Expandable Grip With Wireless Communication Module

Abstract

A docking platform formed for detachable attachment to a largest-surface-area surface of a mobile electronic device. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory connection system having one or more docking connectors, and optionally two or more electrical contacts therein, the contacts electrically connected to an electronics assembly within the docking platform and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking accessory connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The docking platform may assist in providing interoperability between connected/linked docking accessories. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An expandable socket for attachment to a portable media player or a portable media player case, the expandable socket comprising:
 a platform adapted to engage a portion of the portable media player or the portable media player case;   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; and   a wireless module carried by one or more of the platform, skin, or button, the wireless module for one or more of wirelessly communicating with or transferring power to the portable media player or the portable media player case.   
     
     
         22 . The expandable socket of  claim 21 , wherein the wireless module comprises a wireless communication module configured to communicate with one or more of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wireless USB, IrDA, Near-Field Communication (NFC), shared wireless, or radio frequency. 
     
     
         23 . The expandable socket of  claim 21 , further comprising a securing element carried by the platform for engaging a portion of the portable media player or the portable media player case. 
     
     
         24 . The expandable socket of  claim 23 , wherein the securing element comprises a mating mechanism including one or more of a snap-fit, a magnetic bond, a sticky gel, a suction cup, a micro-suction tape, a spring-clip mechanism, a slot-hole key release, a reusable adhesive, a slide-lock, or a screw. 
     
     
         25 . The expandable socket of  claim 21 , wherein the skin comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         26 . The expandable socket of  claim 21 , wherein the skin comprises a tapered conical shape. 
     
     
         27 . The expandable socket of  claim 21 , wherein the skin comprises at least one folding section. 
     
     
         28 . The expandable socket of  claim 27 , wherein the skin comprises a plurality of folding sections. 
     
     
         29 . The expandable socket of  claim 27 , wherein the at least one folding section has an accordion shape. 
     
     
         30 . The expandable socket of  claim 29 , wherein the accordion shape comprises rigid walls interspersed with flexural hinges. 
     
     
         31 . The expandable socket of  claim 21 , further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the wireless module such that the expandable socket is self-powered.