expanded

The expanded() method accepts two types of parameters.
1. An optional Boolean value, specifying whether the item identified should be expanded or collapsed.
2. A variable list of numeric values (zero-based indexes), specifying the menu level. For example, an argument list of (true, 3, 2) specifies that the fourth element from the first menu and the 3rd from the secondary sub menu should be expanded.
If the first element is omitted, then the state of the specified index (expanded or collapsed) is returned.

<ul id="menu1">
    <li>Open</li>
	<li>Options</li>
        <ul>
            <li>Cut</li>
            <li>Copy</li>
        </ul>
	<li>Exit</li>
</ul>

<script type="text/javascript">

    $(function () {
        $("#menu1").shieldMenu({
             width: "100px"
        });

        var menu = $("#menu1").swidget();

        //expand Options option of the Menu widget
        menu.expanded(true, 1);

        //Options option is expanded
        alert(menu.expanded(1));
     });

</script>