cases, methods for spinning, viewing, and listening to a mobile electronic device are provided. The method for spinning a mobile electronic device comprises: attaching a spinning accessory to a back surface of a mobile electronic device; spinning a mobile electronic device relative to a stationary object (e.g., a portion of a spinning accessory); detecting the angular velocity of a spinning mobile electronic device with a gyroscope or other type of accelerometer carried by an accessory and in wireless communication with the electronic device (e.g., bluetooth) or carried by the electronic device itself; detecting a magnetic orientation of the spinning mobile electronic device; and modifying a visual display and/or an audio output of the mobile electronic device using the angular velocity and the magnetic orientation. The method for spinning and viewing a mobile electronic device may comprise: attaching a spinning accessory to a back surface of a mobile electronic device; spinning a mobile electronic device relative to a stationary object (e.g., a portion of a spinning accessory); displaying visual information on a screen of a mobile electronic device; and viewing a display of the mobile electronic device, the display of the mobile electronic device perceived as being magnified by the spinning motion of the mobile electronic device when the spinning attachment is attached to the mobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, the display, lights, and speakers and other transducers of the mobile electronic device with the spinning accessory attached may function in cooperation with the gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, and other sensors of the mobile electronic device. In other embodiments, the display, lights and speaker and transducer of the mobile electronic device with the spinning accessory attached may function independently of the sensor of the mobile electronic device. In embodiments, the spin rate and position of the mobile electronic device may be detected by a sensor of the mobile electronic device while the mobile electronic device is spinning and used to change the output (e.g., audio and/or video output) of the mobile electronic device and spinning accessory. In other embodiments, the spinning attachment can generate a kinetic energy harvester in which the spinning and spinning attachments of the mobile electronic device charge the mobile electronic device. The kinetic energy harvester may include an enclosed LED light that engages when the spinning attachment spins or when the mobile electronic device spins. In further embodiments, the spinning attachment may include an electromechanical motor for spinning one bearing surface relative to another bearing surface.

It is to be understood that while particular embodiments are presented herein, such as a spinning accessory attached to a mobile electronic device, the accessories disclosed herein may have any number of different shapes, sizes, and configurations without departing from the nature of the present disclosure. The scope of the disclosure described herein with respect to the particular embodiments set forth with reference to the drawings is not intended to be unduly limited.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a spin-on accessory for a mobile electronic device is provided. The mobile electronic device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, e-reader, laptop computer, camera, music player, etc. The mobile electronic device may have a front surface, a back surface, and side surfaces. The mobile electronic device may have a touch screen or display or, in some cases, a keyboard or buttons. The mobile electronic device may have a camera on one or more surfaces and may have a port for interacting with a power cord and a headset. Mobile electronic devices are typically battery powered, but may be wirelessly powered in some cases.

The spin-on attachment described herein may be used in conjunction with an extended socket attachment of a mobile electronic device. Additional description of such an extended socket attachment, which may be used, for example, as a docking attachment and as a handle and stand for a mobile electronic device, may be found in commonly owned U.S. patent No.8,560,031, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Fig. 1 and 2 show one embodiment of an extension socket accessory 200 removably coupled to a mobile electronic device 100, which in this embodiment takes the form of a smart phone. Although in fig. 1 and 2 the mobile electronic device 100 has a flat rear surface, this rear surface may instead be curved. The extended cradle accessory 200 is attached to the rear surface of the mobile electronic device 100.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the seat attachment 200 has a platform 201, accordion folds 203, and buttons 204 (which may also be referred to herein as bottoms). Platform 201 may also be referred to as a securing element or dock board and is generally configured to attach dock accessory 200 to mobile electronic device 100 (although dock accessory 200 may be attached to a housing of mobile electronic device 100 in other cases). Platform 201 may, for example, include an adhesive material 202 for removably attaching socket accessory 200 to mobile electronic device 100. In other embodiments, platform 201 may include a suction cup, a particular type of adhesive material (e.g., glue, tape), or other means for attaching the hub attachment 200 to the mobile electronic device 100, including mechanical locking means, such as threads, hook and loop fastening means, snap fit, and the like. The platform 201 may be made of any suitable material, such as thermoplastic polymers, polycarbonate, and the like. Alternatively, any other material or combination of materials that provides rigidity to the platform 201 may be used.

Accordion folds 203 are attached to platform 201. Accordion fold 203 is movable relative to platform 201 along a central axis 206 of attachment 200. More specifically, accordion pleats 203 may expand as shown in FIG. 1 and collapse as shown in FIG. 2. The material used to create and form accordion pleats 203 may be any suitable material, such as a flexible thermoplastic elastomer, rubber, or other flexible or semi-rigid material. Portions of the walls of accordion pleats 203 may have different thicknesses to provide rigidity when expanded as shown in fig. 1 and flexibility to collapse upon themselves as shown in fig. 2. In the depicted embodiment, organ pleats 203 comprise a plurality of pleats and have a tapered profile that converges from a maximum diameter adjacent button 204 to a minimum diameter adjacent platform 201. The pleats may help collapse and expand the organ pleats 203 and provide structural integrity while residing in the collapsed state (fig. 2) and/or the expanded state (fig. 1). The tapered configuration may help provide a comfortable ergonomic gripping feature for the user. In the disclosed embodiment, accordion pleats 203 are self-supporting such that no additional structure is required to support accordion pleats 203 in the expanded position shown in fig. 1. However, in other embodiments, other configurations may be used. Indeed, in one embodiment, the seat attachment 200 may further include a biasing member disposed inside the accordion pleats 203 to bias the attachment 200 to the expanded state depicted in fig. 1. It should also be appreciated that in embodiments where the gusset pleats 203 include a biasing mechanism, it may also be beneficial to include a locking feature for holding the attachment 200 in the collapsed configuration against the urging of the biasing device. Such a locking feature may take the form of a snap-fit connection between the button 204 of the accessory 200 and the platform 201. It should also be appreciated that in embodiments having a biasing device, accordion pleats 203 may not necessarily require any pleats so that accordion pleats 203 do not in fact resemble an accordion, but rather resemble a simple skirt or skin. One embodiment of such a biasing attachment is described in U.S. provisional patent application No.62/376,237 filed on 8/17/2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Still referring to fig. 1 and 2, button 204 is attached to accordion fold 203 such that button 204 is also movable relative to platform 201 along axis 206. Button 204 may be co-molded, adhered, or integrally molded to gusset fold 203 such that button 204 is permanently attached to gusset fold 203. Alternatively, button 204 may be removably attached to gusset fold 203. For example, button 204 may be attached to gusset fold 203 with a tab 205 extending from button 204 that engages an opening in gusset fold 203. The material used to make the button 204 may be any suitable material, such as polycarbonate. Alternatively, any other material or combination of materials, such as wood, metal, glass, etc., may be used to form the button 204. The button 204 may also be formed of a rigid material and may have a cavity for holding a different material (e.g., leather, fabric, gel, etc.). The buttons 204 may include graphics, printed or molded images, or textures, or combinations thereof, on their surfaces.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a spin expanding socket attachment 300. The spin extension bearing attachment 300 may also be referred to as a spin attachment, a spinner, a spin system, a spin bearing attachment, or a spin bearing. Spin attachment 300 includes a platform 301, organ folds 302, and buttons 303. Platform 301 is similar to platform 201 and may include all aspects in common with platform 201. Gusset pleats 302 are similar to gusset pleats 203 and may include all aspects in common with gusset pleats 203. Button 303 is similar to button 204 and may include all aspects in common with button 204. Thus, additional details regarding platform 301, accordion folds 302, and buttons 303 are omitted for brevity.

Bearing assemblies in the form of ball bearing assemblies 304 are attached to the platform 301 and accordion folds 302 of the spinner attachment 300. The ball bearing assembly 304 includes two rings containing raceways for holding a plurality of balls so that motion and possible loads are transmitted between the two rings through the balls. The ball bearing assembly 304 thus reduces rotational friction, thereby allowing less friction between the two components when rotating.

Fig. 9 shows the ball bearing assembly 304 in more detail. As shown, the ball bearing assembly 304 includes an outer ring 310, an inner ring 312, and a plurality of balls 318 disposed between the outer ring 310 and the inner ring 312. Outer ring 310 defines an outer race 314 and includes an outer surface 320. Inner race 312 defines an inner race 316 and includes an inner surface 322. The plurality of balls 318 reside between the outer race 314 of the outer ring 310 and the inner race 316 of the inner ring 312. In some cases, the ball 318 may be housed in a cage 324, as shown in fig. 9. The ball bearing assembly 304 may be made of any suitable material for standard ball bearings, including stainless steel, chrome steel, and in some cases ceramics. In other cases, the ball bearing 304 may be a mixture of materials: for example, the ball 318 may be a ceramic ball while the

races

314, 316 are made of metal.

As generally discussed above, a portion of the spin accessory 300 remains stationary or fixed such that the mobile electronic device 100 is rotatable relative to at least the fixed portion of the spin accessory 300. In some cases, the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing 304 assembly remains stationary while the inner ring 312 rotates relative to the outer ring 310. In other cases, the inner ring 312 remains stationary while the outer ring 312 rotates relative to the inner ring 312. In still other cases, portions of the spin attachment 300 may be fixed or rotatable in addition to the

rings

310, 312 to facilitate the desired motion.

It should be appreciated that the inner ring 312 and the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing assembly 304 may have different thicknesses and different heights. In some cases, the outer ring 310 and the inner ring 312 have the same height, as shown in fig. 9. However, in other cases, the outer ring 310 and the inner ring 312 may have different heights. It should also be appreciated that ball 318 may have different sizes to accommodate different sizes of inner race 316 and outer race 314.

Referring back to fig. 3, a ball bearing assembly 304 extends outwardly from the platform 301 and is connected to the accordion pleats 302. The ball bearing assembly 304 may be attached to the platform 301 in any number of ways. In some cases, the ball bearing assembly 304 is adhered to the platform 301 using an adhesive. In other cases, the ball bearing assembly 304 is press fit into an opening in the platform 301. In still other cases, the ball bearing assembly 304 may be attached using glue, a snap-fit assembly, or sonic or vibration welding. In other cases, the ball bearing assembly 304 (or portions thereof) may be integrated into the platform 301 or other components of the spin attachment or expansion shoe assembly 200.

The outer surface 320 of the outer ring 310 may be adhered or press-fit into an opening in the platform 301. Once the platform 301 with the ball bearing assembly 304 is attached to a mobile electronic device (not shown) or a housing of a mobile electronic device (also not shown), the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing 304 is stationary (i.e., does not move), thereby rotating the inner ring 312 relative to the outer ring 310 about the axis 306 of the spin attachment 300 (and more specifically, the ball bearing assembly 304). In other embodiments, the inner ring 312 of the ball bearing assembly 304 may be adhered to the platform 301 such that the inner ring 312 is stationary, thereby freeing the outer ring 310 of the ball bearing assembly 304 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 may rotate about an axis different from the axis 306.

Although somewhat less visible in fig. 3, the inner ring 312 of the ball bearing assembly 304 may be attached to the accordion pleat 302. The accordion fold 302 may have a portion that is press fit or extends into the inner ring 312 or is otherwise attached to the inner ring 312 of the ball bearing 304. Ball bearing assembly 304 allows organ fold 304 and attached button 303 to spin about axis 306. When the spin accessory 300 is attached to the back surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (shown in fig. 1 and 2), the mobile electronic device 100 may be positioned to rest on the button, with the button 303 resting on an external surface such as a table or other hard surface. With button 303 resting on the outer surface, mobile electronic device 100 may be rotated or spun to initiate a spin of mobile electronic device 100 that is lengthened due to the reduced frictional rotation of ball bearing assembly 304 as platform 301 interacts with accordion folds 302.

With the organ folds 302 extended or collapsed, the spin attachment 300 can spin about the axis 306. Thus, when the platform 301 is attached to the surface of a mobile electronic device, the spinning attachment 300 can spin while the accordion folds 302 are extended or collapsed. When the spin accessory 300 is attached to the mobile electronic device and placed on the outer surface, the mobile electronic device can spin relative to the spin accessory 300. The spin attachment 300 can also spin while the mobile electronic device rests on the exterior surface and the spin attachment 300 extends away from the exterior surface. Additionally, the spinning accessory 300 can spin while the mobile electronic device is held in the user's hand, or the mobile electronic device can spin while the spinning accessory 300 is held in the user's hand. Likewise, when the spin accessory 300 is attached to a case of a mobile electronic device, the case (and thus the device) can spin when the spin accessory 300 is placed on the exterior surface, when the case is placed on the exterior surface, and when the case or spin accessory 300 is held in a user's hand.

Although the bearing assembly 304 of fig. 3 is a ball bearing assembly, the bearing assembly may instead take the form of a different bearing assembly, for example a needle bearing or a magnetic bearing instead of a ball bearing. Alternatively, a bushing and washer may be used in place of the ball bearing assembly to produce the desired spin/spin effect of the spin attachment 300.

Optionally, a light on the mobile electronic device 100 may operate in conjunction with the spinning action of the spinning accessory to produce a light-based visualization that is controlled by the direction of the mobile electronic device and the angular velocity of the spin. These visualizations may be displayed on the mobile electronic device and may be synchronized with music, the visualizations may be synchronized to angular velocity, or in some cases, the visualizations may appear stationary even though the display and the mobile electronic device are spinning. In other embodiments, the sound output of the mobile electronic device may be controlled by the angular velocity of the spin and direction of the mobile electronic device. In even other embodiments, the mobile electronic device can display an image or a series of images (e.g., a video) in cooperation with the spinning motion of the mobile electronic device when the spinning attachment is attached to the mobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, the spin-on accessory 300 may include a package that assists the user in placing the spin-on accessory ideally on their mobile electronic device. The enclosure may include a visual indicator of the same size as the surface of the mobile electronic device, such as a template of the surface of the mobile electronic device, so that a user can properly align the spin attachment 300 with the surface of the mobile electronic device to ensure smooth spinning. The spin axis may be orthogonal to the major surface plane of the mobile electronic device and the spin magnitude may be equal to yaw (yaw). The angular velocity may be about a z-axis, in relation to which the surface of the mobile electronic device has an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction. Alternatively, the spin axis may be placed to spin in pitch or roll about the x-axis or y-axis using a mounting system. This enables the mobile electronic device to spin and appear as a frame to the viewer. The frame rate is approximately equivalent to the spin rate of a single display spin. In some embodiments, the spin system may increase the perceived visual size of the display of the mobile electronic device through rapid rotation of the mobile electronic device. The spin system can change the perceived size from the standard rectangular aspect ratio of the mobile electronic device to the aspect ratio of a circular display. The perceived diameter of a circular display may be equivalent to the screen diagonal size of an actual display.

Fig. 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a spin attachment 400. Spin attachment 400 includes a platform 401 similar to platform 201, a gusset 402 similar to gusset 203, a button 403 similar to button 204, and a ball bearing assembly 404 similar to ball bearing assembly 304. However, unlike spin attachment 300, spin attachment 400 includes a frame 405 coupled to accordion folds 402, a button 403, and a ball bearing assembly 404.

As best shown in fig. 5, the frame 405 has a peripheral edge 410 and a plurality of ribs 411 connecting the peripheral edge 410 with the ball bearing assembly 404. The ribs 411 thus extend radially inward from the peripheral edge 410 toward the ball bearing assembly 404. The circular shape of perimeter edge 410 is sized to substantially match the diameters of accordion folds 402 and buttons 403 (which are substantially equal to each other). The frame 405 may be made of any suitable material, such as polycarbonate or other rigid material.

In this embodiment, frame 405 may include tabs 406 that extend outward from peripheral edge 410 into slots 407 formed in and around the perimeter of gusset fold 402, thereby coupling frame 405 to gusset fold 402. In other embodiments, frame 405 may be coupled to accordion folds 402 in a different manner (e.g., via an adhesive, a magnetic connection, a friction fit, or any other suitable means). In this embodiment, the frame 405 is coupled to the button 403 by means of a fastening element 408. The fastening element 408 has a base 412 and a protrusion 413 extending outwardly from the base 412. The protrusion 413 may be inserted into an opening 415 of the frame 405 centered on the axis 414 and disposed radially inward from the ball bearing assembly 404, and then snapped into a downwardly extending protrusion 416 of the button 403 by the ball bearing 404. In other embodiments, the frame 405 may be coupled to the button 403 in a different manner (e.g., via an adhesive, a magnetic connection, a friction fit, or any other suitable means). Additionally, in this embodiment, the ball bearing assembly 404 may be attached to the frame 405 by adhering the bearing 404 to the frame 405 or by press-fitting the bearing 404 into an opening in the frame 405. In any event, when assembly 404 is attached to frame 405 and frame 405 is coupled to accordion pleats 402, the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 404 remains stationary (i.e., does not rotate), as frame 405 does. The spin attachment 400 may function while the gusset pleats 402 are extended or collapsed.

When the frame 405 is coupled to the button 403, the button 403 is connected with the ball bearing assembly 404. More specifically, the protrusion 416 of the button 403 may be removably seated in the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 404, or alternatively, the protrusion 416 may 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 may spin freely relative to the remainder of the spin attachment 400 (e.g., the outer ring). Thus, when the spin accessory 400 is attached to a surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (or a housing of the mobile electronic device 100) and the mobile electronic device 100 (or the housing) is positioned such that the button 403 rests on a stationary outer surface, the button 403 may remain stationary due to friction resting on the outer surface while the remaining components of the spin accessory 400 spin easily (or relatively frictionless) due to the rotation of the ball bearing assembly 404. In some cases, button 403 may be made of or include a material having a higher friction composition to keep button 403 stationary on the outer surface while the remaining components of spin attachment 400 spin about axis 414.

It should be appreciated that frame 405 may have various shapes and/or sizes, including the ability to accommodate a larger diameter ball bearing assembly 404, such that ball bearing assembly 404 extends closer along the larger diameter of accordion pleats 402. In some cases, ball bearing assembly 404 may have the same or nearly the same diameter as the outside diameter of the top of accordion pleats 402 or buttons 403. The diameter of the protrusion 416 may also be increased to accommodate the larger diameter inner and outer rings of the ball bearing assembly 404. Depending on how large the diameter of the ball bearing assembly 404 is, the frame 405 may have ribs 411 as shown in fig. 5, or may be a solid piece with an opening sized to accommodate the ball bearing assembly 404. The arrangement of fig. 5 may provide a spin attachment 400 that is lighter weight and thinner components and may be easier to manufacture, while the solid frame 405 may enhance the stability of the spin attachment 400 while spinning.

Additionally, while the frame 405 is described as part of the spin attachment 400 (along with the platform 401, accordion folds 402, buttons 403, and ball bearing assemblies 404), it should be understood that the frame 405 itself may be the spin attachment 400. In other words, a socket attachment, such as socket attachment 200, may be retrofitted with frame 405 to convert socket attachment 200 into a spin socket attachment. This may be accomplished, for example, by removing button 204 from gusset fold 203, attaching (e.g., snapping) frame 405 to gusset fold 203, and then attaching button 204 to gusset fold 203 and frame 405. Frame 405 may be attached to accordion pleats 203 as described above or in a different manner. Likewise, button 204 may be attached to accordion fold 203 and frame 405 as described above or in a different manner.

Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a spin-on attachment 500 attached to a surface of the mobile electronic device 100. Spin attachment 500 includes a platform 501 similar to platform 201, a button 503 similar to button 203, and a ball bearing assembly 504 similar to ball bearing assembly 204 and attached to platform 501 and button 503. Consistent with the discussion above, button 503 may be made of any suitable material such as polycarbonate or other hard, semi-hard, or elastomeric material and may include graphics, images, or molded or attached textures on its face. Unlike spin attachment 200, which includes accordion folds 203, spin attachment 500 includes extensions 502 instead of accordion folds 203.

The extension 502 may be integrally formed with the platform 501 or connected to the platform 501 by means of a snap fit, press fit, resilient compression, magnetic attachment, mechanical means, or other suitable means. The extensions 502 may vary in height and shape. In some embodiments, the inner ring of ball bearing assembly 504 is attached or connected to extension 502 and the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 504 is attached or connected to button 503. Thus, when button 503 is resting on a surface, button 503 remains stationary, while extension 502 and platform 501, as well as removably attached mobile electronic device 100, can spin freely and continue to spin relative to button 503 due to ball bearing assembly 504. In other embodiments, the inner and outer rings of ball bearing assembly 504 may be integrated with platform 501 and button 503. In some embodiments, the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 504 may be integrated with platform 501 and the inner ring of ball bearing assembly 504 may be integrated with button 503. However, in other embodiments, the outer ring of ball bearing assembly 504 is integrated with button 503 and the inner ring of ball bearing assembly 504 is integrated with platform 501.

The spin attachment 500 operates in a similar manner to the spin attachment 400, but without the accordion members that extend and collapse the spin attachment. FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a spin attachment 600. The spin attachment 600 is similar to the spin attachment 500. Thus, spin attachment 600 includes a platform 601, a button 602, and a ball bearing assembly 603. Platform 601 is similar to platform 201 and button 602 is similar to button 204 and button 503.

Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a spin clamp 700. Spin clamp 700 includes a platform 701 similar to platform 201, a raised plate 702, a ball bearing assembly 703 similar to ball bearing assembly 304, and a clamp edge 704.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a spin attachment 800. The spin attachment 800 includes ball bearings in the form of a ball bearing assembly 801. Ball bearing assembly 801 is similar to ball bearing 304 in that it includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The spin attachment 800 also includes an extension surface 802 carried by (e.g., attached to) the outer ring. For example, the extension surface 802 may extend axially outward from the outer ring. The extended surface 802, which may also be referred to as a grip strip, grip edge, or extended edge, may be made of any high friction or gripping material, including rubber, thermoplastic, or a series of polymers. The spin attachment 800 also includes a gripping member 803 carried by the inner surface of the inner ring for securely engaging a portion of the extended socket attachment. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping member 803 takes the form of an inner attachment surface 803 carried by (e.g., attached to) an inner surface of the inner ring. The inner attachment surface 803, which may also be referred to as a liner, attachment strip, or attachment strip, may be made of any high friction or gripping material, including rubber or gel. However, in other embodiments, gripping member 803 may additionally or alternatively include one or more protrusions (e.g., tabs, threads, flanges), one or more recesses, one or more magnets, or the like. For example, gripping member 803 may additionally or alternatively include a spring-biased tab that selectively engages one or more recesses in the extended socket attachment.

As illustrated in fig. 10, the spin accessory 800 may be temporarily or permanently mounted or placed around an extended cradle accessory (such as the cradle accessory 200 described above) attached to a mobile electronic device (e.g., the mobile electronic device 100). In some cases, the spin attachment 800 may have one or more colors and/or textures that match one or more colors and/or one or more textures of the socket attachment or a mobile electronic device to which the socket attachment is attached. In any event, when the spin attachment 800 is mounted on, for example, an extended socket attachment 200, the inner connection surface 803 is placed around the outer diameter surface 810 of the button 204 of the socket attachment 200 and securely engages the outer diameter surface 810 due to the material properties of the inner connection surface 803 and due to the tight fit tolerance between the outer diameter of the button 204 and the inner connection surface 803. Alternatively, inner connection surface 803 may be attached to outer diameter surface 810 (or other surface of button 204) by means of a snap fit, elastic compression, magnetic connection, or other means. In some embodiments, the connection may be achieved with a gripping member (e.g., gripping surface) that includes some combination of the foregoing means and/or may include mechanical connection means, such as a threaded connection or a connection in which the outer diameter surface 810 of the button 204 snaps into an annular recess formed in the inner connection surface 803 of the accessory 800. In some embodiments, the gripping member may also include an inner connecting surface 803 that also or alternatively has one or more annular flanges that abut a top surface of the button 204 when assembled so that the button 204 does not pass through the spin attachment 800. When the spin appendage 800 is placed around the button 204 of the socket appendage 200, the spin appendage 800 can remain attached to the socket appendage 200 even when the socket appendage 200 is extended or collapsed in its various configurations.

It should be appreciated that at least the extension surface 802 extends axially beyond the outer diameter surface 810 of the button 204 when the spin attachment 800 is attached to the socket attachment 200. In other words, the height of extension surface 802 is greater than the height of outer diameter surface 810. Thus, the extended surface 802 may rest on an external surface such as a desktop. Consistent with the foregoing, this allows the socket accessory 200 attached to the mobile electronic device 100 to spin relative to the extended surface 802 in a frictionless environment (due to the ball bearing assembly 801 of the spin accessory 800).

Fig. 11 and 12 illustrate yet another embodiment of a spin attachment 1100. Spin attachment 1100 is similar to spin attachment 400 in that spin attachment 1100 includes a platform 1101, accordion pleats 1102, a button 1103, a ball bearing assembly 1104 (which is identical to ball bearing assembly 404), and a frame 1105 coupled to accordion pleats 1102, button 1103, and ball bearing assembly 1104, but in a different manner as described below.

First, although generally similar, platform 1101 has a slightly different structure than platform 401 and organ folds 1102 have a slightly different structure than organ folds 402. More specifically, in this embodiment, the organ folds 1102 have downwardly extending first connectors 1120 (e.g., male snap-fit portions) arranged to matingly engage second connectors 1122 (e.g., female snap-fit portions) carried by upwardly extending flanges 1124 of the platform 1101 to couple the organ folds 1102 to the platform 1101 (and vice versa).

Second, while generally similar to button 403, button 1103 differs in that the button is overmolded or co-molded with two different materials. In this embodiment, the button 1103 has a base 1126 made of a plastic material and a peripheral rim 1128 made of a rubber material to facilitate gripping of the button 1103. However, in other embodiments, the base 1126 and/or the perimeter rim 1128 of the button 1103 can be made of one or more different materials.

Third, while frame 1105 is similarly coupled to accordion pleats 1102 and similarly carries ball bearing assembly 1104, frame 1105 is structurally different from frame 405. While the frame 1105 has a peripheral edge 1110 that is similar to the peripheral edge 410 of the frame 405, the frame 1105 differs in that the frame 1105 is a solid piece (i.e., the frame does not include ribs) and also includes a flange 1130 that extends downwardly from the frame 1105 proximate the peripheral edge 1110. In this embodiment, a flange 1130 extends downwardly from the frame 1105 at a location radially inward of the peripheral edge 1110. Thus, in this embodiment, perimeter edge 1110 is arranged to sit on a top surface 1132 of the perimeter of gusset fold 1102, and flange 1130 is arranged to engage an inner surface 1134 of the perimeter of gusset fold 1102, thereby coupling frame 1105 to gusset fold 1102. In some embodiments, frame 1105 also includes a plurality of tabs 1106 similar to tabs 406, which tabs 1106 extend outwardly from peripheral edge 1110 and can be seated in slots 1107 as in 407, which are formed in and around the perimeter of accordion pleats 1102 in order to more securely couple frame 1105 to accordion pleats 1102.

Fourth, frame 1105 is coupled to button 1103 in a different manner than frame 405 is coupled to button 403. While the frame 1105 is similarly coupled to the buttons 1103 by way of fastening elements 1108, the fastening elements 1108 are different from the fastening elements 408. More specifically, unlike fastening element 408, fastening element 1108 has protrusions 1113 that define a threaded outer surface. Thus, unlike the frame 405, the button 1103 has a downwardly extending projection 1116 that defines a threaded inner surface. Thus, the projection 1113 may be inserted into an opening 1115 of the frame 1105 centered on the axis 1114 and disposed radially inward of the ball bearing assembly 1104 carried from the frame 1105, and then the projection 1113 may be inserted into the projection 1116 such that an outer surface of the projection 1113 threadably engages an inner surface of the frame 1105 (and vice versa).

Although there are the aforementioned differences between accessory 400 and accessory 1100, accessory 1100 operates in substantially the same manner as accessory 400. When the frame 1105 is coupled to the button 1103 (via the threaded engagement), the button 1103 is connected with the ball bearing assembly 1104. More specifically, the protrusion 1116 of the button 1103 is removably seated in the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 1104. When the button 1103 is coupled to the inner ring of the ball bearing assembly 1104, the button 1103 may spin freely relative to the remainder of the spin attachment 1100 (e.g., the outer ring). Thus, when the spin accessory 1100 is attached to a surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (or a housing of the mobile electronic device 100) and the mobile electronic device 100 (or the housing) is positioned such that the button 1103 rests on a stationary outer surface, the button 1103 may remain stationary due to friction resting on the outer surface while the remaining components of the spin accessory 1100 spin easily (or relatively frictionless) due to the rotation of the ball bearing assembly 1104. On the other hand, when the spin accessory 1100 is attached to a surface of the mobile electronic device 100 (or a housing of the device 100) and the mobile electronic device 100 (or the housing) rests on a stationary exterior surface, the button 1103 can spin easily (or relatively frictionless) while the remaining components of the spin accessory 1100 (and the device 100 and/or the housing) remain stationary.

While each of the depicted versions of the spin attachment includes a spin attachment having a generally circular profile, it is understood that the spin attachment can take other shapes. For example, with respect to the embodiment of fig. 10, the outer surface may take any shape, although it may be important for the inner surface of the outer ring to be rounded to accommodate the ball bearings and promote smooth spinning relative to the inner ring. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the outer ring may take the shape of a square, star, triangle, or the like. These alternative shapes may facilitate gripping by a user. While an alternative shape is explicitly mentioned only with respect to fig. 10, it is to be understood that any embodiment described herein may also include such an alternative shape.

The above specification and the description of the drawings may depict exemplary configurations of embodiments of the present disclosure that are completed to facilitate an understanding of features and functions that may be included in the embodiments described herein. Embodiments are not limited to the configurations shown and may be practiced using a variety of alternative configurations. Additionally, while the apparatus has been described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functions described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular example with which they are described, but instead may 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, and particularly of the claims that follow, 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. For example as hereinbefore described: the term "including" is to be read as "including but not limited to," and the like; the term "embodiment" is used to provide illustrative examples of items in discussion, rather than 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 at a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known at any time, now or in the future. Likewise, a group of items used in conjunction with the 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 items, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In some instances, the presence of broad words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to," or other like phrases should not be read to mean that the intended or required scope is narrower in scope, where such broad phrases may not be present. Further, where a range is stated, the upper and lower limits of the range include all intermediate units herein.

The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations may be possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoing disclosure were chosen to explain the principles of the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in its practical application. Any claims hereinafter are intended to be construed to include alternative embodiments of the invention except those limited by the prior art.

Claims

1. A spin accessory for a mobile electronic device, the spin accessory configured for use with a socket accessory attached to the mobile electronic device and comprising:

an inner ring defining a central opening sized to receive the socket attachment;

an outer ring surrounding the inner ring;

one or more balls disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, the one or more balls 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 attachment; and

a grip member carried by an inner surface of the inner ring, the grip member adapted to securely engage a portion of the socket attachment.

2. The spin attachment of claim 1, wherein the outer ring is fixed and the inner ring is rotatable relative to the outer ring.

3. The spin-on attachment of claim 1, further comprising a gripping edge carried by the outer ring.

4. The spin accessory of claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises at least one of a gripping surface, one or more protrusions, one or more magnets, or one or more annular recesses.

5. The spin attachment of claim 1, wherein the gripping member comprises a gripping surface.

6. A spinning attachment according to claim 5, characterised in that the gripping surface is made of rubber or a gel material.

7. The spin attachment of claim 1, wherein the one or more balls comprise a plurality of balls arranged circumferentially around the inner ring.

8. A spin accessory for a mobile electronic device, the spin accessory configured for use with a socket accessory attached to the mobile electronic device and comprising:

a bearing assembly sized to receive the socket attachment, wherein the bearing assembly facilitates rotation of a portion of the swivel attachment relative to the socket attachment;

a grip member carried by an inner surface of the bearing assembly, the grip member adapted to securely engage a portion of the socket attachment; and

a gripping edge carried by an outer surface of the bearing assembly.

9. The spin attachment of claim 8, wherein the bearing assembly comprises a ball bearing assembly comprising:

an inner ring sized to receive the socket attachment;

an outer ring surrounding the inner ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are rotatable relative to each other such that the spin appendage is rotatable relative to the socket appendage; and

a plurality of balls disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, the plurality of balls configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring,

wherein the gripping member is carried by an inner surface of the inner ring and the gripping edge is carried by the outer ring.

10. The spin accessory of claim 8, wherein the gripping member comprises at least one of a gripping surface, one or more protrusions, one or more magnets, or one or more annular recesses.

11. The spin attachment of claim 8, wherein the gripping member comprises a gripping surface.

12. The spin-on attachment of claim 11, wherein the gripping surface is made of a rubber or gel material.

13. An assembly for a portable media player, the assembly comprising:

a socket attachment for attachment to the portable media player or a housing of the portable media player, the socket attachment comprising:

a platform for attaching the socket attachment to the portable media player or the housing of the portable media player; and

a button spaced relative to the platform; and

a spin attachment attachable to the button of the socket attachment, the spin attachment comprising:

a bearing assembly configured to facilitate rotation of a portion of the swivel attachment relative to the socket attachment; and

a grip member carried by an inner surface of the bearing assembly and configured to securely engage a surface of the button to attach the spin attachment to the hub attachment.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the button is movable relative to the platform such that the seat attachment is extendable.

15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the socket attachment is extendable along an axis, and wherein the spin attachment is rotatable about the axis relative to the socket attachment.

16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the seat attachment further comprises a skin coupled to the platform, wherein the skin is deformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the button is coupled to the skin opposite the platform.

18. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the bearing assembly comprises:

an inner ring defining a central opening sized to receive the button of the socket attachment;

an outer ring surrounding the inner ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are rotatable relative to each other;

one or more balls disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, the one or more balls configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring, and

wherein the gripping member is carried by an inner surface of the inner ring.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the outer ring is fixed and the inner ring is rotatable relative to the outer ring.

20. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a gripping edge carried by the outer ring.

21. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the gripping member comprises at least one of a gripping surface, one or more protrusions, one or more magnets, or one or more annular recesses.

22. A spin accessory for a portable media player, the spin accessory being expandable and comprising:

a platform for attaching the spin accessory to the portable media player or a housing of the portable media player;

a skin coupled to the platform, wherein the skin is deformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration;

a button coupled to the skin opposite the platform;

a bearing assembly coupled to the skin and the button, the bearing assembly configured to facilitate rotation of the button relative to the skin.

23. The spin-on attachment of claim 22, further comprising a frame coupled to the skin, wherein the bearing assembly is carried by the frame.

24. The spin-on attachment of claim 22, wherein the bearing assembly comprises:

an inner ring defining a central opening sized to receive a button of a socket attachment;

an outer ring surrounding the inner ring, wherein the inner ring and the outer ring are rotatable relative to each other; and

one or more balls disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, the one or more balls configured to facilitate rotation between the inner ring and the outer ring.

25. The spin attachment of claim 24, wherein the outer ring is fixed and the inner ring is rotatable relative to the outer ring.

26. The spin attachment of claim 24, further comprising a frame coupled to the skin, wherein the outer ring of the bearing assembly is coupled to the frame.