Expandable device for a portable electronic device

Abstract

An expandable device includes a platform having top and bottom sides, a body having a first end and a second end, the second end being operably coupled to the platform, a button operably coupled to the first end of the body, and a storage receptacle defined by at least one of the button, the platform, and the body. The body is movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device, the expandable device comprising:
 a platform having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device or a case for the portable electronic device;   a body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the second end of the body being operably coupled to the platform, the body being movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration;   a button operably coupled to the first end of the body; and   a storage receptacle defined by at least one of the button, the platform, and the body.   
     
     
         2 . The expandable device of  claim 2 , wherein the button defines the entirety of the storage receptacle. 
     
     
         3 . The expandable device of  claim 1 , wherein the button is removably coupled to the expandable device. 
     
     
         4 . The expandable device of  claim 1 , wherein the button is operably coupled to the body via at least one of:
 a threaded connection;   a hinged connection;   a friction-fit connection;   a snap fit connection; or   a childproof sealing mechanism.   
     
     
         5 . The expandable device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cosmetic product disposed in the storage receptacle. 
     
     
         6 . The expandable device of  claim 1 , further comprising a mirror operably coupled to the button. 
     
     
         7 . The expandable device of  claim 1 , wherein the storage receptacle is dimensioned to accommodate at least one of
 a cosmetic product;   a food product;   a fluid;   a medicinal product; or   an electronic component.   
     
     
         8 . The expandable device of  claim 1 , wherein the storage receptacle includes a release mechanism coupled to a bottom surface thereof, the release mechanism adapted to release the body and the button from the platform. 
     
     
         9 . The expandable device of  claim 8 , wherein the release mechanism is coupled to a flexible surface of the storage receptacle. 
     
     
         10 . The expandable device of  claim 8 , wherein the release mechanism is coupled to a rigid surface of the storage receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . An expandable device for attachment to a portable electronic device, the expandable device comprising:
 a platform having a top side and a bottom side, the bottom side adapted to engage a portion of the portable electronic device or a case for the portable electronic device;   a body including a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, the second end of the body being operably coupled to the platform, the body being movable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; and   a button operably coupled to the first end of the body, the button comprising a bottom surface, a sidewall, and a top that cooperate to define a storage receptacle.   
     
     
         12 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , wherein the button is removably coupled to the expandable device 
     
     
         13 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , wherein the button is operably coupled to the body via at least one of:
 a threaded connection;   a hinged connection;   a friction-fit connection; or   a snap fit connection.   
     
     
         14 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , wherein the storage receptacle is sealed via a childproof sealing mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , further comprising a cosmetic product disposed within the storage receptacle. 
     
     
         16 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , further comprising a mirror operably coupled to the button. 
     
     
         17 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , wherein the storage receptacle is dimensioned to accommodate, or contains at least one of:
 a cosmetic product;   a food product;   a fluid;   a medicinal product; or   an electronic component.   
     
     
         18 . The expandable device of  claim 11 , wherein the button includes release mechanism coupled to a bottom surface thereof, the release mechanism adapted to release the body and the button from the platform. 
     
     
         19 . The expandable device of  claim 18 , wherein the release mechanism is coupled to a flexible surface of the button. 
     
     
         20 . The expandable device of  claim 18 , wherein the release mechanism is coupled to a rigid surface of the button.