Extendable controller

Abstract

An extendable controller including multiple extendable segments (i.e. an elongated bridge, a first intermediate extension member, a second intermediate extension member, a first handle part, and a second handle part) retractably extendable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis; and an extension management arrangement operatively enabling the extendable controller to be selectively extendable in a first extension mode or a second extension mode. In the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement maintains at least two adjacent extendable segments retracted with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable. In the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement maintains at least two adjacent extendable segments extended with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable.

Description

EXTENDABLE CONTROLLERTechnical Fieldrooon Embodiments generally relate to an extendable controller, and particularly an extendable controller for clamping a portable electronic device.Background

[0002] In the market, game controllers for portable electronic devices typically include a clamping mechanism for attaching a type of portable electronic device within a limited range of sizes. For example, when the game controller is meant for mobile phones, the clamping mechanism may be configured to clamp a portable electronic device in the typical range of sizes for a mobile phone. Hence, said game controller will not be able to be used with larger sizes portable electronic device such as tablets. Thus, when the user has different types of portable electronic devices, the user would need to have different game controllers configured for the different sizes of portable electronic devices.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for a controller that addresses at least some of the issues identified above.Summary

[0004] According to various embodiments, there may be provided an extendable controller for clamping a portable electronic device therein, the extendable controller including an elongated bridge having a longitudinal axis; a first intermediate extension member in engagement with the elongated bridge to be retractably extendable with respect to a first end portion of the elongated bridge along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge; a second intermediate extension member in engagement with the elongated bridge to be retractably extendable with respect to a second end portion of the elongated bridge along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge; a first handle pail in engagement with the first intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the first intermediate extension member along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge; a second handle part in engagement with the second intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the second intermediate extension member along the longitudinal axis of theelongated bridge; and an extension management arrangement associated with at least the elongated bridge, the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate member, wherein the extension management arrangement operatively enables the extendable controller to be selectively extendable in a first extension mode or a second extension mode. The elongated bridge, the first intermediate extension member, the second intermediate extension member, the first handle part and the second handle part serve as multiple extendable segments. In the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement maintains at least two adjacent extendable segments retracted with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable. In the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement maintains at least two adjacent extendable segments extended with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable.Brief description of the drawings

[0005] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:FIG. 1A and FIG. IB show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of an extendable controller operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of the extendable controller of FIG. 1A operating in a second extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of an extendable controller operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of the extendable controller of FIG. 3A operating in a second extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of an extendable controller operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show schematic drawings of an unlocking sequence of the extendable controller of FIG. 5A to change from the first extension mode to a second extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of the extendable controller of FIG. 5A operating in the second extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show an example of a locking mechanism according to various embodiments;FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show at least one electrical cable extending between a first handle part 140 and a second handle part 150 of an extendable controller according to various embodiments;FIG. 10 to FIG. 1 IB show examples of an electrical cable management arrangement according to various embodiments;FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show an extension sequence of an extendable controller, as an example of the extendable controller of FIG. 5 A to FIG.7B, operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments;FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show an extension sequence of the extendable controller of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B operating in the second extension mode according to various embodiments; andFIG. 14 show an extendable controller, as an example of the extendable controller of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments.Detailed description

[0006] Embodiments described below in context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0007] Tt should be understood that the terms “on”, “over”, “top”, “bottom”, “down”, “side”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “lateral”, “side”, “up”, “down” etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any pail of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0008] Various embodiments relate to an extendable controller. In particular, various embodiments relate to an extendable controller for clamping a portable electronic device. According to various embodiments, the controller may be a game controller suitable to be used with a range of different portable electronic devices. According to various embodiments, the portable electronic device may include a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, or any suitable handheld, lightweight electronic devices. According to various embodiments, the extendable controller may be configured to be extended or pulled apart so as to receive or retain or hold or clamp the portable electronic devices therebetween such that the portable electronic devices may be removably attached or secured or coupled to the extendable controller. According to various embodiments, the extendable controller may be extended or pulled apart in a symmetrical or asymmetrical manner. According to various embodiments, the extendable controller may be capable of being operated in two different extension modes. For example, when the extendable controller is being extended in a first extension mode, the extendable controller may be retractably extendable for clamping a smaller sized portable electronic device such as mobile phones or smart phones. When the extendable controller is being extended in a second extension mode, the extendable controller may be retractably extendable for clamping a bigger sized portable electronic device such as tablets.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller may include multiple extendable segments. In the first extension mode, a first segment and a second segment may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other while the second segment and a third segment may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or nonextended) with respect to each other; or the first segment and the second segment may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to each other while the second segment and the third segment may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other. In the second extension mode, the first segment and the second segment may remain in the extended state (i.e. non-retractable and / or non -retracted) with respect to each other while the third segment may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to the first segment and / or the second segment; or the second segment and the third segment may remain in the extended state (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-rctractcd) with respect to each other while the first segment may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to the second segment and / or the third segment. Further, the extendable controller may include an extension management arrangement configured to manage the extension of the extendable controller. Hence, the extension management arrangement may allow the extendable controller to change or switchbetween the first extension mode and the second extension mode. In the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement may allow the first segment and the second segment to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other while maintaining the rest of the segments retracted (i.e. non-cxtcndablc and / or non-cxtcndcd); or may maintain the first segment and the second segment retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) while allowing the third segment to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to the first segment and / or the second segment. In the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement may maintain the first segment and the second segment extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) relative to each other while allowing the third segment to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to the first segment and / or the second segment; or maintain the second segment and the third segment extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) relative to each other while allowing the second segment to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to the first segment.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement may include a plurality of biasing members arranged between the different extendable segments in a manner so as to manage the extension of the extendable controller, whereby the arrangement of the plurality of biasing members may cause the extendable controller to be operable in the first extension mode and the second extension mode. For example, a greater pulling force, due to the configuration of the plurality of biasing members, may be required for extending the extendable controller in the second extension mode as compared to the first extension mode. According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement may further include a locking mechanism for locking some of the extendable segments in the retracted state. Accordingly, the locking mechanism and the plurality of biasing members may be in cooperation to cause the extendable controller to be operable in the first extension mode and the second extension mode.

[0011] According to various embodiments, two extreme end segments of the extendable controller may be two handle parts. Each of the two handle parts may include the one or a combination of control elements, including but not limited to, buttons, directional pads, thumbsticks, joysticks, touch screens, and analog sticks. The two handle parts may be electrically connected via wired connection, e.g. electrical cable, to each other. Accordingly, at least one electrical cable may extend between the two handle parts through the remaining extendable segments of the extendable controller. Further, either one or both of the two handle parts may be provided with electrical / electronic ports for connecting to the portable electronicdevice. According to some embodiments, the extendable controller may include an electrical cable management arrangement to wind and unwind the at least one electrical cable as the extendable controller is retracted or extended. The electrical cable management arrangement may include a rotatable reel which the at least one electrical cable may be wound and unwound. According to some embodiments, the extendable controller may be without the electrical cable management and may include an interior cabling space to accommodate the at least one electrical cable when the extendable controller is retracted such that a portion of the at least one electrical cable may loosely bend or flex to be accommodated in the interior cabling space. On the other hand, when the extendable controller is extended, the portion of the at least one electrical cable may be straightened and extend through the interior cabling space.

[0012] FIG. 1A and FIG. IB show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of an extendable controller 100 operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of the extendable controller 100 operating in a second extension mode according to various embodiments.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include an elongated bridge 110. The elongated bridge 110 may be a long structure serving as a bridging piece to connect or join or bring together other components of the extendable controller 100. According to some embodiments, the elongated bridge 110 may be a central segment of the extendable controller 100. According to some embodiments, the elongated bridge 110 may be in the form of an elongated plate or an elongated panel or an elongated hollow structure. According to various embodiments, the elongated bridge 110 may have a longitudinal axis 111. The longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110 may extend lengthwise of the elongated bridge 110. Tire longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110 may coincide with a longitudinal centerline of the elongated bridge 110.

[0014] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include a first intermediate extension member 120. The first intermediate extension member 120 may be in engagement with the elongated bridge 110 to be retractably extendable with respect to a first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the first intermediate extension member 120 may engage or interact with the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 so as to be extendable and retractable along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. When the first intermediate extension member 120 is in a retracted state, the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge may be collapsed together so as to overlapeach other. When the first intermediate extension member 120 is in an extended state, the first intermediate extension member 120 may be extended longitudinally out from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge. Hence the first intermediate extension member 120 may be pulled out in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 111 from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge. According to various embodiments, the engagement between the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 may be a sliding engagement. Accordingly, the first intermediate extension member 120 may be slidable relative to the elongated bridge 110 along the longitudinal axis 111 thereof so as to be capable of being slidden out of the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 when extended and capable of being slidden back (or drawn back by sliding motion) to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 when retracted. According to various embodiments, the first intermediate extension member 120 may be a segment of the extendable controller 100 adjacent to the elongated bridge 110.

[0015] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include a second intermediate extension member 130. The second intermediate extension member 130 may be in engagement with the elongated bridge 110 to be retractably extendable with respect to a second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the second intermediate extension member 130 may engage or interact with the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 so as to be extendable and retractable along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. When the second intermediate extension member 130 is in a retracted state, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge may be collapsed together so as to overlap each other. When the second intermediate extension member 130 is in an extended state, the second intermediate extension member 130 may be extended longitudinally out from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence the second intermediate extension member 130 may be pulled out in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 111 from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. According to various embodiments, the engagement between the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 may be a sliding engagement. Accordingly, the second intermediate extension member 130 may be slidable relative to the elongated bridge 110 along the longitudinal axis 111 thereof so as to be capable of being slidden out of the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 when extended and capable of being slidden back (or drawn back by sliding motion) to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 when retracted. According to variousembodiments, the second intermediate extension member 130 may be a segment of the extendable controller 100 adjacent to the elongated bridge 110.

[0016] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include a first handle part 140. The first handle part 140 may be in engagement with the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable with respect to a first intermediate extension member 120 along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the first handle part 140 may engage or interact with the first intermediate extension member 120 so as to be extendable and retractable along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. When the first handle part 140 is in a retracted state, the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may be collapsed together so as to overlap each other. When the first handle part 140 is in an extended state, the first handle part 140 may be extended longitudinally out from the first intermediate extension member 120. Hence the first handle part 140 may be pulled out in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 111 from the first intermediate extension member 120. According to various embodiments, the engagement between the first handle pail 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may be a sliding engagement. Accordingly, the first handle part 140 may be slidable relative to the first intermediate extension member 120 along the longitudinal axis 111 thereof so as to be capable of being slidden out of the first intermediate extension member 120 when extended and capable of being slidden back (or drawn back by sliding motion) to the first intermediate extension member 120 when retracted. According to various embodiments, the first handle part 140 may be a segment of the extendable controller 100 adjacent to the first intermediate extension member 120. According to various embodiments, the first handle part 140 may include a gripping portion 142 which a user may hold or grip the first handle part 140. Further, the first handle part 140 may include a one or more input elements 144 (e.g. direction pad, thumbstick, joystick, control button, trigger, toggle button, selector, etc.) for the user to provide inputs while holding on to the gripping portion 142 of the first handle part 140.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include a second handle part 150. The second handle part 150 may be in engagement with the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable with respect to a second intermediate extension member 130 along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the second handle part 150 may engage or interact with the second intermediate extension member 130 so as to be extendable and retractable along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. When the second handle part 150 is in aretracted state, the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be collapsed together so as to overlap each other. When the second handle part 150 is in an extended state, the second handle part 150 may be extended longitudinally out from the second intermediate extension member 130. Hence the second handle part 150 may be pulled out in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 111 from the second intermediate extension member 130. According to various embodiments, the engagement between the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be a sliding engagement. Accordingly, the second handle part 150 may be slidable relative to the second intermediate extension member 130 along the longitudinal axis 111 thereof so as to be capable of being slidden out of the second intermediate extension member 130 when extended and capable of being slidden back (or drawn back by sliding motion) to the second intermediate extension member 130 when retracted. According to various embodiments, the second handle part 150 may be a segment of the extendable controller 100 adjacent to the second intermediate extension member 130. According to various embodiments, the second handle part 150 may include a gripping portion 152 which a user may hold or grip the second handle part 150. Further, the second handle part 150 may include a one or more input elements 154 (e.g. direction pad, thumbstick, joystick, control button, trigger, toggle button, selector, etc.) for the user to provide inputs while holding on to the gripping portion 152 of the second handle part 150.

[0018] According to various embodiments, either one or both of the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 may include an electrical / electronic port for connecting to the portable electronic device. Accordingly, input signals based on the one or more input elements 144 of the first handle part 140 and / or the one ore more input elements 154 of the second handle part 150 may be communicated to the portable electronic device via the electrical / electronic port. According to various embodiments, the electrical / electronic port may be configured for wired or wireless connection with the portable electronic device. For example, for wired connection, the electrical / electronic port may be in the form of a Universal Serial Bus port or lightning connector. For wireless connection, the electrical / electronic port may be in the form of a Bluetooth port or Wireless port.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may have multiple extendable segments, e.g. five extendable segments, arranged in a manner so as to be extendable. The multiple extendable segments may include the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140, and the second handle part 150. Hence, each of the elongated bridge 110, thefirst intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140, and the second handle part 150 may be a single extendable segment of the extendable controller. According to various embodiments, when the extendable controller 100 is fully retracted, the first handle part 140, the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 may be collapsed together so as to overlap each other while the second handle part 150, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 may be collapsed together so as to overlap each other. In a fully retracted state, the extendable controller 100 may be in a shortest configuration with the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 being side-by-side. According to various embodiments, when the extendable controller 100 is fully extended, the first handle part 140 may be extended from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may in turn be extended from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 while the second handle part 150 may be extended from the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may in turn be extended from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. In a fully extended state, the extendable controller bay be in a longest configuration with the first intermediate extension member 120 between the first handle part 140 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 while the second intermediate extension member 130 may be between the second handle part 150 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, in the extended state, the first handle part 140, the first intermediate extension member 120, the elongated bridge 110, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second handle part 150 may be lined one after another along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the first handle part 140, the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 may be in a telescopic arrangement. The first handle part 140 may include a tubular portion 146 that may be sleeved over the first intermediate extension member 120. For example, in the fully retracted state, the first handle part 140 may be sleeved over the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may be sleeved over the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, in the fully extended state, the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 may slide out of the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may slide out of the first handle part 140. According to various embodiments, similarly, the second handle part 150, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 may be ina telescopic arrangement. The second handle part 150 may include a tubular portion 156 that may be sleeved over the second intermediate extension member 130. For example, in the fully retracted state, the second handle part 150 may be sleeved over the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be sleeved over the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, in the fully extended state, the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 may slide out of the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may slide out of the second handle part 150.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include an extension management arrangement 160. The extension management arrangement 160 may be associated (or operationally associated) with at least the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, and the second intermediate extension member 130. According to some embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may be associated (or operationally associated) with a combination of any of the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. In some embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may be associated (or operationally associated) with the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in a first extension mode or a second extension mode. Accordingly, the extension management arrangement 160 may allow the extendable controller 100 to be capable of being retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) in two different extension modes, i.e. the first extension mode and the second extension mode. According to various embodiments, a range of extension of the extendable controller 100 in the first extension mode may be different from a range of extension of the extendable controller 100 in the second extension mode. For example, the extendable controller 100 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) within a range from length A to length B (inclusively) in the first extension mode, while the extendable controller 100 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) within a range from length B to length C (inclusively) in the second extension mode, whereby length C is longer than length B (i.e. length C > length B) and length B is longer than length A (i.e. length B > length A). Thus, the extendable controller 100 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) for clamping asmaller sized portable electronic device such as mobile phones or smart phones when in the first extension mode, and retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) for clamping a bigger sized portable electronic device such as tablets when in the second extension mode.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may include the first handle part 140, the first intermediate extension member 120, the elongated bridge 110, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second handle part 150 serving as multiple extendable segments (e.g. five extendable segments). In the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may maintain at least two adjacent extendable segments retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension). Accordingly, when extending the extendable controller 100 is in the first extension mode, the at least two adjacent extendable segments may not be extendable (i.e. may stay in the retracted state) and the extendable controller 100 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) by relying on the at least one other extendable segment that is retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension). For example, the extension management arrangement 160 may allow three consecutive segments to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other while maintaining the remaining segments retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to two outermost segments of the three consecutive segments; or allow two pairs of adjacent segments to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other within each pair while maintaining the remaining segments retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to one segment of each pair of the two pairs of adjacent segments. In this manner, with the extension management arrangement 160 limiting the extendable controller 100 to be extendable based on only the three consecutive segments being retractably extendable or only the two pairs of adjacent segments being retractably extendable and maintaining the remaining segments retracted, an overall extension of the extendable controller 100 may be limited to an amount of extension provided by the three consecutive segments or the two pairs of adjacent segments. Hence, in the first extension mode, the range of extension of the extendable controller 100 may be from a minimum length, whereby all the segments are retracted, to an extended length, whereby only the three consecutive segments arc extended or only the two pairs of adjacent segments arc extended.

[0024] In the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may maintain at least two adjacent extendable segments extended (i.e. non retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension). Accordingly, when extending the extendable controller 100 is in the second extension mode, the at least two adjacent extendable segments may not be retractable (i.e. may stay in the extended state) and the extendable controller 100 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) by relying on the at least one other extendable segment that is retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension). For example, the extension management arrangement 160 may allow three consecutive segments to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other while maintaining the remaining segments extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to two outermost segments of the three consecutive segments; or two pairs of adjacent segments to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other within each pair while maintaining the remaining segments extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to one segment of each pair of the two pairs of adjacent segments. Tn this manner, with the extension management arrangement 160 limiting the extendable controller 100 to be extendable based on the three consecutive segments being retractably extendable or the two pairs of adjacent segments being retractably extendable and maintaining the remaining segments extended, an overall extension of the extendable controller 100 may reach a maximum extension provided by all the segments being fully extended (when the three consecutive segments or the two pairs of adjacent segments are fully extended in addition to the remaining segments that are already kept extended by the extension management arrangement 160). Hence, in the second extension mode, the range of extension of the extendable controller 100 may be from a partly extended length, whereby only the three consecutive segments are retracted or only the two pairs of adjacent segments are retracted while the remaining segments are extended, to a maximum length, whereby all the segments are extended.

[0025] According to some embodiments, in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may allow those segments that were kept retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) in the first extension mode to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension), while maintain those other segments that were retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) in the first extension mode to be kept extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted). Accordingly, the segments that were retractably extendable in the first extension mode may no longer be retractably extendable in the second extension mode. Rather, the segments that were retractably extendable in the first extension mode may be kept extended in the second extension mode. On the other hand, thesegments that were kept retracted in the first extension mode may become retractably extendable in the second extension mode. Therefore, the extension management arrangement 160 may operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in the first extension mode or the second extension mode by allowing some segments of the extendable controller 100 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) and kept the remaining segments retracted (i.e. non-extendable) when in the first extension mode, while also allowing those previously retracted remaining segments to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) and keeping those previously retractably extendable segments extended (i.e. no longer retractable) in the second extension mode.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may allow those segments that were kept retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) in the first extension mode to be kept extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) in the second extension mode, while those other segments that were retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) in the first extension mode may continue to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) in the second extension mode. Accordingly, the segments that were kept retracted in the first extension mode may change or switch to become extended in the second extension mode resulting in a change in an unextended length of the extendable controller 100 between the first extension mode and the second extension mode. The extendable controller 100 may then rely on the same retractably extendable segments to be retractably extendable in the first extension mode and the second extension mode. Therefore, the extension management arrangement 160 may operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in the first extension mode or the second extension mode by allowing some segments of the extendable controller 100 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) and kept the remaining segments retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) when in the first extension mode, while also allowing those previously retracted remaining segments to become extended (i.e. non-retractable or non-retracted) and allowing those previously retractably extendable segments to continue to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) in the second extension mode.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may control or govern or manage the extendable controller 100 to be extending in the first extension mode or in the second extension mode by controlling or governing or managing when and which segments of the extendable controller 100 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension), as well as when and which segments of the extendable controller100 to be kept retracted (i.e. non-extendable) or extended (i.e. non-retractable). Hence, the extension management arrangement 160 may influence or interact or interface the first handle part 140, the first intermediate extension member 120, the elongated bridge 110, the second intermediate extension member 130 and / or the second handle part 150 (serving as extendable segments) to determine which are retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) and which are retracted (i.e. non-extendable) in the first extension mode, as well as determine which are retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) and which are extended (i.e. non-retractable) in the second extension mode.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in the first extension mode or the second extension mode based on an amount of force pulling apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 of the extendable controller 100. According to various embodiments, a range of force required for pulling apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 of the extendable controller 100 in the first extension mode may be different from a range of force required for pulling apart the first handle pail 140 and the second handle part 150 of the extendable controller 100 in the second extension mode. For example, a force ranging from force X to less than force Y may be required in the first extension mode while a force ranging from force Y to force Z may be required in the second extension mode, whereby force Z is larger than force Y (i.e. force Z > force Y) and force Y is larger than force X (i.e. force Y > force X). Thus, depending on the amount of force the user applies to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 of the extendable controller 100, the user may user may operate the extendable controller 100 to be extending in the first extension mode or the second extension mode. According to some embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in the first extension mode or the second extension mode based a predefined force threshold, wherein a force below the predefined force threshold pulling apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 of the extendable controller 100 may cause the extendable controller 100 to operate in the first extension mode, and a force equal to or above the predefined force threshold pulling apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 of the extendable controller 100 may cause the extendable controller to operate in the second extension mode. In view of the above, in the various embodiments, the extendable controller 100 may be operated to be in the first extension mode or the second extension mode by varying the amount of force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in the first extension mode or the second extension mode based on a physical restriction, wherein some segments of the extendable controller 100 may be kept retracted in the first extension mode when the physical restriction is in place, and may subsequently be kept extended in the second extension mode when the physical restriction is removed, while the remaining segment may be retractably extendable in both the first extension mode and the second extension mode. In various embodiments, the physical restriction may be in the form of a locking mechanism 180 for example see FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B).

[0030] According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may include a plurality of biasing members 170 arranged between the different extendable segments (i.e. the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150) to operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) in the first extension mode or the second extension mode. According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may further include the locking mechanism 180 (for example see FIG. 5 A to FIG. 7B) in cooperation with the plurality of biasing members to operatively enable the extendable controller 100 to be selectively extendable in the first extension mode or the second extension mode.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 100 may maintain both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the elongated bridge 110 while allowing the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 for clamping a portable electronic device of a first size between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. The portable electronic device of the first size may include smaller sized portable electronic device such as mobile phones or smart phones. Accordingly, in the first extension mode, the first intermediate extension member 120 may remain retracted and overlap with the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain retracted and overlap with the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 when a force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Further, in the firstextension mode, the first handle part 140 may be extended from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may be extended from the second intermediate extension member 130 when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle pail 140 and the second handle part 150. Therefore, when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may cause the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to remain retracted with respect to the elongated bridge 110 and cause the first handle part 140 to be extendable from the first intermediate extension member 120 (so as to vary an amount of extension therefrom) and the second handle part 150 to be extendable from the second intermediate extension member 130 (so as to vary an amount of extension therefrom).

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 100 may maintain the first handle part 140 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 while allowing the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 for clamping a portable electronic device of a second size between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. The portable electronic device of the second size may include a bigger sized portable electronic device such as tablets. Accordingly, the portable electronic device of the second size may be larger than the portable electronic device of the first size. Accordingly, in the second extension mode, the first handle part 140 may remain extended (or fully extended) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may remain extended (or fully extended) from the second intermediate extension member 130. Further, in the second extension mode, the first intermediate extension member 120 may be extended from the first end portion 112 of the elongated 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be extended from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 when a force is applied to pull apart the first handle pail 140 and the second handle part 150. Therefore, when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may cause the first intermediate extension member 120 to beextendable from the first end portion 112 of the elongated 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be extendable from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 while maintaining the first handle part 140 extended from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 extended from the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the extension management arrangement 160 may include a set of primary biasing members 172 and a set of secondary biasing member 174. According to various embodiments, the set of primary biasing members 172 may include a first primary biasing member 172a coupled between the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120. The first primary biasing member 172a may bias the first handle part 140 against extending away from the first intermediate extension member 120. Accordingly, the first primary biasing member 172a may be biased in a retraction direction such that the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may have a natural tendency to be retracted with respect to each other. Hence, when the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 are pulled apart or extended away from each other, the first primary biasing member 172a may provide a biasing force (serving as a retraction force) for retracting the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 relative to each other after being extended. Thus, the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other due to the first primary biasing member 172a interconnecting the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the set of primary biasing members 172 may include a second primary biasing member 172b coupled between the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130. The second primary biasing member 172b may bias the second handle part against extending away from the second intermediate extension member 130. Accordingly, the second primary biasing member 172b may be biased in a retraction direction such that the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may have a natural tendency to be retracted with respect to each other. Hence, when the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 arc pulled apart or extended away from each other, the second primary biasing member 172b may provide a biasing force (serving as a retraction force) for retracting the second handle pail 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 relative to each other after being extended. Thus, the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each otherdue to the second primary biasing member 172b interconnecting the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the set of secondary biasing members 174 may include a first secondary biasing member 174a coupled between the first intermediate extension member 120 and the elongated bridge 110. The first secondary biasing member 174a may bias the first intermediate extension member 120 against extending away from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the first secondary biasing member 174a may be biased in a retraction direction such that the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 may have a natural tendency to be retracted with respect to each other. Hence, when the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 are pulled apart or extended away from each other, the first secondary biasing member 174a may provide a biasing force (serving as a retraction force) for retracting the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 relative to each other after being extended. Thus, the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other due to the first secondary biasing member 174a interconnecting the first intermediate extension member 120 and the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the set of secondary biasing members 174 may include a second secondary biasing member 174b coupled between the second intermediate extension member 130 and the elongated bridge 110. The second secondary biasing member 174b may bias the second intermediate extension member 130 against extending away from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the second secondary biasing member 174b may be biased in a retraction direction such that the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 may have a natural tendency to be retracted with respect to each other. Hence, when the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 are pulled apart or extended away from each other, the second secondary biasing member 174b may provide a biasing force (serving as a retraction force) for retracting the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 relative to each other after being extended. Thus, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 may be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) relative to each other due to the secondsecondary biasing member 174b interconnecting the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0037] According to various embodiments, an initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 may be greater than an initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172. The initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 refer to a force required to overcome a total internal force of the set of secondary biasing members 174, when the set of secondary biasing members 174 is unloaded, in order for the set of secondary biasing members 174 to start experiencing change and absorb loading to translate to the biasing force exerted by the set of secondary biasing members 174. Accordingly, the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 is a minimum force required to cause the first intermediate extension member 120 to extend from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to extend from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 such that the set of secondary biasing members 174 may exert the biasing force for retracting the first intermediate extension member 120 with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Similarly, the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 refer to a force required to overcome a total internal force of the set of primary biasing members 172, when the set of primary biasing members 172 is unloaded, in order for the set of primary biasing members 172 to start experiencing change and absorb loading to translate to the biasing force exerted by the set of primary biasing members 172. Accordingly, the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 is a minimum force required to cause the first handle part 140 to extend from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to extend from the second intermediate extension member 130 such that the set of primary biasing members 172 may exert the biasing force for retracting the first handle part 140 with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0038] For example, when the set of secondary biasing members 174 includes a set of tension springs, the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 may be an initial tension of the set of tension springs. When the set of secondary biasing members 174 includes a set of compression springs, the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 may be an initial compression of the set of compression springs. When the set of primary biasing members 172 includes a set of tension springs, the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 may be an initial tension of the set of tension springs. When theset of primary biasing members include a set of compression springs, the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 may be an initial compression of the set of compression springs.

[0039] Since the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 may be greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172, when a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 and the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174, the extendable controller 100 may be extendable in the first extension mode, wherein both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain retracted (i.e. non -extend able and / or non-extended) with respect to the elongated bridge 110 while the pulling force may cause the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130. When the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 and the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174, the pulling force is unable to overcome the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 and, thus, causing both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the elongated bridge 110. However, when the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle pail 150 is between the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 and the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174, the pulling force is sufficient to overcome the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 to cause the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130. Therefore, the extendable controller 100 may be in the first extension mode when the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 and the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174.

[0040] Further, since the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 may be greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172, when a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is greaterthan the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member 174, the extendable controller 100 may be extendable in the second extension mode, wherein the pulling force may keep the first handle part 140 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130, and the pulling force may further cause the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. When the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is greater than the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member 174, the pulling force is sufficient to overcome the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 as well as the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174. Since the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 may be greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172, the first handle part 140 may have been extended from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle pail 150 may have been extended from the second intermediate extension member 130 by virtue of the pulling force being greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172. Hence, the first handle part 140 may remain extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may remain extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 as long as the pulling force is present. Further, as the pulling force is also greater than the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174, the first intermediate extension member 120 may then be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may then be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0041] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of an extendable controller 300 operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of the extendable controller 300 operating in a second extension mode according to various embodiments. The extendable controller 300 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B includes all the elements of the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B. Accordingly, all features, changes,modifications and variations that are applicable to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1 A to FIG. 2B are also applicable to the extendable controller 300 of FIG. 3 A to FIG. 4B. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity. The following descriptions focusing on the additional features / elements / limitations of the extendable controller 300 of FIG. 3 A to FIG. 4B.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the extension sequence of the extendable controller 300 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B in the first extension mode and the second extension mode may be different from the extension sequence of the extendable controller 100 of FIG.1A to FIG. 2B.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 300 may maintain the first handle part 140 retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 while allowing the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 for clamping a portable electronic device of a first size between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. The portable electronic device of the first size may include smaller sized portable electronic device such as mobile phones or small phones. Accordingly, in the first extension mode, the first handle part 140 may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) and overlap with the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) and overlap with the second intermediate extension member 130 when a force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Further, in the first extension mode, the first intermediate extension member 120 may be extended from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be extended from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle pail 150. Therefore, when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may cause the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member130 to be extendable from the first end portion 112 and the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 respectively, and cause the first handle part 140 to remain retracted with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle pail 150 to remain retracted with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 100 may maintain both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the elongated bridge 110 while allowing the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 for clamping a portable electronic device of a second size between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. The portable electronic device of the second size may include bigger sized portable electronic device such as tablets. Accordingly, the portable electronic device of the second size may be larger than the portable electronic device of the first size. In the second extension mode, the first intermediate extension member 120 may remain extended (or fully extended) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain extended (or fully extended) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Further, in the second extension mode, the first handle part 140 may be extended from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may be extended from the second intermediate extension member 130 when a force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Therefore, when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may cause the first handle part 140 to be extendable from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be extendable from the second intermediate extension member 130 while maintaining the first intermediate extension member 120 extended from first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 extended from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0045] According to various embodiments, an initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 of the extendable controller 300 may be greater than an initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member 174 of the extendable controller 300. Since the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 174 may be greater than the initial loading of the set ofsecondary biasing member 172, when a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 172 and the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 174, the extendable controller 100 may be extendable in the first extension mode, wherein the first handle part 140 may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 while the pulling force may cause the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. When the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 and the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172, the pulling force is unable to overcome the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 and, thus, causing both the first handle part 140 to remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with the second intermediate extension member 130. However, when the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 and the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172, the pulling force is sufficient to overcome the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 to cause the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge. Therefore, the extendable controller 100 may be in the first extension mode when the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 and the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172.

[0046] Further, since the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 may be greater than the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member 174, when a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172, the extendable controller 100may be extendable in the second extension mode, wherein the pulling force may keep the first intermediate extension member 120 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110, and the pulling force may further cause the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130. When the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172, the pulling force is sufficient to overcome the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members 174 as well as the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172. Since the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172 may be greater than the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member 174, the first intermediate extension member 120 may have been extended from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may have been extended from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge by virtue of the pulling force being greater than the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member 172. Hence, the first intermediate extension member 120 may remain extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or nonretracted) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or nonretracted) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 as long as the pulling force is present. Further, as the pulling force is also greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members 172, the first handle part 140 may then be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may then be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0047] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of an extendable controller 500 operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show schematic drawings of an unlocking sequence of the extendable controller 500 to change from the first extension mode to a second extension mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show schematic drawings of an extension sequence of the extendable controller 500 operating in the second extension modeaccording to various embodiments. The extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B includes all the elements of the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications and variations that are applicable to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B arc also applicable to the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity. The following descriptions focusing on the additional features / elements / limitations of the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5 A to FIG. 7B.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the extension sequence of the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B in the first extension mode may be similar to that of the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B. However, the extension sequence of the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B in the second extension mode may be different from that of the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B. Further, the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5 A to FIG. 7B may differ from the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1 A to FIG. 2B in that the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B may further include a locking mechanism 180.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism 180 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 may be operable to lock the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to the elongated bridge 110 in respective retracted state. When the locking mechanism 180 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 is locking the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130, the extendable controller 500 may be extendable in the first extension mode. Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, in the first extension mode, with the locking mechanism 180 locking the first intermediate extension member 120 to the elongated bridge 110 in the retracted state and locking the second intermediate extension member 130 to the elongated bridge 110 in the retracted state, both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the elongated bridge 110 while the set of primary biasing members 172 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 may allow the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130 for clamping a portable electronic device of a first size between the first handlepart 140 and the second handle part 150. The portable electronic device of the first size may include smaller sized portable electronic device such as mobile phones or smart phones. Accordingly, in the first extension mode, due to the locking mechanism 180, the first intermediate extension member 120 may remain retracted and overlap with the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 while being locked thereto and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain retracted and overlap with the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 while being locked thereto. Further, in the first extension mode, the first handle part 140 may be free to extend from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may be free to extend from the second intermediate extension member 130 when a force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Therefore, when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may cause the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to remain retracted with respect to the elongated bridge 110 and cause the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable from the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, according to various embodiments, the locking mechanism 180 may be operable to unlock the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 from the elongated bridge 110. According to various embodiments, upon unlocking the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 from the elongated bridge 110, the first secondary biasing member 174a of the set of secondary biasing member 174 may actuate and extend the first intermediate extension member 120 from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second secondary biasing member 174b of the set of secondary biasing member 174 may actuate and extend the second intermediate extension member 130 from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5 A to FIG. 7B may further differ from the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1 A to FIG.2B in that the first secondary biasing member 174a may be biased to extend the first intermediate extension member 120 away from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second secondary biasing member 174b may be biased to extend the second intermediate extension member 120 away from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. In other words, the first secondary biasing member 174a may bias the first intermediate extension member 120 against retracting towards the first end portion 112 of theelongated bridge 110 and the second secondary biasing member 174b may bias the second intermediate extension member 130 against retracting towards the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Therefore, the set of secondary biasing member 174 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 may operate cooperatively with the locking mechanism 180 so as to extend the first intermediate extension member 120 from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and to extend the second intermediate extension member 130 from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 upon unlocking, via the locking mechanism 180, the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 from the elongated bridge 110 so as to change or switch the extendable controller 500 from the first extension mode to the second extension mode.

[0051] In the various embodiments, the locking mechanism 180 may be operated to unlock the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 from the elongated bridge 110 such that the extendable controller 100 may be extendable in the second extension mode. Referring to FIG. 7 A and 7B, in the second extension mode, a biasing force of the first secondary biasing member 174a of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 may keep the first intermediate extension member 120 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and a biasing force of the second secondary biasing member 174b may keep the second intermediate extension member 130 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, the set of secondary biasing members 174 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 may maintain both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 extended with respect to the elongated bridge 110 while the set of primary biasing members 172 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 500 may allow the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 for clamping a portable electronic device of a second size between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. The portable electronic device of the second size may include bigger sized portable electronic device such as tablets. Accordingly, the portable electronic device of the second size may be larger than the portable electronic device of the first size. In the second extension mode, the first intermediate extension member 120 may remain extended(or fully extended) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 due to the first secondary biasing member 174a biasing the first intermediate extension member 120 to extend away from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110, and the second intermediate extension member 130 may remain extended (or fully extended) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 due to the second secondary biasing member 174b biasing the second intermediate extension member 120 to extend away from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Further, in the second extension mode, the first handle part 140 may be extended from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may be extended from the second intermediate extension member 130 when a force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Therefore, when the force is applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 may cause the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable from the second intermediate extension member 130 while maintaining the first intermediate extension member 120 extended from first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 extended from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0052] FIG. 8 A and FIG. 8B show an example of the locking mechanism 180 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the locking mechanism 180 may include a spring-loaded catch 182 disposed at the elongated bridge 110. The spring-loaded catch 182 may have a first engagement element 184 to engage with a complementary engagement element 122 of the first intermediate extension member 120 for retaining the first intermediate extension member 120 in the retracted state and a second engagement element 186 to engage with a complementary engagement element 132 of the second intermediate extension member 130 for retaining the second intermediate extension member 130 in the retracted state. Further, the spring-loaded catch 182 may be depressible to release the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 from the retracted state. The spring-loaded catch 182 may be biased to be in the locking position. Accordingly, the spring-loaded catch 182 may normally be in the locking position unless an external force (c.g. a force to depress a button portion 181 of the spring-loaded catch 182) is applied to counter a biasing force acting on the spring-loaded catch 182 to move the spring-loaded catch 182 into the unlocking position. After the external force is removed, the biasing force may return the spring-loaded catch 182 to the locking position. In various embodiments, a biasing element 188 such as a spring may be provided to bias the spring-loaded catch 182 tomaintain it in the locking position. The biasing element 188 may provide the biasing force to maintain the spring-loaded catch 182 in the locking position and also the biasing force to return the spring-loaded catch 182 to the locking position from the unlocking position after the external force is removed.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the first engagement element 184 and the second engagement element 186 of the locking mechanism 180 may be a hook or protrusion. According to some embodiments, each of the complementary engagement element 122 of the first intermediate extension member 120 and the complementary engagement element 132 of the second intermediate extension member 130 may be a recess in the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 respectively. Accordingly, when the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 are in the retracted state and the locking mechanism 180 is locking the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to the elongated bridge 110, the first engagement element 184 and the second engagement element 186 of the locking mechanism 180 in the form of the hook or protrusion may respectively be inserted or lodged into the complementary engagement element 122 of the first intermediate extension member 120 and the complementary engagement element 132 of the second intermediate extension member 130, which are in the form of the recesses. To unlock the locking mechanism 180, the spring-loaded catch 182 may be depressed into the unlocking position such that the first engagement element 184 and the second engagement element 186 of the locking mechanism 180 in the form of the hook or protrusion may be dislodged or released from the complementary engagement element 122 of the first intermediate extension member 120 and the complementary engagement element 132 of the second intermediate extension member 130 in the form of the recesses.

[0054] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show at least one electrical cable 102 extending between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 according to various embodiments. In the various embodiments, the at least one electrical cable 102 may include, but not limited, to a flex cable. According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include the at least one electrical cable 102 extending between the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Further the at least one electrical cable 102 may extend through the elongated bridge 110. According to some embodiments, the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be sleeved over the elongated bridge. Further, the first handle part 140 may include a tubular portion 146 that may be sleeved over the first intermediate extension member 120, and the second handle part 150may include a tubular portion 156 that may be sleeved over the second intermediate extension member 130. Accordingly, the at least one electrical cable 102 may be concealed within the first handle pail 140, the first intermediate extension member 120, the elongated bridge 110, the second intermediate extension member 130 and the second handle part 150.

[0055] According to various embodiments, each of the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 may include one or a combination of control elements 144, 154, including but not limited to, buttons, directional pads, thumbsticks, joysticks, touch screens, and analog sticks. Accordingly, the at least one electrical cable 102 may electrically connect the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. According to some embodiments, the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include a single main control unit (MCU) disposed in either the first handle part 140 or the second handle part 150. Accordingly, the at least one electrical cable 102 may electrically connect the various control elements on the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 to the single main control unit. According to some embodiments, the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include two main control units, wherein a first main control unit is disposed in the first handle pail 140 and the second main control unit is disposed in the second handle part 150. Accordingly, the at least one electrical cable 102 may electrically connect the two main control units. When the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 has the single main control unit, the at least one electrical cable 102 may be thicker or wider than that when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 has two main control units.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include an interior cabling space 104 to accommodate the at least one electrical cable 102. When the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is retracted, (a portion of) the at least one electrical cable 102 may loosely bend or flex in the interior cabling space 104 and accommodated therein. The at least one electrical cable 102 may bend or flex freely within the interior cabling space 104 as the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being retracted. On the other hand, when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is extended, the at least one electrical cable 102 may be straighten and may run through the interior cabling space 104. According to various embodiments, the interior cabling space 104 may be formed by a predefined space within the elongated bridge 110, a predefined space within the first intermediate extension member 120, a predefined space within the second intermediate extension member 130, a predefined space within the first handle part 140, and a predefined space within the second handle part 150. The extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is retracted, the predefined space of the elongated bridge 110, the predefined space of the first intermediate extension member 120,the predefined space of the second intermediate extension member 130, the predefined space of the first handle part 140, and the predefined space of the second handle part 150 may be collapsed so as to overlap and coincide with each other and be reduced to a size of about the predefined space of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, (the portion of) the at least one electrical cable 102 may loosely bend or flex so as to be accommodated in predefined space within the elongated bridge 110 serving as the interior cabling space 104. When the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is extended, the predefined space of the elongated bridge 110, the predefined space of the first intermediate extension member 120, the predefined space of the second intermediate extension member 130, the predefined space of the first handle part 140 and the predefined space of the second handle part 150 may be lined in series to form a tunnel whereby the at least one electrical cable 102 may be straighten so as to run straight through the tunnel.

[0057] FIG. 10 to FIG. 1 IB show examples of an electrical cable management arrangement 190 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include the electrical cable management arrangement 190. The electrical cable management arrangement 190 may be configured to manage an extension and retraction of the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is extended and retracted. Accordingly, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 may stow the excess portion of the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is retracted, and may dispense or release the stowed portion of the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is extended.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 10, according to various embodiments, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 may include a reel 192 rotatably coupled to the elongated bridge 110 of the extendable controller 100, 300, 500. Accordingly, the reel 192 may be rotatable relative to the elongated bridge 110. According to various embodiments, a rotational axis of the reel 192 may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. According to various embodiments, the at least one electrical cable 102 may be wound onto the reel 192 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is retracted, and may be unwound from the reel 192 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is extended. Accordingly, when the first handle pail 140 and the second handle part 150 are moved towards each other to retract the extendable controller 100, 300, 500, the reel 192 may be rotated so as to wind in the at least one electrical cable 102 as the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being retracted. Conversely, when the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 arc moved away (or pulled apart) from each other to extend the extendable controller 100, 300,500, the reel 192 may be rotated in an opposite direction so as to unwind the at least one electrical cable 102 as the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being extended.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, according to some embodiments, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 of the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include a gear and rack mechanism. Accordingly, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 may include a gear 194 and a rack 196. The gear 194 may be fixedly coupled to the reel 192 so as to be rotatable with the reel 192. Hence, the reel 192 and the gear 194 may be rotated together as a single unit. Further, the rack 196 may be fixedly coupled to the first handle part 140 or the second handle part 150 so as to be movable together with the first handle part 140 or the second handle part 150. The rack 196 may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, the rack 196 may be moved longitudinally when the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 are moved along the longitudinal axis 111 of the elongated bridge 110 to retract or extend the extendable controller 100, 300, 500. In the various embodiments, the rack 196 may be in engagement with the gear 194 to form the gear and rack mechanism. Accordingly, when the rack 196 is moved together with the first handle part 140 or the second handle part 150, the linear motion of the rack 196 may cause the gear 194 to rotate. Rotating the gear 194 may then rotate the reel 192. With the reel 192 being rotated, the at least one electrical cable 102 may then be wound on or wound off the reel 192.

[0060] According to various embodiments, when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being retracted, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 may be moved towards each other which may in turn cause the rack 196 to rotate the gear 194 in a first direction for rotating the reel 192 to wind the at least one electrical cable 102 onto the reel 192. Accordingly, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 of the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may wind in the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being retracted. According to various embodiments, when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being extended, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 may be moved away from each other which may in turn cause the rack 196 to rotate the gear 194 in a second direction for rotating the reel 192 to unwind the at least one electrical cable 102 from the reel 192. Accordingly, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 of the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may unwind the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being extended.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 11 A and FIG. 1 IB, according to some embodiments, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 of the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may include a reel biasing member 198. The reel biasing member 198 may be coupled to the reel 192. Thereel biasing member 198 may include, but not limited to, a coil spring. The reel biasing member 198 may bias the reel 192 against rotating in an unwinding direction to unwind the at least one electrical cable 102 from the reel 192. Accordingly, when the at least one electrical cable 102 is pulled by a pulling force to unwind from the reel 192, the reel 192 may be rotated in the unwinding direction to cause a biasing force to built up in the reel biasing member 198. Upon removable of the pulling force, the biasing force of the reel biasing member 198 may rotate the reel 192 in a direction opposite the unwinding direction (i.e. rotate the reel 192 in a winding direction) to wind the at least one electrical cable 102 onto the reel 192. Thus, when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being extended, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 may be moved away from each other (or pull apart) such that the at least one electrical cable 102 may be pulled to unwind from the reel 192 causing the reel 192 to rotate in the unwinding direction to result in the biasing force being built up in the reel biasing member 198. Subsequently, when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being retracted, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 may be moved towards each other and the biasing force of the reel biasing member 198 may rotate the reel 192 in the direction opposite the unwinding direction (i.e. rotate the reel 192 in the winding direction) to wind the at least one electrical cable 102 onto the reel 192. Accordingly, the electrical cable management arrangement 190 of the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 may unwind the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being extended and wind in the at least one electrical cable 102 when the extendable controller 100, 300, 500 is being retracted.

[0062] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show an extension sequence of an extendable controller 1200, as an example of the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B, operating in a first extension mode according to various embodiments. FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B show an extension sequence of the extendable controller 1200 of FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B operating in the second extension mode according to various embodiments. The extendable controller 1200 of FIG. 12A to FIG. 13B includes all the elements of the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications and variations that are applicable to the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B are also applicable to the extendable controller 1200 of FIG. 12A to FIG. 13B. Therefore, elements which arc the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity. The following descriptions focusing on the additional features / elements / limitations of the extendable controller 1200 of FIG. 12A to FIG. 13B.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 1200, may similar to the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B, include the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Further, the extendable controller 1200, may similar to the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B, include the extension management arrangement 160 having the set of primary biasing member 172, the set of secondary biasing member 174, and the locking mechanism 180. Similar to the extendable controller 500 of FIG. 5A to FIG. 7B, in the first extension mode, the locking mechanism 180 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 1200 may lock the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 respectively to the elongated bridge 110 such that they are in the retracted states, while allowing the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130. Upon unlocking the locking mechanism 180, the extendable controller 1200 may change or switch to the second extension mode. In the second extension mode, the set of secondary biasing member 172 of the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 1200 may extend and keep the first intermediate extension member 120 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 as well as extend and keep the second intermediate extension member 130 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110, while the first handle part 140 continue to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 continue to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the set of primary biasing members 172 of the extendable controller 1200 may include a first compression spring 1272a (serving as the first primary biasing member 172a) coupled between the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 to bias the first handle pail 140 against extending away from the first intermediate extension member 120 and a second compression spring 1272b ( serving as the second primary biasing member 172b) coupled between the second handle pail 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to bias the second handle part 150 against extending away from the second intermediate extension member 130. Accordingly, when the first handle part 140 is being pulled away or extended, by a pulling force, from thefirst intermediate extension member 120, the first compression spring 1272a may be compressed such that a biasing force may be built up in the first compression spring 1272a. Upon release of the pulling force, the biasing force of the first compression spring 1272a may cause the first handle part 140 to retract with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 such that the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may be collapsed together. Similarly, when the when the second handle part 150 is being pulled away or extended, by a pulling force, from the second intermediate extension member 130, the second compression spring 1272b may be compressed such that a biasing force may be built up in the second compression spring 1272b. Upon release of the pulling force, the biasing force of the second compression spring 1272b may cause the second handle part 150 to retract with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 such that the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be collapsed together. Therefore, the first compression spring 1272a and the second compression spring 1272b may respectively enable the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle pail 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0065] According to various embodiments, the set of secondary biasing members 174 of the extendable controller 1200 may include a third compression spring 1274a (serving as the first secondary biasing member 174a) coupled between the first intermediate extension member 120 and the elongated bridge 110 to bias the first intermediate extension member 120 against retracting towards the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and a fourth compression spring 1274b (serving as the second secondary biasing member 174b) coupled between the second intermediate extension member 130 and the elongated bridge 110 to bias the second intermediate extension member 130 against retracting towards the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, when retracting the first intermediate extension member 120 towards the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110, the third compression spring 1274a may be compressed such that a biasing force may be built up in the third compression spring 1274a. Thus, when the first intermediate extension member 120 is retracted with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and locked by the locking mechanism 180, the biasing force of the compressed third compression spring 1274a may be exerting in a direction towards extending the first intermediate extension member 120 out and away from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, upon unlocking the locking mechanism 180, the biasing force of the compressed thirdcompression spring 1274a may actuate and extend the first intermediate extension member 120 out and away from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110, and, subsequently, keep the first intermediate extension member 120 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or nonretracted) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110. Similarly, when retracting the second intermediate extension member 130 towards the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110, the fourth compression spring 1274b may be compressed such that a biasing force may be built up in the fourth compression spring 1274b. Thus, when the second intermediate extension member 130 is retracted with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 and locked by the locking mechanism 180, the biasing force of the compressed fourth compression spring 1274b may be exerting in a direction towards extending the second intermediate extension member 130 out and away from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Hence, upon unlocking the locking mechanism 180, the biasing force of the compressed fourth compression spring 1274b may actuate and extend the second intermediate extension member 130 out and away from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110, and, subsequently, keep the second intermediate extension member 130 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0066] As also shown in FIG. 12A to FIG. 13B, the extendable controller 1200 may include the at least one electrical cable 102 electrically connecting the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. The extendable controller 1200 may include the interior cabling space 104. As shown in FIG. 12A, when the extendable controller 1200 is retracted, the at least one electrical cable 102 may loosely bend and flex in a manner so as to be accommodated within the interior cabling space 104. As shown in FIG. 13B, when the extendable controller 1200 is fully extended, the at least one electrical cable 102 may be straighten and extend through the interior cabling space 102.

[0067] FIG. 14 show an extendable controller 1400, as an example of the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments. The extendable controller 1400 of FIG. 14 includes all the elements of the extendable controller 100 of FIG.1A to FIG. 2B. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications and variations that are applicable to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B arc also applicable to the extendable controller 1400 of FIG. 14. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier arc assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity. The following descriptions focusing on the additional features / elements / limitations of the extendable controller 1400 of FIG. 14.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the extendable controller 1400, may similar to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B, include the elongated bridge 110, the first intermediate extension member 120, the second intermediate extension member 130, the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150. Further, the extendable controller 1400, may similar to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B, include the extension management arrangement 160 having the set of primary biasing member 172 and the set of secondary biasing member 174. The extendable controller 1400 may be without the locking mechanism 180. Similar to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B, in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 1400 may maintain both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the elongated bridge 110 while allowing the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130. Also similar to the extendable controller 100 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 2B, in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement 160 of the extendable controller 1400 may maintain the first handle part 140 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 extended (i.e. non-retractable and / or non-retracted) with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 while allowing the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the set of primary biasing members 172 of the extendable controller 1400 may include a first tension spring 1472a (serving as the first primary biasing member 172a) coupled between the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 to bias the first handle part 140 against extending away from the first intermediate extension member 120 and a second tension spring 1472b (serving as the second primary biasing member 172b) coupled between the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to bias the second handle part 150 against extending away from the second intermediate extension member 130. Accordingly, when the first handle part 140 is being pulled away or extended, by a pulling force, from the first intermediate extensionmember 120, the first tension spring 1472a may be stretched such that a biasing force may be built up in the first tension spring 1472a. Upon release of the pulling force, the biasing force of the first tension spring 1472a may cause the first handle part 140 to retract with respect to the first intermediate extension member 120 such that the first handle part 140 and the first intermediate extension member 120 may be collapsed together. Similarly, when the second handle part 150 is being pulled away or extended, by a pulling force, from the second intermediate extension member 130, the second tension spring 1472b may be stretched such that a biasing force may be built up in the second tension spring 1472b. Upon release of the pulling force, the biasing force of the second tension spring 1472b may cause the second handle part 150 to retract with respect to the second intermediate extension member 130 such that the second handle part 150 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may be collapsed together. Therefore, the first tension spring 1472a and the second tension spring 1472b may respectively enable the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the set of secondary biasing members 174 of the extendable controller 1400 may include a third tension spring 1474a (serving as the first secondary biasing member 174a) coupled between the first intermediate extension member 120 and the elongated bridge to bias the first intermediate extension member 120 against extending away from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and a fourth tension spring 1474b (serving as the second secondary biasing member 172b) coupled between the second intermediate extension member 130 and the elongated bridge 110 to bias the second intermediate extension member 130 against extending away from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Accordingly, when the first intermediate extension member 120 is being pulled away or extended, by a pulling force, from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110, the third tension spring 1474a may be stretched such that a biasing force may be built up in the third tension spring 1474a. Upon release of the pulling force, the biasing force of the third tension spring 1474a may cause the first intermediate extension member 120 to retract with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 such that the first intermediate extension member 120 and the elongated bridge may be collapsed together. Similarly, when the second intermediate extension member 130 is being pulled away or extended, by a pulling force, from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110, the fourth tension spring 1474b may be stretched such that a biasing force may be built up in thefourth tension spring 1474b. Upon release of the pulling force, the biasing force of the fourth tension spring 1474b may cause the second intermediate extension member 130 to retract with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110 such that the second intermediate extension member 130 and the elongated bridge 110 may be collapsed together. Therefore, the third tension spring 1474a and the fourth tension spring 1474b may respectively enable the first intermediate extension member 120 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing members 174 (i.e. the third tension spring 1474a and the fourth tension spring 1474b) may be greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172 (i.e. the first tension spring 1472a and the second tension spring 1472b).

[0072] When a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle pail 150 is between the initial tension of the set of primary biasing members 172 and the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing members 174, the pulling force is unable to overcome the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing members 174 and, thus, causing both the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second intermediate extension member 130 to remain retracted (i.e. non-extendable and / or non-extended) with respect to the elongated bridge 110. However, the pulling force is sufficient to overcome the initial tension of the set of primary biasing members 172 to cause the first handle part 140 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to va y an amount of extension) from the first intermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 to be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) from the second intermediate extension member 130. Therefore, the extendable controller 1400 may be in the first extension mode when the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is between the initial tension of the set of primary biasing members 172 and the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing members 174.

[0073] On the other hand, when a pulling force applied to pull apar t the first handle pail 140 and the second handle part 150 is greater than the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing member 174 (and, hence, the initial tension of the set of primary biasing member 172), the pulling force is sufficient to overcome the initial tension of the set of primary biasing members 172 as well as the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing members 174. Accordingly, the first handle part 140 may have been extended (and kept extended) from the firstintermediate extension member 120 and the second handle part 150 may have been extended (and kept extended) from the second intermediate extension member 130 by virtue of the pulling force being greater than the initial loading of the set of primary biasing member 172. Further, the first intermediate extension member 120 may then be rctractably extendable (i.c. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the first end portion 112 of the elongated bridge 110 and the second intermediate extension member 130 may then be retractably extendable (i.e. able to vary an amount of extension) with respect to the second end portion 114 of the elongated bridge 110. Therefore, the extendable controller 1400 may be in the second extension mode when the pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part 140 and the second handle part 150 is greater than the initial tension of the set of secondary biasing member 174.

[0074] Various embodiments have provided an extendable controller capable of being operated in two different extension modes. For example, when the extendable controller is being extended in a first extension mode, the extendable controller may be retractably extendable for clamping a smaller sized portable electronic device such as mobile phones or smart phones. When the extendable controller is being extended in a second extension mode, the extendable controller may be retractably extendable for clamping a bigger sized portable electronic device such as tablets.

[0075] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modification, variation in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

Claims1. An extendable controller for clamping a portable electronic device therein, the extendable controller comprisingan elongated bridge having a longitudinal axis;a first intermediate extension member in engagement with the elongated bridge to be retractably extendable with respect to a first end portion of the elongated bridge along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge;a second intermediate extension member in engagement with the elongated bridge to be retractably extendable with respect to a second end portion of the elongated bridge along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge;a first handle part in engagement with the first intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the first intermediate extension member along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge;a second handle part in engagement with the second intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the second intermediate extension member along the longitudinal axis of the elongated bridge; andan extension management arrangement associated with at least the elongated bridge, the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate member, wherein the extension management arrangement operatively enables the extendable controller to be selectively extendable in a first extension mode or a second extension mode,wherein the elongated bridge, the first intermediate extension member, the second intermediate extension member, the first handle part and the second handle part serve as multiple extendable segments,wherein, in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement maintains at least two adjacent extendable segments retracted with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable,wherein, in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement maintains at least two adjacent extendable segments extended with respect to each other while allowing at least one other extendable segment to be retractably extendable.

2. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 1,wherein, in the first extension mode, the extension management arrangement (i) maintains both the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediateextension member retracted with respect to the elongated bridge while allowing the first handle part to be retractably extendable with respect to the first intermediate extension member and the second handle paid to be retractably extendable with respect to the second intermediate extension member, or (ii) maintains the first handle part retracted with respect to the first intermediate extension member and the second handle part retracted with respect to the second intermediate extension member while allowing the first intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the first end portion of the elongated bridge and the second intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the second end portion of the elongated bridge.

3. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 1 or 2,wherein, in the second extension mode, the extension management arrangement (i) maintains both the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate extension member extended with respect to the elongated bridge while allowing the first handle part to be retractably extendable with respect to the first intermediate extension member and the second handle part to be retractably extendable with respect to the second intermediate extension member, or (ii) maintains the first handle part extended with respect to the first intermediate extension member and the second handle part extended with respect to the second intermediate extension member while allowing the first intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the first end portion of the elongated bridge and the second intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the second end portion of the elongated bridge.

4. The extendable controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extension management arrangement comprises a set of primary biasing members and a set of secondary biasing members,wherein the set of primary biasing members comprises a first primary biasing member coupled between the first handle part and the first intermediate extension member to bias the first handle part against extending away from the first intermediate extension member and a second primary biasing member coupled between the second handle part and the second intermediate extension member to bias the second handle part against extending away from the second intermediate extension member,wherein the set of secondary biasing members comprises a first secondary biasing member coupled between the first intermediate extension member and the elongated bridgeand a second secondary biasing member coupled between the second intermediate extension member and the elongated bridge.

5. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first secondary biasing member bias the first intermediate extension member against extending away from the first end portion of the elongated bridge and the second secondary biasing member bias the second intermediate extension member against extending away from the second end portion of the elongated bridge.

6. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 5. wherein an initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members is greater than an initial loading of the set of primary biasing members,wherein, when a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part and the second handle part is between the initial loading of the set of primary biasing members and the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing members, the extendable controller is extendable in the first extension mode, wherein both the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate extension member remain retracted with respect to the elongated bridge while the pulling force causes the first handle part to be retractably extendable from the first intermediate extension member and the second handle part to be retractably extendable from the second intermediate extension member,wherein, when a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part and the second handle part is greater than the initial loading of the set of secondary biasing member, the extendable controller is extendable in the second extension mode, wherein the pulling force keeps the first handle part extended with respect to the first intermediate extension member and the second handle part extended with respect to the second intermediate extension member and the pulling force further causes the first intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the first end portion of the elongated bridge and the second intermediate extension member to be retractably extendable with respect to the second end portion of the elongated bridge.

7. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 6, wherein the set of primary biasing members comprises a first tenson spring coupled between the first handle part and the first intermediate extension member to bias the first handle part against extending away from the first intermediate extension member and a second tension spring coupled between the secondhandle part and the second intermediate extension member to bias the second handle part against extending away from the second intermediate extension member,wherein the set of secondary biasing members comprises a third tension spring coupled between the first intermediate extension member and the elongated bridge to bias the first intermediate extension member against extending away from the first end portion of the elongated bridge and a fourth tension spring coupled between the second intermediate extension member and the elongated bridge to bias the second intermediate extension member against extending away from the second end portion of the elongated bridge8. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first secondary biasing member bias the first intermediate extension member against retracting towards the first end portion of the elongated bridge and the second secondary biasing member bias the second intermediate extension member against retracting towards the second end portion of the elongated bridge.

9. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 8, wherein the extension management arrangement comprises a locking mechanism operable to lock the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate extension member to the elongated bridge respectively in retracted states such that the extendable controller is extendable in the first extension mode, wherein both the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate extension member remain retracted with respect to the elongated bridge while a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part and the second handle part causes the first handle part to be retractably extendable from the first intermediate extension member and the second handle part to be retractably extendable from the second intermediate extension member.

10. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism is operable to unlock the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate extension member from the elongated bridge such that the extendable controller is extendable in the second extension mode, wherein a biasing force of the first secondaiy biasing member keeps the first intermediate extension member extended from the first end portion of the elongated bridge and a biasing force of the second secondaiy biasing member keeps the second intermediate extension member extended from the second end portion of the elongated bridge, wherein a pulling force applied to pull apart the first handle part and the second handle part causes the first handle part to be retractably extendable from the firstintermediate extension member and the second handle part to be retractably extendable from the second intermediate extension member.

11. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a spring-loaded catch disposed at the elongated bridge, the spring-loaded catch having a first engagement element to engage with a complementary engagement element of the first intermediate extension member for retaining the first intermediate extension member in the retracted state and a second engagement element to engage with a complementary engagement element of the second intermediate extension member for retaining the second intermediate extension member in the retracted state.

12. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 11, wherein the spring-loaded catch is depressible to release the first intermediate extension member and the second intermediate extension member from the retracted state.

13. The extendable controller as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the set of primary biasing members comprises a first compression spring coupled between the first handle part and the first intermediate extension member to bias the first handle part against extending away from the first intermediate extension member and a second compression spring coupled between the second handle part and the second intermediate extension member to bias the second handle part against extending away from the second intermediate extension member,wherein the set of secondary biasing members comprises a third compression spring coupled between the first intermediate extension member and the elongated bridge to bias the first intermediate extension member against retracting towards the first end portion of the elongated bridge and a fourth compression spring coupled between the second intermediate extension member and the elongated bridge to bias the second intermediate extension member against retracting towards the second end portion of the elongated bridge.

14. The extendable controller as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one electrical cable extending between the first handle pail and the second handle part through the elongated bridge.

15. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 14, further comprising an electrical cable management arrangement, the cable management arrangement comprising a reel rotatably coupled to the elongated bridge,wherein the at least one electrical cable is wound onto the reel when the first handle part and the second handle part are moved towards each other and unwound from the reel when the first handle part and the second handle part are moved away from each other.

16. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electrical cable management arrangement comprises a gear and rack mechanism, wherein a gear is fixedly coupled to the reel so as to be rotatable with the reel and a rack is fixedly coupled to the first handle part or the second handle part such that moving the first handle part and the second handle part towards each other causes the rack to rotate the gear in a first direction for rotating the reel to wind the at least one electrical cable onto the reel and moving the first handle part and the second handle part away from each other caused the rack to rotate the gear' in a second direction for rotating the reel to unwind the at least one electrical cable from the reel.

17. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electrical cable management arrangement comprises a reel biasing member to provide a biasing force to rotate the reel in a direction to wind the at least one electrical cable onto the reel when the first handle part and the second handle part are moved towards each other after being pulled apart.

18. The extendable controller as claimed in claim 14, further comprising an interior cabling space to accommodate the at least one electrical cable,wherein the at least one electrical cable loosely bends in the interior cabling space when the first handle part and the second handle part are retracted,wherein the at least one electrical cable straighten and extend through the interior cabling space when the first handle part and the second handle part arc fully extended.

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