Extendable mechanism and controller having the same

Abstract

An extendable mechanism may include an extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a link member having an extension member guide element. The extension member may engage with the extension member guide element of the link member in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link member in an extension direction along the axis of the extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a link member guide element for placement at the main structure. The link member may engage with the link member guide element in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link member guide element in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may also include a biasing member for being arranged between the link member and the main structure. A controller may include a controller body and the extendable mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to an extendable mechanism for a body structure, an extendable mechanism between a first part of the body structure and a second part of the body structure, and a controller having an extendable mechanism. In particular, various embodiments generally relate to an extendable mechanism for a game controller and a game controller having an extendable mechanism. Background Art

[0002] On the market, game controllers for mobile phones typically include a clamping mechanism for attaching the mobile phone to the corresponding game controller. Typically, the clamping mechanism uses a single stacked slide with a continuous spring load so that the retraction force is always used to close the clamping mechanism as long as the clamping mechanism is pulled open. Therefore, from the beginning of opening or pulling the clamping mechanism, the retraction force will be used to close the clamping mechanism. Therefore, even before the clamping mechanism is fully opened or pulled open to the slot in a part of the mobile phone, the clamping mechanism already has a strong retraction force to close the clamping mechanism, which can cause harm to the user if the user accidentally releases the clamping mechanism when opening. This can cause the clamping mechanism of the game controller to clamp the user's hand from the strong retraction force of the clamping mechanism.

[0003] Additionally, some conventional game controllers use a single slider mechanism that is configured in such a way that the slider mechanism is an additional component that always results in a very shaky and unstable sliding experience for the user. Such game controllers can irritate the user, and such controllers may also be aesthetically unpleasing.

[0004] In addition, some conventional game controllers may include a clamp that can be folded to the body of the controller. Such a foldable clamp typically takes up a lot of space in the controller, and the ergonomic placement of buttons is usually sacrificed in order to fit the foldable clamp.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an extendable mechanism and a controller having an extendable mechanism that addresses at least some of the problems identified above. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to various embodiments, an extendable mechanism for a main structure is provided. The extendable mechanism may include an extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a link member, which is provided with an extension member guide element. The extension member may be engaged with the extension member guide element of the link member in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link member in an extension direction along the axis of the extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a link member guide element for placement at the main structure. The link member may be engaged with the link member guide element in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link member guide element in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may also include a biasing member for being arranged between the link member and the main structure.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an extendable mechanism between a first component of a main structure and a second component of the main structure is provided. The extendable mechanism may include an extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a first link member, the first link member having a first extension member guide element. The extension member may engage with the first extension member guide element of the first link member in a manner such that the first link member may be retractably movable relative to the extension member in an extension direction of the extendable mechanism along an axis of the extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a first link member guide element for placement at the first component of the main structure. The first link member may engage with the first link member guide element in a manner such that the first link member guide element may be retractably movable relative to the first link member in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may also include a first biasing member for being arranged between the first link member and the first component of the main structure. The extendable mechanism may also include a second link member, the second link member having a second extension member guide element. The second extension member guide member of the second link member may be engaged with the extension member in a manner such that the extension member can be retractably moved relative to the second link member in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may also include a second link member guide element for placement at the second component of the main structure. The second link member guide element may be engaged with the second link member in a manner such that the second link member can be retractably moved relative to the second link member guide element in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may also include a second biasing member for placement between the second link member and the second component of the main structure.

[0008] According to various embodiments, a controller is provided. The controller may include a controller body. The controller may also include an extendable mechanism. The extendable mechanism may include an extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a link member, which is provided with an extension member guide element. The extension member is engaged with the extension member guide element of the link member in a manner so that it can be retractably extended from the link member in an extension direction along the axis of the extension member. The extendable mechanism may also include a link member guide element, which is disposed at the controller body. The link member may be engaged with the link member guide element in a manner so that it can be retractably extended from the link member guide element in the extension direction. The extendable mechanism may also include a biasing member, which is arranged between the link member and the controller body. The biasing member may be configured to apply a biasing force to the link member in a direction opposite to the extension direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing an extendable mechanism in a retracted state according to various embodiments;

[0011] Figure 1B Showing the extended state according to various embodiments Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an extendable mechanism;

[0012] Figure 2 showing an extendable mechanism according to various embodiments;

[0013] Figure 3 Display according to various embodiments Figure 2 A controller for the extendable mechanism;

[0014] Figure 4A 1. The apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in accordance with various embodiments with a plurality of Figure 2 The extendable mechanism Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a controller;

[0015] Figure 4B 1. The display device according to various embodiments has a plurality of Figure 2 The extendable mechanism Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a controller;

[0016] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A device having a structure configured to be pivotable according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 2 A controller for the extendable mechanism;

[0017] Fig. 6A A schematic diagram showing an extendable mechanism in a retracted state according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 6B Showing the extended state according to various embodiments Fig. 6A A schematic diagram of an extendable mechanism;

[0019] Figure 7 showing an extendable mechanism according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 8 Display according to various embodiments Figure 7 A controller for the extendable mechanism;

[0021] Fig.9A 1. The apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in accordance with various embodiments with a plurality of Figure 7 The extendable mechanism Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of a controller; and

[0022] Fig. 9B 1. The display device according to various embodiments has a plurality of Figure 7 The extendable mechanism Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The embodiments described below in the context of an apparatus are analogously valid for the corresponding method, and vice versa. Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a portion of one embodiment may be combined with a portion of another embodiment.

[0024] It should be understood that the terms "on", "above", "top", "bottom", "lower", "side", "rear", "left", "right", "front", "lateral", "side", "upper", "lower", etc. when used in the following description are used for convenience and to assist in understanding relative positions or directions, and are not intended to limit the orientation of any device or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular forms "a and an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] Various embodiments generally relate to an extendable mechanism for a main body structure, an extendable mechanism between a first part of the main body structure and a second part of the main body structure, and a controller having an extendable mechanism. According to various embodiments, the controller may be a game controller for a mobile phone or a personal electronic device. Therefore, the main body structure in various embodiments may be the body of the game controller. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism may be configured to extend from the body of the game controller so as to accommodate or retain or hold the mobile phone or personal electronic device therebetween so that the mobile phone or personal electronic device can be removably attached or fastened or coupled to the body of the game controller. Although the main body structure is illustrated as the body of a game controller, it should be understood that the main body structure may be the body of any suitable device that needs to be extended.

[0026] Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing the extendable mechanism 102 in a retracted state according to various embodiments. Figure 1B Showing the extended state according to various embodiments Figure 1A Schematic diagram of an extendable mechanism 102. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 102 can be used with a main structure 104. As shown, the extendable mechanism 102 can be used to install or fasten or attach or couple to the main structure 104. The extendable mechanism 102 can be used to provide extension to the main structure 104. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In FIG. 1 , the outline of the main structure 104 is illustrated by dashed lines. According to various embodiments, the main structure 104 may have any shape or size or configuration, depending on what device is embodied by the main structure 104. Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the main structure 104 is provided by way of example only and not limitation. According to various embodiments, the main structure 104 may be the main body of a game controller for a mobile phone or personal electronic device.

[0027] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the extendable mechanism 102 for the main structure 104 may include an extension member 110 according to various embodiments. The extension member 110 may be shaped or sized or configured so that it can be used to hide or contain or hold or retain in the main structure 104 in the retracted state of the extendable mechanism 102, and can be used to extend or withdraw from the main structure 104 in the extended state of the extendable mechanism 102. The extension member 110 can be used as a component of the extendable mechanism 102 that can be physically extended from the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the extendable member 110 may have an elongated shape. For example, the extendable member 110 may be an elongated plate or an elongated panel. Therefore, the extendable member 110 can be extendable in the longitudinal direction relative to the main structure 104 along the longitudinal axis 112 of the extendable member 110.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 102 may further include a link member 120, which may be provided with an extension member guide element 122. The extension member guide element 122 may be configured to guide the relative movement of the extension member 110 relative to the main structure 104. For example, the extension member guide element 122 may be configured to guide the movement of the extension member 110 when the extension member 110 is extended or withdrawn from the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 may be engaged with the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 in such a manner that the extension member 110 may be retractably extendable from the link member 120 (or retractably movable relative to the link member 120) along the axis of the extension member 110 in the extension direction 111. Therefore, the extension member guide element 122 can guide the relative movement between the extension member 110 and the link member 120 of the extendable mechanism 102, so that the extension member 110 can be extended relative to the link member 120 (or the extension member 110 can be extended or withdrawn from the link member 120). According to various embodiments, when the extension member 110 has an elongated shape, the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110 can be along the longitudinal axis 112 of the elongated extension member 110. According to various embodiments, the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 can be a separate component relative to the link body 124 of the link member 120. Therefore, the extension member guide element 122 and the link body 124 can be two separate components that are fixedly coupled or connected or attached to each other so as to form the link member 120. According to various other embodiments, the extension member guide element 122 and the link body 124 can also be integrally molded or formed as a single piece to form the link member 120.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 102 may further include a link member guide element 130. The link member guide element 130 may be arranged at the main structure 104. Therefore, the link member guide element 130 may be a separate component relative to the main structure 104, and thus the link member guide element 130 may be used to be attached or coupled or fixed or connected to the main structure 104, or an integral part of the main structure 104, and thus the link member guide element 130 may be integrally molded or formed as a single piece with the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the link member guide element 130 may be configured to guide the relative movement of the link member 120 relative to the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the link member 120 may be engaged with the link member guide element 130 in such a manner that it may be retractably extended from (or retractably movable relative to) the link member guide element 130 in the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Therefore, the link member guide element 130 can guide the relative movement between the link member 120 and the link member guide element 130, so that the link member 120 can be extended relative to the link member guide element 130 (or the link member 120 can be extended or withdrawn from the link member guide element 130). The relative movement between the link member 120 and the link member guide element 130 can be parallel to the relative movement between the extension member 110 and the link member 120.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 of the extendable mechanism 102 may serve as a primary extension from the main structure 104, and the link member 120 may serve as a secondary extension from the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 and the link member 120 may be arranged in an overlapping or stacked configuration, such that when the extendable mechanism 102 is in a retracted state, the link member 120 may extend over and cover the extension member 110. Thus, the extendable mechanism 102 may provide a compact mechanism with a dual-stage extension for the main structure 104, such that the extendable mechanism 102 may occupy only a small area in the main structure 104.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 102 may further include a biasing member 140. The biasing member 140 may be configured to be disposed between the link member 120 and the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the biasing member 140 may be configured to apply a biasing force on the link member 120 in a direction opposite to the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Thus, the biasing member 140 may be configured to provide a retraction force (which may resist the extension movement of the link member 120) for retracting the link member 120 toward the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the biasing member 140 may include a spiral spring, a clock spring, a helical spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 may include a stopper element 114 at one end (or inner end) of the extension member 110 opposite to the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Therefore, the stopper element 114 may include a protrusion that protrudes at least substantially perpendicularly to the extension member 110 so as to provide a physical barrier or restriction between the extension member 110 and the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 for preventing the entire extension member 110 from being pulled out of the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120. Therefore, the stopper element 114 may fix or set the maximum relative extension between the extension member 110 and the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120. According to various embodiments, by means of the stopper element 114 of the extension member 110, when the extension member 110 is fully extended relative to the link member 120, any additional force applied to the extension member 110 in the extension direction 111 may cause the force to be transferred to the link member 120 for extending or withdrawing the link member 120 relative to the link member guide element 130. Thus, in use, the extension member 110 may first be extended or withdrawn before the link member 120 may be extended or withdrawn from the link member guide element 130. In an example embodiment, the link member guide element 130 is fixed to the main structure 104.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 may include a protruding edge 316 at the other end (or outer end) of the extension member 110 in the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110 (eg, see Figure 3 ). By way of example, the protruding edge and the stopper element 114 are disposed at opposite ends of the extension member 110. The protruding edge 316 may be at least substantially perpendicular to the extension member 110. Thus, the protruding edge 316 may be used to contact an edge of an object (such as a mobile phone or personal electronic device) placed between the protruding edge 316 of the extension member 110 of the extendable mechanism 102 and the main structure 104, so that the object may be removably attached or fastened or coupled between the protruding edge 316 of the extendable mechanism 102 and the main structure 104. According to various embodiments, the protruding edge 316 of the extension member 110 and the extension body 115 may be separate components. Thus, the protruding edge 316 may be coupled or coupled or fixed or connected or attached to the extension body 115 of the extension member 110. According to various other embodiments, the protruding edge 316 may be integrally molded or formed as a single piece with the extension body 115 to form the extension member 110.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 102 may be free of a biasing member between the extension member 110 and the link member 120. Thus, the extendable mechanism 102 may be free of a biasing force applied to retract the extension member 110 relative to the link member 120. Thus, the user may easily extend or withdraw the extension member 110 from the link member 120 without risking any of the user's fingers being pinched. Subsequently, with the extension member 110 fully extended or withdrawn, the user may then apply a force to the extension member 110 so as to overcome the biasing force applied to the link member 120 so as to extend or withdraw the link member 120 relative to the link member guide element 130 for further extending the extendable mechanism 102 so that an object (such as a mobile phone or personal electronic device) may be placed between the protruding end edge 316 of the extension member 110 of the extendable mechanism 102 and the main structure 104. Thus, the object may be retained between the protruding end edge 316 of the extension member 110 of the extendable mechanism 102 and the main structure 104 by the biasing force acting on the link member 120 .

[0035] According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 and the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the extension member 110 may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the extension member 110 parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110, and the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the extension member 110 and the pair of grooves of the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 may be configured to engage so that the corresponding tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various other embodiments, the extension member 110 may include a pair of grooves along opposite side edges of the extension member 110 parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110, and the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 may include a pair of tongue protrusions facing each other and parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Thus, the pair of grooves of the extension member 110 and the pair of tongue protrusions of the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 120 can be configured to engage so that the respective tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various embodiments, the tongue-and-groove sliding engagement can include a protrusion-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a dovetail tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a T-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a J-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or an L-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a hook-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or any other suitable sliding arrangement.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the link member 120 and the link member guide element 130 may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the link member 120 may include a pair of tongue protrusions extending along opposite side edges of the link member 120 parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110, and the link member guide element 130 may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the link member 120 and the pair of grooves of the link member guide element 130 may be configured to engage so that the corresponding tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various other embodiments, the link member 120 may include a pair of grooves extending along opposite side edges of the link member 120 parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110, and the link member guide element 130 may include a pair of tongue protrusions facing each other and parallel to the axis or extension direction 111 of the extension member 110. Thus, the pair of grooves of the link member 120 and the pair of tongue protrusions of the link member guide element 130 can be configured to engage with each other so that the respective tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various embodiments, the tongue-and-groove sliding engagement can include a protrusion-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a dovetail tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a T-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a J-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or an L-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a hook-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or any other suitable tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the extension member 110 may include two or more holes 218 arranged in rows at regular intervals along the length of the extension member 110 (see, for example, Figure 2 According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 102 may also include a spring-loaded protrusion 445 (see, for example, Figure 4A ) for placement at the main structure 104 to cooperate with the two or more holes 218 of the extension member 110 when the extension member 110 is extended from the main structure 104. Therefore, the cooperation between the two or more holes 218 along the extension member 110 and the spring-loaded protrusion 445 can be used to provide an intermediate stop when extending or withdrawing the extension member 110 from the main structure 104, so as to prevent the extension member 110 from being pulled out all at once. The two or more holes along the extension member 110 can provide discrete intervals or lengths at which the extension movement of the extension member 110 can be interrupted or interrupted.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the link member guide element 130 may be pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110 to tilt the link member guide element 130 relative to the main structure 104. Thus, the link member guide element 130 may be pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the extension direction 111 of the extension member 110 to tilt the link member guide element 130 relative to the main structure 104. Figure 5A) is coupled to the main structure 104 such that the linkage member guide element 130 is pivotable relative to the main structure 104 about the hinge connection 546. According to various embodiments, the hinge connection 546 may include a hinge or a spring-loaded hinge.

[0039] Figure 2 An extendable mechanism 202 for a body structure is shown according to various embodiments. As shown, according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may include an extension member 210. According to various embodiments, the extendable member 210 may have an elongated shape, such as an elongated plate or an elongated panel. Thus, the extendable member 210 may be extendable in a lengthwise direction along a longitudinal axis 212 of the extendable member 210.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may further include a link member 220 that may be provided with an extension member guide element 222. The extension member guide element 222 may be configured to guide the movement of the extension member 210 when the extension member 210 is extended or withdrawn. According to various embodiments, the extension member 210 may be engaged with the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220 in such a manner that the extension member 210 may be retractably extendable from the link member 220 (or retractably movable relative to the link member 220) in the extension direction 211 along the longitudinal axis 212 of the extension member 210. Therefore, the extension member guide element 222 may guide the relative movement between the extension member 210 and the link member 220 of the extendable mechanism 202, so that the extension member 210 may be extendable relative to the link member 220 (or the extension member 210 may be extended or withdrawn from the link member 220). As shown, according to various embodiments, the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220 and the link body 224 of the link member 220 may be separate components of the link member 220. Therefore, the extension member guide element 222 and the link body 224 may be two separate components fixedly coupled or linked or connected or attached to each other to form the link member 220. As also shown, according to various embodiments, the link body 224 of the link member 220 may have an elongated shape, such as an elongated plate or an elongated panel.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may further include a link member guide element 230. The link member guide element 230 may be used to be placed at the main structure. As shown, according to various embodiments, the link member guide element 230 may be a separate component relative to the main structure, so that the link member guide element 230 may be used to attach or couple or fix or connect or connect to the main structure. Therefore, the link member guide element 230 may be used to couple or connect or fix or attach or connect the extendable mechanism 202 to the main structure. As shown, according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may include a mounting plate 232 for configuring the link member guide element 230 to couple to the main structure. According to various embodiments, the link member 220 may be engaged with the link member guide element 230 in a manner so as to be retractably extendable from the link member guide element 230 (or retractably movable relative to the link member guide element 230) in the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210. Therefore, the link member guide element 230 can guide the relative movement between the link member 220 and the link member guide element 230, so that the link member 220 can be extended relative to the link member guide element 230 (or the link member 220 can be extended or withdrawn from the link member guide element 230). The relative movement between the link member 220 and the link member guide element 230 can be parallel to the relative movement between the extension member 210 and the link member 220.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the extension member 210 of the extendable mechanism 202 may serve as a primary extension, and the link member 220 may serve as a secondary extension. According to various embodiments, the extension member 210 and the link member 220, which may be elongated in shape, may be arranged lengthwise in an overlapping or stacked configuration, such that when the extendable mechanism 202 is in a retracted state, the link member 220 may extend over and cover a portion of the extension member 210. Thus, the extendable mechanism 202 may provide a compact mechanism with a dual-stage extension, such that the extendable mechanism 202 may occupy only a small area in the retracted state.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may further include a biasing member 240. The biasing member 240 may be configured to be disposed between the link member 220 and the main structure. According to various embodiments, the biasing member 240 may be configured to apply a biasing force on the link member 220 in a direction opposite to the extension direction 211 of the elongated extension member 210. Thus, the biasing member 240 may be configured to provide a retraction force (which may resist the extension movement of the link member 220) for retracting the link member 220 relative to the link member guide element 230. As shown, according to various embodiments, the biasing member 240 may include a spiral spring or a clock spring having one end (or outer end) attached or fixed or coupled or connected to the link member 220.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the extension member 210 may include a stopper element 214 at one end (or inner end) of the extension member 210 opposite to the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210. Therefore, the stopper element 214 may include a protrusion that is at least substantially perpendicular to the extension member 210 protrusion so as to provide a physical barrier or restriction between the extension member 210 and the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220 for preventing the entire extension member 210 from being pulled out of the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220. Therefore, the stopper element 214 may fix or set the maximum relative extension between the extension member 210 and the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220. According to various embodiments, by means of the stopper element 214 of the extension member 210, when the extension member 210 is fully extended relative to the link member 220, any additional force applied to the extension member 210 in the extension direction 211 can cause the force to be transferred to the link member 220 for extending or withdrawing the link member 220 relative to the link member guide element 230. Thus, in use, the extension member 210 can first be extended or withdrawn before the link member 220 can be extended or withdrawn from the link member guide element 230.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the extension member 210 and the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220 may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the extension member 210 may include a pair of tongue protrusions 217, 219 along opposite side edges of the extension member 210 parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 or the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210, and the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220 may include a pair of grooves 221, 223 facing toward each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 or the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions 217, 219 of the extension member 210 may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of grooves 221, 223 of the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220, so that they are slidable relative to each other. As shown, according to various embodiments, each of the pair of tongue protrusions 217, 219 of the extension member 210 may have a substantially L-shaped cross section, and each of the pair of grooves 221, 223 of the extension member guide element 222 of the link member 220 may have a substantially C-shaped cross section. According to various embodiments, the pair of tongue protrusions 217, 219 of the extension member 210 and the pair of grooves 221, 223 of the extension member guide element 122 of the link member 220 may achieve stable and wobble-free relative sliding movement between the extension member 210 and the link member 220.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the link member 220 and the link member guide element 230 may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the link member 220 may include a pair of tongue protrusions 227, 229 extending along opposite side edges of the link member 220 parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 or the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210, and the link member guide element 230 may include a pair of grooves 231, 233 facing each other and parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 or the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the link member 220 may be configured to slidably engage with the pair of grooves 231, 233 of the link member guide element 230, so that they are slidable relative to each other. As shown, according to various embodiments, each of the pair of tongue protrusions 227, 229 of the link member 220 may have a substantially L-shaped cross-section, and each of the pair of grooves 231, 233 of the link member guide element 230 may have a substantially C-shaped cross-section. According to various embodiments, the pair of tongue protrusions 227, 229 of the link member 220 and the pair of grooves 231, 233 of the link member guide element 230 may achieve stable and wobble-free relative sliding movement between the link member 220 and the link member guide element 230.

[0047] As shown, according to various embodiments, the extension member 210 may include two or more holes 218 arranged in rows at regular intervals along the length of the extension member 210. The two or more holes 218 may be used to engage with the spring-loaded protrusion 444 (e.g., see Figure 4A ) cooperate to act as an intermediate stop when extending or withdrawing the extension member 210 so as to prevent the extension member 210 from being pulled out all at once. The two or more holes along the extension member 210 can provide discrete intervals or lengths at which the extension movement of the extension member 210 can be interrupted or interrupted.

[0048] Figure 3 Display according to various embodiments Figure 2 The controller 300 of the extendable mechanism 202. Figure 3 , according to various embodiments, the controller 300 may include a controller body 304. The extendable mechanism 202 may be disposed within or inside the controller body 304. Thus, the extendable mechanism 202 may be mounted or fastened or attached or coupled to the inside of the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may be used to provide extension to the controller body 304. Thus, the extendable mechanism 202 may be within the controller body 304 in a retracted state, and in an extended state, the extendable mechanism 202 may be extended or withdrawn from the controller body 304. Figure 3, the extendable mechanism 202 is shown disposed in the central area of ​​the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, depending on the configuration of the controller body 304, the extendable mechanism 202 may be disposed at other locations of the controller body 304. Figure 3 The controller 300 shown in FIG. 3 is provided by way of example only and not limitation.

[0049] As in Figure 3 , according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may include a protruding end edge 316 at an outer end of the extendable mechanism 202 relative to the controller body 304. Figure 2 , the protruding edge 316 may be disposed at the outer end of the extension member 210 of the extendable mechanism 202 in the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210. The protruding edge 316 may be at least substantially perpendicular to the extension member 210. Therefore, the protruding edge 316 may be used to contact the edge of an object (such as a mobile phone or a personal electronic device) placed between the protruding edge 316 of the extension member 210 of the extendable mechanism 202 and the controller body 304, so that the object can be removably attached or fastened or coupled between the protruding edge 316 of the extendable mechanism 202 and the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the protruding edge 316 of the extension member 210 and the extension body 215 may be separate components. Therefore, the protruding edge 316 may be connected or coupled or fixed or connected or attached to the extension body 215 of the extension member 210.

[0050] Figure 4A 1. The apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in accordance with various embodiments with a plurality of Figure 2 The extendable mechanism 202 Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view of a controller 300 . Figure 4B Showing a plurality of embodiments of the invention having a plurality of Figure 2 The extendable mechanism 202 Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view of a controller 300 .

[0051] As shown, according to various embodiments, the controller 300 may include a controller body 304 and Figure 2 As previously described, the extendable mechanism 202 may include an extension member 210, a link member 220, a link member guide element 230, and a biasing member 240.

[0052] As in Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown in FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments, the link member guide element 230 of the extendable mechanism 202 may be disposed at the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the link member guide element 230 of the extendable mechanism 202 may be installed or fastened or fixed or attached or coupled to an inner portion of the controller body 304 so that the link member guide element 230 may be fixed to the controller body 304 (or may not be movable relative to the controller body 304). Therefore, by fixing the link member guide element 230 of the extendable mechanism 202 to the controller body 304, the extension member 210 and the link member 220 of the extendable mechanism 202 may be extendable relative to the controller body 304.

[0053] As shown, according to various embodiments, the biasing member 240 of the extendable mechanism 202 may be disposed between the link member 220 of the extendable mechanism 202 and the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, one end of the biasing member 240 may be coupled to the link member 220 of the extendable mechanism 202, and the other end of the biasing member 240 may be coupled to the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the biasing member 240 may be configured to apply a biasing force on the link member 220 in a direction opposite to the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210. Thus, the biasing force of the biasing member 240 may provide a retraction force for retracting the link member 220 when the link member 230 is extended or withdrawn from the link member guide element 220 that may be fixed to the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 202 may not have a biasing member between the extension member 210 and the link member 220. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 202 may be free of a biasing force applied to retract the extension member 210 relative to the link member 220. Therefore, the user may easily extend or withdraw the extension member 210 from the link member 220 without the risk of pinching any of the user's fingers between the protruding end edge 316 and the controller body 304. Subsequently, with the extension member 210 fully extended or withdrawn, the user may then apply a force to the extension member 210 so as to overcome the biasing force applied to the link member 220 so as to extend or withdraw the link member 220 relative to the link member guide element 230 (or the controller body 304) for further extending the extendable mechanism 202 so that an object (such as a mobile phone or a personal electronic device) may be placed between the protruding end edge 316 and the controller body 304. Therefore, the object may be retained between the protruding end edge 316 and the controller body 304 by the biasing force acting on the link member 220 of the extendable mechanism 202.

[0054] As shown, according to various embodiments, the controller body 304 may include a spring-loaded protrusion 445 disposed at the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the spring-loaded protrusion 445 may be disposed inside the controller body 304 or at an interior portion of the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the spring-loaded protrusion 445 may be disposed at an interior portion of the controller body 304, and when the extendable mechanism 202 is in a retracted state, the controller body 304 may be in close proximity to the extension member 210 of the extendable mechanism 202. According to various embodiments, the spring-loaded protrusion 445 may be configured to cooperate with two or more holes 218 of the extension member 210 when the extension member 210 is extended from the controller body 304. Therefore, the cooperation between the two or more holes 218 along the extension member 210 and the spring-loaded protrusion 445 can be used to provide an intermediate stop when the extension member 210 is extended or withdrawn from the controller body 304, so as to prevent the extension member 210 from being pulled out all at once from the controller body 304. According to various embodiments, the spring loaded protrusion 445 may include a ball or round tip pin or a finger-like protrusion placed on a spring.

[0055] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A device having a structure configured to be pivotable according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 2 Controller 500 of the extendable mechanism 202. As shown, according to various embodiments, a hinge joint 546 can couple the link member guide element 230 of the extendable mechanism 202 to the controller body 304, so that the link member guide element 230 can pivot about a pivot axis 547 perpendicular to the extension direction 211 of the extension member 210 of the extendable mechanism 202 to tilt the link member guide element 230 relative to the controller body 304. Therefore, the link member guide element 230 of the extendable mechanism 202 can pivot relative to the controller body 304 about the hinge joint 546. According to various embodiments, the hinge joint 546 may include a hinge or a spring-loaded hinge. According to various embodiments, the link member guide element 230 can be configured to tilt relative to a major surface of the controller body 304, wherein the major surface is a surface of the controller body 304 having a control button and / or a joystick. According to various embodiments, when the length of the extension member 210 of the extendable mechanism 202 and / or the length of the link member 220 of the extendable mechanism 202 is longer than the length of the link member guide element 230, the extension member 210 and / or the link member 220 may need to be extended or withdrawn relative to the controller body 304 before the link member guide element 230 can be pivoted so as to be tilted relative to the controller body 304. Therefore, when the link member guide element 230 is pivoted so as to be tilted relative to the controller body 304, the extendable mechanism 202 may be tilted relative to the controller body 304, as in Figure 5B as shown in the .

[0056] Fig. 6A A schematic diagram showing the extendable mechanism 602 in a retracted state according to various embodiments. Figure 6B Showing the extended state according to various embodiments Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of an extendable mechanism 602 of a main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 can be used to be arranged between a first part 603 of the main structure 604 and a second part 605 of the main structure 604. As shown, one end of the extendable mechanism 602 can be used to install or fasten or attach or couple to the first part 603 of the main structure 604, and the other end of the extendable mechanism 602 can be used to install or fasten or attach or couple to the second part 605 of the main structure 604. The extendable mechanism 602 can be used to provide an extendable link or bridge between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the second part 605 of the main structure 604 can be a primary part of the main structure 604, and the first part 603 of the main structure 604 can be an auxiliary part of the main structure 604. Therefore, in the following description, the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602 may refer to the direction in which the first part 603 (or auxiliary part) of the main structure 604 can be moved relatively away from the second part 605 (or main part) of the main structure 604 (i.e., assuming that the second part 605 of the main structure 604 is stationary, and the first part 603 of the main structure 604 can be moved away from the second part 605 of the main structure). It should be understood that the relative movement is described in this way to assist in understanding the relative movement direction, and the relative movement is not intended to limit the movement direction of the extendable mechanism 602. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In FIG. 6 , the outlines of the first part 603 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604 are illustrated by dashed lines. According to various embodiments, the first part 603 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604 may have any shape or size or configuration, depending on what device is embodied by the main structure 604. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The main structure 604 shown in FIG. 6 is provided by way of example only and not limitation. According to various embodiments, the main structure 604 may be the main body of a game controller, wherein a mobile phone or personal electronic device may be sandwiched between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604.

[0057] Reference Fig. 6A and Figure 6BAccording to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 between the first part 603 (or auxiliary part) of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 (or main part) of the main structure 604 may include an extension member 610. The extension member 610 may be shaped or sized or configured so that it can be used to be hidden or contained or retained or held within the main structure 604 in the retracted state of the extendable mechanism 602, and can be used to extend between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604 in the extended state of the extendable mechanism 602. The extension member 610 can be used as a part of the extendable mechanism 602, which can be a physical extension between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the extendable member 610 can have an elongated shape. For example, the extendable member 610 can be an elongated plate or an elongated panel. Thus, the first portion 603 of the main structure 604 may be extendable from the second portion 605 of the main structure 604 via the extendable mechanism 602 in a lengthwise direction along the longitudinal axis 612 of the extendable member 610 .

[0058] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may further include a first link member 620a (or an auxiliary link member), which may be provided with a first extension member guide element 622a (or an auxiliary extension member guide element). The first extension member guide element 622a may be configured to guide the relative movement of the first link member 620a relative to the extension member 610. According to various embodiments, the extension member 610 may be engaged with the first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a in such a manner that the first link member 620a may be retractably movable relative to the extension member 610 in the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602 along the axis of the extension member 610. Therefore, the first extension member guide element 622a may guide the relative movement between the first link member 620a of the extendable mechanism 602 and the extension member 610, so that the first link member 620a may be movable relative to the extension member 610. According to various embodiments, when the extension member 610 has an elongated shape, the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602 can be along the longitudinal axis 612 of the elongated extension member 610. According to various embodiments, the first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a can be a separate component relative to the first link body 624a of the first link member 620a. Therefore, the first extension member guide element 622a and the first link body 624a can be two separate components that are fixedly coupled or connected or attached to each other to form the first link member 620a. According to various other embodiments, the first extension member guide element 622a and the first link body 624a can also be integrally molded or formed as a single piece to form the first link member 620a.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may further include a first link member guide element 630a (or an auxiliary link member guide element). The first link member guide element 630a may be arranged at the first part 603 of the main structure 604. Therefore, the first link member guide element 630a may be a separate component relative to the first part 603 of the main structure 604, and thus the first link member guide element 630a may be used to attach or couple or fix or connect or connect to the first part 603 of the main structure 604, or may be an integral part of the first part 603 of the main structure 604, and thus the first link member guide element 630a may be integrally molded or formed as a single piece with the first part 603 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the first link member 620a may be engaged with the first link member guide element 630a in a manner such that the first link member guide element 630a may be retractably movable relative to the first link member 620a in the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602. Therefore, the first link member guide element 630a may be movable relative to the first link member 620a. The relative movement between the first link member guide element 630a and the first link member 620a may be parallel to the relative movement between the first link member 620a and the extension member 610.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may further include a first biasing member 640a (or an auxiliary biasing member). The first biasing member 640a may be arranged between the first link member 620a and the first part 603 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the first biasing member 640a may be used to apply a biasing force on the first link member 620a in the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Therefore, the first biasing member 640a may be used to provide a pulling force on the first link member 620a, so that the pulling force may move the first link member 620a relative to the extension member 610 in the extension direction. In addition, because the first biasing member 640a may be between the first link member 620a and the first part 603 of the main structure 604, the biasing force of the biasing member 640a may resist the relative movement between the first link member guide element 630a and the first link member 620a. According to various embodiments, the first biasing member 640a may include a rolled leaf spring, a clock spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may further include a second link member 620b (or a main link member), which may be provided with a second extension member guide member 622b (or a main extension member guide element). The second extension member guide member 622b may be configured to guide the relative movement of the extension member 610 relative to the second link member 620b. According to various embodiments, the extension member 610 may be engaged with the second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620b in such a manner that the extension member 610 may be retractably movable relative to the second link member 620b in the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602 along the axis of the extension member 610. Therefore, the second extension member guide member 622b may guide the relative movement between the extension member 610 and the second link member 620b, so that the extension member 610 may be movable relative to the second link member 620b. According to various embodiments, when the extension member 610 has an elongated shape, the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602 can be along the longitudinal axis 612 of the elongated extension member 610. According to various embodiments, the second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620b can be a separate component relative to the second link body 624b of the second link member 620b. Therefore, the second extension member guide member 622b and the second link body 624b can be two separate components that are fixedly coupled or connected or attached to each other to form the second link member 620b. According to various other embodiments, the second extension member guide member 622b and the second link body 624b can also be integrally molded or formed as a single piece to form the second link member 620b.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may further include a second link member guide element 630b (or a main link member guide element). The second link member guide element 630b may be arranged at the second part 605 of the main structure 604. Therefore, the second link member guide element 630b may be a separate component relative to the second part 605 of the main structure 604, and thus the second link member guide element 630b may be used to attach or couple or fix or connect or connect to the second part 605 of the main structure 604, or may be an integral part of the second part 605 of the main structure 604, and thus the second link member guide element 630b may be integrally molded or formed as a single piece with the second part 605 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the second link member guide element 630b may be engaged with the second link member 620b in a manner such that the second link member 620b may be retractably movable relative to the second link member guide element 630b in the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602. Therefore, the second link member 620b may be movable relative to the second link member guide element 630b. The relative movement between the second link member 620b and the second link member guide element 630b may be parallel to the relative movement between the extension member 610 and the second link member 620b.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may further include a second biasing member 640b (or a primary biasing member). The second biasing member 640b may be arranged between the second link member 620b and the second part 605 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the second biasing member 640b may be used to apply a biasing force on the second link member 620b in a direction opposite to the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602. Thus, the second biasing member 640b may be used to provide a retraction force (which may resist the extension movement of the second link member 620b from the second link member guide element 630b) for retracting the second link member 620b toward the second part 605 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the second biasing member 640b may include a spiral spring, a clock spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the extension member 610 of the extendable mechanism 602 can serve as a primary extension of the extendable mechanism 602 between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604. According to various embodiments, the first link member 620a and the second link member 620b can serve as secondary extensions from the extension member 610 of the extendable mechanism 602. According to various embodiments, the extension member 610 and the first link member 620a can be arranged in an overlapping or stacked configuration. The extension member 610 and the second link member 620b can also be arranged in an overlapping or stacked configuration. Therefore, when the extendable mechanism 602 is in a retracted state, each of the first link member 620a and the second link member 620b can extend over and cover a corresponding portion of the extension member 610. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 602 can provide a compact mechanism for the main structure 604 with overlapping or stacked extensions.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the extension member 610 may include at least two stopper elements 614a and 614b, one stopper element 614a, 614b at each end of the extension member 610. According to various embodiments, each of the stopper elements 614a, 614b may include a protrusion that protrudes at least substantially perpendicularly from the extension member 610 so as to provide a physical barrier or restriction between the extension member 610 and the respective first extension member guide elements 622a and second extension member guide members 622b of the respective first and second link members 620a, 620b for preventing the extension member 610 from being pulled out or separated from the respective first extension member guide elements 622a and second extension member guide members 622b of the first and second link members 620a, 620b. Therefore, the respective stopper elements 614a, 614b may fix or set a maximum relative movable distance between the extension member 610 and the respective first and second extension member guide elements 622a, 622b of the respective first and second link members 620a, 620b.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may not have a biasing member between the first link member 620a and the extension member 610. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 602 may not have a biasing force applied to retract the first link member 620a relative to the extension member 610. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 602 may also not have a biasing member between the extension member 610 and the second link member 620b. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 602 may not have a biasing force applied to retract the extension member 610 relative to the second link member 620b. Therefore, the user may easily pull the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604 apart via the extendable mechanism 602 in the first stage, so that the extension member 610 can be fully extended between the first link member 620a and the second link member 620b. Subsequently, with the extension member 610 fully extended between the first link member 620a and the second link member 620b, the user may then apply a force to pull the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604 apart so as to overcome the respective biasing forces applied to the first link member 620a and the second link member 620b so as to further extend the extendable mechanism 602 so that an object (e.g., a mobile phone or a personal electronic device) may be placed between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604. Thus, the object may be retained between the first part 603 of the main structure 604 and the second part 605 of the main structure 604 by the biasing forces acting on the respective first link members 620a and the second link members 620b.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the extension member 610 may be engaged with the first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a and the second extension member guide element 622b of the second link member 620b via tongue and groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the extension member 610 may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the extension member 610 parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602. The first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 110. The second extension member guide element 622b of the second link member 620b may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Therefore, the pair of grooves of the first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a may be engaged with the corresponding tongue protrusions of the extension member 610 so as to be slidable relative to the corresponding tongue protrusions of the extension member 610. The tongue protrusion of the extension member 610 may then engage with the corresponding groove of the second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620a so as to be slidable relative to the corresponding groove of the second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620a. According to various other embodiments, the extension member 610 may include a pair of grooves along opposite side edges of the extension member 610 parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extendable mechanism 602. The first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a may include a pair of tongue protrusions facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 110. The second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620b may include a pair of tongue protrusions facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the first extension member guide element 622a of the first link member 620a may engage with the corresponding groove of the extension member 610 so as to be slidable relative to the corresponding groove of the extension member 610. The pair of grooves of the extension member 610 may then engage with the corresponding tongue protrusions of the second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620a so as to be slidable relative to the corresponding tongue protrusions of the second extension member guide member 622b of the second link member 620a. According to various embodiments, the tongue-and-groove sliding engagement may include a protrusion-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a dovetail tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a T-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a J-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or an L-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a hook-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or any other suitable sliding arrangement.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the first link member 620a and the first link member guide element 630a may be engaged in accordance with a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the first link member 620a may include a pair of tongue protrusions extending along opposite side edges of the first link member 620a parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610, and the first link member guide element 630a may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the first link member 620a and the pair of grooves of the first link member guide element 630a may be configured to engage so that the corresponding tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various other embodiments, the first link member 620a may include a pair of grooves extending along opposite side edges of the first link member 620a parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610, and the first link member guide element 630a may include a pair of tongue protrusions facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Thus, the pair of grooves of the first link member 620a and the pair of tongue protrusions of the first link member guide element 630a can be configured to engage with each other so that the respective tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various embodiments, the tongue-and-groove sliding engagement can include a protrusion-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a dovetail tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a T-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a J-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or an L-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a hook-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or any other suitable tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the second link member 620b and the second link member guide element 630b may be engaged in accordance with a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the second link member 620b may include a pair of tongue protrusions extending along opposite side edges of the second link member 620b parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610, and the second link member guide element 630b may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the second link member 620b and the pair of grooves of the second link member guide element 630b may be configured to engage so that the corresponding tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various other embodiments, the second link member 620b may include a pair of grooves extending along opposite side edges of the second link member 620b parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610, and the second link member guide element 630b may include a pair of tongue protrusions facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 611 of the extension member 610. Thus, the pair of grooves of the second link member 620b and the pair of tongue protrusions of the second link member guide element 630b can be configured to engage with each other so that the respective tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves. According to various embodiments, the tongue-and-groove sliding engagement can include a protrusion-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a dovetail tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a T-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a J-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or an L-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or a hook-shaped tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement, or any other suitable tongue-and-groove sliding arrangement.

[0070] Figure 7 An extendable mechanism 702 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, in accordance with various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may include an extension member 710. In accordance with various embodiments, the extendable member 710 may have an elongated shape, such as an elongated plate or an elongated panel.

[0071] As shown, according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may further include a first link member 720a, which may be provided with a first extension member guide element 722a. The first extension member guide element 722a may be configured to guide the relative movement of the first link member 720a relative to the extension member 710. According to various embodiments, the extension member 710 may be engaged with the first extension member guide element 722a of the first link member 720a in such a manner that the first link member 720a may be retractably movable relative to the extension member 710 in the extension direction 711 of the extendable mechanism 702 along the longitudinal axis 712 of the extension member 710. Therefore, the first extension member guide element 722a may guide the relative movement between the first link member 720a of the extendable mechanism 702 and the extension member 710, so that the first link member 720a may be movable relative to the extension member 710. According to various embodiments, the first extension member guide element 722a of the first link member 720a can be a separate component relative to the first link body 724a of the first link member 720a. Therefore, the first extension member guide element 722a and the first link body 724a can be two separate components fixedly coupled or connected or attached to each other to form the first link member 720a.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may further include a first link member guide element 730a. The first link member guide element 730a may be used to be placed at the first part of the main structure. As shown, according to various embodiments, the first link member guide element 730a may be a separate component relative to the first part of the main structure. Therefore, the first link member guide element 730a may be used to attach or couple or fix or link or connect to the first part of the main structure. According to various embodiments, the first link member 720a may be engaged with the first link member guide element 730a in a manner such that the first link member guide element 730a may be retractably movable relative to the first link member 720a in the extension direction 711 of the extendable mechanism 702. Therefore, the first link member guide element 730a may be movable relative to the first link member 720a. The relative movement between the first link member guide element 730a and the first link member 720a may be parallel to the relative movement between the first link member 720a and the extension member 710.

[0073] As shown, according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may further include a first biasing member 740a. The first biasing member 740a may be arranged between the first link member 720a and the first component of the main structure. According to various embodiments, the first biasing member 740a may be used to apply a biasing force on the first link member 720a in the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710. Therefore, the first biasing member 740a may be used to provide a pulling force on the first link member 720a, so that the pulling force may move the first link member 720a relative to the extension member 710 in the extension direction. In addition, because the first biasing member 740a may be between the first link member 720a and the first component of the main structure, the biasing force of the biasing member 740a may resist the relative movement between the first link member guide element 730a and the first link member 720a. As shown, according to various embodiments, the first biasing member 740a may include a spiral spring or a clock spring.

[0074] As shown, according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may further include a second link member 720b, which may be provided with a second extension member guide element 722b. The second extension member guide element 722b may be configured to guide the relative movement of the extension member 710 relative to the second link member 720b. According to various embodiments, the extension member 710 may be engaged with the second extension member guide element 722b of the second link member 720b in a manner such that the extension member 710 may be retractably movable relative to the second link member 720b in the extension direction 711 of the extendable mechanism 702 along the longitudinal axis 712 of the extension member 710. Therefore, the second extension member guide element 722b may guide the relative movement between the extension member 710 and the second link member 720b, so that the extension member 710 may be movable relative to the second link member 720b. According to various embodiments, the second extension member guide member 722b of the second link member 720b may be a separate component relative to the second link body 724b of the second link member 720b. Therefore, the second extension member guide member 722b and the second link body 724b may be two separate components fixedly coupled or connected or attached to each other to form the second link member 720b.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may further include a second link member guide element 730b. The second link member guide element 730b may be used to be placed at the second part of the main structure. As shown, according to various embodiments, the second link member guide element 730b may be a separate component relative to the second part of the main structure. Therefore, the second link member guide element 730b may be used to attach or couple or fix or link or connect to the second part of the main structure. According to various embodiments, the second link member guide element 730b may be engaged with the second link member 720b in a manner such that the second link member 720b may be retractably movable relative to the second link member guide element 730b in the extension direction 711 of the extendable mechanism 702. Therefore, the second link member 720b may be movable relative to the second link member guide element 730b. The relative movement between the second link member 720b and the second link member guide element 730b may be parallel to the relative movement between the extension member 710 and the second link member 720b.

[0076] As shown, according to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may further include a second biasing member 740b. The second biasing member 740b may be arranged between the second link member 720b and the second component of the main structure. According to various embodiments, the second biasing member 740b may be used to apply a biasing force on the second link member 720b in a direction opposite to the extension direction 711 of the extendable mechanism 702. Thus, the second biasing member 740b may be used to provide a retraction force (which may resist the extension movement of the second link member 720b from the second link member guide element 730b) for retracting the second link member 720b toward the second component of the main structure. As shown, according to various embodiments, the second biasing member 740b may include a spiral spring or a clock spring.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the extension member 710 of the extendable mechanism 702 may serve as a primary extension of the extendable mechanism 702. According to various embodiments, the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b may serve as secondary extensions from the extension member 610 of the extendable mechanism 702. According to various embodiments, the extension member 710 and the first link member 720a may be arranged in an overlapping or stacked configuration. The extension member 710 and the second link member 720b may also be arranged in an overlapping or stacked configuration. Therefore, when the extendable mechanism 702 is in a retracted state, each of the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b may extend over and cover a corresponding portion of the extension member 710. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 702 may provide a compact mechanism with overlapping or stacked extensions.

[0078] As shown, according to various embodiments, the extension member 710 may include at least two stopper elements 714a and 714b, one at each end of the extension member 710. According to various embodiments, each of the stopper elements 714a, 714b may include a protrusion that protrudes at least substantially perpendicularly from the extension member 710 so as to provide a physical barrier or restriction between the extension member 710 and the respective first and second extension member guide elements 722a and 722b of the respective first and second link members 720a and 720b for preventing the extension member 710 from being pulled out or separated from the respective first and second extension member guide elements 722a and 722b of the first and second link members 720a and 720b. Therefore, the respective stopper elements 714a, 714b may fix or set a maximum relative movable distance between the extension member 710 and the respective first and second extension member guide elements 722a, 722b of the respective first and second link members 720a, 720b.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may not have a biasing member between the first link member 720a and the extension member 710. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 702 may not have a biasing force applied to retract the first link member 720a relative to the extension member 710. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may also not have a biasing member between the extension member 710 and the second link member 720b. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 702 may not have a biasing force applied to retract the extension member 710 relative to the second link member 720b. Therefore, the user may easily pull the extendable mechanism 702 apart in the first stage so that the extension member 710 can be fully extended between the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b. Subsequently, with the extension member 710 fully extended between the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b, the user may then apply a force to overcome the respective biasing forces applied to the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b in order to further extend the extendable mechanism 702.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the extension member 710 may be engaged with the first extension member guide element 722a of the first link member 720a and the second extension member guide element 722b of the second link member 720b via tongue and groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the extension member 710 may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the extension member 710 parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extendable mechanism 702. The first extension member guide element 722a of the first link member 720a may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710. The second extension member guide element 722b of the second link member 720b may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710. Therefore, the pair of grooves of the first extension member guide element 722a of the first link member 720a may be engaged with the corresponding tongue protrusions of the extension member 710 so as to be slidable relative to the corresponding tongue protrusions of the extension member 710. The tongue protrusion of the extension member 610 may then engage with the corresponding groove of the second extension member guide member 722b of the second link member 720a so as to be slidable relative to the corresponding groove of the second extension member guide member 722b of the second link member 720a.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the first link member 720a and the first link member guide element 730a may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the first link member 720a may include a pair of tongue protrusions extending along opposite side edges of the first link member 720a parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710, and the first link member guide element 730a may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the first link member 720a and the pair of grooves of the first link member guide element 730a may be configured to engage so that the corresponding tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the second link member 720b and the second link member guide element 730b may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. Therefore, the second link member 720b may include a pair of tongue protrusions extending along opposite side edges of the second link member 720b parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710, and the second link member guide element 730b may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction 711 of the extension member 710. Therefore, the pair of tongue protrusions of the second link member 720b and the pair of grooves of the second link member guide element 730b may be configured to engage so that the corresponding tongue protrusions can slide relative to the corresponding grooves.

[0083] Figure 8 Display according to various embodiments Figure 7The controller 800 of the extendable mechanism 702. Figure 8 , according to various embodiments, the controller 800 may include a controller body 804 having a first component 803 (or auxiliary component) and a second component 805 (or main component). The extendable mechanism 702 may be disposed within or inside the controller body 804. Therefore, the extendable mechanism 702 may be mounted or fastened or attached or coupled to the interior of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may be used to provide an extension link or bridge between the first component 803 of the controller body 804 and the second component 805 of the controller body 804. Therefore, while the extendable mechanism 702 may be within the controller body 804 in a retracted state, in an extended state, the extendable mechanism 702 may be exposed and extend between the first component 803 of the controller body 804 and the second component 805 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, depending on the configuration of the controller body 804, the extendable mechanism 702 may be disposed at any position of the controller body 804. As shown in Figure 8 The controller 800 shown in FIG. 8 is provided by way of example only and not limitation.

[0084] Fig.9A 1. The apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in accordance with various embodiments with a plurality of Figure 7 The extendable mechanism 702 Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a controller 800 is shown. Fig. 9B 1. The display device according to various embodiments has a plurality of Figure 7 The extendable mechanism 702 Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a controller 800 is shown.

[0085] As shown, according to various embodiments, the controller 800 may include a controller body 804 having a first component 803 and a second component 805, and a controller body 804 disposed between the first component 803 and the second component 805 of the controller body. Figure 7 The extendable mechanism 702. As previously described, the extendable mechanism may include an extendable mechanism 710, a first link member 720a, a first link member guide element 730a, a first biasing member 740a, a second link member 720b, a second link member guide element 730b, and a second biasing member 740b.

[0086] As in Fig.9A and Fig. 9BAs shown in FIG. 8 , according to various embodiments, the first link member guide element 730a of the extendable mechanism 702 may be disposed at the first part 803 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, the first link member guide element 730a of the extendable mechanism 702 may be mounted or fastened or fixed or attached or coupled to an inner portion of the first part 803 of the controller body 804, so that the first link member guide element 730a may be fixed to the first part 803 of the controller body 804 (or may not be movable relative to the first part 803 of the controller body 804). Therefore, by the first link member guide element 730a of the extendable mechanism 702 fixed to the first part 803 of the controller body 804, the first part 803 of the controller body 804 may be movable relative to the first link member 720a of the extendable mechanism 702.

[0087] As in Fig.9A and Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 8 , according to various embodiments, the second link member guide element 730b of the extendable mechanism 702 may be disposed at the second part 805 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, the second link member guide element 730b of the extendable mechanism 702 may be mounted or fastened or fixed or attached or coupled to an inner portion of the second part 805 of the controller body 804, so that the second link member guide element 730b may be fixed to the second part 805 of the controller body 804 (or may not be movable relative to the second part 805 of the controller body 804). Therefore, by the second link member guide element 730b of the extendable mechanism 702 fixed to the second part 805 of the controller body 804, the second link member 720b of the extendable mechanism 702 may be extendable relative to the second part 805 of the controller body 804.

[0088] As shown, according to various embodiments, the first biasing member 740a of the extendable mechanism 702 may be disposed between the first link member 720a of the extendable mechanism 702 and the first part 803 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, one end of the first biasing member 740a may be coupled to the first link member 720a of the extendable mechanism 702, and the other end of the first biasing member 740a may be coupled to the first part 803 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, the second biasing member 740b of the extendable mechanism 702 may be disposed between the second link member 720b of the extendable mechanism 702 and the second part 805 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, one end of the second biasing member 740b may be coupled to the second link member 720b of the extendable mechanism 702, and the other end of the second biasing member 740b may be coupled to the first part 803 of the controller body 804. According to various embodiments, the extendable mechanism 702 may have no biasing force between the extension member 710 and the first link member 720a and between the extension member 710 and the second link member 720b. Therefore, the user may easily pull the first part 803 of the controller body 804 and the second part 805 of the controller body 804 apart during the first stage by pulling apart the extendable mechanism 702 to extend the extension member 710 between the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b. Subsequently, with the extension member 710 fully extended between the first link member 720a and the second link member 720b, the user may then apply force to the extension member 710 to overcome the biasing force applied to the respective first link member 720a and the second link member 720b to further extend the extendable mechanism 702 so that an object (e.g., a mobile phone or a personal electronic device) may be placed between the first part 803 of the controller body 804 and the second part 805 of the controller body 804. Thus, the object may be retained between the first portion 803 of the controller body 804 and the second portion 805 of the controller body 804 by respective biasing forces acting on respective first and second link members 720 a and 720 b of the extendable mechanism 702 .

[0089] The following examples pertain to various embodiments.

[0090] Example 1 is an extendable mechanism for a main structure, comprising:

[0091] extension member;

[0092] a link member provided with an extension member guide element, wherein the extension member engages with the extension member guide element of the link member in such a manner as to be retractably extendable from the link member in an extension direction along an axis of the extension member;

[0093] a link member guide element for placement at the main structure, wherein the link member is engaged with the link member guide element in such a manner as to be retractably extendable from the link member guide element in the extending direction; and

[0094] A biasing member is arranged between the link member and the main structure.

[0095] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include that the extension member can include a stopper element at an end of the extension member opposite to the extension direction.

[0096] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 or 2 may optionally include: the extension member and the extension member guide element may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The extension member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the extension member parallel to the axis of the extension member. The extension member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0097] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally include: the link member and the link member guide element may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The link member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the link member parallel to the extension direction. The link member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0098] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 can optionally include that the link member and the extension member can be arranged in an overlapping configuration.

[0099] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 can optionally include that the biasing member can include a rolled leaf spring, a clock spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0100] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 6 can optionally include that the extension member guide element of the link member can be a separate component fixedly coupled to the link body of the link member.

[0101] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 7 can optionally include that the extension member can include two or more holes arranged in rows at regular intervals along the length of the extension member.

[0102] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 can optionally include a spring loaded protrusion disposed at the body structure to cooperate with the two or more apertures of the extension member when the extension member is extended from the body structure.

[0103] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 can optionally include: the link member guide element is pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the extension direction to tilt the link member guide element relative to the main structure.

[0104] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 7 may optionally include: the main structure may include a first component and a second component, wherein the link member guide element is configured to be disposed at the second component of the main structure, and the biasing member is configured to be disposed between the link member and the second component of the main structure. The extendable mechanism may also include:

[0105] an auxiliary link member provided with an auxiliary extension member guide element, wherein the extension member engages with the auxiliary extension member guide element of the auxiliary link member in a manner such that the auxiliary link member is retractably movable relative to the extension member in the extension direction;

[0106] an auxiliary link member guide element for placement at the first part of the main structure, wherein the auxiliary link member is engaged with the auxiliary link member guide element in a manner such that the auxiliary link member guide element is retractably movable relative to the auxiliary link member in the extending direction; and

[0107] An auxiliary biasing member is arranged between the auxiliary link member and the first part of the main body structure.

[0108] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 can optionally include that the extension member can include at least two stopper elements, one stopper element at each end of the extension member.

[0109] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 11 or 12 may optionally include: the extension member may engage with the auxiliary extension member guide element of the auxiliary link member via tongue and groove sliding engagement. The auxiliary extension member guide element of the auxiliary link member may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0110] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11 to 13 may optionally include: the auxiliary link member and the auxiliary link member guide element can be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The auxiliary link member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the auxiliary link member parallel to the extension direction. The auxiliary link member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0111] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one of Examples 11 to 14 can optionally include that the extension member and the auxiliary link member can be arranged in an overlapping configuration.

[0112] In Example 16, the subject matter of any of Examples 11 to 15 can optionally include that the auxiliary biasing member can include a rolled leaf spring, a clock spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0113] Example 17 is an extendable mechanism between a first component of a main structure and a second component of the main structure. The extendable mechanism includes:

[0114] extension member;

[0115] a first link member provided with a first extension member guide element, wherein the extension member engages with the first extension member guide element of the first link member in a manner such that the first link member is retractably movable relative to the extension member in an extension direction of the extendable mechanism along an axis of the extension member;

[0116] a first link member guide element for placement at the first part of the main structure, wherein the first link member is engaged with the first link member guide element in a manner such that the first link member guide element is retractably movable relative to the first link member in the extending direction;

[0117] a first biasing member for being disposed between the first link member and the first component of the body structure;

[0118] a second link member provided with a second extension member guide member, wherein the second extension member guide member of the second link member is engaged with the extension member in such a manner that the extension member is retractably movable relative to the second link member in the extension direction;

[0119] a second link member guide element for placement at the second part of the main structure, wherein the second link member guide element engages with the second link member in such a manner that the second link member is retractably movable relative to the second link member guide element in the extending direction; and

[0120] A second biasing member is arranged between the second link member and the second component of the main body structure.

[0121] In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 17 can optionally include: the extension member comprising at least two stopper elements, one stopper element at each end of the extension member.

[0122] In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 17 or 18 may optionally include: the extension member may be engaged with the first extension member guide element of the first link member and the second extension member guide member of the second link member via tongue and groove sliding engagement. The extension member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the extension member parallel to the extension direction. The first extension member guide element of the first link member may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction. The second extension member guide member of the second link member may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0123] In Example 20, the subject matter of any one of Examples 17 to 19 may optionally include: the first link member and the first link member guide element can be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The first link member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the first link member parallel to the extension direction. The first link member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction. The second link member and the second link member guide element can be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The second link member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the second link member parallel to the extension direction. The second link member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0124] In Example 21, the subject matter of any one of Examples 17 to 20 can optionally include that the extension member, the first link member, and the second link member can be arranged in an overlapping configuration.

[0125] In Example 22, the subject matter of any of Examples 17 to 21 may optionally include: each of the first biasing member and the second biasing member may include a leaf spring, a clock spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0126] Example 23 is a controller comprising:

[0127] a controller body; and

[0128] An extendable mechanism, wherein the extendable mechanism may include:

[0129] extension member;

[0130] a link member provided with an extension member guide element, wherein the extension member engages with the extension member guide element of the link member in such a manner as to be retractably extendable from the link member in an extension direction along an axis of the extension member;

[0131] a link member guide element disposed at the controller body, wherein the link member is engaged with the link member guide element in such a manner as to be retractably extendable from the link member guide element in the extending direction; and

[0132] A biasing member is disposed between the link member and the controller body and is configured to apply a biasing force on the link member in a direction opposite to the extending direction.

[0133] In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 23 can optionally include that the extension member can include a stopper element at an end of the extension member opposite to the extension direction.

[0134] In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 23 or 24 may optionally include: the extension member and the extension member guide element may be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The extension member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the extension member parallel to the axis of the extension member. The extension member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0135] In Example 26, the subject matter of any one of Examples 23 to 25 can optionally include: the link member and the link member guide element can be engaged in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement. The link member may include a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the link member parallel to the extension direction. The link member guide element may include a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

[0136] In Example 27, the subject matter of any one of Examples 23 to 26 can optionally include that the link member and the extension member can be arranged in an overlapping configuration.

[0137] In Example 28, the subject matter of any of Examples 23 to 27 can optionally include that the biasing member can include a rolled leaf spring, a clock spring, a coil spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, or any combination thereof.

[0138] In Example 29, the subject matter of any one of Examples 23 to 28 can optionally include that the extension member guide element of the link member can be a separate component fixedly coupled to the link body of the link member.

[0139] In Example 30, the subject matter of any one of Examples 23 to 29 can optionally include that the extension member can include two or more holes arranged in rows at regular intervals along the length of the extension member.

[0140] In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 may optionally include: the controller body may include a spring-loaded protrusion, which is disposed on the controller body to cooperate with the two or more holes of the extension member when the extension member is extended from the controller body.

[0141] In Example 32, the subject matter of any one of Examples 23 to 31 can optionally include: the link member guide element is pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the extension direction to tilt the link member guide element relative to the controller body.

[0142] Various embodiments have provided an extendable mechanism and a controller that solve various problems identified earlier. For example, various embodiments have provided an extendable mechanism and a controller that can eliminate or minimize the risk of a user's hand being pinched by a strong retraction force of the extendable mechanism or the controller. Various embodiments have also provided an extendable mechanism and a controller that can provide a stable and wobbly sliding experience for the user. Various embodiments have also provided an extendable mechanism that can occupy only a small area (e.g., a small area in a controller).

[0143] Although the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, variations in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the present invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims and all changes within the meaning and equivalent scope of the claims are therefore intended to be covered.

Claims

1. A game controller, comprising: Controller body; as well as an extendable mechanism configured to extend from the controller body to hold a personal electronic device therebetween so that the personal electronic device is removably secured to the controller body, wherein the extendable mechanism comprises: extension member; a link member provided with an extension member guide element, wherein the extension member engages with the extension member guide element of the link member in such a manner as to retractably extend from the link member in an extension direction along an axis of the extension member; a link member guide element disposed at the controller body, wherein the link member is engaged with the link member guide element in such a manner as to be retractably extended from the link member guide element in the extending direction; and a biasing member disposed between the link member and the controller body and configured to apply a biasing force on the link member in a direction opposite to the extending direction, The link member guide element is pivotable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the extending direction to tilt the link member guide element relative to the controller body so as to tilt the personal electronic device held by the extendable mechanism from the controller body. 2 . The game controller of claim 1 , wherein the extension member includes a stopper element at an end of the extension member opposite to the extension direction.

3. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the extension member engages with the extension member guide element in a tongue-and-groove sliding engagement, wherein the extension member includes a pair of tongue projections along opposite side edges of the extension member parallel to the axis of the extension member, The extension member guiding element comprises a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extension direction.

4. The game controller according to claim 1, wherein the link member engages with the link member guide element in accordance with tongue-and-groove sliding engagement, wherein the link member includes a pair of tongue protrusions along opposite side edges of the link member parallel to the extending direction, The link member guiding element includes a pair of grooves facing each other and parallel to the extending direction.

5. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the link member and the extension member are arranged in an overlapping configuration.

6. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the biasing member comprises a spiral spring, a clock spring, a helical spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring, or an extension spring. 7 . The game controller of claim 1 , wherein the extending member guide element of the link member is a separate component fixedly coupled to a link body of the link member.

8. The game controller of claim 1, wherein the extension member includes two or more holes arranged in a row at regular intervals along the length of the extension member.

9. The game controller of claim 8, wherein the controller body includes a spring-loaded protrusion disposed at the controller body to cooperate with the two or more apertures of the extension member when the extension member is extended from the controller body.

Images